by admin | Aug 27, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Wildflowers From Winter” was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. Its powerful story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. It is a story that is difficult to read at times because the characters are so real that it is too easy to sympathize with their tragedies and grief as if they were actually a part of your life.
Bethany has nearly achieved the goals she only dreamed of as a teen when suddenly the rug is pulled out from under her feet. About the same time, Bethany receives tragic news regarding her former best friend. Although she has vowed to never return to her home town, Bethany decides she owes it to her friend to pay her respects then leave quickly. Once there she is compelled to stay despite her reservations. Then another death adds to the burdens already on her heart.
Bethany is a complex character who at first seems cynical and cold. Flashbacks gradually reveal the pain in her past and reasons for her resistance to God and close relationships. Her encounters with Evan Price are at first prickly but evolve into a trusting friendship. Bethany’s journey from a lonely young woman who is angry at God to one who is finally open to love from both Evan and God is a sometimes heart rending tale that is also filled with hope.
I find it incredible to believe that this is Katie Ganshert’s first novel. If “Wildflowers From Winter” is an example, I can’t wait for her next novel.
This book was provided for review by
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Like the winter, grief has a season. Life returns with the spring.
A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built the life she dreamed of during her teen years in a trailer park. An unexpected interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa.
Determined to pay her respects to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.
Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.
For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace that she’s not even sure exists?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching romantic movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels and coffee. She could talk books all day and is often spotted around town pushing a stroller, walking a dog, and reading—all at the same time. Visit her website: KatieGanshert.com.
Katie and her husband discuss Wildflowers From Winter:
by admin | Aug 27, 2012 | Amish, Books, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLiving in HarmonyHarvest House Publishers (August 1, 2012)byMary EllisABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Ellis is the author of many books, including A Widow’s Hope, Sarah’s Christmas Miracle, and A Marriage for Meghan. She and her husband live in central Ohio, where they try to live a simpler style of life.
She was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards for A Widow’s Hope in 2010, and the 3inner of the Award of Merit in the Holt Medallion Awards for A Widow’s Hope in 2010.
Learn more about Mary and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Living in Harmony is the first book in bestselling author Mary Ellis’s New Beginnings series. It’s about fresh starts and love…and how faith in God and His perfect plan for our lives provides us with the peace and joy we desire.
Amy King–young, engaged, and Amish–faces difficult challenges in her life when she suddenly loses both of her parents in a house fire. Her fiancé, John Detweiler, persuades her and her sister Nora to leave Lancaster County and make a new beginning with him in Harmony, Maine, where he has relatives who can help the women in their time of need.
John’s brother Thomas and sister-in-law Sally readily open their home to the three newcomers. Wise beyond his years, Thomas, a minister in the district, refuses to marry Amy and John upon their arrival, suggesting instead a period of adjustment and counseling.
During this time Amy discovers an aunt who was shunned. She wishes to reconnect with her, but this puts a strain on her relationship with John.
Can John and Amy find a way to live in happily in Harmony before making a lifetime commitment to one another?
Watch the book trailer for Living in Harmony:
If you would like to read the first chapter of Living in Harmony, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Living in Harmony is one of those Amish novels that leaves me frustrated. On the one hand, it is very well written and enjoyable. I am sure that the narrative gives a realistic look into the lives of some Old Order Amish communities and is informative in that way.
On the other hand, I found that my sympathies were more with Elam and Nora who were portrayed as rebellious. I do agree that Elam’s behavior was less than appropriate most of the time and Nora’s actions were not always rational. However, although I have always tended to be a mostly compliant person, I am afraid that my rebellious nature would rise up quickly if subjected to the kind of legalism practiced in Harmony. I did not care for John very much at all and was secretly rooting for Amy to break her engagement and leave Harmony.
All that being said, there were still some lessons to be learned through Living in Harmony and John’s brother Thomas and Amy’s Aunt were usually the source. Regardless of how I felt about the Harmony lifestyle, the King sisters and the Detweiler family had a profoundly positive overall effect on each other and their community.
Living in Harmony was not exactly my cup of tea but true fans of Amish fiction should love it.
by admin | Aug 27, 2012 | Amish, Books
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed all the Stoney Ridge Season books thus far, especially “The Keeper”. “The Haven” features Sadie Lapp and takes place several months following the end of “The Keeper”. Although not the first book in the series, “The Haven” can stand quite well on its own as far as the story goes. Your reading pleasure would however be greatly enhanced by reading the series in order.
Sadie’s surprise return home turned out to be a bit more of a surprise than she had planned. Her innocent surprise and her family’s decision to keep it caused Sadie all kinds of problems, especially to her reputation as the tongues of Stoney Ridge began to wag. Even Gideon, the young man she expected to possibly marry questioned her innocence. The only person outside her family who didn’t treat her with disdain was the Englisher who was staying on the Lapp farm to watch over the pair of Peregrine falcons nesting there. As the friendship between Sadie and Will grew, so did Gideon’s jealousy. It is anyone’s guess how this romantic triangle will be resolved.
It was great to return to Stoney Ridge and renew my acquaintance with some of its residents. As always, each of the characters was well developed and could easily be someone you would like to know. Filled with a few surprises, plenty of chuckles, and a little romance, “The Haven” is a fun read. Fisher has woven more than one lesson into this wonderful novel with a primary one about judging others without having all the facts. A story of faith and reconciliation, the novel was satisfactory in every way.
If you enjoy Amish fiction (and even if you don’t) I would highly recommend anything by Suzanne Woods Fisher. If you haven’t read any of her novels yet, “The Haven” and the previous installments of the Stoney Ridge Season series would be a good place to begin.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one.
Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie.
College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.
The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.
Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.
Read an excerpt HERE!
Read what other bloggers are saying about “The Haven” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher’s interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles–simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily– into your life.
When Suzanne isn’t writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.
To Suzanne’s way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth. Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.
by admin | Aug 25, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
“Dying to Read” is a clever and whimsical cozy mystery featuring Cate Kincaid. Cate is a pretty smart girl but is baffled by the fact that she can’t seem to hold on to a job. Could it be that disaster seems to follow just a step or two behind her? Out of compassion, her uncle Joe, a private investigator, has hired Cate to be his assistant. Her first simple assignment is to locate a young woman for an out-of-town relative. Cate arrives at Willow’s last know address to find Willow missing and her employer dead. Although the police have ruled the death an accident, Cate believes otherwise.
With its zany cast of characters, several laugh-out-loud scenes, a good mystery with several possible suspects, and a little romance thrown in for good measure, “Dying to Read” is just the right book to lift your spirits. Cate is a great heroine – down to earth, a bit quirky and klutzy, but just stubborn and bold enough to follow her instincts. Even though there was a real possibility that Mitch could be the guilty party, I liked him well enough to hope that it wasn’t him. I truly enjoyed “Dying to Read” and look forward to future installments featuring Cate Kincaid. So glad I had a chance to read this book.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lorena McCourtney has spun a fast-paced and witty romantic mystery in her new book, Dying to Read. From the very first chapter, she grabs your attention and keeps you hooked until the very end.
Cate Kinkaid is just dipping her toe into the world of private investigating until one of the many résumés she has floating around lands her a real job. All she has to do is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? When the big and brooding house happens to contain a dead body, this routine PI job turns out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?
Endorsements for Dying to Read & Lorena McCourtney
“With each new mystery series Lorena McCourtney skillfully creates a unique sleuth—and Cate Kinkaid is no exception in Dying to Read. I loved all the witty prose and the laugh-out-loud moments I’ve come to expect when reading McCourtney’s mysteries. Seasoned with romance and a fascinating collection of peculiar characters, this clever tale will keep you guessing about more than murder. Never a dull moment, Dying to Read is a winner!”
—Elizabeth Goddard, author of Carol Award–winning The Camera Never Lies
“Lorena McCourtney has fashioned a fun and engaging mystery that begs to be solved. And just when I thought I had figured it out, I realized she had added another layer. Mystery lovers, kick off your shoes, curl up somewhere comfortable, and prepare to be entertained! Dying to Read will keep you fully engrossed and guessing.”
—Kathy Herman, author of The Baxter series, Seaport Suspense series, and Secrets of Roux River Bayou series
“I adore Lorena McCourtney books. She’s one of my favorite authors. Dying to Read adds a delightful new tale to her stack of engrossing and entertaining mysteries seasoned with her signature wry humor. The fun and intriguing plot is populated by interesting characters with fascinating quirks, foibles, and challenges. McCourtney keeps the pages turning with fresh developments in a case that lures rookie PI Cate Kinkaid ever deeper into skin-tingling danger. I can hardly wait for the next book in this exciting new series!”
—Jill Elizabeth Nelson, award-winning author of Reluctant Burglar
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won the Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), In Plain Sight, On the Run, and Stranded. She resides in Oregon.
by admin | Aug 22, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Supernatural
MY REVIEW:
From the very beginning of “House of Mercy” it is evident that Beth is driven to help others whether they are human or animals. Unfortunately her heart sometimes overrules her common sense when it comes to making the right decisions and one wrong decision sent her life and the life of her family spiraling out of control with a very real possibility that they could lose everything because of her. Beth’s determination to redeem the situation herself sends her on a journey that has remarkable consequences.
“House of Mercy” consists of two parallel yet related stories with yet another historical legend that is also interconnected. Healy’s characters are robust with natural human emotions and responses to their situations. I often found myself telling Beth “Don’t do it” then wondering why she didn’t listen. The plot moved along at a fairly good pace although there were times I wanted to hurry it up as well as times I wanted to slow it down. That was not a problem with the writing but more my own impatience to find out what was going to happen next or dreading what I thought might be coming. The story is well rounded with plenty of drama, mystery, suspense, a little romance, and a touch of humor. The supernatural elements of the story were well handled and added a unique atmosphere to my reading experience. The major themes of forgiveness and reconciliation as well as a lesson about learning to trust God to guide and use you rather than depending upon yourself were well presented.
I thoroughly enjoyed “House of Mercy” and will probably think about it for awhile. This is a book that begs for a sequel. I for one would love to read more about Jacob and Beth and it would be fun to find out what happens in the lives of Nova and Trey and Beth’s brothers Levi and Danny. Then there is the unresolved mystery of the saddle. I would be first in line for a follow-up to “House of Mercy”.
This book was provided for review by B & B Media Group,Inc..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What Happens When a Natural Healer Can’t Heal Herself?
Follow Beth through death’s mysterious valley up to God’s mountaintop of mercy
Beth has a gift of healing, which is why she wants to become a veterinarian and help her family run their fifth-generation cattle ranch. But it only takes one foolish decision for Beth to destroy it all. She quickly scrambles to redeem her devastating mistake, pleading with God for help, even as a disturbing mystery begins to unravel her life. But the repercussions grow even more unbearable—a lawsuit, a death, a divided family and the looming loss of everything she treasures. Can Beth ever truly be whole again?
Best-selling Christian fiction author Erin Healy takes us on a fascinating journey into the stunningly rugged terrain of Southern Colorado in her latest thriller, House of Mercy (Thomas Nelson, August 2012). Confused, grieving, but determined to make amends, she embarks on a horseback journey across the harsh Rocky Mountains guided by a wild, unpredictable wolf named Mercy that may or may not be real.
“Healy has proven she has what it takes to write a fast-paced supernatural thriller guaranteed to keep you hooked right until the last page and beyond,” according to TitleTrakk.com. And New York Times top fiction author Ted Dekker says Beth’s writing is “Heart-pounding suspense and unrelenting hope that will steal your breath.”
Erin is known for creating distinctive settings that go hand in hand with the themes of her books, and House of Mercy is certainly no exception as her volatile emotional struggles match the challenging physical settings as she traipses across the rugged Rockies. At the same time, she wrestles spiritually with the notion of modern-day miracles.
Garnering accolades from numerous sources, including being named Book of the Year finalist, Healy consistently turns out highly readable, captivating and informative novels that are awaited eagerly by her huge following of readers. Her previous best-sellers include Never Let You Go, The Promises She Keeps and The Baker’s Wife. She also co-authored with Ted Dekker best-sellers Kiss and Burn, and with House of Mercy, her readers will be thrilled once again.
The story’s realism comes from Healy’s personal encounter with Colorado wolves, the Rocky Mountains and research done with Colorado ranchers. The reader will experience a “you-are-there” feeling as Beth’s adventure takes them through the craggy gorges, across tumbling rivers and finally to the mountaintop of mercy. It’s an adventure you don’t want to miss.
Download sample chapters HERE.
Erin shares about House of Mercy:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erin Healy is an award-winning fiction editor who has worked with talented novelists such as James Scott Bell, Melody Carlson, Colleen Coble, Brandilyn Collins, Traci DePree, L. B. Graham, Rene Gutteridge, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Robin Lee Hatcher, Denise Hildreth, Denise Hunter, Randy Ingermanson, Jane Kirkpatrick, Bryan Litfin, Frank Peretti,Lisa Samson, Randy Singer, Robert Whitlow, and many others.
She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding stories before their collaboration on Kiss, the first novel to seat her on “the other side of the desk.”
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Academy of Christian Editors. She lives with her family in Colorado.
For a downloadable extended bio, please visit Erin’s Press Room.
by admin | Aug 20, 2012 | Amish, Civil War, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Face of HeavenHarvest House Publishers (August 1, 2012)byMurray PuraABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Murray Pura was born and raised in Manitoba, just north of Minnesota and the Dakotas. He has published several novels and short story collections in Canada, and has been short-listed for a number of awards. His first books to be published in the United States are the inspirational works Rooted and Streams (both by Zondervan in 2010). His first novel to debut in the USA is A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana (Barbour), which was released January 2012. The second, The Wings of Morning, will be published by Harvest House on February 1. Both of these novels center around the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Learn more about Murray and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In April 1861, Lyndel Keim discovers two runaway slaves in her family’s barn. When the men are captured and returned to their plantation, Lyndel and her young Amish beau, Nathaniel King, find themselves at odds with their pacifist Amish colony
Nathaniel enlists in what will become the famous Iron Brigade of the Union Army. Lyndel enters the fray as a Brigade nurse on the battlefield, sticking close to Nathaniel as they both witness the horrors of war–including the battles at Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, and Antietam. Despite the pair’s heroic sacrifices, the Amish only see that Lyndel and Nathaniel have become part of the war effort, and both are banished.
And a severe battle wound at Gettysburg threatens Nathaniel’s life. Lyndel must call upon her faith in God to endure the savage conflict and to face its painful aftermath, not knowing if Nathaniel is alive or dead. Will the momentous battle change her life forever, just as it will change the course of the war and the history of her country?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Face of Heaven, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
To be totally truthful, I am still reading The Face of Heaven. There are frequent moments when I want to put it down and not pick it back up because I would really rather bury my head and not face the grim and painful realities of the war that tore our nation apart. However, the author has made me care about his characters and I must continue reading to find out how their story ends.
I have read many Amish novels but The Face of Heaven is so totally different than any I have run across. The primary characters are a young Amish man and woman who have just decided to court when a shared experience compels them to defy the Amish pacifist stance and do whatever they can so that all Americans can be free. They both find themselves totally unprepared for the horrors of war and the toll it will take on them but their faith and convictions give them the strength to persevere.
A fictional account that was obviously well researched for historical accuracy, The Face of Heaven is a fascinating story that goes far beyond the facts into the very human experiences and emotions of Nathaniel and Lyndel. I believe that most history buffs will find this novel to be worth their while.
