by admin | Dec 3, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed a couple of Heather Blanton’s historical westerns and plan to read the rest as soon as I find a break in my review calendar. I wasn’t too sure what I would think about her latest, “Love, Lies, & Typewriters” with its setting in a totally different era. I need not have worried even one minute…this book is so clever! I loved it!
The story is fun and humorous at times with an unexpected romantic twist that left me smiling. I could just imagine this one as a Hallmark Movie! I loved Lucy and Bryce but it didn’t take too long for me to catch on to Dale’s egomania. I knew who I wanted Lucy to choose but did she?
Loved, loved, loved this book! Be sure to pick up a copy while it’s 99 cents. I think you will be glad you did.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A cowboy with a Purple Heart. A reporter with a broken heart. Which one is her Mr. Right?
When Lucy Daniels is rescued from a stampeding herd of cattle by war hero Dale Sumner, sparks fly and headlines are born. Smelling an opportunity, the local newspaper decides to send the couple on a tour selling war bonds—not to mention, subscriptions. Enamored with her handsome savior, Lucy is happy to play her part … until she realizes her affections are slowly slipping toward the wrong man.
Ace reporter and aspiring mystery writer Bryce Richard is tasked with building up Lucy and Dale’s budding affair. He can’t think of anything worse for a journalist than switching from hard news to pounding out romantic drivel. Complicating matters, Bryce wishes Lucy would look to him for her happily-ever-after. Only, that would wreck the whole tour and Bryce’s coveted book deal.
When love and lies collide on the front page, will Lucy and Bryce have a chance to write their own fairy tale ending? Or are they already yesterday’s news?
You can purchase Love, Lies, & Typewriters here!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A
former journalist, Heather is an avid researcher and skillfully weaves truth in among fictional story lines. She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw’s note in her hand. You can learn more about her and her work at https://ladiesindefiance.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/heatherfreyblanton. Sign up for Heather’s email newsletter to receive the latest book release updates, as well as info about contests and giveaways (https://ladiesindefiance.com/).
Heather is the independent bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the Romance in the Rockies series, which has sold over 40,000 copies. Intrigued by the concept of three good sisters stranded in a lawless Colorado mining town, a few notable Hollywood producers have requested the script for her first book in that series, A Lady in Defiance. Heather’s writing is gritty and realistic. In fact, her books have been compared to AMC’s Hell on Wheels series, as well as the legendary Francine Rivers book, Redeeming Love.
She writes Westerns because she grew up on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne movies. Her most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to her father, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester!
She can be reached several different ways:
Author Heather Blanton
https://www.facebook.com/authorheatherblanton/?ref=hl
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfblanton/
Christian Westerns is the genre that lets her write about strong pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Romance is always a strong element in her stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God, and a perfect reflection of how he loves His children: sacrificially and lavishly. Heather’s stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but she hopes they are heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense.
“I believe Christian fiction should be messy and gritty, because the human condition is … and God loves us anyway.” — Heather Blanton
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by admin | May 25, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Anchor in the Storm” may just be Sarah Sundin’s best book yet. With a large dose of World War 2 facts I never knew, a suspense filled mystery woven into the story, a lovely romance, and her bold inclusion of what many would consider “defective” characters, this novel was fascinating from the first to the last page.
Both Lillian and Arch made appearances in “Through Waters Deep”, the first book in Sundin’s Waves of Freedom series and have moved to center stage to star in their own story. Arch is one of those guys who is burned out on romance because all the gals are more interested in his family’s wealth than in who he really is. Lillian is just as shy of romance but for her own reasons. After losing a leg to a childhood accident, she has grown used to people thinking of her as a “freak” and because of a bad experience does not trust any man. Naturally that is just the right fuel to ignite the fires of romance but is it possible for either of them to overcome their fears enough to trust the other?
I loved reading about Lillian and Arch and seeing their personal development through their story. It was encouraging to watch Lillian’s confidence grow and her fearless pursuit of the truth about the drug ring she and Arch were investigating. Arch had some personal growth too as he learned to trust Lillian (most of the time) and to trust the Lord as he slowly began to overcome his fear of death while on his ship.
“Anchor in the Storm” is a wonderful tale with just the right combination of elements to make it work. I look forward to the final book in this series and hope I don’t have to wait too long to read it.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance—and danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.
Read an excerpt from Anchor in the Storm.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including “Anchor in the Storm.” Her novel “Through Waters Deep” was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in “Where Treetops Glisten” was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.
GIVEAWAY:
Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
- Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
- Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
- 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
- Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
- “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
- Set of two nautical tea towels
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.
by admin | May 6, 2016 | Books, Europe, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“No Neutral Ground” is an interesting and informative story set mostly in Sweden during World War 2. The key characters met early in the book on a ship bound for Europe. For Jennie it was the first leg of her journey to join her parents in Sweden, a neutral nation during the war. Rafe, an American navigator, is returning to fight against his former countrymen in the skies over the country he fled early in Hitler’s campaign. The pair immediately felt an affinity for each other but had to go in separate directions upon embarking from the ship with little hope of a future reunion.
The author certainly did her research and I learned facts about the war that I wasn’t taught in high school history class. Most notably, details about life in Sweden during that time frame were fascinating. I particularly enjoyed Rafe and Jennie’s adventures as they worked together to gather information about the enemy. Vivid descriptions of air battles and life in the camp were detailed and informative. I also thought that Rafe’s emotional and spiritual journey was handled quite well.
Although “No Neutral Ground” is technically a romance novel, that aspect of the story was subdued and took a back seat to the drama. Those who expect frequent romantic scenes with lots of kissing might be a bit disappointed. Overall, I enjoyed this book even though at times I got just a bit bogged down in the lengthy narrative. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth reading. I am glad I did.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author for her Celebrate Lit Publicity Group blog tour.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After his father divorces his mother because of her Jewish ancestry, Rafe and the rest of his family flee Germany. As a B-17 navigator, he returns to Europe. On the ocean voyage, he meets Jennie, an artist journeying to Sweden to work with the OSS.
Flying missions against his former homeland arouses emotions that surprise Rafe. Despite being rejected, he is troubled by the destruction of Germany and his heart still cries for his father’s love.
Sweden may be neutral, but it’s full of intrigue. Jennie assists the OSS at the American legation in Sweden. She thought she’d be doing passive, behind-the-scenes work. Instead, she’s pushed into an active role to gain intelligence and frustrate the Germans.
How can Rafe and Jennie succeed in their dangerous roles when they are so conflicted?
Purchase your copy here.
To celebrate her No Neutral Ground tour, Terri is giving away several prizes.
Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/97ca
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
Connect with Terri:
www.terriwangard.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terriwangard/
Guest Post from Terri Wangaud
I hadn’t planned on writing No Neutral Ground. Friends and Enemies (book one of the Promise For Tomorrow series) was the WWII story I’d wanted to write, inspired by family history on the German side. Finishing that, I’d started writing a contemporary story set in one of my favorite places, Green Lake, Wisconsin.
At an ACFW conference, I had an appointment to pitch Friends and Enemies with an editor. She said I’d be likelier to get a contract if I had a series. The Green Lake story got shelved.
What could I write to partner with Friends and Enemies? That stumped me. The German side of the story was my big interest, but another one? No. I had no desire to return to Nazi Germany. My ancestry is three quarters German. All of my forbearers arrived in America before 1900, but it’s still a bitter thought that their homeland spawned such evil.
Germany’s out, so that left me with the other side of Friends and Enemies—the B-17s. I’d chosen the Flying Fortress because of my timeline. In mid-1944, the only American military men in Germany were shot-down airmen. I had plenty of material I hadn’t used in Friends and Enemies, but the plot had to be different. Something other writers hadn’t touched on. Maybe…Sweden?
Who’s familiar with Sweden’s role in World War II?
If American planes got in trouble during their missions and couldn’t make it back to their bases in England, they sought sanctuary in neutral countries. Switzerland is usually the first that comes to mind. Tricia Goyer had already written The Swiss Courier which touches on internees.
But Sweden. I had even visited Sweden. In 1993, my dad and I had gone to Sweden to cover a classic boat show for our magazine, Classic Boating. During a free day, we had wandered around Stockholm and taken lots of pictures.
I started the research and discovered, hmm, there’s not much, especially if you don’t know Swedish. One book I acquired held a eureka moment. A B-17 was damaged and the pilot told the crew to bail out. The navigator hurried to the cockpit and implored him to try to make it to Sweden. He was from Germany, a former member of the Hitler Youth, and he did not want to be captured by his former countrymen. There’s my male protagonist! Rafe discovered he had Jewish ancestry and had to flee Germany. Now he’s back at war with the homeland.
I still needed a female protagonist, and Jennie proved hard to pin down. I was pulling her together throughout the writing. I enjoyed reading accounts of Betty McIntosh, who served with the OSS in the China-Burma-India theater. Why not enlist Jennie’s services with the OSS in Sweden? She’s talented but lacks confidence. Pretty soon, Jennie found her voice.
As my research continued, I made a surprising discovery. One of the photos I’d taken in Stockholm turned out to be the former home of the American legation in Sweden. Jennie’s workplace. And I had thought it was just an example of lovely architecture.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading about Rafe and Jennie in No Neutral Ground.
Blog Stops
May 3: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
May 4: A Greater Yes
May 4: Simple Harvest Reads
May 5: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
May 5: The Editor’s Note
May 6: Daysong Reflections
May 6: Mary Hake
May 7: Bigreadersite
May 8: Inklings and Notions
May 9: Blossoms and Blessings
May 10: Bukwurmzzz
May 10: Cassandra M’s Place (spotlight)
May 11: Christian Bookaholic
May 12: Singing Librarian Books
May 13: Texas Book-aholic
May 14: For The Love of Books
May 15: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 16: Artistic Nobody
by admin | Apr 12, 2016 | Books, Historical, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“The Cairo Code” is a HUGE book that weighs in at nearly double the pages of most books I review. Although publicized as a thriller, I was approximately halfway through it before the action seemed to pick up. The author spent much of the first half laying down background information on not only the primary three characters but others who played prominent roles as well. I freely admit that there were several times I was tempted to put it away but persevered because I had committed to review it.
Overall the story is an intriguing one. To me, its chief interest was the bond between Jack Halder, Harry Weaver, and Rachel Stern and how that affected the outcome as they were pitted against each other on opposite sides of the war and their roles in the attempt to assassinate President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. The story itself was well written and once it finally got moving, it progressed at a steady pace. Although we know from history that the plot was not successful, there were a few surprises in store before the end.
I feel that I should issue a word or two of warning. I accepted “The Cairo Code” for review because other books I’ve received from Howard Books have been Christian fiction. There was no mention of the Lord or Jesus in the narrative. More than one character engaged in intimate relationships outside of marriage. Scenes were not explicit but were nevertheless not really necessary to the plot. In addition, those who do not like violence might want to steer away from this book also. Again, the violence was not particularly gory and would be expected in a novel about war. The third warning is that apparently this novel was originally published as “The Sands of Sakkara”. Readers who had already read this book might be disappointed to buy the same book with a different title.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The international bestseller takes you on a fast-paced, nail-biting thrill ride from the Great Pyramids in Cairo, to behind the Nazi lines in Berlin, to the very seat of democracy as our hero tries to unravel a plot that could kill FDR and Winston Churchill.
To save the Western Allies, he must kill the woman he loves…
November 1943: Adolf Hitler sanctioned his most audacious mission ever—to kill US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill while they visit Cairo for a secret conference to plan the Allied invasion of Europe, an invasion which threatens imminent defeat for Germany.
Only one man is capable of leading the defiant Nazi mission—Major Johann Halder, one of the Abwehr’s most brilliant and daring agents. He is a man with a tortured soul and a talent for the impossible. Accompanied by an expert undercover team and Rachael Stern, the young and beautiful Egyptologist, Halder must race against time across a hostile desert to reach Cairo and successfully complete the assignment, or else forfeit his life and the life of his son.
When US military intelligence hears about the plan, they assign Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Weaver, one of their best officers, to hunt down and eliminate Halder and his team. But for Weaver, as well as for Halder and Stern, there’s more than the balance of war and the lives of the Allied leaders at stake—a pact of love and friendship will be tested in the frantic, high-stakes chase to the death.
Based on a real attempt to kill the President, The Cairo Code is a breathless, suspenseful thriller—a heart-wrenching tale of friendship, love, and treachery set against the exotic and intriguing backdrop of wartime Egypt.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Glenn Meade was born in 1957 in Finglas, Dublin. Several of his novels have been international bestsellers, translated into more than twenty languages, and have enjoyed both critical and commercial success.
by admin | Oct 21, 2015 | Amish, Books, Romance, WWII
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPromise to KeepHoward Books (October 13, 2015)byElizabeth YountsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from the Author:
I’m Elizabeth, a blessed child of The King. I’m a middle-born daughter, military officer’s wife, homeschooling mama, writer, closet DIYer, and, dare I say it, Downton Abbey addict. May I also mention that I love both my history and my coffee rich.
I am formerly Amish and my heritage is very dear to me and thankful to be so accepted among my still Amish family. I can still speak PA Dutch, too! You can learn more about my Amish family in my first book Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl.
My three book series with Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) is a dream come true. The series is titled The Promise of Sunrise. In this series you will live through World War 2 from an Amish perspective and experience their unique struggles as conscientious objectors during wartime. What happened if one of their members enlisted? What was it like to serve at the Civilian Public Service Camps for years with almost no compensation? How did Amish women and families cope when a son or father was drafted? I look forward to taking you back into the richness of these years of Amish history through fiction.
Learn more about Elizabeth Byler Younts and her books on her website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.
Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.
When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.
As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Promise to Keep, go HERE.
by admin | Oct 7, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“The Methuselah Project” is a suspenseful novel that definitely raises some “what if” questions in my mind. There has to be something to that old saying “Truth is often stranger than fiction”. I don’t think anyone came up with a process to make people live for centuries but I know enough to know that there are behind-the-scenes men who seem to be controlling everything worldwide these days. I would say that the possibility of an organized group could easily have been formed the way Rick Barry suggests in this book.
This is one kind of speculative novel that I can get into – one that combines plenty of true facts with enough speculation to make a very compelling story. The story is told in two different time frames and points of view that eventually merge for the conclusion. Roger was quite believable as a young man who had been held prisoner in Germany for seventy plus years. I liked how he didn’t give up but kept himself prepared just in case the opportunity to escape ever came. Katherine was also an excellent character. She believed in her uncle’s love for her and wanted to believe in his integrity but there was just something that didn’t add up about the organization he had groomed her to be a part of. I felt that she made the right choices when faced with the truth.
Although the story does not always move at a fast pace, there were several exciting scenes as well as some big surprises. I enjoyed “The Methuselah Project” and thought it had a unique story to tell.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.
Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed—until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.
When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success—but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America—just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015—and the world has become an unrecognizable place.
Katherine Mueller—crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle—offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?
Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rick Barry is the author of “Gunner’s Run,” another World War II novel, “Kiriath’s Quest,” and more than 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times. Rick lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Find out more about Rick at http://rickcbarry.com.
