by admin | Mar 22, 2013 | 1960's, Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
Like Josie, I was thirteen years old in 1964 and lived in a small rural neighborhood so it was easy for me to identify with the characters in “Scent of Lilacs”. In some ways, this novel relates Josie’s departure from childhood as she learns one after another family secret, many of which affect her life. She often responds with a maturity that belies her age but at times her emotional reactions lead to trouble.
The plot moved at a steady pace and its characters and setting quickly drew me deeply into the story. I loved the way it brought back memories of times gone by but the story itself was the real attraction. The quirky characters and surprising twists and humorous scenes added an extra dimension to the narrative. Interwoven with wisdom and faith, “Scent of Lilacs” manages to communicate a truth about family that goes beyond blood ties.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Scent of Lilacs” and would recommend it to most everyone. For a taste of life in Holly Hill, check Hollyhill Book of the Strange HERE.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After the summer of 1964, life for Jocie Brooke will never be the same.
Life-changing events rarely happen in quiet Hollyhill, Kentucky, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for young Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once during the humid summer of 1964. Though on the surface things are just fine, it seems like everyone in Jocie’s life has something they’re not saying, something they’re hiding from her-and from themselves. As Jocie digs into her family’s past, she stirs up a whirlwind of discoveries. Will she find the answers everyone so desperately needs? Or will her questions lead to truths better left hidden?
Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story from bestselling author Ann Gabhart explores the very essence of new life and love.
“Gabhart’s compelling characterization serves up a juicy slice of life in a small town where little is as it seems. Jocie’s conversational voice and quirky sense of humor are a delight.”-RT Book Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.
by admin | Mar 20, 2013 | Books
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWings of GlassTyndale House Publishers (March 1, 2013)byGina HolmesABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey now called Novel Rocket and she is also the founder of Inspire The Fire.
Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW Religion bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, was also named a Christy finalist. Her upcoming novel, Wings of Glass will releases this month. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.
Learn more about Gina and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a heart-rending yet uplifting story of friendship and redemption. On the cusp of womanhood, Penny is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign-town, Penny’s happily ever after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn’t the last, yet the bruises that can’t be seen are the most painful of all.
When Trent is injured in a welding accident and his paycheck stops, he has no choice but to finally allow Penny to take a job cleaning houses. Here she meets two women from very different worlds who will teach her to live and laugh again, and lend her their backbones just long enough for her to grow her own.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wings of Glass, go HERE.
by admin | Mar 20, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Catherine’s PursuitRealms (February 5, 2013)
by
Lena Nelson DooleyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.
Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.
Learn more about the author and her books on her Blog.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Angus McKenna was forced to give two of his daughters to families in the wagon train, he promised he’d never try to contact them. Catherine made no such pledge. But when she sets out to find her sisters, she doesn’t go alone. Angus sends Collin with her. Will they discover the two women—and love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Catherine’s Pursuit, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The final installment of the McKenna’s Daughters series, Catherine’s Pursuit wrapped everything up nicely with a conclusion that brought the three separated sisters back together before it ended. Written from Catherine’s point of view, the author skillfully illustrated her emotional response to the unexpected news shared by her father.
I liked both Catherine and Collin and found their interaction interesting. I did however find it a bit of a stretch to believe they had fallen in love so quickly due to their aversion to each other for much of the story. I guess I would have liked a few more positive scenes between them before they reached that conclusion. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and its historical background, well-defined characters, interesting plot, strong message of faith and satisfying ending.
I would definitely recommend Catherine’s Pursuit as well as the previous two books in the McKenna’s Daughters series.
by admin | Mar 20, 2013 | Books, ebook
Deeanne Gist’s E-Short gives readers a peek inside the world’s fair. Tempest in the White City is a digital short story available from online retailers for 99 cents.
Deeanne Gist fans won’t have to wait until the April 30 release of It Happened at the Fair to read her latest work! On March 19, readers will be able to purchase the e-short, Tempest in the White City, a 40-page short story prelude to It Happened at the Fair, for 99 cents from all online retailers. While the characters from the short story are not carried over into the full-length release, audiences will get a taste of the awe-inspiring backdrop of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and will be anxious to spend more time exploring the exhibition.
In true Gist form, Tempest in the White City combines her trademark humor with romance. Hunter Scott is one of the elite. A Chicago World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character and ability to serve and protect. When Hunter is overcome with debilitating abdominal pain, he stumbles to an infirmary in the Fair’s Woman’s Building only to discover the doctor is female—which he is none too happy about. But even worse, she has the nerve to diagnose him—the toughest man west of anyplace east—with constipation.
The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair overflowed with the latest innovations welcomed by a throng of people from all around the globe. This setting replete with history, intrigue and wonder caught Gist’s attention and is sure to draw readers of both releases in as well. “I’m always drawn to events in our country’s past that are strangely absent from our history classes. Why the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition has been left out, I don’t know, especially since it was such a pivotal event for us,” explains Gist. “We were able to wow the world with our scientific innovations, and it gave women their first official board position recognized and approved by an Act of Congress (all before we had the right to vote). But it was technology which claimed the day as it nipped at the heels of horses, buggies and man-powered tools.”
More about It Happened at the Fair:
Young inventor Cullen McNamara gambles everything, including the family farm, in order to make his family proud—and earn his father’s entry money to the Fair Expo back—by selling his design for an automatic sprinkler system inspired by his mother’s death in a mill fire. Struggling with hearing loss from his previous life on the farm, McNamara finds it difficult to communicate with potential buyers over the din in the Fair’s Machinery Building. In an act of desperation, he hires attractive Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading. Much like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, Cullen is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground or will he be carried away?
by admin | Mar 19, 2013 | Books
MY REVIEW:
Once again Mary Connealy has brought her readers a thoroughly entertaining diversion from their daily routines. With a feisty heroine and a manly hero, Swept Away is an action-packed, suspense-filled western romance seasoned with with Mary’s trademark humor.
I loved getting to read Luke’s story and thought that Ruthy was a good match for him. There seemed to be a bit more action and not quite as much humor in this novel but that did not hinder the story for me. I enjoyed meeting Luke’s friends, “the Regulators” and hope some of them will be featured in future novels. As usual Mary has provided the perfect blend of faith, fun, action and romance to keep me reading her books as long as she can write them.
If you are not already a fan of Mary Connealy, give “Swept Away” a try and I can almost guarantee you will love it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!
Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn’t terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they’ve ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she’s rescued by Luke Stone…so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.
Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won’t let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can’t just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she’s going to have to go with him.
But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes fun and lively “romantic comedy with cowboys” for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie’s Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.
Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 “Swept Away” Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)
- A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the “Swept Away” Author Chat Party on March 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways — gift certificates, books, and more!
So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!
by admin | Mar 19, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Grave Consequences” is the second book in Bergren’s Grand Tour trilogy. Although possibly enjoyable as a stand-alone novel, I believe the reader would understand and enjoy it better after reading Glamorous Illusions, the first book of the series as “Grave Consequences” continues where it leaves off without any recap to fill in details.
After a traumatic kidnapping attempt in the first book, Cora Kensington and her newly discovered half-siblings continue their grand tour of Europe, staying in luxurious hotels and castles along their journey. Torn between two men who both profess to love her, Cora continues to be confused about her true identity. Can she return to her old life after experiencing the luxury and opportunities provided by her wealthy birth father or will she choose to follow his plans for her life? All she can do is try to follow God’s plans for her life and hope that she can accurately discern what He is telling her.
Although at times the descriptions of historic locations and even meals become a tad lengthy, there is plenty of drama, action, mystery and romance to keep things interesting. I liked the way the author portrayed the characters so that even some of the most unlikeable people from Glamorous Illusions turned out to have some positive attributes after all – particularly Hugh.
Some reviewers have described “Grave Consequences” as being highly improbable but I found the story to be good enough to capture my attention until the very last page and enjoyed traveling through Europe through the experiences of its characters. Improbable or not, to me the story is what is important.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Powerful, Epic Romance Continues, Book 2 in Lisa T. Bergren’s Grand Tour series
For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger.
And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of more than thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. She has written fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages—children, teens and adults. A former publishing executive, Bergren now divides her time between writing, freelance editing, and ministry.
Bergren loves to travel, especially for writing research, and dreams of her next trip to Italy. Lisa and her husband, Tim, are the parents of three and live in Colorado Springs, CO.
Learn more about Lisa T. Bergren at her online home, www.lisatawnbergren.com. Readers can also join Bergren’s Facebook fan page or follow her on Twitter.
Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!
One “grand” winner receive:
- A brand new iPad Mini
- Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa’s website.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
