by admin | Aug 8, 2010 | Books, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have often heard mass market romance such as those published by Harlequin criticized as inferior. I have subscribed to the Love Inspired Suspense series for several years now and have found most of the books in that series to be very well written and interesting. Yes, they are quick reads and may not contain the depth of trade paperbacks but there are times when what I want is a quick read that is also a good story and a pleasant escape. Current Love Inspired Suspense authors such as Liz Johnson fulfill that requirement perfectly.
Vanishing Act is a fast moving story about a young woman who relocated and changed her identity after witnessing her father’s murder and the FBI agent who is looking for her. The plot takes several interesting twists as it evolves and the reader will have a chuckle or two at how long it takes Nate to realize that the person he is looking for has been right under his nose the entire time. Filled with action, suspense, and romance, Vanishing Act never fails to point the reader toward the Lord. It is the perfect companion to curl up with for an evening’s relaxation.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Eighteen months ago, Nora James watched as her father was shot in an alley-and then she fled. She changed her name, her appearance and her job, hoping to keep her father’s shooter at bay. For months, it worked…but now her luck has run out. A ruthless assassin is on her trail, and soon Nora, now known as Danielle, will be found. But this time, she has FBI agent Nate Andersen by her side-right? The handsome agent would give his life to protect Danielle, but he’s wary of giving his heart…until a deadly confrontation leaves him with both on the line.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz’s adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.
by admin | Aug 2, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Twilight’s Serenade
Bethany House
(August 1, 2010)
by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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:
Britta Lindquist left Sitka six years ago in an attempt to distance herself from the love of her life, Yuri Belikov. Upon her return, she finds Yuri absent and his wife about to deliver a child. When tragic circumstances ensue, Britta suddenly finds herself caring for Yuri’s children–and her life intertwining with the man she’s tried so hard to forget.
But Britta’s other great love is for the violin, and her talent is recognized by Brenton Maltese, a conductor from England. He proposes she accept the coveted first chair position in his orchestra…and also his hand in marriage. At a crossroads, Britta must determine what her heart truly longs for–and if she’s willing to fight for it.
At a Crossroads, Britta must determine what her heart truly longs for – and if she’s willing to fight for it.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Twilight’s Serenade, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I have been a Tracie Peterson fan since I read my first book written by her. Rarely have I been disappointed in one of her books and even then it would be something minute that disagreed with my personal taste. Tracie’s books have always been both entertaining and informational. I really like the fact that I usually learn something from her books. Twilight’s Serenade met all my expectations and was easy to follow even though I somehow missed the second book in the Song of Alaska series (I will remedy that asap).
As usual, Tracie made the characters and their surroundings come to life for me and tempted me to want to see Alaska for myself. The plot moved forward at a good pace and had enough personal conflict, tragedy, uncertainty, and romance to keep it interesting. I was a little disappointed that Britta never picked her violin back up but other than that, the story ended well.
This series has some of the most gorgeous covers I have ever seen and they just hint at the wonders inside. If you have never read anything by Tracie Peterson before, Twilight’s Serenade and the entire Song of Alaska series would be a good place to begin.
by admin | Jul 31, 2010 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Seeker tells the story of Charlotte Vance whose life was turned upside down by the abandonment of her fiance and the marriage of her father to a gold-digger young enough to be her sister. Strong willed and determined, Charlotte knows what she wants from life and makes every effort to see that she gets it. When her new stepmother starts to make her life unbearable, Charlotte’s first step is to join the Shakers in order to convince her fiance to change his mind. Little does she know the drastic changes her life will undergo.
The Seeker is filled with details about life during the early Civil War era, including contrasts between Charlotte’s privileged life as a senator’s daughter and her life in the Shaker village. Details of the Shaker belief system and some of its history give the reader insight into a religion previously a mystery to many. Scenes from the Civil War camps and battlefields help to round out the story. The romance between Charlotte and Adam takes place mostly within their letters but is satisfying nonetheless.
Although The Seeker is a lengthy book, it is rich in personal and historical elements that kept the narrative interesting. Some of the characters veer from the expected and manage to break some long held stereotypes. Redemption and forgiveness are key themes, yet there is nothing preachy about this book. I would emphatically recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction and are not looking for light entertainment.
Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
a captivating story of love that blooms
despite desperate circumstances
Author Ann H. Gabhart weaves a striking story about life, love and fateful decisions in her new book The Seeker.
Set during the 1860s, The Seeker introduces readers to Charlotte Vance, a pampered Kentucky gentlewoman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers—a religious group that does not allow marriage—she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte’s sister, it is more than she can bear.
With the country—and her own household—on the brink of civil war, Charlotte hatches a plan to avoid her new stepmother and win back her man by joining the Shaker community at Harmony Hill. Little does she know that this decision will lead her down a road of unforeseen consequences.
In this moving and well-researched story, Gabhart brings alive the strikingly different worlds of the Southern gentry, the simple Shakers, and the ravages of war during the 1860s to deliver a touching story of love, freedom, and forgiveness.
She joined the Shakers to escape her troubles …
But unforeseen consequences threaten all she holds dear
Endorsements
“In The Seeker, Ann H. Gabhart has penned a captivating story of love that blooms despite the desperate circumstances of the Civil War and a delicious heroine who chooses safety and seclusion among the Shakers. Gabhart’s vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters will leave you wanting more. A wonderful read!”—Judith Miller, author, Daughters of Amana series
“Ann H. Gabhart has a gift for skillfully blending research with fiction to create stories that entertain. The Seeker is a well-woven tale about a strong and determined woman who is willing to risk everything to follow her convictions. A definite can’t-put-it-down book.”—Suzanne Woods Fisher, author, Amish Proverbs, Amish Peace, and The Choice
“To read The Seeker is to step inside a peaceful Shaker village and experience a new world of faith, love, freedom, and forgiveness. Ann H. Gabhart brings to life a spirited southern belle in war-torn Kentucky with authenticity and grace. A page-turner to the very end!”—Laura Frantz, author, The Frontiersman’s Daughter and Courting Morrow Little
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky, Ann H. Gabhart has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past. Her thorough research provides a convincing and colorful backdrop for her Shaker novels. Gabhart is the author of several novels, including The Outsider and The Believer.
by admin | Jul 23, 2010 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Courting Morrow Little may be one of the best books I have read in awhile although I read a lot of them and have enjoyed many. Laura Frantz has written a novel that illustrates the vast beauty of the early American wilderness and the daily dangers of living there while making it very personal through the experiences and emotional reactions of Morrow Little.
Other characters who populate this story add to its depth and enjoyment. Morrow’s father exemplified forgiveness and Christian love. Red Shirt demonstrated the transformation undergone by the acceptance of Christ in his life. Certain other characters exhibited more negative human aspects that kept the plot authentic.
Courting Morrow Little contains one of the most beautiful and dramatic examples of forgiveness and restoration that I have encountered in a novel. The romance between Morrow and Red Shirt was remarkable. I cannot say enough good things about this book, yet I hesitate to say more lest I give the story away. This is one book that everyone who enjoys early American historical fiction should read. I suggest that you pick up a copy as soon as possible.
Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided for review by Donna Hausler with Revell Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Life and Love on the American Frontier
Laura Frantz, whose ancestors were among those who settled the Kentucky frontier and traveled with Daniel Boone, Frantz paints a captivating story with authenticity that takes readers to this wilderness and the fears, adventures and emotions that characterize it.
In Courting Morrow Little, Frantz introduces readers to Morrow Little, who is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men–ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable–vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones–and garner suspicion from her friends–by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn’t love?
Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love.
This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz’s family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington state with her husband and two sons.
by admin | Jul 23, 2010 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, WWII
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stars In The Night
Summerside Press (July 1, 2010)
by Cara Putman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word From Cara:
I graduated from high school at sixteen, college at 20, and completed my law degree when I was 27.
My writing journey started in 2005 when I decided to write my first novel. Now I have eleven books published with more on the way.
People say I’ve accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail. Hardly! I grew up as a home schooled kid when home schoolers were misunderstood and oddities.
I struggle with balancing my writing and law career, plus being a good mom and wife.
I often fear people won’t like my books.
I’ve walked through the deep pain of miscarriage.
Really, I’m just like you – I don’t have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I’ve discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too.
In the end I’m just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I’ve been obedient to step into the calling He’s led me into.
Stars in the Night Background
Stars in the Night was an idea that had begun to percolate in my mind. I’d written two World War II series and was actively looking for my next setting. My husband, a huge World War II history buff, and I were kicking ideas around, and I’d decided Hollywood was probably the next place for me. I’d gone to the library and gotten a stack of research books when I got the call. An editor I knew but had never worked with wanted to know if I might be interested in a new line they were starting. As we talked, I got so excited. And then she emailed me their guidelines, which listed that Hollywood was a location they were interested in setting books.
Only God could have known ahead of time. But because I followed His prompting I was ready to run with an idea. Stars in the Night is the result.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer’s sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her.
Any day Audra might have been flattered by the friendly overtures of Robert Garfield, a real-life movie star. But on the flight from Indianapolis to Hollywood, Audra can think of little else than finding her missing sister. When Audra arrives in the city of glitz and glamour, and stars, and learns her rising starlet sister has been murdered, all thoughts of romance fly away.
Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan.
Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister.
Could the killer be the man with whom she’s falling in love?
If you’d like to read an excerpt of Chapter 1 of Stars In The Night, go HERE.
Contest: Lots of opportunities to win and great prizes, and the grand prize contains some of Cara’s favorite classic movies as well as all of her WWII novels: Launch Contest!
MY REVIEW:
Stars In The Night is a romantic suspense set in Hollywood and on a train full of Hollywood stars as they cross the country selling war bonds during the World War II era. When Audra takes it upon herself to find her starlet sister’s killer, she takes a job on the train in order to get closer to the truth. She soon learns that the train is full of people who could have motives. After several suspicious events that include more deaths, Audra is not sure who she can trust – not even Robert Garfield, the man she is growing to love. In the end, nothing but her faith and her courage can see her through.
Stars In The Night exposes the dark underside of Hollywood where unscrupulous agents or producers took advantage of young women searching for stardom and were sometimes willing to kill to hide their secrets. In contrast, the book also reveals that not all stars are lured into the traps of fame, fortune, and power that capture so many.
Well written with enough historical background, intriguing characters, danger, action, and romance to hold my interest to the end, Stars In The Night will take its place on my list of recommended books.
by admin | Jul 16, 2010 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Teen, Young Adult
MY REVIEW:
Perfectly Dateless features Daisy Crispin, a high school senior who has spent her entire life as one of the invisible kids, overlooked or ridiculed by the other kids because she just doesn’t meet their standards. Her clothing is homemade and outdated. Her parents have such strict rules that she is unable to participate in popular activities – not to mention that they can be so totally embarrassing! What is a girl to do if she wants to attend her senior prom?
Billerbeck’s narrative follows Daisy’s senior year as she determines to fit in and find a boy who will take her to the prom. Her teenage angst is tempered with plenty of humor and action as Daisy attempts what she considers a normal life despite her parents’ objections. Entries in Daisy’s journal are interspersed throughout the story and add an intimate insight into her thoughts and feelings. As Daisy makes her way through unfamiliar territory, she learns some very important lessons the hard way.
This book deals with some serious teen issues such as drugs and promiscuity. For this reason, I would recommend it only for mature teens.
Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
The hilarious and heartwarming story of a teen
who just wants to be normal for once.
The countdown to prom has begun. Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. There’s only one problem–her parents won’t let her date or even talk to a guy on the phone. Oh, and she’s totally invisible at school, wears lame homemade clothes, and possesses no social skills. Okay, so maybe there’s more than one problem.
From bestselling author Kristin Billerbeck comes Perfectly Dateless, a hilariously endearing story about a regular high school girl, trying to fit in. Readers will fall in love with Daisy’s sharp wit and resourcefulness as she navigates the world of boys, fashion, family, and friendship.
Can Daisy talk her parents into letting her go to the prom? Or will they succeed at their obvious attempts to completely ruin her life?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristin Billerbeck is the bestselling, award-winning author of several novels, including What a Girl Wants. A Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year, Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. She lives with her family in northern California.
