by admin | Oct 25, 2012 | Books, ebook, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading the stories about their children in Julie Lessman’s Winds of Change and Daughters of Boston series, I was delighted to have a chance to read Marcy and Patrick’s story in “A Light in the Window. It was all I have come to expect from one of Julie’s books and I am happy to recommend it. Like her previous novels, “A Light in the Window” is refreshingly honest and includes a large dose of romantic tension. Tempered by a bit of humor and dramatic action, the story focuses on relationships with family, friends, the opposite gender and God.
Marcy and Patrick’s relationship was filled with ups and downs, misunderstandings, friendship, and distrust. An excellent example of how a relationship with God can change a person and how another person can unknowingly be the influence that leads them to the Lord, “A Light in the Window” has several lessons in life and faith for the reader to ponder. Its Christmas theme is the perfect setting for this wonderful story.
If you have enjoyed Julie’s other novels, you don’t want to miss this one. It’s available now at Amazon.com as a preorder to be delivered to your Kindle on November 9.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
MARCY AND PATRICK’S E-BOOK PREQUEL!!!
A Light in the Window: An Irish Christmas Love Story
(Release date November 9, 2012)
One Woman. Two Men.
One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.
But who will win her heart?
Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston’s most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart.
While overseeing the Christmas play fundraiser for the St. Mary’s parish soup kitchen—A Light in the Window—Marcy not only wrestles with her attraction to both men, but with her concern for their spiritual welfare. The play is based on the Irish custom of placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome the Holy Family, and for Marcy, its message becomes deeply personal. Her grandmother Mima cautions her to guard her heart for the type of man who will respond to the “light in the window,” meaning the message of Christ in her heart. But when disaster strikes during the play, Marcy is destined to discover the truth of the play’s message first-hand when it becomes clear that although two men have professed their undying love, only one has truly responded to “the light in the window.”
Can the light in the window illuminate the path of true love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction.”
Chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Historical Fiction Author of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #4 Novel of the Year and #3 Series of the year. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series—A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Book 1 in her “Winds of Change” series A Hope Undaunted ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010.
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by admin | Oct 25, 2012 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Bridge” is a beautifully poignant story that perfectly showcases Kingsbury’s skill. A relatively short book, it can be read in a matter of hours (or less). Although short, the plot is perfectly balanced with enough character background to make the reader care about each one and want to learn what happens in their lives. My attention was snagged from the first page and I had difficulty closing the cover in order to get some much needed sleep. Once I picked the book up again, it didn’t close until the very last page.
A story that includes a lost love, lost hope, and tragedy, “The Bridge” points to a God who cares even when we don’t acknowledge it. “The Bridge” will renew your hope in mankind, second chances, and belief in miracles. And it might just bring a few tears to your eyes like it did mine.
A wonderful story with a powerful message, “The Bridge” is sure to become a Christmas favorite. This is one not to miss!
This book was provided for review by Howard Books-a division of Simon and Schuster.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Why do miracles and second chances always happen at Christmastime?
NY Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury delivers an instant classic with this heartwarming Christmas story about a hundred-year flood, lost love, and the beauty of enduring friendships.
Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but her heart is back in Franklin, Tennessee, where five years ago she walked away from a man she cannot forget, a rare sort of love she hasn’t found since.
Ryan Kelly lives in Franklin again after several years in Kentucky and a broken engagement. At least in Franklin he can visit The Bridge – the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin – and remember the long hours he and Molly once spent there.
Now, though, Ryan and Molly’s favorite bookstore is in trouble. For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge,providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books – even through dismal book sales and the rise of eBooks. Then in May the hundred-year flood tore through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store.
The bank is pulling the lease on The Bridge and is about to take the Bartons’ house. Despondent and without answers, Charlie drives through a blinding snowstorm and considers ending his life. But before he can decide, he hits black ice and crashes into a utility pole.
Suddenly, in the face of tragedy, miracles begin to unfold.
READ MORE 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by Dan Davis Photography
Dubbed the “Queen of Christian Fiction” by Time magazine, Karen Kingsbury has rightly earned her platform as America’s favorite inspirational novelist. She has more than 15 million books sold and a dozen back-to-back New York Times and USA Today bestsellers to her credit. She also has over 50 titles in her trademarked novels, Life-Changing Fiction™.
by admin | Oct 23, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
No Safe Harbor
Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
by
Elizabeth LudwigABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing.
In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.
Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.
Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas.
Learn more about Elizabeth and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America
Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she’d thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend–Rourke Walsh.
Despite her brother’s warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara’s desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke’s true intentions come to light.
If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Harbor, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
No Safe Harbor is a historical romance with a large dose of suspense. In fact, although the romantic aspect is excellent, the suspense is a prominent component of the story. A major theme of the novel is vengence and the negative affect it has on all involved when they don’t turn it over to the Lord.
Both Rourke and Cara kept secrets from the other which resulted in feeling of guilt and lack of trust. However Cara’s unfailing faith and willingness to forgive eventually overpowered Rourke’s desire for retribution.
No Safe Harbor is definitely a page turner with several breathtaking scenes. I didn’t want to put it down until I reached the end. Definitely a MUST READ in my opinion.
by admin | Oct 22, 2012 | Amish, Books, Cookbook, Cooking
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card authors are:
and the book:
Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (October 1, 2012)
***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.
Tina Eicher was born and married in the Amish faith, surrounded by a mother and sisters who were great Amish cooks. At fellowship meals and family gatherings, Tina’s dishes receive high praise and usually return empty. She and her husband, Jerry Eicher, author of several bestselling Amish fiction titles, are the parents of four children and live in Virginia.
Visit the author’s website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
From bestselling author Jerry Eicher (more than 350,000 books sold) and his wife, Tina, comes this warm and inviting peek into an Amish kitchen, complete with recipes, Amish proverbs, and a dash of Amish humor. Readers will laugh, pray, and eat robustly with The Amish Family Cookbook at their side.
Product Details:
List Price: $ 14.99
Spiral-bound: 272 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736943773
ISBN-13: 978-0736943772
AND NOW…A FEW RECIPES FOR YOU TO TRY (CLICK ON PICTURES TO SEE THEM LARGER):
MY REVIEW:
The Amish Family Cookbook is an attractive spiral-bound book with a bounty of delicious looking recipes. I was a bit surprised by the diversity of the recipes. Many were not what I would expect to find in an Amish cookbook. I have not had a chance to try any of the recipes yet but having much experience at cooking (over 45 years), I can pretty much tell by looking whether a recipe will be a good one. There are several in this cookbook that I’ll be sure to try out and several more that I’ll have to try to resist. I have also enjoyed the multitude of Amish quotations and jokes that are scattered liberally throughout the cookbook. I have already had several good chuckles while reading them. I especially like the one that says “A round wife and a full barn are the signs of good success.” My husband must be VERY successful! :) The only thing that might have made this cookbook any better would be the addition of photographs of some of the recipes. Otherwise it’s an excellent cookbook and one I am sure I will enjoy again and again.
by admin | Oct 20, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The second book in Maggie Brendan’s The Blue Willow Brides series, “Twice Promised” is a captivating and sometimes humorous romance set in a small mining town in Colorado. When Zach Gifford decides that his brother Jess needs a wife to help him in the family mercantile, he places an ad for a mail order bride – unknown (of course) to Jess. He takes it upon himself to send for not only one but two brides so that Jess can choose the one he wants. As can be imagined, his hastily made plan backfires on him. Then their granny makes a “helpful” suggestion that confuses things even more. Which of the mail order brides will Jess choose, Greta or Cora? What about Zach – will he get off the hook without repercussions? And what about the brides? Will one of them end up hurt? All these questions and more are answered in this fun to read novel.
Although few detailed historical facts are included, the reader does get a good general overview of a small mining town in Colorado especially a general mercantile where much of the action takes place. The well paced plot contains some action, several humorous scenes, and sweet romance as well as misunderstandings, twists, and surprises. The four primary characters are strongly defined for the most part but at times I felt that they did not live up to their personalities. Greta in particular was described as a strong, take-charge person but when it came to love, she had a tendency to wimp out. Her hesitation to force the truth caused some misunderstandings to stretch on way too long for my own patience. Despite that one minor personal irritation, “Twice Promised” was enjoyable and perfect for a relaxing evening.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two beautiful brides. One unsuspecting groom. Three weeks to figure it all out.
Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado, as a mail-order bride, expecting to marry Jess Gifford, the man she’s come to know through his tender letters. But when she meets Cora Johnson, she discovers she’s not the only bride waiting at the train station for Jess.
Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess’s affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station—and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for?
Filled with surprises, misunderstandings, and tender romance, Twice Promised is the story of how two unlikely women become twice blessed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maggie Brendan is the author of the Heart of the West series and Deeply Devoted, which was a 2012 ICRA Award finalist. A member of the Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, and Georgia Romance Writers, Maggie lives in Georgia. Visit her at www.MaggieBrendan.com.
Praise for Maggie Brendan’s Twice Promised– #2 in The Blue Willow Brides Series:
4 Stars
“Two mail-order brides, one groom and a few misunderstandings collide in the second blue Willow Brides book. Brendan’s characters are witty, charming and fun to be around, and she brings her trademark writing style to the Wild West.”–RT Reviews
“Twice Promised is another great love story by Maggie Brendan . . . with fast-paced plot twists as the characters find their way to true love.”–Mary Connealy, author of Over the Edge, In Too Deep, and Out of Control
“Memorable characters and solid storytelling abound in Maggie Brendan’s delightful tale. The two romances will double your reading pleasure, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing until the end. I loved it!”–Margaret Brownley, New York Times bestselling author of the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series
“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
by admin | Oct 19, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Against the Tide
Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
by
Elizabeth CamdenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Elizabeth:
I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.
I married relatively late in life, which turned out to be an odd kind of blessing. I had gotten very good at leading a solo life, and although I was not particularly content being alone, I had become reconciled to it. Most importantly, it taught me never to take my husband for granted. I give daily thanks for the blessing of being able to share a life with my favorite person on the planet.
As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Love and Lives are Threatened in Camden’s Latest Offering
As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she’s finally carved out a perfect life for herself–a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.
However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or “Bane,” a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.
Just as Bane’s charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia’s part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Against the Tide, go HERE.
