by admin | Mar 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingIcecutter’s DaughterBethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)byTracie Peterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max. She’s active in her church as the Director of Women’s Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer’s retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she’s never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl–she’d rather work with her father’s horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she’s been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.
When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle’s carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn’t intimidated by them or by Merrill’s strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build…until Rurik’s former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.
Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God–and each other–when scandal threatens their newfound love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Icecutter’s Daughter, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Icecutter’s Daughter is a warm, lovely historical romance set in the wilds of icy Minnesota. Merrill is a strong young woman accustomed to working side-by-side with her father and brothers in the ice fields. A natural with the family horses, Merrill is also widely known for her cooking skills. She dreams of a husband and children of her own but believes that men are only attracted to the petite frilly women she sees in town. When Rurik Jorgenson shows up to help his ailing uncle, Merrill is surprised at the immediate attraction she feels and even more surprised that he seems to feel the same. Naturally the course of romance could not run smoothly so numerous complications arise to interfere with its progression.
I always enjoy a novel by Tracie Peterson because she never fails to keep me entertained with a good story populated with compelling characters and she always manages to inform me with unique historical facts of which I have little former knowledge. I loved learning about life in turn-of-the-century Minnesota where men made a good living cutting ice for those in warmer states. I also enjoyed the interaction between the characters, particularly one conversation between Merrill and her father. As expected, a strong message of faith permeates the pages of The Icecutter’s Daughter with a heavy emphasis on forgiveness.
by admin | Mar 1, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Return of Cassandra ToddRealms (February 5, 2013)
by
Darrel NelsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.
I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.
I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.
Learn more about Darrel and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When the girl he hated in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, and asks for his help, Turner must put the past behind him if they are to survive.
Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he passes the bus depot just as Cassandra Todd and her young son arrive. He is shocked to see her, remembering how cruel she was to him in high school. She was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her mean-spirited pranks.
Turner could never have imagined that the outdoor training and survival skills he learned at Camp Kopawanee, a summer youth camp where he worked three years as a leader, would one day become so crucial. But when Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner finds himself entangled in a situation that will require every skill he has in order to survive.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of The Return of Cassandra Todd, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Since I am in the midst of recovering from the flu, I was tempted to take the easy way out and just do the required post without a review for this book. But I was feeling enough better to actually concentrate on the print long enough for it to register so I decided to give it a try and only resort to the basic post if I could not generate enough interest to continue reading. I am so glad I did because I would have missed out on a thoroughly riveting page-turner. The Return of Cassandra Todd was not at all what I expected.
Turner Caldwell is a young man who has experienced some tough breaks in life and as a result has turned his back on God and allowed himself to become somewhat bitter and resentful. When an old classmate returns to town, her appearance stirs up memories that he thought he had left in the past. Her plea for his help draws him into a dangerous and deadly struggle for his own survival as well as the survival of Cassandra and her young son that forces him to rely on God once again.
The Return of Cassandra Todd is a fast-paced nail-biter that kept me on the edge of my seat. Well-developed plot and characters and a natural dialogue made the reading effortless. Tension grew in increments until the explosive climax but the book did not end at that point. I am still not certain how I feel about the author’s decision to continue the story for several more chapters in order to wrap things up neatly. It was an anticlimax and seemed unnecessary to me. I don’t mind wondering how things turned out between certain characters. Other than that, The Return of Cassandra Todd was nearly perfect in every way. I would recommend it for those who enjoy a good suspense with lots of surprises.
by admin | Feb 28, 2013 | Books
MY REVIEW:
Eleanor Walker, owner of the Last Chance Ranch, is determined to find a suitable heir for it. She is certain that if she has been able to successfully manage the ranch without a husband, then there must me another young woman with the fortitude and determination to follow in her stead. Unfortunately past candidates haven’t managed to endure the grueling and long days or to ignore the temptation to marry one of the available cowboys in the area. Molly Hatfield believes she can qualify to be that heir. After all there is no danger of marriage. She has already found out that no man is interested after learning of her crippled younger brother Donnie. Besides being a hard worker, Molly plans to secure a future for herself and Donny no matter what it takes.
I loved the characters in “Waiting For Morning”. Molly is a flamboyant young woman with a uniquely individual style developed to take unwanted attention away from Donny. She feels responsible for his injuries and is content to sacrifice everything for him. Donny is a very spoiled young man used to getting his own way and he knows how to play Molly. I’ll admit I wanted to smack him more than once. Dr. Caleb Fairbanks is nothing but enthusiastic and prides himself on staying up-to-date on modern medicine practices. He and his horseless carriage Bertha have caused more than one incident in the area including a stampede that nearly overtakes Holly and Donny. Neither Holly nor Donny are very interested in furthering their acquaintance but Dr. Caleb is not one to give up quickly and his determination to earn their trust eventually breaks through their defenses. A blind colt and a dog named Magic also feature prominently in his success.
I loved “Waiting for Morning” and eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookSneeze program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Brides of Last Chance Ranch, #2
Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed.
There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheelchair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress—someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership—she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.
However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s charming unmarried doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness. But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, “Maybe God’s calling you to write fiction.”
It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she’s written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. “I love writing about characters at different stages of faith,” she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, “and I’m here to stay.”
Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California.
by admin | Feb 27, 2013 | Books, Post Civil War, Romance, Southern, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Flora’s WishHarvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
by
Kathleen 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.
Learn more about Kathleen and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
May 1887–Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as “Fatal Flora,” a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family’s estate. She’s confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.
Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister’s heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?
And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora’s heart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora’s Wish, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I realize that I’m pretty much down to the wire in the time frame for reviewing Flora’s Wish. I have been trying desperately to read it since Sunday and just now finished. That is pretty sad for someone who usually zips through books, especially one as entertaining as this one. Unfortunately I have succumbed to the flu and simply either could not focus or kept falling asleep. Neither is conducive to getting a book read or reviewed. I am beginning to see some hope that this scourge is nearly over and managed to finish Flora’s Wish within the last hour. Never again will I say I don’t mind being sick since it gives me an excuse to read. Never wanted to be this sick.
To get back to the book in question, Flora’s Wish lived up to all my expectations that were based on past books I have read by this author. In fact, I think Flora may just be the feistiest, frustrating, and fearless heroine yet. Our Flora, otherwise known as “Fatal Flora”, has plenty to live down after losing four (yes four!) fiances to premature death before they could make it to the altar. And for some reason her current fiance Will Tucker is just a bit difficult to pin down. So when Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn accuses Will of being a thief and Flora his accomplice, Flora is bound and determined to prove him wrong. Lucas immediately takes Flora into custody and the pair soon find themselves in over their heads.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lucas and his clever inventions that reminded me of watching the old TV show Wild, Wild West back in the day well before I ever heard the term “Steampunk”. There were ample twists, turns and surprises in the plot with new and unexpected villains introduced to keep things really intense. I plan to go back and read Flora’s Wish again with a clear head. I am sure I will enjoy it even more then.
by admin | Feb 23, 2013 | Books
MY REVIEW:
Set in post Civil War Missouri, When the Heart Heals features Rosemary Saxon whose brother Curt played a primary role in Where Wildflowers Bloom, the first book of the Sisters at Heart series. Independent Rosemary had served as a nurse during the war and although nursing was frowned upon by society, she took a position with the new doctor in town in order to support herself. Unfortunately her tendency to offer advice about herbal remedies to Dr. Elijah Stewart’s patients was a major source of irritation to him. Despite their differences and verbal sparring both Rosemary and Elijah found themselves thinking of the other more often than they liked. Threatening notes to Rosemary and suspicious incidents prompted them to put aside their differences.
When the Heart Heals was a page-turner with wonderful characters, interesting historical facts, a touch of suspense and action, and of course an inspiring romance. Several plot twists and surprises added to the tale. I enjoyed reading more about characters that were introduced in the first book of this series as well as meeting a few new ones. A theme of forgiveness is strongly emphasized. This novel reminds me why I love Ann Shorey’s books and makes the wait for the next installment even more difficult.
If you haven’t read any of Ann’s books, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of When the Heart Heals. I don’t think you will be sorry if you do.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a country healing from war, can a young woman find healing for her heart?
Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and even downright vulgar. Although she would like to put that part of her life behind her, she needs to support herself. She takes a nursing position with Dr. Elijah Stewart, but whenever they are together they always seem to do or say the wrong things. When someone threatens Rosemary, will she find the courage to stand, or will she leave town-and Elijah-forever?
With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey invites you back to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love’s tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition.
Endorsements
“With mastery and grace, Ann Shorey’s gentle prose woos us back to a simpler time with a simply beautiful love story. Truly, When the Heart Heals is sweet tonic for both the heart and the soul.”–Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series
“When the Heart Heals is sure to grab your attention. Rosemary Saxon is a memorable heroine in an intriguing story that left me glad I’d read it and looking for more Ann Shorey novels.”–Lauraine Snelling, author of The Red River series and the Wild West Wind series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom, The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.
by admin | Feb 20, 2013 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The remote Mennonite town of Kingdom is threatened by the escalating number of violent attacks on its residents, but they are divided on how the threats should be handled. Should they continue their nonviolent tradition or should they stand up and fight for the protection of their families and friends? Not only is Hope Kauffman torn by the question of trusting God for her defense or trusting in herself and her friends and neighbors for protection but she is undecided about whether she is in love with her fiance Ebbie or Jonathon who has also shown an interest in her. As the attacks become more frequent, Kingdom’s residents must decide where their faith and trust lies and Hope must choose between two men who are not in agreement on how the town should respond.
Unbreakable had a well-paced plot with plenty of action, drama, and suspense. The romantic aspect was a bit different than most novels in that the heroine was undecided about the two men in her life for a large part of the story. I enjoyed reading about a Mennonite community in the process of change and felt that the situation Kingdom found itself in was an excellent vehicle for working out some of their differences of opinion, especially about their position on nonviolence. I also liked how the author had Hope decide which of the men really loved her. Was it the one who said he would do anything for her or the one willing to sacrifice everything for her? I’ll leave you with that little teaser. You’ll have to read Unbreakable for yourself to learn which man was which and how everything turned out for Hope and her beloved town of Kingdom.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gentle and unassuming, Hope Kauffman has never been one to question the traditions of her Mennonite upbringing. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal he arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.
Despite the attempts of Hope and other Kingdom residents to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, while Ebbie insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope’s safety is threatened by a mysterious outsider, she can’t help but question what she’s always been taught about the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence.
As it swiftly becomes apparent the threat Hope faced is only the beginning, the town that’s always stood so strong finds itself divided. With tensions high and their lives endangered by an unknown enemy, will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear and division to break them or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve?
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new 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. “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 for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.” Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site:
www.nancymehl.com or her blog. She is also active on Facebook.
Celebrate the release of Unbreakable with Nancy Mehl by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 5th Author Chat Party on Facebook!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Books one & two in Nancy’s Road to Kingdom series (Inescapable and Unbreakable)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the “Unbreakable” Author Chat Party on March 5th. Connect with Nancy, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books, and fun Mennonite-themed giveaways.
Grab your copy of Unbreakable and join Nancy on the evening of the March 5th for a chance to connect with Nancy 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 5th!
