by admin | Aug 9, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Gathering Storm
Summerside Press (August 1, 2010)
by Bodie and Brock Thoene
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 50 works of historical fiction. Over twenty million of these best-selling novels are in print. Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and seven grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As Nazi forces tighten the noose, Loralei Kepler, daughter of a German resistance leader, must flee her beloved Germany. But is any place safe from Adolf Hitler’s evil grasp? Loralei’s harrowing flight leads her into the arms of needy child refugees, who have sacrificed everything in exchange for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure, who closely guards an age-old secret.
Explore the romance, the passion, and the danger of the most anticipated series of the last twenty years.
Born from the highly acclaimed and best-loved novels of three generations of readers — The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series — Zion Diaries ventures into the lives of the inspiring and intriguing characters who loved intensely, stood up for what was right, and fought boldly during Hitler’s rise to power and the dark days of World War II.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Gathering Storm, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed books by the Thoenes since the very first Zion series. I can remember waiting impatiently for the next book in the series to be released so I could see what would happen next. Although I was naturally aware of the actual historical events, I had become quite involved in the lives of the characters – that is how realistically they had been portrayed. I also loaned those series to so many friends that many of them became fairly tattered. So of course I was excited to be offered a new ‘Zion’ book, The Gathering Storm to review.
The Gathering Storm started off a little slowly for me. I actually put it down for a couple of days because I just wasn’t in the right mood for another ‘war’ novel. I’ve had quite a few of those lately on my review list. I did come back to it and once I actually started reading it, I found it to be just as captivating as the earlier series(s). The characters were just as real, the historical elements obviously well researched, and the plot kept to a steady pace. The Gathering Storm did take a somewhat different track than the earlier ‘Zion’ books in that a mystical element pertaining to a Jewish legend was incorporated into the plot. Another different approach was that the book both began and ended with the author’s (Bodie) visit to the home of the heroine of the story.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed The Gathering Storm and it left me once again anxious for the next installment. It also left me wondering just how much of this story was based on fact and how much was purely imagination. I highly recommend The Gathering Storm.
by admin | Jul 23, 2010 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, WWII
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stars In The Night
Summerside Press (July 1, 2010)
by Cara Putman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word From Cara:
I graduated from high school at sixteen, college at 20, and completed my law degree when I was 27.
My writing journey started in 2005 when I decided to write my first novel. Now I have eleven books published with more on the way.
People say I’ve accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail. Hardly! I grew up as a home schooled kid when home schoolers were misunderstood and oddities.
I struggle with balancing my writing and law career, plus being a good mom and wife.
I often fear people won’t like my books.
I’ve walked through the deep pain of miscarriage.
Really, I’m just like you – I don’t have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I’ve discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too.
In the end I’m just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I’ve been obedient to step into the calling He’s led me into.
Stars in the Night Background
Stars in the Night was an idea that had begun to percolate in my mind. I’d written two World War II series and was actively looking for my next setting. My husband, a huge World War II history buff, and I were kicking ideas around, and I’d decided Hollywood was probably the next place for me. I’d gone to the library and gotten a stack of research books when I got the call. An editor I knew but had never worked with wanted to know if I might be interested in a new line they were starting. As we talked, I got so excited. And then she emailed me their guidelines, which listed that Hollywood was a location they were interested in setting books.
Only God could have known ahead of time. But because I followed His prompting I was ready to run with an idea. Stars in the Night is the result.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer’s sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her.
Any day Audra might have been flattered by the friendly overtures of Robert Garfield, a real-life movie star. But on the flight from Indianapolis to Hollywood, Audra can think of little else than finding her missing sister. When Audra arrives in the city of glitz and glamour, and stars, and learns her rising starlet sister has been murdered, all thoughts of romance fly away.
Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan.
Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister.
Could the killer be the man with whom she’s falling in love?
If you’d like to read an excerpt of Chapter 1 of Stars In The Night, go HERE.
Contest: Lots of opportunities to win and great prizes, and the grand prize contains some of Cara’s favorite classic movies as well as all of her WWII novels: Launch Contest!
MY REVIEW:
Stars In The Night is a romantic suspense set in Hollywood and on a train full of Hollywood stars as they cross the country selling war bonds during the World War II era. When Audra takes it upon herself to find her starlet sister’s killer, she takes a job on the train in order to get closer to the truth. She soon learns that the train is full of people who could have motives. After several suspicious events that include more deaths, Audra is not sure who she can trust – not even Robert Garfield, the man she is growing to love. In the end, nothing but her faith and her courage can see her through.
Stars In The Night exposes the dark underside of Hollywood where unscrupulous agents or producers took advantage of young women searching for stardom and were sometimes willing to kill to hide their secrets. In contrast, the book also reveals that not all stars are lured into the traps of fame, fortune, and power that capture so many.
Well written with enough historical background, intriguing characters, danger, action, and romance to hold my interest to the end, Stars In The Night will take its place on my list of recommended books.
by admin | Apr 12, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Wildflowers of Terezin
Abingdon Press (April 2010)
by
Robert Elmer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Elmer is a former pastor, reporter and as copywriter who now writes from he home he shares with his wife Ronda in northern Idaho. He is the author of over fifty books, including eight contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience and several series for younger readers. Combined, his books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Like his popular “Young Underground” youth series, Wildflowers of Terezin was inspired by stories Robert heard from his Denmark-born parents and family. When he’s not sailing or enjoying the outdoors, Robert often travels the country speaking to school and writers groups.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When nurse Hanne Abrahamsen impulsively shields Steffen Petersen from a nosy Gestapo agent, she’s convinced the Lutheran pastor is involved in the Danish Underground. Nothing could be further from the truth.
But truth is hard to come by in the fall of 1943, when Copenhagen is placed under Martial Law and Denmark’s Jews—including Hanne—suddenly face deportation to the Nazi prison camp at Terezin, Czechoslovakia. Days darken and danger mounts. Steffen’s faith deepens as he takes greater risks to protect Hanne. But are either of them willing to pay the ultimate price for their love?
To read the first chapter of Wildflowers of Terezin, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Wildflowers of Terezin is one of those books that serves to remind us of how quickly our safe and secure world can be turned upside down. Although Denmark was occupied by the Germans in late 1943 and under martial law, life seemed to go on as usual for many of the citizens. Of course there were food shortages and a curfew but for many it was a temporary inconvenience until the Germans left. Steffen, a Lutheran pastor was one of those who made it a point not to rock the boat – that is until he got caught up in the middle of a street fight and met Hanne, a Jewish nurse in the hospital where his injuries were treated. As their friendship grew, Steffen and Hanne found themselves actively working with the underground resistance to secretly transport Jews to Sweden before the Germans could transport them to prison camps.
Wildflowers of Terezin is also a reminder of how easy it is to accept what we are told without question because we do not really want to know the truth that might force us out of our apathy. Steffen and Hanne’s story should serve as a wake up call to be more aware of the world around us and to listen to God’s direction for our lives.
This story is filled with drama, action, and emotion. An unlikely love story develops in the midst of extenuating circumstances. Although fictional, many of the events and places described can be historically documented. Fans of Bodie Thoene’s Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles series would probably enjoy Wildflowers of Terezin.
by admin | Mar 30, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Songbird Under a German Moon had me hooked from the opening page and kept my attention until the last word. I have always been a fan of historical fiction, especially when the book gives me a glimpse of people and events that are not necessarily in the history books. Tricia Goyer has accomplished that in this fast paced suspenseful page turner. Reading about the lives of USO entertainers in Germany immediately after WWII was a unique and fascinating experience. The background details about Hitler and his obsession with Wagner’s music as well as the history of the Festspielhaus were icing on the cake.
The developing romance between Betty and Frank progressed naturally as they worked together to find answers to a suspicious death. Several plot twists and surprises kept me involved in the story and the ending was satisfying. I would recommend Songbird Under a German Moon to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance with some suspense as an added bonus.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
About Songbird Under a German Moon:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler’s Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they’re housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty’s dear friend, Kat, turns up missing.
Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds’ hearts may find the answers…in each other.
But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.
About Tricia:
Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children’s book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Visit www.triciagoyer.com for more info!
What Era? Contest: Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you’d lived in and why? Earn extra entries by signing up for Tricia’s newsletter here, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!
You’ll be entered to win one of three signed copies of Songbird Under a German Moon.
by admin | Mar 14, 2010 | Books, Historical, Military, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Lies are like incendiary bombs, burning and melting and mangling everything—trust, hopes, everyone you love.” — page 395
A Distant Melody is truly a breath of fresh air as a historical romance with unique characters. Both Walt and Allie have been convinced that they are not attractive enough to find true love. Allie has even settled for an engagement to a man who doesn’t love her just to make her parents happy. When she and Walt meet at a wedding, their new friendship begins a long distance correspondence that changes both their lives. Can their friendship endure the little white lies and lies by omission that each is guilty of to salve their own pride? Will Walt survive the rigors of war and reveal his true heart? Will Allie give in and marry Baxter to ensure her future? Or will the truth be revealed too late?
Rich with historical detail, examples of courage and sacrifice, and full of spiritual insight, A Distant Melody is one of the best books I have read in awhile. I was amazed to learn that this book accumulated a pile of rejection letters between 2005 and 2008 before finally being accepted for publication. I am so glad that Revell decided to give Sundin a chance and that I have had the opportunity to read this excellent novel. I am looking forward to her future books and can’t wait until A Memory Between Us is released this fall. A Distant Melody is definitely a keeper.
This book was provided for review by Donna Hausler,
Publicity Assistant with Baker Publishing Group.
A war and an ocean separate them… Will their love for music and each other be enough to reunite them?
A Distant Melody is the debut novel in the new World War II-era series from Sarah Sundin, Wings of Glory.
In A Distant Melody, readers meet two young Americans, about to be separated by an ocean during World War II: Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval–even marry a man she doesn’t love. Lt. Walter Novak–fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women–takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt’s muddy bomber base in England and Allie’s mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?
A Distant Melody is the first book in the Wings of Glory series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.
Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel.
Endorsements
“Sarah Sundin is an extraordinarily gifted storyteller who puts the reader in the cockpit of B-17 bombers as easily as she crafts an achingly emotional World War II romance. This is not only the best World War II love story I’ve ever read, but it may be the best book I’ve ever read.”
— Cheryl Bolen, Holt Medallion Winner, Best Historical
“I loved A Distant Melody! Sarah Sundin is a master at lyrical writing, and she has that rare talent of being able to combine humor with heart-pounding action. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget Sarah’s compelling characters or their poignant story about honesty, redemption, and grace.”
— Melanie Dobson, author of Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana and Refuge on Crescent Hill
For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.
by admin | Mar 11, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
As I have stated in past reviews, Susan May Warren is an extremely versatile author and Sons of Thunder just lends more weight to that statement. Sons of Thunder is likely the most serious novel I have encountered by Ms. Warren. Presented in the historical setting of the World War II era, it spans the globe from Greece to Chicago and Minneapolis to the battlefield in Europe and back to Greece. The point of views of each of the three characters, Sophie, Markos, and Dino are presented separately, yet their personal stories merge to present a complete picture.
Sons of Thunder is a heart wrenching tale of three people whose lives are bound together by love and blood. Faced with tragedy and trials on every side, each of them does what has to be done in order to survive. Their emotions ebb and flow from joy to sorrow, determination to resignation, fear to courage, love and hate, guilt and innocence, and doubt to faith. The depth of emotion makes Sons of Thunder difficult to read at times but continues to grip the reader’s attention. A true to life story of rescue and redemption, Sons of Thunder beautifully illustrates the faithfulness of God even in the darkest hours.
Learn more about Sons of Thunder at http://brothersinarms.susanmaywarren.com
See what others are saying about Sons of Thunder:
http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/sons-of-thunder-by-susan-may-warren.html
A review copy of Sons of Thunder was provided by litFUSE Publicity Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they’ll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she’ll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.
Sons of Thunder launches the new Romantic Suspense line for Summerside Press – it will be available to purchase in Wal-mart mid-January. Also – its uniquely written – its an epic suspense story written as three novellas – 3 points of view, 3 settings.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.
Learn more about Susan here.
