by admin | Mar 22, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Heart Of Stone
Zondervan (March 1, 2010)
by
Jill Marie Landis
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Marie Landis is the bestselling author of over twenty novels. She has won numerous awards for her sweeping emotional romances, such as Summer Moon and Magnolia Creek. In recent years, as market demands turned to tales of vampires, erotica, and hotter, sexier historical romances, Jill turned to writing Inspirational Western Romances for Steeple Hill Books. She truly feels back in the saddle again, working on stories that are a joy to write. With her toes in the sand and head in the clouds, Jill now lives in Hawaii with her husband, Steve.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Laura Foster, free from the bondage of an unspeakable childhood has struggled to make a new life for herself. Now the owner of an elegant boardinghouse in Glory, Texas, she is known as a wealthy, respectable widow. But Laura never forgets that she is always just one step ahead of her past.
When Reverend Brand McCormick comes calling, Laura does all she can to discourage him as a suitor. She knows that if her past were discovered, Brand’s reputation would be ruined. But it’d not only Laura’s past that threatens to bring Brand down?it’s also his own.
When a stranger in town threatens to reveal too many secrets, Laura is faced with a heartbreaking choice: Should she leave Glory forever and save Brand’s future? Or is it worth risking his name – and her heart – by telling him the truth?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Heart Of Stone, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
Prim and proper Laura Foster has created a new and respectable life for herself as owner of an exclusive boardinghouse. Unfortunately she can’t relax and enjoy it for fear that the truth about her past will surface. When pastor Brand McCormick sets his hat for her, she attempts to discourage his attentions because she knows that involvement with her could destroy his reputation if her past became known. Much to everyone’s surprise, Brand is confronted by his own past in front of his congregation. Now the big question is “Will there be any chance of a future together for Brand and Laura?”
Heart of Stone is truly a gripping, page turner. Although Laura’s past is so unthinkable that it would be difficult to imagine that she not only survived but escaped it, her character is realistic and believable. Brand is portrayed as a compassionate man with human frailties and desires even if he is a pastor. All other characters from the good-hearted to the immoral are convincing and contribute to the enjoyment of the story. Forgiveness is an important theme woven throughout the story, especially the need to forgive self in order to move on with life. Heart of Stone may just be a fictional story but I found plenty of truth in it to make me examine my own heart.
I enthusiastically recommend Heart of Stone and look forward to the next installment of the Irish Angel series.
by admin | Feb 22, 2010 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Cowgirl at Heart
Barbour Books (February 1, 2010)
by
Christine Lynxwiler
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Christine Lynxwiler lives with her husband and two precious daughters in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Christine has been writing toward publication since 1997. She sold her first story in 2001 to Barbour Publishing. Since then she’s written and sold fourteen Christian romance novels and novellas including the four novels that were included in the best-selling book Arkansas, which has sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. Her novel, Forever Christmas, ranked number 12 on the Christian Bookseller’s Association Bestseller List in January, 2009.
A four-time winner of the prestigious American Christian Romance Writers/American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Award, Christine recently signed a new six-book contract with Barbour Publishing bringing her total of contracted books to twenty. Besides, Along Came a Cowboy, her latest novels include Promise Me Always and Forever Christmas. She also writes mysteries with two of her sisters, Sandy Gaskin and Jan Reynolds. Their book, Alibis in Arkansas, is currently available nationwide, as well as in many bookstores. The first book in Christine’s new McCord Sisters series, The Reluctant Cowgirl released in April, 2009 and was a TOP PICK in Romantic Times Magazine.
When Christine isn’t at her computer, you’ll often find her, with her husband, co-coaching their daughters’ softball team, kayaking down beautiful Spring River with her family, or getting together with friends from church.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Elyse McCord always plays it safe – a fact she blames on being the biological daughter of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. Even in the security of her adoptive family the McCords, the timid dog whisperer keeps her guard up with strangers. But when she discovers a dog being horribly mistreated, shy Elyse transforms into a mighty warrior and charges into a perilous situation, not only risking her life but also her heart.
Reporter Andrew Stone has been fearless since the day his wife was shot and killed three years ago. He has one mission – use his Texas Ranger upbringing to find her murderer and clear his own name of any involvement. When he sees a beautiful brunette in the hands of a pistol-welding maniac, he’s forced to abandon his covert surveillance and go to the rescue. The danger surrounding Andrew doesn’t scare him at all, but the awakening of his dormant heart terrifies him.
When painful pasts collide, the explosion is deafening. Can Andrew and Elyse pick up the pieces and go forward together? Or will they forever live with haunting memories, unable to forgive, unable to love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Cowgirl at Heart , go HERE.
Learn more about Christine and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
The third installment of the McCord Sisters series, Cowgirl at Heart is a fast paced story filled with family, conflict, misunderstandings, action, suspense, humor, romance, and reconciliation. Cowgirl at Heart focuses on Elyse who loves dogs but is afraid of almost everything else. Her timidity has prevented her from fully participating in life until the day she finds herself looking down the barrel of a gun while trying to rescue an abused dog. Andrew Stone has a few unresolved issues of his own but after a dramatic first encounter with Elyse, he becomes her self-proclaimed protector. As their friendship progresses, Andrew’s encouragement helps Elyse to overcome some of her hangups. But will their growing attraction be enough to conquer the obstacles between them?
Familiar characters from the first two books in this series add interest to the narrative. Interaction between family members is realistic and touching. The theme of forgiveness and reconciliation is handled well without being overbearing. Cowgirl at Heart is definitely on my recommended book list.
by admin | Feb 15, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Cade Kolby rode his horse out of town hot on the trail of a wanted man, he didn’t wonder how he would leave the bounty hunter lifestyle behind.
Now the deaths of his sister and brother-in-law prompt a return visit and Cade once again sees Zoe, the fiery redhead he left so many years ago. He promised Zoe he’d come back. Seeing the beauty that has grown both inside and out, watching her love the children his sister left behind, Cade wonders anew why he never did return. Yet a bounty hunter cannot form the kind of ties he now desires. Wanted men will only see his loved ones as pawns to hurt Cade.
So Cade must walk away again, this time from both the woman he loves and his sister’s children. There’s no other way. Or is there?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and five wonderful grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has more than 95 books published.
MY REVIEW:
A Kiss for Cade is another of the western romance novels that help keep this reader happy. When I began reading this story, I was so prepared to dislike Cade. I mean how lame can a guy be who leaves a girl and expects her to wait for years until he gets around to coming home – and then gets upset that she marries someone else after waiting nine years for him? Give me a break! Zoe was entirely justified in not being happy to see him when he finally drug himself home after fifteen years following the deaths of his sister and her husband. And to think that she would jump right into his arms now that he was home and she was a widow! Yes, I was prepared not to like Cade but Copeland created such an endearing character that in spite of his sheer thoughtlessness (and stupidity), I ended up loving Cade and rooting for him and Zoe to get together.
A Kiss for Cade is an easy read with plenty of action, humor, and suspense with an element of faith woven into the plot. The characters are well rounded and the setting is perfect. I recommend A Kiss for Cade as well as Outlaw’s Bride, the previous book in the Western Sky series.
This book was provided for review by Rebeca Seitz
with Glass Road Public Relations.
by admin | Feb 15, 2010 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon
Summerside Press (January 1, 2010)by
Miralee Ferrell
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In October 2007 Kregel Publications published The Other Daughter with excellent reviews. The Romantic Times Review magazine gave it Four out of Four and a half stars, with a very strong review. Two different major motion picture studios are currently considering the book as a possible family movie, and my second book in the series (Past Shadows) is on my publishers desk being reviewed for a possible contract offer now.
In February of 2009, Love Finds You in Last Chance, California was published by Summerside Press
And Finding Jeena will release in April 2010 from Kregel Publications.
Miralee Ferrell lives in Washington with Allen, her husband of more than 37 years, ans has two grown children. She serves on staff at her local church ans is actively involved in ministry to women.
ABOUT THE BOOK :
Against a backdrop of thievery and murder in Bridal Veil Falls, Oregon, a historic logging community, a schoolteacher is torn between the memories of a distant love and the man who could be her future.
Sixteen-year-old Margaret Garvey had given her heart to Nathaniel Cooper the night he disappeared from town. Four years later, just as she’s giving love a second chance with Andrew, a handsome logger, Nathaniel suddenly returns. He steams back into Bridal Veil on a riverboat to work at the nearby sawmill to town with a devastating secret.
While grappling with the betrayal of those she trusted most, Margaret risks her reputation and position by harboring two troubled runaways who might be involved in the murder of a local man.
When disaster strikes the town and threatens the welfare of its citizens, Margaret will be faced with the most important choice of her life.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon, go HERE.
Learn more about Miralee and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
A historical romance novel, Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon delivered much more than expected. In addition to its requisite love story, I found a tale filled with mystery, suspense, unexpected revelations, and true compassion set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. A love triangle with Margaret Garvey, Nathaniel, and Andrew varied enough to keep me guessing which man she would finally choose. I was afraid that she would choose the wrong one although the contrast between them was so obvious. The addition of the runaway children and some of the other characters added even more depth to a compelling story. I would enthusiastically recommend Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon.
by admin | Feb 4, 2010 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Never Say Never
Bethany House (February 1, 2010)
by
Lisa Wingate
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa lives in central Texas were she is a popular inspriational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books. Her novel,
Tending Roses, received dozens of five-star reviews, sold out thirteen printings for New York publisher, Penguin Putnam, and went on to become a national bestselling book. Tending Roses was a selection of the Readers Club of America, and is currently in its fourteenth printing.
The Tending Roses series continued with Good Hope Road, the Language of Sycamores, Drenched in Light, and A Thousand Voices. In 2003, Lisa’s Texas Hill Country series began with Texas Cooking, and continued with Lone Star Cafe’, which was awarded a gold metal by RT Bookclub magazine and was hailed by Publisher’s Weekly as “A charmingly nostalgic treat.” The series concluded with Over the Moon at the Big Lizard Diner.
Lisa is now working on a new set of small-town Texas novels for Bethany House Publishers. The series debuted with Talk of the Town and continued with Word Gets Around and Never Say Never. A new series is also underway for Peguin Group NAL, beginning with A Month of Summer (July 2008), and continuing with The Summer Kitchen (July 2009) and Beyond Summer (July 2010). Lisa’s works have been featured by the National Reader’s Club of America, AOL Book Pics, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, American Profiles and have been chosen for the LORIES best Published Fiction Award. In 2009, A Month of Summer was nomiated for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She’s never put down roots in any one place–and she doesn’t plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence.
And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily–until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the winds blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store–especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Never Say Never, go HERE.
Learn more about Lisa and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Lisa Wingate has become one of my favorite authors. I can’t seem to get enough of her quirky but real life characters and the pithy down-home axioms that are always appropriately placed. Lisa’s clever humor and the way she is able to work in a spiritual message without getting preachy also earn major kudos from me.
In Never Say Never, the third installment of the Daily, Texas series, Donetta and her friends have headed to the coast to take a cruise only to find a hurricane approaching and everyone else evacuating. They encounter Kai, a cruise ship employee who has missed the boat and is headed north with her landlord’s dogs to escape the storm. Their exploits during the mad rush to escape the approaching storm kept me on the edge of my seat. I have never experienced a hurricane evacuation and after reading this, I definitely don’t want to be a part of one.
Although I enjoyed Kai and Kemp’s story, I have to say that Donetta is the real star of Never Say Never. Even as she gets caught up in her usual matchmaking efforts and being in the middle of helping everyone else, Donetta has some problems of her own. Several surprises are in store for Donetta in this heartwarming tale. I just can’t say anything else lest I reveal too much. Be sure to pick up a copy of Never Say Never. I don’t think you will be sorry.
by admin | Jan 24, 2010 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
Romance on the Ranch:
When Jenna’s cowboy returns to their small hometown in Texas, she discovers that the memories of the past aren’t so easy to shake after all
Popular author Sharon Gillenwater releases a new novel, Jenna’s Cowboy, set in the beautiful part of West Texas where she grew up as the debut novel in The Callahans of Texas series.
Readers meet Jenna Callahan, who has a young son and is working hard at her father’s ranch. She’s content with her life. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town—the first guy she ever noticed, the very same one her father sent away all those years ago. And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.
Jenna’s cowboy has some healing of his own to do, though, after two tours of duty in the armed forces. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him—and become the man Jenna deserves.
With an emphasis on simple acts of love, Jenna’s Cowboy gives romance readers what they want most: a love story with a Texas touch. This contemporary novel will appeal to fans of Debbie Macomber and Lisa Wingate.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharon Gillenwater was born and raised in west Texas, and loves to write about her native state. The author of ten novels, she is a member of ACFW and Romance Writers of America. When she’s not writing, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their son, daughter-in-law, and adorable grandson. She lives in Port Angeles, Washington.
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MY REVIEW:
Have I mentioned that I like books with cowboys in them? I was excited to find yet another one on my blog review list this month, a contemporary one set in Texas this time. I am glad that I had the opportunity to read Jenna’s Cowboy and recommend it to others.
Jenna and Nate were special friends as teens but never revealed their secret feelings to each other before going their separate ways after graduation. The book begins with Nate back home after his military service ends with injuries. Jenna has also returned to her family’s ranch with her young son after a disastrous marriage. They soon find that their feelings for each other are as strong as ever but both have issues to overcome before feeling free to pursue those feelings. Jenna’s Cowboy is a sweet and tender love story that beautifully illustrates Nate and Jenna’s developing relationship.
The author’s description of farm and ranch life in west Texas made me feel as if I were there. There are enough similarities to farm life in Tennessee that I know her descriptions are accurate. I learned a lot about PTSD through Nate’s struggles with it and wonder how many of our young men suffer similar trauma each day after returning from the war. Jenna’s Cowboy deals with some serious subjects but the difficulties are eased by the joyful moments and humor scattered throughout.
This book was provided by Revell for my review.
Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
