by admin | Oct 21, 2014 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Southern
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFinding MercyDavid C. Cook (October 1, 2014)byMichael Landon Jr. and Cindy KelleyABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
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Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Mercy abandons Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity, he goes after her. With the threat that bounty hunters might be hot on her trail, Mercy does all she can to stay ahead of the danger, frustrating both the bad men who are after her—and Captain Hale who wants to find her and escort her safely home. But when she stumbles upon clues that help her learn who she is and where she’s from, the danger escalates and she has to learn to keep her friends close and her enemies even closer—if she can determine which is which!
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Finding Mercy, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I just reread my review from almost exactly a year ago for “Traces of Mercy”, the first book in the Mercy Medallion series. A couple of things I mentioned were my impatience to read the next book and wanting to read more about Elijah Hale. Well, both wishes have finally been fulfilled. I enjoyed Finding Mercy just as much as I anticipated and Elijah played a prominent role in it.
As Mercy’s story continued, so did the danger, action, excitement, adventure, and mystery. In fact, the plot moved along at a pretty steady clip until the very end. Once again the authors provided plenty of unexpected twists and surprises. Those surprises kept right on coming almost to the end. I loved the fact that the reader is kept in the dark about Mercy’s past right along with her. I would have hated knowing things about her that she didn’t know – the suspense was part of what kept the story so special to me.
I also liked the fact that although romance played its part in Finding Mercy, it took a back seat to the real story and seemed to be a natural progression that grew through mutual trust and care. I do hate to see this series end but was happy with its conclusion. Well done! I hope to see more from these authors soon.
by admin | May 2, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
As a lover of American historical fiction and a southerner, I found “The Pelican Bride” to be practically perfect. I have read hundreds of historical novels during my lifetime and I don’t remember ever reading one about the early settlement of the Mobile bay area. The facts about the French women aboard the Pelican who were brought in as wives was quite interesting as was learning about all the political and religious division during that period of our history.
I liked both Tristan and Geneviève and knew from the beginning that they would end up together. What else would one expect from a man and a woman who were both determined not to marry? Of course even with those expectations, it was quite enjoyable to read their story to discover how that all worked out. Set in what is now coastal Alabama, “The Pelican Bride” is a wonderful overview of the lives of those who settled the area and leaves little to the imagination about the hardships and life-threatening disease those settlers faced day to day. Yet in the midst of it, Tristan and Geneviève not only found true love but learned that God is faithful whether one is Catholic or Protestant.
A diverse group of other characters added depth and realism to the narrative. There were those who were honest and cared about others, some who were totally self-centered and irritating, and a few who were unscrupulous and dangerous. Danger lurks both within the walls of the fort and even more so in the area surrounding it. Both the French and the English want the land and both try to manipulate the native Indians to take their side. With a plot filled with secrets, betrayal, danger, and unexpected twists, “The Pelican Bride” was an intense but enjoyable read. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s come to the New World to escape a perilous past. But has it followed her to these far shores?
It is 1704 when Frenchwoman Geneviève Gaillain and her sister board the frigate Pélican bound for the distant Louisiana colony. Both have promised to marry one of the rough men toiling in this strange new world in order to escape suffering in the old. Geneviève knows life won’t be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of persecution for her outlawed religious beliefs.
When she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer-turned-farmer whose checkered past is shrouded in mystery, Geneviève realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. Trouble is brewing outside the fort between the French colonists and the native people surrounding them. And an even more sinister enemy may lurk within. Could the secret Geneviève harbors mean the undoing of the colony itself?
Gulf Coast native Beth White brings vividly to life the hot, sultry South in this luscious, layered tale.
Read an excerpt from The Pelican Bride HERE.
Endorsements:
“Fresh as a gulf breeze, The Pelican Bride is the perfect pairing of history and romance. Finely tuned characters and a setting second to none make this a remarkable, memorable story. Beth White’s foray into colonial Louisiana is historical romance of the highest quality.”–Laura Frantz, author of Love’s Reckoning and Love’s Awakening
“Not your usual setting, not your usual historical romance–The Pelican Bride breaks new ground in the historical genre. Choosing to write a story set in the French colony that became Mobile, Alabama, draws the reader into a new and exciting period. A winning beginning to a new historical series.”–Lyn Cote, author of The Wilderness Brides series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth White’s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she is a pastor’s wife, mother of two, and grandmother of one–so far. Her hobbies include playing flute and pennywhistle and painting, but her real passion is writing historical romance with a Southern drawl. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Visit www.bethwhite.net for more information.
by admin | Mar 14, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
“A Stillness of Chimes” is a haunting but beautiful Southern tale chock full of childhood friends, lost love,forgotten faith, and dark family secrets in a charming Georgia town where everything is not as it seems. It is a book I did not want to put down once I began reading. The plot and its characters pulled me into the pages so thoroughly that I had to find out what would happen next.
I enjoyed everything about “A Stillness of Chimes”, the interaction between characters, the mystery of a long believed dead man suddenly reported seen around town, and the dregs of a romantic relationship with a possibility of renewal. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, the author pulled another surprise out of her endless bag of tricks. Certain revelations near the end were a bit shocking and although some things did not turn out exactly how I might have hoped, the symbolism was perfect.
A wonderful blend of mystery, drama, romance, with just the right touch of faith, sacrifice, and forgiveness, “A Stillness of Chimes” is the perfect book for lovers of Southern novels.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah
Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Laura Gantt doesn’t mind being home in Prospect, Georgia, but she minds the Southern niceties and mini-sermons she has to endure after her mother’s unexpected death. On her summer break from teaching in Colorado, Laura wants to focus on wrapping up her mother’s estate. Turns out dodging painful memories becomes impossible when her lifelong friend and former beau Sean Halloran reveals that the town is buzzing with rumors due to numerous sightings of her father, Elliott. Problem is, her father has been dead since she was seventeen.
Known for his horrible mood swings after returning home from Vietnam, Elliott Gantt wasn’t always the most stable person. But if he is alive, why did he fake his death and remain in hiding for so long?
Click here to download chapter one of A Stillness of Chimes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Meg Moseley is still a Californian at heart although she’s lived more than half her life in other states. Holding jobs that ranged from candle-maker to administrative assistant, Meg eventually contributed human-interest pieces for a suburban edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Contemporary fiction remains her real love, and she’s the author of When Sparrows Fall and Gone South. She lives in Atlanta near the foothills of the Southern Appalachians with her husband.
Learn more about Meg and her books on her website.
by admin | Mar 14, 2014 | Books, Southern
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHow Sweet the SoundDavid C. Cook (March 1, 2014)byAmy K. SorrellsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.
When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface.
Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief.
This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.
If you would like to read the first chapter of How Sweet the Sound, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
How Sweet the Sound is a beautifully honest novel about three generations of a coastal Alabama family. The story is related through the voice of two people – thirteen-year-old Anniston who believes the recent Hurricane Frederic must be the absolute worst thing that could happen in her life and her Aunt Comfort who is excited to announce her engagement to the love of her life. Unfortunately before Thanksgiving is over, both Anniston and Comfort, along with their family experience devastating tragedy that threatens to tear the family apart. Long buried family secrets that gradually surface during the course of the narrative force the remaining members of the family to deal with the truth.
At times How Sweet the Sound is somewhat difficult to read. Anniston and Comfort are both portrayed so well that it is impossible not to become emotionally involved with their grief and pain. Other characters also play pivotal roles, especially Anniston’s new friend Jed whose own life has been tragic yet his attitude and wise observations add a special touch to the story. Then there is Princella, the grandmother who seems to be unable to exhibit love to her children and grandchild but is so focused on the family’s image in their community.
How Sweet the Sound is ultimately an account of the far-reaching effect that sexual abuse can have on the victim as well as future generations. It is also a testimony to the grace and mercy of our God who walks with us through the darkness and if we will trust Him, will bring us through it into His healing light.
I was not sure what to expect when I first opened this book but I am thankful that I had the chance to read it.
by admin | Jun 13, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
Tish McComb grew up hearing wonderful stories told by her father about her great-great-great-grandmother Letitia and the ancestral home in Noble, Alabama. As Letitia’s namesake, Tish takes a detour home from Florida through Noble when she learns the house is for sale just for the chance to see inside. On a whim, Tish decides to purchase the house and soon finds herself resigning her job and moving from Michigan to the south where she is surprised to learn that the McComb name is not exactly favored in her new home. Tish runs across Melanie, a young homeless woman whose family has given up on and decides to share the house with her until she can get on her feet. George Zorbas makes frequent appearances as he chases down his deceased mother’s dog who can’t seem to remember that she no longer lives in Tish’s house. Everyone in town believes Melanie is a thief so Tish as two strikes against her for being a McComb and sheltering Melanie.
“Gone South” is a wonderful story with unique and sometimes quirky characters who soon won my heart. Tish is strong but after moving around her entire life, she wants a place she can call home. Melanie knows that she has messed up more times than she can count but desperately wants to do what is right and clear her tarnished name. George is a good guy, confident and caring and who becomes much more involved in Tish and Melanie’s lives than he ever intended.
The novel makes some strong points about how a person’s life can be affected by those who judge them without getting all the facts with Mel as a prime example. Some emphasis was placed on the faith of certain characters but it was not heavy-handed. I enjoyed watching the personal growth of the characters, especially Mel and was glad when some people realized that they had been wrong about her all along. I would definitely recommend “Gone South” to all who enjoy contemporary fiction.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The charm of the South drew her back to her family’s roots. But when the town’s old resentments turn the sweet tea bitter, can Tish find a welcome anywhere?
Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.
When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.
Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.
Click here to download chapter one of Gone South.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Meg Moseley is still a Californian at heart although she’s lived more than half her life in other states. Holding jobs that ranged from candle-maker to administrative assistant, Meg eventually contributed human-interest pieces for a suburban edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Contemporary fiction remains her real love, and she’s the author of When Sparrows Fall and Gone South. She lives in Atlanta near the foothills of the Southern Appalachians with her husband.
by admin | Feb 27, 2013 | Books, Post Civil War, Romance, Southern, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Flora’s WishHarvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
by
Kathleen Y’BarboABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.
A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.
Learn more about Kathleen and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
May 1887–Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as “Fatal Flora,” a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family’s estate. She’s confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.
Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister’s heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?
And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora’s heart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora’s Wish, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I realize that I’m pretty much down to the wire in the time frame for reviewing Flora’s Wish. I have been trying desperately to read it since Sunday and just now finished. That is pretty sad for someone who usually zips through books, especially one as entertaining as this one. Unfortunately I have succumbed to the flu and simply either could not focus or kept falling asleep. Neither is conducive to getting a book read or reviewed. I am beginning to see some hope that this scourge is nearly over and managed to finish Flora’s Wish within the last hour. Never again will I say I don’t mind being sick since it gives me an excuse to read. Never wanted to be this sick.
To get back to the book in question, Flora’s Wish lived up to all my expectations that were based on past books I have read by this author. In fact, I think Flora may just be the feistiest, frustrating, and fearless heroine yet. Our Flora, otherwise known as “Fatal Flora”, has plenty to live down after losing four (yes four!) fiances to premature death before they could make it to the altar. And for some reason her current fiance Will Tucker is just a bit difficult to pin down. So when Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn accuses Will of being a thief and Flora his accomplice, Flora is bound and determined to prove him wrong. Lucas immediately takes Flora into custody and the pair soon find themselves in over their heads.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lucas and his clever inventions that reminded me of watching the old TV show Wild, Wild West back in the day well before I ever heard the term “Steampunk”. There were ample twists, turns and surprises in the plot with new and unexpected villains introduced to keep things really intense. I plan to go back and read Flora’s Wish again with a clear head. I am sure I will enjoy it even more then.
Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
When Mercy abandons Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity, he goes after her. With the threat that bounty hunters might be hot on her trail, Mercy does all she can to stay ahead of the danger, frustrating both the bad men who are after her—and Captain Hale who wants to find her and escort her safely home. But when she stumbles upon clues that help her learn who she is and where she’s from, the danger escalates and she has to learn to keep her friends close and her enemies even closer—if she can determine which is which!
