by admin | Jun 20, 2012 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Glamorous Illusions” totally lived up to the promise of its beautiful cover that hinted of elegance and a bit of mystery. The story is presented from the points of view of both primary characters Cora Diehl/Kensington and Will McCabe and the reader gets to know each of them and their inner thoughts well by the end.
Raised on a farm in Montana, Cora is suddenly confronted with the reality that everything she has known in life is not exactly what she believed it to be. Whisked off the farm by a birth father she has never known to spend months in Europe on a grand tour with half brother and sisters she was unaware of, Cora’s mixed feelings about the situation left her more than confused. Trying to live up to everyone’s expectations as well as attempting to gain the acceptance of her new siblings left Cora feeling rejected and in a constant state of stress. Her only lifeline was her friendship with Will who helped her through the difficulties and offered her many words of wisdom along the way. As a guide in training, Will was also mostly unwelcome in the same circles as the other Kensington young people but found Cora to be a refreshing and unspoiled change from the other young women. Unfortunately he also knew that a relationship with her was off limits no matter how they felt about each other.
Although there is a touch of romance, “Glamorous Illusions” focuses more on Cora’s journey of self-discovery. Her character is portrayed so well that it was easy to understand her inner conflicts as she found herself both loving the unaccustomed luxurious lifestyle yet feeling uncomfortable and guilty about it at the same time. I loved her boldness, honesty, and her determination to always do the right thing. Will was also a wonderful character whose own morals led him to do what was proper.
With excellent descriptions of the lifestyles, fashions, and customs of the early 1900’s, “Glamorous Illusions” takes the reader back to an era that most can only imagine. The story is filled with lots of interaction between the characters and has its share of drama, a smidgen of humor, and even some action and suspense thrown in for good measure. My only complaint is that I have to wait until next spring for the next installment, “Grave Consequences”, to find out what happens with Cora, Will, and all the rest. It will be difficult to wait but rest assured, that is one book that will be on my must read list.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father’s health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her.
Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person’s education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement.
As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she’s never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning.
Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King-a Father who is the only One who can truly heal.
See what other bloggers have to say about “Glamorous Illusions” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.
For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website.
What is our “true” identity? Join the conversation at Lisa Tawn Bergren’s Author Chat Facebook Event Page. On the evening of 6/27 we’ll gather to talk about our spiritual journey, share our stories and a few laughs.
In the meantime, celebrate with Lisa by entering her Glamorous Illusions Giveaway!
One “glamorous” winner will receive a “Glam Prize Pack”:
- A $350 Visa Cash Card (Oh … think of what you could do: treat yourself to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a
two-night escape in a lovely hotel – you’re only limited by your imagination!)
- Glamorous Illusions (by Lisa Tawn Begren)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 6/26/12.
Winner will be announced at Lisa’s “Glamorous Illusions” Facebook Party on 6/27
{Fun begins at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT}.
Lisa will be hosting an evening of meaningful chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement – bring your friends! She’ll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Lisa via video or phone.)
So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via
FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 27th!
by admin | Jun 18, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMary’s BlessingRealms (May 15, 2012)byLena Nelson Dooley
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.
Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?
Mary Lenora Caine knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her “God’s blessing.” But now that she’s gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands.
As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can’t see anything in her future but drudgery. Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need.
Will Daniel come to grips with God’s plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Mary’s Blessing, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Mary’s Blessing is the second book in the McKenna Daughters series by Lena Nelson Dooley and features Mary Lenora Murray, one of the McKenna triplets who had been adopted by another family when her mother died in childbirth. Approaching marriageable age, Mary is so busy taking care of the household responsibilities and her younger siblings that she has very little hope that life will ever be any different. Daniel Winthrop has other ideas. He is very aware of how hard Mary works and would like nothing better than to marry her and make her life easier. When she accepts his request to court her, Daniel begins to make big plans for their future. Unfortunately life does no always cooperate with the best laid plans and Mary’s father suffers a serious accident that puts both Mary and Daniel to the test.
Although at first glance Mary’s Blessing appears to be much like other novels of this genre, it has a lot to recommend it. At the beginning of the story, both Mary and Daniel are obviously immature and not nearly as ready for marriage as they think they are. Mary’s dad has been so immersed in his grief that he doesn’t realize the burdens he has placed on Mary. And Mary’s younger sister is mostly self-centered and uncooperative much of the time. I liked how each of the characters progressed naturally as a result of their trials, especially the way the younger ones matured and grew in their faith.
Mary’s Blessing is not always an easy story to read because it depicts difficult and sometimes heartbreaking situations. But such is life and Dooley’s characters are so real-to-life that the reader will quickly grow to care about each one of them and rejoice with them as they manage to overcome the obstacles in their paths. I am looking forward to the third installment of the series and hope to see the triplets reunited.
(Also reviewed on an earlier blog tour)
by admin | Jun 15, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingShort-Straw BrideBethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)byKaren WitemeyerABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Witemeyer is a deacon’s wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.
After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master’s degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.
Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House.
Learn more about Karen and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.
Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Short-Straw Bride, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Karen Witemeyer’s books ever since I was given the opportunity to review her debut novel A Tailor-Made Bride. Each of her subsequent books (Head in the Clouds and To Win Her Heart) just served to reinforce my fondness for them. So I awaited her newest novel Short-Straw Bride with great anticipation and forced myself to leave it in its proper place in my to be read and reviewed stack. If I allow myself much leeway with my book calendar, I will soon find myself missing deadlines coming and going.
Well the wait was finally over and well worth it. As expected, Short-Straw Bride was just as much fun as Karen’s previous tales. Her heroine, Meredith Hayes is sassy and spunky with a huge heart but somehow sees herself as less than desirable. Hero Travis Archer has spent most of his life fulfilling a death-bed promise to his father and his strict adherence to it has resulted in total isolation of himself and his three brothers from the surrounding community. Meredith’s abrupt appearance on their ranch starts a chain of events that will change all their lives forever.
Each character in Short-Straw Bride had a specific purpose. Some were special people with endearing qualities and others were the kind you love to hate. Then there were a couple who were not exactly bad people but really should have known better. The Archer brothers were great and the story behind their names was interesting. As always, the dialogue was superb. Karen’s trademark humor was also present but possibly a tad more subdued in this novel. Plenty of action, drama, suspense, and yes, romance round out the plot to make it a real winner. A strong undercurrent of faith runs throughout the story but does not detract from the plot. My only complaint is that the book ended too soon and I would really love to know how things turn out for the other Archer brothers.
by admin | Jun 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLove in DisguiseBethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)byCarol CoxABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play–within view of the family’s front porch.
A word from Carol:
As a native of Arizona, I have a longtime interest in the Southwest and its history. My family shares my love of the Old West, as evidenced by this photo taken back in the halcyon days before my son turned to a life of crime and started robbing trains for a living…
Learn more about Carol and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.
Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Love in Disguise, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Love in Disguise is a historical novel set in Arizona that is jam packed with action, adventure, drama, mystery and suspense plus a generous dose of humor and romance. After losing her job as an assistant to a stage actress, Ellie found herself left with very little money and a trunk full of stage props and costumes. Using her knowledge of using clothing and other items to change a person’s appearance, Ellie secured a trial job as a Pinkerton agent. When her assigned partner backed out, it was left up to Ellie to track down the men responsible for stealing silver from the miners in Pickford. The real fun began with Ellie’s two different roles – as a middle-aged widow, and as her young, attractive niece, especially as she tried to keep her roles straight and coming up with good explanations for why Lavinia and Jessie were never seen together. To further complicate matters, Ellie found herself quite attracted to Steven, one of the mine owners but couldn’t reveal her secrets to him.
Not only was Love in Disguise entertaining and enjoyable, but it raised some pertinent questions such as “Is there any situation that really justifies deception?” – an issue that Ellie grappled with throughout the book. I enjoyed everything about this story and particularly liked that even though at first Ellie’s faith was just for show, it soon became a reality in her life.
I am struggling with trying to avoid spoilers so I will conclude by saying that if you enjoy historical western romance novels as well as some humor and suspense, then Love in Disguise is the book for you.
by admin | Jun 8, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Texas, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTouching The SkyBethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)byTracie PetersonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max. She’s active in her church as the Director of Women’s Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer’s retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Laura Marquardt first meets Brandon Reid, their encounter is anything but pleasant. But when the two are seated together at a dinner party, they soon find that they share similar interests–Laura desires to educate blacks, and Brandon, as a white officer over colored troops, eagerly supports her cause.
When Laura’s sister, Carissa, marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation when she overhears plots to kill Union soldiers. Though in her heart she feels she should share this information with Brandon, Laura fears she will betray her sister’s trust and possibly endanger her sister’s life. And when Brandon’s motives for pursuing her come into question, her heart is even more conflicted. Where is God leading her?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Touching The Sky, go HERE.
Learn more about Tracie and her books link on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Using her unique talent with words Tracie Peterson has once again delivered a very readable and enjoyable novel that blends drama, intrigue, and romance perfectly with historical facts. Touching The Sky is set in Corpus Christie, Texas following the Civil War. Although the war is over, the coastal town is still divided between those who supported the Union and those who supported the Confederacy. In fact there are some confederates who are poor losers and are determined to get revenge and keep the war going, if only in Texas. Laura Marquardt and her family find themselves in the very middle of the increasing tension. They had hoped that the marriage of Laura’s sister Carissa to a young Confederate soldier would help bring reconciliation to their town. Unfortunately he is one of the men who refuse to give up the fight. Laura’s developing relationship with Union officer Brandon Reid only serves to increase her brother-in-law’s animosity. Suspense filled pages are in store for the reader as they keep turning the pages to find out what will happen.
I found Peterson’s characterization and dialogue to be natural and believable. Although Carissa seemed to be an unreasonable and spoiled brat, the author didn’t leave her that way but matured her as the story progressed. The romance between Brandon and Laura also seemed genuine as it developed at an unhurried pace. I thought the author also did an excellent job presenting the various points of view, not only those who sympathized with the north or the south but also of former slaves. I did not find that southerners in general were depicted in a negative light – just those few men who refused to give up the fight.
I have enjoyed both of the novels in the Land of the Lone Star series thus far and look forward to the third and final installment this fall.
by admin | Jun 5, 2012 | Biblical, Books, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHarvest of RubiesRiver North; New Edition edition (May 1, 2012)byTessa AfsharABOUT THE AUTHOR:
TESSA AFSHAR was voted “New Author of the Year” by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader’s Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Remarkable Talent Threatens to Cloud a Life
The prophet Nehemiah’s cousin can speak several languages, keep complex accounts, write on tablets of clay, and solve mysteries. Her accomplishments catapult her into the center of the Persian court – working long hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and becoming the queen’s favorite scribe.
Not bad for a woman living in a man’s world: so why does Sarah feel like a failure?
A devastating past has left Sarah with two conclusions: that God does not love her, and that her achievements are the measure of her worth – a measure she can never quite live up to.
Darius Pasargadae is accustomed to having his way. A wealthy and admired aristocrat, the last thing he expects is a wife who scorns him.
Can two such different people help one another overcome the idols that bind them?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Harvest of Rubies, go HERE.
Learn more about Tessa and her books on her Website.
