by admin | Dec 9, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Soar Like Eagles” is a historical romance that takes place during World War 2. Written from the perspectives of both Carol and Chet, the narrative gives readers an inside look at what it was like as a navigator on a bomber and as a doughnut girl serving near military bases and the battlefields of England and France during the war.
I enjoyed reading about Chet and Carol’s individual experiences during the war but especially enjoyed how their relationship developed during their brief and sometimes unexpected encounters in various locations. Descriptions were so vivid that I could easily picture in my mind their surroundings and the actual events. More than one somewhat graphic scene illustrated the horrible realities of war; however a few lighter moments helped to relieve the tension as did the growing romance between Chet and Carol.
I thought the book was summarized very well with this quote from Chet in the epilogue – “Neither side really wins a war. Both sides lose. One side just loses less than the other.”
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Carol becomes a Red Cross doughnut girl, serving GIs and boosting their morale. Convinced wartime romances are doomed to disappointment, she attempts to avoid entanglements. She didn’t plan on Chet, the navigator who tempts her to throw caution to the wind.
Chet’s father and brothers always belittled him. As a squadron lead navigator, he longs to prove them wrong. He’s already been offered a terrific job with PanAm after the war. First he must survive his combat tour. Will he even have a future?
To purchase your own copy, CLICK HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
Guest Post from Terri Wangard:
For the third book of my World War II series, I needed something to involve my main character with. At first I considered the train canteens, where volunteers laden with food met troop trains crisscrossing the country. That wouldn’t work though, because my navigator was heading overseas and I didn’t want a correspondence relationship. Besides, someone else had already written a novel about the canteens. Then I discovered the Red Cross clubmobiles.
The American Red Cross operated canteens on the home front and clubs and clubmobiles overseas during World War II to provide soldiers and sailors with a cup of coffee, a doughnut, and a bit of friendly conversation that gave the men a familiar connection with home.
Around the world, the Red Cross staffed permanent service clubs, traveling clubmobiles, and other recreational facilities. Service clubs provided refreshments, accommodations, and comfort and recreational activities wherever American troops were located overseas. In major cities, they offered meals, recreational activities, overnight accommodations, and barbershops and laundries. Some also provided sightseeing opportunities, touring museums, castles and cathedrals, and attending local theaters and movie houses.
Smaller clubs provided food in outlying areas near American military camps. The Red Cross also operated rest homes, often in stately manor houses in rural, tranquil locations overseas, for service personnel needing respite from the pressures of war.
To serve military sites in isolated areas, the Red Cross used clubmobiles in Great Britain in 1942 and later, the continent. Staffed by three American Red Cross women and a local driver in England, they visited several sites in a day, bringing refreshments, entertainment, and a touch of home to the troops in a foreign land. They used converted half-ton trucks and single-deck London buses, which featured kitchen equipment for making and serving doughnuts and coffee. Some carried phonographs and loudspeakers to provide music for the troops, and the women often danced with the servicemen. On the continent, the women had to drive and service their trucks.
Many American servicemen had never traveled far from home. At Red Cross clubs and clubmobiles in far-flung places around the globe, they received a connection to home and civilian life through friendly American women and familiar food. The Red Cross served a basic purpose of raising morale.
Carol Doucet of Soar Like Eagles was proud to be a Red Cross Doughnut Girl.
BLOG STOPS:
December 8: Blossoms and Blessings
December 8: Artistic Nobody
December 9: Daysong Reflections
December 9: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
December 10: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
December 10: Bukwurmzzz
December 11: Petra’s Hope
December 12: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
December 12: The Power of Words (spotlight)
December 13: A Baker’s Perspective
December 14: Carpe Diem
December 14: Reading Is My SuperPower
December 15: Bigreadersite
December 15: Quiet Quilter
December 16: Christian Bookaholic
December 17: A Path of Joy
December 18: Jeanette’s Thoughts
December 18: Karen’s Krayons
December 19: Simple Harvest Reads (Spotlight)
December 19: A Greater Yes
December 20: Moments Dipped in Ink
December 21: Bibliophile Reviews
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed paperback copy of Soar Like Eagles.
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/aa5f
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by admin | Dec 8, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A compelling story of tragedy and triumph, “The Pattern Artist” captured my attention and imagination from the very beginning. I loved reading Annie’s story that stretched from her hopeless job as a housemaid to a sought after dress designer. Although many difficulties paved her journey to success, only God could have placed just the right people in her life just when she needed them.
Annie’s story is filled with strong supporting characters who encourage and advise her as she makes decisions that affect herself and others. The also offer comfort to her during especially difficult situations in her life. Sean’s love for Annie was so protective and unconditional even when he was unsure of her feelings for him. The plot moved along at a steady pace and was fairly well balanced with drama, danger, and romance with a touch of levity. The spiritual content was strong and I appreciated how Annie learned to hear from God.
As a lifetime seamstress myself with a mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law who also sewed, I loved reading about the early days of the Butterick Pattern Company and how the patterns were developed. It was also fun to read about the original Macys department store. My how things have changed!
“The Pattern Artist” was an excellent book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical novels. Those interested in fashion or sewing would probably find it particularly interesting.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Barbour Publishing. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress. Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there’s more for her than a life of service.
Annie chooses to risk everything, taps into courage she never knew she had, and goes off on her own, finding employment in the sewing department at Macy’s. While at Macy’s Annie catches the eye of a salesman at the Butterick Pattern Company. Through determination, hard work, and God’s leading, Annie discovers a hidden gift: she is a talented fashion designer—a pattern artist of the highest degree.
As she runs from ghosts of the past and focuses on the future, Annie enters a creative world that takes her to the fashion houses of Paris and into a life of adventure, purpose, and love.
Read an excerpt from The Pattern Artist HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
NANCY MOSER is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist’s “Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011.” Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest.
Learn more at Nancy’s website.
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by admin | Dec 7, 2016 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Pursuing Gold” was a fairly solid story that takes place in Chattanooga during the Civil War. Both primary characters Peter and Mary Beth are true southerners but neither is supportive of slavery and must walk a narrow line in their hometown in order to stay out of trouble. In addition Peter is charged with keeping C&R Bank viable despite the war and political unrest that surrounds them. Peter is in love with his lifelong friend Mary Beth but is not certain how she feels.
I always enjoy reading about Civil War life so “Pursuing Gold” was of particular interest to me. I enjoyed learning more about the challenges of running a bank during that particular era as well as other difficulties the citizens faced because of the war. The story not only was full of historical facts but contained a nice mystery and suspense along with a tender romance. I liked how the author compared the pursuit of gold to pursuing God. The spiritual growth of both Peter and Mary Beth was an integral component of the story and was handled quite well.
Although “Pursuing Gold” is the first book I’ve read by this author, I would be open to trying more of her work.
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:
With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis.
With only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner’s daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter’s forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over thirty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. She’s a columnist for Leading Hearts Magazine and she directs Atlanta Christian Writing Conference. Cyndi has a heart for encouraging women in today’s crazy, upside-down world. She loves history and peppers her speaking and teaching with fascinating vignettes from the past. Her first book, “Struggles and Triumphs,” was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the Year. She co-founded Homeschool Answers and hosts Heart of the Matter Radio.
Find out more about Cynthia at http://clsimmons.com.
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by admin | Dec 3, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed a couple of Heather Blanton’s historical westerns and plan to read the rest as soon as I find a break in my review calendar. I wasn’t too sure what I would think about her latest, “Love, Lies, & Typewriters” with its setting in a totally different era. I need not have worried even one minute…this book is so clever! I loved it!
The story is fun and humorous at times with an unexpected romantic twist that left me smiling. I could just imagine this one as a Hallmark Movie! I loved Lucy and Bryce but it didn’t take too long for me to catch on to Dale’s egomania. I knew who I wanted Lucy to choose but did she?
Loved, loved, loved this book! Be sure to pick up a copy while it’s 99 cents. I think you will be glad you did.
I voluntarily reviewed a 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:
A cowboy with a Purple Heart. A reporter with a broken heart. Which one is her Mr. Right?
When Lucy Daniels is rescued from a stampeding herd of cattle by war hero Dale Sumner, sparks fly and headlines are born. Smelling an opportunity, the local newspaper decides to send the couple on a tour selling war bonds—not to mention, subscriptions. Enamored with her handsome savior, Lucy is happy to play her part … until she realizes her affections are slowly slipping toward the wrong man.
Ace reporter and aspiring mystery writer Bryce Richard is tasked with building up Lucy and Dale’s budding affair. He can’t think of anything worse for a journalist than switching from hard news to pounding out romantic drivel. Complicating matters, Bryce wishes Lucy would look to him for her happily-ever-after. Only, that would wreck the whole tour and Bryce’s coveted book deal.
When love and lies collide on the front page, will Lucy and Bryce have a chance to write their own fairy tale ending? Or are they already yesterday’s news?
You can purchase Love, Lies, & Typewriters here!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A
former journalist, Heather is an avid researcher and skillfully weaves truth in among fictional story lines. She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw’s note in her hand. You can learn more about her and her work at https://ladiesindefiance.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/heatherfreyblanton. Sign up for Heather’s email newsletter to receive the latest book release updates, as well as info about contests and giveaways (https://ladiesindefiance.com/).
Heather is the independent bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the Romance in the Rockies series, which has sold over 40,000 copies. Intrigued by the concept of three good sisters stranded in a lawless Colorado mining town, a few notable Hollywood producers have requested the script for her first book in that series, A Lady in Defiance. Heather’s writing is gritty and realistic. In fact, her books have been compared to AMC’s Hell on Wheels series, as well as the legendary Francine Rivers book, Redeeming Love.
She writes Westerns because she grew up on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne movies. Her most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to her father, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester!
She can be reached several different ways:
Author Heather Blanton
https://www.facebook.com/authorheatherblanton/?ref=hl
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfblanton/
Christian Westerns is the genre that lets her write about strong pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Romance is always a strong element in her stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God, and a perfect reflection of how he loves His children: sacrificially and lavishly. Heather’s stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but she hopes they are heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense.
“I believe Christian fiction should be messy and gritty, because the human condition is … and God loves us anyway.” — Heather Blanton
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by admin | Dec 3, 2016 | Bibles, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Scotland
MY REVIEW:
I just went back and read my review of “The Inheritance”, first book in Secrets of the Shetlands series. I discovered that I, like other viewers, struggled with its lack of dialogue and felt that I was left hanging at its end. I can positively say that “The Cottage” takes up where “The Inheritance” left off but picks up the pace quite well and the characters begin to talk amongst themselves a bit more. Now that I’ve read both books I firmly believe that the first really set the stage for the rest of the series.
One thing I liked about “The Cottage” is how much some of the characters discussed the church and its theology. I’ll admit that I was in agreement with much that was said so I very much enjoyed those discussions.”The Cottage” was also more suspenseful with danger lurking for Loni because her approach as heir to Whale Island was not to someone’s liking. Then there was the potential romance I hoped would develop between Loni and David. Seems that a little progress was made but I’m still waiting for something more definite to happen – hopefully in the final book of the series.
If “The Cottage” has a major theme, it might be that “your sins will find you out”. Hardy, for one, ran his mouth way too much and revealed his plans without knowing it. Another man paid a very high price for his actions.
All in all, I have enjoyed this series very much and do plan to read the final installment, hopefully in the near future. This is a must series for those who love Scotland.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Is the Future of Whales Reef in the Hands of an Outsider?
When Loni Ford is informed that she has inherited property in the Shetland Islands, she laughs. She wants nothing more than to sell it and be done with it. But when she arrives in the North Sea enclave, she is stunned to find that “the Cottage” is not at all what she expected, nor is David Tulloch, the man most of the islanders believe to be the rightful heir.
The locals could hardly be more surprised that the heir is a woman–and an American. Loni, in turn, finds the islanders quaint and a bit behind the times. Expecting David to be as provincial as the rest of his clan, she discovers that there is far more to the man than meets the eye. And there is something about the peaceful atmosphere of the place–and the character of its most prominent citizen–that soon gets under her skin.
Beneath the peaceful surface, however, change is threatening the island of Whales Reef. David’s cousin Hardy Tulloch, whose claim to the inheritance now in Loni’s hands was backed by oil investors, has not been deterred in his aim to control the island. But his co-conspirators have plans of their own, plans that put Loni’s very life in danger. . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Phillips is a bestselling author who has penned more than seventy books, both fiction and nonfiction. In addition, he has served as editor/redactor of nearly thirty more books. Over the past thirty years, his persistent efforts have helped reawaken interest in the writings of nineteenth century Scotsman George MacDonald. Michael and his wife, Judy, spend time each year in Scotland, but make their home near Sacramento, California. Visit Michael’s website at www.fatheroftheinklings.com.
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by admin | Nov 27, 2016 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Healing of the Heart” was a warm yet sometimes poignant story with a fairly unique plot. Ruby McCoy was a young woman who carried a load of secrets and undeserved guilt on her shoulders as she and her mother moved from one town to another – trying to atone for the sins of her deceased father. Yet no matter how much money she spent and how much good she did, Ruby could never overcome the belief that if people knew her identity they would hate her. When Ruby moved to Fairplay, she immediately met Sheriff Rex Truett and was immediately attracted to him. Rex knew that Ruby was hiding something but little did he know just how close to home her secrets would hit.
A story of love and forgiveness, “Healing of the Heart” was a book that was both enjoyable and encouraging. I was drawn to several of the characters, especially the two children who added a special touch to the story. It was gratifying to watch the positive spiritual growth in Rex and Ruby but especially in Ruby’s mother who seemed to be a different person entirely by the end of the story. The well-paced plot had just the right blend of drama, danger, and romance with a few humorous touches along the way. After reading “Healing of the Heart” I am now wanting to read the other books of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
When Ruby McCoy and her mother arrive in Fairplay and promptly move into the biggest mansion around, they are the talk of the town. But while Mrs. McCoy worries about ribbons, trunks, and wallpaper, Ruby rolls up her sleeves. Since the hanging of her notorious gangster father five years ago, Ruby, hiding under an assumed name, is on a mission to right her father’s wrongs. She is determined to spend every penny of her inherited “blood money” helping those who paid the price for her father’s crimes. But she didn’t plan on falling in love.
Sheriff Rex Truett doesn’t trust Ruby and doesn’t care who knows it. The keeper of Fairplay’s law and order makes it his business to find out why a stranger—especially a beautiful, rich, female stranger—would set up businesses, donate to schools, hire workmen to rebuild houses, and provide access to the best medical care. But when a cholera epidemic sweeps through the city, he is forced to reconsider.
Will Ruby have the courage to tell Rex her family secret? And will love or justice win in Rex’s heart?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A prolific writer, Loree Lough has 108 books, 68 short stories, and more than 2,500 articles in print. Her novels have earned dozens of industry and Reader’s Choice awards. A frequent guest speaker for writers’ organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, corporations, and college and high school writing programs, Loree and her husband, Larry, divide their time between a home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains.
Her books have over 3700 ratings on Goodreads with the first two books in The Secrets of Sterling Street series, Currency of the Heartand Guardians of the Heart receiving multiple four and five star reviews on book review and retail sites.
BLOG STOPS:
November 22: Bibliophile Reviews
November 22: Jeanette’s Thoughts
November 23: Neverending Stories
November 23: Lane Hill House
November 24: Reviewing Novels Online
November 24: Christian Bookaholic
November 25: Christian Author: A.M. Heath
November 25: Redeemed Hope Dweller
November 26: A Simple Life, really?!
November 26: Moments Dipped in Ink
November 27: inklings and notions
November 27: Splashes of Joy
November 28: Ashley’s Bookshelf
November 28: Daysong Reflections
November 29: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
November 29: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
November 30: Bigreadersite
November 30: Singing Librarian Books
December 1: Pause for Tales
December 1: Smiling Book Reviews
December 2: A Greater Yes
December 2: Genesis 5020
December 3: Reader’s cozy corner
December 4: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
December 4: Karen Sue Hadley
December 5: A Baker’s Perspective
December 5: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
In honor of her tour, Loree is giving away her books: Secrets on Sterling Street series, Prevailing Love (3 in 1), Pricilla Hires a Husband, Lone Wolf, and Emma’s Orphans, a KJVER Study Bible, and an Abba pillar candle in a wicker basket! Click the link below to enter; be sure to comment on this post to claim your nine bonus entries for this giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/a81c
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