by admin | Apr 13, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I did not pay enough attention when accepting this book for review to notice that it is book six of a series. Sometimes that means that I will be hopelessly lost without a clue throughout the entire book. I can thankfully say that was not the case with This Daring Journey by Misty M. Beller. It easily stood on its own merits and was a complete story by itself. I was mostly through the book before I encountered more than a mention of other characters who I assume were featured in previous novels. I was impressed enough by some of Samuel’s family and friends that I hope to have the chance to read the previous novels of this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel featuring half-Indian Moriah Clark who had no choice but to trust Samuel, a white man, to help her get back to her family following the death of her husband. A grueling story of survival, their journey consisted of one mishap after another that forced the pair to trust one another in order to stay alive as well as keep Moriah’s infant daughter safe. I loved the characters and how their relationship slowly but naturally developed, their strength of purpose, and Samuel’s strong integrity and protective nature.
This Daring Journey was a wonderful book and I will most certainly be looking for more books by this talented author.
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:
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Book: This Daring Journey
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 26, 2019
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As a half-Indian raised among her Peigan tribe, Moriah Clark knows better than to trust white people. The tragedy that resulted in her birth is proof enough. But when her trusted grandfather marries her to a white man, she has no choice to but to obey and hope this new life isn’t her downfall. Her white husband turns out to be a decent sort, but his unexpected death left her to birth a newborn baby among hostile mountain men. She wants nothing more than to retreat to the safe haven of her tribal upbringing. When a mysterious frontiersman arrives on her doorstep seeking her deceased husband, his offer to escort her and the babe to her people seems like the opportunity she’s been praying to find. But can she trust him?
Samuel Grant has been sent to retrieve Henry Clark for his sister’s wedding, but the sight that greets him at the little cabin in the woods is not what he expected. Not only has the man died, but Henry’s wife is fighting off an aggressive gang of men at gunpoint—while trying to conceal a newborn. He can’t leave the pair unattended, so helping her travel into the mountain country to reach her family seems like the only option. If he can win her trust, that is.
Such a grueling journey with a three-week-old baby will be risky, but the challenges that arise test them far more than either expected. When a devastating surprise increases the danger ten-fold, Moriah focuses all her efforts on keeping her newborn daughter alive. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t realize how much of her heart belongs to the mountain man—until it’s too late.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
MORE FROM MISTY:
How did I get started writing?
I’ve always loved to read, but several years ago I was putting together my bucket list, and realized that I really did want to write a novel. So, “Write a novel that’s published” made it near the top!
I decided, it’s now or never, and made the commitment to do it. So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian historical western romance. But where to start? I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me plan. I stumbled upon (a.k.a. God led me to) the best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. For all you writers out there, I can’t recommend it highly enough!
From there, I’ve soaked in every bit of writing instruction I can from some amazing groups and individuals. And I’ve spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen. Writing is in my blood. It’s my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.
| Among the Reads, April 4
Simple Harvest Reads, April 4 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
The Power of Words, April 5
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 5
Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 5
Real World Bible Study, April 6
Pause for Tales, April 6
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, April 7
Splashes of Joy, April 7
Blossoms and Blessings, April 8
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 8
Mary Hake, April 8
Godly Book Reviews, April 9
Connie’s History Classroom , April 9
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 10
Carla Loves To Read, April 10
A Reader’s Brain, April 10
Library Lady’s Kit Lit, April 11 |
Wishful Endings, April 11
janicesbookreviews, April 11
Through the Fire Blogs, April 12
Vicky Sluiter, April 12
The Becca Files, April 12
Carpe Diem, April 13
For Him and My Family, April 13
Bigreadersite, April 14
Daysong Reflections, April 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14
Connect in Fiction, April 15
Texas Book-aholic, April 15
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 15
Inspired by fiction, April 16
For the Love of Books, April 16
Inspiration Clothesline, April 16
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17
Inklings and notions, April 17 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Misty 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/de81/this-daring-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Apr 9, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
I have read most if not all of Rachel Hauck’s books since I first discovered them and appreciate being given the privilege to review many of them. Her latest novel The Memory House is one more example of why I love her books. Another split-time book, The Memory House shares the stories of two young women generations apart and their path from brokenness to restoration and recovery in the Memory House on the Florida coast.
Hauck’s characters are always easy for me to identify with even though our life experiences may be far apart. I could well imagine Beck’s reaction to losing her father on 9/11 and Everleigh’s (I love that name!) trauma after her devastating loss during a Texas tornado. Each woman’s tale of tragedy made them who they were but a better plan that included hope and love was waiting for them at the Memory House. This book was a joy to read despite some of the very sad chapters of both women’s lives. I can always count on at least one Holy Spirit magical moment during one of this author’s books and I was not disappointed. A book filled with faith, love, and restoration, The Memory House is one for my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Read With Audra. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.
Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.
Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.
Click here to read an excerpt!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck).
GIVEAWAY:
by admin | Apr 7, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
There is no lack of Christian historical fiction featuring World War 1 but very few authors seem to have written stories about the First World War. Kate Breslin is one of those authors and she offers some wonderfully researched tales that are quite informative as well as suspenseful and romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed Far Side of the Sea which gave me more insight into behind-the-scenes of the war, especially the use of carrier pigeons and spies.
I particularly liked the two main characters Colin and Johanna who despite their instinctive distrust of each other grew to depend on each other as well. Their search for Johanna’s sister Jewel led them on a dangerous chase across Europe that could easily end in disaster at any moment. Ample plot twists and surprises had me holding my breath at pivotal points. I also appreciated the author’s emphasis on faith that helped see them through their dangerous venture.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer–a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead–he can only hope he’ll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he’s driven back into war-torn France.
But Jewel isn’t the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel’s diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.
That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Samantha Panzera Photography
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is a Carol Award winner and a RITA and Christy Award finalist and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.
by admin | Apr 4, 2019 | Books, England, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again I have been held spellbound by one of Carolyn Miller’s novels. It was such a joy to read as I witnessed Caroline’s transformation from the perfect society daughter to a compassionate believer who put others before herself.
The other characters were also wonderfully portrayed, even the requisite villain. Gideon Kirby was especially endearing with his willingness to give up his own life to protect his sister. The interactions between the characters were not only entertaining but very believable as well. I found the details about fossil hunting during that era to be quite interesting, especially some of the terms used to describe the process and the finds. With vivid descriptions of the Devonshire coast and a few smugglers thrown in for good measure, a bit of mystery and danger, some secrets, and of course romance, the plot held my attention until the very end when I found myself sad that it was over much too quickly.
After reading Miller’s previous novels, A Hero For Miss Hatherleigh is exactly what I expected and more. I love this author’s books and always eagerly anticipate the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?
As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society–and she’s always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her–and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?
Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won’t willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister’s illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount’s daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected–especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he’s falling for in order to protect his beloved sister’s secret.
When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers’ cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences–or will the trust they’ve withheld from each other tear three lives apart?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.
by admin | Apr 3, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It may be spring in Tennessee but it’s always a good time to read a delightful Christmas story. The Deputy’s Holiday Family fits the bill with a cute kid and a second chance romance.
Lacie, now guardian of her deceased sister’s child, has returned to her home town to spend Christmas with her mother. Surprised by an encounter with her former crush, Matt, Lacie is determined to avoid him since he had always been more interested in her sister. Circumstances throw them together and both are surprised by secrets from the past that are revealed.
Loved this story, especially family reconciliations and the spiritual growth in more than one character. Matt was the perfect hero for Lacie and Kenzie with his unwavering support and caring nature. It was encouraging to read about how his relationship with his dad was resolved.
Mindy Obenhaus is an excellent author who keeps her plots interesting and right on track with a perfect blend of drama, romance, and faith. I will be reading more of her books in the future for sure.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Family for Christmas
Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt…if they can open themselves to the possibility of love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
by admin | Mar 31, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The third book in Mindy Obenhaus’ Rocky Mountain Heroes series, Her Colorado Cowboy is every bit as charming as the first two books. Once again both main characters have wounds from their past that makes it difficult to trust the opposite sex but sometimes God has plans higher than our own.
Spending the summer in Ouray, Colorado with her two children, Lily Davis hopes to show them a good time before their mandated visitation with a mostly disinterested father. Only Lily never counted on having to get on a horse. Noah is the owner of a rodeo school where her children learn to ride. As a widower, he has absolutely no interest in another relationship yet something about Lily and her children start to work its way into his heart.
The thing I liked the most about Her Colorado Cowboy was how the often gruff Noah seemed to have an innate understanding of how best to deal with difficult children and the major changes that took place in her son as Noah worked with him. He also seemed to understand Lily’s fear of horses and quietly covered for her as she avoided riding. A bit of action and a lot of faith kept me turning the pages of this book. I believe it is my favorite of this series. I will definitely be looking for more books by this great author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lassoing the single mom’s heart…
A Rocky Mountain Heroes story
Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses. But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school. As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
