by admin | Nov 28, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed spending another Christmas in Apple Ridge with Cindy Woodsmall’s latest Christmas novella “The Dawn of Christmas”. Featuring Sadie and Levi, the story also features characters from the two previous books in this series.
On the eve of her wedding, Sadie witnesses something that breaks her heart and causes her to cancel her wedding. Her father agrees for her to move to another town to work as well as go to the mission field. Several years have passed since that day and Sadie’s family is ready for her to come home and settle down with a husband. Sadie likes her life the way it is and has no interest in the matchmaking schemes of her family.
Due to a broken marriage in his family, Levi is also disinterested in marriage but is constantly urged to settle down. When he and Sadie meet unexpectedly, they immediately find themselves at ease with each other and quickly form a fast friendship. Their friendship endures several ups and downs but Sadie’s fear of another relationship and Levi’s distrust of women keeps a barrier between them. Just when a breakthrough seems eminent, a meddling person from Sadie’s past could ruin everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Dawn of Christmas” with its theme of second chances and learning to trust. I hope that Cindy will continue to write more Christmas novellas because I look forward to them during the holiday season each year.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This Christmas, experience learning to trust alongside the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania in this heart-warming tale of second chances.
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together? – See more HERE.
Click HERE to download chapter one of The Dawn of Christmas.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.
by admin | Nov 27, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Hawaii, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAloha RoseAbingdon Press (November 19, 2013)byLisa CarterABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the author:
I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.
I am a teacher. With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.
I am a writer. Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.
I am on a journey of faith. My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.
Learn more about Lisa and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Aloha Rose, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
With the quilt she was wrapped in when abandoned on her adoptive parents’ doorstep the only clue, Laney Carrigan’s quest to find her birth family quickly leads her to Hawaii where she connects with a grandmother and great aunt. She grows to love her long lost relatives as well as the lady helping to care for her grandmother who is losing her battle against dementia. The only fly in the ointment is Kai Barnes, her adopted cousin. Their love/hate relationship is a source of stress for both Laney and Kai – primarily because of unresolved issues in their lives.
Aloha Rose is a beautifully written novel with wonderful characters who are so alive! The plot is filled with emotional ups and downs as well as quite a few twists and a couple of big surprises. As one of the books in the Quilts of Love series, it is a given that a quilt and/or quilting details would play a prominent role which quilt lovers should find interesting. Details about Hawaiian history. language, and lifestyle added to my enjoyment. A strong message of faith runs throughout the story and plays a major part in the lives of Laney and Kai as they struggle to overcome their fears.
I enjoyed Aloha Rose and would recommend it to those who love quilts as well as anyone who just enjoys a good contemporary love story.
by admin | Nov 23, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Well, Anita Higman has done it again. She managed to grab my attention from the beginning of “A Marriage in Middlebury” and held it until the very last line.
Basically a story of lost love, “A Marriage in Middlebury” features Charlotte Rose Hill who walked away from the only man she ever loved for reasons that are later revealed within the narrative. When that same man, Sam Wilder returns to Middlebury to settle his father’s estate accompanied by a fiance, Charlotte quickly realizes that she has never stopped loving him. It won’t be easy having him back in town, especially since she has agreed that her tearoom will provide the refreshments for the wedding reception.
With a unique plot that has several unexpected twists, secrets from the past that are unearthed, various lovable yet quirky characters, and more than one romance, “A Marriage in Middlebury” has everything needed for a perfect romantic novel. It is a story of second chances as well as learning to place your trust in the Lord regardless of your circumstances. It is a heartwarming story in which everything turns out just right by its end.
This book was provided for review by the author and LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end? Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder’s marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam’s new fiancée? A second chance at love doesn’t happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?
Purchase a copy HERE.
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 | Nov 15, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Beloved” is the third and final book in Hatcher’s Where The Heart Lives series but it can easily stand on its own. It is not necessary to read the previous two books in order to understand Diana and Tyson’s story.
Diana is about to announce her intentions to remarry when her missing and presumed dead husband Tyson appears at her engagement party. Apparently the reports of his death on the battlefield were in error. Tyson is a different man than the angry one who left Diana and his parents seven years before and he intends to do his best to make amends, especially with his wife. Although Diana is resistant, she does agree to live in the same house until after the election in which Tyson has decided to run. Diana is determined not to remain a minute longer but Tyson is equally determined to make her change her mind.
With a plot that switches between the present and the past, it is easy to understand why each of them react as they do. Several other unique characters and animals help to make the story even more interesting, especially a young orphan boy and Diana’s mother and Tyson’s father. A twist or two of the plot and one short but suspenseful scene near the end keep things moving along.
All in all, “Beloved” is a fitting end to the series and I believe all the loose ends were tied up nicely. I always enjoy novels by Robin Lee Hatcher and this one was no exception.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Diana is ready to begin a new chapter in her life-until the husband she believed dead reappears at her engagement party.
Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word from him in years, Diana’s infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.
But when Tyson returns, claiming to be a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom.
He agrees with one condition—she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.
Learn more at her website.
“Beloved” iPad Mini Giveaway from Robin Lee Hatcher!
Robin Lee Hatcher is celebrating the release of her latest novel, Beloved, with an iPad Mini giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 15th. Winner will be announced November 16th at Robin’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin’s blog on the 16th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)!
by admin | Nov 6, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
What do you get when a Pinkerton detective and a Wells Fargo detective are working on the same case and each suspects the other? If it’s “Gunpowder Tea” by Margaret Brownley, you get a fun-filled, novel laced with just the right amount of humor, romance, danger and suspense. The sparks fly between Miranda and Jeremy despite their mutual suspicion. When the level of danger increases at the Last Chance Ranch, both Miranda and Jeremy are determined to find the “Phantom” before someone is seriously injured or killed.
It was nice to revisit characters from the previous two books of the series as well as getting to know Miranda and Jeremy. I loved Miss Eleanor’s explanation of the way the ranch got its name. I don’t remember it from the previous books but it has been awhile since I read them.
Margaret Brownley’s books have been on my must read list for awhile now and her Last Chance Ranch series has to be my favorite. As the third book in the series “Gunpowder Tea” is a fitting conclusion; however it can easily stand on its own. I can say that once you read it you will probably want to read the first two books also. I am sorry to see this series end but look forward to what Margaret has to offer her readers next.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.
When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom—an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.
But she isn’t the only one at the ranch with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggart is working undercover as well. Their true identities may be a secret, but it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the sparks flaring between them.
Neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they get to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets—and no one on the ranch is safe.
The longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers—and their lives—depend on solving this case. Love will just have to wait.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this–except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter at the time. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, “Maybe God’s calling you to write fiction.” So that’s what Margaret did. She’s now a New York Times bestselling author and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 25 novels to her credit. Her first non-fiction book “Grieving God’s Way: the Lasting Path to Hope and Healing” has won much critical acclaim. She is currently working on the third book in her “Brides of Last Chance Ranch series.” Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.
Learn more at Margaret’s website.
Win a Kindle Fire from Margaret Brownley and RSVP for “Tea with Margaret” on 11/7!
Margaret Brownley‘s latest release, Gunpowder Tea, is receiving high praise, and she’s celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a “Tea with Margaret” Facebook party!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the “Tea with Margaret” Facebook Author Chat Party on the 7th. Connect with Margaret and friends for an evening of book chat, prizes, and get an exclusive look at Margaret’s next book!
So grab your copy of Gunpowder Tea and join Margaret on the evening of November 7th 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 clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 11/7!
by admin | Nov 6, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
SILENT NIGHT AND HOLY NIGHT – CHRISTMAS NOVELLAS BY COLLEEN COBLE:
Holy Night: One sinister phone call has derailed their wedding. Will they let it tear them apart forever?
A Christmas wedding on the beach—what could be more perfect? Poinsettias and fragrant pikake blossoms, soft sand and mistletoe, the gentle sound of the surf and the wedding march played on a ukulele. This wedding has been a long time coming, with Bane’s trust issues and Leia’s worries about her childlike sister, Eva.
Now they can hardly wait for the day to arrive. Thrilled to be a bridesmaid, Eva keeps trying on her ruffled dress. The tent is reserved, the caterers paid. Everything is going as planned—until Leia’s phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that Eva’s been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation—and no police! If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she’ll risk her beloved sister’s life. But how can she ever handle this without his help? And how can he ever trust her if she lies to him now?
Purchase a copy of Holy Night: http://ow.ly/qbrG0
MY REVIEW:
“Holy Night” is a Christmas novella featuring familiar characters from Colleen Coble’s Aloha Reef series. Bane and Leia have finally planned a wedding when Leia’s special needs sister is kidnapped. As the wedding is postponed to meet the kidnapper’s demands, old issues once again rose to the surface and threatened to cancel the wedding forever. In the face of danger, Leia and Bane race against time to find Eva before it is too late. As expected everything ends well but not before putting everyone through their paces.
“Holy Night” is short but sweet and is a good way to catch up with your favorite people from one of Coble’s earlier series. It is the perfect read for a winter evening when you have only just a bit of time to indulge.
Silent Night:
As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.
Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior’s icy shore.As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?
Purchase a copy of Silent Night: http://ow.ly/qbrTE
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.
MY REVIEW:
Silent Night: For fans of Coble’s Rock Harbor series, “Silent Night” is a wonderful chance to catch up with Bree and Kade and their dog Samson as well as other familiar family and friends from previous novels in the series. With a wintery Christmas setting, the short novella offers a mystery that is quickly resolved as well as a surprise or two for Bree.
I enjoyed “Silent Night” but as a fan of all Coble’s books, I found it much too short. I have to admit that it would be humanly impossible for Colleen to write enough books to satisfy me.
A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR ROSE BY TRICIA GOYER:
Inspired by a true story, A Christmas Gift for Rose is a heartwarming novella of sacrifice and deep love.
Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind—Englischers? And was her intended’s gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?
Don’t miss award-winning author Tricia Goyer’s first Christmas novella.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbs31
About the Author: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.
Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.
MY REVIEW:
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a heart-warming historical Amish novella that takes place at the end of World War 2. Because of their pacifist beliefs, most Amish men chose not to enlist during the war and if they were drafted, chose to go to prison instead. Rose’s fiance Jonathan’s conscience would not let him rest until he enlisted as a medic to help the wounded men. Despite her love for Jonathan, Rose listened to the talk about him and decided she could no longer marry him. Already sad because of her decision, Rose’s world is shaken when a secret about her past is revealed.
Although “A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a shorter format novella, it is full of everything that I look for in a good book. The plot is to-the-point with few wasted words yet was satisfyingly complete. It was easy to become quickly caught up in Rose’s story and to share her joys and sorrows. Jonathan was a true hero in so many ways but his devotion to Rose was admirable.
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a perfect story to prepare for the upcoming Christmas season. Its theme of faith and family, love and loyalty, and most of all forgiveness is one with which most readers can identify.
PLAIN PEACE BY BETH WISEMAN:
A Daughters of Promise book.
Anna’s grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband.Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna’s grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna’s grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather’s oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.
Jacob Hostetler and his family have relocated to Lancaster County following a family tragedy in Ohio. As his family struggles to rebuild their lives, Jacob is forced to act as head of the household when his father is unable to cope with recent events. It’s been a long time since Jacob has felt any joy. Until he meets Anna Byler. But will Anna’s grandfather succeed at keeping them apart? And can Jacob put the past behind him and open his heart?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbsj7
About the Author: Beth is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She’s a former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including ‘First Place News Writing’ for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is where her heart is. When Beth isn’t writing (which is seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!
Find out more about Beth at http://bethwiseman.com.
MY REVIEW:
“Plain Peace” may be the most entertaining Amish novel I have read thus far. Although it deals with several serious issues and delivers a strong message of faith, this novel is peppered with so many humorous incidents that it kept me amused the entire time it took to read it. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Anna’s grandmother.
Although essentially an Amish novel, “Plain Peace” could easily be about any believers in Christ. We all deal with tragedy and loss much the same way and our emotions are common to all humans. I loved the way that the author was able to communicate several valuable lessons on forgiveness, reconciliation, and reaching out in love rather than judgement. Such a fitting story for the upcoming holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Celebrate Christmas early with Colleen Coble, Tricia Goyer, and Beth Wiseman!
Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction are hosting the 12 Days of Christmas! They’ve teamed up with three of their authors for a Merry Facebook Party on November 12th {5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern}. Colleen, Tricia, and Beth will host an evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, and of course plenty of presents!
But wait! There’s more! Each day between now and November 12th a different book (10 copies of each book) will be given away on the Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Facebook Page. Ring in the holiday season and warm your heart with some great reads from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan!
Click here to ENTER each day’s giveaway here.
RSVP for the Christmas Party here!
Good luck and hope to see you on the evening of the 12th!
