by admin | Nov 14, 2014 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Just when I have decided that I absolutely cannot read another Amish romance, I am offered one that is also a Christmas novel. At this time of year, I have difficulty resisting Christmas books so I opted in for the blog tour for “Christmas at Rose Hill Farm”, knowing that I couldn’t go wrong with a novel by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I am so glad I did because I found it to be a charming and satisfying read.
I particularly enjoyed reading about growing roses and the details about rose rustlers. I had never heard of such a person but the background information was fascinating. The rest of the story was also quite enjoyable as I soon found myself wanting to know how the dilemma Bess faced would be resolved. With a quickly approaching wedding to Amos, what will Bess do when Billy Lapp, the man she has always loved suddenly makes an appearance back in her life?
“Christmas at Rose Hill Farm” set just the right tone for the approaching holiday season and its ending was perfect.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bess Riehl is preparing Rose Hill Farm for her Christmas wedding, but her groom isn’t who she thought it would be. Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler for Penn State and wants nothing to do with Stoney Ridge, his family, or Bess. And that suits Bess just fine. Why should she think twice about a man who left without a word, without any explanation? It’s time she moved on with her life, and that meant saying yes to Amos Lapp, Billy’s cousin and best friend. But as Bess and Amos’s wedding day draws near, her emotions tangle into a tight knot. She loves Amos. Yet she can’t forget Billy.
When a “lost” rose is discovered at Rose Hill Farm, Billy is sent to track down its origins. Get in, identify the rose, and get out. That’s his plan. The only catch is that he’s having a hard time narrowing down the identity of the lost rose, and he can’t get those tropical blue eyes of Bess Riehl out of his mind.
As the history of the lost rose is pieced together, it reminds Bess and Billy–and Amos, too–that Christmas truly is the season of miracles.
“Filled with heart-twisting moments amid the sweet anticipation of love, this story will charm readers into the holiday spirit.”
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including “Amish Peace.” She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10TygyiFind out more about Suzanne at http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/.
by admin | Nov 14, 2014 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading and reviewing Dawn Crandall’s “The Hesitant Heiress”, I knew I would have to read the rest of The Everstone Chronicles series. I am fortunate that Dawn has entrusted me with the opportunity to do so by sending me digital copies to review. I have always loved historical fiction and Dawn’s novels have proved to meet my qualifications for must read books. Although I loved “The Hesitant Heiress”, “The Bound Heart” may be even better. If this is any indication, I can’t wait for “The Captive Imposter”. I already know it will be wonderful.
It will be difficult to review “The Bound Heart” without any spoilers but I will certainly try. This novel features Meredyth Summercourt, a young woman whose one indiscretion with a man she found attractive led to severe guilt and the idea that she was “ruined”. She felt bound to Vance Everstone and was convinced that the only way she could atone for her sin was to marry him. Meredyth’s situation reminded me of some teaching I heard years ago about “soul ties” and how physical intimacy creates them between two individuals – a tie meant to take place within marriage but a reality even outside its boundaries. It helped me to understand how strongly Meredyth felt that her only redemption was marriage to Vance regardless of his poor character and even despite the love she had discovered for her longtime friend Lawry.
Now Lawry – well Lawry is one of the best heroes I have encountered in awhile. Perhaps he is handsome and comes from a prominent and wealthy family but Lawry’s character just shines throughout the book. Lawry is a man whose ambition is to care for orphans plus any other needy people who may cross his path. His love for Meredyth has increased through the years and all he wants is to spend his life with her. His compassion and restraint are admirable and his love of the Lord is evident in nearly everything he does. Meredyth cannot help loving him but is certain that she does not deserve someone as good as Lawry.
I could go on but I am getting close to possible spoilers. “The Bound Heart” is an emotional roller coaster that illustrates the devastating effect that one mistake can have on a person’s entire life. It is also a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption that leaves the reader with hope for themselves. I highly recommend “The Bound Heart” but suggest reading “The Hesitant Heiress” first.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One accidental kiss. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt’s world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn’t have the time or the desire to fall for her friend Lawry Hampton. However, with Vance out of the country and Lawry constantly at her side, Meredyth can’t help but wonder if what’s holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from their unfortunate past.
When Vance comes home to stake his claim on Meredyth, will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she’s convinced she deserves? Or will she find the strength to accept that God’s plan for her life could include redemption… and quite possibly the love of her best-friend?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of
The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing
The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
by admin | Nov 13, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Native American, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have recently added yet another author to my Must Read list thanks to the Amazon Vine Review Program. I recently read and reviewed Lisa Carter’s “Beneath a Navajo Moon” and loved it so I jumped at the chance to review her latest novel “Under a Turquoise Sky”. I was NOT disappointed.
“Under a Turquoise Sky” is a riveting suspense novel that takes place primarily on Navajo land in New Mexico. Kailyn Eudailey has witnessed the murder of a good friend by men suspected to be leaders of a Mexican drug cartel. Because her life is also in danger, Aaron Yazzie is called in to protect her. The novel opens quickly with suspense, danger, and action and continues in that vein for awhile. Then there is a lull where the characters seem to relax just a bit with just a hint of the potential for danger under the surface. Then all of a sudden everything erupts into total chaos again with Aaron and Kailyn unsure if they will survive.
I enjoyed everything about “Under a Turquoise Sky”. The plot moved along at a good pace with just the right amount of action, drama, suspense, and romance with even a bit of humor inserted at the perfect times. Interaction between Aaron and Kailyn was believable and had me rooting for them to get together despite their obvious dislike of each other at first. The plot was full of surprises with unexpected twists along the way. I also enjoyed having characters from the previous novel pop up in the story from time to time. Although it is primarily a suspense novel, the author deftly wove a gospel message throughout the story without it being overbearing.
Now that I am familiar with Lisa’s novels, I plan to keep my eyes open for all of her future books. If you haven’t read anything by Lisa Carter, I suggest you check her out.
This book was provided for review by The Amazon Vine Review Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When federal agent Aaron Yazzie is assigned to protect the only witness to a drug cartel execution, he hides Kailyn Eudailey in the safest place he knows . . . the vast, untamed wilderness of the Navajo Reservation.
Transporting Kailyn to New Mexico may not be as easy as Aaron would like. Kailyn is a high-maintenance Southern belle who is determined to assert her independence at every step. Although Aaron’s job is to protect her from the dangers that could get them both killed, Kailyn is getting to him. As an undercover agent, Aaron has grown adept at playing many roles. But will he be able to embrace his true identity and God’s plan for his life in order to keep Kailyn alive?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Carter is the author of Carolina Reckoning and Aloha Rose, and a writer and teacher whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense, and Christian Parenting Today. She is a frequent speaker and vocalist at women’s ministry events and has taught at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels. Lisa is a member of ACFW, RWA and Sisters in Crime. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling, quilting, and researching her next romantic adventure. She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Visit her online at LisaCarterAuthor.com.
by admin | Nov 11, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDreaming on DaisiesDavid C. Cook (October 1, 2014)byMiralee Ferrell
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Miralee and her husband, Allen, live on 11 acres in Washington State. She loves to minister to women (as a certified Lay Counselor with the AACC) or through her writing, riding her horse, working in her flower beds and playing with her dogs—her 7 lb, long-haired Chihuahua, Lacey, spends a lot of time on her lap while Miralee is writing. Miralee speak at various women’s functions and has taught at writers’ conferences. She’s been writing since 2005, and her first book released in 2007. Since then, she’s had 10 more books release, both in women’s contemporary fiction and historical romance, and she’s had the honor of being a best-selling and award-winning author.
Learn more about Miralee and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When her father’s debts, brought on by heavy drinking, threaten Leah Carlson’s family ranch, she fights to save it. When handsome banker Steven Harding must decline her loan request, he determines to do what he can to help. Just as he arrives to serve as a much-needed ranch hand, Leah’s family secrets—and the pain of her past—come to a head. They could destroy everything she’s fought for. And they could keep her from ever opening her heart again.
This is western historical romance that offers hope and healing to the deepest wounds in a woman’s past.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Dreaming on Daisies, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I’m not sure how but I missed the first two books in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series. Now that I have read Dreaming on Daisies, I guarantee that I will definitely acquire them. I would love to read the backstories on some of the characters I met in this book.
Although the third book in the series, I can attest to the fact that Dreaming on Daisies can easily stand on its own merit. Although it is evident that many of the supporting characters probably had more pivotal roles in the earlier novels, knowing their background is not essential to the enjoyment of this one. Dreaming on Daisies may be historical fiction but many of the issues that confront Leah Carlson and Steven Harding are very little different than those faced by actual people in modern society. The author deftly illustrates the emotional, physical, and financial toll that addiction, abandonment, and unforgiveness can have on so many individual lives.
Dreaming on Daisies is an emotionally charged story with wonderfully realistic characters and a believable plot. Leah was a surprisingly strong young woman whose determination and work ethic managed to hide her vulnerability – most of the time. Steven may have appeared to be a city slicker banker but his dreams for the future included land and a home of his own – and those dreams may have begun to include Leah in them. Despite her apparent strength, there was something about Leah that brought out Steven’s protective instincts and his desire to help her pulled him directly into her family drama and secrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dreaming on Daisies with its strong emphasis on faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation. I look forward to reading the preceding novels of this series as soon as I can.
by admin | Nov 7, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
I am most familiar with Amanda Cabot’s historical novels but as I have enjoyed each and every one of them, I felt certain that I would also enjoy “At Bluebonnet Lake”, her latest novel which is contemporary fiction. I am happy to confirm that I did indeed enjoy every page.
I have a tendency to love books set in Texas, both historical and contemporary so “At Bluebonnet Lake” immediately had that going for it. I also tend to like stories with cowboys in them. Greg is NOT a cowboy. In fact he is a software designer who has made a fortune with the company he recently sold. Cowboy or not, Greg is just the right hero material for this book and I quickly forgave him for not being a cowboy. I liked the fact that Greg appeared to be an ordinary person like everyone else and no one knew how wealthy he was. Despite his wealth, he still battled deep-rooted insecurities instilled in him as a child.
On the other hand, Kate was an up-an-coming marketing guru with an eye on a partnership in the near future. With that goal in sight, she was not at all excited about spending an entire month in such a backwoods, run-down resort but her love for her grandmother kept her there. I will admit that I did not care very much for Kate at the beginning, but it didn’t take long at Rainbow’s End for her true colors to shine. Her interaction with the resort staff and people in the nearby town revealed a compassionate heart and a desire to help others. Kate’s drive and ambition stemmed from a desire to prove herself worthy.
There were so many things to like about this book. The characters were lifelike and quite likeable for the most part. Kate’s grandmother was a joy with just the right touch of wisdom and youthful determination. The plot moved along at a good pace and had a few surprises in store including a bonus romance. Faith was an integral part of the story but was never intrusive. The end was as expected but all the fun was getting to it.
“At Bluebonnet Lake” is about two very different people – one who has made it to the top of his field and is searching for a more simple life and one who is still driven to achieve the goal they have set before them. So what happens when these two meet and fall in love? Can they really find a future together? Will either be willing to even compromise their dreams for the other? I guess you will have to read the book to find out but I guarantee that you will enjoy the journey to learn their fate. I look forward to the next book in this series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Her life is set to warp speed. His is slowing to a crawl. But love has its own timing.
Marketing maven Kate Sherwood’s world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is grind to a halt at Rainbow’s End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. Still, she cannot deny her ailing grandmother’s request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week fifty years ago. There, Kate meets Greg, who appears to be the resort’s unassuming handyman. But there’s more to Greg than meets the eye–billions more, in fact.
Kate isn’t looking for romance, but she can’t deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate’s long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?
Amanda Cabot invites you to step into a place away from the pressures of the day. You might be surprised by what you find at Rainbow’s End.
Endorsements
“Two insecure overachievers meet in an unlikely setting and find themselves confronted by upside-down and inside-out questions: What, and who, is truly important in life? Anyone who loves a story of transformation (and who doesn’t?) will thoroughly enjoy Amanda Cabot’s At Bluebonnet Lake, set in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas.”
Suzanne Woods Fisher, award-winning, bestselling author of The Inn at Eagle Hill series
“Kate Sherwood has given up chasing rainbows of romance to concentrate on her career goals, but then she comes to Rainbow’s End, where love is in the air. In At Bluebonnet Lake, readers are sure to enjoy Amanda Cabot’s characters and her Texas Hill Country setting, a place rich in atmosphere and romance.”
Ann H. Gabhart, author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Love Comes Home
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming. Find out more at www.amandacabot.com.
by admin | Nov 6, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Quilted by Christmas is a charming love story filled with memorable characters, especially Taryn’s feisty grandmother Jemma. Set in North Carolina during the weeks leading up to Christmas, the story brings to light how our decisions can affect our life and those of others for many years to come.
The man Taryn loved has returned home after twelve years away in military service. Because of one huge secret made out of good intentions and because of the advice of others, Taryn wants to avoid Justin as much as possible. Due to a bit of manipulation by Jemma and subsequent events, Taryn and Justin are forced to spend more time together than she had planned. Their relationship seems so comfortable, just like old times that Taryn finds herself hoping for the impossible. Will Justin hate her if she reveals her secret?
Quilted by Christmas reminded me of the old axiom that begins with “Oh what tangled threads we weave…” So many decisions were made based on wounds inflicted by other people and so many secrets were kept – not only by Taryn. I loved the way Taryn learned to trust the Lord with her secrets and eventually learned the power of truth and forgiveness. I also liked the family quilt history and how the quilt Taryn and Justin worked on together eventually forced the truth out into the open. Quilted by Christmas is a perfect novel for the coming holiday season.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A grandmother’s last wish is to communicate God’s love through an Irish chain quilt.
Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle?schoolers she teaches.
When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?
Purchase a copy and learn more at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jodie Bailey is Tarheel born and bred. After 15 years as a military spouse, she settled with her family back in North Carolina. She is the author of the military suspense novel “Freefall” and is a contributor to a devotional for military families, “Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home.” While not working on her next novel, she teaches middle?schoolers to love writing as much as she does.Find out more about Jodie at http://JodieBailey.com.
Quilts of Love | QUILTED BY CHRISTMAS –
Kindle Giveaway & “Merry Quilted” Facebook Party!
Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey. October’s QOL release is a warm Christmas tale of God’s steadfast love.
Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Two copies of Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey (One for you and one to give away as a gift!)
- Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
- Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 17th at the Quilts of Love blog.
Wait! There’s more! RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Christmas Book Chat Party on December 9th and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors. Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn will be hosting a “merry” evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER 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 December 9th!
