by admin | Jul 1, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
When I began reading Lulu’s Cafe I was uncertain if I had made a good choice in agreeing to review it but it did not take very long for me to realize that the book was not at all what I expected. It took me on a journey with its main character Leah that touched my heart with both compassion and hope.
Although Leah and Crowley were the primary characters, Lulu was the one who tied everything together. Owner of a small cafe, she gathered in the strays of life, the wounded and hurting, and ministered to them in her wise and loving way, helping to heal the scars left by others. Leah’s experiences were heart-wrenching. No one should have to experience the things she experienced. Crowley was a special man. I loved how protective he was over the people he cared about. It was refreshing to note how suspicious he was of Leah rather than falling in love with her at first sight. Their story developed at a slow but believable pace that seemed very natural. There were moments when I was afraid things would not end well for Leah but was quite pleased with how everything worked out.
I am thankful that I had the chance to read Lulu’s Cafe. It is a very well written novel with a story that is filled with hope and healing despite a difficult to read scene or two. I would highly recommend this book but might advise against it for younger readers due to those very scenes.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: LuLu’s Cafe
Author: T.I. Lowe
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release date: June 4, 2019 |
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When a damaged young woman is given a chance to reclaim her life in a small South Carolina town, she must reckon with the dark secrets she left behind in order to accept the love she deserves.
On the run from a violent past, Leah Allen arrived in tiny Rivertown, South Carolina, battered and broken, but ready to reinvent herself. By a stroke of fate, Leah is drawn to the Southern hospitality of a small café, looking for a warm meal but finding so much more. Lulu, the owner, offers her a job, a place to stay and a new lease on life. Through Lulu’s tenacious warmth and generosity, Leah quickly finds herself embraced by the quaint community as she tries to put herself back together. Given she’s accustomed to cruelty, the kindness is overwhelming.
Soon Leah meets Crowley Mason, the most eligible bachelor in town. A lawyer and friend of Lulu’s, Crowley is wary of Leah’s sudden, mysterious arrival. Despite his reserve, something sparks between them that can’t be denied. But after all she’s been through, can Leah allow herself to truly love and be loved, especially when her first urge is to run?
Exploring the resiliency of both the heart and the spirit, Lulu’s Café gorgeously illustrates how old scars can finally heal no matter how deep they seem.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
T. I. Lowe is a native of coastal South Carolina. She attended Coastal Carolina University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she majored in psychology but excelled in creative writing. Go figure. Writing was always a dream, and she finally took a leap of faith in 2014 and independently published her first novel, Lulu’s Café, which quickly became a bestseller. Now the author of ten published novels with hundreds of thousands of copies sold, she knows she’s just getting started and has many more stories to tell. A wife and mother who’s active in her church community, she resides near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with her family.
READ AN EXCERPT OF LULU’S CAFE:
The building was a two-story redbrick structure with expansive windows along the first floor’s front and sides. Each set of massive windows was shaded with sprawling royal-blue awnings, which were decorated with vibrantly painted sunflowers and whimsical white letters spelling out Lulu’s Café across the remaining space. It looked inviting from the outside. Peering into the window, Leah could see that the café was bustling with customers. Outside the café, the sidewalk was lined with wrought-iron tables and chairs. Every table was occupied with customers chatting as they sipped steaming mugs of coffee.
The sign for the store hours indicated that, Monday through Saturday, the café opened at six each morning and closed at two each afternoon, and it was closed on Sundays. Leah found the hours a bit odd. Most restaurants served dinner and were open on Sundays too, or so she thought. She reminded herself that she was in a new environment and that the customs from the West Coast probably wouldn’t apply here.
The café had its fall decorations on display as well. Large planter boxes overflowed with giant yellow and orange mums. One had a wooden sign sticking out from the middle declaring, Happy Fall, Y’all.
Leah was beginning to think the place was too happy and, more importantly, too busy for her liking, when she spotted a vacant four-person table right inside the door. She made her way in and slipped into the chair closest to the window. She deliberately faced away from the entrance, hoping not to draw much attention. Once she was situated, she noticed that the back of the café was made up of a large butcher-block counter that housed a bakery case full of treats on the right. The remainder of the counter was lined with half a dozen stools, with customers perched on each one. Leah noted approvingly that the tables and chairs were a variety of mismatched shapes and sizes stained in the same mahogany tint. She liked the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
Leah watched a petite lady behind the counter serving up coffee and laughs. Her stomach began to rumble at the fragrant smells whirling around her, so she turned her attention to the menu resting on the table. Turkey sausage, turkey bacon, egg-white omelets, whole grain breads and cereal, fresh fruit . . .
Leah blinked at the odd menu. She gazed around at the customers enjoying their healthy meals. Her heart had been set on a stack of pancakes and greasy bacon. She studied the bakery case but found no donuts hiding.
“Humph.” She went back to studying the menu.
“I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I?” A Southern drawl interrupted Leah’s thoughts.
Leah looked up to find the petite lady with a perfectly coiffed silver bob smiling at her. She was so short that she was nearly eye level with a seated Leah. Her clear gray eyes seemed to bubble with hospitality. Leah instantly liked the woman and gave her a slight smile, being careful not to stretch her bottom lip.
“Well, you gonna keep giving me that sweet smile or are you gonna order something?” the lady asked in a teasing voice.
Leah pointed at the bright-orange cursive L embroidered thickly on one of the lady’s apron pockets. “Please tell me you’re Lulu.”
“Of course I’m Lulu. Why do you ask?” Lulu smoothed her ruffled apron, which swam in a variety of rich blue swirls.
“You match the happiness of the place perfectly,” Leah said.
“Well, that’s the nicest thing someone has said to me today. What can I get you?”
“Coffee and whatever you recommend.”
Lulu gave her a wink and strolled back to the kitchen.
BLOG STOPS:
| Back Porch Reads, June 29
Godly Book Reviews, June 30
Daysong Reflections, July 1
Inklings and notions, July 1
Retrospective Spines, July 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 2
Quiet Quilter, July 3
For Him and My Family, July 4
Maureen’s Musings, July 5
Through the Fire Blogs, July 5
The Becca Files, July 6 |
Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 7
janicesbookreviews, July 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 8
Remembrancy, July 9
Reader’s Cozy Corner, July 10
A Reader’s Brain, July 10
Pause for Tales, July 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 11
Living Life Free in christ, July 12
Texas Book-aholic, July 12 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, T.I. Lowe is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of LuLu’s Cafe!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/e4f3/lulu-s-cafe-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jun 26, 2019 | Books, Historical, Mississippi, Natchez, Pirates, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Crossing at Cypress Creek is the exciting conclusion to Pam Hillman’s Natchez Trace series. Another of the O’Sheas enters the scene and Caleb is just as endearing as his brothers, a bit of an Irish scamp with a history he regrets yet totally loyal and protective of those weaker than himself. Alanah Adams was a strong, independent woman, accustomed to taking care of herself. Her knowledge of herbal medicine and healing were not only helpful in the wilderness but a much needed source of income for her family. Several secondary characters who added extra depth to the story included Lydia, Tiberius, Caleb’s giant of a companion, Alanah’s sister Betsy, their Uncle Jude, and the ruthless pirates who plagued the area. Of course we can’t forget the O’Shea brothers and their wives who had their own stories in the first two books of the series.
Alanah was a multifaceted woman who was at home in the wilderness but could easily fit in with society. Feisty and brave, she was well matched to former mercenary Caleb who had a tendency to wander but would fight to the death for those he cared about. I was not a fan of Uncle Jude, a preacher whose attitude towards his nieces disturbed me. Thankfully, changes took place before the story ended which helped to redeem my opinion of him.
There are so many good things I could say about The Crossing at Cypress Creek but I feel totally inadequate to express them as eloquently as I would like. I love all of Pam Hillman’s books and this one may be my favorite yet. If you enjoy your history peppered with plenty of action, danger, and adventure, authentic characters, a sometimes complicated romance, a touch of humor, and an uncompromised message of faith, the The Crossing at Cypress Creek (as well as the rest of the series) should be quickly added to your TBR list.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.
Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.
Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.
Read an excerpt HERE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of.
Connect with Pam online at her website (pamhillman.com) or on either of these social media platforms:
Facebook.com/PamHillmanAuthor
Twitter.com/PamHillman
by admin | Jun 25, 2019 | Books, Canada, England, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I have had the opportunity to read and review several books over the past few years that featured unfortunate children who were poor and/or orphaned and became victims of unscrupulous organizations who exploited them in the name of charity. I was familiar with the Orphan Trains as well as the infamous Georgia Tann and her Tennessee Children’s Home. I was not aware of the thousands of British children who in a similar manner were shipped to Canada and a new life there.
Carrie Turansky’s No Ocean Too Wide features a family who became caught up in the system from which there seemed to be no escape. When Laura’s mother became gravely ill and hospitalized, her younger siblings were taken to an orphan’s home, then quickly sent to Canada despite Laura’s desperate attempts to bring them home.
No Ocean Too Wide is the riveting tale of one young woman’s brave journey to find and bring home the sisters and brother she loves even when all seemed hopeless. Helped by a young lawyer who was sent to research the orphan homes, they discover just how unethical the system has become. I was heartbroken at the treatment of the McAlister family and angry that something like this could be allowed to happen over and over again. The author brought the story to life with each page and I found myself holding my breath at crucial points, hoping for a positive resolution.
Vivid imagery and strong characterization along with an unexpected twist or two made this book difficult to put down. A compelling Christian thread was woven deftly throughout which offered encouragement and hope to a dark, hopeless narrative. A bit of romance also added a bit of hope and light. A very well-researched novel, No Ocean Too Wide is a must read for those who love historical fiction. This book will definitely be added to my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans–but was that the truth?
After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans’ home before Laura is notified about her family’s unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.
Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?
Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky writes historical and contemporary novels and novellas set in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: “Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn’t put it down!” . . . “Touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written” . . . “My new favorite author!” Visit her website and sign up for her email newsletter at Carrie Turansky.com. Follow Carrie on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
by admin | Jun 24, 2019 | Books, Historical, Memphis, Romantic Suspense, True Crime
MY REVIEW:
I grew up just outside of Memphis shortly after Boss Crump and Georgia Tann’s reign. I remember hearing my parents and grandparents talking about Georgia Tann and even speculation about an adopted uncle who may have come from the Tennessee Children’s Home. We never found out for certain and everyone who may have known are long gone. After reading The Pink Bonnet as well as Lisa Wingate’s novel about Tann, I am thankful that her infamous days of power were over by the time my sisters and I were born.
The Pink Bonnet is a page-turner that I did not want to put down until I reached its end. Although I probably had a bit more interest in it than some due to knowing the city intimately, the story was both poignant and encouraging. I particularly liked how determined Cecile was to get her daughter back, even to the point of placing her own life in danger. Percy was even more inspiration as he put his own life and job on the line when he realized just how corrupt his employer was. It was heart-breaking to learn how these children were taken from their parents and literally sold to anyone who could pay the price with no concern at all how they would be treated. Although a happy ending was doubtful for Cecile, I was pleased with how her story ended.
Those were truly dark days for Memphis but I couldn’t help but think about all the missing children and child trafficking in our current society and wonder if there are powerful individuals controlling that industry today.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: The Pink Bonnet
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Christian Historical, Suspense
Release date: June, 2019 |
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A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.
How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.
MORE FROM LIZ:
A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series.
In book two, The Pink Bonnet, Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.
How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child? Find out in The Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma.
The True Crime Behind the Story
Georgia Tann was a woman who ran an adoption agency in Memphis, Tennessee, from 1924 until 1950. It is estimated that, in that time, she kidnapped over five thousand children and sold them to the highest bidder. She even advertised the children in the newspaper, especially around the holidays. Some of the nation’s biggest celebrities adopted through Miss Tann, including Joan Crawford, Dick Powell, and June Allyson. Learn more about Georgia Tann HERE and visit www.TrueColorsCrime.com for more exclusive content.
BLOG STOPS:
| Just the Write Escape, June 20
The Becca Files, June 20
Livin’ Lit, June 20
The Power of Words, June 21
Christian Bookaholic, June 21
Godly Book Reviews, June 21
Spoken from the Heart, June 22
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 22
For HIm and my Family, June 22
Blossoms and Blessings, June 23
Inspired by fiction, June 23
Mary Hake, June 23
Connie’s History Classroom, June 24
Moments, June 24
Simple Harvest Reads, June 24
Daysong Reflections, June 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 25
For the Love of Literature, June 25
Remembrancy, June 26
As He Leads is Joy, June 26
Emily Yager, June 26
Genesis 5020, June 27 |
Reader’s Cozy Corner, June 27
Carla Loves to Read, June 27
Inklings and notions, June 28
Changed by Him, June 28
Bigreadersite, June 28
Through the Fire Blogs, June 28
Inspiration Clothesline, June 29
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29
Pause for Tales, June 29
Hallie Reads, June 30
Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 30
For the Love of Books, June 30
Southern Gal Loves to Read, July 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 1
Texas Book-aholic, July 1
janicesbookreviews, July 2
Older & Smarter?, July 2
By The Book, July 2
A Reader’s Brain, July 3
amandainpa, July 3
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 3 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away a grand prize that includes a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Pink Bonnet!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/e331/the-pink-bonnet-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jun 24, 2019 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Beth White has become another author on my “Must Read” list. I particularly enjoy her skill at merging history with a darn good story. It also helps that her books have a Southern setting.
In the second book of White’s Daughtry House series, sister Joelle Daughtry is the featured heroine. When she’s not helping her sisters convert their family plantation home into a resort hotel, Joelle spends her time teaching former slaves and writing articles for the local newspaper, hoping to gain support for a school for former slaves. Although no one knows Joelle is writing the articles because they are written under an assumed male name, the articles stir up those in the community whose sympathies lie with the KKK. Caught in a weak moment, Joelle agrees to marry the local pastor who has been courting her although her heart is not in it, probably because she feels drawn to her childhood antagonist Schuyler Beaumont.
A Reluctant Belle is a true page-turner with its love triangle, an assassination, unexpected revelations, and plenty of action and danger. Joelle and Schuyler were almost bigger than life and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop through its ups and downs. The story was a revealing look at the turbulent history of Mississippi during the years following the Civil War. As a born and raised Southerner, I am proud of my home but regret the ugly history from its past.
I highly recommend A Reluctant Belle as well as all other books by this author to readers who enjoy Historical fiction, especially that with a Southern setting.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Joelle Daughtry has a secret.
By day, the impoverished Southern belle has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of constructing a school for former slaves. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.
Loyalties shift when Schuyler Beaumont, childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry House renovation, takes over his assassinated father’s candidacy for state office. Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect–and even love–if you’re already engaged to someone else?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth White‘s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she writes historical romance with a Southern drawl and is the author of The Pelican Bride, The Creole Princess, The Magnolia Duchess, and A Rebel Heart. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.
by admin | Jun 22, 2019 | Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
As one who came to age during the turbulent late 60s, I found it easy to relate to the Jacobson family in All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner. I was one of three daughters so we did not have to experience having a brother drafted to Vietnam but I did receive letters from a friend who served in Laos. Some of his stories were heart-breaking.
Often poignant, this book centers around Annie Jacobson and her experiences during that time. With a father who had abandoned the family when he returned from the Korean War and couldn’t cope with his experiences and a brother who had enlisted in 1967, Annie struggled with her own emotions.
I particularly loved Annie’s brother Mike and how his letters to Annie and her family managed to lift their spirits and encourage them through such a difficult time. His wisdom was rare for a man so young and I ached with his family at the loss I was sure they would experience.
At times, All Manner of Things was difficult to read but it contained a strong message of hope in the midst of tragedy and was a wonderful story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and dependence on the Lord.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“Some books are meant to be read. All Manner of Things is meant to be lived in.”—Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Between Two Shores
After Annie Jacobson’s brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he mails her the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know.
In Mike’s absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. Letter by letter, the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family will grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susie Finkbeiner is the CBA bestselling author of A Cup of Dust, A Trail of Crumbs, and A Song of Home. She serves on the Breathe Christian Writers Conference planning committee, volunteers her time at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and speaks at retreats and women’s events across the state. Susie and her husband have three children and live in West Michigan.
