I fell in love with Kara Isaac’s debut novel “Close to You” and have eagerly awaited her second. I am pleased to say that I was not at all disappointed. If anything, Isaac’s writing is even stronger and her characters more developed. in “Can’t Help Falling”.
I did not find quite as many laugh-out-loud moments in “Can’t Help Falling” but there were definitely some of those moments sprinkled throughout its pages. And who could resist a Narnia loving heroine and hero? Emelia and Peter were a fun couple who definitely grew on me as the story progressed. I absolutely loved the Narnia related moments and bits of whimsy that were worked deftly into this oh so serious romance. I also enjoyed catching up with Alison and Jackson from “Close to You” who played prominent supporting roles in this novel. Then there was Peter’s brother Victor who was perfectly horrible through most of the story. I personally hope he will be featured in a future story of his own. I just love finding characters I dislike in one book featured in another one where they become a changed person. Victor has such potential so my fingers are crossed!
“Can’t Help Falling” is a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption in which several characters blame themselves for the bad choices of one person that led to her own death. That same guilt was the source of multiple misunderstandings that nearly destroyed relationships. You will need to read the book to learn how it all works out but I think you will enjoy the entire process.
I can’t recommend Kara’s two novels enough. They were both wonderful and kept me flipping those pages quickly. She is a new author who is worth taking a chance on.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by the author through her publisher. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.
Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.
Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.
When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kara Isaac is an award-winning writer who lives in Wellington, New Zealand, where her career highlights include working in tourism as Private Secretary for the Prime Minister. She loves great books almost as much as she loves her husband and two children.
“After September” is an easy-to-read contemporary novel about divorce recovery. Of course it is much more than that. You could also say it is a novel about self-discovery as well as about how the plans we make are not necessarily the plans the Lord has for us. At least that is what Rose Davis found out.
I enjoyed reading about Rose and how she pretty much burned all her bridges before purchasing a cottage in the Caribbean. Although her primary intention was to heal from a sudden and unexpected divorce, Rose soon learned that God had different plans for her life and the life of her daughter also. As is often the case, the road to God’s best for Rose was not particularly a straight and smooth one and she had to overcome some major obstacles along the way but her reward was a new and better love and a renewed and improved relationship with the Lord. What could be better?
“After September” is the first book I’ve read by Stephanie Smith but I plan to keep my eyes open for more of her work in the future.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click book cover to purchase.
From the outside, Rose Davis had the perfect life: a long marriage to a successful politician, two grown children away at college, and respect within her community. When she suddenly finds herself divorced, she turns her back on God.
In an effort to reclaim her life and pride, she spends the summer in the Caribbean. Her plan does not include meeting Patrick, the charismatic local doctor with a tragic past who ignites a passion both unexpected and thrilling.
As she begins to open up to love, doubt and fear creep in. Once again she finds herself broken hearted, left on her own to pick up the pieces. It’s only when she experiences the unmistakable love and grace from the very One she turned away from that Rose realizes what she needed most was there waiting for her all along.
Stephanie’s love of the written word began long before she could read. As a child she would hold a newspaper in hand and move her fingers along the page, pretending to read along.
By the time she was a teenager, she dreamed of writing stories that would touch people’s lives, much like hers had been by so many authors.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys listening to Christian rock music while she writes, spending time with her family, watching British television, or reading YA fantasy novels.
GUEST POST FROM STEPHANIE SMITH:
I’m so excited to work with Sandra and Celebrate Lit to launch my debut novel AFTER SEPTEMBER which I’ve come to see as a labor of love and trust in the Lord.
You see, becoming a published author has always been my dream, but every time I’d try to write a novel, the inner critic would kick in and stop me in my tracks. I’d write a few paragraphs before giving up, unhappy with all my written imperfections. So, I continued my day job and the idea of writing a novel, let alone publishing it, became less and less realistic. For some reason I never lost that kernel of hope that it might happen one day. God was speaking to me then, I just didn’t realize it.
In 2010 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After six months of intensive chemotherapy, I was in remission and had the strongest desire to write a novel. At first, the idea was to write a fictional story based on my experience. As I started to write, it just didn’t feel right. I then switched to writing a memoir, but that too fell flat. Frustrated, I gave up on writing once again.
Fast forward to 2013 and the idea of AFTER SEPTEMBER came to me. The premise was about a woman who goes through a divorce, spends a summer in the Caribbean and has a summer fling. The idea was so strong I began to write. I couldn’t help but write. As the story spoke to me, I kept this mantra in my head: “Just write. Just write.” I was finally able to quell my inner critic and nine months later, completed the first draft. Boy did I feel accomplished! Well, the feeling didn’t last very long. After getting feedback from a few beta readers, I re-wrote the entire story in a different point of view.
When I finished I realized I had to put this story in a box. A genre box. Was it women’s fiction? A romance? Christian or secular? After reading more about these genres I realized I’d made a big mistake. I hadn’t identified my brand from the get-go and the story didn’t really fit in any genre. Too secular for the Christian market; too Christian for the secular. It makes sense to me now why the first round of agent queries were declined.
I began to pray in earnest, seeking God’s will for this story. I felt He’d led me to write Rose’s story and realized my agenda had gotten in the way. Why would God have me write a story with pre-marital sex? The answer is He wouldn’t. Once my heart was satisfied I knew the direction He wanted me to go, I was back to the drawing board. Once again, I re-wrote AFTER SEPTEMBER. This time I kept my Christian viewpoint in mind and after the third re-write the final version was born.
Well, life has a funny way of stopping you in your tracks. I’d begun querying agents for the second version, and in June 2014 my cancer came back. You’ve got to be kidding me!
Okay, Lord. I trust you. I put my faith in You.
Another six months of intensive chemo put me back in remission. PRAISE GOD! I resumed my agent query and again met with rejection after rejection. This didn’t stop me. By this point I was bound and determined AFTER SEPTEMBER would be released. My hopes were raised when a small publisher I’d have given anything to work with wanted to read the entire manuscript. With baited breath I waited. When the disappointed rejection came, I nearly gave up. But God had other plans. See, when I placed my trust in Him, I had to accept His will, not mine. His time, not mine.
The last on my list to query before going the self-pub route was Desert Breeze Publishing. I submitted my story with the expectation of another rejection. Around January 1st of 2016 I received THE e-mail I’d dreamed about: an offer for a contract. I was in shock. THANK YOU LORD!! Nine months later, AFTER SEPTEMBER has been published. I want to pinch myself. I feel it’s all a dream and I’ll wake up.
A dream that began in my early teens took until my mid-forties to come to fruition. What I’ve realized is writing isn’t a dream but a calling. God knew this and remained patient with me as I finally figured that out. A calling to give women hope while reading a romance novel. Such became my tagline: “stories of life…love..hope”
What I’ve learned from this is to never give up on your dreams. Never stop believing God has something in store for your life, even when it seems like you are living one struggle after another. He is faithful to His promises!
So what happens when one falls in love with the person they want to see punished? Dani Prescott finds out when she encounters Brett Somers, the man who destroyed her mother’s reputation. One encounter leads to another – Dani can’t seem to escape the man. And as she learns more about him, her compassionate nature softens her heart toward him.
Yes, Brett is the character from “Where She Belongs” that I really didn’t like. Fortunately, since he is the hero of “When Love Arrives”, my heart softened toward him much as Dani’s did. I really enjoyed the banter between Dani and Brett and liked watching their relationship develop despite the secrets both held close. I found myself totally immersed in their story and was sorry to reach the last page.
“When Love Arrives” is an emotionally charged story of forgiveness and restoration with a strong dose of romance. I have loved this series thus far and am eagerly looking forward to the next installment.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Dani had planned to spy on Brett–so how did she end up on a date with him?
Dani Prescott can’t believe the lie Brett Somers is trying to sell to the media. During an interview about the plane crash that killed his parents, he blamed Dani’s mother. But the crash killed her as well. Vowing to restore her mother’s reputation, Dani has been following Brett and taking photos, hoping to find something she can use to discredit him. But when she catches his eye instead, she quickly finds herself agreeing to a date. Brett knows this mystery girl is hiding something–but he’s got his own secrets to keep. What will happen when he discovers who she really is?
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.
“When the Cowboy Rides Away” is a romantic western set in Texas that is faithful to historic detail and relates an authentic view of life on a ranch. Maggie had her hands full with a ranch to run, a younger sister and an orphaned nephew to raise. It didn’t help things when she found an injured cowboy nearby who can’t remember much of anything by Maggie’s compassion compelled her to help him recover. Naturally a bit of romance develops along the way but plenty of drama, mystery, and surprises are in store before its satisfying conclusion.
I loved this book but then I am a huge fan of books with historical Texas settings. “When the Cowboy Rides Away” is extremely well-written with bigger-than-life characters and a plot that grabbed hold of my attention from the get-go. I also loved how well the author blended a message of faith throughout the story.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. A favorable
review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Maggie Gallagher, twenty-one, runs the Gallagher Ranch in South Texas and has raised her little sister and orphaned nephew since her parents and older sister died. No wonder she can’t find time for romance! The novel opens two years after Maggie loses her family members.
Out for a ride with her sister, she discovers Alex Lancaster, a handsome cowboy, shot and seriously wounded on her land. Kind-hearted and a Christian, Maggie nurses him back to health despite all her other chores. How could she know that Alex had a secret that could break her heart?
When the Cowboy Rides Away is a romantic western set on a cattle ranch in south Texas in 1880, and it was published in September 2015. The novel is available in paperback and as an e-book, but what makes all Molly’s westerns unique is the fact that both her father and her grandfather were ranch managers, real Texas cowboys. Molly spent part of her growing up years on a sixty thousand acre cattle ranch, and when she writes about ranches and cowboys and south Texas, she knows what she is talking about.
“When the Cowboy Rides Away” is First Place Winner in the Christian Western category of the 2016 Texas Association of Authors Award.
Besides winning the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian Western category, “When the Cowboy Rides Away” is also a finalist in the 2016 Will Rogers Medallion Awards contest in the Inspirational category.
Molly Noble Bull, Christian novelist, might be called a Genre Jumper because she enjoys writing everything from Christian romances to adventure stories to humor to books and stories for children to scary Gothic novels to western romances to non-fiction, and she is a wife, mother, grandmother and former elementary and early childhood teacher. A native Texan, she is also a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville.Molly has a Texas cattle ranch background, and When the Cowboy Rides Away, her historical western with a touch of romance, won the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian Western category. Other of Molly’s westerns include Love Inspired’s The Winter Pearl and Brides And Blessings and also, The Rogue’s Daughter–first published by Zondervan.
Molly’s father and maternal grandfather were ranch managers, making them real Texas cowboys, and she spent part of her growing up years on a 60,000 acre cattle ranch. She and her husband have three grown sons and six grandchildren, and all three of their sons are involved in ranching in Texas today.
“Love Everlasting”, Julie Lessman’s second book in the Isle of Hope series is every bit as engaging as the first one. In it the reader revisits the O’Bryen family and not only catches up with what is going on with Dr. Doom and Tess, Lacey and Jack and the rest of the family but gets an intimate view of the stormy romance between sister Shannon and pediatric Dr. Sam Cunningham aka Dr. Love.
To say Shannon and Sam’s relationship was tumultuous might be a bit of an understatement. Shannon has just recently begun to recover from a disastrous college romance and is determined not to get involved with another man. Sam’s party boy reputation made him all wrong for Shannon but she saw through the designer clothing and bravado and found it difficult to resist the wounded boy Sam tried to hide.
“Love Everlasting” is another of Julie’s daring, gritty, and passionate stories that shows life as it really is. Some readers might be offended by the honest portrayal of physical attraction between the couples. That is their prerogative. I personally found the abundant amount of scripture and discussions of faith to far outweigh those scenes. I loved how Shannon tried to help Sam even though she knew it wasn’t a good idea to spend time with him and I loved how just being around her helped make such a drastic change in his life. You know, I wouldn’t be too surprised to hear that someone actually made a decision to follow the Lord after reading this book. It is that powerful!
“Love Everlasting” is an emotionally charged romance (or two) that balances faith and physical attraction. Julie Lessman has done a wonderful job as usual. I would definitely recommend this series to those who enjoy their Christian romance with a generous dose of reality.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by Singing Librarian Books.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Series: Isle of Hope Genre: Christian, Romance Publisher: Julie Lessman, LLC Publication date: September 30, 2016 Number of pages: 307
He sets hearts on fire.
She’s been burned by love.
Can hope survive the flames of the past?
School teacher by day, ghostwriter by night, sweet and shy Shannon O’Bryen doesn’t mind writing romance on the sly, but to live it? No, thank you, not since the man she loved turned out to be a player who broke both her heart and her spirit. Now focused more on her faith and her fiction, she vows the next time she falls in love, it will be safely—through the pages of a book.
Dr. Sam Cunningham is a charismatic player who breaks hearts as regularly as he washes his pearl-white Corvette. Abandoned as a young child, Sam was an orphan shuffled through the foster-care system, bitterly driven to prove he is worthy of love—the kind that lasts forever. Once he learns Shannon is a romance writer, he enlists her help in winning back his ex-girlfriend. She teaches him about faith and the true definition of love, and he soon discovers he’s been seeking it in the wrong place all along—and with the wrong girl. But can he convince a woman who’s been burned by love to open her eyes—and her heart—to a love everlasting?
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.
Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series, Julie Lessman was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered 17 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also named on Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction list.Julie’s most recent novel, Isle of Hope was voted on Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, and Surprised by Love appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of Top Ten Novels of 2014. Her independent novel A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers’ Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. You can contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.
I loved “Brentwood’s Ward” so much that I just knew I would also love “The Captive Heart”. I was not disappointed. Many things about “The Captive Heart” are so different than “Brentwood’s Ward” but the vivid descriptions, compelling characters, and a suspenseful yet romantic plot remained the same.
Eleanor Morgan was a character I could admire. Her strong determination to survive coupled with a tender and merciful heart had me in her corner from the start. Samuel Heath was also a hero I could love. I liked how he came across as so gruff and even frightening but it didn’t take very long to see his true and loyal heart. No wonder Eleanor found herself falling in love with him, almost without realizing it. He certainly was not the man everyone thought him to be.
“The Captive Heart” was such an intense read that I didn’t want to put it down. What adventure! What danger! What suspense! What romance! Bears and fire and evil demented men and faith, and love and loss. Oh, there is so much I could say about how much I liked this book but I would be sure to reveal a spoiler or two. Take my word for it and grab a copy for yourself soon. I love Michelle Griep’s novels and highly recommend them.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing Review Crew.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the run from a cruel British aristocratic employer, Eleanor Morgan escapes to America, the land of the free, for the opportunity to serve an upstanding Charles Town family. But freedom is hard to come by as an indentured servant, and downright impossible when she’s forced to agree to an even harsher contract—marriage to a man she’s never met.
Backwoodsman Samuel Heath doesn’t care what others think of him—but his young daughter’s upbringing matters very much. The life of a trapper in the Carolina backcountry is no life for a small girl, but neither is abandoning his child to another family. He decides it’s time to marry again, but that proves to be an impossible task. Who wants to wed a murderer?
Both Samuel and Eleanor are survivors, facing down the threat of war, betrayal, and divided loyalties that could cost them everything, but this time they must face their biggest challenge ever . . . Love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep has been writing for most of her life and attended poetry workshops instead of summer camp and spent her time writing in her room while her teen peers threw parties when their parents weren’t home. She lives in Minnesota where she tutors writing and history at a local high school homeschool co-op.
She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. Michelle loves Great Britain, boxers, Science Fiction, and once-a-month cooking. Married for twenty years, she is mother to two sons and two daughters.
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Kara Isaac is an award-winning writer who lives in Wellington, New Zealand, where her career highlights include working in tourism as Private Secretary for the Prime Minister. She loves great books almost as much as she loves her husband and two children.
Stephanie’s love of the written word began long before she could read. As a child she would hold a newspaper in hand and move her fingers along the page, pretending to read along.
Molly Noble Bull, Christian novelist, might be called a Genre Jumper because she enjoys writing everything from Christian romances to adventure stories to humor to books and stories for children to scary Gothic novels to western romances to non-fiction, and she is a wife, mother, grandmother and former elementary and early childhood teacher. A native Texan, she is also a graduate of Texas A&M University at Kingsville.Molly has a Texas cattle ranch background, and When the Cowboy Rides Away, her historical western with a touch of romance, won the 2016 Texas Association of Authors contest in the Christian Western category. Other of Molly’s westerns include Love Inspired’s The Winter Pearl and Brides And Blessings and also, The Rogue’s Daughter–first published by Zondervan.
Michelle Griep has been writing for most of her life and attended poetry workshops instead of summer camp and spent her time writing in her room while her teen peers threw parties when their parents weren’t home. She lives in Minnesota where she tutors writing and history at a local high school homeschool co-op.
