by admin | Apr 2, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Through the Deep Waters” is an emotionally charged book about a young man and woman who have been rejected by their peers most of their lives. Dinah was looked down upon because of where she lived as well as her mother’s profession. A sacrificial decision led to a traumatic encounter that left her unable to sleep because of horrific nightmares and shame. She believes that becoming a “Harvey Girl” will be what it takes to gain the respect of others. Amos is a chicken farmer with a severe disability caused by an accident when he was a child. Determined to make a success of his farm, Amos is certain he can prove his worth to his father and maybe even himself.
Poignant and moving, “Through the Deep Waters” is not only a story about shame and rejection but about the redemptive power of the Lord to bring change and a second chance to lives when all hope seems lost. Sawyer’s characters are so very well defined that I cared what would happen to them. Physically, Amos was a less than perfect hero but his strong faith, integrity, and inner strength overcame his disabilities and gained my respect and admiration. Dinah had my sympathy throughout the story and I rejoiced with her when her life changed for the better. A pivotal scene between Dinah and her room mate was absolutely perfect!
As you can probably tell, I thoroughly enjoyed “Through the Deep Waters”. I could go on but fear I would reveal too much. Do yourself a favor and pick up or order your own copy.
This book was provided for review by the
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all
Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn’t old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.
The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her. Despite his self-consciousness about his handicapped leg and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ’s love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?
Click here to download chapter one of Through the Deep Waters.
Praise for Through the Deep Waters
“Kim Vogel Sawyer paints a picture of redemption and forgiveness in not one but many lives in Through the Deep Waters. Just as weary travelers found comfort in Mr. Harvey’s hotels, readers will find comfort in this wrenching tale of one woman’s shameful past and one man’s struggle to look beyond her indiscretions and accept the woman she has become—a woman redeemed by grace. Ms. Sawyer’s historically accurate novels tug the strings of the heart while giving hope to those who feel unworthy.”
—Pam Hillman, author of Claiming Mariah
“Kim Vogel Sawyer’s careful attention to detail and heartfelt writing make her one of the industry’s favorites.”
—Lori Copeland, author of The Healer’s Touch
“Kim Vogel Sawyer has crafted an emotion-packed novel about two damaged souls whose faith and courage ultimately come shining through. Readers will root for Dinah and Amos to overcome the wounds of their troubled pasts in order to find love and hope for the future. With its vividly rendered settings and well-rounded characters, this lovely story is sure to please Ms. Sawyer’s many fans.”
—Dorothy Love, author of Carolina Gold
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in Kansas, where she and her retired military husband, Don, run a bed-and-breakfast inn with the help of their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and nine grandchildren.
by admin | Mar 31, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Because of its whimsical title and gorgeous cover art, the reader would probably expect “Dancing With Fireflies” to be just one more sweet and syrupy romance novel. Actually the story does include a sweet romance but there is much more substance to this book than its cover might suggest.
Hunter’s characters are natural and filled with life. Jade is a troubled young woman who finds herself in a difficult situation. Daniel is a special man who adores Jade but must choose between his love for her and the big plans his parents have already made for his future. Besides romance, the plot has its share of conflict, misunderstanding, angst, and near tragedy. At times I did not agree with Jade’s actions but in view of her experiences, I could understand her confusion. Daniel was a rock through the entire story and I was happy with the choices he made about his career.
“Dancing With Fireflies” covers some difficult subject matter that might be suitable for more mature readers. The specific situation was handled tactfully and with care; however parents of teens may want to read the book in order to decide if it is appropriate for their child. This novel could be an opening for discussion with daughters about the very real dangers that they could encounter while dating or even at a party.
I always enjoy novels by Denise Hunter and “Dancing With Fireflies” was no exception. I recommend it without reservation.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.
Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.
The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever.
As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called her “squirt.” Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Denise’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise Hunter is an internationally published best-selling author. Her books have won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all of her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps, too. When Denise isn’t writing, she’s busy raising three heroes-in-the-making with her husband.
Find out more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/.
by admin | Mar 30, 2014 | Books, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
With Native American ancestry in both my family and my husband’s family, I am always interested in reading about them. There have also been quite a few quilters in our families and I have quilted some myself so the entire Quilts of Love series has been special. A Sky Without Stars combines the two and was both entertaining and informative.
Interestingly enough, the novel took place the year I was born. I was somewhat surprised at the amount of prejudice toward the Native Americans that was still prevalent during that era and also by the contempt so many of them held toward the “white God”. A Sky Without Stars opened my eyes to how these people were treated – possibly with good intentions to help improve their lives but with total disregard to their history and culture. No wonder they resisted the gospel!
I enjoyed A Sky Without Stars very much. The story was well-written and easy to read with strong characters that I could care about. Situations and emotions throughout the book were realistic and believable. I liked how everything was resolved at the end and would not mind reading more about these characters. I actually hated to see the story end.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. The Quilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women’s fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1951, Frankie Chasing Bear is a Lakota caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she knows he will need to become as a white man to succeed. After his father’s killed in a barroom brawl, Harold and Frankie move to Arizona, where she begins a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn and prayed into it.
She distrusts Christians, as her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian School, until she meets BIA agent Nick Vandergriff, a half-Lakota who’s also caught between cultures. Nick must convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren’t all bad as he tries to win her heart in order to put the stars back into her sky.
Purchase a copy and learn more at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Linda S. Clare is an award-winning coauthor of three books, including “Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them” (with Melody Carlson and Heather Kopp), “Revealed: Spiritual Reality in a Makeover World,” and “Making Peace with a Dangerous God” (with Kristen Johnson Ingram). She is also the author of “The Fence My Father Built.” She has taught college-level creative writing classes for seven years, and edits and mentors writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter and church retreat leader. She and her husband of thirty-one years have four grown children, including a set of twins. They live in Eugene, Oregon, with their five wayward cats: Oliver, Xena the Warrior Kitty, Paladine, Melchior, and Mamma Mia!
Learn more about Linda at: http://www.lindasclare.com
by admin | Mar 24, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Texas
MY REVIEW:
Having recently read “Butterfly Palace”, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Coble’s novella “Bluebonnet Bride” features Nathan White who had a minor role in the previous novel. Because of circumstances surrounding him in “Butterfly Palace”, Nathan mostly came across as gruff and distrustful although it was obvious that he loved his sister and niece. I enjoyed reading about the Nathan that Elli got to know soon after she married him as a mail order bride.
Colleen managed to pack quite a bit of action and suspense into such a brief story and she kept it believable too! I read my copy of the ebook in one sitting because I NEEDED to find out what happened before I could put it down for the night. Both Elli and Nathan were both characters I would love to revisit. Elli was a sweet young woman desperate for a chance of a safe home and a family to love. Despite her grave circumstances, she was determined to be a good wife to Nathan. Nathan proved himself to be a husband Elli could depend on and easily grow to love. When danger followed Ellis all the way from Finland to Texas, Nathan’s first priority was to protect her and his niece Hannah.
The only complaint I could voice about “Bluebonnet Bride” is that it was much too short; however I could say that about any book written by Colleen Coble. She is one author whose books I do not miss.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookLook blogger program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At the turn of the 20th century, Elli Korpela boards The Baltic with hundreds of eager women, all seeking new beginnings and brighter futures in America . . . as mail order brides.
Escaping a forced engagement, Elli seeks refuge in a faraway marriage, desperately needing her new life with a Texan named Nathan White to be safer than the one she left behind in Finland. And as she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she’s ever made.
Until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah, Nathan White never took an interest in marriage, arranging a mail order wife to simply love and care for his orphaned niece. That is, he never took an interest until he laid eyes on the beautiful Elli Korpela.
After a fairytale ceremony in the gardens of the grandest estate Elli’s ever seen, a place called Butterfly Palace, their peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn as an intruder brutally attacks Elli in the middle of the night. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan’s employ or her shadowy past followed her into the present – and across the sea.
As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting to stay alive – and fighting to stay man and wife.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
by admin | Mar 21, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Heart’s Rebellion” is a beautifully written novel set in Regency era England. With lavish descriptions of architecture, landscapes, and events attended by the “Ton”, the story was quite easy to picture in my mind. Historical details and customs helped me to understand the reasoning behind the characters’ actions.
Although Jessamine was the main character, it was very difficult to like her at times. Many of her choices were foolishly based on past hurts and very nearly led to her downfall. On the other hand, Lancelot was easy to like and although I wasn’t sure Jessamine deserved him, I was rooting for him nevertheless. I was gratified to watch as Jessamine learned from her mistakes, matured, and found her way back to God. I also thoroughly enjoyed touching base again with Celine and Rees from “Moonlight Masquerade” and the primary roles they played in “A Heart’s Rebellion” also.
“A Heart’s Rebellion” is another fine novel by Ruth Axtell that should definitely appeal to those who enjoy Regency romance novels. This author undoubtedly excels in this genre.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a world governed by unspoken rules, one young woman is about to break them all . . .
Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she’s ready to take fashionable society by storm–and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it.
Can Jessamine trust her heart to lead her to a love that proves true through thick and thin? Or will her rash actions close the door on the life she really desires?
Lose yourself in Ruth Axtell’s sumptuous story of discovering one’s true self and finding true love.
“Rich and rewarding, A Heart’s Rebellion is a regency unmatched, capturing readers with a plot so unique and compelling, pages will fly and sleep will be lost. With grace and mastery, Ruth Axtell has penned a lush regency tale where a heart’s rebellion slowly ripens into a love everlasting.”–Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ruth Axtell is the author of many novels, including Moonlight Masquerade and Wild Rose, one of Booklist’s Top Ten in Christian Fiction. Currently a resident of Downeast Maine, Axtell has lived in the Canary Islands, Miami, and the Netherlands. Learn more at www.ruthaxtell.com.
by admin | Mar 21, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTide and TempestBethany House Publishers (March 4, 2014)byElizabeth LudwigABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll be Home for Christmas”, part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.
In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.
Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two years ago, her fiance perished during their voyage to America.
Now she discovers it may have been murder…
Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she’s left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream–to open a home for orphaned children.
Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman’s deathbed confession reveals her fiance’s demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well–dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tide and Tempest, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The third installment of Ludwig’s Edge of Freedom series, Tide and Tempest is a riveting tale filled with mystery and intrigue. Featuring Tillie who made an appearance in the previous novel of this series and Keondric Morgan, a ship’s captain who feels responsible for Tillie, this latest novel also includes frequent appearances by other characters from the earlier books.
From the beautiful cover that set the mood for the story, the historical details, to the climatic ending, I loved everything about Tide and Tempest, Although as far as I know I have no Irish heritage, I always find Irish history fascinating. The plot moved along at a brisk rate with plenty of action, danger, and surprises to hold almost anyone’s interest. The romance between Tillie and Keondric was so filled with obstacles and personal issues that it often seemed doomed to failure. Although I felt sure that everything would turn out well in the end, there were times the author had me wondering if one of the characters to whom I had become attached would meet an untimely fate. Several surprises and revelations were exposed and a strong message of faith in the midst of troubles was woven throughout the narrative.
I am sorry to see this wonderful series come to an end but I will look forward to what Elizabeth Ludwig has in store for her readers in the future.
