A Vision of Lucy was one of the most entertaining and fun books I have read in awhile. Lucy is an avid photographer determined to get a job doing what she loves most. Spunky and tenacious, Lucy seems to attract trouble wherever she goes and tends to run off at the mouth when she gets frazzled (and that happens frequently). During one such misadventure, Lucy is rescued by the mysterious David Wolf who she soon realizes is the “wild man” rumored to be in the area. From that point on Lucy can’t get the elusive man out of her mind. Subsequent meetings reinforce Lucy’s attraction. And although he is often frustrated by her excessive speech and impulsive actions, David finds he can’t get her out of his mind either.
A Vision of Lucy is filled with unforgettable and captivating characters, many who are lovable and others quite detestable. The story is filled with drama, lots of humor, action, suspense, and of course romance. One scene during which a march of the Rocky Creek Suffra-Quilters were confronted by the men of the Society for the Protection and Preservation of Male Independence had me laughing out loud. Even the names of the organizations were funny. Historical facts about photography, women’s rights, and racial intolerance were deftly woven into the story along with a strong message of faith.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Vision of Lucy and would recommend its inclusion on your summer reading list.
This book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she’ll never face adversity alone.
Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. If she can earn money making photographs, then maybe her father will see that what she does is worthy, more than just a distraction. And her deepest hope is that he’ll see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, a painter. But trouble follows Lucy on every photo shoot: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.
When Lucy meets David Wolf, a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of town, she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn’t count on her feelings stirring whenever she’s near him.
Two things happen next that forever change the course of her life: Lucy meets someone who sees her as no one else has—as the compassionate, creative young woman that God made in His image. And Lucy helps David uncover a secret that forces him to change his perspective on an event that left him deeply-scarred.
God’s arms are around this unlikely couple as they discover the truth about long-held assumptions and the importance of forgiveness.
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. 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.”
It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she’s written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. “I love writing about characters at different stages of faith,” she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, “and I’m here to stay.”
Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California.
Too Rich For A Bride is the second book in Mona Hodgson’s series The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek and features the oldest Sinclair sister, Ida who is more interested in pursuing a career than a husband. Interestingly enough, although she immediately obtains a good job working for Mollie O’Bryan, she finds herself pursued by not one but two eligible men. Colin Wagner, the dapper lawyer appears to be the most suitable beau but Ida finds herself more attracted to the entirely unsuitable itinerant preacher/iceman Tucker Raines.
The basic concept for Too Rich For A Bride is a good one but I would like to have seen a bit more plot and character development as well as more details about the progress of Ida’s romance. Then too, more build-up to the suspenseful confrontation would have been nice. For me it was somewhat unexpected and over and done with much too quickly.
Other than that, I found Too Rich For A Bride to be a light, entertaining read that is perfect for a lazy summer day.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As the business-savvy Sinclair sister, Ida has never wanted to settle down.
Instead of love, she craves success.
But while searching for one, she just might find the other.
Ida Sinclair has joined her sisters, Kat and Nell, in the untamed mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado for one reason: to work for the infamous but undeniably successful businesswoman, Mollie O’Bryan. Ida’s sisters may be interested in making a match for their determined older sister, but Ida only wants to build her career.
Under Mollie’s tutelage, Ida learns how to play the stock market and revels in her promising accomplishments. Fighting for respect in a man’s world, her ambition leaves little room for distractions. She ignores her family’s reservations about Mollie O’Bryan’s business practices, but no matter how she tries, she can’t ignore the two men pursuing her affections—Colin Wagner, the dashing lawyer, and Tucker Raines, the traveling preacher.
Ida wants a career more than anything else, so she shrugs off the suitors and pointed “suggestions” that young ladies don’t belong in business. Will it take unexpected love—or unexpected danger—for Ida to realize where her priorities truly lie?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In 1987, Mona Hodgson began writing articles, poems, and short stories for publication and has had several hundred printed in more than 50 different publications. Her publishing credits now include two historical novels, nearly 30 children’s books, and contributions to 11 books for adults.
Mona is a speaker for women’s retreats, schools, conferences for educators and librarians, and at writers’ conferences throughout the United States and Canada. She holds professional memberships in the American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Christian Authors Network, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, the Society of Southwestern Authors, and Arizona Reading Association.
I am always on the lookout for books by new authors so I was glad for the chance to read Spring for Susannah, Catherine Richmond’s very first published novel. A historical romance set in Dakota territory, the story chronicles the experiences of a mail order bride and her new husband as they attempt to build a life together in their little sod home.
Both Susannah and Jesse had preconceived ideas about what their marriage would be but their expectations were slow to be realized. Jesse had looked forward to a wife who would be a companion to take away some of the loneliness of the long Dakota winters. What he got was a shy silent one who seemed to be afraid of him. Susannah had difficulty believing that anyone could possibly care for her and lived in fear that Jesse would send her away. As time passed, the couple grew to know each other better and love blossomed between them but they each had insecurities that prevented them from recognizing it. One disaster after another tested their endurance and their faith.
Spring for Susannah was a delight. Richmond’s characters were well developed and I cared about what happened to them. I could imagine myself there with them as I read the vivid descriptions of settings and events. Intimate moments between Susannah and Jesse were natural and tasteful. A spiritual message was woven naturally and unobtrusively throughout.
I look forward to future novels from Catherine Richmond and would recommend Spring for Susannah to all who enjoy Christian historical fiction.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Booklist says, “Inspired by [folk] lyrics, Richmond arrives on the inspirational fiction scene with a moving debut novel. Readers will be filled with hope that Susannah will learn the true meaning of love. Highly recommended where inspiring, romantic historical fiction is in demand.”
Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.
When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor’s brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she’s ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.
Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse’s confidence in her-and his faith in God’s perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.
When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah’s fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse’s love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.
She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn’t predict all that awaits her.
See what other bloggers are saying about Spring for SusannahHERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist till a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelist critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.
For more about Catherine, please visit www.catherinerichmond.com.
I am always on the lookout for books by new authors so I was glad for the chance to read Spring for Susannah, Catherine Richmond’s very first published novel. A historical romance set in Dakota territory, the story chronicles the experiences of a mail order bride and her new husband as they attempt to build a life together in their little sod home.
Both Susannah and Jesse had preconceived ideas about what their marriage would be but their expectations were slow to be realized. Jesse had looked forward to a wife who would be a companion to take away some of the loneliness of the long Dakota winters. What he got was a shy silent one who seemed to be afraid of him. Susannah had difficulty believing that anyone could possibly care for her and lived in fear that Jesse would send her away. As time passed, the couple grew to know each other better and love blossomed between them but they each had insecurities that prevented them from recognizing it. One disaster after another tested their endurance and their faith.
Spring for Susannah was a delight. Richmond’s characters were well developed and I cared about what happened to them. I could imagine myself there with them as I read the vivid descriptions of settings and events. Intimate moments between Susannah and Jesse were natural and tasteful. A spiritual message was woven naturally and unobtrusively throughout.
I look forward to future novels from Catherine Richmond and would recommend Spring for Susannah to all who enjoy Christian historical fiction.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.
With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister’s homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn’t see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.
In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn’t look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father’s veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse’s ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.
But Susannah’s feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can’t believe that Jesse’s praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.
Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist until a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelists critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max. She’s active in her church as the Director of Women’s Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer’s retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will Love Escape Her Grasp?
Life seems to be falling into place for Deborah Vandermark. On the cusp of finally marrying Christopher, the man who claimed her heart, she is devastated when he receives an urgent telegram. Bound to his family obligations, Christopher travels to Kansas City, uncertain of what he will find there.
When her fiancé returns to Texas, Deborah is faced with a very different future than she expected. She finds herself plagued with questions and uncertainty…about marriage, motherhood, and her passion to train as a physician. And when an old adversary reveals a contract that may spell ruin for Vandermark Logging, Deborah’s life seems to be spiraling out of control. Can Christopher and Deborah find a way to claim the future they long to share when so much stands in the way?
Hope Rekindled is a good example of the kind of book I have come to expect from Tracie Peterson. With strong characterizations and historic context and setting, Peterson has woven a story with dramatic and romantic elements interspersed with humor and suspense.
The third installment of the Striking a Match series, Hope Rekindled continues the story of the Vandermark family and their community. Christopher and Deborah seem to encounter even more hurdles as they attempt to plan their wedding. An unprincipled man’s relentless vendetta against the Vandermarks threatens the livelihood of the entire town and the White Hand of God, a group similar to the KKK, is a growing and violent menace. Yet when all appears to be hopeless, each of them must decide whether to trust in God or their own strength.
Although I feel that can be read as a stand-alone book, the previous books of this series contain valuable background that adds to its understanding and enjoyment. I have enjoyed this series and hope that Hope Rekindled is not the final installment because there are still some unresolved questions that I would like to see answered.
A Heart Divided is the first book I’ve read by Kathleen Morgan so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was delighted to find it to be a well written story with appealing characters and a plot that kept me turning the pages.
Both the hero and heroine, Cord and Sarah were innocent victims of a two decade long feud that had raged between their families. When Cord catches Sarah on Wainwright property while her father and brothers rob his home, he decides to hold her captive until the sheriff is back in town. Sparks fly between them in more ways than one during their forced encounters and gradually they find themselves loving their enemy.
A Heart Divided is filled with drama, conflict, action, mystery, romance, and even a little humor. Realistic examples of family loyalty and dysfunction are balanced with a theme of faith and forgiveness. As can be expected in a book of this type, everything turns out well in the end but what a twisted and interesting path it takes to reach it.
I would recommend A Heart Divided to those who enjoy historical romance novels. I enjoyed it enough that I have already obtained a copy of the first novel in a previous series.
Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Family Feud Threatens Sarah Caldwell’s Dreams For a Better Life…
Could Love Be Her Salvation?
Sarah’s jumbled thoughts gradually righted themselves. No matter what she had promised her mother, she could do nothing for her father unless he chose to change. Indeed, she was just as likely to sacrifice her own life and happiness – and that of her little brother’s – and still not get her father to give up his hopeless quest.
After a brief respite from writing, award-winning author Kathleen Morgan pens a masterpiece novel set against the backdrop of the beautiful Colorado Rockies. A Heart Divided (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1884-8, May 2011, $14.99) will capture readers with a saga of family feuding, abandonment, intriguing love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
It is 1878. The Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for twenty-seven years. The patriarchs of each family will not let the feud end; their hearts are bent on destruction. Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright ranch. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, Sarah realizes she needs to lay low. But Cord spots her in town and, with the sheriff away, makes a citizen’s arrest, dragging her off to the Wainwright ranch until the sheriff’s return. As the family feud continues to smolder, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery–they are falling in love. Can they betray their families for love? Or will their families betray them?
In a powerful and historically authentic love story, Morgan explores themes of family loyalty, self-determination, what it meant to be a hero in the Old West and, above all, how love can change everything.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathleen Morgan is the award-winning author of many novels, including those in the bestselling Brides of Culdee Creek series. She lives in Colorado with her husband.
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Trouble may follow Lucy wherever she goes, but with the help of God and the rugged, reclusive David Wolf, she’ll never face adversity alone.
Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. 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.”
