by admin | Jan 24, 2013 | Books
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion, “The Tutor’s Daughter” is another winner by Julie Klassen who has quickly become one of my go-to authors. A regency era romance with a somewhat gothic Cornwall setting, this novel begins well and builds the suspense and excitement as it progresses.
When Emma Smallwood accompanies her father to the Weston manor to help him tutor the baronet’s two younger sons, she renews her acquaintance with the two older sons, Henry and Phillip who had once been students at her father’s boarding school. Happy to see Phillip again but apprehensive about Henry who had tormented her during his school days, Emma tries to be cordial to both of them. As can be expected in a book of this genre, a romance develops but it is not obvious for quite some time which direction it will take and which, if any, of the brothers will Emma grow to love.
A story filled with family secrets, mysterious music during the night, anonymous notes under the door, as well as other strange events, “The Tutor’s Daughter” certainly kept me turning its pages. I didn’t want to put it down in order to take care of my everyday mundane chores. I am looking forward to Klassen’s next novel and any other she cares to write in the future. If you haven’t read one of her books yet, I would recommend that you give “The Tutor’s Daughter” a try. You will probably find yourself a fan like me.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor’s Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast–a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions–where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.
Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?
The baronet’s older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems–and secrets–of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father’s academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her…
When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
”The Tutor’s Daughter” by Julie Klassen! Enter to win a “Downton Abbey” Kindle Prize Pack
Julie is celebrating by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles, Downton Abbey (season 3) and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (January 31st)
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Paperwhite
- Downton Abbey, Season 3
- A Julie Klassen library (The Tutor’s Daughter, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 30th. Winner will be announced at “The Tutor’s Daughter Author Chat Party on January 31st. Connect with Julie, 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 great giveaways – gift certificates, books and season 3 of Downton Abbey!
So grab your copy of The Tutor’s Daughter and join Julie on the evening of the January 31st for a chance to connect with Julie 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 31st!
by admin | Jan 23, 2013 | Amish, Books, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Grace GivenRealms (January 8, 2013)
by
Beth ShriverABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Childhood memories of her grandfather’s ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam!
Beth received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats and a beagle live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. Beth is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Literary Agency.
Learn more about Beth and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light.” —Amish Proverb
Elsie Kline can’t forgive her sister for leaving the community. Gideon Lapp helps Elsie through her bitterness by studying the Martyr’s Mirror book that is centuries old, describing their ancestors’ sacrifice for their faith. But he feels there is something more. When the community moved to Texas, they were not welcomed by some of the locals. They have told Katie and Elsie that harm will come to their community if they don’t go back up north where they came from. Gideon stays by Elsie’s side as she learns to give grace and to humble herself to accept grace as well.
“Beth has a heart for helping others, whether through her nonfiction and fiction writing or in other capacities. It has been my pleasure to read and respond to her work during the past few years of knowing her.” —Leanna Ellis, Author of Facelift and Forsaken and winner of the National Readers Choice Award.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Grace Given, go HERE.
by admin | Jan 23, 2013 | Books, Regency, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Mystery of the HeartRealms (January 8, 2013)
by
Jillian KentABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jillian Kent is a busy writer and the alter ego of Jill Nutter, a full-time counselor.
Jill spent the first semester of her senior year of college at Oxford studying British Literature, where she fell in love with England. During this season, she came to appreciate the written word, the rich imagery of romantic poetry like The Highwayman, and historical novels of many types, including Jane Austen and all things Regency.
Jill received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bethany College in West Virginia, and her Masters Degree in Social Work from WVU, and she brings her fascination with different cultures and societies into her writing.
Jill has always been a romantic at heart, so readers will find a good dose of romance woven through each of her novels. Jill, her husband Randy, and children Katie and Meghan are animal lovers. They currently own two dogs, Boo-Boo and Bandit and a menagerie of cats, Lucky, Yuma, Snow, and Holden. Critters of all assortments make their appearance in her stories.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lord Eden is intrigued when he discovers Lady Mercy Grayson’s secret, but how can he hope to gain her heart when he is forced to betray her?
Lady Mercy Grayson longs be a physician like her big brother, Devlin, Lord Ravensmoore. However, society would never tolerate a female physician, let alone one who is a noblewoman. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands, disguising herself as a man to get through medical school. But then a male colleague discovers her secret, which is only the beginning of Mercy’s problems that could destroy her dreams forever.
The Prince Regent is awaiting the return of Vincent St. Lyons, Lord Eden, whom he sent on a secret voyage to locate and bring back a relic that some believe possesses the power to heal. St. Lyons discovers Mercy washed up on England’s shore upon his return and agrees to give her safe passage to London aboard a ship of men practicing African Vodun. Both must face treacherous circumstances, difficult decisions, and a growing attraction to one another that could forever change the course of their lives.
As the final installment in the series, the theme of this book is God’s plans for our lives. “Whatever the hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might” (Eccles. 9:10).
If you would like to read the first chapter of Mystery of the Heart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Mystery of the Heart is a romantic mystery/suspense with a setting in Regency era England. In some ways it reminded me of the gothic romance novels I used to read in my younger days when good clean fiction was a bit easier to find outside the Christian genre. Although there was no brooding hero, or someone locked in the attic, or a dark and scary mansion, there was still an element of the dark mystery that made those old novels so intriguing.
Many elements worked together to make this novel a page-turner for me. With an ancient relic that changed hands several times under violent circumstances before it finally found its way into the king’s hands, a group of African Vodun (voodoo) practitioners who were an additional threat, and Mercy’s mysterious stalker, the stage was set for plenty of suspense. Then there was the handsome Lord Eden who rescued her from certain death at the beginning of the story and remained a part of her life due to other circumstances. The attraction between them was obvious but each of them had other plans for their lives that did not involve romance or marriage.
Mystery of the Heart was a great book with a captivating plot and wonderful characters. It was fun to touch base again with characters from the first two novels of The Ravensmoore Chronicles. I enjoyed the entire series so much that I hate to see it end.
by admin | Jan 21, 2013 | Anthology, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What is the next best thing to a new novel by one of your favorite authors? How about a collaboration between four of them? Yes, four of my favorite authors have once again joined forces to take their readers back to the picturesque and romantic Vermont town of Smitten. Even its name breathes romance doesn’t it? Each author has contributed a separate novella featuring one of the three Thomas sisters and their mother Anna. Although individual stories could stand alone, each one flows into the other seamlessly to provide a bigger overall picture of life in the Thomas family and Smitten. Once again I was majorly impressed at how well these authors worked together to provide such a flawless combined story.
To summarize, each of the Thomas sisters and their mother had pretty much given up on love for themselves and in some cases were afraid to take a chance on it. As is the usual case in an unashamedly romantic book such as “Secretly Smitten”, the reader can expect the perfect man to show up for each of them at just the right time. That’s a no-brainer but it doesn’t detract at all from the enjoyment provided. It also doesn’t hurt that there is a bit of mystery woven through the stories that involves a long believed dead fiance of Grandmother Rose.
Plenty of humor, action, drama, mystery, and of course romance, blend perfectly together to make “Secretly Smitten” the ideal getaway for these cold winter months. It would also make a good beach read. I am sure many readers will be wishing that Smitten, Vermont was not just an imaginary town. I for one would love to visit and/or live in such a remarkable place.
Be sure to grab a copy of “Secretly Smitten” and while you’re at it, pick up a copy of the first installment “Smitten” too if you haven’t already read it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Summer, fall, winter, spring-Smitten, Vermont, is the place for love . . . and mystery!
There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic-a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic?
The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters-Tess, Clare, and Zoe-and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women?
Join popular romance novelists-and real-life BFFs-Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue.
Purchase a copy of “Secretly Smitten HERE.
MEET “THE GALS”:
RITA-finalist Colleen Coble is the author of several best-selling romantic suspense novels, including “Tidewater Inn”, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series. * Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year award, Kristin Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. Her books include “A Billion Reasons Why” and “What a Girl Wants.” * Denise Hunter is the award-winning and best-selling author of several novels, including “A Cowboy’s Touch” and “Sweetwater Gap.” She and her husband are raising three boys in Indiana. * Diann Hunt has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, her dog, and, well, chocolate.
Find out more about Coble, Billerbeck, Hunter, Hunt HERE.
Secretly Smitten | An Evening of Giggle, Gab & Prizes
The “gals” are celebrating with a fun Live Webcast on February 5th. They’ll be debuting the *NEW* animated Smitten trailer, giving away tons of prizes, dishing on the book and their friendship. They’ll also be wrapping up the Secretly Smitten blog tour, answering audience questions and testing your trivia skills. Don’t miss the fun and bring your friends. Click here to RSVP and set up a reminder.
by admin | Jan 19, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Third book in The Midwives series, “Choices of the Heart” features Esther Cherrett, a young midwife trained by her mother. Caught in the middle of scandal and blaming herself, Esther accepts a position as teacher in the Appalachian mountains in order to escape the controversy. Upon her arrival Esther finds herself in the middle of a family feud and the love interest of two cousins. She also learns that she hasn’t run away far enough because someone knows her history and wants to frighten her away. In addition she finds that she can’t turn her back on her medical training that is needed so desperately among the mountain people who surround her.
The primary characters are true-to-life with strengths and flaws. Although a minister’s daughter, Esther struggles with her faith due to her circumstances. Caught in their family conflicts, both Griff and Zach are determined to put an end to the feud but seem helpless against the grudges held by other members of their families.Tensions escalate as more threatening incidents occur and the true reasons behind the violence are both surprising and regrettable.
Peppered with humor, faith, drama, action, romance, and suspense, “Choices of the Heart” is both entertaining and informational. I especially found it interesting to learn that although depended upon by their communities, most midwives were often avoided because they knew too much about their patients and families.
I enjoyed “Choices of the Heart” and would recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Laurie Alice Eakes brings to life a gripping story of trust, deception and bittersweet loss, as a young woman learns the true meaning of choices of the heart. In the third book of The Midwives series, you will be transported back to 1840’s Appalachia with a tender romance that includes closely guarded secrets and a bitter feud.
Esther Cherrett comes from a proud line of midwives and was trained by her mother to take over the family calling. But when a scandal threatens all she holds dear, Esther takes a position as a teacher in the western mountains of Virginia instead. There she finds herself in the midst of a deadly family feud and courted by two men on opposite sides of the conflict. When it seems as though her past has followed her all the way into the mountains, all she wants is to run away again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of Lady in the Mist, Heart’s Safe Passage, A Necessary Deception, A Flight of Fancy, and several other novels. She won a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007 for Family Guardian. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.
Praise for Laurie Alice Eakes and Choices of the Heart:
“The gifted Laurie Alice Eakes has done it again with a page-turner romance straight out of the Hatfield and McCoy feud. The wonderful period detail sucked me into 1840s Appalachia, while the realistic characters and tender romance kept me reading late into the night.”–Linda Goodnight, Carol and Rita Award-winning author
Reviews for Lady in the Mist, #1 in The Daughters of Bainbridge House series:
4 Stars = Compelling, page turner
The first book in Eakes’ new Midwives series is filled with secrets, a budding romance and mystery with characters who have their doubts about themselves and those around them. Readers will not be able to put this gem of a novel down. – RT Patsy Glans
It’s always wonderful when you start reading a novel with the hope of being entertained and distracted from your busy life, only to be blown away by the discovery of a new favorite author. Laurie Alice Eakes’s novel had that exact affect on me, and I can’t verbalize how pleasing it is to uncover a gem of a story like this one. – The Christian Manifesto Rachel Ropper
by admin | Jan 19, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
As the second installment of Amanda Cabot’s Westward Winds trilogy, “Waiting For Spring” lived up to my expectations. Thus far I have read all of Cabot’s novels and with each one my determination not to miss out on anything she writes just increases. Even though “Waiting for Spring” is the second of a trilogy, it can be enjoyed without having read “Summer of Promise”; however, I would recommend reading them both.
Although not quite as action-packed as “Summer of Promise”, “Waiting for Spring” had its own subtle suspense that grew as the story progressed and was finally resolved during a threatening incident near the end. I enjoyed the way the author manipulated the development of two separate romances and kept the two female characters (especially Charlotte) confused about how things would turn out.
“Waiting for Spring” is a story about trying to meet other people’s expectations rather than being true to yourself and the plans God has for you. It is also about making the best of difficult circumstances by caring for others despite your own lack. I particularly liked Barret’s integrity and compassionate nature, Charlotte’s willingness to sacrifice for her child and her friends, and Miriam’s determination to grab true love rather than a marriage for appearance’s sake.
As you can probably discern, I loved “Waiting for Spring” and I cannot wait for the final book in the Westward Winds trilogy. Anyone who enjoys historical western romance should find this and all of Amanda Cabot’s books to be keepers.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amanda Cabot explores themes of love, courage and sacrifice in the second book of the Westward Winds series. With an authentic backdrop of 1880s Wyoming, Cabot creates characters whose struggle to forge a life in the old West ultimatelywin your heart.
After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker’s shop to lie low and make a living. When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer Miriam, Charlotte feels drawn to him.
If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can’t shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.
Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett’s plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses, Scattered Petals, Tomorrow’s Garden, and Summer of Promise, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the cofounder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler. She lives in Wyoming.
Endorsements for Amanda Cabot and Waiting for Spring:
“One thing I know to expect when I open an Amanda Cabot novel is heart. She creates characters that tug at my heartstrings, storylines that make my heart smile, and a spiritual lesson that does my heart good. Her stories are like the first sweet scents of spring—pure pleasure.”—Kim Vogel Sawyer, bestselling author of My Heart Remembers
“From the first page I found myself rooting for the young widow, Charlotte, who’s trying to forge a life for herself in Cheyenne while also caring for a disabled son. My heart beat with worry as trouble from the past found her. And it pattered with hope as sweet Charlotte caught the eye of handsome Barrett. Amanda Cabot offers a delightful read, and as I turned the pages I was swept away with a story of love, courage, and sacrifice. Recommended!”—Tricia Goyer, bestselling author of 32 books, including Beyond Hope’s Valley
