by admin | May 24, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Becky Wade’s Novel “My Stubborn Heart” put her on my list of authors to watch. Undeniably Yours just reinforced that decision. If anything, this novel is even better!
A poor little rich girl type story, it features Meg Cole, a young woman who has spent her life with everything money could provide except the assurance that she was loved and protected by a father who cared about her. A disastrous marriage reinforced her insecurities. After her father’s death, Meg was expected to take his place as CEO of the family oil business, a position that often drove her nearly to panic attacks. Advised by her legal staff to close her father’s horse farm, Meg is persuaded to give its manager Bo Porter six months to make it pay. As she and Bo spend more time together, Meg finds that his soothing presence is often the only thing that can calm the storms within her. Instead of feeling anger toward Meg’s threat to the farm and horses he loves, Bo finds himself needing to take care of and protect Meg. As their friendship grows into something more, Bo realizes that he can never be more than an employee to Meg . . . or can he?
I loved the characters in Undeniably Yours. Bo was the perfect hero – handsome and sensitive yet strong. I liked the way that Meg who seemed to have everything continually demonstrated her lack of concern over her wealth but often found ways to use it to help others. I also liked how Meg kept seeking God’s will for her life rather than accepting what was expected of her.
Undeniably Yours is a gripping story with plenty of emotion, a lovely romance, a bit of humor, and even some mystery and suspense. I look forward to what Becky Wade will have for her readers next.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of his empire. The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s Thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.
Bo knows he ought to resent the woman who’s determined to take from him the only job he ever wanted. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them and earn her love.
Just when Meg realizes she can no longer deny the depth of her feelings for Bo, their fragile bond is broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their relationship–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas. Visit her website at www.beckywade.com.
by admin | May 24, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have loved Rachel’s previous novels but she has outdone herself with “Once Upon a Prince”! I have to say that it is the perfect modern fairytale if there ever was one yet everything is not all sweetness and light.The author has skillfully managed to explore the depths of human emotions while at the same time penning an almost faultless romantic story.
After being dumped by the man she has invested twelve years of her life planning to marry, Susanna Truitt does not intend to trust her heart to another man easily. Not only does she seem to be unlucky in love but the rest of her life is not going according to her well laid plans either. On one of the worst days of her life, Susanna is rescued by Nate when she has a flat tire and after that he seems to come to her rescue frequently. Unknown to Susanna, Nate is actually Prince Nathaniel of the Kingdom of Brighton who is expected to take the throne when his terminally ill father passes. A friendship between Nate and Susanna blooms as they spend time together but anything more seems impossible for a number of reasons.
“Once Upon a Prince” is a lovely, lovely book filled with the magic of love – a love that was obviously planned for Susanna and Nate by their heavenly Father. I really liked the characters of Nate and Susanna and their spiritual compatibility that was so evident, especially the way they prayed together that the Lord would use them as He saw fit. The character of Aurora added a special touch to the story also with her short but prophetic visits to Susanna.
I wish I had the gift to review this wonderful book the way it deserves. I could probably go on and on about what a beautiful story “Once Upon a Prince” is but I will just strongly encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself soon.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Royal Wedding Series Book One
Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess—just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.
It’s the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God’s will or their own?
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated “The Wedding Dress” and RITA nominated “Love Starts with Elle,” part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel “Softly and Tenderly,’ was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004. Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
by admin | May 23, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingUndeniably YoursBethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013)byBecky WadeABOUT THE AUTHOR:
During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.
Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. Her first contemporary Christian romance, My Stubborn Heart, has been named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award. Her newest release, Undeniably Yours, is available now.
These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.
Learn more about Becky and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted–more interested in art than in oil–she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.
The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.
Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them–her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage–and earn the right to love her.
But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Undeniably Yours, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Becky Wade’s Novel “My Stubborn Heart” put her on my list of authors to watch. Undeniably Yours just reinforced that decision. If anything, this novel is even better!
A poor little rich girl type story, it features Meg Cole, a young woman who has spent her life with everything money could provide except the assurance that she was loved and protected by a father who cared about her. A disastrous marriage reinforced her insecurities. After her father’s death, Meg was expected to take his place as CEO of the family oil business, a position that often drove her nearly to panic attacks. Advised by her legal staff to close her father’s horse farm, Meg is persuaded to give its manager Bo Porter six months to make it pay. As she and Bo spend more time together, Meg finds that his soothing presence is often the only thing that can calm the storms within her. Instead of feeling anger toward Meg’s threat to the farm and horses he loves, Bo finds himself needing to take care of and protect Meg. As their friendship grows into something more, Bo realizes that he can never be more than an employee to Meg . . . or can he?
I loved the characters in Undeniably Yours. Bo was the perfect hero – handsome and sensitive yet strong. I liked the way that Meg who seemed to have everything continually demonstrated her lack of concern over her wealth but often found ways to use it to help others. I also liked how Meg kept seeking God’s will for her life rather than accepting what was expected of her.
Undeniably Yours is a gripping story with plenty of emotion, a lovely romance, a bit of humor, and even some mystery and suspense. I look forward to what Becky Wade will have for her readers next.
by admin | May 18, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Face of the Earth” is an intensely emotional novel that chronicles nearly a year in a family’s life after their wife and mother disappears off “the face of the earth” after attending a teachers conference in another city. After Jill Brannon’s disappearance her family and best friend not only have the grief of her loss to deal with but also the questions of where she is, what kept her from returning home, and whether she is dead or alive. To add to Mitch’s distress, he finds himself growing increasingly dependent upon Shelley, Jill’s best friend and their next-door neighbor who has been such a help during the difficult months of searching for clues about Jill’s whereabouts. Can he remain faithful to the vows he made with Jill if she never returns home?
Deborah Raney did a remarkable job of depicting natural and believable reactions to an event like Jill’s disappearance. From the initial shock of her family and friends, their grief, their desperation to find her, refusal to believe she might not be alive, and guilt over any pleasure they might find during her absence, every emotion was realistic and moving to me as the reader. There were several directions the author could have taken for a conclusion but I believe she chose the logical solution. I decline to reveal any more in order to prevent spoilers. You will just have to read this excellent novel yourself in order to find out if there is a happily-ever-after.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours’ drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.”
Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.
But at eight o’clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn’t shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven’t heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch’s irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they’ve found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid’s possession.
Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill’s disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill’s whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including “A Nest of Sparrows” and the RITA award winning “Beneath a Southern Sky” and its sequel, “After the Rains.” Deborah’s first novel, “A Vow to Cherish,” was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures’ highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb’s novella, “Playing by Heart,” was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, “Yesterday’s Embers,” appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women’s retreats and writers’ conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas. Find out more at DeborahRaney.com
Win a “Date Night” Prize Pack from Deborah Raney and RSVP for her 5/30 Facebook Party!
Deborah is celebrating with a fun “Date Night” Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
- The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the “The Face of the Earth” Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!
by admin | May 15, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Jennifer: An O’Malley Love StoryBethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013)byDee HendersonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O’MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It’s a summer of change for Jennifer O’Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She’s sorting out how to introduce him to her family–she’s the youngest of seven–and thinking about marriage.
She’s falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn’t expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The prequel to the long-time favorite O’Malley series by Dee Henderson, Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story is the short and sweet love story of doctors Jennifer O’Malley and Tom Peterson. Sister to the other O’Malleys who are each featured in romantic suspense novels originally published between 1999 and 2003, Jennifer appeared in many if not all of the books but never had one of her own.
A dedicated doctor who spends her days trying to prevent the complications that endanger her young patients who suffer from cancer or other life-threatening diseases, Jennifer has wasted little time thinking about love until she meets surgeon Tom Peterson. His calm confidence and caring nature appeals to her and their friendship quickly develops into a more serious relationship. Tom also invites her to visit his church with him and patiently answers her questions about his faith while allowing her space to make her own decisions.
As I read and loved the O’Malley series during the early 2000’s, I do not remember very many details but can remember some of Jennifer’s story. I enjoyed reading her back story in this newly published novella. At less than two hundred pages, I was able to read Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story in a couple of hours. I liked learning about the beginnings of the faith the entire O’Malley family eventually embraced, especially the way Tom explained his faith to Jennifer. Those familiar with other O’Malley series books will not be particularly surprised at developments near the end but I’ll leave that for readers to learn on their own by reading this novel.
If you are a lover of Dee Henderson books, you will not want to miss this one. Just be aware that it is primarily a short love story without the suspense of the full length novels of the series.
by admin | May 15, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLast Chance for JusticeB&H Books (May 1, 2013)byKathi MaciasABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.
Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website.
Learn more about Kathi and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Welcome to Bloomfield, where life is simple, love is real, and stories are shared.
Lynn Myers is still reeling from losing her husband of thirty-five years when word comes that her only sibling, an older brother, has also died. With no one else to settle the estate, she must return to her small hometown of Bloomfield, however briefly, to settle his affairs.
Lynn’s daughter, Rachel, has just graduated from Bible college and with no other commitments comes along to sort through her uncle’s huge old home, right next to the local cemetery.
It isn’t long before Rachel has two men — a handsome CPA and the youth pastor — seriously vying for her attention. At the same time, Lynn’s attention is drawn to a set of journals her brother has left behind detailing a long-standing Bloomfield mystery.
As they pursue solving this mystery, Rachel must make some personal decisions about her future, while Lynn is forced to face unexpected issues from her own past.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Last Chance for Justice, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I’ve heard it said that you can’t go home again but since I have never lived over twenty miles from where I grew up, I have no experience to prove or disprove that statement. However, in Last Chance for Justice Lynn Myers gets a chance to find out if it is possible when she inherits her older brother’s estate in Bloomfield. So depressed since her husband’s death that she just wants to climb in bed and sleep all the time, Lynn is encouraged by her recent college graduate daughter to embark on an adventure together to Bloomfield to settle the estate. It doesn’t take long before the familiar small town begins to grow on her and both Lynn and Rachel find themselves hesitant to leave the charming town. An unsolved mystery that has hung over the town for many years and two young men who are interested in a relationship with Rachel also influence their decision to stay just awhile longer.
Last Chance for Justice is somewhat different than other novels I have read by this author but I found it delightful. I loved the close mother/daughter relationship between Lynn and Rachel. The story included a good variety of characters from feisty older waitress Jolene, to weird Jason the cemetery grounds keeper, to the town gossip, and the two charming young men interested in Rachel. I have to admit that I was rooting for the youth pastor all along. A strong thread of faith was deftly woven throughout the narrative with Rachel frequently reminding her mother that they needed to pray before making decisions. The romantic content was both sweet and sensible and the mystery would fall into the “cozy” category. All-in-all, Last Chance for Justice was a relaxing and enjoyable experience and would be just right for summer vacation or a long weekend.
