by admin | Nov 16, 2015 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Where does a story go when its opening pages include a surprise proposal with a negative reply and the couple must still spend the next week in one house with the man’s huge extended family? Well, “An Endless Christmas” has a few surprises in store and nothing turns out quite like the heroine (or the reader) might expect.
“An Endless Christmas” is a wonderful tale with memorable characters. Katie truly loves Micah but mistakenly thinks she can protect him from future heartache by not marrying him – after all, family history indicates that she is a poor risk. Micah is such a steadfast and patient hero who loves the Lord, his family and Katie without reserve. And the rest of the Binder family are the family most of us would love to have, loving and faith-filled people who never question life’s circumstances and love without judgment. Wilson Binder’s nightly whispered benedictions over each person present touched a place in me that made me yearn for a person like him in my life.
A touching story, “An Endless Christmas” included moments of humor, drama, and even grief but its message left me with such a feeling of satisfaction and hope. This is a book to share with those you love this season. I hope you will.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster.
Christmas takes a very different turn when the guests of honor break up instead of announcing their engagement. Trapped with his family, they learn that love looks different than either imagined. Both in their eighties, Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend, Katie, to marry him so they can celebrate with the whole family. But things go very wrong when she says, “no.” Now they are stuck. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Drawing from 33 years of on-air radio ministry, Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals, and speaking for women’s and writers’ events. Her books have been recognized by Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards, Selah Awards, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Christian Retailing’s BEST Awards, and Carol Award nominations, among other honors, including a Family Fiction Readers’ Choice Award. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in Pittsville, Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.
Find out more about Cynthia at http://www.cynthiaruchti.com.
There’s no getting out of Christmas now, despite Katie rejecting Micah’s marriage proposal. Cozy up this holiday season with Cynthia Ruchti’s new novella, An Endless Christmas. The Binder family celebrates every Christmas as if it were their last. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.
Celebrate the holidays with Cynthia and An Endless Christmas by entering her $100 Target gift card giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of An Endless Christmas
- A $100 gift card to Target
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. The winner will be announced December 1st on Cynthia’s blog.
by admin | Nov 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read most if not all of Kristen Heitzmann’s novels and cannot say enough good things about them. When I think of her books, suspense is what first comes to mind because she has written some very edgy suspense novels but her Rocky Mountain Legacy series was also wonderful. “Told You So” was a somewhat new direction for her although there was just the slightest bit of danger and suspense involved in the contemporary romance. I loved every minute of it
“Told You So” is very much a dialogue driven story with some of the wittiest conversations I have encountered in quite awhile. In addition to the wonderful dialogue, Grace Evangeline was one of those people who seemed to invite disaster which led to several dramatic scenes that were sometimes also humorous.
Successful author Grace tried to give her readers happy-ever-after romances with heroes and heroines who maintained their innocence until marriage. Broadway producer Devin was much more cynical and pretty much thought Grace was ridiculous. But the attraction between them was strong despite their differing outlooks and because “Told You So” is a romance, we all know that the inevitable happens – they fall in love. Unfortunately, both Grace and Devin have hidden pain behind their successful lives that leads them to one wrong decision after another so the road to a happy ending for them is pretty rocky. Some of those mistakes will not sit well with certain readers of Christian novels so be forewarned, “Told You So” is a gritty and honest story about Christians who make big mistakes. Unlike most secular novels, those mistakes do not involve pages of explicit scenes and are tastefully handled.
It was evident to me that one purpose of the author was to illustrate through Grace and Devin’s story the power of God to overcome our worst sins and bring redemption and restoration to us. Sometimes we need to be reminded of that again. I know that I will remember this novel for awhile and look forward to the next one in the series.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the minute Grace Evangeline throws her sweet tea in Devin Bressard’s face, their battle of wits and cross-purposes overtakes their lives. Sassy “angelic” Grace Evangeline will stop at nothing to see her romance novel produced for Broadway. Devin Bressard knows all about the commercial success of Ms. Evangeline’s “novels”—as far from his literary, nerve-striking plays as anything could be.
Grace intends to pull his head out of the rarefied air long enough to make her point, even if it involves stalking him and infiltrating his friends and colleagues. Devin knows she’s trouble, but who would guess the spokesperson for strength and virtue would be a calamity vortex? He mounts a fierce resistance, but when he’s forced to work with Grace, his profession and sanity aren’t the only things at risk. Collapsing walls on both sides bring a détente that could shatter their bond—or resound through more lives than their own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical novels, including Christy Award finalists Indivisible and The Tender Vine and Christy Award winner Secrets. In 2013, her novel The Breath of Dawn won both a Christy Award and Inspirational Readers Choice Award and was a finalist for a people’s choice award in the Netherlands. She is a fiction track and workshop teacher at American Christian Fiction Writers Conference and keynote speaker for women’s and writers’ conferences.
An artist and mountain hiker, Kristen lives in Colorado with her husband, pets, wildlife, and extended family.
by admin | Nov 11, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mennonite, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
On the surface, the small Mennonite town of Sanctuary appears to be just what its name implies but there has already been a recent kidnapping and murder within its limits. There may be another murderer living among the unsuspecting townspeople and Sophie Wittenbauer is determined to find him in order to boost her journalism career. What does it matter if she has to tell a few lies in order to bring justice to the families of the men he killed?
In “Rising Darkness” readers will find a riveting suspense that will keep those pages turning while following Sophie’s efforts to find a killer before it is too late. Unexpected twists and surprises keep the suspense settings on high but in addition to that, I really liked the realistic character development that took place. In particular, Sophie had great difficulty even returning to a Mennonite town because of her unpleasant experiences in her own hometown. Her time in Sanctuary showed her that all Mennonites were not like her parents and her heart was softened by the very genuine love and protection offered her by some of Sanctuary’s residents. Although it was hard for Sophie to believe that she was worth loving, God had other plans in store for her.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Rising Darkness” and look forward to the author’s next offering.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. Certain she’s left her past far behind her, she’s now focused on her job at a newspaper and is shocked when she stumbles upon the name of someone she knew in her old life. But when she learns the man–a prisoner–claims a suspect from a decades-old unsolved crime is hiding out in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, she can’t resist following the lead in hopes of furthering her career.
Almost immediately upon her arrival, Sophie’s confronted with a face from her past and fears her intention of using a false identity to investigate is doomed. But with the help of Sanctuary’s charismatic young pastor, Sophie knows she’s getting close. Will she be able to conceal the truth of her own past long enough to find the suspect before someone puts a stop–fatal or otherwise–to her investigation?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl is the author of twenty-one books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to learn more.
by admin | Nov 11, 2015 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Melody Carlson’s annual Christmas novellas have become and important part of my holiday season and I look forward to reading a new one each year. I know I can expect a heart-warming story filled with love, joy, and faith as well as everything else that makes the season special. A touch of humor never hurts either. “The Christmas Joy Ride” is another winner in my opinion.
It was fun to join Miranda and her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy as they traveled Route 66 in Joy’s RV with stops along old Route 66 to take a bit of Christmas cheer to those Joy has decided are in need of her help. I enjoyed the interaction between the two women as they spread the love of Christ along the way and gained some for themselves also. The plot takes a couple of unexpected twists and the reader is even treated with a surprise romance at the end.
I highly recommend “The Christmas Joy Ride” as well as each and every other Christmas novella by Melody Carlson. Why not pick up a copy and start your own Christmas tradition?
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that’s exactly what she’s getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix–in the dead of winter, no less–the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off with Joy toward Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride–one that could derail the whole venture.
No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it’s going to be an exciting ride!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington’s, and The Christmas Cat. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Nov 11, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Father’s Second ChanceLove Inspired (July 21, 2015)byMindy ObenhausABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the Author: To steal a line from Donny and Marie, I’m a little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll. I’m trapped in the city, but prefer the country or the mountains.
I love Jesus, my family, and just about anything sweet.
I believe Jesus died for my sins, rose three days later, and will one day return. He has carried me through some of my darkest hours. Without faith in Him, I would be nowhere.
I have a penchant for chocolate, clothes, and shoes. When I’m not penning romance novels, I enjoy cooking, decorating and shopping.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Businesswoman Celeste Thompson has one goal: to make her restaurant and hotel a success. She doesn’t need any distractions, even from handsome contractor Gage Purcell and his two adorable little girls. Besides, single dad Gage is just biding his time before a big job at the mines comes through. But as Celeste’s project springs to life, their arguments transform into attraction. Gage isn’t looking for romance, especially not with another career-driven woman like his ex-wife. But openhearted Celeste is more than just another work-consumed client. She might just be his happily-ever-after.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Father’s Second Chance, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Despite the fact that many look down on mass market paperbacks such as the Love Inspired novels, I’ll admit that I have a weakness for them. Where else can you find an authentic love story that is pared down to fit the shorter format which usually results in very little fluff. Over the years I have also witnessed what I think is a marked increase in quality of these books.
A Father’s Second Chance is just such a story. Both heroine Celeste and hero Gage have returned to Ouray, Colorado for different reasons. Celeste is determined to make a success of her grandmother’s diner and everything indicates that she will succeed. Gage has returned home so his mother can help with his two motherless daughters and hopes to find work in one of the local mining companies. As can be expected, the pair’s first encounter is just less than cordial but as they are forced to spend time together while Gage renovates her building, each of them learns that first impressions are not always correct.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Father’s Second Chance with its strong characters, straightforward plot, bits of humor, endearing children, some tension filled plot twists, and of course, romance. It also does not hurt that it delivers a strong message of faith and forgiveness.
by admin | Nov 7, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
One thing I like about Deborah Raney’s books is the way she paints her characters with such a realistic brush. None of those “too perfect for words” characters in her books but with imperfect people there is always room for growth.
The third book in the Chicory Inn series, “Another Way Home” features daughter Danae who is past ready to start a family. To tell the truth, Danae is not a very likable person in the beginning. She is so obsessed with getting pregnant that her entire family feels that they have to walk on eggshells around her and even her marriage is beginning to feel the effects. The turning point finally arrives when Danae receives some good advice and decides to occupy her mind and time with something productive. Although her new volunteer position is not at all what she expected, she learns that she just may have a gift for what she is doing. Never did she expect it to change her life so drastically.
“Another Way Home” is a wonderful book that illustrates how creatively God can work out our problems when we just take our manipulating hands off. I’ll admit that I really didn’t care for Danae at first. She was the whiny, selfish type person who can quickly get on my last nerve. But – as the story progressed, I had to admire her tenacity and the caring heart she had for others once she could get past her own disappointments.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes God’s ways are not at all what we expect . . . and exactly what we need.
Grant and Audrey are adding grandchildren to their family left and right, but middle daughter, Danae, and her husband, Dallas Brooks, have been trying for years with no baby in sight.
Though Danae is ready to consider adoption, Dallas will not even discuss it. Despairing of ever having a family of her own, Danae decides to pour her passion and energies into volunteer work with a newly opened women’s shelter in town. Looking for a good cause to fill her lonely days, she never expects to give her heart to the hurting women she meets there. She’s finally learning to live her life with gratitude, but then heart-wrenching events on Thanksgiving weekend threaten to pull the entire Whitman clan into turmoil—and leave them all forever changed.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas—the setting of many of Deborah’s novels—for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.
Find out more about Deborah at http://deborahraney.com.
Have your plans ever gone awry, only for you to realize what happened was God’s plan—and much better than what you had planned for yourself? You’ll want to read Deborah Raney’s Another Way Home, the third Chicory Inn novel. Danae and her husband, Dallas Brooks, have been trying for years with no baby in sight. Danae is finally learning to live her life with gratitude, but then heart-wrenching events on Thanksgiving weekend threaten to pull the entire Whitman clan into turmoil—and leave them all forever changed.
Enter to win a copy of Another Way Home—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced November 23 on the Litfuse blog!
