by admin | Mar 24, 2014 | Books, Historical, Quilts, WWII
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMaybelle In StitchesAbingdon Press (March 18, 2014)byJoyce MagninABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the Author:
I am the author of seven novels. Five adult novels and two middle grade readers. I never wanted to do anything else but write and every day I wake up astonished that I get to do what I always dreamed about. My days are filled with words and images along with the usual family stuff. I have three children, Rebekah who is married to Joshua. They have three of the most adorable boys on the planet, Lemuel, Cedar and Soren. My daughter Emily Kate is a lovely young woman anthropologist and my son Adam is fourteen and a student–he’s a genius who loves frogs and lizards and fish and plants. He amazes me.
I have never eaten a scallop. I love cream soda. Drink way too much coffee. I do not like elevators but I do enjoy needle arts and of course books. I prefer jazz over country (no offense), milk chocolate over dark, but not roller coasters although my life has often resembled a roller coaster ride.
One of my life’s desires is to meet Amy Grant so I can tell her she saved my life.
Learn more about Joyce and her books on her Blog.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it. At first, it’s just a way to fill the lonely nights while her husband, staff sergeant Holden Kanzinzki, is away fighting in World War II.
Yet when Maybelle discovers that the quilt is made from scraps of material that can be traced back through her family heritage, the project is suddenly much more important. Then word comes that Holden is missing in action, and with little else to do, Maybelle clings to the quilt as much as to the hope that her husband is still alive. As neighborhood friends gather around Maybelle to help her through the unknown days and nights ahead, it is the quilt that becomes a symbol of her unflagging belief that Holden will return—to her, to their home, and to their quilt-covered bed.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Maybelle In Stitches, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Maybelle In Stitches is one of the latest additions to the Abingdon Press Quilts of Love series. Although I did have a bit more difficulty getting into the story, I found plenty to interest me once I did. The story takes place during World War 2 with a primary focus on the wives of soldiers fighting in the war. As these women waited for their husbands to return home, they not only managed their homes but often worked in factories to help the war effort. Maybelle and her best friend Doris both work as welderettes on ships but their evenings and weekends are extremely lonely and long. Working together on a quilt started by Maybelle’s mother, the friends and a few other military wives fill their free time putting together a quilt of hope.
The story manages to give the reader insight into the lives of these women as they experience life without their husbands and go through good times and tragedy together. A strong emphasis on the faithfulness of God no matter what the circumstance is present throughout the narrative. Another major theme is the importance of friendship in our lives.
by admin | Mar 24, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Texas
MY REVIEW:
Having recently read “Butterfly Palace”, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Coble’s novella “Bluebonnet Bride” features Nathan White who had a minor role in the previous novel. Because of circumstances surrounding him in “Butterfly Palace”, Nathan mostly came across as gruff and distrustful although it was obvious that he loved his sister and niece. I enjoyed reading about the Nathan that Elli got to know soon after she married him as a mail order bride.
Colleen managed to pack quite a bit of action and suspense into such a brief story and she kept it believable too! I read my copy of the ebook in one sitting because I NEEDED to find out what happened before I could put it down for the night. Both Elli and Nathan were both characters I would love to revisit. Elli was a sweet young woman desperate for a chance of a safe home and a family to love. Despite her grave circumstances, she was determined to be a good wife to Nathan. Nathan proved himself to be a husband Elli could depend on and easily grow to love. When danger followed Ellis all the way from Finland to Texas, Nathan’s first priority was to protect her and his niece Hannah.
The only complaint I could voice about “Bluebonnet Bride” is that it was much too short; however I could say that about any book written by Colleen Coble. She is one author whose books I do not miss.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookLook blogger program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At the turn of the 20th century, Elli Korpela boards The Baltic with hundreds of eager women, all seeking new beginnings and brighter futures in America . . . as mail order brides.
Escaping a forced engagement, Elli seeks refuge in a faraway marriage, desperately needing her new life with a Texan named Nathan White to be safer than the one she left behind in Finland. And as she glimpses her future husband and his darling niece at the train station, she instantly knows her risk will prove the best decision she’s ever made.
Until he became the guardian of four-year-old Hannah, Nathan White never took an interest in marriage, arranging a mail order wife to simply love and care for his orphaned niece. That is, he never took an interest until he laid eyes on the beautiful Elli Korpela.
After a fairytale ceremony in the gardens of the grandest estate Elli’s ever seen, a place called Butterfly Palace, their peaceful beginning takes a disquieting turn as an intruder brutally attacks Elli in the middle of the night. Nathan intervenes, but the devil escapes unidentified, leaving Elli to face two chilling possibilities: either the attack was arranged by strike workers in Nathan’s employ or her shadowy past followed her into the present – and across the sea.
As the danger mounts, Elli and Nathan must face their enemy together, fighting to stay alive – and fighting to stay man and wife.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
by admin | Mar 21, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Heart’s Rebellion” is a beautifully written novel set in Regency era England. With lavish descriptions of architecture, landscapes, and events attended by the “Ton”, the story was quite easy to picture in my mind. Historical details and customs helped me to understand the reasoning behind the characters’ actions.
Although Jessamine was the main character, it was very difficult to like her at times. Many of her choices were foolishly based on past hurts and very nearly led to her downfall. On the other hand, Lancelot was easy to like and although I wasn’t sure Jessamine deserved him, I was rooting for him nevertheless. I was gratified to watch as Jessamine learned from her mistakes, matured, and found her way back to God. I also thoroughly enjoyed touching base again with Celine and Rees from “Moonlight Masquerade” and the primary roles they played in “A Heart’s Rebellion” also.
“A Heart’s Rebellion” is another fine novel by Ruth Axtell that should definitely appeal to those who enjoy Regency romance novels. This author undoubtedly excels in this genre.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a world governed by unspoken rules, one young woman is about to break them all . . .
Dutiful Jessamine Barry is tired of waiting patiently for a man to decide her future. So even though Lancelot Marfleet, second son of an aristocrat, is taking an interest in her during the London season, she refuses to consider him as a suitor. Instead, she’s ready to take fashionable society by storm–and finds a rakish young man all too willing to help her do it.
Can Jessamine trust her heart to lead her to a love that proves true through thick and thin? Or will her rash actions close the door on the life she really desires?
Lose yourself in Ruth Axtell’s sumptuous story of discovering one’s true self and finding true love.
“Rich and rewarding, A Heart’s Rebellion is a regency unmatched, capturing readers with a plot so unique and compelling, pages will fly and sleep will be lost. With grace and mastery, Ruth Axtell has penned a lush regency tale where a heart’s rebellion slowly ripens into a love everlasting.”–Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ruth Axtell is the author of many novels, including Moonlight Masquerade and Wild Rose, one of Booklist’s Top Ten in Christian Fiction. Currently a resident of Downeast Maine, Axtell has lived in the Canary Islands, Miami, and the Netherlands. Learn more at www.ruthaxtell.com.
by admin | Mar 21, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTide and TempestBethany House Publishers (March 4, 2014)byElizabeth LudwigABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll be Home for Christmas”, part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.
In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.
Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two years ago, her fiance perished during their voyage to America.
Now she discovers it may have been murder…
Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she’s left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream–to open a home for orphaned children.
Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman’s deathbed confession reveals her fiance’s demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well–dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tide and Tempest, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The third installment of Ludwig’s Edge of Freedom series, Tide and Tempest is a riveting tale filled with mystery and intrigue. Featuring Tillie who made an appearance in the previous novel of this series and Keondric Morgan, a ship’s captain who feels responsible for Tillie, this latest novel also includes frequent appearances by other characters from the earlier books.
From the beautiful cover that set the mood for the story, the historical details, to the climatic ending, I loved everything about Tide and Tempest, Although as far as I know I have no Irish heritage, I always find Irish history fascinating. The plot moved along at a brisk rate with plenty of action, danger, and surprises to hold almost anyone’s interest. The romance between Tillie and Keondric was so filled with obstacles and personal issues that it often seemed doomed to failure. Although I felt sure that everything would turn out well in the end, there were times the author had me wondering if one of the characters to whom I had become attached would meet an untimely fate. Several surprises and revelations were exposed and a strong message of faith in the midst of troubles was woven throughout the narrative.
I am sorry to see this wonderful series come to an end but I will look forward to what Elizabeth Ludwig has in store for her readers in the future.
by admin | Mar 19, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPoison TownDavid C. Cook (February 1, 2014)byCreston MapesABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as “The Shop.”
Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
There’s More Than One Kind of Poison in This Town
People are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that’s crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss.
The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon’s long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates. Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal.
The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers. As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable–he knows too much.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Poison Town, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Jack Crittendon, reporter, is back in another suspense filled and action packed novel that kept me turning the pages as fast as I could read them. Second book in the series, events in Poison Town takes place shortly after the conclusion of Fear Has a Name and several familiar characters turn up in various supporting roles.
Poison Town has a fast moving plot filled with danger and suspense that keeps the reader on edge most of the time. It is a story about corporate corruption that comes closer to home than Jack could ever imagine and the closer Jack and his friends come to the truth, the more they find that their lives and the lives of their families are in jeopardy.
A story about bravery in the face of threatening situations and faith in God when circumstances seem impossible, Poison Town is a must read for lovers of suspense novels.
by admin | Mar 14, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
“A Stillness of Chimes” is a haunting but beautiful Southern tale chock full of childhood friends, lost love,forgotten faith, and dark family secrets in a charming Georgia town where everything is not as it seems. It is a book I did not want to put down once I began reading. The plot and its characters pulled me into the pages so thoroughly that I had to find out what would happen next.
I enjoyed everything about “A Stillness of Chimes”, the interaction between characters, the mystery of a long believed dead man suddenly reported seen around town, and the dregs of a romantic relationship with a possibility of renewal. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, the author pulled another surprise out of her endless bag of tricks. Certain revelations near the end were a bit shocking and although some things did not turn out exactly how I might have hoped, the symbolism was perfect.
A wonderful blend of mystery, drama, romance, with just the right touch of faith, sacrifice, and forgiveness, “A Stillness of Chimes” is the perfect book for lovers of Southern novels.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah
Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Laura Gantt doesn’t mind being home in Prospect, Georgia, but she minds the Southern niceties and mini-sermons she has to endure after her mother’s unexpected death. On her summer break from teaching in Colorado, Laura wants to focus on wrapping up her mother’s estate. Turns out dodging painful memories becomes impossible when her lifelong friend and former beau Sean Halloran reveals that the town is buzzing with rumors due to numerous sightings of her father, Elliott. Problem is, her father has been dead since she was seventeen.
Known for his horrible mood swings after returning home from Vietnam, Elliott Gantt wasn’t always the most stable person. But if he is alive, why did he fake his death and remain in hiding for so long?
Click here to download chapter one of A Stillness of Chimes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Meg Moseley is still a Californian at heart although she’s lived more than half her life in other states. Holding jobs that ranged from candle-maker to administrative assistant, Meg eventually contributed human-interest pieces for a suburban edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Contemporary fiction remains her real love, and she’s the author of When Sparrows Fall and Gone South. She lives in Atlanta near the foothills of the Southern Appalachians with her husband.
Learn more about Meg and her books on her website.
