by admin | Jul 29, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have always loved learning about our history but tend to avoid the cold, hard facts of nonfiction. For that reason I have always gravitated toward historical fiction because most authors tend to do their research and then weave a captivating story about mostly fictional characters around those same cold, hard facts. “Captured by Love” was a prime example of a historical story so well told that I felt a part of it.
“Captured by Love” caught my interest from the very first page. Hedlund’s characters were so well-rounded that it was quite easy to either love or hate many of them. I was unfamiliar with Michigan history and found the story to be intriguing. Serious topics such as the hardships and deprivation of both the island residents and the British army, the Americans’ struggle for freedom, and Angelique’s cruel treatment by her guardian were tempered by the friendly and sometimes humorous banter between Angelique and Pierre.
A beautiful story of sacrificial love and renewed faith, “Captured by Love” is a book that lovers of historical fiction are sure to love.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Michigan Territory, 1814
A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger discover firsthand the high price of freedom.
The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.
Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British–and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who’s grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.
As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they’ll risk for love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor’s Lady and The Preacher’s Bride. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at JodyHedlund.com.
More Info
- Twitter: JodyHedlund
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund
- Website: http://JodyHedlund.com
by admin | Jul 22, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFirewallTyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014)byDiAnn MillsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.
DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.
Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?
With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Firewall, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
It would have been difficult to convince me that DiAnn Mills’ books could be improved upon – that is until I read Firewall. It seemed to reach out, grab me by the collar and pull me right into the story. I really wanted to slow down and savor the story but I was so caught up in its grip that I raced right through it. I just had to find out what would happen next.
I liked the characters very much. I could identify with Taryn because like her I have always been more comfortable with my books and computer. I could easily imagine the nightmare Taryn found herself unable to wake from. And Grayson – what a guy! Dedicated to solving a crime with evidence pointing to Taryn’s guilt, he nevertheless gave her the benefit of the doubt despite his partner’s determination to incriminate her. The plot moved at breath-taking speed with so many twists and turns that it was sometimes hard to keep up. More than one surprise was in store as identities of guilty parties were revealed at just the right point in the story. And a little romance never hurt anything! I also liked the natural way the main characters grew stronger in their trust in God and others despite (or maybe because of) their sometimes overwhelming circumstances.
Firewall is a masterpiece of romantic suspense. I can hardly wait for the next installment of DiAnn’s newest series.
by admin | Jul 17, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once again Cate Kinkaid has found herself smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time (or something like that). Anyway, the assistant private detective is getting close to getting her license but is afraid doing so may end her relationship with Mitch who doesn’t approve of her occupation. Fortunately Mitch is Johnny On The Spot whenever Cate needs his assistance with the crazy situations that seem to follow her.
I have loved each and every one of The Cate Kinkaid Files and sincerely hope that this series will continue for many more installments similar to at least two secular mystery series with which I am familiar. “Death Takes a Ride” was fun and quirky like the previous books in the series but it may have been just a bit more on the serious side than the others. I love Octavia the cat and really enjoyed the addition of a dog to the mix. The story was just the right blend of action, danger, humor, and romance with a touch of faith. McCourtney’s characters are perfectly realistic and some of them (like Cate and Mitch) are people I think I would enjoy getting to know.
“Death Takes a Ride” is another winner and I hope it will not be the last of Cate’s series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It’s official. This case is above her pay grade–and Cate’s in over her head.
Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Vintage Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Cate even there–this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense.
Despite having been merely an unfortunate bystander, Cate finds herself sucked into the case. And the deeper she gets, the more she begins to suspect that the shooting in the H&B office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.
Bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney takes you on wild ride in this clever cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.
Praise for the Cate Kinkaid Files
“Quirky, charming, and fun.”–Publishers Weekly on Dying to Read
“This book has tension that is matched only by humor–you won’t find a place to stop and take a breath.”–The Suspense Zone on Dolled Up to Die
“An entertaining, quick-paced whodunit that’s sure to keep even seasoned mystery lovers guessing.”–RT Book Reviews on Dolled Up to Die
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won the Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), Dying to Read, and Dolled Up to Die. She resides in Oregon. Learn more at www.lorenamccourtney.com.
by admin | Jul 16, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Love Comes Home” is the newest book in Gabhart’s Rosy Corner series and it takes place just as World War 2 ends. Members of the Merritt family understandably share mixed emotions at the news since some of the sisters will be welcoming their husbands back home but one of them will not. And after such long separations, will the returning men be the same as when they left to fight in the war?
The small town of Rosy Corner feels like home and its characters are as familiar as well-loved neighbors. It was so easy to celebrate the joy and accomplishments of each character and to grieve and sympathize with their tragedies and loss. I loved seeing how Lorena has grown up and matured as well as touching base with the three Merritt sisters, Jay, and Mike.
“Love Comes Home” is a sweet and poignant story about second chances and following God’s pattern for your life. It is the third Rosey Corner book and I would heartily recommend it and the two preceding novels, “Angel Sister” and “Small Town Girl”.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When the flush of victory fades, there remains a winding road to an uncertain future.
World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are joyfully welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline craves a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be. And Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.
Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.
Award-winning and bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you back to Rosey Corner for a heartfelt story that closes the distance between the things that were and things that can yet be.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.
by admin | Jul 16, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“The Butterfly and the Violin” was one of those books that played with my emotions. While the story was so riveting it kept me thoroughly absorbed, I became so involved with the characters, particularly Adele, that at times I did not want to continue reading because of how I feared her story would end.
A story within a story, this novel features Sera James, the owner of a New York art gallery who is obsessed with finding a painting she saw in Paris as a child. Her quest connects her to William, whose family owns a copy of the painting she seeks. As they join forces to search for the original painting, they learn the story of the young woman in the painting. Adele’s story is woven deftly into the whole.
“The Butterfly and the Violin” is a beautifully rendered novel that somehow manages to convey beauty, love, faith, and hope in the midst of the horrifying conditions of Nazi concentration camps yet does not diminish the evil that controlled them. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone. While there is a touch of romance, it is so much more.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program
of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
And then came war . . .
Today. Sera James spends most of her time arranging auctions for the art world’s elite clientele. When her search to uncover an original portrait of an unknown Holocaust victim leads her to William Hanover III, they learn that this painting is much more than it seems.
Vienna, 1942. Adele Von Bron has always known what was expected of her. As a prodigy of Vienna’s vast musical heritage, this concert violinist intends to carry on her family’s tradition and play with the Vienna Philharmonic. But when the Nazis learn that she helped smuggle Jews out of the city, Adele is taken from her promising future and thrust into the horrifying world of Auschwitz.
The veil of innocence is lifted to expose a shuddering presence of evil, and Adele realizes that her God-given gift is her only advantage; she must play. Becoming a member of the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz, she fights for survival. Adele’s barbed-wire walls begin to kill her hope as the months drag into nearly two years in the camp. With surprising courage against the backdrop of murder and despair, Adele finally confronts a question that has been tugging at her heart: Even in the midst of evil, can she find hope in worshiping God with her gift?
As Sera and William learn more about the subject of the mysterious portrait—Adele—they are reminded that whatever horrors one might face, God’s faithfulness never falters.
Read an excerpt from The Butterfly and the Violin HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with WWII since hearing her grandfather’s stories. She holds an Art History degree from Indiana University and works as Communications Consultant. Kristy writes WWII and Regency fiction and placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons. Website: www.kristycambron.com Twitter: @KCambronAuthor Facebook: Kristy-L-Cambron-Author
by admin | Jul 11, 2014 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Revealing” was a fine conclusion to an excellent Amish series. It has been fun following members of the Schrock family and their friends and neighbors through good times and bad. The story continues with characters from the previous books. Several relationships seem to be in jeopardy due to misunderstandings and continued stress from the aftermath of the Schrock Investments failure. Naomi King has a big secret she’s keeping to herself and the guilt has her eating antacids like candy. An unexpected visitor to the Schrock home threatens to turn her world upside down. A distant relative staying with the “sisters” is supposedly looking into his genealogical background but could he be up to no good? And what about the new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill? How will she figure into the story?
I enjoyed reading this last book in the series and thought that the author tied up all the loose ends admirably. I loved visiting with Rose and Galen, Bethany and Jimmy again. And Mim as Mrs. Miracle is so much fun. So many questions were answered with a few surprises along the way. Justice was served and once again it was evident that God is in charge.
I do hope that Suzanne will feature Mim in a book of her own sometime soon. I’d love to read about her as she discovers a love of her own.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Revealing | Inn at Eagle Hill series
Naomi King, soft spoken, loyal, and easily overlooked, has a gift. She sees what others can’t see. Intuition, she calls it. Others in Stoney Ridge don’t know what to make of it and dismiss her hunches and inklings altogether.
When a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with a shocking secret about Tobe Schrock, Naomi fears the worst. She can’t ignore the feeling that something sinister is at work– something more than a threat to the tenuous love begun between her and Tobe.
As signs mount, they begin to point to Jake Hertzler, the elusive mastermind behind Schrock Investments’ downfall. Soon, events spiral hopelessly out of control and Naomi must decide whether to listen to her head or her heart.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Suzanne’s website.
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/.
The Revealing by @SuzanneWFisher | Enter to win 1 of 3 iPads and LOTS of books!
In The Revealing, the riveting conclusion to the Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and just the right dose of romance.
Suzanne is celebrating by giving away THREE iPads!
THREE grand prize winners will receive:
- An iPad
- PickPocket Tablet Accessory Pouch (A stylish storage pouch designed to hold all your tablet accessories. Info.)
- The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing)
Five second place winners will receive:
- The Inn at Eagle Hill series (The Letters, The Calling, and The Revealing) by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 20th. All winners will be announced July 21st at Suzanne’s blog. AND … if you’re looking for more in the Inn at Eagle Hill series, be sure to pick up the ebook novella, The Rescue, for just $1.99!
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
Suzanne is also giving away two 10-book mystery prize packs! One of the major themes of The Revealing is learning to trust your intuition and instincts. These are God-given qualities that we sometimes are too timid or unsure of to act on. For a chance to win one of the 10-book prize packs, leave a comment on this blog and share about a time when your intuition or instinct saved the day—or a time you ignored it and missed an opportunity.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Suzanne’s blog on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)
