by admin | Apr 20, 2012 | Books, England, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The second installment of the Forgotten Castles series, “The Forgiven Duke” takes up where “The Guardian Duke” ended with Alexandria Featherstone and her fiance John Lemon on a ship to Iceland on a quest to find her missing parents. Her guardian, the duke of St. Easton arrived just in time to watch them sail off. With plans to follow her and bring her safely home, the duke finds himself delayed by one crisis after another and his deafness certainly does not aid in his endeavors. His determination to prevent Alexandria’s marriage and her realization that she can’t marry Lemon are indications of their growing love for each other. But with such a distance between them and the increasing danger as they race against time to find her parents and the missing manuscript, will Alexandria and the duke ever see each other again, much less share their lives?
Although I found “The Forgiven Duke” a tad slow at times, its pace usually picked up fairly quickly. Overall, it was an enjoyable story with interesting characters and settings. The plot had several twists and surprises that kept things interesting. I particularly liked the way the Lord ministered to the Duke through music and colors despite his deafness. I am interested to see where the author goes with this aspect of the story. Readers will be happy to know that there is resolution to some issues but they will have to wait until the third volume of the series to learn the fate of Alexandria’s parents. I look forward to finding that out myself.
This book was provided for review by Angie Loschiavo with Flyby Promotions.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon – the path of least resistance – Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton – the path less traveled by – on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.
Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: “Faith for Duty,” the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: “Willing and Able,” beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.
The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward’s name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God’s plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything.
Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch.
The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad would spend a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes. Nothing ever felt so special as a middle of the night slice of pie with her dad. And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.
As Jamie’s relationship with God grew, she discovered her heart was filled with songs and poetry. During high school she wrote lyrics for her brother’s band. (And she sang them too!) After college, Jamie married, had two sons and decided to stay home with them. While she homeschooled she wrote skits, poems, plays and short stories for school and church.
When her eldest son turned five she dove into the world of novels. She’d read romance novels for years, but couldn’t relate to the flawless, saintly heroines in Christian romance novels. So she decided to write her own.
Snow Angel was born on a frosty night in an old farmhouse in Fishers, Indiana, where the cold floor gave plenty of motivation for the snow scene. Jamie loves to write late at night when the house is quiet and the darkness seems alive. Elizabeth and Noah had been playacting in herhead for a long time, so the story went fast.
Ten years later Snow Angel was published and won the ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, was a National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and a 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. It was the beginning of her dream career.
Jamie and her husband Tony have been married for twenty-one years and live in Indianapolis with their three sons and a giant of a dog named Leo.
If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”
GIVEAWAY:
I have one copy of “The Forgiven Duke” available to giveaway. Please leave a comment on this post no later than Friday, April 27 for a chance to win. The winner will be chosen from all entries by a random drawing. U. S. residents only please.
by admin | Apr 19, 2012 | Books
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingProphetBethany House Publishers (April 1, 2012)byR.J. LarsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women’s Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman’s Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Close your eyes, Ela of Parne. Close your eyes and you will see.
Ela Roeh of Parne doesn’t understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She’s undignified, bad tempered, and only seventeen–not to mention that no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as the elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite’s prophet, Ela knows she will die young.
Istgard has turned their back on me. See the evil they do.
Yet after experiencing His presence, she can’t imagine living without Him. Determined to follow the Infinite’s voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite’s word to a nation torn apart by war. Here she meets Kien, a young Traceland ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela must surrender to her destiny . . . and determine how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.
Will you accept the branch and speak my will? Will you be my prophet?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Prophet, go HERE.
Learn more about R. J. and her books on her Website .
by admin | Apr 16, 2012 | Books, Historical, Suspense, Titanic
MY REVIEW:
As the one hundredth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic approaches, Kelsey Tate is positioned for success in the investment company founded by her great-grandmother Adele, a survivor of the disaster. Unfortunately, before Kelsey can rest on her laurels, Adele’s identity is brought into question and to make matters worse, Kelsey discovers a body in the conference room. With the value of the firm declining each day, a hostile takeover threatens the survival of the family business. With one obstacle after another hindering her progress, can Kelsey discover the answers she needs in time to avert another disaster? Can she overcome her pride and accept help from her former fiance when there is nowhere else to turn?
The story of Kelsey’s race against time and for her very life is skillfully interwoven with Adele’s experiences on the historic doomed Titanic voyage. With sufficient twists, turns, red herrings and surprises, “Echoes of Titanic” is a novel that will keep the reader on the edge of her seat as she frantically turns the pages to discover what happens next. This is one story where it is difficult to know the good guys from the bad guys so prepare to be fooled right along with Kelsey.
As always, Mindy Starns Clark has provided a satisfying suspense filled novel with a touch of romance. I heartily recommend it.
***Special thanks to Karri James Harvest House Publishers of for sending me a review copy.***
by admin | Apr 16, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Discovery” is one of those story within a story books that sometimes work but often do not. When I realized it was going in that direction I had my doubts but Dan Walsh made it work. Walsh is a master of capturing human emotions which makes it so easy for his readers to identify with his characters and their experiences.
“The Discovery” is difficult to review without giving away too much and spoiling the story for other readers. Primary character is Michael Warner who has just inherited his grandfather’s home in Charleston. His grandfather, a very successful and well-known author, was also a private man who was much loved by his family – but even his family knew nothing about the details of his life before his marriage. Michael’s delight upon discovering an old but unpublished manuscript in his grandfather’s office soon turns to wonder as he realizes exactly what he is reading.
The manuscript is the center of “The Discovery” and the reader not only has the opportunity to read it along with Michael but is also privy to his reactions. Set on the Florida coast during World War 2, the manuscript contains a story of intrigue as well as a beautifully touching love story. The circumstances are such that the reader can see no possibility of a happy ending but at the same time cannot give up hope all the way to the end.
A wonderful story of what if’s, “The Discovery” highlights some of the best of human integrity, loyalty, and faith. It was a delight to read and I wholeheartedly recommend it for both men and women.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime. Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with readers long after they turn the last page.
The Discovery tells the story of Michael Warner, whose grandfather, literary giant Gerard Warner, leaves him his Charleston estate. An aspiring writer himself, Michael settles in to write his own first novel and discovers an unpublished manuscript his grandfather had written, something he’d kept hidden from everyone but clearly intended Michael to find. Michael begins to read an exciting tale about Nazi spies and sabotage, but something about this story is different from all of Gerard Warner’s other books. It’s actually a love story.
As Michael delves deeper into the story he discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, The Deepest Waters and Remembering Christmas. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel. Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more information.
Endorsements for Dan Walsh:
“The Discovery is a masterful bit of storytelling. It is, above all else, a love story for the ages, one of sacrifice and devotion that will leave readers with a renewed passion for their loved ones.”
– New York Journal of Books
“Walsh demonstrates that, like Nicholas Sparks, men are capable of writing romantic fiction.”
– RT Book Reviews
Thrilling, romantic and intriguing. In The Discovery, Dan Walsh takes a fascinating sidebar of World War II history and crafts a suspenseful, beautifully written, and deeply satisfying story. This is his best novel yet!”
– Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of the Wings of Glory series
“You don’t often find a novel that appeals to men and women alike–but Walsh delivers one here! Taking you on a scavenger hunt leading to mystery, romance and intrigue, this book-within-a-book will tug at your heart and keep you in suspense. You’ll get so caught up in the WW2 thriller you’ll forget it’s also a contemporary story. A feel-good read that commemorates the courage, integrity and sacrifice of the ‘greatest generation.”
– Christianbook.com
by admin | Apr 16, 2012 | Books, Fantasy
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMoonbloodBethany House Publishers (April 1, 2012)byAnne Elisabeth StenglABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.
Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Moonblood Draws Near, and Soon the Dragons Will Wake
Desperate to regain the trust of his kingdom, Prince Lionheart reluctantly banishes his faithful servant and only friend, Rose Red. Now she is lost in the hidden realm of Arpiar, held captive by her evil goblin father, King Vahe.
Vowing to redeem himself, Lionheart plunges into the mysterious Goldstone Wood, seeking Rose Red. In strange other worlds, Lionheart must face a lyrical yet lethal tiger, a fallen unicorn, and a goblin horde on his quest to rescue the girl he betrayed.
With the Night of Moonblood fast approaching when King Vahe seeks to wake the Dragon’s sleeping children, Lionheart must discover whether or not his heart contains courage before it’s too late for Rose Red . . . and all those he loves.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Moonblood, go HERE.
Learn more about Anne Elisabeth and her books on her Blog.
Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon – the path of least resistance – Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton – the path less traveled by – on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.
When she was six, Jamie’s parents met Jesus and soon after started a church. It changed everything.
