by admin | Nov 22, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Melody Carlson has a gift of taking the ordinary and giving it an entirely new twist. She has managed to do this once again in her latest YA novel, “Trading Secrets”, a story about penpals, one Amish and one Englisch who finally have a chance to meet after corresponding for several years.
There is only one catch, Micah’s Amish penpal Zach believes she is a guy and she has not found a way to tell him the truth. A trip to his family home exposes her secret and the response is not exactly positive. Every attempt to return home early meets with a problem and she is forced to spend more than one extra day with Zach’s family and his mother is less than welcoming.
I enjoyed Micah’s visit to “Amishland” as well as getting an intimate look into Zach’s life from his own point of view. The story is fresh and honest with ample drama, emotion, and humor with just a tiny touch of potential romance. I am uncertain whether a sequel is planned for “Trading Secrets” but its ending leaves it wide open for one. I would love to find out if a more serious relationship develops between Micah and Zach in the future.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The truth may set you free–but it might also land you in some uncomfortably hot water.
Over the years, Micah Knight has exchanged many letters–and many secrets–with her longtime Amish pen pal, Zach. But Micah’s kept quiet on the biggest secret of all–the fact that despite her name, she’s a girl.
Now Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. She wants nothing more than to experience life on Zach’s Amish farm, but she’s more than a little anxious. Will he be angry at her for deceiving him all these years? And will she risk losing his friendship to find something more?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books, including the Dating Games series, the Life at Kingston High series, Double Take, A Simple Song, and My Amish Boyfriend. She has received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Nov 20, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
I was not sure what to expect when I realized that this book was about a TV reality show competition. I mean, how lame could that be? That was pretty much my son’s reaction when he saw me reading it. Well, I am here to tell you, it may be about reality television but it is a story that has heart.
With a setting that should be quite familiar to fans of the “Survivor” series, “Last Family Standing” chronicles Monica’s experience as a reluctant competitor. How difficult would it be to meet the daughter you gave up for adoption over twenty years later in front of millions of viewers on a popular TV show? Monica rises to the challenge because she wants to meet that daughter no matter what it takes.
I enjoyed reading all the behind-the-scenes details as well as the interaction between the characters, both competitors and staff. Monica turned out to be a very special person whose approach to life was authentic and caring – even if she did tend to be a klutz. The story is filled with both drama and humor plus a touch of romance. I could say more but find it difficult to avoid doing so without spoilers – and we know how readers hate those.
“Last Family Standing” is a wonderful, positive story that you will not be sorry you read.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Every family has drama . . . but it doesn’t usually play out on national television.
Twenty-five years ago, Monica gave up a baby girl for adoption. Now, the thing Monica didn’t dare hope for has happened: Jessica has reentered her life… and wants to meet her. There’s just one catch: the reunion must happen on a reality TV show. Though Monica has hesitations, she’s willing to swallow her pride—and a few other unsavory items—if that’s what it takes to connect with her daughter. Between the unpleasant surprises of nature, the awkward tension with other cast mates, and her desperate attempts to do or be anything remotely athletic, Monica quickly learns that reality bites… hard. It all might make for good TV, but it isn’t very helpful in building relationships. As she stumbles through challenges and faces buried emotions and regrets, Monica wonders if she can be what her daughter wants and needs—and is that more than just a teammate? Can Monica and Jessica ever really be the Last Family Standing?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When Jennifer isn’t spinning tales, she can be found reading, spending time with family and friends, and singing at the top her lungs to whatever happens to be playing on the radio. Her novels include The Love of His Brother (Five Star, 2/07), The Pastor’s Wife (Abingdon Press, 2/10), The Mother Road (Abingdon Press, 4/12) and A Wild Goose Chase Christmas (Abingdon Press, 11/12). Diamond in the Rough, Vanishing Act, and Curtain Call make up the historical romance series co-written with Lisa Karon Richardson, and released by Whitaker House. Comfort and Joy, part of the Mistletoe Memories novella anthology, released 9/13 from Barbour House. Future novels from Abingdon Press are Last Family Standing (9/14) and Vinnie’s Diner (4/15). Jennifer is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.
Jennifer resides in the grace-filled city of Las Vegas with her family. Visit her website at www.jenniferallee.com
by admin | Nov 20, 2014 | Books, Christmas, ebook, Historical, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season that encompasses Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is nice to find a bit of stolen time to relax with a book. The novellas that comprise The 12 Brides of Christmas novella series are absolutely perfect for that. I woke early one morning this week and instead of rattling around in the kitchen, I decided to let my husband sleep. In my comfy recliner, I was able to finish “The Nativity Bride” before he woke.
“The Nativity Bride” is a story about lost love, family secrets, broken family relationships, dedication to family, and second chances. The author managed to pack quite a lot into this short but emotional story that illustrates the affect that personal disappointments can have on future generations.
I loved this sweet story of forgiveness and restoration. I hope you will also.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
Deborah Summers has waited five years and prayed for Curt Warren to return to Goldendale, Washington, passing up another marriage proposal by believing in her first love. When tragedy finally brings him home, will a rift with his father drive him away too quickly?
More About The Nativity Bride with Miralee Ferrell
A devoted young woman who cared for her mother rather than follow after the man she loved, Deborah’s heart springs to life when he returns for a brief visit. Once there, love flames anew but, as usual, misunderstandings abound.
What can a beautifully carved nativity set have to do with it?
And will she make a choice to love in spite of circumstances?
Set in beautiful Goldendale, Washington, The Nativity Bride‘s hero Curt is an honorable man struggling with a difficult past. Will he be able to overcome his disappointments to find happiness?
Who is Miralee Ferrell?
Miralee’s an avid reader and has a large collection of first edition Zane Grey books, which inspired her desire to write fiction set in the Old West. She rides horseback with her adult daughter and lives with her husband on 11 acres along the Columbia River in southern Washington.
For more information about Miralee, please visit her website: miraleeferrell.com
You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter
by admin | Nov 18, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was unfamiliar with this author so when I received the book from Amazon’s CreateSpace, I was just a tad unsure whether I had made the right choice to review it, especially since my calendar seemed to be filling up much too quickly. I am happy to say that I did make a very good choice. I thoroughly enjoyed “Destiny Defied” – so much so that I stayed up well past 2:00 a.m. in order to finish it.
“Destiny Defied” is a page-turner for sure. A supernatural suspense, this novel features four college guys who have been friends for many years. A week on a deserted island seems just the thing for a fun and relaxing vacation for them until they discover an injured young woman who has washed up on shore. Their fun and games turn into a mysterious and dangerous adventure that challenges their faith.
While there is emphasis on spiritual warfare, “Destiny Defied” presents the gospel in an uncompromised manner. I believe that the way the “Fearsome Foursome” interacted with Riki had to be one of the best examples of living your faith that I have ever encountered in the many books I have read.
J.A. Marx has made a new fan here. I cannot wait until “Destiny Delivered”, the sequel to “Destiny Defied” is released.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A dramatic shipwreck emancipates Riki Hammad, but the island where she finds refuge is compromised. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to defeat her dark past, she will choose death over returning to captivity. Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim their chosen one. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her four self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island. The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life…something she has never known.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
J.A. loves writing embattled spirit novels — adventure and suspense with supernatural undertones. On the side, she dabbles in non-fiction articles and e-zine editing. J.A. owes many thanks Jerry Jenkins and the Christian Writer’s Guild for their support and education.
Find out more about J.A. at http://online.jamarx.net.
Frank Peretti meets a modern day Treasure Island! {And Kindle Giveaway!}
Welcome to the series launch of J.A. Marx‘s Destiny series. Book one, Destiny Defied, is a chilling tale of freedom from oppression and the Light that overcomes the dark.
J.A. is celebrating the launch of her series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on December 2.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Destiny Defied by J.A. Marx.
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 12/2. Winner will be announced at the Destiny Defied Facebook author chat party on December 2nd. RSVP for a chance to connect with J.A. Marx, to chat about the book, as well as to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 2nd!
by admin | Nov 18, 2014 | Amish, Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPromises to CherishHoward Books (October 7, 2014)byElizabeth YountABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.
Learn more about Elizabeth and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As World War II draws to a close, nurse Christine falls in love with roguish Amish boy Eli and must choose between a new, uncertain life in the Amish faith or face the judgment of a conservative postwar American society for her past mistakes.
It’s 1945, and Christine Freeman is a nurse at Hudson River State Hospital, where she works alongside members of a Civilian Public Service unit. Eli is one of the conscies—conscientious objectors to the war—and he is doing his best to become a man of character instead of the immature heartbreaker he used to be back home in his Amish community.
Christine and Eli are friendly, but when an old acquaintance, Jack, returns home from the war, Christine’s world is violently turned upside down. Eli, heartbroken to see his friend so hurt, offers her an escape within his Amish community. Despite her misgivings, Christine is fully embraced by Eli’s community. She slowly begins to feel valued and loved as she learns the Amish way of life.
Christine finds herself falling for Eli. But soon, the abusive Jack discovers Christine in her Amish hideaway and starts causing trouble for the quiet community. Christine can’t see herself becoming Amish, and she knows that if Eli leaves the church to be with her, he will be shunned. Will she escape Jack and possibly have to give up the one thing she holds most dear, or will she follow her heart and promise to cherish the Amish man who loves her?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Promises to Cherish , go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
“Promise to Cherish” is much more than the typical Amish fiction. Much of the story takes place in the Hudson River State Hospital during World War 2 where Christine Freeman is a nurse for patients with various mental problems. Eli, an Amish conscientious objector is assigned to her unit where he has a positive influence on many of the patients. The author’s vivid descriptions of hospital conditions and attitudes toward both the mentally ill and the conscientious objectors are eye-opening and disturbing.
The realistic plot covers some tough subjects without pulling any punches, yet manages to do so without unwelcome details. The Amish were not placed on a pedestal but were portrayed with a fresh honesty that revealed that deep down we are really not all that different. Well-developed characters who grew in their faith and managed to overcome despite their serious challenges were central to the story. I especially liked Aunt Annie whose acceptance, compassion, and wisdom made such a difference to Christine’s life.
I enjoyed “Promise to Cherish” and would recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.
by admin | Nov 15, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The sixth novella in The 12 Brides of Christmas series, “The Gingerbread Bride” is short, sweet, and funny. So far this novella is the most humorous one and had me laughing almost throughout. I am having a delightful time reading the various Brides of Christmas stories and look forward to the rest of them.
Maddie is in love with Harlan but is too impatient to wait for him to reciprocate. In order to hurry him up, she procures a “love potion” but panics when she discovers Harlan has eaten the entire plate of gingerbread she made with the “potion”. The results are hilarious but to tell more would give away the entire story.
Even with its humor, “The Gingerbread Bride” has a very important lesson about waiting on the Lord rather than trying to rush things through one’s own efforts. I remember Abraham having to learn a similar lesson.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
Maddie Sinclair loves Harlan Calhoun, but feels like she can’t get his attention, so she visits an eccentric woman in the Ozark Mountains for an herbal mixture—a love potion—that she bakes into a batch of gingerbread cookies. When Harlan suddenly proposes, Maddie is torn by guilt and confusion. Is this true love or just the herbs talking?
Purchase a copy of
The Gingerbread Bride HERE.
More About The Gingerbread Bride with Amy Lillard
Amy Lilliard’s first historical novella starts out with a common problem but her heroine Maddie seeks an unusual solution in The Gingerbread Bride.
Maddie’s weakness is lack of trust in God. As a result, “she’s so desperate to find love that she grows impatient and takes matters into her own hands.”
The results, of course, backfire in a curious way involving a Christmas gingerbread man.
Set in Arkansas‘ Ozarks following the Civil War, The Gingerbread Bride features a zany young woman, the voice of reason in her younger sister and a lonely young man, Harlan, invited to Christmas dinner.
Amy enjoyed writing the story because of the close relationship between Maddie and her sister Grace. “It made me miss my own sisters. We don’t live close, but we always have each other’s back—even when we mess up,” she said.
A history major in college, Amy was always intrigued by this time period, “a nation rebuilding, still growing and pushing westward, settled, but still a little wild.”
During the writing of the novella she researched the location and period clothing, but also mistletoe traditions and when they started, Christmas trees in America, Christmas cookies, and wedding cakes.
“The idea that everyone is one of God’s children grew out of the story itself,” Amy added.
Christmas in the Lilliard household involves a big meal served around a fancy set table.
”But what makes the celebration different from year to year is we tend to invite anyone and everyone to come eat with us. It seemed natural to me that the pastor would invite Harlan to dinner. He has no family close and needs to be with others on Christmas Day. Family can mean so much more than those joined by blood or marriage.”
Amy has enjoyed working on The Twelve Brides of Christmas Collection. “I feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful and talented group of authors. I have made some great friends.”
Who is Amy Lilliard?
Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess. Amy is a native of Mississippi who currently lives in Oklahoma with her husband and son.
For more information about Amy, please visit her website: amywritesromance.com
You can also find Amy on Facebook and Twitter.
