by admin | Nov 1, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Liz Tolsma is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect when I agreed to review “Snow on the Tulips”. I am happy to say that there was absolutely no reason to be concerned. The story grabbed me immediately and I was not ready to give it up when I reached the final page.
“Snow on the Tulips” was so well written that I almost felt as if I were there with the characters and experiencing everything they experienced – the fear, the anger, the determination, the hopelessness, the deprivation, and the grief. I could also identify with Cornelia’s feeling that God did not listen to her prayers. It is beyond my imagination how citizens of countries occupied by Nazi forces were able to function day to day with the ever present threat of those cruel and unfeeling men. I knew very little about the Dutch resistance during World War 2 but found their story both fascinating and inspiring.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity, another new author has been added to my Must Read list. “Snow on the Tulips” kept me spellbound until the end and I am in hopes that a sequel is in the works. I would recommend this novel to anyone, both male or female, especially those who enjoy historical fiction of this era.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.
The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.
As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.
She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Liz’s website.
A splendid debut novel! With a tender romance, a gripping plot, and a well-researched setting, Snow on the Tulips drew me in to the harrowing uncertainty of life in the Netherlands under Nazi rule. Liz Tolsma’s beautiful story kept me up at night—not just wondering what would happen to her endearing characters, but wondering what I would do in similar circumstances. Do not miss this book!
Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of With Every Letter
This book was a fascinating look at WWII from the Netherlands perspective, one I hadn’t heard before. It captured my interest and wouldn’t give it back until the last page!
CBA Retailers and Resources
Tolsma crafts strong characters and easy-to-visualize scenes. The inherent danger of the Nazi occupation is apparent. Relevant biblical connections remind the reader that God is always in control, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Tolsma’s story is a way to remember the past and those who gave their lives for freedom. A German and Dutch glossary is included.
4 Star Romantic Times Review
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com.
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
Liz Tolsma is celebrating the release of her novel, Snow on the Tulips, by giving away an Amazon Reading Pack to one lucky winner.
Find out what readers are saying about the book here.
One winner will receive:
- A $50 Amazon gift card
- Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 18th at Liz’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz’s blog on the 18th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox! Just enter your email address on the left sidebar of her blog.)
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
by admin | Oct 15, 2013 | Amish, Birds, Christmas, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a heart-warming historical Amish novella that takes place at the end of World War 2. Because of their pacifist beliefs, most Amish men chose not to enlist during the war and if they were drafted, chose to go to prison instead. Rose’s fiance Jonathan’s conscience would not let him rest until he enlisted as a medic to help the wounded men. Despite her love for Jonathan, Rose listened to the talk about him and decided she could no longer marry him. Already sad because of her decision, Rose’s world is shaken when a secret about her past is revealed.
Although “A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a shorter format novella, it is full of everything that I look for in a good book. The plot is to-the-point with few wasted words yet was satisfyingly complete. It was easy to become quickly caught up in Rose’s story and to share her joys and sorrows. Jonathan was a true hero in so many ways but his devotion to Rose was admirable.
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a perfect story to prepare for the upcoming Christmas season. Its theme of faith and family, love and loyalty, and most of all forgiveness is one with which most readers can identify.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Inspired by a true story, A Christmas Gift for Rose is a heartwarming novella of sacrifice and deep love.
Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind—Englischers? And was her intended’s gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?
Don’t miss award-winning author Tricia Goyer’s first Christmas novella.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.
Find out more about Tricia and her books at http://triciagoyer.com.
Double Kindle HDX Christmas Gift Pack from @TriciaGoyer!
Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her first Christmas novella, A Christmas Gift for Rose, with a Christmas Gift giveaway!
Enter to win a NEW Kindle Fire HDX for you AND one for a friend!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire HDX and one to give away to a friend!
- A Christmas Gift for Rose, by Tricia Goyer for you and your friend!
Four second place winners will receive:
- A Christmas Gift for Rose Christmas pack (includes a recipe card, bookmark, a signed book plate, discussion questions, and a Gathering & Giving handout!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. All winners will be announced October 21st at Tricia’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Tricia’s blog
on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes!
(Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner
announcement delivered to your inbox!)
by admin | Aug 29, 2013 | Books, Historical, Medical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Second book in Sundin’s Wings of the Nightingale series, “On Distant Shores” is related from the perspective of World War 2 flight nurse Georgie Taylor and pharmacist John “Hutch” Hutchinson who become friends after meeting during their military assignments in Italy. If one has read the first novel in this series, some of the situations may seem familiar but I loved reading about the same events from a different viewpoint.
Like the first book of the series, “On Distant Shores” includes wonderful character development and riveting wartime scenes that fully illustrate the dangers experienced by all those who served during that time. The author tempered the horrors of war with several lighthearted scenes, bits of humor inserted at just the right place, and of course a special romance. I loved the way Georgie and Hutch encouraged each other with scripture and how the Lord brought it back to their minds just when they needed it the most.
I have enjoyed each and every one of Sarah Sundin’s novels and “On Distant Shores” was no exception. I did not consider myself a fan of wartime novels but Sarah’s are so well written with realistic scenarios and natural human emotion that they go beyond the typical wartime tale. I highly recommend “On Distant Shores” as well as any of Sarah’s other novels.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Caught between the war raging around them and the battles within, two souls long for peace—and a love that remains true.
Lt. Georgiana Taylor has everything she could want. A boyfriend back home, a loving family, and a challenging job as a flight nurse. But in July 1943, Georgie’s cozy life gets more complicated when she meets pharmacist Sgt. John Hutchinson.
Hutch resents the lack of respect he gets as a noncommissioned serviceman and hates how the war keeps him from his fiancée. While Georgie and Hutch share a love of the starry night skies over Sicily, their lives back home are falling apart. Can they weather the hurt and betrayal? Or will the pressures of war destroy the fragile connection they’ve made?
With her signature attention to detail and her talent for bringing characters together, Sarah Sundin weaves an exciting tale of emotion, action, and romance that will leave you wanting more.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Sarah’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of “With Every Letter” and the Wings of Glory series. In 2011, A “Memory Between Us” was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.
“On Distant Shores” by @SarahSundin | Romantic Weekend Getaway Giveaway, Facebook Party and Blog Tour
Code:
Sarah Sundin is celebrating the release of her latest novel, On Distant Shores, with a Romantic Weekend Getaway giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa Cash Card (good for a perfect couple’s getaway)
- With Every Letter and On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 2nd. Winner will be announced September 3rd at the “On Distant Shores” Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, announcing the winner of the Weekend Getaway, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she’ll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at the next book in the Wings of the Nightingale series.
So grab your copy of On Distant Shores and join Sarah on the evening of September 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.
HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 3rd!
by admin | Jul 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Small Town Girl” revisits the small town of Rosey Corner five years after the end of “Angel Sister”. The year is 1941 and the news is full of Hitler’s war in Europe and U. S. negotiations with Japan. Although the townspeople are unsettled by the unknown future, life in Rosey Corner goes on as usual for the most part. Kate Merritt has grown into a lovely young woman who is able to wish her sister Evie happiness as she marries the man Kate has secretly loved since she was fifteen. Mike’s best man Jay Tanner decides to stay in town for awhile after the wedding when he is offered a job because he is so intrigued by whatever makes Kate different from the other women he has known. Kate’s apparent lack of interest surprises him and makes him more determined to gain her attention.
Ann Gabhart has once again penned what I would consider a classic novel. I loved the World War 2 era small town setting with its diverse mix of residents. It was fun catching up with Kate and her family as well as the others who played major roles in “Angel Sister”. As always a strong theme of faith and redemption is woven seamlessly into the story yet I never felt that the author was preaching at me. I also liked the lesson about finding out who God wants you to be rather than always trying to be who you think others want or listening to the lies of those who don’t really care.
“Small Town Girl” is a wonderful book that I would recommend to everyone who loves historical fiction with a nostalgic feel. This book can stand on its own but do yourself a favor and pick up “Angel Sister” too if you haven’t already read it. You will be so glad to know the rest of the Merritt family story.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Ann Gabhart weaves a timeless story of love, sacrifice and longing that will grip the heart and stir the spirit. In her gentle and textured style, Gabhart takes the reader back to a time when days moved slowly and life was simple. A world that was about to change forever.
In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town waits in anticipation as if holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of handsome best man Jay Tanner can’t draw her interest.
Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything. Kate’s friends are rushing to get married before the boys go off to war. The newspapers talk of women making airplanes and bombs. Everyone in town begins rolling bandages, planting victory gardens and collecting scrap metal. Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways, and when he enlists she can hardly breathe worrying about him getting killed. Could she truly be in love with him? And if she is, will she ever see him again?
Fans of Angel Sister will be thrilled to see Kate Merritt all grown up. New readers will find that Gabhart tells a beautiful story that will touch their hearts and win their loyalty.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more HERE.
by admin | Jun 26, 2013 | Books, Historical, Quilts, Romance, WWII
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPieces of the HeartAbingdon Press (June 1, 2013)byBonnie S. CalhounABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, owner/publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the ACFW ‘2011 Mentor of the Year,” President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network, and Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference(GPCWC).
For the last six years she has taught workshops in Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and creating Social Media promotions at both CCWC, and GPCWC, and in 2011 at the Montrose, Pa Christian Writers Conference. She also taught a Facebook workshop at the 2012 ACFW conference.
Bonnie and her husband live in a log cabin in upstate area of New York with a dog and cat who think she’s wait-staff.
Her sites are:
https://www.facebook.com/bonniescalhounsnarkandsuspense
https://www.facebook.com/bscalhoun
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Cordelia Grace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Each row of triangles signifies a layer in her life, sets of memories, hopes, dreams, and prayers for her future, enough spoken words to cover them forever. Her image of their “happy-ever-after” grows proportionally as the quilt expands.
But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades of color that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? Can love and faith overcome all?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Pieces of the Heart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
As a CFBA blogger, I have had the pleasure of reading most of the Quilts of Love series. As the daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter of quilters, I have enjoyed the series thus far and am quite amazed at the diversity of the books. Subject matter ranges from contemporary to historical to mystery/suspense and each novel has been unique. Yet each plot revolves around a quilt.
Bonnie Calhoun’s Pieces of the Heart features a Pine Cone quilt, a traditional quilt popular with African-American women. I loved the fact that each quilt was stitched for a specific recipient and that the stitcher prayed over each piece of fabric as she put together a “prayer covering” for her loved one.
Despite the fervent prayers of her grandmother, Cordelia Grace remains resistant to God. After all, Cordelia’s father is a pastor and her parents have displayed a mixed message about their faith most of her life. There is one person Cordelia knows she can count on other than her grandmother and that is Bernard Howard. She has loved Bernard since he rescued her from a group of bullies when she was much younger and they plan to marry as soon as she graduates high school. Alas, nothing ever stays the same. Cordelia is faced with one tragedy after another and even Bernard has deserted her to go off to war. Has God turned His back on her completely?
Bonnie has bravely included several hot topics in her novel. Racial prejudice is something Americans still deal with daily but I learned a few things about the prejudice during that era that I was not aware of, especially the poor treatment of African Americans by the military. Add to that other subjects like parental abuse and tragic deaths, and it is easy to understand why Cordelia’s faith was challenged. But one of her grandmother’s statements resonated in Cordelia’s mind over and over until Cordelia began to understand how many people are motivated by their pain.
Pieces of the Heart is a great book with many life lessons that should be taken to heart. You’ve done it again my friend!
by admin | Apr 30, 2013 | Books, Historical, Hollywood, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Every time I open a novel by Susan May Warren I know I am in for a treat. This prolific writer has a special gift for creating memorable characters and multi-layered plots that always leave me wanting just a little more (well maybe a LOT more). The third novel in the Daughters of Fortune trilogy, “Duchess” is the climatic conclusion to the series.
“Duchess” features Rosie Worth aka Roxy Price, a young woman searching for significance as a Hollywood actress and partner in a movie studio. Rosie has already experienced tragedy and loss in her life and is determined to be in total control of her destiny which has led her to make more than one decision that she later regrets. Although Rosie has achieved much of the success she desired, she has found that it has not brought happiness. Rolfe Van Horne seems to show up repeatedly in Rosie’s life, raising her hopes that he cares for her as much as she cares for him. Each of them carries a burden of grief and regrets yet they each have dealt with their problems in different ways.
The plot of “Duchess” takes the reader from the back lots of Hollywood to luxurious hotels around the world and even a castle or two in Europe. With a historical setting leading up to and through World War 2, the story features the plight of the Jews and those who worked under cover to free as many of them as possible. No novel by Susan May Warren would be complete without a strong message of faith and “Heiress” is no different. It takes Rosie awhile for it to sink in but she finally accepts the fact that only the Lord can control her destiny and she must surrender her control.
I was sorry for this series to end but I believe that the author tied up all the loose ends perfectly – even providing the reader with a surprise or two in the process. I eagerly await whatever Susan has in mind next for her readers.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book Three in the Daughters of Fortune series.
When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?
The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices—and grief—of the past. Her future shines bright…until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life. Find out more about the series by clicking on these links. Heiress. Baroness.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com
Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
Welcome to the campaign launch for the epic conclusion of Susan May Warren’s Daughters of Fortune series. Romantic Times says of Duchess, “The golden era of Hollywood comes to life for readers in Warren’s third Daughters of Fortune novel. Warren writes from her heart, adding some intrigue, sins of the past and some twists and turns readers won’t see coming.”
Susan is celebrating the release of Duchess with a Kindle Fire Giveaway.
One “glam” winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Signed copies of Duchess, Baroness and Heiress
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 4th. Winner will be announced on 5/7/13 at Susan’s blog.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
