by admin | Feb 6, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
The heroine of “Shadowed by Grace” is Rachel Justice, a young woman on a quest. Working in Italy during WWII as a photographer, she is also determined to find the father she has never known. Rachel’s experiences as a woman working in the midst of so many men are true to the time period. Her assignment to work with Lt. Scott Lindstrom introduced her to the work of the Monuments Men whose goal was to find, reclaim and restore priceless art throughout Europe as quickly as possible after the German troops passed through. Their journey across Italy exposed them to danger and close calls, a developing mystery about who was stealing relics right under their noses, and of course a sweet and growing romance between them. The bittersweet ending was somewhat unexpected but rang true to me.
The story is emotionally charged yet quite believable. I believe the author did her very best to achieve accuracy with her facts and to portray authentic characters. The message of faith was strong but not intrusive and I appreciated Rachel’s realization that God had been with her all along, even when she did not notice.
Although I do enjoy a good contemporary novel and have several favorite authors who write them, more and more I find my true preference is for historical stories and books like “Shadowed by Grace” are responsible for that preference. I love learning about history through the experiences of the people who could have experienced it. The combination of a good story and real historical facts is something that really appeals to me.
I enjoyed this novel so much that I fear I could very well be disappointed in the upcoming film about the monument men. Whether I choose to see the film or not, I highly recommend “Shadowed by Grace”.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She found peace in a time of war.
Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.
In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.
Read an excerpt of “Shadowed by Grace” HERE.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Cara’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. The best-selling author of more than a dozen books, Cara is active in women’s ministry at her church, teaches graduate courses at Purdue University, practices law, and is a homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and 4 children in Indiana.
Cara Putman is celebrating her latest historical suspense novel, Shadowed by Grace with a fun “Past & Present” giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Polaroid Instant Camera
- A beautiful antique AFGRA camera (learn more here)
- Movie passes to see The Monuments Men movie (with George Clooney and Matt Damon)
- Shadowed By Grace by Cara Putman
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced February 10th on Cara’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Cara’s blog on the 10th to see if you won.
by admin | Feb 3, 2014 | Amish, Books, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGabriel’s BrideB&H Books (February 1, 2014)byAmy LillardABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twilight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)
Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940?s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.
As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.
Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Gabriel’s Bride, go HERE.
by admin | Feb 3, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“It Had to be You” hit me right where I live. As a self-professed “behind the scenes support person”, I could easily identify with Eden who considered herself the family cheerleader. Over and over Eden’s self-image echoed in my own soul. Ingrid’s letter to Eden at the very beginning seemed to be God speaking through her to me also.
Possibly one of Susan’s deepest novels, “It Had to be You” was also a wonderful love story with more than one sub-plot woven through it. I loved how Eden and Jace’s opinions about each other changed as they became better acquainted. I also loved how they were each able to help the other learn the true depth of God’s grace for them personally. There were many lessons to be learned in the pages of “It Had to be You” including the need to let go and let your loved ones fail if that is what it takes to bring them closer to God. More than one example of sacrificial actions for the benefit of others were quite touching.
Once again Susie Warren has produced a superb novel that showcases her unique writing ability as well as her excellent understanding of the human soul. I have loved all her Deep Haven novels and the Christiansen Family series has upped the ante. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and am hoping it will feature Owen.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.
Read an excerpt from “It Had to be You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
by admin | Feb 1, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The final installment of Amanda Cabot’s Westward Winds series, “With Autumn’s Return” was an enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to a wonderful series.
Elizabeth, the youngest Harding sister has completed her medical training and has established an office in Cheyenne, Wyoming in order to be close to Charlotte and Abigail. Believing the residents of Cheyenne to be more progressive thinkers, Elizabeth is disappointed to find that they are no more accepting of a female physician than people back East. Nevertheless she is determined to be the best doctor she can be and hopes that she can change the minds of at least a few.
One of Elizabeth’s first encounters is with her new neighbor, attorney Jason Nordling and it does not go at all well. Sparks fly when she reacts with anger to his disapproval and the reader immediately senses that an interesting path to romance could develop for these two. And interesting it is with Elizabeth so dedicated to her profession that she can’t imagine having time for a husband and children, and Jason convinced that a woman like Elizabeth could never be the type of wife he needs. Naturally God has other plans for them.
The plot moves along at a fair pace with more than one sub-plot woven into the whole. A romance between Harrison and Gwen develops nicely and a bit of murder and mystery is thrown in for good measure. I liked how Elizabeth was so dedicated to caring for others than she tried to do the right thing no matter what the busybodies and gossips thought about her. I liked the emphasis on how a marriage should be a partnership with husband and wife working together without strict roles defined by their gender.
Once again I recommend a novel by Amanda Cabot for all who enjoy historical romance. You cannot go wrong with this author!
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s planning on instant success. She didn’t plan on love.
When Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne to open her medical practice, she is confident that the future is as bright as the warm Wyoming sun. Certain she’ll have a line of patients eager for her services, she soon discovers the town may not welcome a new physician–especially a lady doctor. Even Jason Nordling, the handsome young attorney next door, seems to disapprove of her chosen profession.
When a web of deceit among Cheyenne’s wealthiest residents threatens to catch Elizabeth and Jason in its snare, they must risk working together to save one of Elizabeth’s patients–even if it means falling in love.
Read an excerpt from “With Autumn’s Return” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, as well as Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming. Find out more about Amanda and her books HERE.
by admin | Jan 31, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
I have been a huge fan of Lisa Wingate’s books since I first picked up a copy of “Texas Cooking” several years ago. Since then I have read almost everything she has published and the ones I haven’t read are patiently waiting on my bookshelf for me to make the time to enjoy them. I usually have a pretty demanding review schedule because I have great difficulty saying no to books. For that reason, I rarely have a chance to read something on my personal list. Fortunately, Lisa’s novels appear of my review list frequently. Needless to say I was thrilled to have a chance to participate in the blog tour for Lisa’s latest, “Wildwood Creek”.
“Wildwood Creek” takes the reader back to Moses Lake, Texas where most of the locals are friendly and you can pick up a cold drink or lunch at the Waterbird Bait and Grocery and add your favorite quotation to the collection on the wall. Although the locals make an occasional appearance in the pages of “Wildwood Creek”, the story primarily takes place on the site of a historical town from which all the residents mysteriously disappeared. Cast and crew for a reality type television show are in residence in the recreated town of Wildwood and access is restricted to the rest of the world.
The story of Wildwood Creek is told through two points of view – the historical story of Bonnie Rose and the current story of Allie Kirkland who has been chosen to play the role of Bonnie Rose in the television production. Allie has become very interested in finding out what really happened to Bonnie Rose as well as the rest of the former residents of Wildwood and has found herself becoming defensive when hearing accusations against Bonnie Rose, who many believe is responsible for the disappearance of so many. Determined to follow in her father’s footsteps in film production, Allie pushes herself to meet everything that is expected of her. A number of strange incidents leaves Allie wondering who she can trust but she is unable to resist a budding friendship with Blake Shelton, her neighbor on site.
I very much enjoyed “Wildwood Creek” and had no difficulty switching from Bonnie’s story to Allie’s story and back again. Like Allie, I found myself rooting for Bonnie and hoping that she had somehow survived despite stories to the contrary. I loved watching the development of the relationship between Allie and Blake as well as how Blake helped Allie to see the negative actions of others as a cry for help. I loved the way the suspense built through both tales and was quite happy with the way everything turned out at the end.
Although “Wildwood Creek” is the fourth book in the Moses Lake series, it is not dependent upon the previous installments and can be read as a stand-alone novel. Take my advice and pick up a copy for yourself. Better still – get the entire series. I don’t think you will be sorry.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group compliments of the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With love and loss tangled together, how was she to know where her life would lead?
Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father’s unfinished destiny. When she’s offered a production assistant’s job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father’s footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream.
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region’s folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood–including Blake Fulton, Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set–seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn’t know whom she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself…with the most unthinkable results.
Read an excerpt from Wildwood Creek HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Talk of the Town, Blue Moon Bay, and Larkspur Cove, which won the 2011 Carol Award for Women’s Fiction. Lisa and her family live in central Texas. Visit www.lisawingate.com
by admin | Jan 29, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Quilts, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingScraps of EvidenceAbingdon Press (January 21, 2014)byBarbara CameronABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the author:
CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.
I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.
My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).
Learn more about Barbara and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the hospital, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Kathy is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Scraps of Evidence, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Scraps of Evidence has a fast-moving plot that follows a team of St. Augustine, Florida detectives as they work to solve the newest case in what appears to be a series of serial murders that began with Tess’s best friend in high school. As in all the books of the Quilts of Love series, quilts are a featured element in the story. Tess finds that quilting to be great stress relief from her demanding job as a police detective and spends hours at her Aunt Kathy’s quilt shop. Her new partner Logan finds Tess and her many talents to be a bit more attractive than might be appropriate for their job but they work well together and make a good team.
I enjoyed following Logan and Tess through the streets of St. Augustine, a city I have always enjoyed visiting. Many seemingly insignificant incidents are eventually pieced together to create a comprehensive picture that is finally solved through clues in Aunt Kathy’s favorite quilt. I had my suspicions all along but the author kept me in the dark until the end.
Scraps of Evidence is an enjoyable with just the right amount of action, mystery, and romance. I recommend it as well as all the other books in the Quilts of Love series.
