by admin | May 21, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed the previous two books in the Misty Willow series so I was excited to have the opportunity to review “What Hope Remembers”. I have also read a number of other since I read them so at first I was having difficulty remembering what had taken place in them. Fortunately, “What Hope Remembers” is not dependent upon the previous novels and as I encountered characters from them I began to remember a few things. Amy Somers appeared in the previous books but not in the best light. In fact, she was mostly unlikable if not downright obnoxious so having her as one of the love interests was going to be intriguing.
Never fear! Amy had pretty much hit bottom and was carefully climbing her way out as she mended the relationships with the relatives she had hurt. It was gratifying to see the love and forgiveness shown to her by those who had reason to withhold it but Amy was having difficulty forgiving herself and was feeling pretty alone and hopeless. Along came Gabe Kendall, Amy’s first love. He was back to help his Aunt on her horse farm after his release from prison. When the pair encountered each other, feelings from the past immediately surfaced but shame and feelings of unworthiness made them keep their distance.
“What Hope Remembers” is a beautifully written novel with well-developed characters whose story is both believable and inspiring. The story moves along naturally with several unexpected twists, particularly one near the end that was heartbreaking. With its strong emphasis on letting go of the past, faith, and forgiveness, this book is one that will remain on my mind for awhile.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When you need a new beginning, sometimes the best place to start is home
When Amy Somers leaves her job as a lobbyist, she moves to Misty Willow, well aware that she’s crossing bridges she’d burned years before. With all the mistakes she’s made and the things she’s done, she can hardly believe that happiness will find her–especially when Gabe Kendall, her first crush and her first kiss, rides back into her life atop a buckskin mare.
A former Marine, Gabe is at loose ends after serving a prison sentence for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He sees beyond Amy’s hard exterior to the girl he once knew and loved, and he longs to see her open her heart. Yet with his vision clouded by shame for his past and fears about the future, it’s difficult to see the path ahead.
But the memory of that long-ago kiss just may have the power to reignite a romance that brings out the best in both of them.
Read an excerpt from “What Hope Remembers” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Jodie Westfall Photography
Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides and Where She Belongs. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.
Connect with Johnnie at www.johnnie-alexander.com to share her love of random travel and the joy of treasured moments.
Save
Save
by admin | May 21, 2017 | Books, Historical, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Readers who enjoy historical western-style romance as much as I do should find “Trusting Grace” right up their alley. Its two primary characters have experienced hardship, loss, loneliness, discouragement, and more which has resulted in difficulty trusting others and little hope for the future. Yet is seems that God had plans for their future that neither of them could begin to imagine.
Both Grace Bidwell and Robert Frasier were widowed. Grace was childless yet yearned for children. Robert had inherited three children he was unaware of until after his wife’s death. Of course most readers would come to the same conclusion I did – Grace and Robert should get together! That would solve the problems of both parties. But as we all know, the road to the perfect (and romantic) ending is usually paved with a few misunderstandings and/or other roadblocks along its usually winding path. Such is the story of Grace and Robert.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale that included several other interesting characters that included Grace’s invalid father and Robert’s children. Another somewhat unusual character blossomed during the course of the story and just might have been involved in a secondary romantic thread. As expected, Brendan’s unique sense of humor popped up frequently during the course of the narrative which added even more spice to the story.
I always enjoy escaping into the pages of one of Maggie Brendan’s books and “Trusting Grace” was no exception. I look forward to her next offering!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With a farm to run, can a widow possibly hope for new love?
All of her life, Grace Bidwell has longed for children, but now the chances of her dreams coming true are looking slim. Widowed and caring for her elderly father, she struggles to maintain her late husband’s farm until she places an ad for a hired hand.
Robert Frasier arrives in town with three pitiful, bedraggled children who have nothing but the tattered clothes on their backs and a load of hurt, pride, and anger. Believing this is divine intervention in her life, Grace welcomes them with open arms. As feelings grow between her and Robert, Grace will have to convince him that she is a woman who can be trusted with his heart.
Get swept away into Montana’s lush Gallatin Valley, nestled among towering mountains and proud pines, in this emotional story.
Read an excerpt from “Trusting Grace” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maggie Brendan is the CBA bestselling author of the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series, as well as The Trouble with Patience and A Sweet Misfortune. Her books have received the Book Buyers Best Award from the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America and the Laurel Wreath Award. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, Georgia Romance Writers, and Author’s Guild, Maggie lives in Georgia.
by admin | May 20, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
I was uncertain of what to expect when I agreed to review “Alice’s Notions”. What little information I read seemed somewhat intriguing but I had no idea that I would be so captivated by this book. As other reviewers have remarked, the plot reminded me of a classic movie from the black and white era. I could absolutely see it being made into a movie.
Something shady is happening in Alice Brighton’s small mountain hometown where she has returned after World War 2 as a widow. It is not the quiet and safe place she remembered. As she endeavors to get her new fabric shop running and helping to plan a barn quilt tour, she becomes aware that strange things are happening and her friends and neighbors are also acting a little suspicious. It is obvious that people around her know more about what’s going on than Alice but no one will open up to her. Then there are the two men who both warn her about the other – who can she really trust? Even the immigrant worker who is quickly becoming a good friend might not be who Alice thinks she is.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Alice’s Notions”. Its plot kept me on edge and guessing right along with Alice through most of the novel. The characters were perfect for the story. Greta’s frequent misunderstanding of American slang added a needed touch of humor to relieve the suspense. Unexpected twists and surprises kept the story moving right along to the perfect ending.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase.
In this quaint mountain town, things aren’t always what they seem.World War 2 widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn’t know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasons. Between her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn’t know who she can trust
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions released in April through Desert Breeze.
You can contact Tamera on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net
GUEST POST FROM TAMERA LYNN KRAFT:
How Classic Movies from the 1940s Made Their Way in My Latest Novel
By Tamera Lynn Kraft
One thing I loved about writing my post World War Two novel was my main character’s passion for movies. Alice Brighton and her late husband loved to go to movies on Friday nights. Now, even after the war made her a widow, Alice still loves movies and compares everyone she meets to a movie character.
Of course for Alice, all these wonderful classic movies and movie stars and a part of her culture, but for me, it was so much fun because I love classic movies. In the novel, Alice compares her landlord to Cary Grant. Cary Grant is one of my favorites. After starring in movies like Suspision, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Notorious, Grant was one of the biggest stars around in 1946 when Alice’s Notions takes place. My favorite Cary Grant movie wouldn’t be made until a few years later. An Affair to Remember, released 1957, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is one of my all-time favorites.
At one point in the novel, Alice thinks back to when her late husband always said she reminded him of Judy Garland. Garland would have been twenty-four at the time, just a bit younger than Alice, but she became a big star in her teens. She began acting at two years old when she debuted as Baby Francis and sang Jingle Bells. After playing in various roles including a few movies with Mickey Rooney, Garland had her big break in The Wizard of Oz. She went on to star in a ton of movies and had a thriving singing career until she committed suicide in the 1960s. One of my favorite Judy Garland movies released in 1945 during the war was The Clock. The Clock was about a woman who met and fell in love with a GI on leave. Their romance was intensified because they only had the weekend before he was shipped out again for the remainder of the war. This movie must have been in Alice’s mind since she had lost her husband shortly after the movie came out.
During Alice’s Notions, Alice goes on a date to see the movie, The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. It was released in 1946 and was considered scandalous at the time because the two main characters have an affair and murder her husband. The main theme of the movie is you can’t get away with your sin. The truth will be revealed. In Alice’s Notions, the truth being revealed is also a main theme.
So you may be wondering what classic movie Alice’s Notions reminds me of. Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was released in 1963. In that movie, Hepburn is being pursued and doesn’t know who she can trust. The movie has light-hearted intrigue, suspense, and romance just like Alice’s Notions. Alice, also, doesn’t know who she can trust.
BLOG STOPS:
May 11: Genesis 5020
May 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 12: Inklings and notions
May 13: Carpe Diem
May 14: Christian Bookaholic
May 15: A Reader’s Brain
May 16: History, Mystery & Faith
May 17: A Bakers Perspective
May 18: Have A Wonderful Day
May 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 19: Jami’s Words
May 20: Mary Hake
May 21: Daysong Reflections
May 22: Vicky Sluiter
May 23: Bigreadersite
May 24: His Grace Is Sufficient
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b723
Save
Save
Save
Save
by admin | May 9, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“You’ll Think of Me” is another emotionally charged contemporary novels by Robin Lee Hatcher. Whether one of her contemporary novels or a historical one, the author never fails to delve deep into the emotions of her characters. I know I can usually expect plenty of tension between the primary characters before their story reaches the end and this one did not disappoint me.
Single mother Brooklyn has not had an easy life. Abandoned by everyone who should have cared for her, she has managed to raise her daughter Alycia on her own after her husband left. When Brooklyn is notified that she has been left property in her old home town, she reluctantly returns there because she hopes it will be the best for Alycia. When she discovers that her ex-husband’s best friend Chad is her close neighbor, it is a draw as to which of them is most apprehensive about the situation. Due to their close proximity and continued interactions, somewhere along the way respect and possibly more softens their wounded hearts.
Brooklyn and Chad’s characters are both easy to identify with because their personal pain is so common to many. I liked that they didn’t fall immediately in love but that their developing relationship had several ups and downs as well as trust issues. Faith and prayer were prevalent throughout the story and were a natural and believable part of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed “You’ll Think of Me” and look forward to more books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by BookLook Bloggers. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Her mother abandoned her, her father disowned her, and her husband left her. Can Brooklyn be convinced that it is possible to forgive the greatest of betrayals?
Brooklyn Myers escaped her broken home and her embittered, unloving father by eloping to Reno at the age of 17. But when she was pregnant with their first child, her husband abandoned her as well. Not welcome back home in Thunder Creek, Brooklyn stayed in Reno and raised her daughter Alycia on her own, doing her best to make sure Alycia never knew the heartache and rejection Brooklyn herself had known.
When her estranged husband Chad Hallston dies, he leaves the family home in Thunder Creek to his daughter. Believing it is the best way to give her daughter a stable home, Brooklyn does what she thought she would never do. She goes home to the orchard and wine country of Southwest Idaho. There, she encounters Chad’s best friend, Derek Johnson, a part time sheriff’s deputy who also owns an organic produce farm next door. Derek was never a fan of former bad girl Brooklyn Myers, but he made a promise to his dying friend that he would be the father to Alycia that Chad had never been.
Although Derek and Brooklyn get off to a bumpy start, he and Alycia quickly form a bond. And soon, Derek realizes that he wants Brooklyn to trust him too . . . even knowing that her trust won’t come easily. And then he realizes he wants even more than her trust. He wants to win her love.
While Brooklyn may be tempted to give her heart to Derek, risking her daughter’s happiness is another story. Will Brooklyn hold onto her self-reliance for dear life, or will she come to understand that the greatest gift she can give her daughter is showing her how to love and trust others?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of 70 books. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin and her husband currently reside in Idaho. For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.
Save
Save
by admin | May 9, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Southern, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the previous books in the Mary Ellis Secrets of the South series so I was thrilled to have the chance to review “Sunset in Old Savannah”. As a lifetime southern gal, I love reading books about my part of the world, especially mysteries and suspense so this book was especially welcome.
Readers who got to know Michael and Elizabeth in the previous novel “Magnolia Moonlight” should be familiar with the tension between the two of them and might well wonder how an assignment working together in Savannah will turn out. What begins as routine surveillance turns into a murder mystery that Michael and Elizabeth just can’t ignore. What fun to follow them on their investigation as one secret after another is revealed. And could their animosity possibly change into affection?
The plot of “Magnolia Moonlight” moves along at a steady clip with plenty of twists and surprises that kept me guessing nearly until the end. Strong characters and excellent dialogue kept things moving right along. A secondary mystery involving a newly introduced character added depth to the story and left me anticipating the next book in the series (I hope!).
I love this series so much that I would be happy if it continues for several more volumes. I don’t think I could possibly grow bored with it. I hope you’re listening Mary Ellis!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Harvest House. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In Savannah, Everyone Has Something to Hide
When socialite Evelyn Doyle hires investigative partners and best friends Michael Preston and Elizabeth Kirby to do some routine surveillance on her wayward husband, the detective duo find themselves embroiled in a mystery that leaves them in this beautiful, historic city longer than they had expected.
Evelyn’s husband turns up dead, leaving her as the police chief’s prime target. The investigation reveals a hodgepodge of potential murderers, including a scheming business partner, a resentful mistress, and a ne’er-do-well brother. It’s up to Mike and Beth to follow the trail of secrets that reaches further than the branches of the moss-draped oaks of Savannah.
As praise of the agency gets around town, business is growing for Price Investigations. When Mike and Beth hire Kaitlyn Webb, Savannah’s newest transplant, their workload eases, but will the ghosts of her past threaten everyone’s safety before a killer can be put behind bars? And can Mike and Beth find love as their friendship and faith are put to the test?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Ellis is the bestselling author of many books, including A Widow’s Hope, An Amish Family Reunion, and Living in Harmony. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life.
www.maryellis.net
Save
Save
Save
by admin | May 7, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
ABOUT THE BOOK:
MY REVIEW:
As the title hints, “A Second Chance” is a story about second chances at love. This contemporary Christian novella is also about learning to trust, especially when one has been wounded by past relationships.
Overall, the story is a good one with fairly strong characters. Both Traci and Marc are likeable and most readers will root for them to get together. At times the plot seems to be a bit rushed but that could be due to trying to fit too many details into a shorter length book. There was also a time or two that I thought things were too dramatic and blown out of proportion for the actual circumstances but hey, that’s just my own personal preferences coming into play.
“A Second Chance” is a fairly quick read and mostly entertaining. Those who enjoy contemporary romance novellas will probably enjoy it.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Newly single food critic and newspaper reporter Traci Hightower is done with dating. After the man of her dreams left her at the altar on their wedding day and ran off with the woman she thought was her best friend, Traci resolves to focus on work and resigns herself to being a bachelorette for life.
Marc Roberts is a political reporter who is known as Mr. Nice Guy, the one who always finishes last. However, Marc’s compassion and kindness are of invaluable help to his newly widowed sister Gina Braxton who is trying to raise her two kids in the wake of her firefighter husband’s death.
Traci and Marc may be the perfect match, but they don’t know it yet. With God’s guidance and the help of Gina’s matchmaking skills honed by her career as a bestselling romance novelist, there is hope for a happily ever after for these two broken hearts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.
GUEST POST FROM ALEXIS GORING:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
~Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
God has good plans for every single person living here on Earth. It’s important to remember to trust Him because no matter how bleak a situation looks, hope is always on the horizon when God’s in the picture…and the good news is that no matter what God is always in the picture.
I thought that it would be a good idea to explore the theme of Jeremiah 29:11 through a fictional story about characters who are in need of a second chance in life and love. So I create Traci and Marc and wrote their story, A Second Chance.
Traci and Marc are entry-level journalists therefore they struggle with the industry’s tough system of paying your dues and they know the conflicts firsthand about struggling to pay your bills because of that system.
But it’s not just the bills that weigh heavily on their hearts. Traci and Marc are facing battles that are unique to their individual life stories but common to people in the real world.
When the reader meets Traci, they see that she is bitter and cynical because she was left at the altar. Her fiancé ran off with her Maid of Honor and left Traci with a mile-high stack of bills to pay for their wedding that never happened. So when Traci’s Mom shows up on her doorstep with an inheritance letter that stipulates Traci must be married before receiving her inheritance from her late grandfather, Traci is closer to destroying the letter and being a bachelorette for life than she is about husband hunting.
When the reader meets Marc, they see that he is smitten with Traci at first sight. But they soon learn that he has trust issues because of his previous romantic relationships with women who would dump him because he was “too nice.” However, his niceness is of invaluable help to his newly widowed sister Gina who is struggling to raise her children in the wake of her firefighter husband’s death. Naturally, Marc wants to help his sister. So he volunteers to babysit her kids and take them out of the house so that she can meet her book deadlines. Gina is a bestselling romance novelist.
All of these main characters go on their own faith journey with God. Some resist His love at first (like Traci), some draw back because of broken trust (like Marc) and some heal slowly from pain (like Gina) but they all realize how much they need God in their life.
Faith elements are a woven lightly throughout this story but also go deep as the characters work toward wholeness and restoration.
If anything, this is a story about how the Creator of the Universe (God) loves humankind and desires to restore broken hearts, homes and lives.
I hope that you will enjoy reading this book!
God bless your heart.
Sincerely,
Alexis A. Goring
Author of A Second Chance
BLOG STOPS:
May 4: A Baker’s Perspective
May 5: Inklings and notions
May 6: Blossoms and Blessings
May 7: Moments Dipped in Ink
May 8: Books. Books. And More Books.
May 8: Captive Dreams Window
May 8: Daysong Reflections
May 9: Christian Bookaholic
May 9: A Greater Yes
May 10: Quiet Quilter
May 11: Remembrancy
May 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 12: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
May 13: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 13: Through the Open Window
May 14: Carpe Diem
May 15: Neverending Stories
May 16: my site/autism mom
May 17: Avid Reader Book Reviews
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Alexis is giving away four eBook copies of her book – A Second Chance!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b54b
Save
Save
Save
