by admin | Oct 11, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
What a treat – a collection of Christmas novellas by three of my favorite authors who write novels about the World War 2 era! Beginning with a brief prologue and ending with an equally short epilogue, “Where Treetops Glisten” features three siblings in the Turner family during the years 1941 through 1945. Each segment takes place during the days and weeks before Christmas of each year. From the gorgeous cover to the added bonus of recipes featured within the stories, “Where Treetops Glisten” is an absolute delight.
A common element in each of the novellas is that fear of being hurt again has caused Abigail, Pete, and Meredith Turner to avoid any possibility of romance. However it seems as if the Lord has other ideas for each of them as well as for Jackson, Grace, and David who also feel that marriage is not meant to be for them. I enjoyed reading each of their stories and seeing how learning to give to and help others resulted in healing and peace for themselves.
Each of the novellas flowed together as one cohesive novel so well that it was difficult to distinguish one author from the other. Character development was superb and I enjoyed reading about how their lives were affected by the war both at home and overseas.
I always enjoy these weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays because I have the opportunity to read and review many of the latest Christmas novels. “Where Treetops Glisten” has earned its place as one of my favorites ever. Its message of hope and faith during the uncertainty, loss, and deprivation of war is an encouragement for our own uncertain times. Be sure to pick up a copy. I can almost guarantee you will enjoy it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A trio of award-winning authors, Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin, unite for holiday-themed World War II-era love story collection in Where Treetops Glisten. Curl up in front of the fire with the perfect Christmas read.
The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime
Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas
Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.
In Cara Putman’s White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.
Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?
In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.
The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for a future?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including “Chasing Mona Lisa,” and a speaker and blogger.
CARA PUTMAN is the author of twenty books including “Shadowed by Grace.” She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction.
SARAH SUNDIN is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.
Find out more about Goyer, Putman, at Waterbrook Multnomah.
by admin | Oct 6, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I cannot think of a better way to begin to prepare myself for the Christmas season than with this short but sweet romance from Mary Connealy, the first installment of Barbour’s new The 12 Brides of Christmas collection. I was hooked from its opening line and read through it in one sitting.
Although character development was necessarily limited due to the short length of the novella, there was adequate information for me to quickly love Melanie, Henry, and Simon. I loved the symbolism of the puzzle box and how as each of its hidden compartments were opened, the corresponding hidden compartments of the characters’ hearts were also opened and softened as they found their way to Christmas and each other.
I am looking forward to the hidden treasures in each of the other eleven installments of The 12 Brides of Christmas collection. What a wonderful idea!
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Melanie Douglas attempts to connect with a troubled student using an advent box with hidden rewards. When Henry O’Keeffe sees a remarkable change in his son, he has to meet the new teacher. Will more than one prayer be answered in the small Nebraska town?
More About The Advent Bride with Mary Connealy
What is a puzzle box?
“I’ve wanted to use a puzzle box because I love the idea of hidden latches and drawers and secret compartments. I thought of Advent, with its set number of days and decided a puzzle box with the right number of drawers would be perfect,” Mary said.
Research sent her to Youtube where she spent hours watching videos on the intriguing and complex boxes. You can see one here:
The award-winning and best-selling author of many novels and novellas, Mary Connealy lives in Nebraska and has been looking for a story to set there for many years. The Advent Bride, located in a wind-swept Nebraska town, provided her with a place close to home.
But not too close. While Mary loves historical stories, she knows too much about what life must have been like from her own experiences.
“I love the modern world. I suppose it’s possible my inner pioneer toughness would be revealed if I was forced to live in the old west, but if it did, it would surprise everyone. I’m a wimp. I love air conditioning. I live pretty close to the soil here in Nebraska, on a ranch. I know how to do a lot of the things necessary to survive. Kill and clean a chicken, milk a cow, gather eggs, grow a garden, can food. I know enough about it to know its stinking hard work!”
Perhaps history intrigues her because her personal roots go deep into the American past.
“I had an ancestor come to America in 1638. I’ve got the paperwork to prove I could join the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) I have Irish ancestors who came here because of the potato famine in the mid-1800s. Many pioneers in that group.”
Mary has written full length novels as well as novellas, and enjoys the challenges presented by both. As to her characters? Like many writers, she writes heroines with characteristics she admires.
“My heroines are all how I wish I was, tough, take charge, speaking their minds. I’m pathologically non-confrontational and I tend to apologize for everything….and I’m really sorry about that.”
Mary and her husband have four adult daughters and Christmas if filled with “faith, food and fun.”
As to The Advent Bride, Mary incorporated her spiritual life by using Advent as the theme. “As Christmas drew near my characters were on their own journey, just as Joseph and Mary were on their journey to Bethlehem.”
For further information on Mary, please visit her website at www.maryconnealy.com.
She regularly blogs at Seekerville and Pistols and Petticoats and Her Blog.
or see her on social media: Facebook and Twitter
by admin | Aug 6, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Having read and enjoyed all three of the Christiansen Family series as well as the prequel I Really Do Miss Your Smile that was included as a bonus in the second book of the series “It Had to Be You”, Susan’s winter novella “Evergreen” was a must read. I am thankful that Tyldale Blog Network offered it for review.
While the Christiansen Family series focuses on the adult children of John and Ingrid, “Evergreen” is their book. As empty nesters, John and Ingrid are at loose ends. Their relationship is not what it should be and John, being the “fixer” that he tends to be, takes it upon himself to make things right without finding out why his wife never smiles anymore. For some reason, his good intentions never seem to get off the ground – or they make things even worse. Is it even possible for their holiday season to be a happy one?
Several events that put their marriage to the test are a sick dog, a nephew (with the unlikely name of Romeo) comes to live with them, and being in charge of the annual live Nativity. Warren handles it all with her usual style. The story is the perfect blend of serious scenes peppered with her perfect humorous timing. Threaded with wisdom and affirming faith, “Evergreen” is not only an enjoyable read but can be an inspiration to our own lives.
“Evergreen” is one more testimony to why I DO NOT miss any of Susan May Warren’s books. Although quite entertaining, they are absolutely not fluff. I have already preordered the next installment of the Christiansen Family series and cannot wait for it to be released.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn’t be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He’s sure she’ll love it. What’s more romantic than Christmas in Paris?
Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then—because disasters strike in threes—an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts.
As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid’s marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.
Read an excerpt from “Evergreen” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website HERE.
by admin | Dec 3, 2013 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMerry Humbug ChristmasB&H Books (October 15, 2013)
by
Sandra D. BrickerABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television’s hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.
The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. “I’m a Christian woman, first and foremost,” she says. “So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line.”
Sandie’s real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient…Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor’s proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
“Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects … and still pursue my writing dream,” says Bricker, “well, that’s the best of all worlds, as far as I’m concerned!”
And one of the author’s pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy — a red-haired collie with “killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown.”
Learn more about Sandra and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. — the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.
In “Once Upon a Jingle Bell,” A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.
In “It Came Upon a Midnight Deer,” Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Merry Humbug Christmas, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
It seems as though nearly every book on my recent review list has focused on characters who struggled with an unfortunate (to say the least) childhood and whose coping methods usually consisted of building walls around their hearts. For that reason Merry Humbug Christmas was a welcome diversion with the trademark humor of author Sandra Bricker. I have always enjoyed her quirky humor and knew I would be in for a treat as soon as I saw the title on my review list. I was NOT disappointed.
Merry Humbug Christmas is actually two related novellas under one cover – each telling the Christmas tale of one of two best friends who have always made a point to spend the holidays together purposely not celebrating Christmas.
In Once Upon a Jingle Bell, Joss Snow’s plans to take a Bah, Humbug cruise for her Christmas vacation fall through and she is rebooked on another cruise. Too late, the Christmas-hating Joss finds out that the cruise is an over-the-top celebration of all things Christmas but she has no choice but to endure it after finding she cannot book a flight back home from any of the ports where the ship will dock. Things begin to look up when a handsome Irishman takes an interest in her and helps her pass the hours. Could it be love?
It Came Upon a Midnight Deer features Ross’s friend Reese who is meeting the family of her new fiance Damien and spending the holidays in their fabulous Sugarloaf home. Brought up in a quirky vegan family, Reese has never experienced what most people would consider a normal Christmas celebration so the chance to do so in such a perfect setting is the answer to her dreams. Only those dreams did not include one near disaster after another, usually because of something Reese did or failed to do as well as a family pet that took an intense dislike to her. Is there any possibility that Damien will still want to marry her once their holiday is over?
I loved Merry Humbug Christmas with all its quirky and sometimes even slapstick humor. But most of all I loved how in the midst of all the fun and games and even catastrophes, both Joss and Reese learned the true meaning of the season. Merry Humbug Christmas is a don’t miss addition to your Christmas reading list. It will become a permanent addition to my growing Christmas book box.
by admin | Nov 29, 2013 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Reunited at Christmas” is a quick to read Christmas romance that is perfect for relaxing with on a cozy winter evening after a hard day of holiday shopping or baking. A well-developed plot and vibrant characters enhance the story that is filled with conflict, romance and even some dangerous and suspense filled scenes. Woven throughout this delightful romance is a strong message of God’s faithfulness during both good times and bad.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Search and rescue dog handler Shelby Davis is living the dream. Not only does she train search and rescue dogs, but she’s a bestselling suspense author who has waterfront property in the beautiful mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado. All is well until she receives a call to bring her dog Max and her snowmobile to help rescue a man who is lost in a blizzard up on Gravel Mountain. That man is the one person she never wants to see again—Ryker Anderson—the man who broke her heart the day he called three months before their wedding to say goodbye with no explanation as to why.
After being gone for eighteen months, Ryker Anderson is back in Grand Lake where he hopes to win back the woman he loves. He only hopes Shelby understands why he left. Will he be able to convince Shelby that she can trust him with her heart again even though he broke it before?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debra Ullrick is a New York Times, CBA, and Amazon.com bestselling author who writes Christian contemporary, historical, and romantic suspense novels. Her passions include: monster trucks, classic cars, mud-bog racing and…Want to know more about Debra? What books are available by her? Or read reviews from her fans? Discover her hobbies and more? Then cruise her website at www.DebraUllrick.com.
by admin | Nov 28, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed spending another Christmas in Apple Ridge with Cindy Woodsmall’s latest Christmas novella “The Dawn of Christmas”. Featuring Sadie and Levi, the story also features characters from the two previous books in this series.
On the eve of her wedding, Sadie witnesses something that breaks her heart and causes her to cancel her wedding. Her father agrees for her to move to another town to work as well as go to the mission field. Several years have passed since that day and Sadie’s family is ready for her to come home and settle down with a husband. Sadie likes her life the way it is and has no interest in the matchmaking schemes of her family.
Due to a broken marriage in his family, Levi is also disinterested in marriage but is constantly urged to settle down. When he and Sadie meet unexpectedly, they immediately find themselves at ease with each other and quickly form a fast friendship. Their friendship endures several ups and downs but Sadie’s fear of another relationship and Levi’s distrust of women keeps a barrier between them. Just when a breakthrough seems eminent, a meddling person from Sadie’s past could ruin everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Dawn of Christmas” with its theme of second chances and learning to trust. I hope that Cindy will continue to write more Christmas novellas because I look forward to them during the holiday season each year.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This Christmas, experience learning to trust alongside the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania in this heart-warming tale of second chances.
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together? – See more HERE.
Click HERE to download chapter one of The Dawn of Christmas.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.
