by admin | Apr 9, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Over the course of many years of reading countless novels, I don’t believe I have ever run across another one that featured a woman buffalo hunter! I immediately knew that “Caught in the Middle” would be interesting and somewhat different that my usual fare. My suspicions proved to be correct and I was thoroughly entertained by this book.
During the course of the story, I learned the reasons why Anne Tillerton had become a buffalo hunter and watched her tentative relationship with Nicholas Lovelace develop despite its total improbability. It was fun and amusing to watch Nicholas develop strong feelings for Anne who was an absolutely inappropriate companion for an up-and-coming young man with his ambition. I loved the interaction between the pair, especially how Anne challenged Nicolas about his faith when she had no trust in the Lord herself. It was gratifying to watch Anne’s progress as she began to trust others as well as grow into a faith of her own.
“Caught in the Middle” was a satisfying conclusion to the Ladies of Caldwell County series but easily stands on its own strength. I enjoyed all three books and would recommend each of them.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She Wants the Freedom of the Open Plains.
He Wants the Prestige of a Successful Career.
Neither is Ready for What Comes Instead.
The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life’s next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected–Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.
Anne’s been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She’s only in town to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees–leaving Anne with her infant son. With Nick the only person Anne knows in town, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.
But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society–and it’s not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick’s work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn’t helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others’ expectations, can the pair find their way to love?
“[Jennings is] a fresh voice in Christian historical romance…” Library Journal
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She 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 with her husband and four children.
More Info
- Twitter
- @reginajennings
- Facebook
- https://www.facebook.com/ReginaLJennings
- Website
- http://www.reginajennings.com
by admin | Feb 1, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The final installment of Amanda Cabot’s Westward Winds series, “With Autumn’s Return” was an enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to a wonderful series.
Elizabeth, the youngest Harding sister has completed her medical training and has established an office in Cheyenne, Wyoming in order to be close to Charlotte and Abigail. Believing the residents of Cheyenne to be more progressive thinkers, Elizabeth is disappointed to find that they are no more accepting of a female physician than people back East. Nevertheless she is determined to be the best doctor she can be and hopes that she can change the minds of at least a few.
One of Elizabeth’s first encounters is with her new neighbor, attorney Jason Nordling and it does not go at all well. Sparks fly when she reacts with anger to his disapproval and the reader immediately senses that an interesting path to romance could develop for these two. And interesting it is with Elizabeth so dedicated to her profession that she can’t imagine having time for a husband and children, and Jason convinced that a woman like Elizabeth could never be the type of wife he needs. Naturally God has other plans for them.
The plot moves along at a fair pace with more than one sub-plot woven into the whole. A romance between Harrison and Gwen develops nicely and a bit of murder and mystery is thrown in for good measure. I liked how Elizabeth was so dedicated to caring for others than she tried to do the right thing no matter what the busybodies and gossips thought about her. I liked the emphasis on how a marriage should be a partnership with husband and wife working together without strict roles defined by their gender.
Once again I recommend a novel by Amanda Cabot for all who enjoy historical romance. You cannot go wrong with this author!
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s planning on instant success. She didn’t plan on love.
When Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne to open her medical practice, she is confident that the future is as bright as the warm Wyoming sun. Certain she’ll have a line of patients eager for her services, she soon discovers the town may not welcome a new physician–especially a lady doctor. Even Jason Nordling, the handsome young attorney next door, seems to disapprove of her chosen profession.
When a web of deceit among Cheyenne’s wealthiest residents threatens to catch Elizabeth and Jason in its snare, they must risk working together to save one of Elizabeth’s patients–even if it means falling in love.
Read an excerpt from “With Autumn’s Return” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, as well as Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming. Find out more about Amanda and her books HERE.
by admin | Nov 15, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Beloved” is the third and final book in Hatcher’s Where The Heart Lives series but it can easily stand on its own. It is not necessary to read the previous two books in order to understand Diana and Tyson’s story.
Diana is about to announce her intentions to remarry when her missing and presumed dead husband Tyson appears at her engagement party. Apparently the reports of his death on the battlefield were in error. Tyson is a different man than the angry one who left Diana and his parents seven years before and he intends to do his best to make amends, especially with his wife. Although Diana is resistant, she does agree to live in the same house until after the election in which Tyson has decided to run. Diana is determined not to remain a minute longer but Tyson is equally determined to make her change her mind.
With a plot that switches between the present and the past, it is easy to understand why each of them react as they do. Several other unique characters and animals help to make the story even more interesting, especially a young orphan boy and Diana’s mother and Tyson’s father. A twist or two of the plot and one short but suspenseful scene near the end keep things moving along.
All in all, “Beloved” is a fitting end to the series and I believe all the loose ends were tied up nicely. I always enjoy novels by Robin Lee Hatcher and this one was no exception.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Diana is ready to begin a new chapter in her life-until the husband she believed dead reappears at her engagement party.
Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word from him in years, Diana’s infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.
But when Tyson returns, claiming to be a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom.
He agrees with one condition—she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.
Learn more at her website.
“Beloved” iPad Mini Giveaway from Robin Lee Hatcher!
Robin Lee Hatcher is celebrating the release of her latest novel, Beloved, with an iPad Mini giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 15th. Winner will be announced November 16th at Robin’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin’s blog on the 16th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)!
by admin | Nov 6, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
What do you get when a Pinkerton detective and a Wells Fargo detective are working on the same case and each suspects the other? If it’s “Gunpowder Tea” by Margaret Brownley, you get a fun-filled, novel laced with just the right amount of humor, romance, danger and suspense. The sparks fly between Miranda and Jeremy despite their mutual suspicion. When the level of danger increases at the Last Chance Ranch, both Miranda and Jeremy are determined to find the “Phantom” before someone is seriously injured or killed.
It was nice to revisit characters from the previous two books of the series as well as getting to know Miranda and Jeremy. I loved Miss Eleanor’s explanation of the way the ranch got its name. I don’t remember it from the previous books but it has been awhile since I read them.
Margaret Brownley’s books have been on my must read list for awhile now and her Last Chance Ranch series has to be my favorite. As the third book in the series “Gunpowder Tea” is a fitting conclusion; however it can easily stand on its own. I can say that once you read it you will probably want to read the first two books also. I am sorry to see this series end but look forward to what Margaret has to offer her readers next.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.
When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom—an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.
But she isn’t the only one at the ranch with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggart is working undercover as well. Their true identities may be a secret, but it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the sparks flaring between them.
Neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they get to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets—and no one on the ranch is safe.
The longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers—and their lives—depend on solving this case. Love will just have to wait.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this–except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter at the time. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, “Maybe God’s calling you to write fiction.” So that’s what Margaret did. She’s now a New York Times bestselling author and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 25 novels to her credit. Her first non-fiction book “Grieving God’s Way: the Lasting Path to Hope and Healing” has won much critical acclaim. She is currently working on the third book in her “Brides of Last Chance Ranch series.” Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.
Learn more at Margaret’s website.
Win a Kindle Fire from Margaret Brownley and RSVP for “Tea with Margaret” on 11/7!
Margaret Brownley‘s latest release, Gunpowder Tea, is receiving high praise, and she’s celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a “Tea with Margaret” Facebook party!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the “Tea with Margaret” Facebook Author Chat Party on the 7th. Connect with Margaret and friends for an evening of book chat, prizes, and get an exclusive look at Margaret’s next book!
So grab your copy of Gunpowder Tea and join Margaret on the evening of November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 11/7!
by admin | Oct 18, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Bride for KeepsBethany House Publishers (October 1, 2013)byMelissa JagearsA Word From The Author:
I am a stay at home mother on a tiny little farm with a fixer-upper house. As much as I love writing and reading about homesteaders, I am so glad I’m a homesteader during an era with modern grocery stores to take up for my slack. I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher by trade, and I still work occasionally in that field along with being my church’s financial secretary and writing novels.
My husband and I have been married since 2001 and have a daughter and two little boys. My husband shares my fascination with traditional living except for being more hands on. He loves blacksmithing, knife smithing, traditional archery, hunting, etc. Generally whatever a mountain man does, he does it or has or wants to attempt it. He comes in handy for research! And of course, the rest of the family gets involved. I have my own blackpowder rifle, named Calvin, that my husband made for me. And I’m pretty sure my daughter is probably one of very few her age who can instruct adults how to shoot a longbow properly. The boy digs random holes in my yard to make “cement” with dirt and water making our yard a tripping hazard. The baby does what babies do.
Learn more about Melissa and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Tender Tale of Love on the Prairie Perfect for CBA Readers!
Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up with the demands of his homestead, he won’t humiliate himself by looking for a helpmate ever again–not after being jilted by three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the woman in question. She’s the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, and it’s just not possible she’s there to marry a simple homesteader like him.
Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. Having finally worked up the courage to leave her life in Massachusetts, she’s determined to find a place where people will value her for more than her looks. Having run out of all other options, Julia resorts to a mail-order marriage in far-away Kansas.
Everett is skeptical a cultured woman like Julia could be happy in a life on the plains, while Julia, deeply wounded by a past relationship, is skittish at the idea of marriage at all. When, despite their hesitations, they agree to a marriage in name only, neither one is prepared for the feelings that soon arise to complicate their arrangement. Can two people accustomed to keeping their distance let the barricades around their hearts down long enough to fall in love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride for Keeps, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Poor Everett has given up on finding a wife…the woman he loved married another man. He tried mail order brides but that didn’t work out either…two married others and one died on her journey to Kansas. Marriage just must not be in God’s plan for Everett’s life. Julia is running from her past and hoping for a new life. She has no other choice but to marry but hopes for a platonic understanding. She is done with men but is willing to work hard for security. Brought together by the wife of Everett’s best friend, they agree to marry but each of them is so deeply wounded that a real marriage seems impossible.
A Bride for Keeps is a story filled with one misunderstanding after another. Julia is stubbornly determined to help in every way she can, often at her own risk but has difficulty accepting any offer of kindness from Everett. In turn, Everett believes that Julia’s insistence on keeping her distance must be because of something lacking in him. I will admit that at times I grew a bit weary of the misunderstandings but by the end of the book I understood their purpose.
The characters will touch your heart and the strong message of faith is encouraging. Although A Bride for Keeps is her first novel, Melissa Jagears is an author to keep an eye on. I know I will be watching for her next book.
by admin | Oct 12, 2013 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“The Journey of Josephine Cain” is a historical novel that takes place during the period of time immediately after the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln. Much of the story revolves around the Transcontinental Railroad and the people involved with its construction as well as the temporary towns that grew around the construction sites. It was a place where gunfights and Indian raids were common and saloons and brothels were more evident than churches and schools.
Josephine Cain is the pampered daughter of the former Union general who has been assigned to oversee the eastern end of the railroad construction. Bored with living in a house of mourning, Josephine finds a way to manipulate her father into letting her new suitor accompany her and her aunt to visit the site. She finds a new dangerous but exciting world so unlike the safe and comfortable home to which she is accustomed. She also meets an entirely unsuitable young railroad worker but immediately feels a strong connection to him. Torn between her feelings for Hudson and the suitability of Lewis, Josephine may be forced to make an unwelcome decision regarding her future.
“The Journey of Josephine Cain” was perfectly paced with a storyline that was not only entertaining but informative. I loved learning about the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and its importance to the history of our country. The plot contained several unexpected twists and a few surprises. Josephine was a well-rounded character who evolved from a spoiled, selfish, and manipulative girl to a strong, compassionate, and mature woman of God. Hudson was proof that social standing is not as important as integrity and Lewis was a good example of what can happen when a person allows revenge to rule their life.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a socialite from the nation’s capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.
A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general’s daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.
Purchase a copy 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.
The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy’s fun Pinterest board for the book!
Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!
Five winners will receive:
- The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 26th. All winners will be announced October 28th at the Litfuse blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won one of the books!
