by admin | Aug 26, 2014 | Appalachia, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading my very first novel by Lisa Wingate, I became a forever fan of her work. I love that I often have the opportunity to review her novels but it is a certainty that I would purchase each and every one of them if I happened to miss receiving one for review. “The Story Keeper” is Lisa’s latest and greatest. I’m not 100% sure about the greatest because whatever book of hers that I happen to be reading is my current favorite. They are ALL so good that it is difficult for me to choose between them.
Books with Appalachian settings have always intrigued me so “The Story Keeper” came as a pleasant surprise. I loved the union of two stories in one that features an historic journal with a pivotal role in a contemporary story. The characters in both are so well-rounded that they began to feel like friends. The trials and tribulations of Sarra and Rand offered a peek into how difficult life could be in the mountains during that time frame. The bias against Melungeons was new to me and Sarra’s story inspired me to do a little research on them. It was quite easy to sympathize with Jen because I have a familiarity with similar family situations and know how difficult it can be to know where to draw the line when attempting to help.
I have always noticed how quotable Lisa’s novels can be and “The Story Keeper” is no exception. I wish I had taken the time to jot some of them down so I wouldn’t forget. Ahh…just another reason to go back and read it again! I really can’t say enough good things about this book. Everything about the story was spot on and I found it filled with history, romance, drama, a bit of mystery, inspiration, and faith. But most of all, Lisa has a way with words that always leaves me with something to think about after an enjoyable escape into her fictional world.
My only complaint is that Lisa just doesn’t write fast enough! Of course she is just human and I have to practice my patience. Can’t wait to see what she has for her readers next time.
This book was provided for review by Lisa Wingate’s Book Ambassadors.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When successful New York editor Jen Gibbs discovers a decaying slush-pile manuscript on her desk, she has no idea that the story of Sarra, a young mixed-race woman trapped in Appalachia at the turn of the twentieth century, will both take her on a journey and change her forever. Happy with her life in the city, and at the top of her career with a new job at Vida House Publishing, Jen has left her Appalachian past and twisted family ties far behind. But the search for the rest of the manuscript, and Jen’s suspicions about the identity of its unnamed author, will draw her into a mystery that leads back to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains . . . and quite possibly through the doors she thought she had closed forever.
Read a preview from The Story Keeper HERE.
Purchase a copy of The Story Keeper HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Wingate is a magazine columnist, speaker, and the author of nineteen mainstream novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its eighteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novel, Blue Moon Bay, was a Booklist Top Ten of 2012 pick. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. When not dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time on the road as a motivational speaker. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women’s literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system has used Tending Roses to help volunteers teach adults to read.
Lisa lives on a ranch in Texas, where she spoils the livestock, raises boys, and teaches Sunday school to high school seniors. She was inspired to become a writer by a first grade teacher who said she expected to see Lisa’s name in a magazine one day.
Lisa also entertained childhood dreams of being an Olympic gymnast and winning the National Finals Rodeo, but was stalled by the inability to do a back flip on the balance beam and parents who wouldn’t finance a rodeo career. She was lucky enough to marry into a big family of cowboys and southern storytellers who would inspire any lover of tall tales and interesting, yet profound characters. She is a full time writer, and pens inspirational fiction for both the general Christian markets. Of all the things she loves about her job, she loves connecting with people, both real and imaginary, the most. More information about Lisa’s novels can be found at www.Lisawingate.com.
by admin | Aug 26, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A Grand Design is a quickly read romantic novel set on Mackinac Island. In this story, a return trip to the island after many years away revives old memories and pain for Alyssa Denham. With the help of her best friend, her grandmother, and Scott Whitman, Alyssa begins to break down some of the walls she has so carefully built to protect herself.
The novel length was a bit too short for the author to go into as much depth as I might have preferred but she did manage to cover all the bases adequately. Her descriptions of the island were vivid and made me want to visit it. The characters were well defined but I would have liked to spend more time with them. A Grand Design is short and sweet and the perfect book for when you don’t have the time or notion to dig into something that requires more concentration.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A getaway on a charming island may be just what Alyssa needs—if only she can let go of her past.
When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.
As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?
Find our more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amber Stockton is an award?winning author, a national speaker, and a direct?sales brand partner with Nerium International. She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have a daughter and a son, and an Aussie/retriever mix named Roxie. Three of her novels have won annual reader’s choice awards. Find out why readers love her by visiting her website AmberStockton.com.
Find out more about Amber at http://amberstockton.com.
Quilts of Love | A GRAND DESIGN – Kindle HDX Giveaway & “Fall into Fall” Facebook Party!
Don’t miss this month’s Quilts of Love book, A Grand Design by Amber Stockton. Who hasn’t struggled to let painful memories go and move into God’s healing? You’ll be sure to love this heartfelt and encouraging tale set on historic Mackinac Island.
Celebrate August’s release by entering to win a Kindle from Quilts of Love and RSVPing for the “Fall into Fall” Facebook author chat party.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle HDX
- A Grand Design by Amber Stockton
- Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 16th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog. Plus make sure you RSVP to the October 7th author chat party with Amber Stockton and Robin Caroll for an evening of book chat, quilting tips and tricks, prizes, and more!
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 October 7th!
by admin | Aug 26, 2014 | Appalachia, Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMiracle in a Dry SeasonBethany House Publishers (August 5, 2014) ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, releases August 2014 through Bethany House. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.
A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.
Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.
Learn more about Sarah and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a Drought, It’s the Darkest Cloud That Brings Hope
It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.
Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor. . .until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Miracle in a Dry Season, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I am always excited to discover a new author to love and Sarah Loudin Thomas has earned a prime spot on my favorites list. The author’s way with words was extraordinary, her characters almost stepped off the page, the setting was perfect, and the story was filled with scripture without being heavy-handed. I absolutely loved Perla, a young mother who had never been married and who exhibited a certain unusual way with food that may have caused her more social problems than her obvious sin. Her constant willingness to serve others and her love for her daughter was inspiring. Then there was Casewell, who despite his initial reaction to Perla’s past, quickly found himself helping and standing up for her as she tirelessly worked to help feed their community during a severe drought. Casewell’s integrity and faith were a highlight of the story.
Oh, there are so many lessons in this story that apply to our own lives! And each lesson is illustrated in such a kind and gentle manner within the context of the story that it is nearly painless – that is until the reader realizes that the guilty character could be herself. Wonderful examples of faith, forgiveness, and servanthood permeate the pages of this book and could be examples for each and every one of us.
I could not find a thing about this novel that was not absolutely perfect. I believe it may be the best one I have read in a long time (and I read every day and have many favorites). I highly recommend this book and hope everyone will pick up a copy. Love, love, love it! I intend to add the entire series to my keeper shelf so that I can read them again.
by admin | Aug 19, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Grand DesignAbingdon Press (August 19, 2014)byAmber StocktonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Words from the author:
Hi, I’m Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my mid-30’s, married to the love of my life since July 2007, have a daughter and a son, and live in Colorado. Here, I am content to do what I love—write, speak, and offer virtual assistance.
Thanks to the gentle nudging of a fellow author — Tracie Peterson — in 2002, I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers and wouldn’t be published today without them. For those of you who are also fiction writers looking for a wonderful support group, check them out! My very first book, Promises, Promises, sold in December 2006 and released in February 2008. I’ve been going steady ever since.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Alyssa Denham, a single career woman, wins a fun getaway for two on Mackinac Island where her grandmother lives, she gives her carefree best friend a call. Together, they tour the old shops and hidden treasures of the quaint island while helping Alyssa’s grandmother piece together an heirloom quilt. Their quest gains them entrance into the homes of many longtime residents of the island, parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to tourists.
As the quilt’s story takes shape, Alyssa gains amazing insight into her grandmother’s life . . . and attracts the attention of the handsome Scott Whitman, an island resident in charge of hotel transportation. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart—and bring healing to her entire family?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Grand Design, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
A Grand Design is a quickly read romantic novel set on Mackinac Island. In this story, a return trip to the island after many years away revives old memories and pain for Alyssa Denham. With the help of her best friend, her grandmother, and Scott Whitman, Alyssa begins to break down some of the walls she has so carefully built to protect herself.
The novel length was a bit too short for the author to go into as much depth as I might have preferred but she did manage to cover all the bases adequately. Her descriptions of the island were vivid and made me want to visit it. The characters were well defined but I would have liked to spend more time with them. A Grand Design is short and sweet and the perfect book for when you don’t have the time or notion to dig into something that requires more concentration.
by admin | Aug 19, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
One thing I can count on when I open a novel by Janice Thompson is that I will be entertained. Her trademark sense of humor never fails to make me laugh and I can be sure to expect a sweet romance that will probably have a few hurdles to overcome before the happy ending. “A Bouquet of Love” met all my expectations 100% and I read through it in an afternoon.
In this particular novel, I did find that all the fun, humor, and romance helped to sweeten a strong dose of reality based medicine that made me stop in my tracks and examine myself. I know without a doubt that it was a message I needed to hear and it would probably be relevant to many if not most other Christians. How often do we go merrily through our days without realizing how our unloving attitudes toward others affects our testimony? Janice brought that across quite plainly through one of her characters as she confronted her husband about his behavior. I am thankful for the talent that enabled Janice to convey so much truth in such a palatable way.
As always, I enjoyed meeting up again with so many favorite characters from previous novels from more than one series. Love those gals from Splendora. I am afraid to say more because I don’t want to spoil the story for other readers. I will say that as long as Janice will keep writing her books, I will keep reading them. If you haven’t discovered her funny and romantic novels yet, don’t wait another day to read one. I think you will be a forever fan.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She didn’t expect to fall in love–but roses aren’t the only thing blooming on Galveston Island
Cassia Pappas has found herself in a nearly impossible situation. She wants to spend her time immersed in her new job at a Galveston Island floral shop, arranging blooms and brightening occasions with her lovely creations. But her boisterous Greek family–especially her father–has other ideas. They’ve all relocated to Galveston to open up a new family restaurant located on the Strand–directly across the street from iconic pizza place Parma John’s–and they want Cassia’s full participation.
To make matters worse, as Cassia is trying to develop a strong professional relationship with Galveston’s premier wedding coordinator, Bella Neeley, her own father is intent on stealing all of the Rossi family’s faithful customers. Not exactly the best way to get into this former Rossi’s good graces!
Still, at least Alex, that hot delivery guy from the nursery, is always hanging around the flower shop . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect, The Icing on the Cake, and The Dream Dress. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.
by admin | Aug 18, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Although it is frowned upon by proper society, Alethea Sutherton loves to play her violin and is actually a quite accomplished musician. Although its appearance is nothing special, someone wants her violin and it appears that nothing will stop him from acquiring it. With the reluctant help of Lord Bay Dommick, Alethea attempts to discover why her instrument is so special and who could want it so badly.
A story filled with mystery, suspense, danger, and of course romance, “Prelude For a Lord” was the perfect read. Alethea and Lord Dommick were an excellent match and supporting characters were also well defined. I loved the camaraderie and loyalty between Bay and his friends. With its theme of renewed faith and trust, this book is perfect for devotees of Christian historical romance.
I have often enjoyed the contemporary novels by Camy Tang, particularly her romantic suspense. “Prelude For a Lord” further proves her talent as a writer and I sincerely hope she will gift her readers with more regency novels.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart? Bath, England—1810 At twenty-eight, Alethea Sutherton is past her prime for courtship; but social mores have never been her forté. She might be a lady, but she is first and foremost a musician. In Regency England, however, the violin is considered an inappropriate instrument for a lady. Ostracized by society for her passion, Alethea practices in secret and waits for her chance to flee to the Continent, where she can play without scandal. But when a thief’s interest in her violin endangers her and her family, Alethea is determined to discover the enigmatic origins of her instrument . . . with the help of the dark, brooding Lord Dommick. Scarred by war, Dommick finds solace only in playing his violin. He is persuaded to help Alethea, and discovers an entirely new yearning in his soul. Alethea finds her reluctant heart drawn to Dommick in the sweetest of duets . . . just as the thief’s desperation builds to a tragic crescendo . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Camy writes Christian romantic suspense as Camy Tang and Regency romance under her pen name, Camille Elliot. She grew up in Hawaii, where she started reading Regency romances when she was thirteen years old. Now she lives in northern California with her engineer husband and rambunctious dog.
She graduated from Stanford University in psychology with a focus on biology, and for nine years she worked as a biologist researcher. Then God guided her path in a completely different direction and now she’s writing full time, using her original psychology degree as she creates the characters in her novels.
In her free time, she’s a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of her church’s Sunday worship teams. She also loves to knit, spin wool into yarn, and is training to (very slowly) run a marathon.
