Books | Daysong Reflections

The Heart’s Appeal by Jennifer Delamere

by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

The second book in Jennifer Delamere’s London Beginnings series, “The Heart’s Appeal” features sister Julia Bernay, a nurse determined to go to medical school and become a doctor. On scene at an accident, Julia saves the life of a young barrister and later seeks his help with Latin so she can pass entrance exams. Theirs is an unusual relationship for many reasons including what could be a huge conflict of interest that could destroy Michael’s career. Both Julia and Michael are focused on achieving their dreams but will love get in their way?

I thoroughly enjoyed “The Heart’s Appeal”. For several chapters I was convinced I preferred the first book of the series “The Captain’s Daughter” but after reading the entire book, I decided it was equally as good. I certainly look forward to the third installment and hope it will be released soon.

The characters were well rounded and included several strong supporting ones. I enjoyed reading about the obstacles faced by Julia and Daniel and the ways they managed to overcome them. It was also inspiring to see a change of heart in some of the characters and in one case, reconciliation.

“The Heart’s Appeal” is an excellent read and I recommend it to all historical fiction lovers.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

London, 1881

He Never Expected to See Her Again. Then She Appeared with a Most Unexpected Request. . . .

Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future.

Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Ann Mason

by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

What a fun novel! Everything about Nolan Price’s life changes when he learns that he is not the stable hand he had always thought but the son of his employer – especially his plans to marry sweet Hannah Burnham, a kitchen maid on the estate. Now Nolan is suddenly forbidden to have anything to do with her because she is deemed to be beneath his station. And that is where the fun begins.

The author has created a romantic tale filled with surprises and unexpected twists as well as several wonderful characters in addition to the hero and heroine. One character especially seemed to step onto center stage several times and I was delighted by her bold and often humorous approach to life. I was never quite certain how everything would turn out for Nolan and Hannah. Even when it looked like things might go their way, they tended to get in the way themselves.

“A Most Noble Heir” is a wonderful tale filled with faith, humor, love, and reconciliation. You won’t want to miss this one!

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Will Gaining the World Cost Him Everything He Holds Most Dear?

When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl’s heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope–believing once their marriage is sanctioned by God that Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father’s demanding expectations.

Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away. With Nolan’s new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. Also a member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.susanannemason.com.

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

“A Refuge Assured” is a fine example of why I love historical fiction. I have always been interested in all aspects of history but dry facts in a textbook never answered my many questions. Authors such as Jocelyn Green bring that history to life in the pages of their novels and help me to experience history through the lives of those who may have been there. Most of my favorite authors obviously research their subject matter well before writing their novels and I appreciate that I can usually trust their stories to be at least based on the truth. I am also frequently inspired to do further research because my interest has been stimulated.

From the streets of the French Revolution to the French Quarter of Philadelphia, Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard has seen things young women should not be forced to witness. After barely escaping with her life from France, she hopes for refuge in America but soon finds herself in danger because of a young boy placed in her care. Liam Delaney finds himself a reluctant part of her life yet the two are also strongly drawn to each other. Can they work together to overcome the obstacles facing them?

“A Refuge Assured” is beautifully written with a well-developed plot and strong characters. There is ample action to hold the attention of most readers as well as plenty of interesting historical facts. I enjoyed reading about the Whiskey Rebellion, particularly the way the newly established government resorted to taxing their own citizens in the same manner that brought them to fight for their freedom from England. I don’t remember that from my history lessons but it is so typical that I have no problem believing it. The story is also filled with danger, suspense, and of course romance along with some surprises along the way.

I heartily recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Fleeing One Revolution to the Aftermath of Another, She Seeks and Dreams of Peace

Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia, but danger lurks in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers begin to suspect a young boy left in her care might be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement Asylum offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate his hard-won farm near Asylum, but he soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Photo Credit: © Catchlight Imaging

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

Treacherous Trails by Dana Mentink

by admin | Apr 12, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

“Treacherous Trails” is one of those nonstop page turners that you just don’t want to put down. It seemed pretty obvious from the very beginning who the guilty person was but the author certainly kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next.

I loved the interaction between the characters, especially Owen and Ella and it was fun learning about their lifelong friendship as well as other background pertinent to their story. The loyalty and support of the Thorn family for each other and those they cared about was touching and inspiring.

The action filled plot is filled with lots of danger and suspense as well as multiple twists and surprises. A little romance in the midst of life-threatening situations didn’t hurt either. The ending was perfect in my opinion. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!

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 to purchase

Falsely accused…

Can she escape the real killer?

In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

Click here to purchase your copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

GUEST POST FROM DANA MENTINK:

Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!

BLOG STOPS:

Reading Is My SuperPower, April 12

Lighthouse Academy, April 12

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 12

Daysong Reflections, April 13

Karen Sue Hadley, April 13

Janices book reviews, April 13

Book by Book, April 14

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 14

History, Mystery & Faith, April 15

C Jane Read, April 15

The Power of Words, April 15

To Everything a Season, April 16

Among the Reads, April 16

Genesis 5020, April 16

A Baker’s Perspective, April 17

Two Points of Interest, April 17

Carpe Diem, April 18

Cafinated Reads, April 18

Maureen’s Musings, April 19

Simple Harvest Reads, April 19 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, April 20

Have A Wonderful Day, April 20

Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting, April 21

proud to be an autism mom, April 21

Bibliophile Reviews, April 22

A Greater Yes, April 22

Texas Book-aholic, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Artistic Nobody, April 23 (Spotlight)

Kat’s Corner Books, April 24

Red Headed Book Lady, April 24

Bigreadersite, April 24

margaret kazmierczak, April 25 (Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, April 25

Remembrancy, April 25

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46

Red Sky Over America by Tamera Lynn Kraft

by admin | Apr 12, 2018 | Books, Historical

MY REVIEW:

Although “Red Sky Over America” was not what I expected, it offered quite an interesting look into plantation life during the era preceding the civil war. Its unique perspective that pits an abolitionist daughter against her slaveowner father was one I have not encountered previously.

Although I believe the story was well researched and is most likely an accurate account based on true events, details are at times brutal and may not be appropriate for all readers, especially young ones. However, this is a period in our history that should not be glossed over and I applaud the author for her attempt to expose the truth.

“Red Sky Over America” is a story not only of courage but it is also one of reconciliation and changed hearts.

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:

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. When America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves, America’s classmate, William, tags along to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. Soon, though, America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation. Will they make it back to Ohio . . . or even live through the struggle?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has been a children’s pastor for more than 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

A Loyal Heart by Jody Hedlund

by admin | Apr 2, 2018 | Books, Historical, Medieval, Romance

MY REVIEW:

“A Loyal Heart” is a medieval romance that opens with exciting action and proceeds with plenty more as the book continues. Captured by her father’s enemy, Lady Olivia is determined to protect her sister at all cost and remain loyal to her father. Every attempt at escape is foiled and she is forced to stay too close for comfort to her captor, Sir Aldric.

Both Sir Aldric and Lady Olivia are marvelous characters who attempt to follow their beliefs and keep their integrity. Although enemies, Lady Olivia finds herself admiring Sir Aldric’s commitment to truth and honor. Along the way she learns the meaning and importance of true loyalty.

I thoroughly enjoyed “A Loyal Heart” with its fast paced plot and excellent characters. With lots of action, drama, romance, and surprises, the story held my attention until the very end. I strongly recommend this book as well as any other written by Jody Hedlund.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Click to purchase

He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.

Click here to purchase your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

GUEST POST FROM JODY HEDLUND:

The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances

By Jody Hedlund

This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.

Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.

As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.

“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.

“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.

The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.

She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.

“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.

I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.

Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.

My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!

In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.

How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.