by admin | Aug 25, 2015 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Postcard” may be one of the best Amish novels I’ve read in awhile. With a somewhat different plot than usual, the story points the reader in the direction of true faith in Christ rather than dwelling on the much belabored lifestyle of the Amish. I also liked the way the honest portrayal of many of the characters that included anger, violence, confusion, and even a little passion (nothing objectionable). I appreciate that she showed how the Amish have the same emotions as the rest of us instead of trying to idealize their culture.
The story of a young Amish man who moves to another town to meet the young woman who has been his pen-pal for awhile. He has fallen in love with her through her letters and feels that the Lord has led him to meet her even if she is engaged to another fellow. There are plenty of complications including Rachel’s resistance but their comfortable friendship is difficult for her to resist. The question remains – “Is Rachel meant to be more to David than a friend?”
I really enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to more by this author even if Amish fiction is not my preferred genre.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
David Lapp (from Promised to Another) survived a “code blue” when he was in a buggy/semi truck accident in Seymour, Missouri. Now after extensive therapy he has lingering mobility problems and is still struggling to find his place in the world. Lured away from Webster County by thoughts of closed buggies and a postcard friendship he’s developed with an Amish girl in Jamesport, he moves north, hoping for a fresh start. He finds temporary work in the area teaching school, and also makes fishing flies and weaves baskets. He sells his products in the Amish markets in the Jamesport area. Rachel Miller dreams of travel, but feels tied to her Amish life. She is being courted by Mark Graber, but wonders if there’s more to life. When she sees David’s name mentioned in The Budget, she strikes up a pen pal friendship with David while he’s in the hospital and in therapy, consoling him when he and his girlfriend part ways. She never dreams that David will come north and move into her community. David is still fearful in the buggy, especially in high traffic areas. Feeling he’s called by God to preach, David spends hours in the Bible, but the Amish discourage him, believing their ministers should be drawn by lot. Will David follow his call, even if it takes him out of the Amish church? Will Rachel realize her dream to travel?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools three of her children. Her two oldest children are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts, and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love. Surrendered Love and Awakened Love. A nonAmish book Swept Away will release November 2014 from Abingdon Press. She is contracted for another three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport, releasing in November 2014 (The Snow Globe), June 2015 (The Postcard), and November 2015 (The Birdhouse). A Christmas Amish book, A White Christmas in Webster County, will release in September 2014. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.
by admin | Aug 25, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical
MY REVIEW:
“The Greenfield Legacy” is the story of the women in one family who have been affected their entire lives by one decision made in the past. When mother Mattie brings them all together to somehow reveal the whole truth, response is not quite what she expected. That one decision caused ripple effects in the lives of her daughters and their families that could continue to create havoc if not stopped.
At times, this book was difficult to read and I also had difficulty relating to many of the characters. I did not like the attitudes of one in particular but as the story progressed, I was able to gain some understanding about why she acted that way.
This story is a very good example of how things are passed down from generation to generation if the cycle is not ended. It is a fine example of the power of love and forgiveness that can change lives.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mattie was in love with Billy, but she was too young to wed. When Billy was conscripted to fight in Vietnam, they made a decision that affected their lives and their future. But so much pain resulted that Mattie never really healed. Every turn Mattie made affected her daughter and her granddaughter in ways she didn’t even realize. But forty-six years later, is it time for things to be set right? Navy is a young woman who suddenly finds out about her family. But what could be a wonderful opportunity is met with jealousy and apprehension from her cousin, Brooke and her aunt Connie, especially with handsome Aidan around. Each must look past their struggles and find forgiveness and trust, and perhaps even love.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
South Australian Author, Meredith Resce, has been writing since 1991, and has had books in the Australian market since 1997. Following the Australian success of her “Heart of Green Valley” series, an English Publisher has taken the first three books in this series, and has released them to the British and American Christian Fiction markets. She recently released her 15th project, ‘The Greenfield Legacy’. Apart from writing, Meredith also takes the opportunity to speak to groups on issues relevant to relationships and emotional and spiritual growth. Meredith has also been co-writer and co-producer in the 2007 Australian feature film production, “Twin Rivers”.
With her husband, Nick, Meredith has worked in Christian ministry since 1983. Meredith and Nick have three adult children, one daughter and two sons.
Visit Meredith’s website www.meredithresce.com
Award-winning author, Paula Vince loves to evoke tears and laughter through writing fiction. She stirs her stories with mystery, romance, drama and suspense to create something delectably special. A wife and homeschooling mother of three children, she resides in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, a beautiful spot for inspiration with its breath-taking scenery and four distinct seasons. For over ten years, Paula’s aim has been to provide quality faith-inspired fiction set in Australia. Her quest started way back when, as a Uni student, she discovered the writing of American Christian fiction authors. Her passion is to provide the same enjoyable reads highlighting her own country. “I’ve come to see that a story has its own awesome power to touch readers’ hearts in ways other genres do not. A story in which we grow to care for the hero has the potential to remain in our hearts for a long time. I love the challenge of making people laugh, cry and cheer.” After years of plodding on with minimal return, as Australian-based Christian fiction was regarded as something of an oddity, Paula’s efforts are beginning to bear fruit, at last. Her novel, “Picking up the Pieces” won the religious fiction section of the 2011 International Book Awards. Her novel, “Best Forgotten” was the winner of the 2011 CALEB Award in the fiction category, and also recognized as the best overall entry for the year, chosen over memoirs, devotionals and general fiction. Her most recent novel, “Imogen’s Chance” is an April 2014 release.
Amanda Deed grew up in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in a Christian home and found faith at an early age. Her faith has been a basis for activities in music and literature since her teen years. She has had many experiences as she toured Australia with worship bands, travelling into remote and beautiful areas of Australia. These experiences served to deepen her love of all things Australian. The culmination of her passion for her country, romance and her faith, resulted in the first of her novels in the historical romance genre, The Game. Now married, with three children, Amanda enjoys the variety of being a mother, administrator/book-keeper, musician and fiction writer. Amanda’s debut novel, The Game, was awarded the 2010 CALEB Prize for fiction.
Rose Dee was born in Ingham, North Queensland, Australia. Her childhood experiences growing up in a small beach community would later provide inspiration for her first novel. Rose, who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, decided to try her hand at writing two years ago. The result of that attempt is her first novel, ‘Back to Resolution’. Her novels are inspired by the love of her coastal home and desire to produce exciting and contemporary stories of faith for women. ‘Beyond Resolution’, and ‘A New Resolution’ are the second and third books in the ‘Resolution’ series. Rose resides in Mackay, North Queensland with her husband, young son, and mischievous pup, Noodle.
by admin | Aug 25, 2015 | Books, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
“The Cactus Creek Challenge” was a fun read from the beginning to the very end. What could be more fun than two men and two women exchanging jobs for a month as part of their town’s annual challenge? And to have to swap jobs with the man you love who still thinks of you as a kid sister? Well Cassie Bucknell has a lot to prove to Ben Wilder and she does not intend to give up easily.
It was so entertaining to see Ben trying to teach Cassie’s students, Cassie’s efforts to prove herself as sheriff, brawny Carl’s attempts to run the bakery, and frail-looking Jenny’s struggles to keep the livery going. As you can imagine, this book was filled with humorous incidents as each character attempted to perform jobs that were totally unsuitable for them. With a bit of suspense mixed in and not one but two romances in the works, “The Cactus Creek Challenge” was well nigh perfect. Here’s hoping this author has another fun-filled installment in the works.
A copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing Review Crew.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.
by admin | Aug 25, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingCold as IceSydney Lane PressbyM.K. Gilroy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark won’t claim he has done it all in the world of publishing, but he has packed boxes, edited manuscripts, made sales calls, created marketing plans, directed design and illustration, started companies, consulted, agented the works of others, and written advertising and catalog copy. He’s authored, compiled, and ghost written books that have landed on an array of bestsellers lists and sold millions of copies. His first ghost writing project, The Wal-Mart Way, was done for Don Soderquist, Sam Walton’s longtime right-hand man.
In early 2012 he put on a new hat as a fiction author. His debut novel, Cuts Like a Knife, was released in April 2012 and was met with rave reviews from USA Today, Fresh Fiction, Publishers Weekly, and other leading national reviewers. His second novel, Every Breath You Take, second in the Kristen Conner Mystery Series, released in Fall 2012 to similar acclaim. Kristen Conner returns in Cold As Ice, which releases in Fall 2014.
Gilroy has extensive writing credits. He scripted and served as creative consultant for a two-hour training video that was honored with the Award of Excellence by the International Television Association. He has compiled and written close to fifty books and penned hundreds articles and curriculum pieces for a variety of periodicals and publishers.
Gilroy and his wife Amy reside in Brentwood, Tennessee. Their six children are Lindsey, Merrick, Ashley, Caroline, Bo, and Zachary—the youngest has now headed off for college, so he and Amy are officially empty nesters.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Detective Kristen Conner is back on a new murder case. She’s still fighting with her sister—and no surprise, someone new wants to kill her! He was a pillar in his Chicago neighborhood: popular school teacher, devoted father and husband, political activist on behalf of underprivileged children—and a master gardener who liked to plant flowers in his neighbor’s yards. What wasn’t to love about him? Who would want him dead?
When Detective Kristen Conner lands the case she knows from day one who the key suspect is. That’s simple. The person most likely to kill you is someone close that you know and love. But the wife? She was always at her husband’s side and just as passionate about his causes as he was. No way could this loving wife and mother of three be a killer. Right? Mix in her on-again, off-again relationship with FBI Agent Austin Reynolds, a quick trip to New York City where Kristen helps her media-star sister for a new apartment—only to discover the body of a man who appears to have been executed by a professional killer on a run through Central Park—and Kristen Conner is once again swept into a world of danger, intrigue, and a confusing love life.
What she doesn’t know just might kill her.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Cold as Ice, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Detective Kristen Conner is dedicated to her job and becomes extremely frustrated if prevented from doing it. For that reason she balks at mandatory visits to a therapist and is pretty unhappy that she is surrounded by protection after accidentally nearly stumbling upon an execution in Central Park while on vacation. A murder in her mother’s neighborhood is at the top of her list and she has no time to be worried about the Russian mafia.
“Cold As Ice” is a suspenseful book with plenty of action and danger as one would expect when dealing with cold-blooded killers such as the Russian mob. That scenario kept things moving right along while the closer-to-home murder provided more insight into the actual detecting process by the homicide department. A little romantic misunderstanding and family dynamics add a touch of realism to the story.
Overall, I enjoyed “Cold As Ice” but might have liked it better if there hadn’t been so many different points of view. At times it came very close to being quite confusing. Other than that, it was a pretty good read and I would most likely be interested in the next book in the series.
by admin | Aug 23, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Counting on a Cowboy” is both fun and poignant. The perfect follow-up to the previous “Betting on Hope”, it not only included a brand new romance between Monahan brother Bo and Abby Knightly, but the continuing story lines involving side characters add even more interest.
After visiting and falling in love with Wishing Springs, Texas with Hope in the first book, it is no wonder that Abby chose the cozy little town as a place to start over. Still grieving over major loss in her life, Abby has no desire to even think about another man but when Bo finds himself with a challenge he cannot handle alone, Abby’s resistance is poor.
With bigger-than-life characters who are also believable, “Counting on a Cowboy” is a story of healing, forgiveness, and love. I reached the end of this wonderful tale much too quickly and cannot wait for the next installment to find out what lucky lady will make confirmed bachelor Jarrod change his mind.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.
Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins.
Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down.
This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs help. Even Abby can see that, and despite her best efforts to keep her distance, she can’t help but be drawn to this new father-son duo. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra’s goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.
Find out more about Debra at http://debraclopton.com.
A new tale of romance, family, and taking risks—don’t miss Debra Clopton’s Counting on a Cowboy! After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk. As Abby throws herself into helping Bo navigate fatherhood, hope sparks between them, revealing that maybe, just maybe, they can navigate their dark pasts and emerge together into a future as bright as the Texas sun itself.
Saddle up with Debra and her new book and enter to win her Love at the Reins prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 8th. The winner will be announced September 9th on
Debra’s blog.
by admin | Aug 19, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
The second book in the Two Blue Doors series, “Reservations for Two” continues Juliette D’Alisa’s story as she balances preparations to open a new restaurant with a long-distance romance, her mother’s serious illness, and her search for the answers to secrets from her grandmother’s life. The reader is privileged to read along with Juliette as she discovers unknown facts from her grandmother’s past through letters mostly between her grandmother and her great-aunt. The book is also interspersed with recipes that are mentioned during the story.
From Europe to Portland to Memphis and back, it was fun to follow Juliette and sometimes Neil as they discovered local sights and food together. I especially enjoyed Juliette’s trip to Memphis because I have spent my life close to the city and am familiar with most of the places she and Neil visited together. Unfortunately, the Macaroni Grill on Poplar that they visited was destroyed by fire and had to be leveled.
I mostly enjoyed “Reservations for Two” and look forward to the next book in the series in which I hope to see all the loose ends tied up nicely and all questions answered. “Reservations for Two” is a must for those who enjoy reading tempting descriptions of food, especially gourmet quality food.
This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A culinary concoction of taking chances and finding love in the most delectable places
Food writer-turned-restaurateur Juliette D’Alisa has more than enough on her plate. While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother’s past, it’s also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can’t give up.
Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home presents a different set of challenges. Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle – how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into to her life?
As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can’t help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother’s letters from the 1940’s provide wisdom to guide her present? Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?
Click here to download chapter one of Reservations for Two.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.
