by admin | Jun 4, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Place in His HeartRevell (June 3, 2014)byRebecca DeMarinoABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rebecca DeMarino was born in Pensacola, Florida, the daughter of a Navy pilot. Her mother made a home for the family of six all over the map, including Virginia, Nevada, California, Washington, and Guam, before her parents put down anchor on a ranch in Oregon.
As the wife of a young Air Force officer, married life brought more travel. She relied on her mother’s example of how to make a home anywhere. Her three beautiful daughters were born in Florida, Alaska and Nebraska.
Retired after sixteen years with a major airline, she manages to fulfill her love of wanderlust with frequent family or research trips.
Rebecca grew up listening to her mother’s family lore of a great-grandfather from generations ago. Barnabas Horton sailed from England in the 1600’s, to Long Island, N.Y., on a ship called The Swallow. In 1999, after she found Horton Point, L.I., on a map, Rebecca and her mother made the journey to see the lighthouse named after their ancestor.
The legend goes that Barnabas brought a slab of blue slate with him from England, and had the epitaph he wrote himself engraved on it. The blue slate still exists in the Old Cemetery in Southold, L.I., with the Bible verse, “He being dead, still speaketh.” Much information was found about Barnabas, but none of his wife, save a mention in his will.
Her mother passed away in 2005, but Rebecca returned to Southold many times, drawn by her Puritan roots and English heritage. Each time she wondered about her ninth great-grandmother, a young woman who married a widower with two young boys and then followed them for the wilds of Long Island, leaving behind her home and family. What were her dreams? Her motivations? Her fears?
Rebecca’s historical romance novel, A PLACE IN HIS HEART, debuts with Revell, a division of Baker Publishing House, in June of 2014.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Puritan Barnabas Horton is still in love with his deceased wife and needs only a mother for his two young sons. And yet these two very different people with very different expectations will take a leap of faith, wed, and then embark on a life-changing journey across the ocean to the Colonies. Along the way, each must learn to live in harmony, to wait on God, and to recognize true love where they least expect to find it.
This heartfelt tale of love and devotion is based on debut author Rebecca DeMarino’s own ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid-1600s to establish a life–and a legacy–in the New World.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of A Place in His Heart, go HERE.
Rebecca is hosting a Giveaway worth over $300.00 in prizes. There will be 8 winners! Scroll to the bottom of the post HERE to enter!!!!!
MY REVIEW:
Overall A Place in His Heart was a fairly interesting book with plenty of good historical information about life during that time frame, especially the different views of the Anglicans and Puritans and living conditions in the New World.
The book was very well written and it was obvious the author did her research. I loved all the details and even learned a few things. I did find it difficult to love the characters though. I thought Barnabas was a selfish jerk and never really understood why Mary loved him. His obsession with his late wife was extreme to say the least and his attitude toward Mary despicable. Despite my loss of patience with her for putting up with Barnabas, I did think Mary was a gem who went out of her way to demonstrate her love for others.
by admin | May 30, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingUntil I Found YouBethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)byVictoria BylinABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the Author:
This may sound crazy, but I was driven to write romance by giant bugs and killer rabbits. I just couldn’t take it anymore. My husband and two sons would be camped in front of the television watching a movie about spiders the size of bowling balls, and I’d be wondering when the handsome scientist would get around to kissing the spunky woman with the bug spray. When it didn’t happen, I decided to write my own happy endings–without the giant bugs…
Known for her realistic, likable characters and vivid writing, Victoria Bylin writes both western and contemporary inspirational romance. Her books have finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, the Rita Awards and RT Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Awards. She and her husband currently live in Lexington, Kentucky and have two grown sons.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Finding each other was only the beginning . . .
When Kate Darby swerves off a mountain road to avoid hitting a California condor, she ends up trapped in her car, teetering on the edge of a cliff. Terrified, she breathes a prayer that changes her life.
It’s Nick Sheridan who comes to Kate’s rescue. Nick is handsome and confident, and he seems to develop a habit of rescuing her, but Kate is in town only until her grandmother recuperates from a stroke. She’s not planning to get involved with one of the locals.
Nick is a reformed veteran of life in the fast lane, a new Christian, and a travel writer. When he sees a car dangling on the edge of a cliff, the daredevil in him jumps into action. He doesn’t expect to be swept off his feet by the car’s occupant. He’s made a vow–no dating for a year–but keeping that vow is going to be a lot more difficult now that he’s met Kate Darby. . . .
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Until I Found You, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Until I Found You is a story about choices that affect one’s life. Nick Sheridan has lived life his way and the world’s way for many years but has recently turned it over to the Lord. Kate Darby is fairly successful in her career and has great ambitions to become even more so. Their encounter on the side of a mountain when Nick saves Kate’s life is the beginning of changes and challenges for each of them.
Beautifully written, Until I Found You probes the depths of human emotions in a way that hits close to home on many levels. Both Nick and Kate are authentic and believable characters who touch the reader’s heart. Each of them encounter and overcome major obstacles in their lives and eventually find the truth and love they seek.
I loved the story of Kate’s grandmother and the condors that is woven so seamlessly within the pages of this book. Grandmother Leona was a special lady and a major supporting character.
by admin | May 30, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I am quite fond of Robin Lee Hatcher’s novels and “The Heart’s Pursuit” just reinforced that fact. The plot got off to a quick start and hit the trail quickly. The protagonists were excellently portrayed and by the end of the book I felt like I knew them and had journeyed alongside them.
One character is determined to see that justice is served and the other is driven by the need for revenge. Traveling together against Jared’s better judgement, he and Silver are not always on the same page. Little does she realize that Jared has other goals more important to him than helping her find the man that left her at the altar and stole her father’s money. I enjoyed following Silver and Jared and seeing the changes in their lives during the course of their expedition. I liked Silver’s spunk and determination as well as her strong faith. I also enjoyed seeing the softening of Jared’s heart as he learned to trust God.
“The Heart’s Pursuit” has the perfect blend of action, danger, mystery, humor, and romance to make it a worthwhile and interesting read. Some might consider this novel a light read but certain details add some grim realism to the narrative. With a surprise or two and plot twists, the story had me in its grip and I didn’t want to put it down until I reached the end.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.
A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.
An arduous trek toward justice–or redemption.
Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family–even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.
The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Robin’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.
Robin Lee Hatcher‘s latest novel, The Heart’s Pursuit, is receiving critical praise: “The Old West lives again in this inspirational romantic adventure. . . . Themes of forgiveness, justice and mercy dominate the story and add to the characters’ depth. Hatcher treats readers to a rich sensory experience—you can taste the desert dust and smell the smoke and stench of a crowded gambling hall.” (Publishers Weekly)
Robin is celebrating the release of her novel by giving away a $200 “Romantic Weekend Getaway.”
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card (Get away for the weekend with that special someone!)
- The Heart’s Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 8th. Winner will be announced June 9th on Robin’s website.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin’s blog on June 8th to see if you won.
by admin | May 27, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“While Love Stirs” is a charming and sometimes amusing novel featuring feisty and opinionated Charlotte Gregory. Sparks fly at her first meeting with Dr. Joel Brooks as they clash over her idea of proper meals for his patients. Having recently graduated from Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte is certain that she can teach Dr. Brooks and his staff a thing or two about nutrition but tight hospital funds force him to turn her down. A job opportunity allows Charlotte to travel all over the state and her new co-worker Lewis is sweet, handsome, and head-over-heels for her. But for some reason, Charlotte can’t get the cantankerous Dr. Brooks out of her mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed the give and take between the characters and also found Joel’s OCD tendencies to be a unique and fund addition to the story. Charlotte was an excellent heroine who was often quite outspoken, sometimes impetuous, but almost always generous and kind. Joel’s compassionate nature was sometimes hidden behind his professional bearing but his caring heart became obvious over the course of the story.
I have enjoyed each of Seilstad’s previous novels and “While Love Stirs” was no exception. I will always recommend her books.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Take one lovely young woman.
Add two ambitious young men.
Stir . . . and stand back.
As a graduate of Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution–the gas stove. And she certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.
Lewis encourages Charlotte’s work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made–especially by this outspoken young woman.
When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?
Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.
by admin | May 23, 2014 | Books, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Daisies Are Forever” is one of those books that is destined to leave a lasting impression on its readers. I have read many excellent novels with World War 2 settings but I don’t think any of them felt quite as personal as this one. The author’s depiction of the horrors faced by innocent civilians who are caught in the path of the invading Russian army was so intense that I was relieved to look up from the book and find myself in my safe and comfortable home.
In this narrative, an unlikely group of refugees flee across Germany during bitter winter conditions as they attempt to stay ahead of the cruel Russian army but one catastrophe after another seems to hound each step. Each member of the group has a different story and sometimes different agendas. The two primary characters, Gisela and Mitch are compassionate and courageous as they attempt to protect the weaker children and the two elderly sisters who suffer from dementia. Two other members of the group have plans of their own that are not in the best interest of the others.
The plot is one that grabs the reader from the beginning and holds on until the very end. Despite the seemingly hopeless situation the characters find themselves a part of, there are small touches of humor and glimpses of hope and faith.
There is absolutely no way my review can do this book justice. Take my word and pick up a copy for yourself. I don’t think you will be sorry if you do.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.
Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.
However, Ella is a nurse and refuses to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela. During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans, especially one wounded German soldier, Kurt, who has suspicions about Mitch’s identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her “marriage.”
Their journey to Gisela’s mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella’s daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.
In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.
Purchase a copy and learn more here.
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.
DAISIES ARE FOREVER | Enter to win a Kindle HDX from Liz Tolsma!
Liz Tolsma‘s latest WWII historical fiction novel, Daisies are Forever, is getting rave reviews.
“. . . compelling and fast-paced tale about the atrocities and tremendous losses. . . .” —Library Journal
“Excellent storytelling, accurate historical reporting and gritty, persevering characters make this WWII-era novel a must-read.” —CBA Retailers + Resources
Liz celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 2nd on Liz’s website.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz’s website on June 2nd to see if you won.
by admin | May 23, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“All My Belongings” is a powerful and emotional novel that deals with some very difficult subjects. Pain, grief, and regret are present throughout the story but hope, faith, love, and forgiveness eventually overcome all obstacles.They say you can’t run from your past. In Becca’s case, her attempts to escape the aftermath of her father’s infamous trial and conviction only added to her stress levels. A new name and a new job across the country seemed to call for a reinvented history but Becca was not entirely comfortable with the lies that required. All too soon, Becca’s past caught up to her and the repercussions were not pretty. In many ways Becca’s situation was ironic due to her background, but God used those circumstances to eventually give her the home and family she had always yearned to have. One particularly difficult decision forced Becca to totally rely on God’s grace to see her through.
Becca’s employer/friend Isaac Hughes is just the type man that Becca has dreamed of but he too has some personal issues that need to be laid to rest. Although he has loved and been loved by his adoptive parents, Isaac still has questions about his origins that he would like to have answered before he pursues a life with Becca.
“All My Belongings” is dramatic, suspenseful, and has several surprises in store for the reader. I highly recommend this one.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A new life and a new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.
After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.
But just as she’s wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca’s patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.
Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?
Purchase a copy and learn more at Cynthia’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with “Heartbeat of the Home” radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Cynthia on the Web at www.cynthiaruchti.com.
All My Belongings | Enter to win a $200 Visa Card from @CynthiaRuchti & RSVP for 6/11 LIVE Webcast Event
Cynthia Ruchti asks what it takes to overcome your past and become who you were meant to be in her latest novel, All My Belongings. Cynthia has woven a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong.
Cynthia is celebrating the release of her latest novel with a fun giveaway and a live webcast event!
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card
- All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the All My Belongings LIVE webcast event on June 11th. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of All My Belongings and join Cynthia and friends on the evening of June 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!
