by admin | May 23, 2014 | Books, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Daisies Are Forever” is one of those books that is destined to leave a lasting impression on its readers. I have read many excellent novels with World War 2 settings but I don’t think any of them felt quite as personal as this one. The author’s depiction of the horrors faced by innocent civilians who are caught in the path of the invading Russian army was so intense that I was relieved to look up from the book and find myself in my safe and comfortable home.
In this narrative, an unlikely group of refugees flee across Germany during bitter winter conditions as they attempt to stay ahead of the cruel Russian army but one catastrophe after another seems to hound each step. Each member of the group has a different story and sometimes different agendas. The two primary characters, Gisela and Mitch are compassionate and courageous as they attempt to protect the weaker children and the two elderly sisters who suffer from dementia. Two other members of the group have plans of their own that are not in the best interest of the others.
The plot is one that grabs the reader from the beginning and holds on until the very end. Despite the seemingly hopeless situation the characters find themselves a part of, there are small touches of humor and glimpses of hope and faith.
There is absolutely no way my review can do this book justice. Take my word and pick up a copy for yourself. I don’t think you will be sorry if you do.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.
Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.
However, Ella is a nurse and refuses to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela. During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans, especially one wounded German soldier, Kurt, who has suspicions about Mitch’s identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her “marriage.”
Their journey to Gisela’s mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella’s daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.
In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.
Purchase a copy and learn more here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“New York Times” best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of “Daisies are Forever,” “Snow on the Tulips,” and the contributing author of “A Log Cabin Christmas.” When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.
Find out more about Liz at http://www.liztolsma.com.
DAISIES ARE FOREVER | Enter to win a Kindle HDX from Liz Tolsma!
Liz Tolsma‘s latest WWII historical fiction novel, Daisies are Forever, is getting rave reviews.
“. . . compelling and fast-paced tale about the atrocities and tremendous losses. . . .” —Library Journal
“Excellent storytelling, accurate historical reporting and gritty, persevering characters make this WWII-era novel a must-read.” —CBA Retailers + Resources
Liz celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 2nd on Liz’s website.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz’s website on June 2nd to see if you won.
by admin | May 23, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“All My Belongings” is a powerful and emotional novel that deals with some very difficult subjects. Pain, grief, and regret are present throughout the story but hope, faith, love, and forgiveness eventually overcome all obstacles.They say you can’t run from your past. In Becca’s case, her attempts to escape the aftermath of her father’s infamous trial and conviction only added to her stress levels. A new name and a new job across the country seemed to call for a reinvented history but Becca was not entirely comfortable with the lies that required. All too soon, Becca’s past caught up to her and the repercussions were not pretty. In many ways Becca’s situation was ironic due to her background, but God used those circumstances to eventually give her the home and family she had always yearned to have. One particularly difficult decision forced Becca to totally rely on God’s grace to see her through.
Becca’s employer/friend Isaac Hughes is just the type man that Becca has dreamed of but he too has some personal issues that need to be laid to rest. Although he has loved and been loved by his adoptive parents, Isaac still has questions about his origins that he would like to have answered before he pursues a life with Becca.
“All My Belongings” is dramatic, suspenseful, and has several surprises in store for the reader. I highly recommend this one.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A new life and a new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.
After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.
But just as she’s wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca’s patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.
Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?
Purchase a copy and learn more at Cynthia’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with “Heartbeat of the Home” radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Cynthia on the Web at www.cynthiaruchti.com.
All My Belongings | Enter to win a $200 Visa Card from @CynthiaRuchti & RSVP for 6/11 LIVE Webcast Event
Cynthia Ruchti asks what it takes to overcome your past and become who you were meant to be in her latest novel, All My Belongings. Cynthia has woven a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong.
Cynthia is celebrating the release of her latest novel with a fun giveaway and a live webcast event!
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card
- All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the All My Belongings LIVE webcast event on June 11th. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of All My Belongings and join Cynthia and friends on the evening of June 11th 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 by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!
by admin | May 21, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mennonite, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGathering ShadowsBethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)byNancy MehlABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn’t take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can’t pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station’s photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.
Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town’s handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family’s past hides in the shadows, it’s clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she’s searching for hidden forever–even if the cost is Wynter’s very life.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Gathering Shadows, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Sanctuary is an isolated town in rural Missouri that is populated primarily by old school Mennonites – and those who like the seclusion and privacy the town offers. When Wynter Evans decides to feature Sanctuary in a travel series for her television station, she also has some personal reasons to spend time there. Odd events, threats, and even a death convince Wynter that she may be closer than she thought to finding her long lost brother.
Gathering Shadows is definitely a page-turner. Its pages are filled with secrets, suspense, and several surprises. The obligatory romance was secondary to the real meat of the story as far as I was concerned although I did like the character of Rueben King. Renewed faith and restored relationships were of prime importance.
As with all Nanch Mehl’s previous novels set in Sanctuary, I thoroughly enjoyed Gathering Shadows.
by admin | May 19, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed Cathleen Armstrong’s “Welcome to Last Chance” so I eagerly agreed to review “One More Last Chance”. I can verify that I enjoyed it as much if not even more than the first installment of this excellent series. Each of the books can easily stand on its own but the combination is dynamite. Last Chance, New Mexico is small town life at its best in my opinion.
It was fun to find familiar and loved characters within the pages of “One More Last Chance”, especially Elizabeth, Juanita, and Carlos. The Dip ‘n’ Dine was once more a prominent setting, yet it too had undergone a few changes, particularly in ownership. Chris and Sarah were perfect as the leading characters and I liked the subtle way their relationship changed over the course of the book. Once again Elizabeth imparted her love, wisdom, and matchmaking skills in ways that impacted those around her positively.
A wonderful story of love, forgiveness, and doing what is right no matter what it costs, “One More Last Chance” is a special story that will find its place among my keeper books.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.
Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason–because it doesn’t change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip ‘n’ Dine, he’s shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.
As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance–just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.
With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.
Praise for Welcome to Last Chance
“Armstrong’s style is as comfortable as a pair of well-worn jeans.”–Crosswalk
“Readers will enjoy the simplicity of Last Chance.”–New York Journal of Books
“Armstrong’s enjoyable debut will pull readers into the joys–and trials–of a small town.”–RT Book Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Her debut novel Welcome to Last Chance won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.
by admin | May 16, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although “Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio” has an Amish community setting and features several Amish characters, the story itself it not what one find in most Amish fiction. Primary characters are Rachel Troyer, a policewoman in Sugarcreek, and Joe Matthews, a stranger in town who finds shelter at the inn belonging to Rachel’s Amish aunts. With her skeptical nature, Rachel quickly suspects that Joe has secrets and she fears for the safety of her aunts. Despite her best intentions, Rachel is drawn to Joe as she gets to know him better.
“Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio” is a fascinating story with plenty of secrets, drama, action, romance, humor, and even danger to hold the interest of even the most discriminating reader. Rather than focus on the rules and regulations of the Amish faith, this novel features the kindness, generosity, and love of family that is common among these people. The renewal of both Rachel and Joe’s faith was special and I liked watching them grow to depend on the Lord.
Although Amish fiction is not my favorite genre, “Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio” was so good that I will definitely have my DVR set to record the movie based on it when it premieres in June.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller.
A mysterious outsider casts a long shadow on Ohio’s Amish country. Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel – Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts’ doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious.
Will she be able to uncover Joe’s secrets despite her aunts’ – and her own – growing affection for him?
| ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Prior to writing novels, Serena Miller wrote for many periodicals, including Woman’s World, Guideposts, Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and The Detroit Free Press Magazine. She has spent many years partnering with her husband in full-time ministry and lives on a farm in southern Ohio near a thriving Amish community. |
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Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio – THE MOVIE!
Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 7:00 PM EDT on Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel).Visit the movie website for more information.
Serena and Guideposts will be celebrating with a Facebook viewing party!
Join Serena and readers on Facebook while you tune in to watch Love Finds You in Sugarcreek to share your thoughts about the movie, chat with other viewers, and win fun prizes. Just use hashtag #LFYSugarcreek to join the discussion on June 1st.
Check your local listing for UpTV (http://up.viewerlink.tv) to find out when it airs in your timezone.
Excited? Help me spread the word! Just share this link and information on your social media along with the hashtag #LFYSugarcreek! Plus, we’ll be tracking the hashtag and giving away Amazon & Starbucks cards to people at random who help to promote all throughout the month of May. Winners announced at the Love Finds You in Sugarcreek viewing party on June 1st.
“This is so exciting for Serena Miller and Guideposts! We are thrilled that Up TV has chosen Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio to make into a movie,” said Lenore Lelah Person, vice president and editorial director of Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media. “With Serena’s wonderful story and a beautiful backdrop in Ohio Amish country, fans of the story and the series will enjoy seeing it on screen. For more information read the media release.
For those who are not familiar with the Love Finds You™ series, this will be a great opportunity to introduce them to these uplifting and engaging romances.” Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio is one of more than 50 releases in the popular Love Finds You™ series uniquely titled after actual American towns with unusual but intriguing names and combines travel, romance and faith in one package. The series includes both historical and contemporary releases, and each fictional story draws on compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. Mission Pictures has purchased the movie rights to the entire series and plans to produce additional films based on the series in the future.
by admin | May 16, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingRise and ShineRiver North; New Edition edition (May 1, 2014)by
Sandra D. BrickerABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television’s hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.
The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. “I’m a Christian woman, first and foremost,” she says. “So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line.”
Sandie’s real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient…Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor’s proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
“Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects … and still pursue my writing dream,” says Bricker, “well, that’s the best of all worlds, as far as I’m concerned!”
And one of the author’s pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy — a red-haired collie with “killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown.”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Shannon Malone thought she’d found her happy ending when she married Edmund Ridgeway, but a diving accident on their honeymoon left her in a coma. Waking up to the news that she’s thirty years old would have been daunting enough . . . but she also learns that Edmund has lost his interim battle with cancer and the world has marched on without her. Her gorgeous doctor, Daniel Petros, seems to know everything about her and becomes Shannon’s tour guide into a whole new world of madness where reality television has taken over the planet and everyone’s life appears to revolve around a tiny screen on their cell phones!
As Shannon struggles to navigate through the changes-both in the world and in her-she also must discern real memories from imagined ones. Did she really ever wear capri pants and entertain in her living room, or was that Laura Petrie from her favorite classic TV show? And where is her beloved dog, Freeway? Oh, wait! That was Jonathan and Jennifer Hart’s dog, not hers.
Shannon’s three elderly aunts flit through her life in true Sleeping Beauty style with her well-being always a priority. And Edmund’s sister Millicent descends like the Evil Queen she is, trying to extract Shannon from any claim on the Ridgeway family fortune. When a tornado moves through town and Shannon is knocked unconscious, will Daniel’s kiss awaken her once and for all?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Rise and Shine, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy Sandra Bricker’s fun approach to romance and Rise and Shine was no exception. Loosely based on the classic fairytale “Sleeping Beauty”, this particular modern tale features Shannon who has just woken from a ten-year coma following an accident that took place on her honeymoon. Not only must she adjust to all the changes that have taken place in the world while she slept, but she learns that her husband has also died during that time. Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Petros has watched over her all those years and intends to honor the promise he made to Shannon’s husband.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved the characters from Shannon’s delightful aunts to the dreamy Dr. Daniel. The story was a reminder about how much has actually changed in our daily lives over the past ten years, especially in the form of modern technology. The frequent references to classic TV shows were fun, especially how they affected Shannon’s memory as they were played while she was in her coma. An excellent example of forgiveness was the icing on the cake.
Rise and Shine was fun and easy to read as well as appropriate for all ages.
