by admin | Nov 4, 2013 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTraces of MercyDavid C. Cook (October 1, 2013)byMichael Landon Jr. and Cindy KelleyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
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Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values.
At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.
Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Traces of Mercy is one of those novels that grabbed me from the beginning so that I didn’t want to put it down until I had reached the end. Then I was so unhappy that it was over. I will find it difficult to wait for the next installment of the Mercy Medallion Trilogy.
Vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings set the stage for an unusual but nevertheless engrossing story. There were times that I did not approve of Mercy’s decisions and/or actions but I was still able to sympathize with the desperation that drove her. Rand was never my choice for Mercy. I always felt he was just a somewhat spoiled rich boy but he did redeem himself by his generous aid to Mercy at the end. Elijah Hale did not play a very prominent role until the last part of the story but I hope to read more of his story in the next book. There were certainly several unexpected twists that I didn’t see coming.
Traces of Mercy may be one of the best books I have read this year and there have been many that I would rate as extremely good. It is a “don’t miss” book, especially of those who love historical fiction.
by admin | Nov 1, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Liz Tolsma is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect when I agreed to review “Snow on the Tulips”. I am happy to say that there was absolutely no reason to be concerned. The story grabbed me immediately and I was not ready to give it up when I reached the final page.
“Snow on the Tulips” was so well written that I almost felt as if I were there with the characters and experiencing everything they experienced – the fear, the anger, the determination, the hopelessness, the deprivation, and the grief. I could also identify with Cornelia’s feeling that God did not listen to her prayers. It is beyond my imagination how citizens of countries occupied by Nazi forces were able to function day to day with the ever present threat of those cruel and unfeeling men. I knew very little about the Dutch resistance during World War 2 but found their story both fascinating and inspiring.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity, another new author has been added to my Must Read list. “Snow on the Tulips” kept me spellbound until the end and I am in hopes that a sequel is in the works. I would recommend this novel to anyone, both male or female, especially those who enjoy historical fiction of this era.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.
The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.
As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.
She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Liz’s website.
A splendid debut novel! With a tender romance, a gripping plot, and a well-researched setting, Snow on the Tulips drew me in to the harrowing uncertainty of life in the Netherlands under Nazi rule. Liz Tolsma’s beautiful story kept me up at night—not just wondering what would happen to her endearing characters, but wondering what I would do in similar circumstances. Do not miss this book!
Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of With Every Letter
This book was a fascinating look at WWII from the Netherlands perspective, one I hadn’t heard before. It captured my interest and wouldn’t give it back until the last page!
CBA Retailers and Resources
Tolsma crafts strong characters and easy-to-visualize scenes. The inherent danger of the Nazi occupation is apparent. Relevant biblical connections remind the reader that God is always in control, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Tolsma’s story is a way to remember the past and those who gave their lives for freedom. A German and Dutch glossary is included.
4 Star Romantic Times Review
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com.
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
Liz Tolsma is celebrating the release of her novel, Snow on the Tulips, by giving away an Amazon Reading Pack to one lucky winner.
Find out what readers are saying about the book here.
One winner will receive:
- A $50 Amazon gift card
- Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 18th at Liz’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz’s blog on the 18th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox! Just enter your email address on the left sidebar of her blog.)
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
by admin | Oct 27, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Smoky Mountains
MY REVIEW:
“My Hope is Found” is the third and final book in Joanne Bischof’s excellent Cadence of Grace series. I suppose this novel could be enjoyed as a stand-alone without having read the previous two volumes but why would anyone want to do so? Only by starting at the very beginning can one reap the full benefit of Gideon and Lonnie’s story as they weather the storms of life through the grace of God who provides them with hope.
As the book opens, Gideon has been set free from his obligations to Cassie who has sent him home to Lonnie. Naturally it just couldn’t be that simple and Gideon soon finds out just how complicated life can be. When he finally makes it back home he finds that Lonnie has another man in her life who is not willing to give her up easily. Trials and tribulation abound as Gideon seeks to prove himself to Lonnie despite his own doubts that he is the right man for her.
“My Hope is Found” is a deeply moving story that contains several surprising twists. Once again Bischof has penned a compelling tale that perfectly complements the first two books of this series. The entire series is so beautifully written with memorable characters. I won’t soon forget Lonnie and Gideon’s story and the books will gain a permanent space on my bookshelf. If you don’t read another series this year, find a way to read the Cadence of Grace series if at all possible.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah
Publishing Group’s Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gideon O’Riley has been given another chance at a life with Lonnie.
But will the fight for her heart risk it all over again?
After finally finding love with his sweet bride Lonnie, Gideon’s heart was torn when a woman from his past claimed to be his true and rightful wife, forcing him away from his family. God’s merciful hand saw Gideon through the heartache, and with Cassie’s blessing, he is able to return home. Though his journey back through the Blue Ridge Mountains will hold a trial he never anticipated.
Meanwhile, Lonnie determines to seal off her heart from Gideon, convinced he is lost to her forever. Strengthening her resolve to move on is the fondness she has for the handsome Scotsman, Toby McKee—the young reverend she has come to care deeply for. His proposal of marriage offers a bright future for her and her young son.
Yearning to allow joy back into her life, Lonnie must put aside the broken pieces of her heart that still love Gideon. When he returns to find her betrothed to another, he has to place his hope in God, trusting that the One who redeemed their love once can do it again.
Read the first chapter HERE.
What others are saying about “My Hope Is Found”:
“A tender story, told with loving care, My Hope Is Found takes many a twist and turn, as Lonnie must choose between two good men. Her struggle is genuine, and the outcome remains deliciously uncertain until the joy-filled ending.” —Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times best-selling author of Mine is the Night
“Joanne has hit a home run with her Cadence of Grace series, and this book wraps up the story nicely. But I was never sure of the ending—either man could have made her happy—until the end. With memorable characters and struggles aplenty, this is the kind of story that will have readers telling their friends, ‘You’ve got to read these books.’” —Lauraine Snelling, author of the Red River North series
“In My Hope is Found, God’s grace and tender mercies bloom in the rugged hills of early 1900s Appalachia. The familiar characters of the Cadence of Grace series live out the delicious tension of romance and reason, heartache and hope—discovering the true measure of love and lasting peace. If you need a healthy dose of hope for a pesky case of hopelessness, this one is a must-read.” —Mesu Andrews, author of Love Amid the Ashes
“Joanne has the rare talent of creating such compelling characters and story worlds that I wish her books would never end.” —Serena B. Miller, RITA Award–winning author of The Measure of Katie Calloway
“This deeply moving conclusion to the Cadence of Grace series will captivate your heart and keep you turning pages. Once again Joanne Bischof brings her well-drawn characters and beautiful setting to life in an intricately woven tale of faith and love that will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend it!” —Carrie Turansky, author of The Governess of Highland Hall
“A soaring conclusion to the Cadence of Grace series! With lyrical phrasing, Joanne Bischof blends measures of faith, hope, and love into pitch-perfect, soul-stirring harmony sure to resonate in every reader’s heart. Bravo!” —Jocelyn Green, award-winning author of the Heroines Behind the Lines series
“In My Hope is Found, gifted storyteller Joanne Bischof writes of redemption and reconciliation. Her characters stepped off the page and into my heart as I held my breath over their heartbreaks, disappointed dreams, and ultimate choices, all skillfully woven through with spiritual truths. Bischof has found her calling as a writer.” —Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star
“Amid the beauty of the Appalachians, Lonnie Sawyer O’Riley finds herself in an impossible situation created by her beloved Gideon’s wild past. Having no choice but to give him up and move on, she clings to stubborn hope that all will yet be well, somehow. Like a mountain trail, the story winds through sunlight and shadow, through love and despair, with glimpses of grace at every turn. My Hope Is Found is another keeper from Joanne Bischof.” —Meg Moseley, author of Gone South
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Married to her first sweetheart, Joanne Bischof lives in the mountains of Southern California where she keeps busy making messes with their home-schooled children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, writing, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. Be Still My Soul is her first novel.
by admin | Oct 25, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Perfectly Matched” relates the story of newly marrieds Edward Palmer and his mail-order bride Anna who are definitely not perfectly matched by most standards. Edward is a skilled at making and repairing clocks and watches and expects his life and home to work with the same precision as his creations. He is somewhat obsessive-compulsive and is not at all certain how to relate to his free-spirited new wife. Anna is an inexperienced homemaker but is determined to work hard to make her marriage work; however her penchant for rescuing animals tends to cause disruption in the Palmer home as well as some misunderstandings. One thing the pair do seem to have in common is strong physical attraction which leads to frequent scenes that some may find uncomfortable although nothing graphic is shared.
Both Anna and Edward are set in their ways but little by little each learns to compromise and to allow their differences to be complimentary rather than divisive. A strong message about the importance of trust in a marriage is evident.
While not my favorite novel by Maggie Brendan, “Perfectly Matched” was nevertheless entertaining with several quite humorous incidents and contained some good historical background as well.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
His life runs like clockwork. Hers is a spontaneous adventure.
But God’s timing is always perfect.
Anna Olsen knows it’s time to leave her sister’s increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following both sisters’ examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife.
Almost immediately it’s painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
“Once again, Maggie Brendan has created a refreshing read with a powerful heroine and a hero to match. Readers will especially love the devotion given to animals in this charming historical romance.”–Kelly Long, bestselling author of A Patch of Heaven series
Read an excerpt from “Perfectly Matched” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maggie Brendan is the bestselling author of several books, including the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series. She was a 2013 finalist for the Published Maggie Award of Excellence, a 2013 finalist for the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, a 2012 finalist for Inspirational Reader’s Choice award, and a recipient of the 2004 ACW Persistence Award in Atlanta. She is a member of the ACFW; Author’s Guild; Romance Writers of America; Faith, Hope, and Love; and Georgia Romance Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, researching for her novels, and spending time with her family. You can follow her at her website, her blog , and on Facebook and Twitter @MaggieBrendan.
by admin | Oct 22, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGreetings from the FlipsideB&H Books (October 15, 2013)byRene GutteridgeABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Rene GutteridgeRene is the author of seventeen novels. She also has extensive experience writing comedy sketches, and worked for five years as the director of drama for a church. She has a degree specializing in Screenwriting, for which she earned the Excellence in Mass Communication Award, and graduated magna cum laude.
She is married to Sean, a musician and worship leader, and has two children. They reside in Oklahoma, where Rene writes full time and enjoys instructing in college classrooms and writers conferences.
Learn more about Rene on her Website.
Cheryl McKay
Cheryl McKay has been professionally writing since 1997. Cheryl wrote the screenplay for The Ultimate Gift, based on Jim Stovall’s novel. The award-winning film stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy, and Abigail Breslin and was released in theaters by Fox in 2007. Cheryl also wrote the DVD for Gigi: God’s Little Princess, another book adaptation based on the book by Sheila Walsh, as well as the Wild and Wacky, Totally True Bible Stories audio series and books with Frank Peretti. Her screenplay, Never the Bride, has been adapted into a novel for Random House Publishers and was released in June 2009. She also released Finally the Bride: Finding Hope While Waiting, the non-fiction version of Never the Bride. She penned the film script for “A Friend for Maddie”. She recently released her autobiography, Finally Fearless: Journey from Panic to Peace. Cheryl and her husband live in Los Angeles.
Visit her website HERE or the ministry she runs with her husband, HERE.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hope Landon has been rewriting other people’s greeting cards since she was six years old — there’s always a funnier caption. She’s all set to chase those creative dreams with her musician fiance in New York City until he leaves Hope at the altar, deciding he must not really love this girl if he can’t write a song for her. That may give her something to write about . . .
Hope disappears alone on what was supposed to be the couple’s month long honeymoon. Upon returning she learns of her funeral — everyone in her life concluded Hope must have killed herself after being jilted. Needing a fresh start more than ever, she heads for the Big Apple only to discover it’s not that easy to rent a place when you’ve been declared dead.
Taking shelter at the YWCA, Hope soon lands a job at a Christian inspirational greeting card company as an assistant to Jake, a guy who shut down his organization’s humor department. She has lost her faith in love; he needs to find something or someone that will make him laugh.
Is there anything in the cards for these two? Find out in the truly original Greetings from the Flipside by authors Rene Gutteridge (Boo) and Cheryl McKay (screenplay for The Ultimate Gift).
If you would like to read the first chapter of Greetings from the Flipside, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Having read several books by Rene Gutteridge, I was aware that her sense of humor can at times be somewhat unusual. I was a bit unprepared for what I found when I began reading Greetings from the Flipside. I was almost tempted to close its covers and resort to the cut and paste promotion and leave it at that. After all I had a huge stack of books waiting to be read and reviewed. I could justify skipping one of them – couldn’t I? Then it clicked. I suddenly realized what was going on and my interest was caught. I continued to read and actually enjoyed the process.
Now I don’t know quite how to review this book without revealing too much so I will stay away from the plot as much as possible. I will say that the book is two stories in one that are concurrent. One takes place in real time while the other is what is happening in Hope’s mind as she lies in a coma following a head injury. Sections titled “GREETINGS FROM MY LIFE” describe Hope’s coma induced dreams that seem to feed off the people who enter her hospital room and things she hears and smells. Characters, both real and imagined, are interesting and sometimes quirky. Situations Hope experiences during her coma are sometimes bizarre. Yet somehow Hope’s subconscious mind has some lessons she needs to learn and fortunately Hope connects with the truth before it is too late.
Greetings from the Flipside is probably one of the more unusual novels I have ever read but it is also one of the most intriguing. If you are looking for something different than the usual contemporary romance novel, Greetings from the Flipside might just be one to try.
by admin | Oct 18, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Bride for KeepsBethany House Publishers (October 1, 2013)byMelissa JagearsA Word From The Author:
I am a stay at home mother on a tiny little farm with a fixer-upper house. As much as I love writing and reading about homesteaders, I am so glad I’m a homesteader during an era with modern grocery stores to take up for my slack. I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher by trade, and I still work occasionally in that field along with being my church’s financial secretary and writing novels.
My husband and I have been married since 2001 and have a daughter and two little boys. My husband shares my fascination with traditional living except for being more hands on. He loves blacksmithing, knife smithing, traditional archery, hunting, etc. Generally whatever a mountain man does, he does it or has or wants to attempt it. He comes in handy for research! And of course, the rest of the family gets involved. I have my own blackpowder rifle, named Calvin, that my husband made for me. And I’m pretty sure my daughter is probably one of very few her age who can instruct adults how to shoot a longbow properly. The boy digs random holes in my yard to make “cement” with dirt and water making our yard a tripping hazard. The baby does what babies do.
Learn more about Melissa and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Tender Tale of Love on the Prairie Perfect for CBA Readers!
Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won’t humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again–not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She’s the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, and it’s just not possible she’s there to marry a simple homesteader like him.
Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she’s determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.
Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride for Keeps, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Poor Everett has given up on finding a wife…the woman he loved married another man. He tried mail order brides but that didn’t work out either…two married others and one died on her journey to Kansas. Marriage just must not be in God’s plan for Everett’s life. Julia is running from her past and hoping for a new life. She has no other choice but to marry but hopes for a platonic understanding. She is done with men but is willing to work hard for security. Brought together by the wife of Everett’s best friend, they agree to marry but each of them is so deeply wounded that a real marriage seems impossible.
A Bride for Keeps is a story filled with one misunderstanding after another. Julia is stubbornly determined to help in every way she can, often at her own risk but has difficulty accepting any offer of kindness from Everett. In turn, Everett believes that Julia’s insistence on keeping her distance must be because of something lacking in him. I will admit that at times I grew a bit weary of the misunderstandings but by the end of the book I understood their purpose.
The characters will touch your heart and the strong message of faith is encouraging. Although A Bride for Keeps is her first novel, Melissa Jagears is an author to keep an eye on. I know I will be watching for her next book.
