Romance | Daysong Reflections

The Art of Rivers by Janet Ferguson

by admin | May 28, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I was blessed to be an early reviewer for Janet Ferguson’s The Art of Rivers. I have always enjoyed her books but this one touched me in ways the others haven’t. I have experienced the effects of addiction up close and personal with a family member who was thankfully able to break free and remain that way for over fifteen years so far. I also have friends who have lost children to its evil grasp. I so appreciate the way the author managed to depict this subject realistically yet with compassion.

The characters were skillfully portrayed, each with events from their past that impinge on their present lives and make it difficult to trust themselves as well as others. The setting of St. Simons Island is so beautifully described that I would love to see it for myself.

I loved reading Cooper and Rivers’ story complete with each and every obstacle they encountered. At times it was heart-rending but yet was filled with faith, hope, second chances, and romance. Janet Ferguson has a masterful way with words and keen insight into what makes humans tick. I look forward to each and every novel she cares to write in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.

After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.

Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

Learn more about Janet and her books on her website – https://www.janetfergusonauthor.com

On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

by admin | May 26, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Maine, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Although I’m not a huge fan of Amish fiction, I have always enjoyed the Amish novels by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Her characters are always strong and realistic and the stories dig a bit deeper into their inner lives than is often the case. On a Summer Tide is Fisher’s latest novel and it departs from the Amish genre and takes her readers into a contemporary tale set on an small island off the shores of Maine.

In this novel, the three Grayson sisters are drawn to Three Sisters Island at the request of their father who purchased the entire island in order to restore the campground that held so many memories for him. Although the sisters generally thought their dad had lost his mind, they agreed to stay as long as they could to help him. In this wonderful story, each of the sisters fell under the spell of the island and began to really find themselves for the first time as well as restore their relationships that had become distant over the years.

I loved this wonderful story with its sometimes quirky characters and laugh-out-loud moments but mostly for the depth of love and faith expressed throughout its pages. Of course there is some romance along the way as well as some unexpected twists and surprises that could change everything for two of the characters. I am deliberately vague because this is one story that I would hate to spoil for anyone. Just take my advice and pick it up if you don’t read another book this summer.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: On a Summer Tide

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Christian Fiction Romance

Release Date: April 30, 2019

Sometimes love hurts—and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. “Moving on” is Cam’s mantra. But there’s a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.

Cam’s full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island—a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam’s surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals—and one in particular. Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.

With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

MORE FROM SUZANNE:

Oh-So-Maine Blueberry Buckle

Summer in Maine means plump, tart blueberries are everywhere. Here’s a family recipe that is nearly fool-proof….and so delicious! Especially with a scoop or two with vanilla ice cream.

Ever wonder how it got the name Blueberry Buckle? While the batter rises as it bakes, but the blueberries and crumb topping weigh it down. This causes the surface of the cake to buckle…hence the name.

Batter: ¾ cup sugar ¼ cup soft butter 1 egg ½ cup milk cups sifted flour ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 cups drained blueberries
Crumb Topping:½ cup sugar ½ cup flour ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ cup softened butter
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix sugar and butter with egg. Stir in milk Sift together and stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Carefully blend in blueberries. Put on topping before baking. Pour in a greased and floured 9” square pan.
Bake 45-50 minutes.

BLOG STOPS:

Just the Write Escape, May 23

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The Power of Words, May 23

Blessed & Bookish, May 23

The Morning Chapter, May 24

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Carpe Diem, May 24

Cultivating Us, May 24

Godly Book Reviews, May 25

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 25

Mary Hake, May 25

For Him and my Family, May 25

C Jane Read, May 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26

Blossoms and Blessings, May 26

Daysong Reflections, May 26

Lighthouse Academy, May 27

Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 27

Empower Moms, May 27

Remembrancy, May 27

Wishful Endings, May 28

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28

Spoken from the Heart, May 28

SusanLovesBooks, May 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 29

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 29

Chas Ray’ Book Nerd Corner, May 29

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Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 30

Maureen’s Musings, May 30

Library Lady’s Kit Lit, May 30

Inspiration Clothesline, May 30

Living Life Free in Christ, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 31

Pause for Tales, May 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1

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A Reader’s Brain, June 1

Through the Fire Blogs, June 2

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janicesbookreviews, June 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 4

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 5

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 5

Inklings and notions, June 5

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e540/on-a-summer-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

by admin | May 18, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Shakers

MY REVIEW:

It has been awhile since I read one of Ann Gabhart’s books about the Shakers. I always enjoyed learning about their history and customs in her earlier books. I liked the way she always managed to point out the errors of their religious practices through the story and the experiences of her characters. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed her latest offering.

The Refuge features Darcie Goodwin who feels trapped at Harmony Hill when her husband dies in an accident. She and two other “sisters” share their hopes for being able to live in the outside world again in the future but make the best of things and work hard at the tasks they are given. Two new babies threaten to upset the peaceful life of the community but may actually soften the hearts of more than one leader. The story of Flynn Keller, his young daughter, and his father-in-law is also told as the book progresses and it is interesting to watch as both worlds intersect.

The Refuge has a little of everything I love in a book – plenty of interaction between characters that is both positive and negative, a bit of drama and mystery, a strong emphasis on faith, and of course a bit of romance. I loved seeing their world through the eyes of Gabhart’s characters and found myself hoping for happy endings for all of them. I can truthfully say that I was quite pleased with how everything ended.

Ann H. Gabhart is a very skilled author who brings her characters to life amid vivid settings that spark my imagination. I also must mention the gorgeous cover. Revell’s artists outdid themselves on it. Readers who love historical fiction should pick up a copy, especially if they have not read a book by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can the power of love and the bond of family triumph in a community that cannot accept either?

With the threat of a cholera epidemic at their heels, Darcie and Walter Goodwin join the Shakers, whose villages seem immune to the disease. It’s meant to be temporary, but when Walter is killed in a riverboat accident, destitute Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique–and lonely–position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness?

Read an excerpt here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, The Innocent, and The Gifted–as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These Healing Hills, and River to Redemption. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm’s fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dog, Frankie. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

by admin | May 11, 2019 | Books, Fantasy, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Book two of Morgan Busse’s Ravenwood Saga, Flight of the Raven takes up where the previous book ends with Selene Ravenwood and her new husband Damien Maris on their journey to his home in the north. From that point on the tale grows more intense by the page with plenty of action, danger, and a developing romance.

I was enthralled by this story as Selene searched for the truth – drawn to the difference she witnessed in Damien and those who surrounded him yet hesitant to embrace the Light herself. I felt that the author managed to express valuable Christian truth within this wonderful fantasy and did so beautifully. I so appreciated the development of the relationship between Selene and Damien that was natural and unhurried. It made their eventual decisions so much more believable.

It is difficult to express how much I enjoyed Flight of the Raven without divulging too many spoilers so I encourage other readers to read this one for themselves. Although some may enjoy it on its own, I personally would recommend reading Mark of the Raven first in order to understand the tale in its entirety. I look forward to the next installment of this most excellent series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by the author. I had also purchased a copy. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family’s destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new life as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill.

While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She’s the author of the epic fantasy Follower of the Word series and the award-winning steampunk series, The Soul Chronicles. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light, was a Christy and Carol Award finalist. Mark of the Raven, a new fantasy series, releases Fall of 2018 from Bethany House. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

Visit her blog at www.morganlbusse.com
Follow Morgan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/morganlbusseauthor
Follower Morgan on Twitter at twitter.com/MorganLBusse

Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon

by admin | Apr 18, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Oregon, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I have enjoyed all the Hope Harbor Novels so much with their down-to-earth characters and compelling stories. Hope Harbor would not be the same place without Charlie’s taco stand and his almost prophetic wisdom. Then of course there are those nearly human sea gulls Floyd and Gladys. Hannon’s stories are so vivid that I find myself wanting to ask my daughter who lives on the Oregon coast if she has visited Charlie’s taco stand yet. She would probably think her mom had lost her mind inside one of her books!

As in the previous novels, I found Driftwood Bay hard to put down once I started reading. It was so easy to become caught up in the lives of Jeannette and Logan and all the people who interacted with them. Another story of second chances and learning to trust again, Driftwood Bay was a joy to read. I love a book that not only is romantic and entertaining but also contains a lesson or two in how to grow in faith. As far as I’m concerned, this series can continue indefinitely.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell Reads. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room–until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn’t worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it’s least expected?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor, where they are sure to find peace, healing, and a second chance at happiness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including One Perfect Spring, Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, and Pelican Point, as well as Dangerous Illusions and the Private Justice and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers’ Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carols, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah Ladd

by admin | Apr 16, 2019 | Books, England, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is Sarah E. Ladd’s most recent offering for fans of her Regency era novels. Its steady pace with touches of danger and suspense as well as the expected romance offered a pleasant reading experience for me during yet another round of seasonal allergies.

As always, Ladd’s settings are exquisitely vivid and her characters well-rounded and mostly likeable. I enjoyed her portrayal of Delia and the children under her supervision. I also liked Jac and appreciated his change of attitude as he grew to love his brother’s children who suddenly became his responsibility. Family secrets and other surprises kept things interesting with a few plot twists along the way.

A lovely story about overcoming and standing firm in the face of tragedy, The Governess of Penwythe Hall kept me happily reading until its end. I look forward to the upcoming books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book: The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Author: Sarah Ladd

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: April 16, 2019

In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart.

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.

MORE ABOUT THE GOVERNESS OF PENWYTHE HALL:

5 things to know about Cornwall, England:

Throughout its early history, Cornwall’s inhabitants called the country Kernow.
Early inhabitants largely spoke their own language known as “Cornish,” which became nearly extinct in the 1800s
The country has a long and rugged coastline and there were frequent shipwrecks.
Fishing was a major industry, with herring, mackerel, and sardines being common catches.
In 1870, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy called Cornwall “the region of dream and mystery.”

Imagine yourself in The Governess of Penwythe Hall with these pictures of 19^th Century life in Cornwall

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/may/19/everyday-life-in-cornwall-captured-in-the-19th-century-in-pictures

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/cornish_nation_01.shtml

https://www.maritimeheritage.org/ports/Cornwall.html

http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/cornish-fishing/history-of-the-cornish-fishing-industry.php