by admin | Jan 29, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
An unlikely romance set during the days leading up to the Civil War, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” was a delight to read. With a wealth of historic facts that included the lifestyle of the Quakers of that era as well as details about abolitionists and the Underground Railroad, the story held my attention throughout.
Maclaren’s characters were excellent and I was easily drawn into their lives. Rebecca was a young woman to be admired for her dedication to her family and friends as well as her values. Clay was a likeable hero and I was impressed by his instinctive goodness despite his memory loss.
An exciting story of faith and love and learning to follow the Lord’s leading, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” is sure to be a favorite of those who are already Sharlene MacLaren fans and a good book to begin with for those unfamiliar with her work. 
I voluntarily reviewed a 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
Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.
Sheriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…
When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharlene MacLaren Born and raised in western Michigan, award-winning, bestselling author Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. After graduating, she traveled with a nationally touring Christian vocal ensemble, returning home to Spring Arbor to marry her husband, Cecil, whom she’d known since childhood. Together they raised two daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her novels include the contemporary romances Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow; the beloved Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved, Courting Emma, and Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek, a novella), and three historic romance trilogies: The Daughters of Jacob Kane (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann); River of Hope (Livvie’s Song, Ellie’s Haven, and Sofia’s Secret); Tennessee Dreams: Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, and Gift of Grace.
BLOG STOPS:
January 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
January 19: Giveaway Lady
January 19: A Reader’s Brain
January 20: Books. Books. And More Books.
January 20: The Power of Words
January 21: Bigreadersite
January 21: just the write escape
January 22: Moments Dipped in Ink
January 22: For The Love of Books
January 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
January 23: Genesis 5020
January 24: Pause for Tales
January 24: His Grace is Sufficient
January 25: Book by Book
January 25: A Simple Life, really?!
January 26: A Greater Yes
January 26: Connie’s History Classroom
January 26: A Baker’s Perspective
January 27: Christian Author: A.M. Heath
January 27: Splashes of Joy
January 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
January 28: Christian Bookaholic
January 28: History, Mystery & Faith
January 29: Stuff & Nonsense
January 29: Bibliophile Reviews
January 30: cherylbbookblog
January 30: Daysong Reflections
January 31: Blossoms and Blessings
January 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
February 1: Reader’s cozy corner
February 1: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate Sharlene’s tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
Grand Prize
Brown and tan fashion purse with cross, multiple interior and exterior pockets
and
Five Sharlene MacLaren titles: Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1); Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1); Livvie’s Song (River of Hope #1); Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane #1); Loving Liza Jane (Little Hickman Creek #1)
Second Prize
“Keepers of the Light” Orange/Cinnamon/Clove candle from www.acheerfulgiver.com and
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Third Prize
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/af21
Save
by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Maybe It’s You” is one of those medical suspense novels where the reader can’t seem to turn the pages fast enough. Primary character ER nurse Sloane Ferrell thinks she has left her past behind – a stepfather in prison who she can’t forgive and an ex-fiance whose questionable dealings have put her in danger. But a campaign to improve the hospital image may just undo everything even if she manages not to lose her heart to handsome Micah Prescott, the hospital marketing expert. When her past and present converge, Sloane finds herself in danger for her life and learns some very valuable lessons about love and forgiveness.
Not only is “Maybe It’s You” an enjoyable romantic medical suspense but it also tackles some pretty weighty subjects such as alcoholism and sex trafficking. The suspenseful plot escalates with each chapter but is relieved at just the right times by a bit of romance or humor. Sloane was such a caring person despite her own problems that it was easy to like her character and Micah just improved with every chapter. I loved how he gently led Sloane to faith. This novel left me with plenty to think about. I would recommend it to all who enjoy a good medical suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past – new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.
Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.
Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.
Can hope spring from crisis?
Read an excerpt from “Maybe It’s You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Often called the author of “medical hope opera,” Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter–and faith–are the very best medicines of all.
Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical and Crisis Team) offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense–and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul”!
A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to eight, Candace is a passionate “foodie,” equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes,funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com.
Save
Save
by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Second book in the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series, “Fatal Accusation” takes up the story shortly after “Trial and Tribulations” ends. Attorneys Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter have barely had time to catch their breath before another attack is launched by the New Age groups. This time the stakes are even higher and the battle is fierce. Many lives are at risk and only prayer and the power of God can prevail.
Once again, I was pulled right into the story as I experienced good against evil and learned more of the enemy’s schemes. As a reader who devoured Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness”, I love finding another author who is bold enough to delve into the supernatural realm and spiritual warfare. Rachel Dylan has done an excellent job thus far with this series. Her characters are well-rounded and believable. I love the fact that even though their faith is strong or developing, they still have frequent moments of doubt and questions. Situations are realistic and I like getting glimpses of what is really going on in the spiritual realm.
I highly recommend both books of the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. You could read “Fatal Accusation” alone but would gain so much more insight if you read “Trial and Tribulations” first. I can’t wait for the next installment!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Attorney Olivia Murray hopes her life will get back to normal after a hard fought trial. But she soon finds out that the forces of evil have not given up their pursuit to win the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge.
An embezzling scandal breaks that rocks the community church to its core. The New Age groups are ready to declare victory when a high profile prosecutor files criminal charges against the local pastor. However, Olivia is not willing to give up on the community she’s come to love. She takes on the defense pro bono knowing it could destroy her career, but it’s a case that she is called to defend.
The battle will be fierce, but she’s not fighting it alone. Her friend and fellow attorney Grant Baxter is by her side. Olivia must use all the tools in her arsenal to combat those who seek to destroy the believers in the community. If Olivia can’t prove the pastor’s innocence, more than her career is on the line. The entire community of Windy Ridge could fall to the forces of darkness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. She also writes the Danger in the Deep South series and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist. Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Historical, New Orleans, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Unjustly branded and condemned to a French prison for murder, Julianne Chevalier decides that relocation in the early settlement of New Orleans had to be better than spending her life imprisoned. She also hoped to find her younger brother there. Forced to marry, Julianne survived the difficult ocean journey only to find that life in New Orleans was primitive and dangerous. All she had was her faith and hope. Would it be enough?
“The Mark of the King” held me captive from page one. It was both difficult and fascinating to read about life during that period of time and how truly powerless many men and women were. Once again an author’s careful research provided me with details not found in my high school history classes. It was disturbing to me how unscrupulous, power hungry men were in charge and had little to no regard for the people under their care. The way the local Indian tribes were manipulated and lied to in order to gain ground for France against the British was particularly troubling. No wonder they hated the white man!
With a well-planned plot filled with historic facts as well as abundant action, danger, mystery, suspense, and even romance to hold most reader’s attention, “The Mark of the King” was difficult for me to put down. Characters were so well defined that it was easy to identify with their trials and triumphs. More than one surprise along the way made it even better. I highly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to the next one in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent
After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.
When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne’s brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?
With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king’s mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, including “Wedded to War,” a Christy Award finalist in 2013; “Widow of Gettysburg”; “Yankee in Atlanta”; and “The 5 Love Languages Military Edition,” which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.
Find out more about Jocelyn at http://www.jocelyngreen.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of The Mark of the King from Jocelyn. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced February 7th on Jocelyn’s blog!
by admin | Jan 21, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Denise Hunter has a special talent for writing contemporary romantic fiction. Not only do her books contain a satisfying romance but they probe the depths of human emotion. As a reader I am able to easily identify with her characters and want only the best for them. I might become frustrated with their stubbornness and/or poor decisions yet can also rejoice when positive things happen in their lives. I deem it a good thing when an author can pull me into her stories in this manner.
As the final novel in Hunter’s Summer Harbor series, “Just a Kiss” may have also been the most touching. Riley is secretly in love with his best friend Paige but his plans to tell her ended with the loss of a leg in Afghanistan. He feels that Paige deserves a whole man but despite his self-imposed honorable intentions he fails to convince himself. Paige is happy to help Riley as he adjusts to his new life but finds his ever changing moods puzzling. She also has a few problems of her own. Is there any chance Riley and Paige can acknowledge their true feelings and find a future together? From the very beginning I was hoping Riley and Paige would get together but there were times that did not look at all promising.
“Just a Kiss” was one of those books you just don’t want to put down. Both characters were portrayed credibly with believable and deep emotions. The plot moved along at a steady rate with enough ups and downs to keep it interesting. This book is one that can bring its reader to tears then have her laughing at the witty dialogue the next. I also enjoyed seeing more of the characters from the first two books of the series and learning more about their lives.
“Just a Kiss” can easily be read on its own but to get the whole story, why don’t you pick up the entire series and start at the beginning? I don’t think you will be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Fiction Guild. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Riley Callahan’s plans to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend are derailed when his life is drastically altered in Afghanistan.
Watching the love of his life fall for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.
But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.
Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances Riley is adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up with the money needed to save it.
As the weeks wear on, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into uncharted territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?
Save
by admin | Jan 19, 2017 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Laura Frantz’s novels have been on my must read list since her very first one. I have always enjoyed books about the early days of our nation and Laura has a special gift for transporting her readers back through time to the very setting of her stories.
When I read one of her books I hear every sound in the woods right along with her characters – the chirping of birds, the whir of insects, the snap of a twig, or even the silence when the entire forest seems to wait. I smell wood smoke from a cook fire, the ground after a rain, and all the myriad scents of the relatively untouched land around those characters. I also delight in her descriptions that might include fireflies at night, a meadow filled with flowers, and in this particular book, the rare sight of a moonbow over the falls.
But Laura’s exquisite descriptions alone are not what keep me returning to her books. I so love reading about our early settlers and their strength and courage as they fought to settle the wilderness around them. Hardships, tragedy, and even death dogged their footsteps but hope and determination kept them going and often only their faith and trust in God guided them.
“A Moonbow Night” met every expectation I had when I opened its covers. Temperance Tucker and Sion Morgan were a perfect match – even if it did not seem so at first. It was soon apparent to me that an eventual romance would overtake the pair but what a journey they traveled first! I was there with them when they hid from Indian war parties and I held my breath also. I felt the tension as they witnessed horrific events and rejoiced when they overcame so many obstacles time and again. I could probably rhapsodize for quite awhile about just how good this book is but I will not. Just take my advice and pick up a copy soon – especially if you love early American historical fiction as much as I do.
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:
Her wilderness survival skills are without rival.
But her greatest talent is keeping other people’s secrets.
After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It’s a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke–men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew, looking for an experienced guide.
Though he balks when Tempe is appointed to lead his team through the wilderness, it isn’t long before Sion must admit that her abilities may outmatch his own. But can the tenuous tie they are forming survive the dangers waiting just around the bend?
With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons you to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Frantz is a Christy Award finalist and the author of several books, including The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady, The Mistress of Tall Acre, and The Ballantyne Legacy series. She lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.
Save
Save
