by admin | Feb 20, 2014 | Books, Historical, Native American, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Sky Without StarsAbingdon Press (February 18, 2014)byLinda S. ClareABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Linda S. Clare is an
award-winning author and coauthor of several books and has also published many essays, stories, and poems in publications, including The Christian Reader, The Denver Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Her most recent book is A Sky without Stars, the newest release in Abingdon’s Quilts of Love line. Born in Arizona, Linda and her husband now make their home in Eugene, Oregon, where Linda has taught college-level creative writing classes, and writes, edits, and mentors other writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter, a church retreat leader, and mom to four grown children and five wayward cats.
Learn more about Linda and her books on her Website
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Frankie Chasing Bear is caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she also thinks he will need to learn the white man’s ways to succeed. After the untimely death of her husband, Frankie joins the U.S. Government’s Relocation Program and moves to Arizona. There she begins sewing a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn, and prayed into it.
A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars, but neither the quilt—nor her new life—comes easily to Frankie. Nick Vandergriff, for instance, is the last man Frankie wants to trust. He’s half-Lakota but Christian, and Frankie can see no good coming from that faith after her own parents were forced to convert at an Indian school. Can Nick convince Frankie that white men and Christians aren’t all bad? And will Frankie learn that love is the most important ingredient—for her son’s quilt and life itself?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Sky Without Stars, go HERE.
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.
by admin | Feb 19, 2014 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Road Unknown” is a somewhat interesting story about a young Amish woman who has run away from home – not to leave her Amish faith but to escape the overwhelming demands of her family. It was interesting to read about Elizabeth’s experiences on her own living with an Englisch friend. Some of her experiences with modern appliances and devices were humorous and she learned a lesson or two when she tried dating an Englisch man. I enjoyed watching Elizabeth’s confidence grow as God seemed to place her in exactly the right place numerous times.
The story moved along at a good pace and contained several interesting characters that included Elizabeth’s friend Paula and her new boss Saul. As expected, Elizabeth finds the romance she has always yearned to have and the book ends pretty much as expected. It is a story about following God’s plan for your life and should appeal to those who love Amish fiction.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book 1 in the new Amish Roads series
Elizabeth is at a crossroad. She’s been given the chance to experience life outside of her community, away from the responsibility to care for her eight younger siblings, but Elizabeth Bontrager can’t decide which road to take. Goshen has its charms and pressures, but Paradise, Pennsylvania, sounds . . . well, like paradise. And it’s also home to her Englisch friend, Paula. Decision made. Elizabeth is Paradise bound.
But will the small town live up to its name? When Elizabeth meets Paula’s friend, Bruce, she quickly learns he wants more than a friendship. And the same might be true of Saul Miller, her new boss at the country story that sells Amish products to the Englisch community. As the two compete for her attention, Elizabeth is surprised to realize she misses her family and becomes even more uncertain about where she belongs. She has a choice to make: return home or embrace this new life and possibly a new love?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Barbara Cameron is a best-selling author who has a heart for writing about the spiritual values and simple joys of the Amish. She is the author of more than 38 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies, and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Barbara is a former newspaper reporter. Some of her non-fiction titles include the “Everything Weddings on a Budget Book” and “Her Restless Heart: A Woman’s Longing for Love and Acceptance.” Cameron currently resides in Edgewater, Florida.
Find out more about Barbara and her books HERE.
Welcome to the campaign launch for Barbara Cameron‘s new Amish Roads series with Abingdon Press. A Road Unknown takes readers on a journey of new experiences, uncertainties, and faith.
Barbara has teamed up with her publisher for a $200 Visa cash card giveaway and a fun “Amish Roads” Facebook party.
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card
- A Road Unknown by Barbara Cameron
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 27th. Winner will be announced at Barbara’s “Amish Roads” Facebook Party on February 27th. Connect with Barbara for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, laughter, prizes, and more!
So grab your copy of A Road Unknown and join Barbara and friends on the evening of February 27th 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. Tell your friends
via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 27th!
by admin | Feb 15, 2014 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In the final book of Ann Shorey’s Sisters At Heart series, Cassie Haddon takes center stage. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Cassie and her mother find themselves without a home or the means to take care of themselves. Cassie’s mother seems to be in denial and somehow expects that relatives will take care of them – only her brother-in-law has had enough of her and finding her brother turns out to be not the easy task she expected. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Cassie takes the bull by the horns and decides that she must find work and a home for them even if her background has left her ill prepared to earn a living.
Love’s Sweet Beginning has an excellent cast of characters. Cassie and Jacob, the hero and heroine grew on me as I got to know them better. A couple of the characters, one of which was Carrie’s mother, are the kind most readers love to hate. It was also fun to revisit Cassie’s friends from the two earlier books of the series. The plot moves along at a steady pace with drama, a bit of humor, family secrets, a hidden past and of course the requisite romance.
I loved Cassie’s determination and spirit and found it rewarding to watch her confidence grow as she learned new skills. Jacob was a bit more difficult to get to know but I enjoyed seeing him finally let go of his fear over his past. And even Cassie’s mother with all her airs was eventually an overcomer.
Love’s Sweet Beginning is a wonderful story about putting the past behind and moving on with life as God leads. It was a welcome ending to an enjoyable series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What will it take for a once-privileged young woman to make her way in the world?
It isn’t Cassie Haddon’s fault that she has reached the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills. Until the War Between the States, she always had servants. Since then, she and her mother have been forced to rely on family to care for them. But now the well of human kindness has run dry–and Cassie must find work to support them.
Unfortunately, leaving the past behind is easier said than done, and Cassie must summon all of her courage and wits to convince local restaurateur and grocer Jacob West that she’s exactly what his business needs.
With her signature sweet romance, Ann Shorey weaves a tale of two people from different backgrounds finding common ground and the hope of a bright future together.
Read an excerpt from Love’s Sweet Beginning HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, Where Wildflowers Bloom, and When the Heart Heals. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Learn more at www.annshorey.com.
by admin | Feb 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Valentine's Day
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingOnce Upon a Winter’s HeartCenter Street (January 7, 2014)byMelody CarlsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults–with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.
She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine’s Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Winter’s Heart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I have come to look forward to Melody’s newest Christmas novella each year – it just wouldn’t be Christmas without one! After reading Once Upon a Winter’s Heart, I vote for a new tradition of an annual Valentine’s Day book as well. In true Carlson style, this novel is a tender romantic story that also gets to the heart of what constitutes a good marriage and/or relationship.
A quick read, Once Upon a Winter’s Heart is a story about Emma, a young woman who has given up on finding true love when she finally meets a man who seems to be everything she has ever desired. Naturally there are complications and Emma tries her best to keep her heart intact. I loved Emma’s devotion to her family, her loyalty to her sister, and her love for her nephew. Lane was such an encourager that I hoped he and Emma would end up together.
A sweet romance with a Valentine theme, Once Upon a Winter’s Heart is sure to be an encouragement to those who have almost given up on finding their perfect match.
by admin | Feb 8, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Home at Last is a short but sweet romance that can easily be read in one sitting – at least for me! It features Olivia Lamington, a woman approaching the age of forty who has had almost no interaction with men and has never even been kissed. Her background is tragic but she has maintained her innocence, her integrity, and most of all her total trust in God. At the death of her employer of twenty years, Olivia has inherited his estate. Unexpectedly, the long presumed dead heir returns to make amends with his father but he is a few weeks too late.
This story is one of those that borders right on the edge of belief but is just so good and sweet that you can’t help but love it. It paints a picture of how we wish things could be – that there really are those whose hearts are as pure as Olivia’s and who still possess the wonder of a child. Although Noah has traveled the world and is somewhat jaded, Olivia touches something in him that makes him hope once more. I loved the way that each of them encouraged the other to face the pain from their past.
Filled with humor, romance, emotional scenes, and secrets that are revealed, Home at Last is the perfect book to help you wind down after a hectic week.
The author provided a free copy of this book for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Olivia Lamington’s never had a home or family
When her late employer leaves Bromfeld Manor to her, Olivia feels secure for the first time in her life. Then Bromfeld’s prodigal son returns, challenging her claim to the estate—and everything Olivia understands about family…and love.
The woman his father left his fortune to is as beautiful as she is innocent, which is why Noah Bromfeld offers to let Olivia stay while he settles his father’s affairs. The closer he gets to Olivia, though, the more Noah wonders if this sweet beauty is the key to his future. But will his dark past destroy his only hope for happiness?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
by admin | Feb 8, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Patricia Bradley is a new author for me but I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for her future books. Shadows of the Past held my interest from the beginning through the end with its mysterious events and an escalating sense of danger. I really liked the primary characters and the way they interacted. Taylor’s empathy toward others was so evident yet she had difficulty accepting the same advice for herself. Nick’s belief in his brother Scott despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary was admirable. The plot was deftly woven with numerous separate but possibly connected crimes that all came together in a climatic and surprising ending.
It is always a pleasant surprise to open a new book and find that it takes place in a familiar location. I enjoyed the fact that much of Shadows of the Past was set in Memphis, Tennessee and nearby north Mississippi. I have lived my entire life just outside the Memphis city limits and am quite familiar with the city and much of the surrounding area. Although I have spent most of my time north of the Tennessee/Mississippi line, I do have some knowledge of north Mississippi also. It was fun reading about well known streets and locations. There was even one restaurant described that I hope is not a fictional business – I do intend to find out asap.
I really loved this book and could easily envision at least two more books featuring supporting characters from Shadows of the Past. I hope that is in Patricia Bradley’s future plans. If not, this is a STRONG hint.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
While she’s stalking the truth . . . someone is stalking her.
Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve–the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she works to uncover the truth, someone else will do almost anything to keep her from it.
Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife–a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. Now that his estranged brother is the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.
Join the chase as Taylor and Nick search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present–and moving into a future they never imagined.
“Bradley had me totally hooked. An outstanding first book in the Logan Point romantic suspense series.”–Sandra Orchard, award-winning author of the Undercover Cops series and Deadly Devotion of the Port Aster Secrets series
“Keep your eye on Patricia Bradley. With her stellar writing and edge-of-the-seat suspense, there is no telling what she has in store for readers next.”–Sandra Robbins, award-winning author
Read an excerpt from Shadows of the Past HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley‘s manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). She is a published short story writer and is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. When she’s not writing or speaking, she can be found making beautiful clay pots and jewelry. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more on her website.
