Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White



MY REVIEW:

I always enjoy books by Roseanna M. White but like many others I was uncertain whether I would like the change from World War 1 era England to the Civil War era Georgia. I need not have been concerned. Like every other novel I have read by this talented author, Dreams of Savannah featured well-developed characters who exhibited obvious growth over the course of their story. Unafraid to tackle tough and sensitive subjects, White handled each one with tact and thoughtfulness.

I was not exactly fond of either Cordelia or Phin at the beginning. They each seemed to be the stereotypical spoiled children of wealthy plantation owners. Fortunately there was more to both characters than first met the eye and I grew to care about them both before the end of their tale. Several other strong supporting characters added depth to the story and helped me see a side of the south that is not normally presented. More than just a love story, Dreams of Savannah is filled with action, danger, and an intimate look into the lives of slaves and their owners.

As always with the author’s books, I heartily recommend Dreams of Savannah and hope others will enjoy it as well.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cordelia Owens can weave a dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.
 
But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him.
 
As the War Between the States rages ever nearer and Savannah’s slaves start sneaking away to the islands off the coast to join the Yankees, both Phin and Cordelia get caught up in questions they never thought they’d have to ask–questions that threaten the very dreams of a future they’d cherished.

 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of histo

rical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White Coming Soon!

Roseanna M. White’s latest historical novel Dreams of Savannah releases on January 5 but is now available for preorder. If you just can’t wait to get your hands on it, you can also sign up for Roseanna’s newsletter here – https://bit.ly/39FY4WM

Preorder Here:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lUqQIu
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2HqIZik
Christian Book: https://bit.ly/2UNjpqN
Roseanna’s Store (Signed Copy): https://bit.ly/2HmsCmM

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cordelia Owens can weave a dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.
 
But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him.
 
As the War Between the States rages ever nearer and Savannah’s slaves start sneaking away to the islands off the coast to join the Yankees, both Phin and Cordelia get caught up in questions they never thought they’d have to ask–questions that threaten the very dreams of a future they’d cherished.
 
@roseannamwhite @bethanyhousefiction #DreamsofSavannah #PreOrder #roseannamwhite

Carolina Homecoming by Heather Blanton



MY REVIEW:

In this well-crafted tale loosely based on the Biblical book of Ruth, Heather Blanton offers her readers a change of scenery from her usual western settings. Carolina Homecoming takes place during the Civil War era and features Ruth Grant who has lost her husband in the war. Her mother-in-law Noemie has also been recently widowed and decides to return to her home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ruth chooses to accompany her, hoping they can both find the peace and healing they so desperately need.

Upon their arrival at Noemie’s farm, they discover that things are not what they expected. As they experience one mishap after another, it is apparent that something sinister is taking place and one particular person is at the top of the suspect list. Montgomery Boaze, a wealthy widower does everything in his power to help and protect the two women. Those familiar with the Biblical story will have a pretty good idea where the story is headed but Carolina Homecoming has a few twists and turns of its own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I know I can count on Heather Blanton to provide me with a story that has just the right blend of drama, mystery, action, and romance to keep me happy. Be sure to give this one a look.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Even in the shadows of the Blue Ridge, war will find them.

Widowed by the Civil War, Ruth Grant insists on accompanying her grieving mother-in-law Noemie back to her roots in the beautiful but isolated foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This escape to a place barely touched by war will prove to be anything but peaceful for the two strong-willed women.

Montgomery Boaze is the wealthiest farmer in the upstate. He also happens to be a handsome widower. When distant relative Noemie returns home and butts heads with a mutual enemy, Montgomery appoints himself her and Ruth’s protector. Not such a difficult task since he adores his kin…and finds the beautiful, young widow bewitching.

Together, the three will become entangled in a battle over land, loyalty, and love that has nothing to do with North versus South.

Purchase a copy HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Heather Blanton is the independent bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the “Romance in the Rockies” series which was recently OPTIONED for a LIMITED TV SERIES.

She is a former journalist and avid researcher who endeavors to seamlessly weave actual history in among fictional storylines. 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.

“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER

Her novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets her write about feisty pioneer women who struggle to find love and keep their faith. Like all good, old-fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and often a touch of suspense. Of course, 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 us: sacrificially and lavishly. Her work is inspired by authors like the great Louis L’Amour, Francine Rivers, and Linda Lael Miller, to name just a few.

She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. Her most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to her daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! Her daddy also taught her to shoot and, trust us, she can sew on buttons with her rifle.

She is a proud member of Western Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers.

We Hope For Better Things by Erin Bartels



MY REVIEW:

Debut novelist Erin Bartels has taken on difficult subject matter in her novel We Hope For Better Things. This split time narrative explores relationships between blacks and whites through the stories of three different women in the Detroit, Michigan area. Their individual stories take place during the civil war, the volatile sixties, and the present time. While the reader is presented with views from both sides of the equation, it is evident that we still have a long way to go if we are ever to resolve the divide between the races.

Overall, the story is well told although I found myself lost a time or two when the plot switched from one time frame to another. The characters are strong ones but I would have liked to get to know each of them more thoroughly than was possible in a split-time story. I did feel like the story was well researched and presented a historically accurate view of the respective time frames, especially the effects certain choices made on the women and their families. By the end of the book, most of my questions had been answered with the exception of the true cause of one death. I have my suspicions but I imagine the author intended for her readers to draw their own conclusions.

Erin Bartels definitely has a way with words and should find more of her novels on store shelves in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

The past is never as past as we’d like to think

When journalist Elizabeth Balsam is asked to deliver a box of old photos to a relative she didn’t know she had, the strange request seems like it isn’t worth her time. But as she explores her great-aunt’s farmhouse with its locked doors and hidden graves, she soon discovers just how dramatically some of the most newsworthy events of the previous two centuries shaped her own family. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding.

Take an emotional journey through time–from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to Michigan’s Underground Railroad during the Civil War–to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.

Purchase a copy HERE.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erin Bartels has been a publishing professional for more than 15 years. Her short story “This Elegant Ruin” was a finalist in The Saturday Evening Post 2014 Great American Fiction Contest. A freelance writer and editor, she is a member of Capital City Writers and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and is former features editor of WFWA’s Write On! magazine. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son, Calvin, and can be found online at www.erinbartels.com. We Hope for Better Things is her first novel.

Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene MacLaren



MY REVIEW:

I enjoyed this story of a young Quaker man and a young woman disguised as a male who get to know each other as they serve in the same Union regiment during the Civil War. It was with great interest that I watched their relationship develop naturally although Josie had to work hard to hide her growing affection for Levi. After all, he didn’t know private Gordon Snipp was actually a girl.

With a well researched historic background and facts as well as a wonderful thread of faith, “Their Daring Hearts” managed to hold my attention fairly well during a difficult week of my life when at times I felt mostly brain dead. The story is filled with action, drama, a touch of mystery surrounding an unknown spy in the camp, and of course some romance that mostly appears near the end of the story. I hope to find the time to go back and read this book again when I can give it the total attention it deserves.

For those who enjoy Civil War fiction, “Their Daring Hearts” should be the perfect book.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Click here to purchase

Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with her chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of desperation.

Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold “his” gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.

But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.com, www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.

BLOG STOPS:

History, Mystery & Faith, January 25

Genesis 5020, January 25

Inspiration Clothesline, January 25

ASC Book Reviews, January 26

Multifarious, January 26

Christian Bookaholic, January 27

Remembrancy, January 27

Carpe Diem, January 28

Inklings and notions, January 28

Blossoms and Blessings, January 29

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 29

The Fizzy Pop Collection, January 30

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 30

Moments Dipped in Ink, January 31

Mary Hake, January 31

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 31

Daysong Reflections, February 1

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 1

A Baker’s Perspective, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

Have A Wonderful Day, February 2

Connie’s History Classroom, February 3

Cafinated Reads, February 3

proud to be an autism mom, February 4

Bibliophile Reviews, February 4

Red Headed Book Lady, February 5

My Wrtier’s Life, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Post from Mindy Houg)

Pursuing Stacie, February 6

A Greater Yes, February 6

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 7

Janices book reviews, February 7

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Whitaker House is giving away:

Grand Prize Package: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom Series #1) signed by the author, Sharlene MacLaren, Abba Jerusalem Hyssop 6” Pillar Candle.
1st Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1) by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.
2nd Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/c602

 

Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander



MY REVIEW:

I have been reading Tamera Alexander’s books since her very first one and have enjoyed them so much that she is one of the authors I must read. As a Tennessean I have so much appreciated her novels set in the Nashville and Franklin area which are just a three to four hour drive from my home. It is so interesting to learn more about my state’s history in the form of a well-researched novel that makes the people come to life for readers.

“Christmas at Carnton” is the perfect Christmas book for history lovers, especially those who find the Civil War of interest. Not only does it contain a heart-warming romance but it includes a detailed look at life in middle Tennessee during that era from the luxuries on the plantation to the deprivations of widows and children. It was fun to visit Carnton through the eyes of Aletta and Jake as they received such a warm and caring welcome from Colonel John McGavock‘s family.

A fine story filled with hope and faith, “Christmas at Carnton” should be an excellent gift for someone you know or even for yourself.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Amid war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas—and sacrificial love.

Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year-old son. With the bank threatening to evict them, she discovers an advertisement for the Women’s Relief Society auction and applies for a position—only to discover it’s been filled. Then a chance meeting with a wounded soldier offers another opportunity—and friendship. But can Aletta trust this man?

Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffered a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears losing not only his greatest skill but his very identity. As he heals, Jake is ordered to assist with a local Women’s Relief Society auction. He respectfully objects. Kowtowing to a bunch of “crinolines” isn’t his idea of soldiering. But orders are orders, and he soon discovers this group of ladies—one, in particular—is far more than he bargained for.

Set against the backdrop and history of the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee, Christmas at Carnton is a story of hope renewed and faith restored at Christmas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mandy Whitley Photography)

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers in the historical fiction genre. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for six of her award-winning novels. For more about Tamera’s books, visit www.TameraAlexander.com

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