by admin | Aug 1, 2012 | Books, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingRemember MeCrossway Books (July 31, 2012)byPenelope WilcockABOUT THE AUTHOR:
PENELOPE WILCOCK is a full-time author living in Hastings, Sussex, on the southeast coast of England. Her blog, Kindred of the Quiet Way, is about a simple and spiritual Christian lifestyle. Her other books in The Hawk and the Dove series are The Hawk and the Dove, The Wounds of God, and The Long Fall.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Remember Me is the third of a trilogy of books focusing on the character of William de Bulmer, his conversion of life and heart, and the flowering of his ability to love. After the brothers of St. Alcuin take William into the abbey (in The Hardest Thing to Do), he falls in love with Abbot John’s sister (in The Hour Before Dawn) and now has accidentally lost all of the abbey’s money (Remember Me). Seasoned author Penelope Wilcock unlocks the story of one man’s struggles, mistakes, and heart’s longings, and traces the possibility of what it means to get things wrong and begin again. As with each novel in this series, the reader is encouraged to explore a universal aspect of the Christian faith—in this case, the cost of allowing God to do what is necessary to make one whole.
If you would like to read a chapter excerpt of Remember Me, go HERE.
by admin | Jul 24, 2012 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWedded to War• River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2012)byJocelyn GreenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.
Learn more about Jocelyn and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When war erupted, she gave up a life of privilege for a life of significance.
Tending to the army’s sick and wounded meant leading a life her mother does not understand and giving up a handsome and approved suitor. Yet Charlotte chooses a life of service over privilege, just as her childhood friend had done when he became a military doctor. She soon discovers that she’s combatting more than just the rebellion by becoming a nurse. Will the two men who love her simply stand by and watch as she fights her own battles? Or will their desire for her wage war on her desire to serve God?
Wedded to War is a work of fiction, but the story is inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey. Woolsey’s letters and journals, written over 150 years ago, offer a thorough look of what pioneering nurses endured. This is the first in the series “Heroines Behind the Lines: Civil War,” a collection of novels that highlights the crucial contributions made by women during times of war.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wedded to War, go HERE.
WATCH WEDDED TO WAR VIDEO TRAILER:
by admin | Jul 20, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
My Review:
If “A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California” is any indication, Keli Gwyn has a promising career as an author ahead of her. Her debut novel is delightful and so well written that if I didn’t know it was her first, I would guess that Keli is already an established author.
The major characters of this book are well developed and likeable. Tildy is especially entertaining with her incessant talk, her enthusiasm for life, and her humorous observations. Miles and Elenora are both appealing characters. Miles can seem a bit gruff and reserved but has a heart of gold. All he needs is the right woman to help him overcome the unwarranted guilt over something he had no control over. Elenora is strong and spunky with a determination to succeed that can be a bit daunting at times. Events from her past have driven her to prove her independence – especially from men. As you can guess, this is the perfect setup for a romance between Miles and Elenora although neither can see it. Their fierce competition makes for some interesting reading and sometimes a little impatience for them to wake up and see what’s right in front of them. Even with the unwanted help from Miles’ mother and Tildy, they seem determined to ignore the attraction. What will it take to get these two together?
“A Bride Opens Shop In El Dorado, California” had just the right blend of historical fact, drama, humor, and romance to hold my attention. The dialogue and interaction between characters was natural and quite entertaining. A strong message of faith was present but unobtrusive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from Keli Gwyn. Looks like I need to make room on my keeper shelves for one more new favorite author.
This book was provided for review by the author.
About the Book:
Love Is Gold in El Dorado, California
Widow Elenora Watkins heads to California with her nine-year-old daughter, Tildy, eager to become partner in a mercantile. When the mulish owner withdraws his offer because she’s a woman, she opens her own shop. She’s determined to prove herself capable of running a successful business without the help of anyone—including her controlling father, her seemingly distant heavenly Father, and one Miles Rutledge.
Widower Miles Rutledge is not about to get involved with another willful woman like his late wife, especially when she’s his competition. But the beautiful Elenora and her precocious daughter may be too hard to resist. When another man appears out to claim Elenora’s heart, Miles searches for a way to win her back. . .while putting her out of business.
Meanwhile, Maude Rutledge, Miles’s meddling mother, longs to see her son make a good match. And Tildy is just as bent on gaining a loving papa.
The battle of wills begins, but can anyone win when the competition is more than they bargained for?
Note: The story is a sweet romance with hints of humor, along the lines of Margaret Brownley or Karen Witemeyer’s work.
Endorsements
What a delightful debut! A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California reminds me of the classic romantic comedies where two stubborn, independent people keep denying what everyone else knows is true: that they were meant for each other. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, wanting to see what was going to happen to Ellie and Miles next.
Amanda Cabot ~ author of Summer of Promise and Christmas Roses
With witty dialogue, charming characters, and an attention to historical detail that will make you feel you’re living in frontier California, you’ll love every moment you spend in El Dorado, CA with spunky, resourceful Elenora Watkins and determined, debonair Miles Rutledge. Keli Gwyn’s debut historical romance is a winner!
Erica Vetsch ~ author of A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas
Keli Gwyn’s A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, Californiais a fresh and lively tale of two strong, yet wounded people battling to outperform each other with rival shops, with violins, even with pistols. As Elenora and Miles come to terms with past hurts, they gradually shift from self-seeking to self-sacrificing, proving the power of God at work in their lives and bringing a most satisfying ending.
Janet Dean ~ author of
Last Minute Bride, Brides of the West
Keli Gwyn brings the Sierra Foothills to life with rich historical details. She’s crafted delightful and unique characters that make a home in your heart. The tender and sweet romance has plenty of sparks to keep you turning the pages. And when you reach the last page, you’ll breathe a satisfied sigh but at the same time wish this lovely story didn’t have to end.
Jody Hedlund ~ award-winning and bestselling author of A Preacher’s Bride
Keli Gwyn is a fresh new voice in Christian fiction. A Bride Opens Shop is filled with characters who leap off the pages, a story line that wouldn’t let me go, and historically authentic details that delighted me. I will anxiously await the release of her next novel.
Lena Nelson Dooley ~ author of Maggie’s Journey and Mary’s Blessing,
the first two books in the McKenna’s Daughters series, and Will Rogers
Medallion Winner, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico
Keli Gwyn brings old California alive with a story that’s filled with faith, hope, and love. When a willful widow matches wits with a competitive shopkeeper you just know there will be fireworks. The battle of the sexes has never been so much fun. Highly recommended!
Margaret Brownley ~ Brides of Last Chance Ranch and New York Times bestselling author
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is an effervescent story full of such small town charm that you might think Little House on the Prairie had jumped on a stagecoach and headed for the wild west! Author Keli Gwyn’s vivid historical settings and gentle humor will endear her to readers of sweet romance.
Rosslyn Elliott ~ award-winning author of Fairer than
Morning and Sweeter than Birdsong
About the Author:
Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.
When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, the Coach factory outlet store, and Taco Bell.
by admin | Jul 19, 2012 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Reading “Love Finds You in MacKinac Island, Michigan” was almost like taking a mini-vacation there myself. With its descriptive prose and engaging storyline, it kept me turning the pages until the very end. I’ll admit that a few household chores were ignored in favor of this novel. I always enjoy reading about the different lifestyle of upper crust families during the gilded age and Melanie Dobson brought life on MacKinac Island vividly to life.
Although the back cover copy pretty much gave away the plot twist of mistaken identities, it was not at all detrimental to my enjoyment of the story. To be honest, most of the time the reader is fairly certain what the final outcome will be in this genre. It’s the author’s job to create a unique story that will capture their interest. I can honestly say that Melanie Dobson was quite successful in that regard. With the perfect blend of drama, humor, romance, and historical tidbits that are spiced with a touch of mystery, “Love Finds You in MacKinac Island, Michigan” met all of my requirements for a good historical romance. The characters were realistically portrayed and the plot moved at the perfect pace. Biblical truth was presented as a natural component of the narrative and shared a valuable lesson about God’s love.
I recommend this novel as well as the other volumes available in the Love Finds You series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A story filled with beauty and wonder, Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan transports readers to a magical place and time. The story begins in the 1890s at the end of the Gilded Age, a golden era of prosperity and growth. As the Gilded Age comes to a close, the kingdoms of many wealthy industrialists begin to collapse, including the once-wealthy Bissette family who has nearly lost its fortune. However, the Bissettes still own a home on the fashionable Mackinac Island, where they will spend one last summer in the hope of introducing their daughter Elena to a wealthy suitor.
Not only is Elena is repulsed by the idea of marrying for money, she quickly grows tired of the extravagant balls and spends most evenings escaping back into Mackinac’s rugged forest. There she meets Chase, a handsome laborer who shares her love for the night sky. The two begin to meet in secret at an abandoned lighthouse where they discover a mysterious tattered diary.
As Elena falls in love with Chase, her mother relentlessly plots to introduce her to Chester Darrington, the island’s most eligible bachelor. While marriage to the elusive millionaire would solve the Bissettes’ financial woes, Elena is torn between duty to her family and true love.
The Love Finds You series from Summerside Press is a collection of novels that captures the flavor of towns and cities across the country with colorful histories. The towns become as much of a part of the stories as the characters themselves. Researching the towns in which her novels are set is the aspect of historical fiction that Dobson enjoys most. In writing Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan, she was able to explore the island that has intrigued her since her early years growing up in Ohio. “I’ve always been fascinated by Mackinac Island because I was told time seemed to stand still there,” explains Dobson. “From the moment I got off the boat, I could sense it was a magical place. There are no cars on the island so people ride bikes or horse-drawn carriages through the charming village and back into the forest. The island has been a popular vacation destination on the east coast since 1819, so it’s rich with fascinating history and lore.”
In the midst of writing this book, Dobson went to Haiti to help lead a retreat for the wives of Haitian pastors. Each member of their team spoke on a different name of God, and Dobson spoke about God as Mighty Creator. “As I researched God’s passion for creating and the love He has for His creation, it was a joy for me to incorporate the wonder and beauty of the universe into this historical novel. I hope that readers leave with a sense of God’s majesty on this beautiful island.”
Readers agree, Dobson’s latest is a winner:
“Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan whisks you away to a beautiful time and place, and you’ll never want to leave the Island. Author Melanie Dobson weaves genuine characters with unique twists and turns. You won’t be able to put this one down.” – Nicole M. Miller, Writer & Reviewer
Dobson does an excellent job keeping the reader informed and engaged, yet yearning to know what happens next to the two lovers and how they overcome their own inadequacies, misunderstandings and heartbreaks. Kudos to the writer for making the ambiance, mood and enriched characters with so much depth and detail that the reader feels she is walking the paths on Mackinac Island way back in the nineteenth century too. -Amazon.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).
Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master’s degree in communication from Regent University. Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.
Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.
When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
For more about Melanie Dobson and her books, visit www.melaniedobson.com.
Melanie Dobson’s “Mackinac Island’ Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Celebrate with Melanie by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Find out what the reviewers are saying here!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Signed copies of Melanie’s Love Find You books: Love Finds you in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana.
But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4/12. The winner will be announced on 8/6/12 at Melanie’s blog!
Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Melanie’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Jul 7, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Shakers
MY REVIEW:
Ann Gabhart’s latest historical Shaker novel “The Gifted” vividly details life in the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, Kentucky with Jessamine Brady as its central character. A resident of the village since her grandmother’s death when she was ten, Jessamine has become accustomed to their way of life and attempts to live up to their stringent standards. Unfortunately, at times her unfettered curiosity and abundant zest for life put her at odds with the strict group, especially when she rescues a young man from “the world”. When her circumstances change and she leaves the village, Jessamine has difficulty adjusting to her new way of life but she is thrilled to see Tristan again even though prior commitments may not allow them to act on their mutual attraction.
“The Gifted” is beautifully written and reveals a great deal about life among the Shakers. The legalism and deception of their beliefs is evident although related without judgment as an integral part of the story. Of particular interest was the restriction Jessamine felt while living among the Shakers and the guilt she experienced once free of their rules. Her story clearly illustrates the difference between following God or following a form of religion. I easily became involved with her story but wondered until the very end what her final choice would be – stay in “the world” or return to Harmony Hill. I knew the choice I wanted her to make but was afraid that she would not.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Ann Gabhart, most known for her critically acclaimed Shaker fiction, pours her personal experience and story-telling ability into The Gifted (July 2012). Set in 1849 Kentucky, this stand-alone novel follows Jessamine Brady who loves her Shaker brothers and sisters, but longs for life and love in the outside world.
Jessamine has been in the Shaker Village for half her life, but in spite of how she loves her sisters there, she struggles to conform to the strict rules. Instead she entertains dreams of the world outside. When Tristan Cooper seems to step out of those dreams to entice her into the forbidden realm beyond the Shaker Village, her life turns upside down. Will Jessamine be able to survive the storms of the world? Or will she retreat back to the peace of Harmony Hill?
The thousands of loyal fans of Gabhart’s Shaker novels will love this entrancing story of learning to trust the gifts God gives us and let him guide us through life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker and The Blessed. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in Kentucky.
Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
by admin | Jun 29, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Tennessee
MY REVIEW:
I am sorry to say it has been awhile since I have read a book by Gilbert Morris but I didn’t have to read very far into The River Rose before I remembered why I once bought each new installment of The Winslow Family series as soon as they hit the shelves. Mr. Morris has a way with words and tells such a good story that he makes history come to life for me. I find myself learning what could be dull facts but enjoying it.
The River Rose lived up to my expectations in every way. The fact that it had a Memphis setting was even more enjoyable as I have lived in the area just outside the city for my entire life. It was interesting reading about the city’s history from the viewpoint of people who lived it – even if they were fictional. Inclusion of historic Memphis landmarks such as the Gayoso Hotel and Court Square, Front Street, Mud Island, etc. were icing on the cake. I loved reading about life on a riverboat and was reminded of my senior prom on the Memphis Queen quite a few years ago.
As far as the actual story, the plot was excellent with plenty of action, drama, romance and humor. More than one close call and some surprising plot twists kept me turning the pages. Several strong characters displayed a variety of very human traits that gave the story a natural and believable quality. As always, a strong message of faith added an extra dimension to the story.
I purposely have not attempted to describe the plot – there is quite enough information in the book description below. Anything I could add might possibly give away too much and I wouldn’t want to hinder the enjoyment of The River Rose in any way. Just be advised that this book is a must for those who enjoy good historical fiction. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from B&H Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Life hasn’t been easy for Jeanne Bettencourt, a widow approaching thirty and struggling to provide for her eight-year-old daughter. But hope arrives in the form of the Helena Rose, a steamboat she unexpectedly inherits from a distant, departed relative. Jeanne’s father had captained a similar vessel and taught her how to pilot a steamer along the banks of Memphis. She’s looking forward to a renewed livelihood on the mighty Mississippi.
However, as plans are made, news comes of another heir to the Helena Rose — a tough man named Clint Hardin — and a clause in the will that says claimants of the estate must live aboard the boat. Jeanne, a Christian woman, makes it clear she won’t stay with a man who is not her husband. But both are desperate for work, so they agree to keep their distance as Clint occupies the lower deck and Jeanne takes the captain’s quarters.
As they restore the Helena Rose, the slowly softening Clint becomes attracted to Jeanne — who is now being courted by a wealthy plantation owner. With her family and future at stake, the desires of Jeanne’s heart are duly complex. Only her simple faith can navigate her through what’s about to happen.
Read the first chapter of The River Rose HERE.:
ABOUT GILBERT MORRIS:
Gilbert Morris is among today’s most popular Christian writers, his books having sold over seven million copies worldwide. A former pastor and English professor, he specializes in historical fiction and won a 2001 Christy Award for the Civil War drama Edge of Honor. Morris lives with his wife in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Q & A with Gilbert Morris:
What is your writing method? Do you write in the morning? At night? All day? How long do you write in a single session?
I have no set schedule for writing a novel. While I am working on it, sometimes it goes easily, and I just pour on the coal. If it goes badly, I have to spend more time on the text. Naturally, I love it when the words seem to flow!
How do you do your historical research?
I think it can be easy to do too much research, just as it can be a mistake to do too little. Some writers are so anxious the give the historical background, that they forget the story. My own problem is to do a good job with research and with the story.
How do you manage to keep your dialogue true to the time period without allowing it to sound stilted?
Reading a great deal of Dickens, for example, will carry over into the writer’s work. There is a danger that all of a writer’s characters will sound alike, which makes for bad fiction. I always try to find some characteristic that will set a character apart, perhaps bad grammar or a pronounced regional accent.
You used to follow the same storytelling technique of the late Sidney Sheldon—told your stories on tape to get the rough draft down, and then had them transcribed to start your writing process. Are you still using this technique for your current books?
Yes, I do dictate all my books. I take the outline and the list of characters, and put each chapter on a cassette. Then I have a lady take the tapes, type them out, and send them to me. Of course, when I get the hard copy, that’s usually when the hard work of revision rears its ugly head! My daughter Lynn, who has written some fine novels, helps me with this stage, for which I am profoundly grateful.
In many of your books, you feature a strong female main character that suffers from flaws and weaknesses. Why do you write about women in this way?
I try to give all characters, both male and female, young and old, flaws and weaknesses. That is human, and if a character is perfect that is totally unbelievable!
Look at the great classic novels by the great novelists. All of them set forth characters, who, in one way or another, are flawed. It is the job of the novelist to dramatize the characters as they attempt to overcome these flaws.
Your novels have a number of female characters with red hair and green eyes. Is that based on a real person?
Got lots of red hair in my family, so I always like redheads! No green eyes. I just get tired of trying, in a book with forty characters, to give them eyes that differ. Blue, brown, green. What other colors can eyes be?
I did say of one shady character, “He had eyes the color of spit.” Now, really, that character had to be evil!
What fascinates you most about 1850s Mississippi?
It was a dramatic time in American history. The Civil War, the rise of modern transportation, the beginning of our industrial growth.
How did you decide to set your story on a steamer?
When I was a boy, I lived for a time in Helena, Arkansas. The river then was still thick with the sternwheelers, and I would sit for hours on the bank of the river and watch them, and riding on one was a thrill.
When you’re writing a series such as the Water Wheel series, how do you decide which characters to carry over into the sequels?
I usually make this decision before I begin the first novel in the series. Some generational sagas lend themselves to stepping from one book to another, others I like to confine to one book.
I have a signed a contract to do a trilogy about San Francisco in the 1850s. That opens up the door for a family to go through (1) the gold rush of 1849, (2) the rise of rich people and how they are brought down, and (3) the earthquake and how the family survives and strengthens.
What book project are you working on next?
I am working on Book #2 of a series called Western Justice. These three westerns are set in Oklahoma Territory shortly after the Civil War. Judge Isaac Parker had 200 marshals to keep order, and many of them were killed in line of duty. The most famous of these is Heck Thomas, but if you’ve seen TRUE GRIT, you get the flavor of the series. Romance, action, Christian doctrine!
What is the one thing that you want to leave readers of The River Rose pondering over?
As in all my books, I want my readers to see how vital it is to serve God no matter how difficult that might be.
Do you have a long-term plan for your novel writing? Are you planning to retire, or can we eagerly anticipate dozens more Gilbert Morris stories?
I am working on three series at the present time. One will deal with the men and women who serve in different branches of the service.
Another is the second novel about a young woman, Jordan Lee, who serves in the military, then in the House of Representatives.
The work I most enjoy is a series of mysteries featuring a man and a woman—and two cats. I’ve written three of these, and have had a blast! They are my favorite novels. The next one will be entitled Desperate Housecats.
And no, I will never retire!
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website and blog are at http://www.gilbertmorris.com
Subscribe to my blog’s feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GilbertMorris
Sign up for my e-newsletter (for subscriber-only giveaways and advance notice of my upcoming novels): http://gilbertmorris.com/news.htm
Facebook page: facebook.com/gilbertmorrisbooks
Pinterest: facebook.com/gilbertmorrisbooks
Twitter: @gilbert_morris – https://twitter.com/#!/gilbert_morris
