by admin | Apr 6, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sixteen Brides
Bethany House (April 2010)
by
Stephanie Grace Whitson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls “playing with imaginary friends” (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.
She was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie’s fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year.
Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends.
Her passionate interests in pioneer women’s history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising “prime homesteads” in a “booming community.”
Unbeknownst to them, the speculator’s true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival! Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them.
These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances–especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixteen Brides, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Sixteen Brides is an exceptional account of a group of Civil War widows who were persuaded to join The Emigration Society by promises of their own homesteads in Nebraska. Upon arrival at their destination, the women learned that Mr. Drake, the organizer of their expedition, had taken payment from waiting bachelors and promised them wives. This is where the story gets interesting. Several of the widows decide to take the easy way out and accept the security of a husband. The rest of the women refuse to agree and are determined to follow their original plans. From this point on the book is primarily focused on these remaining widows and several other specific characters.
While detailing many of the obstacles and difficulties faced by the widows, Sixteen Brides relates the determination, courage and strength of character that enabled them to survive and thrive in their new environment. Sprinkled with drama, action, humor, romance, and spiritual truth, the story captured my interest from beginning to end. One resounding message delivered by Sixteen Brides is that we shouldn’t judge a person by first impressions or outward appearance.
by admin | Mar 30, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Songbird Under a German Moon had me hooked from the opening page and kept my attention until the last word. I have always been a fan of historical fiction, especially when the book gives me a glimpse of people and events that are not necessarily in the history books. Tricia Goyer has accomplished that in this fast paced suspenseful page turner. Reading about the lives of USO entertainers in Germany immediately after WWII was a unique and fascinating experience. The background details about Hitler and his obsession with Wagner’s music as well as the history of the Festspielhaus were icing on the cake.
The developing romance between Betty and Frank progressed naturally as they worked together to find answers to a suspicious death. Several plot twists and surprises kept me involved in the story and the ending was satisfying. I would recommend Songbird Under a German Moon to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance with some suspense as an added bonus.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
About Songbird Under a German Moon:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler’s Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they’re housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty’s dear friend, Kat, turns up missing.
Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds’ hearts may find the answers…in each other.
But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.
About Tricia:
Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children’s book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Visit www.triciagoyer.com for more info!
What Era? Contest: Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you’d lived in and why? Earn extra entries by signing up for Tricia’s newsletter here, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!
You’ll be entered to win one of three signed copies of Songbird Under a German Moon.
by admin | Mar 29, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa
Summerside Press (March 1, 2010)
by
Melanie Dobson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Beroth Dobson is the author of the inspirational novels Together for Good (2006), Going for Broke (2007), The Black Cloister (2008), Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana (2009), Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (2010), Refuge on Crescent Hill (2010), and The Silent Order (2010) as well as the co-author of Latte for One and Loving It! A Single Woman’s Guide to Living Life to Its Fullest (2000).
Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master’s degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they’ve been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.
Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn’t writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Times are hard in 1894. Desperate for work, former banker Jacob Hirsch rides the rails west from Chicago with his four-year-old daughter, Cassie. When a life-threatening illness strands the pair in Homestead, Iowa, the local Amana villagers welcome the father and daughter into their peaceful society. Liesel, a young Amana woman, nurses Cassie back to health, and the Homestead elders offer Jacob work. But Jacob’s growing interest in Liesel complicates his position in the Amanas. Will he fight to stay in the only place that feels like home, even if it means giving up the woman he loves? Or will Liesel leave her beloved community to face the outside world with Jacob and Cassie at her side?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, go HERE.
Learn more about Melanie and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa is primarily a story about life in the Amanas, an Iowan Christian communal society. It features Liesel, a young Amana woman who finds herself uncertain about her impending wedding and the man she is to marry. After helping nurse outsider Jacob’s seriously ill daughter back to health, Liesel’s unexpected attraction to Jacob and her growing attachment to his daughter Cassie lead to difficulties with the Amana elders. Situations arise that test them all and only God’s grace and intervention can see them through.
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa is a sweet love story that emphasizes integrity and the rewards that come from just doing the right thing. I liked the fact that although it was obvious that Liesel and her fiance were not meant to be together, Emil was not portrayed as an evil man but his positive attributes were emphasized. All in all, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa is an engaging story against the historical backdrop of Homestead, Iowa that includes intriguing facts about commune life during the late 1800’s. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction should enjoy this book.
by admin | Mar 27, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Scattered Petals is a beautifully written story set in Texas hill country just before the Civil War. Priscilla’s quest for adventure results in devastating tragedy. Overcome with guilt and grief and troubled by nightmares, she attempts to resume her life in the home of her dead sister’s husband and his fiance. When faced with yet another unwelcome surprise, Priscilla is rescued by ranch foreman Zach who has unresolved issues of his own.
Scattered Petals is a realistic view of the harsh realities of frontier life during the mid-1800’s and vividly portrays both the good and bad sides of human nature. A tender love story, the importance of forgiveness towards both others and oneself is stressed.
I thoroughly enjoyed Scattered Petals and look forward to reading other books by Amanda Cabot. The next installment of this series will surely be on my to read list.
Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In Scattered Petals, author Amanda Cabot offers readers the second book in her beloved Texas Dreams series.
Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston and heads for Texas, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks will leave her badly injured and her parents dead. Priscilla is determined to rebuild her life and make a home for herself in the beautiful Hill Country. But the bandits who took her parents’ lives also destroyed her hope for the future.
Ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows what the future holds for him, and it’s not a woman like Priscilla. She deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who’s haunted by memories of his mistakes. The best thing he can do is leave her alone.
When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life that, like the scattered petals of her childhood, is filled with promise. But then the past intrudes, threatening their very existence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the co-founder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler.
Endorsements
“Crafting characters rich with emotion, Amanda Cabot pens a compelling story of devastation and loss, of healing and second chances. But most of all, of transcending faith.”–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author, From a Distance
“Scattered Petals is an exceptional book! Insight into situations that sometimes appear unfathomable, the healing power of God’s love, and the consolation he provides so magnificently are written with heartfelt emotion that brings the characters’ romantic love to life. Do not miss Scattered Petals. Reading it is an experience that fills the heart with joy.”–Elaine Barbieri, New York Times bestselling author
by admin | Mar 26, 2010 | Biblical, Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Hidden Flame is a riveting story in which the characters seem to walk off the pages of the book of Acts. People, places and events come alive with vivid descriptions and historical background of that era. Although fictional, the novel seemed to be well researched and the fictional characters could easily have been participants of early Christian history. Told from several points of view, the narrative gives the reader insight into how different people responded to the gospel message.
I enjoyed The Hidden Flame and found that it made me think about my own faith. Because the story brought the characters to life and expanded on biblical text, it was more obvious to me how much the followers of Christ had to rely on their faith and the Holy Spirit in their daily lives during turbulent times – and they didn’t have a bible like modern Christians. In my opinion, if used properly, both The Hidden Flame and it’s predecessor The Centurion’s Wife can both be valuable tools to expand our understanding of the people and events following the death of Christ.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House.
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In first-century Judea, the followers of the Way have burgeoned into a vibrant, growing community that cannot be ignored. Jerusalem is in turmoil as its religious leaders on one side, and their Roman rulers on the other, conspire to stamp out the fledgling Church. And Abigail, who thought she had finally found home and safety, is caught between the opposing forces.
Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail’s hand in marriage. Ezra, a successful Hebrew merchant and widower with important connections among the Sanhedrin, is looking for a mother for his children. The Roman soldier Linux is fascinated by her winsome charm and possibly could offer the sanctuary–maybe even the love–for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Will her faith and courage survive a heartbreak beyond comprehension as the followers face a gathering storm of persecution they never could have foreseen?
A glimmer of hope beckons Abigail forward.
Reviews
“I’ve definitely added the series to my list of ‘must-reads’ as additional titles release. The authors are careful to depict Christ-like behavior in the lives of those with transformed hearts and diligently hold true to the historical facts of scripture while adding authentic cultural detail.” –Jennifer Bogart, TitleTrakk.com
“I enjoyed the way Bunn and Oke expanded and fleshed-out Bible characters like Stephen, Ananias and Sapphira. The authors brought the fictional main characters — Abigail, Ezra and Lunix — to life by presenting each one’s part of the story from her or his point of view. I found the historical and fictional characters alike interesting, complex and thoroughly explored…. All in all The Hidden Flame does a great job of bringing the Bible book of Acts to life.” –Violet Nesdoly, BlogCritics.org
“Oke and Bunn bring a wonderful combination of creativity and masterful prose in the second installment in the Acts of Faith series. The vivid scenes and the gripping emotion, set against the backdrop of first-century Christian persecution, will have readers contemplating the strength of their own faith in traumatic times. This continuation doesn’t have the same level of suspense as the first novel, but it’s still enjoyable.” –Jennifer Reyes, Romantic Times Book Reviews
“…a marvelous fictional romance that illuminates how turbulent the times were for Christians shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ…. the authors do a fine job of fleshing out their characters and the day-to-day lives they lead fraught with danger and uncertainty. Abigail, an unlikely heroine, is in the inner circle as the apostles’ travel through Jerusalem preaching the Word of God in outright defiance of the Roman Sanhedrin. Although her association with them puts her life in jeopardy, her faith and devotion to God surround and protect her. Linux, a Roman soldier, is sent to Judea to quell the rebels and is drawn into the very faith he’s been sent to disband as he falls in love with the one woman he cannot have. As the reader is drawn through the intertwining storylines, they can almost feel the tension that permeates the air and the chaos that is history.” –Connie Maier, CBA Retailers + Resources
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
| Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist whose audience spans reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings. He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write. Visit Davis’ Web site at www.davisbunn.com |
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Janette Oke (pronounced “oak”) pioneered inspirational fiction and is the leading author in the category today. Love Comes Softly, her first novel, has sold over one million copies. Janette is now the bestselling author of over 70 books, 32 of which have been translated into fourteen languages. Her books have sold over 22 million copies.
Janette receives fan mail from all over the world and answers each letter personally. She received the 1992 President’s Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for her significant contribution to Christian fiction, the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award and has been awarded the Gold Medallion Award for fiction. Janette and her husband, Edward, have four grown children and enjoy their many grandchildren. They make their home in Canada. Visit Janette’s web site at www.janetteoke.com.
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by admin | Mar 22, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Heart Of Stone
Zondervan (March 1, 2010)
by
Jill Marie Landis
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Marie Landis is the bestselling author of over twenty novels. She has won numerous awards for her sweeping emotional romances, such as Summer Moon and Magnolia Creek. In recent years, as market demands turned to tales of vampires, erotica, and hotter, sexier historical romances, Jill turned to writing Inspirational Western Romances for Steeple Hill Books. She truly feels back in the saddle again, working on stories that are a joy to write. With her toes in the sand and head in the clouds, Jill now lives in Hawaii with her husband, Steve.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Laura Foster, free from the bondage of an unspeakable childhood has struggled to make a new life for herself. Now the owner of an elegant boardinghouse in Glory, Texas, she is known as a wealthy, respectable widow. But Laura never forgets that she is always just one step ahead of her past.
When Reverend Brand McCormick comes calling, Laura does all she can to discourage him as a suitor. She knows that if her past were discovered, Brand’s reputation would be ruined. But it’d not only Laura’s past that threatens to bring Brand down?it’s also his own.
When a stranger in town threatens to reveal too many secrets, Laura is faced with a heartbreaking choice: Should she leave Glory forever and save Brand’s future? Or is it worth risking his name – and her heart – by telling him the truth?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Heart Of Stone, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
Prim and proper Laura Foster has created a new and respectable life for herself as owner of an exclusive boardinghouse. Unfortunately she can’t relax and enjoy it for fear that the truth about her past will surface. When pastor Brand McCormick sets his hat for her, she attempts to discourage his attentions because she knows that involvement with her could destroy his reputation if her past became known. Much to everyone’s surprise, Brand is confronted by his own past in front of his congregation. Now the big question is “Will there be any chance of a future together for Brand and Laura?”
Heart of Stone is truly a gripping, page turner. Although Laura’s past is so unthinkable that it would be difficult to imagine that she not only survived but escaped it, her character is realistic and believable. Brand is portrayed as a compassionate man with human frailties and desires even if he is a pastor. All other characters from the good-hearted to the immoral are convincing and contribute to the enjoyment of the story. Forgiveness is an important theme woven throughout the story, especially the need to forgive self in order to move on with life. Heart of Stone may just be a fictional story but I found plenty of truth in it to make me examine my own heart.
I enthusiastically recommend Heart of Stone and look forward to the next installment of the Irish Angel series.
A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls “playing with imaginary friends” (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.
In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising “prime homesteads” in a “booming community.”
