by admin | Apr 16, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
After reading Kristy Cambron’s “The Butterfly and the Violin”, I was convinced that it was not possible that the second book of her Hidden Masterpiece series could compete. I was wrong! “A Sparrow in Terezin” is just as strong and beautifully written with multiple scenes to touch the reader’s heart and soul.
Once again the novel takes place during two different time periods and places with characters of both eras having connections that are not immediately evident. Although Sera and William’s trials and troubles are riveting, it is the story of Kája Makovsky that really takes center stage in this novel. Although Kája is relatively safe in war-torn London, when she hears how many Jews are dying at the hands of the Nazis, she makes a daring journey back into Prague, hoping to save her parents.
“The Butterfly and the Violin” is a poignant story of bravery and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. It paints the story of life within the walls of Terezin – of strength, faith, and hope in the midst of deprivation and cruelty. A testimony of the difference that just one person can make in the lives of others despite what seems to be a hopeless situation.
I highly recommend both novels in Cambron’s Hidden Masterpiece series and suggest reading them in the order published although each can easily stand on its own.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor’s story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.
Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she’s stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.
1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.
Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Kristy’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal Reviews’ “Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction)” for February 2015.
Cambron is an art/design manager at TheGROVEstory.com storytelling ministry. She holds a degree in art history from Indiana University and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and communications for a Fortune-100 company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.
Find out more about Kristy at http://kristycambron.com.
‘A Sparrow in Terezin’ by Kristy Cambron | New Book Plus a Book-Inspired Giveaway
BLOG CODE:
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron‘s new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A set of poppy notecards
- A poppy pin
- A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
- A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
- Literary tea bags
- Tumbler
- A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Apr 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Novella, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Book two of the Journey of the Heart series finds Sarah encouraged by her friend Amelia to travel with he and her new husband to Fort Laramie and make things right with Rand. Unfortunately Sarah finds that things are entirely different than what she expected. If she wants to regain Rand’s love, she may just have to fight for it. To make matters worse, Ben Croftner makes an appearance and it does not look like he will leave without causing trouble.
“A Heart’s Obsession” continues the story of Sarah and Rand with plenty of action, drama, and suspense. At this point in the story, I am not too happy with Rand and would like to see Sarah be a bit more assertive. I will be forced to wait until the next installment (or horrors, even later) to find out if their situation improves to my satisfaction. That is one aspect of serial novels that I do not like. I suppose I am just too impatient. Even full length series can try my patience!
Once again, this novella is a welcome look back at one of Colleen Coble’s earliest work that is a fine indicator of the talent that has made her one of my top favorite authors.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will Sarah’s journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?
When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.
But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn’t what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.
Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.
Learn more and purchase a copy at the Thomas Nelson website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Kindle Giveaway, Blog Tour, and Author Chat Party with Colleen Coble Code: Can a woman held captive by her family make it back to the one man she knows she can trust? Find out in book two, A Heart’s Obsession, of Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series. When Sarah Montgomery’s father succumbs to his long illness, Sarah is faced with a life-altering choice: submit to her brother’s will and marry the deceptive Ben Croftner . . . or escape through the dangerous American West to reclaim the heart of her beloved Rand Campbell at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.
Celebrate book two in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
- A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge (blog tour coming in mid-April)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!
by admin | Apr 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingJadedDavid C. Cook (March 1, 2015)byVarina Denman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An avid reader and blogger,
Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on a three book Texas series which will soon be published by David C. Cook. The first book in the series,
Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.
Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.
Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation. Thirteen years later, Ruthie’s heart begins to stir when an attractive single preacher arrives. But their relationship is bitterly opposed—unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside-down.
Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man … and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart … and a thirst for hope.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Jaded, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Having spent most of my life in rural communities and small churches, the story told by Jaded rings true to me. I personally have never witnessed a situation quite like the one experienced by Ruthie and her mother but I can recognize the potential of something similar happening if circumstances played out just right.
Jaded is beautifully written and I immediately connected with its characters. It is a sobering tale of how much destruction and pain that gossip and lies can cause. It is also a glorious story of the beauty and freedom gained by the truth and forgiveness.
I very much enjoyed my first book by Varina Denman and am looking forward to reading more of her work.
by admin | Apr 12, 2015 | American Revolution, Books, Historical, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
It has been many years since I was a student. One of my high school majors was history, I was an honor student, and I have always loved historical fiction. But I cannot remember even one thing about Gulf Coast involvement in the Revolutionary War. In my recollections of my classes, all I remember about that war took place in the vicinity of what we call New England. So – I was quite happy to add more facts to my woefully deficient knowledge of that portion of our early history.
“The Creole Princess” is the kind of book I love. It is populated with well-rounded and interesting characters who made the story come alive. Lyse was delightfully spunky, smart, and brave and Rafael was both outrageous and canny and not at all who he seemed to be. Of course a romance was in the works between the two of them but its progression is just a part of what made this novel so good. The pages are filled with action, danger, humor, drama, suspense, and romance that combine to make this book a real page-turner.
I love being able to see history through the eyes of those who could have been there. It appears that Beth White has performed her research well and has blended true historical facts and even characters into a novel that will open the reader’s eyes to events from the Revolutionary War that like me, they might not have known. I highly recommend “The Creole Princess” as well as White’s previous novel, “The Pelican Bride”. Lovers of historical fiction should not miss either of them.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Torn between loyalties to family and flag, one young woman is about to discover that her most important allegiance is to her heart.
It is 1776, and all along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter–though no less deadly.
Lyse Lanier may be largely French in heritage, but she spends most of her time in the company of the ebullient daughter of the British commander of Mobile. When a charming young Spanish merchant docks in town, Lyse is immediately struck by his easy wit and flair for the dramatic. But is he truly who he makes himself out to be? Spies abound, and Spain has yet to choose a side in the American conflict. Is Lyse simply an easy mark for Rafael Gonzalez to exploit? Or are his overtures of love as genuine as Spanish gold?
With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.
What critics are saying about the Gulf Coast Chronicles
“Duplicity, danger, political intrigue, and adventure.”–Booklist on The Pelican Bride
“New France comes alive thanks to intricate detail.”–Publishers Weekly review of The Pelican Bride
“The brutal New World [is] captured with distinct detail in this fast-paced romantic adventure.”–RT Book Reviews on The Pelican Bride
Read an excerpt from “The Creole Princess” HERE.
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 | Apr 9, 2015 | Books, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Deception on Sable Hill” is the second book in Gray’s A Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series. Featuring Eloisa Carstairs whose story began in the first book of the series, “Secrets of Sloane House”, this book introduces some new characters but the reader will also recognize a few familiar faces along the way. This narrative is set against the backdrop of the World’s Fair where a killer is preying on young society women and somehow Eloisa has found herself right in the middle of the mystery.
Eloisa carries a secret of her own. Although an innocent victim, her secret could destroy her reputation as well as her chances for an acceptable marriage. She has managed to keep her secret to herself until she met Detective Sean Ryan. Although Sean can never hope to have a relationship with Eloisa because they are on different levels of society, he has determined to protect her at all costs.
Easy to relate to and realistic characters paired well with an imaginative plot that had plenty of twists and surprises to keep me on my toes. I was firmly convinced that the killer was one person but I was 100% wrong about that. I was actually relieved because as the story progressed I began to like the person I suspected. In fact, I am in hopes that this particular person will play a major role in the next book of the series. I am not naming names because that could lead to spoiling another’s fun.
I enjoyed everything about “Deception on Sable Hill” except for the fact that it was over much too soon and I will be impatient at the wait for the next installment. I enjoy everything by this author, no matter which genre she writes.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The World’s Fair is nearing its end, but the danger in Chicago lingers.
It’s mid-September of 1893 and Eloisa Carstairs is the reigning beauty of Gilded Age Chicago society. To outsiders she appears to have it all. But Eloisa is living with a dark secret. Several months ago, she endured a horrible assault at the hands of Douglass Sloane, heir to one of Chicago’s wealthiest families. Fearing the loss of her reputation, Eloisa confided in only one friend. That is, until she meets Detective Sean Ryan at a high-society ball.
Sean is on the outskirts of the wealthy Chicago lifestyle. Born into a poor Irish family, becoming a policeman was his best opportunity to ensure his future security. Despite society’s restrictions, he is enamored with Eloisa Carstairs. Sean seethes inside at what he knows happened to her, and he will do anything to keep her safe-even if he can never earn her affections. .
Eloisa longs to feel normal again in the midst of the danger surrounding the Chicago World’s Fair, but a killer is on the loose. In the last month, three debutantes have been accosted in the city by an assailant wielding a stiletto. As the danger in the city increases, and as Eloisa’s and Sean’s romance blossoms, they both realize they want to be seen as more than how the world views them. But will they catch the killer before all their hopes come tumbling down?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio. Visit her website at Facebook: ShelleyShepardGray Twitter: @ShelleySGray
by admin | Apr 9, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Double Cross” is an apt title for the newest romantic suspense from DiAnn Mills. When the man FBI agent Laurel Evertson sent to prison agrees to help solve a current case, she is afraid to trust him. Both she and the Houston Police Officer helping with the case are just a bit wary that they could be victims of a double cross. As the story progresses, it becomes difficult to determine just who is double crossing whom.
Plenty of action, danger, faith, and romance fill out the plot of this exciting novel with realistic characters and setting. The lengths the scammers were willing to go and the way they targeted elderly victims suffering from dementia could easily be found in tomorrow’s front page news. In addition to primary characters Laurel and Daniel, I found Daniel’s grandmother Abby to be a major competitor for center of attention. What a brave and spunky woman who was not willing to give up easily.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Double Cross” and highly recommend it as well as any other novel by DiAnn Mills.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead.
Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.
As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
