by admin | Nov 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Change of FortuneBethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)
by
Jen TuranoABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen grew up in the small town of St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she spent an idyllic childhood riding her purple spider bike, ice-skating on a little pond and reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon books in her tree house. High School was, surprisingly enough, fabulous as Jen spent time with her girlfriends. She headed off to college with no idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up, but settled on pursuing a career in fashion because she thought it sounded glamorous. Her parents thought she’d lost her mind, but they resigned themselves to her choice and after earning a BA degree in Clothing and Textiles, Jen set off to take the fashion world by storm, only to discover retail was certainly not the glamorous career she’d imagined it would be. She moved to Buffalo, New York to take a job in the buying office of a large department store, learning all there was to know about cookware, which again, was hardly glamorous, especially to a girl who did not have a knack for cooking. She met her future husband, Al, a few months after taking this job and eight months later, they were married. After moving into management at another department store and working that for a few years, the company went out of business and Jen decided she’d had enough. One year later her son was born and Jen hung up her heels for good and concentrated on being a mom.
She began dabbling in writing when her son, then in elementary school, said he liked her made up stories as much as those in his books. It was then that she fired up the computer and never looked back.
Jen loves to write humorous stories with quirky characters and a dash of intrigue and finds historical romances especially appealing, seeing as how she’s been reading them since she was a teenager. Her mother gave her a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss, The Flame and the Flower, and Jen was hooked on the genre. When not reading romance, she loves to read mysteries, young adult and her favorite series of all time, Harry Potter.
Besides writing, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Learn more about Jen and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she’s determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.
Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society–all the female ones, at least–are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.
Eliza’s hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton’s path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza’s determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone’s antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.
When all of Hamilton’s and Eliza’s best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Change of Fortune, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
At a time when we are bombarded by negative news from every side, A Change of Fortune was a refreshing distraction. This novel is humorous and witty – nearly to the slapstick point at times. I loved the dining room scene near the beginning as Eliza had one mishap after another with her borrowed gown. Not only is the story filled with humor, it has plenty of action and suspense to keep it moving right along and a sweet romance for good measure. Eliza is a spunky and hard-headed but delightful heroine and Hamilton is the perfect hero who continued to stand by and support Eliza no matter what happened. Zayne and Agatha were just the right sidekicks during their escapades.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Change of Fortune and will be eagerly looking forward to Turano’s next release. It can’t come too soon for me.
by admin | Nov 7, 2012 | Amish, Books, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Courting CateBethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)
by
Leslie GouldABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Even though I knew I wanted to write fiction by the time I was in the sixth grade, as I grew older I pursued other things instead, such as majoring in history and communications, and then working as a museum curator, then a public relations specialist, and finally as a magazine editor. Once I finally started writing fiction, it was another ten years until I sold my first novel. By that time I’d been married for nearly 20 years and had four children of my own to read to.
In the decade since my first contract I’ve written fifteen books, from Beyond the Blue, a story about international adoption set in Vietnam, to Courting Cate, a retelling of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. No matter what I write, I aim to reveal truths about God’s love, beauty, and redemptive work in our lives. My goal is to connect more deeply to God, family, and friends through my writing. My hope is that my stories encourage readers to deepen their own connections too.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Amish farmer Pete Treger moves to Paradise Township, Pennsylvania, seeking a better life, he meets sisters Cate and Betsy Miller. Both are beautiful, but older sister Cate is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Betsy, on the other hand, is sweet and flirty–and seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
However, the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard and fast rule: elder sister must marry first, before the younger can even start courting. Unfortunately for poor Betsy, and for the men who want to court her, her older sister, Cate, doesn’t have any suitors–until Pete comes to town, that is.
Though he finds both sisters attractive, something about Cate’s feisty demeanor appeals to him. Soon the other bachelors in the district convince Pete to court Cate. She hardly seems receptive to his overtures, though. Instead, she’s immediately suspicious of his interest.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Courting Cate, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
An Amish romance novel based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew – what an interesting concept! Every time I think that there cannot possible be anything new under the sun as far as Amish fiction goes, I am reminded of how creative so many of our Christian fiction authors can be. Amish fiction is not my favorite genre but I keep reading it and am constantly being surprised by new and interesting plots.
I loved the character of Cate who had internalized her emotional wounds over the years. It had become so instinctual for her to be defensive with others that she didn’t realize how much her caustic reactions pushed people away. Pete’s arrival in Paradise Township changes everything. In a story rife with misunderstandings and difficulties, Cate is forced to meet some challenges head-on. What she doesn’t realize is that as she is being sifted, her spirit is undergoing some radical positive changes and her outlook on life also undergoes a major change.
Courting Cate is a fun read with a serious message. Fans of Shakespeare will probably find themselves looking for the similarities to The Taming of the Shrew.
by admin | Nov 7, 2012 | Books, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Breath of DawnBethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)
by
Kristen HeitzmannABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From the time my dad taught me to read at sit-on-the-floor school when I was four—launching me past kindergarten into 1st grade—I have loved learning and expressing what I know through art, music, and especially writing. Education came easily, and I grew accustomed to having my work read and displayed. But breaking out of the family mold, I left college to marry my husband Jim (celebrating our 29th this year.) Since then, life and all kinds of research have provided the grist for my stories. We have three awesome adult kids, and one incredible teenager. (You might think I’m biased, but ask anyone who knows them.)
While home schooling my four kids, I wrote my first novel. I pitched it for publication, and it became the first of a five book historical series. Since then, I have written three more historical novels and nine contemporaries. The Still of Night was nominated for the Colorado Book Award. The Tender Vine was a Christy Award finalist and Secrets won a Christy in 2005.
People often ask why I started writing, and I say to get the stories out of my head. Some say they’d like to write a book, but I say if you’re not wracked with labor pains, there are easier ways to express yourself. Being a writer is a solitary, eccentric, and often compulsive path. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Learn more about Kristen and her books HERE.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kristen Heitzmann Delivers Powerful New Romantic Suspense
Morgan Spencer has had just about all he can take of life. Following the tragic death of his wife, Jill, he retreats to his brother’s Rocky Mountain ranch to heal and focus on the care of his infant daughter, Olivia. Two years later, Morgan begins to make plans to return to his home in Santa Barbara to pick up the pieces of his life and career.
Quinn Riley has been avoiding her past for four years. Standing up for the truth has forced her into a life of fear and isolation. After a “chance” first meeting and a Thanksgiving snowstorm, Quinn is drawn into the Spencer family’s warm and loving world, and she begins to believe she might find freedom in their friendship.
The man Quinn helped put behind bars has recently been released, however, and she fears her past will endanger the entire Spencer family. As the danger heightens, she determines to leave town for the sake of the people who have come to mean so much to her.
Fixing problems is what Morgan Spencer does best, and he is not willing to let Quinn run away, possibly into the clutches of a man bent on revenge. But Morgan’s solution sends him and Quinn on an unexpected path, with repercussions neither could have anticipated.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Breath of Dawn, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Breath of Dawn is a gripping character-driven novel that I found extremely difficult to put down. I was also quite sad to reach its end. Featuring several members of the Spenser family from the author’s earlier books A Rush of Wings and The Still of Night, The Breath of Dawn focuses primarily on Morgan Spenser and a new heroine Quinn Erin Riley. Several of these characters are almost bigger-than-life yet so realistically normal at the same time. Each supporting character is integral to the story and the same attention to detail has been allotted to them as to the main characters. Even Morgan’s toddler daughter Livie played an important role.
For the greatest enjoyment, The Breath of Dawn is a book that should be read without too much advance information so I won’t attempt to describe its plot. The story advances at a steady pace with plenty of time allowed for the reader to get to know the characters. The suspense does not take a prominent role for awhile but hovers menacingly in the background and builds to a climax near the end. The romance between Morgan and Quinn is one of the best I have read in some time and I loved how their characters were developed. A strong spiritual message was woven seamlessly throughout the narrative and illustrated so well how God works in our lives even when we aren’t particularly paying attention.
There is absolutely nothing that I can criticize in The Breath of Dawn except for the fact that it ended. It is another fine example of why I make it a point to read every book written by Kristen Heitzmann.
by admin | Nov 3, 2012 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“A Flight of Fancy” has a little bit of everything – an on-again-off-again romance, a spunky heroine who defies the norm for her era, a handsome, dedicated suitor, blackmail, adventure, humor, action, and intrigue. Someone wants to kill the hero Geoff, a reluctant Duke, and heroine Cassandra Bainbridge is also in danger because of her close relationship to him. Recovering from injuries suffered in a terrible accident, Cassandra is convinced she is being punished by God because of her “improper” attraction to her fiance Geoff. For this reason she spends nearly the entirety of the book trying to convince herself and Geoff that they should not be together. In the midst of the somewhat tiresome back and forth between Cassandra and Geoff, several more mysterious and dangerous incidents occur that escalate the mystery surrounding them.
Although I had a suspicion about one particular character’s involvement in the threats, the motivation and other person involved came as total surprises to me. Several scenes were quite enjoyable, especially Geoff’s unplanned balloon ride. Spiritual content was present but not as strong as I would have liked it to be. Overall “A Flight of Fancy” was an enjoyable novel and one sure to please those who enjoy a regency romance with a twist of intrigue.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Daughters of Bainbridge House Series- #2
Filled with the mystique of London society and the charming beauty of the English countryside, A Flight of Fancy explores what it means to find the true source of happiness and love amid the distractions of life. Readers will love the next installment in this rousing Regency series from accomplished author Laurie Alice Eakes.
Cassandra Bainbridge has twice set aside her scholarly pursuits–once for the London Season and once for her wedding preparations. Love seems a wonderful alternative to study, until disaster strikes. When an accident brings an end to her betrothal, she heads for the country to recover from both her injuries and her broken heart. There she pursues her love for ballooning and envisions a future for herself as a daring aeronaut. But when her former fiancé slips back into her life, what course will she choose?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of Lady in the Mist, A Necessary Deception, Heart’s Safe Passage, and several other novels. She won a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007 for Family Guardian. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.
“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
by admin | Oct 31, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Beyond the Storm
Abingdon Press (October 2012)
by
Carolyn ZaneABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author of 35 books, wife, mother and yes…hot (flasher) lives with her fabulous husband, Matt and their 5 children and 3 dogs in the scenic Willamette Valley in Oregon. When asked to describe her family, Carolyn likens her crowd to the
Brangelia Bunch saying modestly, “Only we’re better looking.” Right now,Carolyn is back in the saddle with her new title: Beyond The Storm, coming out in October 2012! In the mean time, be sure to catch her on the critically acclaimed TOOHOTMAMAS Blog where Carolyn and Wendy tackle Marriage, motherhood and menopause: How to do all three and stay out of prison! They are hilarious! You’ll wet yourself, guaranteed! Visit them at: www.toohotmamas.wordpress.com.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a tornado rips through her town, salon owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress in the rubble. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds—her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed—and stashes them in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?”
As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness in light of the destruction, Abigail helps piece together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in the hope that it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart. Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Beyond the Storm, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
As far as I am aware, I have never read one of Carolyn Zane’s books. After having the opportunity to read and review Beyond the Storm, I will happily read more of her books in the future. Broken down into three main sections – before, during, and after the storm, this novel almost made me feel as if I were right there experiencing the storm with its characters. The characters are so well developed that they seemed like friends by the end of the book.
Although I have never experienced a direct tornado, I am in an area that has its share of warnings and I have seen more than one funnel cloud that came way too close. We also live close enough to have witnessed the aftermath of more than one tornado in our general area. I thought the author did a remarkable job of describing what it must be like to go through such a horrendous experience.
The romance between Abigail and Justin seemed natural although it developed quickly. It was a good example of how tragedy can often reveal the true inner person and also how shared disaster can bring people closer together. Abigail’s Aunt Selma was a pivotal character who loved, encouraged, and guided many of the other characters to make the right choices for their lives. I loved the way that the disaster brought out the best in people who came together to help their neighbors and to rebuild their town.
Beyond the Storm is a suspense-filled story that has just enough levity to keep it from becoming too heavy. It also contains a timely lesson for those of us who question why God allows tragedy in the lives of those who love and follow Him.
by admin | Oct 31, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
The storyline of “Tangled Ashes” vacillates between modern day Lamorlaye, France and it’s World War 2 history during the Nazi occupation of France. Each section is set primarily in the ancient castle of Lamorlaye with its modern tale focusing on the renovation of the castle and the historical narrative about the Nazi’s use of the castle as a maternity hospital for the women who were to bear the perfect children for Germany’s future. For most of the book, the only connection evident between the two eras was the common location but as the story neared the end the relationship became more clear.
The primary character, Marshall Becker was a most unpleasant fellow – angry, rude, an alcoholic, and thoroughly unlikeable. Although he improved somewhat by the end, I was never able to develop much sympathy for him and his problems. Jade may have been a more likeable person but I didn’t feel that I learned quite enough about her personal feelings to identify with her either. The history of the castle was interesting as far as it went but I would have liked that story to have been expanded a bit more. Overall the book had a lot going for it but I personally felt that it did not quite reach its full potential. I am certain that this is largely due to my own preferences and not any shortcomings of the author.
This book was provided for review by Handlebar Marketing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Marshall Becker arrives in Lamorlaye, France, to begin the massive renovation of a Renaissance-era castle, he unearths a dark World War II history few in the village remember. The project that was meant to provide an escape for Becker instead becomes a gripping glimpse into the human drama that unfolded during the Nazi occupation and seems to live on in midnight disturbances and acts of vandalism.
Populated with a cast of complex characters, “Tangled Ashes” follows Becker’s exploration of the castle’s shadowy past as he seeks to cope with an unbearable present. From the virtually mute recluse who lives in the gatehouse to the feisty and enigmatic nanny of the owner’s children, every one of the château’s inhabitants seems to have something to hide and something to survive—but none more so than Becker himself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in France to an American mother and a Canadian father, Michele Phoenix is an international writer with multi-cultural sensitivities. A graduate of Wheaton College, she taught writing, music, and theater at the boarding school for missionaries’ children she attended in Germany as a teenager. She currently works for Global Outreach Mission as an advocate for Third Culture Kids, helping them transition back into North American culture and educating stateside churches and missions about the special needs of this people group. Michele lives in Wheaton, Illinois. Visit www.michelephoenix.com for more information.
