by admin | Jul 16, 2013 | Books, Gold Rush, Historical, Romance, San Francisco, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingIn Golden Splendor• B&H Books (July 15, 2013)byMichael ReynoldsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copy writing, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.
Learn more about Michael and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage — a letter with a picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush.
Moved by her written plea for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley.
Battered but changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn is about to begin.
If you would like to read the first chapter of In Golden Splendor, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
In Golden Splendor is the second novel in Michael Reynolds’ The Heirs of Ireland series that features members of the Hanley family. Although Seamus is the primary character in this installment, other members of the family are featured to varying degrees.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once the groundwork was laid, I was along for the ride to the very end. The narrative contained a perfect blend of adventure, danger, suspense, romance and interesting historical facts. I love the way I learned new things while enjoying a good tale. Strong characters and a credible plot kept the story moving right along and the secrets of several characters were revealed at just the right time. Most important was the strong Christian theme that emphasized that no one is past God’s forgiveness and to just trust Him when everything seems to be impossible.
I recommend both In Golden Splendor and the first book in the series, “Flight of the Earls” and am looking forward to the final novel “Songs of the Shenandoah”, scheduled for publication in January 2013.
by admin | Jul 11, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Trouble In Store” is an entertaining western romance that would be a good take-along for summer vacation. The plot gets off to a bit of a slow start but picks up speed as the story progresses. The narrative is filled with adequate drama, humor, romance and even murder and mystery to hold the attention of most readers. Interesting historical details add to the authenticity of the story.
It is obvious that someone in town is up to no good and most of the suspicious action takes place in the vicinity of the mercantile run by Caleb Nelson and Melanie Ross. The problem is, there are several potential suspects – including Caleb and Melanie. With the danger increasing almost daily and the townspeople jumping to all kinds of conclusions, Caleb and Melanie might just have to settle their differences and work together if they and their business are to survive.
I’ll admit that I did not always like Melanie – especially the way she manipulated her way into the mercantile which seemed dishonest to me. I can understand that her actions were those of a desperate person who had suddenly found herself without a job or a home and had no family to turn to after the death of her cousin George. Fortunately, Melanie did prove herself to be a valuable asset both to the store and to the community and everything ended well.
All in all, I enjoyed the time I spent reading “Trouble In Store” and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance with an old west theme.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let an obstinate woman with newfangled ideas ruin all he’s worked for. In hope of turning her interest elsewhere, he determines to get Melanie married off, and luckily, there are many single men in town quite willing to take her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn’t want her to marry any of them. He’s drawn to her more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store offer unexpectedly positive results.
But someone doesn’t want the mercantile to succeed, and threatening words have escalated into destruction and danger. Will Melanie and Caleb’s business–and budding romance–survive the trouble that’s about to come their way?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play–within view of the family’s front porch. Visit her website at www.authorcarolcox.com.
by admin | Jul 8, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGroundedWorthy Publishing (May 7, 2013)byNeta and Dave JacksonABOUT THE AUTHORS:
As a husband/wife writing team, we are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together we are the authors or coauthors of over 120 books. (You can see our Publication Record by clicking HERE.) In addition to writing several books about Christian community, we have been privileged to coauthor numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.
But over the years the we have especially enjoyed writing for children and young people! This includes our award-winning TRAILBLAZER series, historical fiction about great Christian heroes and heroines for young people ages 8-12, and the four-volume HERO TALES: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Great Christians, and the companion book, Heroes in Black History.
Somewhere along the way, our own children grew up! Son Julian is Director of Experience Design for the Alder Planetarium in Chicago where he “provides the experience of exploring space” for visitors. He has two sons, Liam Isaac and Elijah David. Daughter Rachel graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and after working in the field of rape-crisis prevention went on to earn a Masters Degree in counseling from the University of Illinois. She is now a counselor at “Uni High School” in Champaign, Illinois. She is the loving mother of Havah Noelle (our first grandchild!) and Noah Zion, our youngest grandchild. The Jackson family also includes a Cambodian foster daughter, Samen Sang, who has four children.
We live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years we were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. We are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.
Learn more about Dave and Neta and their books on their Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
…But Hope May Be Just Across the Street
Grace Meredith is a beloved contemporary Christian recording artist whose career–and personal life–hits unexpected turbulence. She feels grounded–in more ways than one.
Grace s fiancé, bothered by her outspoken stance on purity and her near-constant travel, has broken off their relationship. Exhausted and unable to continue her current concert schedule, Grace returns home to Chicago, where she is soon stranded in a major snowstorm. Facing new questions about her future and her faith, Grace finds herself connecting for the first time with the residents of her neighborhood. What she discovers in these unexpected relationships could change everything.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
The first in the Windy City Neighbors series, Grounded is an uplifting, contemporary story about ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. The series employs the innovative storytelling technique of parallel novels, each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters lives become intertwined and affect one another. Grounded welcomes you to Beecham Street–a typical, isolated American neighborhood that might just be a place of hope.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Grounded, go Here.
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed quite a few novels by the Jacksons and love how many of the characters tend to pop up in more than one book. I also like the fact that I can count on each and every one of the books to contain at least one scene that will bring me to tears and/or bless my socks off. Grounded definitely met all my expectations.
I will have to agree with other reviewers who did not find Grace to be a very likeable character – at least at first. She definitely had some issues but as I got to know her better as the story progressed, it was easier to understand what motivated her actions. It was gratifying to me to watch what happened once she caught hold of the true meaning of grace and what it meant to her personally. Grounded may have gotten off to a bit of a slow start but it is SO worthwhile to continue to its end.
There was a little romance, some humor, and even a touch of suspense but Grounded was essentially a story about grace and finding God’s plan for your life as well as a major emphasis on the importance of prayer. I really want to be just like Estelle when I grow up.
by admin | Jul 5, 2013 | Adventure, Books, Historical, Nautical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I open the pages of a new novel by MaryLu Tyndall there are several things I know I can count on – an exciting adventure on the sea, most likely with some mystery and suspense, a turbulent romance, and an uncompromised message of faith. I am pleased to say that I found all of that and more within “Forsaken Dreams”. Even its gorgeous cover hints at what I found inside.
A varied group of Southerners have responded to an advertisement to leave the post-Civil war south to help set up a community in Brazil. Once aboard the ship where they will live in close quarters for weeks, they quickly find that it will not be an easy journey. The ship is plagued with a number of unexpected incidents from the very beginning, some of which remain unexplainable. As the story progresses, it is evident that many of the passengers harbor secrets that could affect the others. At times their very survival is questionable.
I admired Eliza. Because of poor choices in her past, she had hoped that one major secret would not be revealed. When it came to light the reactions of many of the passengers were very negative (to say the least) but Eliza continued to treat their medical problems with love and forgiveness which eventually won most of them over. Although Colonel Blake Wallace had fallen in love with Eliza, he could not bring himself to forgive her for her past.
I loved everything about this book. Although some secrets were revealed, many more were not. Although the book ended on a positive note, a sense of brooding darkness remained. Of course that is the perfect setup for the next novel in the Escape to Paradise series, “Elusive Hope”. I for one can’t wait for its November release.
This book was provided for review by The Bookclub Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They Left Everything behind to Build a New Southern Utopia.
Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall. After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new Utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But will dangers from the sea and from man keep them from the peace and love they long for?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamed of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida’s Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than ten books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.
by admin | Jul 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Small Town Girl” revisits the small town of Rosey Corner five years after the end of “Angel Sister”. The year is 1941 and the news is full of Hitler’s war in Europe and U. S. negotiations with Japan. Although the townspeople are unsettled by the unknown future, life in Rosey Corner goes on as usual for the most part. Kate Merritt has grown into a lovely young woman who is able to wish her sister Evie happiness as she marries the man Kate has secretly loved since she was fifteen. Mike’s best man Jay Tanner decides to stay in town for awhile after the wedding when he is offered a job because he is so intrigued by whatever makes Kate different from the other women he has known. Kate’s apparent lack of interest surprises him and makes him more determined to gain her attention.
Ann Gabhart has once again penned what I would consider a classic novel. I loved the World War 2 era small town setting with its diverse mix of residents. It was fun catching up with Kate and her family as well as the others who played major roles in “Angel Sister”. As always a strong theme of faith and redemption is woven seamlessly into the story yet I never felt that the author was preaching at me. I also liked the lesson about finding out who God wants you to be rather than always trying to be who you think others want or listening to the lies of those who don’t really care.
“Small Town Girl” is a wonderful book that I would recommend to everyone who loves historical fiction with a nostalgic feel. This book can stand on its own but do yourself a favor and pick up “Angel Sister” too if you haven’t already read it. You will be so glad to know the rest of the Merritt family story.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Ann Gabhart weaves a timeless story of love, sacrifice and longing that will grip the heart and stir the spirit. In her gentle and textured style, Gabhart takes the reader back to a time when days moved slowly and life was simple. A world that was about to change forever.
In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town waits in anticipation as if holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of handsome best man Jay Tanner can’t draw her interest.
Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything. Kate’s friends are rushing to get married before the boys go off to war. The newspapers talk of women making airplanes and bombs. Everyone in town begins rolling bandages, planting victory gardens and collecting scrap metal. Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways, and when he enlists she can hardly breathe worrying about him getting killed. Could she truly be in love with him? And if she is, will she ever see him again?
Fans of Angel Sister will be thrilled to see Kate Merritt all grown up. New readers will find that Gabhart tells a beautiful story that will touch their hearts and win their loyalty.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more HERE.
by admin | Jul 2, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although “The Quarryman’s Bride” is the second book in Tracie Peterson’s Land of Shining Water series, it can easily stand on its own. The novel opens in the tragic aftermath of a tornado that took the lives of Emmalynne’s two younger sisters. In his grief, Emmalynne’s father forces her to leave her fiance to move with her remaining family to uphold the family tradition that the youngest daughter will care for her parents in their old age. Devastated, Emmalynne chose to honor her parents much to Tavin’s displeasure.
After a period of over ten years, the Knox family returns to their former home where her father has accepted employment at the Maclachlan quarry. Emmalynne’s mother has become a invalid so Emmalynne is responsible for making sure all the work is done; however conditions in their new home are primitive compared to their city home. Emmalynne’s father is still a tyrant who demonstrates no love to his family and she has lost all hope for happiness. Even the new doctor’s obvious interest is doomed to come to nothing. Tavin’s return home brings both pain and hope to Emmalynne who realizes she has never stopped loving him. Yet nothing has changed – there is no way they can ever be together.
Filled with raw emotion and a steadfast love, “The Quarryman’s Bride” was a thoroughly satisfying book. Peterson’s characters are so well developed that they invite the reader’s involvement in their lives. A beautiful story of reconciliation and redemption, it emphasizes the importance of reliance on God rather than oneself. I especially liked the changes in Emmalynne’s father after she chose to love him despite his harsh treatment of his entire family. A poignant tale with danger, drama, action, romance, and even a hint of mystery, “The Quarryman’s Bride” is an excellent choice for historical fiction lovers.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The latest book in the Land of Shining Waters series.
Peterson Hits the Bestseller Lists Again and Again!
Emmalyne Knox and Tavin MacLachlan were destined to be together…until the tragic deaths of Emmalyne’s youngest sisters. Family tradition mandates that the youngest daughter should remain single to care for her parents in their old age, and now that daughter is Emmalyne. Her father unyielding, Emmalyne surrenders to her duty, heartbroken. Tavin leaves town, equally devastated.
Years later, Emmalyne’s family moves, and she and Tavin meet again. Their feelings for each other are as strong as ever, but their painful past and Emmalyne’s father still stand between them. Soon both families are in the midst of the growing conflict rising between the workers at the granite quarry that Tavin’s father owns and operates. When a series of near-fatal accidents occur, Tavin must figure out who is behind the attacks before someone gets killed.
Bound by obligation, yet yearning for a future together, can Emmalyne and Tavin dare to dream that God could heal a decade-long wound and change the hearts of those who would stand in the way of true love?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com.
Find out more about Tracie at http://www.traciepeterson.com.
Tracie is celebrating with a “True Love” $200 Anthropologie giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party.
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Anthropologie gift card
- The Quarryman’s Bride and The Icecutter’s Daughter by Tracie Peterson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 8th. Winner will be announced at the “The Quarryman’s Bride” Facebook Author Chat Party on July 9th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also share an exclusive look at the next book in the Land of Shining Water series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of The Quarryman’s Bride and join Tracie on the evening of July 9th 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. Hope to see you on the 9th!
Be sure to head to Tracie’s FB page to enter to win a Tracie Peterson library! Click the banner for details.
