by admin | Mar 1, 2011 | Amish, Books, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The Amish families of both Emily Detweiler and David Stoltzfus have recently relocated in a small Colorado community. The first meeting between David and Emily is a disaster but as they get to know each other, a close friendship develops. David discerns that something terrible has happened to Emily to make her so fearful and his protective instincts become fully engaged. Under his calm and caring presence, Emily finds herself able to relax again and begins to rebuild her trust in others.
David and Emily each harbor secrets that have convinced them that neither one of them can ever marry. When they find themselves with stronger feelings that friendship, they must come to grips with their secrets and turn their trust to God alone. When at their lowest points, several of the characters heard a still, small voice tell them “Seek Me With All Your Heart.” This would be an excellent example for each of us to follow.
Seek Me With All Your Heart is a warm, comfortable story that is filled with hope, faith, and love. Strong illustrations of love and compassion between family members and for others in their lives is the backbone of this narrative. Several other strong characters add to the enjoyment. A precocious young sister and an elderly neighbor and her parrot are entertaining and humorous.
Although this is an Amish novel, the story was natural and more focused on the characters than on Amish tradition. I personally enjoyed the author’s treatment of the subject. I would definitely recommend Seek Me With All Your Heart.
This book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A groundbreaking series takes Amish readers where they’ve never gone before . . . Colorado. Emily Detweiler’s family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can’t get far enough to escape what happened there.
David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Nevermind that they haven’t told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.
Emily and David each come to terms with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Will they overcome adversity and step onto the path God has chosen for them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise and Land of Canaan series. All of her full-length novels and novellas have held spots on the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List and the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List. She is the 2010 INSPY Award Winner for Amish Fiction and a 3-time finalist for the Carol Award sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers. As a former journalist, Beth was honored by her peers with 11 journalism awards to include 1st Place News Writing for The Texas Press Association. She left her job as a newspaper reporter in 2008 to write novels full time.
by admin | Mar 1, 2011 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
When All My Dreams Come True
Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2011)
by
Janelle Mowery
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beginning in 1998, Janelle Mowery coordinated and wrote for the Children’s Ministry of a Christian website called The Invisible Connection. When the holder of that site discontinued the ministry and website in the year 2000, she began writing inspirational fiction romance novels.
Janelle became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the year 2002 and is an active member and leader in one of their critique groups, which has provided many opportunities for growth and development. In 2003, she entered her first novel in the Noble Theme contest and was named one of the top ten finalists in the historical category. In 2004, she had a short story titled ‘A Fair Chance’ published in the e-magazine, Romancing the Christian Heart. In 2005, her third novel, entered in the San Gabriel Writers’ League ‘Writing Smarter’ Contest, won first place. Also, Janelle’s fifth novel made it to the top ten finalists in the Noble Theme contest.
In 2006, she signed her first contract with Barbour Publishing in their Heartsong Presents Mysteries line. The novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Elizabeth Ludwig, released in spring of 2008. The second and third mysteries of the series, Died in the Wool and A Black Die Affair, is set for release in 2011.
Janelle has signed with Harvest House for a historical series set in Colorado. Release of the first book is set for early 2011. She has also signed with Summerside Press. Her novel, Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho, released in October 2010.
Janelle has been married twenty-one years and is the mother of two sons. She is a member of Sandy Point Bible Church and serves as Treasurer. She also assists in the church’s teen program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bobbie McIntyre dreams of running a ranch of her own. Raised without a mother and having spent most of her time around men, she knows more about wrangling than acting like a lady. The friendship of her new employer awakens a desire to learn more about presenting her feminine side, but ranch life keeps getting in the way.
Ranch owner Jace Kincaid figures the Lord is testing his faith when a female wrangler shows up looking for work. Bobbie has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, though, and he’s surprised when she finds a home next to his heart. But when his cattle begin to go missing and his wranglers are in danger from some low-down cattle thief, can Jace trust God, even if it may mean giving up on his dreams?
An adventurous novel of faith, hope, and love in the Wild West.
If you would like to read the first chapter of When All My Dreams Come True, go HERE.
Learn more about Janelle and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
When All My Dreams Come True is a fast-moving story set in the old west complete with cowboys, cattle rustlers, and bank robbers. With plenty of action, drama, suspense, humor, and yes, romance, this tale can be read quickly (I read it in an evening).
When All My Dreams Come True is probably more action than character driven but that is not always a bad thing. Sometimes I just like a book to move along without getting bogged down in too much soul searching.
If you enjoy action filled novels with spunky and capable heroines and strong, honorable heroes, then When All My Dreams Come True would probably be right up your alley. Why don’t you give it a try?
by admin | Mar 1, 2011 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
What would you do if you had finally decided to leave the husband who had been unfaithful multiple times for many years and he walked in and announced that he was dying? That’s a difficult question isn’t it? That is exactly what happens to Saphora Warren in the first pages of The Pirate Queen. Her choices set the stage for life changes which includes improved relationships within her family, new and different friendships, and a change of heart about what role God should have in her life.
The Pirate Queen was well written with intriguing characters and plot. Because of its serious content, it was not quickly read. It left me with plenty to ponder, especially about what I might have done under the same circumstances. Saphora’s compassion and care for other people was admirable, particularly since she was not a believer. I fear that I sometimes fall short by comparison but Saphora’s story encourages me to strive to do better.
In order to avoid any spoilers, I will refrain from including more details. I will say that if you are looking for something light and entertaining, you should probably avoid The Pirate Queen. For those who enjoy a little meat in their literature, this would be an excellent choice.
This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Treasure is found in the most unlikely places.
The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon–and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life.
Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying.
Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistence, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God’s presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Hickman, M.F.A., is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction whose work has been praised by critics and readers alike. Patricia first studied creative writing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and then went on to do graduate studies in creative writing at Queens University. She writes for major publishers and is currently at work on her eighteenth book, a novel set in the North Carolina Piedmont. Her next novel,The Pirate Queen, will release Summer 2010, a story that takes readers journeying from suburban Lake Norman to the sailing villages of the Outer Banks. She has served as a writing professor at UNCC and taught in writing workshops across the country offering her popular “Creating Characters–Giving Story People Life” workshops and courses on fiction. She, along with her hubby, founded a non-profit charity that benefits moms and children with HIV called The Secret Angels Project. Her fiction is known for its depth of understanding of the human condition underscored by redemptive themes.
