ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the Author:
I live in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with my husband, Tim, and our teen-aged daughter, Danni. Also with us are Lucky and Gus – the two cherished cats we rescued from local animal shelters.
I’m a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers. During the school year, I teach middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. When I have free time, I love to garden, take long walks with my husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.
I write romance novels for White Rose Publishing. If you’d like to visit, I have an author page there, as well. That’s where you’ll find everything there is to know about my books.
I also have author pages at the following locations. Do come by and spend some time with me there!
ABOUT THE BOOK :
Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned
After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.
Carin O’Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love…especially with a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.
But when Corey’s antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan.
————– Discover your own wisdom tree with the included one-month devotional —————
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wisdom Tree, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Wisdom Tree is a story of three people who have something in common – each of them has recently suffered the tragic loss of close family members and each is dealing with the loss in a different manner. Jake and Corey have lost their parents in a terrible accident and older brother/pastor Jake is finding that his best efforts to raise 13-year-old Corey are not even close to adequate. After the deaths of her mother and younger brother as well as the betrayal of her fiance, Carin has left her home in Nashville to teach Middle School in a small Tennessee mountain town. Her attempts to help her student Corey bring her in frequent contact with Jake whose calm demeanor and faith begin to affect Carin’s life in a positive way.
Wisdom Tree is a very readable book with a faith-filled, genuine plot. Characters are down-to-earth and well rounded. It was easy to identify with each of the characters and their struggles. The romantic angle is sweet and progressed naturally. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
MY REVIEW:
I am not certain how I have managed to miss this author but am so thankful that I was invited to review “Brentwood’s Ward” by Michelle Griep. Although I love so many different types of novels, this one has to rank near the top as far as what I really enjoy reading. “Brentwood’s Ward” would be considered a regency novel but it is so much more. That is what I really like about it.
The plot moves along nicely with plenty of conflict, drama, mystery, danger, and romance with just the right touch of humor as a bonus. Nicholas Brentwood and Emily Payne were both strong characters with minds of their own. Emily was used to having everything she wanted and getting her way. Nicholas took on the job as her guardian because no one else would take it and besides he needed the money to take care of his ailing sister. Nicholas was a man of honor and integrity who took his work seriously but Emily offered challenges he didn’t expect.
I find it difficult to describe “Brentwood’s Ward” without spoilers. I can say that I loved everything about the book from its somewhat brooding atmosphere to the unexpected twists and turns of the plot. Its strong theme of dependence upon the Lord was obvious but not preachy. I cannot wait to read more novels by Michelle Griep. I hope you will give “Brentwood’s Ward” a try also.
This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing.
Michelle Griep has been writing for most of her life and attended poetry workshops instead of summer camp and spent her time writing in her room while her teen peers threw parties when their parents weren’t home. She lives in Minnesota where she tutors writing and history at a local high school homeschool co-op.
She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. Michelle loves Great Britain, boxers, Science Fiction, and once-a-month cooking. Married for twenty years, she is mother to two sons and two daughters.
MY REVIEW:
For some reason I am unable to recall much from my high school American history classes about the Philippines during World War 2. Most of the focus seemed to be on Adolph Hitler and what little I remember about Japan’s role in the war was of course Pearl Harbor. For that reason, I found “Remember the Lilies” to be a very informative and captivating novel. A poignant tale of life and death, the narrative portrayed the strength of the human spirit, especially in those who retained their faith and dependence on the Lord in the face of virtually impossible circumstances.
The sometimes heartbreaking tale depicted life in an internment camp in the Philippines as experienced by missionary Irene Reynolds and wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Their shared experience illustrated just how quickly life can change and how no matter how rich or how poor, everyone can easily find themselves on a level playing field in times of war or disaster.
A strong plot and equally strong characters held my interest as I finished the book in one day. Irene and Rand’s relationship grew naturally with ups and downs in the midst of hardship and heartache. I like the way the author uses flowers in her novels as a symbol of hope with the lilies in this one as the reminder of God’s care for each of us. A powerful message of salvation was interwoven through the plot as well as a strong emphasis on the importance of honesty.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Remember the Lilies” and highly recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction, especially the World War 2 era.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can Irene and Rand stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom?
Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must black out and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.
Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.
When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Liz’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“New York Times” best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of “Daisies are Forever,” “Snow on the Tulips,” and the contributing author of “A Log Cabin Christmas.” When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.
Find out more about Liz at http://www.liztolsma.com.
Liz Tolsma’s ‘Remember the Lilies’ Author Chat Party and Kindle Giveaway
This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.
Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
MY REVIEW:
Although “The Dandelion Field” is a story built around some difficult situations, it is an extremely readable book. Kathryn Springer has a way with words that made me want to keep reading even when other things demanded my time and attention.
Thankfully, I have never had to deal closely with a teen pregnancy but everything about the one covered in this book rang true to life. The reactions of everyone involved seemed to be 100% realistic from Evie, the mom who discovered that her perfect role model son Cody and his “questionable” girlfriend Raine were going to have a baby to Gin, the single mother of the pregnant girl who overcame her instincts to run in order to support her daughter. Then there was Dan, best friend to Cody’s deceased dad who had always been available to support both Evie and Cody but found himself protective and attracted to Gin.
“The Dandelion Field” has its share of emotional ups and downs, conflict, humor, and a touch of romance. The plot was deftly written and not heavy handed. I really liked the way Dan and Gin tried to support the young couple without condemnation. There are several lessons to be learned within the pages of this book as well as some encouragement and spiritual guidance. I enjoyed “The Dandelion Field” and hope to read more books by this author in the future.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn’t need a man to fight her battles.
After Raine’s dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter’s youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that’s compromised when Raine reveals she’s pregnant.
Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend’s son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: “The baby is mine.”
Knowing gossip of Raine’s pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin’s reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin’s feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.
As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.
Find out more and purchase a copy at Kathryn’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.
Find out more about Kathryn at http://www.kathrynspringer.com.
Get ready for Valentine’s Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer’s The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn’t believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning?
Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.
MY REVIEW:
Once again Elizabeth Camden has grabbed my attention and held onto it until the very last word. “Beyond All Dreams” has everything I love in historical fiction – a story built around historical facts, realistic characters, some drama, a bit of mystery and/or danger, a touch of humor, and of course some nice romantic tension.
Both of the primary characters are thoroughly human with real flaws. Anna O’Brien has spent much of her life attempting not to attract attention because of the cruelty of fellow students after a devastating injury. Orphaned at an early age, during the course of her dream job at the Library of Congress Anna discovers errors in the official report about the disappearance of her father’s ship. Her attempts to have the error corrected are stonewalled in every direction. Luke Callahan is a promising congressman whose career has just taken a nosedive when he becomes fascinated by the feisty librarian. Although she is attracted to the persuasive congressman, Anna repels his advances repeatedly.
I enjoyed “Beyond All Dreams” very much, especially how Anna and Luke were portrayed with all their faults and strengths. I admired the honesty of Luke’s continuous struggle with his temper and fear that he would be just like his father. Anna’s determination to find the truth and to stand up for those she felt were mistreated was inspiring. Her willingness to forgive even the worst offenses against her could only come from her strong faith.
I could say much more about “Beyond All Dreams” but fear that doing so would result in spoilers. If you are a love of historical romance, “Beyond All Dreams” is a book you do not want to miss!
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?
Anna O’Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across the baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. Thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.
Luke Callahan was one of the nation’s most powerful congressmen before his promising career was shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglements with members of Congress.
From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Elizabeth’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Camden is the author of six books and a RITA and Christy Award winner. With a master’s in history and a master’s in library science, she is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida.
Find out more about Elizabeth at http://elizabethcamden.com.
Beyond All Dreams’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Party
Travel back in time to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress in Elizabeth Camden’s newest release, Beyond All Dreams. From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they’ve ever dreamed for their futures?
Elizabeth is celebrating the release of Beyond All Dreams with a Kindle giveaway and Facebook party on February 17.
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/17. Winner will be announced at Elizabeth’s 2/17 Beyond All Dreams Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Elizabeth and historical fiction fans, as well as for the opportunity to win some great prizes!
MY REVIEW:
At first glance, the dusty little New Mexico town of Last Chance would seem to live up to its name for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately, the warm and loving residents of the community, especially Elizabeth Cooley, have helped a few people find a future and a hope even when things looked pretty hopeless for them.
Third book in the A Place to Call Home series, “At Home in Last Chance” features Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden. Kaitlyn has made some huge mistakes and bad choices in her life and sees no hope in overcoming her past. Back in Last Chance with her brother and the daughter she left behind, Kaitlyn is often tempted to run again but this time she just cannot bear to abandon her daughter. Steven has also returned to Last Chance, hoping to prove to his family that he can be responsible and dependable. He too has a history of running from his troubles and this time his love for his grandmother keeps him in Last Chance. Although both Kaitlyn and Steven have been warned about each other, as they become better acquainted, they find an empathy and understanding that draws them together. Can either of them trust the other – or even their own hearts?
Strong characters and a realistic plot held my interest in “At Home in Last Chance”. I have particularly enjoyed the character of Elizabeth Cooley in this and the previous books in the series. Her love and wisdom has played a pivotal role in the lives of Kaitlyn and Steven as well as the lives of the primary characters in the other books. It was also fun to catch up with the other familiar faces in Last Chance. A strong theme about letting go of the past and letting the Lord have the future was predominate.
I have enjoyed my time spent in Last Chance and would love for the series to continue for several more books. “At Home in Last Chance” can easily stand on its own but would be even more enjoyable if read after the previous two books. They are all worth the time.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What happens when the life you’re running from won’t let go of your heart?
Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going–out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over.
Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don’t even trust themselves?
With emotional depth and characters who leap off the page and into your heart, Cathleen Armstrong invites you to return once more to the dusty and delightful town of Last Chance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Her debut novel Welcome to Last Chance won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.
