by admin | Jan 22, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFor the Love of PeteB&H Books (January 15, 2014)byDebby MayneABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debby Mayne is a best-selling author who has published more than 25 books and novellas, 400 short stories and articles, and devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor, and a copy editor and proofreader. Her novel, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Review, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July. She and her husband Wally have two grown daughters, and live in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Learn more about Debby and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Widow Bethany Hanahan is trying in vain to fill an empty heart and an empty nest. The result is a home filled to the brim, but something is still missing. That’s when her new gardening club friends come to the rescue, encouraging her to let go of the past as well as the present clutter –emotional, spiritual, and physical. It’s not long before Bethany is finding friends, not bargains, to fill her days. But has her life become too full for someone like Pete Sprockett, a childhood friend, for whom her romantic feelings are beginning to bloom? Join the quirky, loving community of Bloomfield as they do what they do best – poke their well-meaning noses in and intervene in times of need –in author Debby Mayne’s second novel in what has become a five book series about a community where life is simple and love is real.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of For the Love of Pete, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
One thing I liked about For the Love of Pete is that the primary characters were more mature than in most romance novels. Bethany is not only widowed but her only child is away at college. Bethany has returned to her hometown to live in the house inherited from her in-laws. Bethany has always been a collector and with her own possessions added to those of her mother-in-law, her living space came close to resembling that of a hoarder. Encouraged by her mother to donate some of her collectibles for a fund-raising event, Bethany finds it difficult to part with them but reluctantly begins to turn loose of them. Her friend Pete has never married because he always carried a secret torch for Bethany. Hoping for another chance, Pete tries to be supportive without pushing too hard. Is it possible for Bethany to overcome the feeling that she is betraying her husband if she becomes involved with another man and can Pete let Bethany know how he feels before it is too late?
For the Love of Pete is filled with eccentric but good-hearted characters who keep the humorous tale interesting. Overall it is a sweet romance with a subtle message of faith. The only detractor for me is that I grew a bit weary of so many parrot scenes. They were funny at first but that parrot grew to be rather annoying to me after awhile. What a trouble maker! Overall For the Love of Pete was a fun read despite the bird and I liked it enough to be interested in other books in the series.
by admin | Jan 17, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
During the years I have reviewed Christian fiction I have read a good number of books about the Amish. Suzanne Woods Fisher has always been one of my favorite authors of this genre because her books seem to focus on the individuals than on the rules and regulations of the Amish life. “The Calling”, second book in The Inn at Eagle Hill series, more than met my expectations.
“The Calling” takes up its story shortly after the ending of “The Letters” and focuses primarily on Bethany whose discouragement over her life leaves her feeling restless and out of place in Stoney Ridge. Cleaning the Sisters House is not how she wants to spend her life and although Jimmy Fisher is both attractive and attentive, Bethany is not sure she can trust him. Because of her involvement in a special project with the sisters, a friendship with the new guest at Eagle Hill, and a growing friendship with Jimmy, Bethany finds herself with new interests in her life and a major change in her attitude.
“The Calling” is so much more than the usual Amish romance. With drama, humor, and plenty of secrets that are unearthed, it is a narrative of Bethany’s life as she matures from a judgmental “me-first” person to a compassionate and understanding young woman. Characters as well-rounded and the plot is excellent but to me the number one positive aspect of the story is that it caused me to question my own priorities and to consider ways that I can be of service in my own community. I sincerely hope that I don’t lose sight of that.
I enthusiastically recommend “The Calling” even if you are not usually a fan of Amish fiction. The entire series is well worth your time.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bethany’s restless heart is searching for answers–in life and in love
Bethany Schrock’s love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending hot summer days wading through a lifetime of accumulation at the home of five elderly Amish sisters. She’s not sure what she wants out of life, but she knows that she’s not finding it in Stoney Ridge.
Then a new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill ropes her into volunteering in a community project for down-and-outers. Reluctant at first, Bethany starts to feel a bit of joy and satisfaction again. But not so much that Jimmy Fisher, adorable and impossible, can woo her affections with his winks and tricks. Well, maybe a little.
When a figure from her past reenters her life, Bethany must decide: What does the past mean to her future?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the quiet community of Stoney Ridge.
Read an excerpt from “The Calling” HERE.
“Fisher’s characters are living the simple life–or trying to, despite the hardships they are facing–and learning how to adjust their way of life without compromising their beliefs. We get a glimpse of life few outsiders are privileged to see, with some surprises, twists, and turns.”–RT Book Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
by admin | Jan 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Starting with a real life snapshot taken by her father when she was a child, Lis Wiehl has written an electrifying story about a murder for which the wrong man has been imprisoned for fifty years. His impending execution brings federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren and her estranged retired FBI father together to make an effort to find enough evidence to stop the execution. Although “Snapshot” is a novel, it is filled with a wealth of historical facts from the years following the assassination of J.F.K. as well as some valuable insight into the effect those turbulent years had on the people who lived through them, especially the black victims of racism.
I especially enjoyed reading along as Lisa and her father tracked down each clue with the assistance of others who were drawn into the tale as it proceeded. The character development was excellent and the plot was well paced and kept me invested in the story until the very end. Although it was not constantly filled with action and danger, a very real sense of tension pervaded the narrative as it built to a dramatic confrontation near the end.
“Snapshot” is an exciting tale made all the more enjoyable after reading the author’s notes at the end and viewing the video clip found on youtube.com where the author describes the inspiration for this book.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookSneeze program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two little girls, frozen in black and white. One picture worth killing for.
Federal prosecutor Lisa Waldren’s estranged father wants her to investigate a cold case from his FBI days. Lisa nearly refuses, even though a wrongly convicted man faces execution for murder. Then her father reveals a photograph: a little white girl playing alongside a little black girl at a rally in 1965 where the shooting of a civil rights leader took place. She recognizes herself in the photo.
She was there.
Lisa agrees to help, resolved to boldly seek answers she’s skirted for decades. What she discovers are layers of deception, both personal and professional, reaching as high as the head of the FBI. Possibly even the president.
And though Lisa and the other girl may have escaped the 1965 shooting physically unharmed, her little friend, now grown, bears the scars of it. All because of the color of her skin. As Lisa and her father get closer to the truth, the real killer turns the hunt around.
The author discusses the inspiration for “Snapshot”:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School. Her column “Lis on Law” appears weekly on FoxNews.com.
Prior to joining Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland.
Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category, and Winning Every Time.
She lives with her husband and two children in New York.
by admin | Jan 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTempest’s CourseAbingdon Press (December 17, 2013)byLynette SowellABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Sowell is an award-winning novelist. Her most recent novel, Tempest’s Course, is part of the Quilts of Love line from Abingdon Press. When Lynette’s not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but makes her home in Coppress Cove, Texas, with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained.
Learn more about Lynette and her books on her Blog.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner’s Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain’s home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she and Tom grow closer. And as she reads stories in a daily journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns the secrets of the quilt and Mary’s own sad tale of regret. Then Tom learns secrets of his own family’s past, and both Tom and Kelly learn they are tied to Gray House in ways they never imagined.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tempest’s Course, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Once again, the Abingdon Quilts of Love series features a novel whose plot is woven around a quilt. In “Tempest’s Course” the quilt in question may hold clues to the history of the former residents of the Gray House with possible links to present day New Bedford, Massachusetts. When Kelly Frost accepts a job to restore a badly damaged quilt for Firstborn Holdings , she is surprised to find that she is required to live in the long vacant home of a New England whaling captain. While living there, Kelly discovers the journal penned by the original homeowner’s wife whose tragic story offers some unexpected information about the home and current families in New Bedford. As she works on the quilt, Kelly also gets to know Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House whose gruff exterior hides a wounded but tender heart. Just as they seem to be growing close, details about Kelly’s past threaten to destroy their relationship.
Complete with a sweet romance, mysterious events, and even some terrifying and dangerous moments, “Tempest’s Course” takes the reader on a journey through its pages with several twists and surprises before it reaches its expected satisfying conclusion. While “Tempest’s Course” is a story about trust in God and the importance of family, reconciliation is also a major theme.
A welcome addition to the series, “Tempest’s Course” is well worth the time and effort to read.
by admin | Dec 4, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again, the Abingdon Quilts of Love series features a novel whose plot is woven around a quilt. In “Tempest’s Course” the quilt in question may hold clues to the history of the former residents of the Gray House with possible links to present day New Bedford, Massachusetts. When Kelly Frost accepts a job to restore a badly damaged quilt for Firstborn Holdings , she is surprised to find that she is required to live in the long vacant home of a New England whaling captain. While living there, Kelly discovers the journal penned by the original homeowner’s wife whose tragic story offers some unexpected information about the home and current families in New Bedford. As she works on the quilt, Kelly also gets to know Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House whose gruff exterior hides a wounded but tender heart. Just as they seem to be growing close, details about Kelly’s past threaten to destroy their relationship.
Complete with a sweet romance, mysterious events, and even some terrifying and dangerous moments, “Tempest’s Course” takes the reader on a journey through its pages with several twists and surprises before it reaches its expected satisfying conclusion. While “Tempest’s Course” is a story about trust in God and the importance of family, reconciliation is also a major theme.
A welcome addition to the series, “Tempest’s Course” is well worth the time and effort to read.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal town of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner’s Compass quilt, with one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House where the quilt is stored. Tom Pereira, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky coastline, is the caretaker employed by the mysterious absent owner of Gray House.
Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she is drawn out of her self-imposed shell and embraces the family God has given her after her own family failed her. As Kelly reads stories in a journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns there is no transgression beyond God’s forgiveness, but the real obstacle is forgiving herself. During her and Tom’s journey to grace and love, an unknown force works to keep both of them from discovering a long-buried truth that will change their lives forever.
Purchase a HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of five novels and six novellas for Barbour Publishing with sales topping 250,000. In 2009, Lynette was voted one of the favorite new authors by Heartsong Presents book club readers. Her historical romance, All That Glitters, was a finalist in ACFW’s 2010 Carol Awards. When Lynette’s not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained.
Learn more at: http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com
by admin | Dec 4, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have a terrible confession to make. For some reason I totally missed out on the Jane Austen books and if I have read any of them, I don’t remember. Of course I have probably read thousands of books during my lifetime since I have always been such a voracious reader and have been know to buy books I already own simply because I can’t keep up with what I have read or not read. All this to say that many of the quotes and allusion to certain books in “Dear Mr. Knightley” went right over my head. Despite that alarming fact, I did indeed enjoy the book.
When I realized that a large percent of the story would consist of letters written to an unknown Mr. Knightley by Samantha Moore, I was not sure I would enjoy it. It was definitely not my usual style preference. However, Samantha’s voice was so engaging that I found myself totally mesmerized by her story. I saw life through her eyes as she poured out her heart to Mr. Knightley, the only person with whom she felt safe. I loved reading along as Sam gradually and painfully began to emerge from a life buried within her favorite books and begin to interact with the people around her. I especially liked Alex, Kyle, and the Muirs. Little did I know when I began reading how involved I would get in Sam’s story and the surprises that lay just ahead.
“Dear Mr. Knightly” is superbly written and certain to be well-loved by Jane Austen fans. I thoroughly enjoyed it despite my deficiencies. I look forward to more from Katherine Reay in the future. Well done!
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
About the book: Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others-namely her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story-by giving that story to a complete stranger.
Growing up orphaned and alone, Sam found her best friends in the works of Austen, Dickens, and the Brontë sisters. The problem is that she now relates to others more comfortably as Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre than as herself.
Sometimes we lose ourselves in the things we care about most.
But life for this twenty-three-year-old is about to get stranger than fiction, when an anonymous benefactor (calling himself “Mr. Knightley”) offers to put Sam through the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress.
As Sam’s program and peers force her to confront her past, she finds safety in her increasingly personal letters to Mr. Knightley. And when Sam meets eligible, best-selling novelist Alex Powell, those letters unfold a story of love and literature that feels as if it’s pulled from her favorite books. But when secrets come to light, Sam is — once again — made painfully aware of how easily trust can be broken.
Reay’s debut novel follows one young woman’s journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries. After earning degrees in history and marketing from Northwestern University, she worked as a marketer for Proctor & Gamble and Sears before returning to school to earn her MTS. Her works have been published in “Focus on the Family” and the “Upper Room.” Katherine currently lives with her husband and three children in Seattle. “Dear Mr. Knightley” is her first novel.
Learn more about Katherine HERE.
Debut author Katherine Reay is celebrating the release of her delightful novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway, a fun Favorite Austen Moments Pinterest contest, and an Austen-themed Facebook Party.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
- Handmade Austen-themed items (scarf, mug, bracelet, and necklace)
But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 3rd. Winner will be announced at the “Dear Mr. Knightley” Austen-themed Facebook Author Chat Party on the 3rd. Join Katherine (and Austen fans) for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Katherine’s next book.
So grab your copy of Dear Mr. Knightley and join Katherine on the evening of December 3rd 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, TWITTER, or PINTEREST. Hope to see you on the 3rd!
