I am always on the lookout for books by new authors so I was glad for the chance to read Spring for Susannah, Catherine Richmond’s very first published novel. A historical romance set in Dakota territory, the story chronicles the experiences of a mail order bride and her new husband as they attempt to build a life together in their little sod home.
Both Susannah and Jesse had preconceived ideas about what their marriage would be but their expectations were slow to be realized. Jesse had looked forward to a wife who would be a companion to take away some of the loneliness of the long Dakota winters. What he got was a shy silent one who seemed to be afraid of him. Susannah had difficulty believing that anyone could possibly care for her and lived in fear that Jesse would send her away. As time passed, the couple grew to know each other better and love blossomed between them but they each had insecurities that prevented them from recognizing it. One disaster after another tested their endurance and their faith.
Spring for Susannah was a delight. Richmond’s characters were well developed and I cared about what happened to them. I could imagine myself there with them as I read the vivid descriptions of settings and events. Intimate moments between Susannah and Jesse were natural and tasteful. A spiritual message was woven naturally and unobtrusively throughout.
I look forward to future novels from Catherine Richmond and would recommend Spring for Susannah to all who enjoy Christian historical fiction.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.
With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister’s homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn’t see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.
In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn’t look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father’s veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse’s ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.
But Susannah’s feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can’t believe that Jesse’s praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.
Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist until a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelists critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max. She’s active in her church as the Director of Women’s Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer’s retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will Love Escape Her Grasp?
Life seems to be falling into place for Deborah Vandermark. On the cusp of finally marrying Christopher, the man who claimed her heart, she is devastated when he receives an urgent telegram. Bound to his family obligations, Christopher travels to Kansas City, uncertain of what he will find there.
When her fiancé returns to Texas, Deborah is faced with a very different future than she expected. She finds herself plagued with questions and uncertainty…about marriage, motherhood, and her passion to train as a physician. And when an old adversary reveals a contract that may spell ruin for Vandermark Logging, Deborah’s life seems to be spiraling out of control. Can Christopher and Deborah find a way to claim the future they long to share when so much stands in the way?
Hope Rekindled is a good example of the kind of book I have come to expect from Tracie Peterson. With strong characterizations and historic context and setting, Peterson has woven a story with dramatic and romantic elements interspersed with humor and suspense.
The third installment of the Striking a Match series, Hope Rekindled continues the story of the Vandermark family and their community. Christopher and Deborah seem to encounter even more hurdles as they attempt to plan their wedding. An unprincipled man’s relentless vendetta against the Vandermarks threatens the livelihood of the entire town and the White Hand of God, a group similar to the KKK, is a growing and violent menace. Yet when all appears to be hopeless, each of them must decide whether to trust in God or their own strength.
Although I feel that can be read as a stand-alone book, the previous books of this series contain valuable background that adds to its understanding and enjoyment. I have enjoyed this series and hope that Hope Rekindled is not the final installment because there are still some unresolved questions that I would like to see answered.
At the ripe old age of twenty-two, Emily’s great-aunts have decided that if they don’t quickly find her a husband she will end up an old maid. Unfortunately their idea of a suitable match is appalling. Realizing that no man would ever be interested in her and her clumsy tendencies, Emily has resigned herself to spinsterhood and is dedicated to promoting women’s rights until she sees the laws change.
The son of a banker, all Carter really wants to do is play baseball. He is good at it and believes he has what it takes to make a professional player. He is tired of trying to live up to his older brother’s sterling example and is determined to prove himself in his own way.
When the two young people literally run into each other their attraction is immediate but Emily’s poor self image makes it impossible for her to understand that Carter could possibly be interested in her. As their relationship develops, it is fraught with misunderstandings. Only as Emily and Carter come to grips with their own insecurities and learn to depend on the Lord and to trust others will they discover any hope for their future together.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Great Catch. The historical facts about the women’s suffrage movement and turn-of-the-century baseball added interest. The Lake Manawa setting took me back to a way of life I have only heard of through my late grandmother’s stories. A feisty heroine and a strong but sensitive hero are complemented by a lively supporting cast. The author has managed to weave an entertaining story filled with humor, drama, suspense, and romance while teaching some valuable spiritual lessons as well.
For those who enjoy a good historical romance, A Great Catch should definitely be on your to read list.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lake Manawa:
The Bloomer Girls Play The Owls and Suffragists Speeches Heard at Pavilion
“So sad. Almost a spinster.” Aunt Millie shook her head. “If we don’t do something soon, no man is going to want a woman that advanced in years.”
Author Lorna Seilstad delivers another wonderful novel for summer with A Great Catch (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3446-6, $14.00, May 2011). It’s 1901 in Lake Manawa, Iowa, a beautiful little lakeside resort in America’s heartland. Summer has arrived, along with all the seasonal activities at Lake Manawa: baseball, swimming, roller-skating, picnicking, strolling along the boardwalk, and listening to speeches by the suffragists.
Educating the women of Lake Manawa to their equal status as men and their voting rights, Emily Graham, a 22-year old suffragist tries to live her life independently and free from her meddling aunts who think she is bound for spinsterhood. They want to find a suitable husband among the resort guests for her. Emily prefers to decline their choices; she has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy suffragist life.
Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer at the resort before he is forced into the business world by his older brother.
When Emily crashes into Carter at a roller skating rink, life begins to change for both of them. Carter must choose what he enjoys most; Emily will have to decide what is most important to her.
A Great Catch takes you back to the turn of the century with endearing characters and incredible settings, all found in America’s heartland.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves and is a fresh voice in historical fiction with spirited and entertaining writing. She is a history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer. Seilstad draws her setting from her home state of Iowa. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
The Missions of Mercy series is just one more example of why Susan May Warren has become one of my favorite authors. I honestly believe the woman can write about anything and I love it all! Her books run the gamut from contemporary romance to historicals, to suspense thrillers. With settings all over the world, a varied cast of characters, and themes that can be lightly humorous or deadly intense, her novels have earned their place on my keeper bookshelf.
Published under the Love Inspired Suspense section of Harlequin Books, the three books of this series pack a serious punch for their small size. The three heroes are all retired special ops military men who own and/or work for a private security company in Europe. In each installment, one of the men is involved in a dangerous mission with a young woman and in the midst of their precarious exploits, love begins to bloom.
Although part of a series, each of these books can stand alone. Warren has done an excellent job providing well paced plots set against interesting backdrops with well rounded and realistic characters. Elements of faith are woven seamlessly and inconspicuously throughout the stories. Each novel has its share of nail biting moments and all end satisfactorily.
Don’t let the small size of these books fool you. There is a wealth of action and romance crammed between those covers. As always, I look forward to whatever Susan May Warren has up her sleeve for her next book.
Copies of these books were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
About The Missions of Mercy series:
Three heroes, all on missions of mercy, who discover that God not only saves us from evil, but from the darkness inside.
Point of No Return: An American boy and a warlord’s engaged daughter have disappeared-together-in an Eastern European border country. Only one man can find them in time to prevent an international meltdown-Chet Stryker. But Chet is taken aback when he realizes the boy is the nephew of Mae Lund, Chet’s former flame. When Mae insists on rescuing her relative herself, Chet knows he has to protect her from the enemy on their trail. Yet can he protect himself from falling for Mae again?
Mission: Out of Control: Brody “Wick” Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security agent-with a 100 percent mission success rate. No way is his new assignment changing that. Even if it’s protecting a diva American rock star while she’s on tour in Europe. Except Veronica “Vonya” Wagner isn’t just a beautiful celebrity used to having her way-she’s the daughter of a U.S. Senator. And she’s hiding a dangerous secret. When Wick discovers what’s at stake, how far over the line will he go to keep them both alive?
Undercover Pursuit: The only way to get security agent Luke Dekker to a wedding? An undercover mission as groomsman. He’ll bust the groom, a drug cartel heir, before anyone can say “I do.” Then Luke can escape all this love and romance nonsense-and the too pretty bridesmaid/agent assigned as his “fiancée” for the weekend. Until Luke discovers that sweet, vulnerable Scarlett Hanson isn’t his contact. Isn’t an agent. Isn’t trained for the high-stakes mission now trapping them both. And worse, Luke’s falling for her-which is not part of the assignment.
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.
Despite the fact that A Place of Peace is very similar to many of the other popular Amish themed books on the market, it was easy to read and had a fairly good plot. Most of the story centered on Miriam, a young woman who had left the Amish after she was blamed for the death of a baby and subsequently learned that her fiance Timothy was seeing another woman behind her back. After learning of her mother’s death, Miriam returned to her hometown for the funeral, hoping to renew her relationship with her family. Naturally, she encountered Timothy frequently.
This story made several twists and turns as secrets of the past were revealed. Eventually both Miriam and Timothy learned that each had been told lies about the other. Unfortunately that did not stop either of them from continuing to make poor decisions. At times I grew frustrated with just how stubborn and silly they both were acting. I also wondered how anyone could make such drastic decisions based on what they were told by one person.
As in most books of this genre, the prodigal Amish character finally decides that Amish life is the only life for them. I can understand somewhat the feeling of being a part of two very different worlds but not really fitting in either. I suppose the place of our roots may have the strongest call on us which would explain the decision to return to the Amish life. I just wish the authors wouldn’t imply that the Amish way of life is superior.
There are frequent scenes with vivid descriptions of food that are very tempting. Fortunately, the author has included a number of recipes for the dishes mentioned in the book; however none of them are appropriate for my current diet.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you’ll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman’s story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams … and secrets. You’ll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the ‘English’ way of life—and the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families. Miriam Lapp, who left the Amish community of Bird-in-Hand three years ago, is heartbroken when her sister calls to reveal that her mother has died suddenly. Traveling home to Pennsylvania, she is forced to face the heartache from her past, including her rift from her family and the breakup of her engagement with Timothy Kauffman. Her past emotional wounds are reopened when her family rejects her once again and she finds out that Timothy is in a relationship with someone else. Miriam discovers that the rumors that broke them up three years ago were all lies. However, when Timothy proposes to his girlfriend and Miriam’s father disowns her, Miriam returns to Indiana with her heart in shambles. When Miriam’s father has a stroke, Miriam returns to Pennsylvania, where her world continues to fall apart, leaving her to question her place in the Amish community and her faith in God.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amy Clipston is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery novels. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and currently works for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. Amy lives with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled-rotten cats. Visit her on the web at www.amyclipston.com.
When Ada Wentworth accepted a position as a lady’s companion in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, she planned for it to be a stepping stone toward her dream of owning her own hat shop. To her surprise, not only was the climate much different than her Boston home, but anti-Yankee sentiments were still prevalent in the area well after the end of the Civil War. And elderly Miss Lillian – well she was what they called a real pistol and expected far more from her than Ada had anticipated. And then there was Miss Lillian’s nephew Wyatt. If Ada hadn’t already been burned once, she might be just a little bit attracted to the man.
A well paced and compelling plot, realistic and appealing characters, and a charming setting kept me turning the pages of Beyond All Measure. The historical background added extra dimension to the narrative, especially the suspenseful elements generated by Klan activity. This story has it all – plenty of drama, action, conflict, mystery and danger tempered with a good measure of humor, friendships, faith, and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Beyond All Measure and look forward to future installments to the Hickory Ridge Romance series.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Unless she can trust God’s love to cast out her fears, Ada may lose the heart of a good man.
Ada Wentworth, a young Bostonian, journeys to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, in the years following the Civil War. Alone and nearly penniless following a broken engagement, Ada accepts a position as a lady’s companion to the elderly Lillian Willis, a pillar of the community and aunt to the local lumber mill owner, Wyatt Caldwell. Ada intends to use her millinery skills to establish a hat shop and secure her future.
Haunted by unanswered questions from her life in Boston, Ada is most drawn to two townsfolks: Wyatt, a Texan with big plans of his own, and Sophie, a mulatto girl who resides at the Hickory Ridge orphanage. Ada’s friendship with Sophia attracts the attention of a group of locals seeking to displace the residents of Two Creeks, a “colored” settlement on the edge of town. As tensions rise, Ada is threatened but refuses to abandon her plan to help the girl.
When Lillian dies, Ada is left without employment or a place to call home. And since Wyatt’s primary purpose for staying in Hickory Ridge was to watch over his aunt, he can now pursue his dream of owning Longhorns in his home state of Texas.
With their feelings for each other growing, Ada must decide whether she can trust God with her future and Wyatt with her heart.
Before returning to her writing roots in historical fiction, Dorothy Love published twelve novels for young adults. Her work has garnered numerous honors from the American Library Association, the Friends of American Writers, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and many others. The Hickory Ridge Novels mark her Christian fiction debut.
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When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.
Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist until a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelists critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.
