by admin | Jan 13, 2016 | Appalachia, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Well past my child-bearing years and never interested in any type medical career, I was uncertain if I would find “The Mountain Midwife” to be a book I would enjoy. I need not have been concerned. This book was an enthralling romantic suspense with an Appalachian mountain setting that held my interest from its very first pages.
The author did a marvelous job with fully developed characters to whom I could relate. Ashley Tolliver was a compassionate woman whose dedication to the women of her community was commendable yet she was unaware of just how important a role she played. When Hunter showed up in search of the woman who claimed to be his mother, she found herself drawn into his quest as well as her own search for the mysterious young woman who had disappeared soon after Ashley delivered her baby.
The well-written plot moved along at a steady pace with ample drama, humor, mystery, and romance to whet any reader’s appetite. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the mountains in the company of Ashley and Hunter and was left wanting more. I am hoping for a sequel to this marvelous novel.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing and the Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For nearly two hundred years, women in Ashley Tolliver’s family have practiced the art of midwifery in their mountain community. Now she wants to take her skills a step further, but attending medical school means abandoning those women to whom she has dedicated her life, the mountains she loves, and the awakening of her heart.
Ashley Tolliver has tended to the women of her small Appalachian community for years. As their midwife, she thinks she has seen it all. Until a young woman gives birth to a baby at Ashley’s home and is abducted just as she tries to take the dangerously bleeding woman her to the nearest hospital. Now Ashley is on a mission to find the woman and her newborn baby . . . before it’s too late.
Hunter McDermott is on a quest—to track down his birth mother. After receiving more media attention than he could ever want for being in the right place at the right time, he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to be his mother. Hunter seeks out the aid of the local midwife in the mountain town where the phone call originated—surely she can shed some light on his own family background.
Ashley isn’t prepared for the way Hunter’s entrance into her world affects her heart and her future. He reignites dreams of her own family she has long put aside in favor earning her medical degree and being able to do even more for her community. But is it commitment to her calling or fear of the unknown that keeps her feet firmly planted in the Appalachian soil? Or is it something more—fear of her growing feelings for Hunter—that make her hesitant to explore the world beyond the mountains?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Recipient of the National Readers Choice Award, Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of nine books and a novella, with four more books and two novellas scheduled for release. She is a writing teacher and speaker and has her master’s degree in creative writing. She also writes articles on writing, including “Writing from the Heart While Writing for the Market” for The ACFW Journal.
Visit her website at www.lauriealiceeakes.com
Facebook: authorlauriealiceeakes
Twitter: @LaurieAEakes
by admin | Jan 2, 2016 | Books, Historical, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy Regina Jennings’ historical romance novels because I know I can expect an entertaining combination of humor, drama, and romance laced with a touch of mystery and suspense and surprises. It is also a plus to find a good message of faith woven through her stories. “At Love’s Bidding” did not disappoint with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a sweet romance that kept me happily reading and satisfied at its end.
I loved this tale about Miranda Wimplegate who travels with her grandfather to Missouri where their new auction house is located, hoping to find a valuable portrait before it is too late. The fun really begins upon their arrival in Missouri where they find themselves over their heads with their new business that is not at all what they expected. It was quite enjoyable reading about Miranda’s efforts to keep up with her grandfather and her interactions with Wyatt Ballentine were fascinating.
As always, the reader can expect some amusing conflicts between the primary characters before the romance commences. A unique group of secondary characters offers added interest and support to the story. Rather than chance revealing more and spoiling the story, I suggest an immediate trip to the closest bookstore or favorite online retailer to pick up your own copy of “At Love’s Bidding”. I do not think you will be sorry.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She sells priceless antiques. He sells livestock by the pound. Is he really the man to make a bid for her heart?
After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she’s accidentally sold a powerful family’s prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.
Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of “A Most Inconvenient Marriage,” “Sixty Acres and a Bride,” and “Caught in the Middle,” and contributed a novella to “A Match Made in Texas.” Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children.
Find out more about Regina at http://www.reginajennings.com/.
After a cross-country trip to track down a sold painting that could ruin her family’s business forever, Miranda Wimplegate forms an unlikely but charged partnership with livestock auctioneer Wyatt Ballentine in Regina Jennings’ At Love’s Bidding. Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt must try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Join Regina in celebrating the release of At Love’s Bidding by entering to win her Cozy Winter Night giveaway and RSVPing to her January 5th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive everything you need for a cozy winter night:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 1/5. The winner will be announced at the At Love’s Bidding Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Regina and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!
by admin | Dec 12, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Wedding Chapel” is just another confirmation of why Rachel Hauck has remained among my top ten favorite authors for several years. There is no such thing as missing one of her books. In fact I usually have them on my Amazon wish list far in advance of publication. I am often offered a review copy but if not, I never hesitate to buy a copy as soon as it is released.
This particular novel contains two romances and moves back and forth between four primary characters and also between past and present times. Despite the frequent changes I had no problems keeping up with what was happening. In fact certain facts related in one person’s background helped me to understand a few things about another of the characters. All-in-all, this is a poignant story that involves unrequited love, betrayal, and marriage problems due to inability to communicate.
In her true fashion, Rachel has once again penned a captivating story filled with forgiveness and redemption. I particularly loved the “heartbeat of God” scenes and can well imagine how frightening yet faith building that such supernatural events could be. There were a few surprises along the way and I found the ending to be very satisfying. I can’t wait for Rachel’s next book!
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program
of Harper Collins Christian Publishing and The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A lonely wedding chapel built as a tribute to lost love just might hold the long-awaited secret to hope and reconciliation.
For sixty years, the wedding chapel has stood silent and empty. Retired football hall-of-famer Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook built the chapel by hand, stone by stone, for his beautiful and beloved Collette Greer, whom he lost so many years ago. The chapel is a sanctuary for his memories, a monument to true love, and a testament to his survival of the deepest pain and loss.
Photographer Taylor Branson left her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee to make a new life for herself in New York. Taylor had lots to run away from, not least of all a family history of broken promises and broken dreams. Love catches Taylor off guard when she falls for Jack Forester, a successful advertising executive, and their whirlwind romance leads to an elopement – and then to second guesses. Jack, in spite of his very real love for Taylor, is battling his own demons and struggles to show her his true self and the depths of his love for her.
When Taylor takes a photography assignment in Heart’s Bend, she is thrown back into her own past and encounters family secrets buried deep beneath the sands of time. And when Taylor and Coach’s journeys collide, they each rediscover the heartbeat of their own dreams as they learn that the love they long to hold is well worth waiting for.
Download a sample chapter here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times, and Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck.
by admin | Dec 8, 2015 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Amish Christmas at North Star” was a bit different from most Amish books I have read. A collection of four novellas written by four different authors, each story features one of four babies born on the same snowy night almost twenty-five years earlier. Not only does each story contain a romance, but each of them has a unique twist that often is just a bit of mystery.
I loved reading these stories by some of my favorite authors. Strong characters and interesting plots held my interest with no problem. I was particularly blessed by the compelling redemptive message of forgiveness and healing expressed by each of the novellas.
I believe that all readers who enjoy Amish or Christmas fiction would enjoy “Amish Christmas at North Star”. It is the perfect book for a cozy chair next to a blazing fire this Christmas season.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife on the edge of North Star, Pennsylvania.
On a cold, snowy night almost twenty-five years ago, Rebekah, an Amish midwife, delivered four babies. Rebekah’s babies, as they are called, are now young adults. In four heartwarming novellas, each young person experiences a journey of discovery, love, and the wonder of Christmas.
Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englischer Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa, will his discoveries upend her world?
Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac.? Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great-nephew Jesse, an angry Englischer, or someone else?
In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Heartbroken Kore Detweiler avoids North Star after Savilla Beiler rejects his love. But when he is unexpectedly called home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.
Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to join a new Amish settlement in Mississippi. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas, and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in an old widower’s life.
by admin | Dec 8, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
After reading “Whispers in the Reading Room” as well as the previous two novels in Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series, I seriously hope that the author will continue to provide books of this vein. I consider her to be one of the better authors of Amish fiction but I much prefer this series.
As a voracious reader myself, I can certainly identify with Lydia’s love of books and also found the mysterious male book lover who frequented the reading room to be of great interest. I loved both characters and although I knew they would eventually end up together, it was so entertaining to read about their interactions and exploits as Lydia and Sebastian hoped to find the actual person responsible for murder. Sebastian was a true gentleman despite his humble background and his questionable occupation. Despite Lydia’s own negative opinion of herself, I found her to be a strong and very likable heroine. The plot moved along at just the right pace and descriptions of different settings, characters, and society practices brought the story to life.
As always, I enjoyed seeing the true villains get their just comeuppance and an unlikely pair rewarded with true love. Loved this book so I recommend it and the entire series to those who love historical romance with a large dollop of suspense.
Copies of this book were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity and The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), “The Protector,” recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
by admin | Nov 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Book two in Thompson’s Brides With Style series continues Katie Fisher’s tale. Still happy working in the Dallas bridal salon and pretty sure she is in love with Brady James, Katie is blind-sided by a few things that make her question her choices. What is a gal to do when the man she thought she would marry turns up in her life again and all signs point to his wanting to renew their relationship – especially when the man she loves has suddenly gone into a depression and seems to be avoiding her?
In her unique style, Janice Thompson has once again offered her readers a humorous yet thoughtful novel that is brimming over with romance. Her characters are fresh and lovable and the plot just grabs you and pulls you along for the ride. I loved reading about the preparations and showers for Katie’s grandmother’s wedding. My, there were some laugh-out-loud scenes there, especially the one involving the wedding punch. You just have to read it!
But seriously, almost hiding behind all the fun and romance is a strong lesson about not trying to micromanage our lives but to just relax and let God have control. One more reminder of why I love Janice’s books.
If you have never read a Janice Thompson novel, please take my advice and pick up both books in this series. If you have any sense of humor at all, I think you will love them.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How can she choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath?
Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn’t seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. Katie’s almost-fiancé Casey is back in Fairfield, ready to rekindle their relationship. And there’s nothing Katie’s parents want more than for their small-town girl to leave Dallas and come home for good.
But can she really leave Brady behind? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect, The Icing on the Cake, and The Dream Dress. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com.
