by admin | Aug 14, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I first ran across Lisa Wingate’s books quite by accident while browsing eBay trying to find something to fill my insatiable appetite for books. There is no way I can afford to purchase all the books I want to read new. I was intrigued by Lisa’s Texas Hill Country series and sure enough, after reading them I was hooked. Since that time I have either bought or had the privilege of reviewing her entire library. I am thrilled to be able to review her latest novel “The Prayer Box”. I wish I could just tell you to run right out and pick up your very own copy because I’d like you to discover the wonder of Lisa’s talent for yourself. But then that wouldn’t quite be a review would it?
I will admit that I did not care very much for the primary character Tandi Jo Reese. I thought she was self-centered and a poor excuse of a mother. But Lisa has a way of making her readers care about the characters so that they want to stick around long enough to see if things will get any better. It didn’t take me very long to realize that Tandi Jo was a wounded soul and had been since childhood. Her lifelong search for affirmation had led her to make poor choices, some of which had quite negative effects on her relationship with her children. It was encouraging to watch how Tandi Jo’s viewpoint changed as she read the letters she discovered in deceased Iola Anne Poole’s prayer boxes and the effect it had on her relationship with her children. Other living characters positively impacted the lives of Tandi and her children who in turn played a huge role in the future of their new town.
“The Prayer Box” is a special story that made a big impression on me. I loved reading Iola’s letters and her almost poetic voice as she shared her life with her Lord. I am certain that many readers will be prompted to create their own prayer boxes after reading this beautiful book.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Iola Anne Poole, an old-timer on Hatteras Island, passes away in her bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in her rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds herself charged with the task of cleaning out Iola’s rambling Victorian house.
Running from a messy, dangerous past, Tandi never expects to find more than a temporary hiding place within Iola’s walls, but everything changes with the discovery of eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes, one for each year, spanning from Iola’s youth to her last days. Hidden in the boxes is the story of a lifetime, written on random bits of paper–the hopes and wishes, fears and thoughts of an unassuming but complex woman passing through the seasons of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with journeys of faith, observations on love, and one final lesson that could change everything for Tandi. – See more HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Wingate is a magazine columnist, speaker, and the author of nineteen mainstream novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its eighteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novel, Blue Moon Bay, was a Booklist Top Ten of 2012 pick. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. When not dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time on the road as a motivational speaker. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women’s literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system has used Tending Roses to help volunteers teach adults to read. – See more HERE.
by admin | Aug 10, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Book two in The Ladies of Distinction Series, “A Most Peculiar Circumstance” continues with yet another somewhat unconventional road to romance . Once again the heroine is an independent and spunky young woman whose quest to follow God’s direction often leads her to venture outside the boundaries set by society. A devoted member of the women’s suffrage movement, Arabella Beckett’s determination to help other women often leads her into big trouble. The story opens with Arabella praying for God to get her out of a major predicament. When the prayer is answered quickly, Arabella is not as grateful as she should be and definitely not at all impressed by the man sent to get her out of trouble. Arabella and Theodore have very little in common and tend to rub each other the wrong way most of the time. So why do they both find themselves thinking about each other so often?
“A Most Peculiar Circumstance” has its moments – some are dramatic or suspenseful and others are delightfully humorous. Then again the romantic scenes are pretty good also. I like the way the author tells her story through the use of dialogue. Some of the conversations are truly entertaining and there was plenty of action to keep me involved in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel – it met every expectation I had for it. If you are looking for a good, entertaining historical romance, then “A Most Peculiar Circumstance” fits the bill.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Miss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women’s suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.
Private investigator extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. He is already in a less than pleasant mood, and when Hamilton’s sister turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he’s at his wit’s end.
Much to their chagrin, Theodore and Arabella’s paths continue to cross when they return home to New York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly can’t be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. When she’s not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.jenturano.com.
by admin | Aug 10, 2013 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Suzanne Woods Fisher’s “The Letters” is the first novel in her new The Inn at Eagle Hill series. In this book, readers will be able to revisit Stoney Ridge and catch up a bit with familiar characters from earlier novels that took place there. “The Letters’ features the Schrock family, especially Rose, who moved to Stoney Ridge after the failure of her husband’s investment business and remained after his untimely death. Rose’s primary goal is to care for her family as well as to find a way to repay all her husband’s investors who lost their savings. An ailing and grouchy mother-in-law only makes Rose’s life more difficult but somehow in the midst of all her troubles, Rose manages to keep a smile on her face and encourage everyone around her. When Rose feels led to open a Bed and Breakfast in the basement of their home, she meets with resistance from her mother-in-law but with the help of her children and a helpful neighbor, she soon opens the doors to her first guest who decides to stay for awhile. Interaction between Rose, her children, her guest, and her neighbor Galen King profoundly affects each of their lives in unexpected ways.
As I have come to expect from previous novels, the plot of “The Letters” moves at a steady pace with surprises galore. The characters are well-rounded and life-like and most of the situations and events are true to life and believable. I would love to be able to follow Rose’s example and learn to remain so calm and steady in the midst of everything life has for me whether good or bad. I look forward to reading about the family at The Inn at Eagle Hill in Suzanne’s next installment.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Suzanne Woods Fisher Invites Readers Back to Stoney Ridge in New Series
With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher’s tale of God’s providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.
Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband’s debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose’s big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she’s even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author ofThe Choice,The Waiting,The Search,The Keeper andThe Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom and a columnist forChristian Post Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California.
For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
by admin | Aug 6, 2013 | Books, Historical, Pinkertons, Romance, Steampunk, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMillie’s TreasureHarvest House Publishers (August 1, 2013)byKathleen Y’BarboABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.
A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo comes Millie’s Treasure, the second book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series, a new set of novels involving romance, adventure, and hidden identity.
Memphis 1890–Bookish heiress Millie Jean Cope is as clever as she is beautiful. Unfortunately, though adept at solving puzzles and cryptograms, she doesn’t realize her new fiancé isn’t who he claims to be, but instead is a charming scoundrel. The infamous Will Tucker is presenting himself as a British gentleman, Sir William Trueck, though in reality he is a crafty criminal looking for a hidden map to a secret treasure.
Pinkerton agent Kyle Russell has been on Tucker’s trail for years. At last Kyle believes he has Tucker cornered, but he is uncertain whether the lovely woman on the con man’s arm is an unsuspecting victim or willing accomplice. Finding reasons to spend time with Millie is easy. Keeping himself from falling in love with her is another issue entirely.
A fun and entertaining story of how God can shine the light of truth on the most cryptic circumstances.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Millie’s Treasure, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I LOVE this series! The first book “Flora’s Wish” was excellent and it just might be possible that I liked Millie’s Treasure even more. It’s a hard call because I loved them both. What more could I ask for ? Millie’s Treasure is a historical romance with a dash of danger and suspense and the steampunk element made it all the more interesting and fun. I also enjoyed the historical Memphis setting of a city I’ve known my entire life. I once worked in a building overlooking the roof of the Peabody Hotel which plays an important role in the story so it was especially easy for me to visualize the scenes that took place there.
I found it difficult to put this book down and could easily have been tempted to read it during our church service (but I didn’t). The plot moved at the perfect pace and I fell in love with both Millie and Kyle. It was evident from their first encounter that they were perfect for each other despite Millie’s determination to marry Sir William. In addition to the romance, the story is filled with adventure, danger, and drama and peppered with humor. Their faith is such an integral part of both Millie and Kyle that the Christian aspect was perfectly natural. The author is to be commended for her devotion to details, especially in keeping Kyle’s inventions potentially early versions of devices that actually exist today.
There is no way I can say much more without the risk of spoilers. Take my advice and don’t miss either of the books in this series – The Secret Lives of Will Tucker. Millie’s Treasure can easily stand alone but it is oh so much better if you have read “Flora’s Wish” first.
by admin | Jul 28, 2013 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Burning Sky” grabbed my attention at first glance with its gorgeous cover. Once I had read its beautiful yet haunting opening words I had to know everything about this woman. I am not certain why I first hesitated to choose this book to review but I am so glad that I changed my mind. “Burning Sky” is one novel that will remain on my keeper shelf. Another new author has been added to my must-read list.
Captured by Indians at a young age, Willa Obenchain returned after twelve years to the family farm to find her parents missing. As she neared the end of her journey, she discovered wounded Neil MacGregor who she rescued and nursed back to health. The war with the British was over but resentment and hatred for the Mohawk remained strong. Torn between the two cultures, Willa encountered prejudice and harassment at the hands of some of her former friends and neighbors as well as the threat of losing the family farm. Neil remained to help Willa while he recuperated from his injuries and grew to care for her but Willa had determined to never let herself care for anyone again because the pain of loss was too great. Two other men – one a former suitor and one her Indian brother also played important roles in the story.
I enjoyed most everything about “Burning Sky”. Character development was excellent from the Willa and Neil to the children, Joseph Tames-His-Horse, Francis, Anni, Goodenough, and even the dog Cap. The steady plot moved at a steady pace and included just the right amount of historical details and descriptions of the settings to make me feel a part of the story. Scripture was sprinkled liberally throughout the story but was used naturally and was not overwhelming. In fact one scripture in particular seemed to be the theme of the story and was often an encouragement to Willa as she struggled with everything that came against her. “Burning Sky” helps the reader understand the points of view from both the Indians and the settlers.
I could go on but I do not want to reveal too much. “Burning Sky” should appeal to those who enjoy books about the early days of our nation. I look forward to what this new author will offer us next.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“I remember the borders of our land, though I have been gone from them nearly half the moons of my life. But who there will remember me? What I have seen, what I have done, it has changed me.
I am the place where two rivers meet, silted with upheaval and loss.
Yet memory of our land is a clear stream. I shall know it as a mother knows the faces of her children. It may be I will find me there.“
Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.
When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.
Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage–the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?
Click here to download chapter one of Burning Sky.
Preorder a copy of Burning Sky HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God’s transforming grace.
When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband – often scouring the brush for huckleberries, which overflow the freezer and find their way into her signature huckleberry lemon pound cake.
by admin | Jul 25, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am a long-time fan of Colleen Coble’s books so I was excited to have the chance to read and review her latest, “Rosemary Cottage”. Just as expected, I was quickly pulled into the lives of the residents of Hope Beach. It was fun to revisit several characters I met in “Tidewater Inn” and to meet new ones as well. In my opinion, Colleen Coble is an expert when it comes to writing a romantic suspense that will keep me turning the pages and hating to put the book down while I attend to the required tasks of daily life. I confess that some of those tasks may have been neglected while I was immersed in “Rosemary Cottage”.
The primary characters of Amy and Curtis were perfectly portrayed. I liked the way their occupations and hobbies were an integral part of the story. Although not necessary to plot development, the well-rounded characters made the story that much more realistic for me. I also liked the fact that Amy and Curtis fluctuated between strong attraction and heated quarrels that were usually in defense of one of their deceased siblings. “Rosemary Cottage” has a fast-moving plot with rapidly escalating danger and suspense. As the story progressed, more than one potential suspect was introduced. Plenty of twists and surprises as well as a red herring or two kept me guessing until nearly the end. I can’t say I was entirely pleased by the way everything turned out but even that made the tale more realistic. After all, life does not always turn out the way we’d like.
I would highly recommend that you grab a copy of “Rosemary Cottage” for yourself as soon as possible. You might also want to pickup “Tidewater Inn” while you’re at it if you haven’t read it. I can almost guarantee you’ll want to read both.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there’s a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island….
The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It’s always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.
Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine’s father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can’t help being drawn to Hope Beach’s new midwife, Amy. He even agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.
Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other…and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Colleen’s website.
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/.
Colleen Coble’s “Rosemary Cottage” Nautical Summer Giveaway
Water can be calming and healing, but it can also be dangerous, as Amy Lange and Curtis Ireland both found out. Both lost their siblings to the sea, and they hope to find healing on Hope Island. But will they find it, or will their quest to find answers set them at odds with each other and with those who have secrets that need to stay hidden?
Find out in Colleen Coble’s latest book, Rosemary Cottage, which released July 9. To celebrate, Colleen is hosting a 12-day Nautical Summer Giveaway. From July 16-27, Colleen will be giving away a new nautical prize every day. She’ll announce the winners on July 29 on her website, so mark your calendars for that date to see if you were picked as a lucky winner!
Not on Facebook? Enter here.
