Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has up to sixty books published.
Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.
As a most sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply … if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.
Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Winston. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Addy Lockwood’s mother died when she was little, so Addy traveled with her father’s Wild West Show and became an amazingly skillful trick rider, likened by some to the famous Annie Oakley. When her father died, she continued to work with the show, having nowhere else to go.
Now Addy has discovered that “Uncle” Jason, the show’s manager, has driven the show into debt, and he’s absconded with what little money was left. Devastated, Addy decides to try to find the hidden valley where here father had dreamed of putting down roots. She has only one clue. She needs to find three huge stones that look like fingers raised in a giant hand. With Chief, a Sioux Indian who’s been with the show for twenty years, and Micah, the head wrangler, she leaves both the show and a bundle of heartache behind and begins a wild and daring adventure.
Learn more about Lauraine and her books on her Website. MY REVIEW:
Not enough time to write a lengthy review but just let me say “No fair!” I totally enjoyed every minute of the adventures of Addy and friends as they searched for her father’s hidden valley. I also enjoyed the parallel story about Ransom Engstrom and his family. That is until I reached the end and I was left hanging. Now I have to wait for the next book of this series to find out what happens next. That is what is not fair!
So if you have believe that I liked Valley of Dreams enough to want to read the rest of the series, you are correct. Most of the characters were fairly unique and I would like to learn more about each of them. The story background was fascinating and held my interest. In fact, the only thing I didn’t like about the story was that it ended before I was ready.
One piece of advice – if you are very impatient, you might want to wait until the series is complete to begin this book. Otherwise, I highly recommend it.
A Lasting Impression was of particular interest to me because of its Nashville setting. Although I have not actually toured the Belmont mansion, I have spent some time in the general neighborhood. As a lifelong Tennessean, I also enjoy reading novels set in Tennessee. After reading this novel, I will have to make the Belmont tour a must on my next trip to Nashville.
Claire Laurent hated that her father forced her to forge paintings yet constantly disparaged her own talent. When circumstances forced her to flee New Orleans, she learned of her father’s death upon her arrival in Nashville. With nowhere to turn, she sought overnight shelter in a church where her life was changed forever. Hired as a liaison to Adelicia Acklen, owner of the Belmont estate, Claire was finally able to turn away from her past and work toward a respectable future. But how long could Claire keep her secrets hidden from Adelicia and Sutton Monroe, the man Claire was rapidly falling for?
A Lasting Impression is a richly embroidered story that transports the reader to post civil war Nashville. The plot is perfectly paced and the characters almost step off the pages. Although much of the story takes place within the Belmont Mansion and describes life among the privileged set, Alexander also includes accounts of devastation and loss in the aftermath of the war. This is a story of second changes, renewed trust, and restoration. I cannot say enough positive things about A Lasting Impression. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is one book you need to add to your collection.
Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered, the critically acclaimed Fountain Creek Chronicles historical series with Bethany House Publishers. Her second historical series, Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart) continue her signature style of deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose which has earned her devoted readers—and multiple industry awards.
These awards include the 2009 and 2008 Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the 2010 and 2007 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2010 and 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2010 HOLT Medallion, the 2007 Bookseller’s Best Award, the 2007 National Reader’s Choice Award, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction for 2006, among others.
Tamera’s newest novel A Lasting Impression is the first of a brand new three-book Southern historical series, and the first two chapters are available for review. She’s at work on her ninth novel which will release in fall 2012.
After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with Tamera’s father, Doug, and with their two adult children who live near by. And don’t forget Jack, their precious–and precocious–silky terrier.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
To create something that will last is Claire Laurent’s most fervent desire as an artist. It’s also her greatest weakness. When her fraud of a father deals her an unexpected hand, Claire is forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville, only a year after the War Between the States has ended. Claire’s path collides with that of Sutton Monroe, and she considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But when they meet again and he refuses to come to her aid, she realizes she’s sorely misjudged the man. Trading an unwanted destiny for an unknown future, Claire finds herself in the middle of Nashville’s elite society and believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art may finally be within reach.
All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He’s determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined.
Set at Nashville’s historical Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s, A Lasting Impression showcases the deep, poignant, unforgettable characters that set Tamera’s stories apart and provides an inspiring love story that will capture readers’ hearts and leave them eager for more.
Okay, I admit it, despite frequent ridicule, I actually enjoy Hallmark movies. In my opinion, Christmas Lodge falls into the same category of cozy, feel-good movies that are appropriate for the entire family or for those who just do not care for many of the current TV and movie offerings.
Christmas Lodge is a story of faith, hope, love of family, and following the path the Lord has for you. A sweet romance takes center stage but the interaction between Mary and her family, particularly her grandfather, were quite heart-warming. As a voracious reader, I wished for a bit more communication between Mary and Jack but I realize that the limited time of the medium precludes that option. Movies just require a bit more of my imagination even if I can actually see the action as it takes place.
I enjoyed Christmas Lodge and its positive message, however the breathtaking scenery and the architecture of the lodge and the Arts and Crafts home of Mary’s parents really captured my attention. More than once I found myself wishing for a home like either of them. It was like watching a Thomas Kinkade painting come to life.
I would absolutely recommend Christmas Lodge for a relaxing family movie night to help get in the holiday spirit as Christmas approaches.
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
SYNOPSIS:
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.
Preview The Christmas Lodge at the Internet Movie Database:
I have one copy of the Christmas Lodge dvd to give away to a reader of this blog. If you would like to enter to win a copy, please leave a comment on this post with a short description of a memorable Christmas you have experienced.
Contest ends Saturday, November 5, 2011. No entries yet so I have extended the entry deadline to Saturday, November 12. Please include a way I can reach you if you win.
When Audrey Bofinger’s car crashes into another vehicle in dense fog, everyone is mystified when a large amount of blood but no victim is found. After several days with no real leads, the missing woman’s husband takes matters into his own hands and takes hostages in the Botringers’ bakery, including Audrey’s husband and son. With the aid of only a recently released prisoner and a teen girl, Audrey must race against time in order to find the woman and rescue her family.
“The Baker’s Wife” is a suspense filled story that held my interest throughout its pages. As the author introduced several of the characters, I was unsure how they fit into the plot but as the tale progressed, each one of them had an integral role that wove everything together completely. This gripping narrative contrasts two different types of Christians – those who are led by the Spirit in love and those who are only comfortable with legalistic rules and want everyone else to abide by their standards.
With well-defined characters, a perfectly paced plot, tension, and action, “The Baker’s Wife” is a story of compassion, forgiveness, bravery, and restoration. I enjoyed reading about Audrey’s allowing the Spirit to lead her to where she was to minister by following the nudges of her spiritual gift of the “word of knowledge”. It is not often that I find such practical use of spiritual gifts in Christian fiction and I applaud the author’s courage to spotlight such a controversial subject.
I enjoyed “The Baker’s Wife” and will keep watch for future novels by Erin Healy.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
To save her husband and son, Audrey Bofinger must rescue her enemy.
The Bofinger family has lost their church ministry in a scandal exposed by Officer Jack Mansfield. Hoping to heal and to restore their reputation, Audrey, Geoff, and their son Ed take over a failing bakery in the small community.
Driving to the bakery one morning, blinded by fog, Audrey hits a motor scooter owned by Jack’s wife, Julie. The mangled scooter is crushed and bloody. But Julie is nowhere to be found. Her disappearance coincides with a sudden illness that nearly cripples Audrey.
Jack believes the Bofingers have hurt Julie to take revenge on him, but the evidence dries up and her trail goes cold. At a breaking point, Jack takes the tiny bakery and its patrons hostage, issuing only one demand: Audrey has six hours to return Julie to him, or lose Geoff and Ed forever.
With only an excruciating and intuitive gift, an ex-con, and Julie’s estranged daughter to help search for clues, Audrey starts the search of her life for a woman who has vanished like the fog.
See what other bloggers are saying about The Baker’s Wife HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Well-known to critics and reviewers, Erin Healy has established herself as an award-winning editor and a best-selling co-author with Ted Dekker. Healy received wide acclaim for her two debut novels Never Let You Go and The Promises She Keeps. Her work focuses on the psychological and spiritual, driven by high moral stakes. She lives and writes in Colorado with her family.
For more information please visit www.erinhealy.com.
Buy a copy of The Baker’s Wife HERE.
THE BAKER’S WIFE GIVEAWAY:
Let the flour fly! Beginning October 24th, Erin’s celebrating the release of her latest page turner, The Baker’s Wife, with an outstanding KitchenAid baking prize package giveaway that includes a brand new KitchenAid Mixer, cook books, and all you need to whip up some fabulous bread or sweets! Then and on November 10th she’ll be wrapping up the release of The Baker’s Wife with an Author Book Chat Party on Facebook! Don’t miss a minute of the fun!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Empire Red 4.5 QT Ultra Power KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Black & White Kitschy Apron
Black Silicone Oven Mitt
Black OXO Rolling Pin
Wilton 9X5 loaf pan
At My Grandmother’s Knee Cookbook by Faye Porter
Second Helpings with Johnnie Gabriel Cookbook
The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced at The Baker’s Wife Author Book Chat Facebok Party. Erin will be wrapping up the The Baker’s Wife celebration with a book club chat and giving away a bunch of “sweet treats”! So grab your copy of The Baker’s Wife (it’s okay if you don’t have one yet- you might win one!) and join Erin on the evening of November 10th for a book chat, some “baking” trivia and lots of “sweet” giveaways (books, and Amazon, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates)!
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends. Hope to see you on the 10th!
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