by admin | Sep 17, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After the death of her father, Willow’s family and friends are concerned that her fragile emotions might send her back to the asylum where she spent time after the death of her husband. Determined to prove that she is no longer the same weak girl they knew, Willow sets out to find a job in order to show them and herself that she is a strong woman. When she answers an advertisement for someone to colorize photographs or paint portraits from them, she soon proves to the citizens of Cripple Creek that a woman is certainly capable of doing a job usually relegated to a man. To their surprise, Willow and her new employer Trenton find their professional relationship developing into something more.
I enjoyed going back to Cripple Creek once again and renewing my acquaintance with characters from the earlier novels of this series as well as getting to know some new ones. Mona’s style quickly drew me into the story and made me feel like one of the family. Her cast of characters was varied and vividly described and the plot moved at a leisurely pace with touches of drama, humor, and a few surprises in addition to the expected romantic angle. I loved the author’s portrayal of both Willow and Trenton as they grew both personally and spiritually.
I am a bit sorry to see the series come to an end but look forward to the next one by this author. I recommend “Twice a Bride” as well as the entire Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek series.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging for Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Packed with heart and faith, Twice a Bride will thrill and inspire historical romance readers who love to lose themselves in the untamed beauty of nineteenth-century Colorado.
Willow Peterson is at a crossroads. Standing alone over her father’s fresh grave, she ponders the question she’s seen etched on everyone else’s face. Will this loss send her over the edge too, as her husband’s death did? She has come back once from the devastating effects of loss, started fresh in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and might find her second chance at love working as a portrait artist for photographer Trenton Van Der Veer. With help of the spirited Sinclair Sisters, can Willow embrace God’s plan to overcome her past and provide a home for her?
Praise for The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series
“A beautiful tale. Intriguing. Inviting. Inspiring.”
-Cindy Woodsmall, author of The Hope of Refuge and When the Soul Mends
“It’s always a joy to read a historical novel that isn’t afraid to let its women escape the farm. Cripple Creek’s cast of colorful characters play host to a new romance, as well as pulling back the curtain on a local family tragedy. This
sequel does more than simply tell the “next” story; it revisits the characters we’ve already come to love and creates a complementary depth to an entertaining new tale.”
-Allison Pittman, author of Stealing Home and The Bridegrooms
“Ida believes her future is secure in a man’s world. After all, she has drive and determination. But what happens when she meets a man who makes a withdrawal from her heart? Author Mona Hodgson makes discovering the answer to this question a rich, rewarding adventure.”
-DiAnn Mills, author of A Woman Called Sage and the Texas Legacy Series
“All the ups and downs of a romance with a delightful dose of history, with characters that will sneak into your heart and take up residence. More, more, we want more.”
-Lauraine Snelling, author of No Distance Too Far and the Daughters of Blessing Series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mona Hodgson is the author of Two Brides Too Many, Too Rich for a Bride, and The Bride Wore Blue. Mona’s writing credits also include nearly thirty children’s books, including Real Girls of the Bible: A Devotional, Bedtime in the Southwest, and The Princess Twins and the Tea Party. One of Mona’s favorite things to do, besides writing or eating dark chocolate, is to speak at women’s retreats and conferences. Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob.
by admin | Sep 17, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingUnending DevotionBethany House Publishers (September 1, 2012)byJody Hedlund
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody has written novels for the last 20 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), became a best seller and has won multiple awards.
Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released in September of 2011, and her third book, Unending Devotion, is out now. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book!
Jody has been married for twenty years to her college sweetheart. Jody has five children ranging in ages from 15 to 6, with a set of twin daughters in the mix to make things more lively.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
High-Stakes Drama Meets High-Tension Romance
In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber baron father.
Posing during the day as a photographer’s assistant, Lily can’t understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father’s lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he’s interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters.
Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that’s dominated Harrison for so long.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Unending Devotion, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Loosely based on actual historical facts, “Unending Devotion” is the story of Lily Young, a young woman dedicated to finding and rescuing her younger sister from a life of prostitution. As she searches northern Michigan in the late 1800?s with her foster father Oren as his photographic assistant, Lily manages to free other girls from the same lifestyle. Unfortunately, she has yet to locate her sister. When she and Oren land in Harrison for awhile, her impetuous nature places Lily in more than one dangerous situation and stirs up unwanted trouble for herself and some of her new found friends. Although Connell McCormick is a bit wary of Lily and her unbridled enthusiasm to right wrongs, he nevertheless feels compelled to protect her.
I really liked the characters of Lily and Connell. Lily is one of those rare people who did not assume that the “soiled doves” chose their profession and deserved whatever happened to them but viewed them as victims who needed to be saved. Connell was a young man who was raised to respect and protect women and treated them accordingly. Although not in agreement with Lily at first, he gradually opened his eyes to the truth and realized that there are times that people must take a stand for what is good and true no matter the cost.
With a plot that moves at a good pace, well-developed characters, a nice mixture of drama, suspense, humor, and romance, “Unending Devotion” is laced with historical fact and Biblical principles. I thoroughly enjoyed and story and the fact that it left me with plenty to think about. I would definitely recommend this novel.
by admin | Sep 15, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“With Every Letter” is another captivating historical WW2 novel from Sarah Sundin that opens her new Wings of the Nightingale series. A unique romance that develops through an anonymous correspondence between Mellie, a flight nurse and Tom, an army engineer. For very different reasons, both Mellie and Tom have suffered rejection by their peers for most of their lives and each also harbors unforgiveness toward a deceased parent. As they continue to exchange letters, Tom and Mellie find that they can share the secrets of their hearts that have been hidden from everyone else. In due course, as one would expect, a romance develops between them but it is not without its ups and downs.
Well developed characters, a steady plot, interesting historical background, lots of drama and a sweet romance kept me turning the pages and the story ended much too quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed “With Every Letter” and observing the changes made by both Tom and Mellie, most of which could be directly attributed to the influence of the other’s encouragement through their letters. The story is an excellent example of how we tend to believe that others see us the way we see ourselves and that the rejection we receive is usually because we set ourselves up for it. “With Every Letter” clearly illustrates how we need to see ourselves the way God sees us.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book 1 in the Wings of the Nightingale series
Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met–even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence–he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.
As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?
Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing–and true love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of “A Distant Melody”, “A Memory Between Us”, and “Blue Skies Tomorrow”. In 2011, “A Memory Between Us” was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
Learn more about Sarah and her books on her website. www.sarahsundin.com
Win a Kindle or Nook from @SarahSundin and RSVP for “With Every Letter” Facebook Party 9/27!
Celebrate with Sarah by entering to win a eReader (winner’s choice of Kindle Fire or Nook Color)!
See what folks are saying about With Every Letter!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)
- Handmade With Every Letter First Aid Kit
- With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th. Winner will be announced at the “With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!
by admin | Sep 14, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Loosely based on actual historical facts, “Unending Devotion” is the story of Lily Young, a young woman dedicated to finding and rescuing her younger sister from a life of prostitution. As she searches northern Michigan in the late 1800’s with her foster father Oren as his photographic assistant, Lily manages to free other girls from the same lifestyle. Unfortunately, she has yet to locate her sister. When she and Oren land in Harrison for awhile, her impetuous nature places Lily in more than one dangerous situation and stirs up unwanted trouble for herself and some of her new found friends. Although Connell McCormick is a bit wary of Lily and her unbridled enthusiasm to right wrongs, he nevertheless feels compelled to protect her.
I really liked the characters of Lily and Connell. Lily is one of those rare people who did not assume that the “soiled doves” chose their profession and deserved whatever happened to them but viewed them as victims who needed to be saved. Connell was a young man who was raised to respect and protect women and treated them accordingly. Although not in agreement with Lily at first, he gradually opened his eyes to the truth and realized that there are times that people must take a stand for what is good and true no matter the cost.
With a plot that moves at a good pace, well-developed characters, a nice mixture of drama, suspense, humor, and romance, “Unending Devotion” is laced with historical fact and Biblical principles. I thoroughly enjoyed and story and the fact that it left me with plenty to think about. I would definitely recommend this novel.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Michigan, 1883
In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?
Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan–and the sights of Connell McCormick.
Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.
Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor’s Lady and The Preacher’s Bride. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at JodyHedlund.com.
Nikon Camera Giveaway and 9/18 Facebook Party!
Enter and RSVP today. Celebrate with Jody by entering to win a Nikon Camera Prize Pack!
See what folks are saying about Unending Devotion!
One “devoted” winner will receive:
- A Nikon COOLPIX Digital Camera
- $25 Shutterfly gift certficate
- Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 17th. Winner will be announced at the “Unending Deovtion” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/18. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Unending Devotion and join Jody on the evening of the September 18th for a chance to connect with Jody and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!
by admin | Sep 12, 2012 | Amish, Books, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe BridesmaidBethany House Publishers (September 11, 2012)byBeverly LewisABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beverly’s first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author’s maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly’s work to be “a primer on Lancaster County folklore” and offers “an insider’s view of Amish life.”
Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly’s tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, “Beverly’s books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don’t run across writing like that every day. I hope she’ll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time.”
A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction “book worms.”
Learn more about Beverly and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis
Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna’s stories aren’t her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.
Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride–if he can ever leave his parents’ farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben’s hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bridesmaid go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Bridesmaid is yet another intimate look into the Amish life by one of the genre’s most well known authors. This time the focus is on Joann Kurtz who is quickly becoming known as an old maid in Lancaster County. When she and Eben meet on a trip away from home, she and Eben are both certain they have met their perfect match. Unfortunately circumstances surrounding them seem to be intent on keeping them apart.
Written in Lewis’ descriptive style that makes the reader care about her characters, The Bridesmaid can be easily read in just a few hours. The plot moves at an easy pace and there is just enough drama and conflict to keep the story interesting. Lewis provides enough details about the Amish lifestyle and some of its rules and regulations that I find extremely harsh that it makes me wonder exactly what the current fascination with the Amish is all about. Over all The Bridesmaid is a good story, especially for fans of the genre but I’m not sure there is anything about it that really sets it apart from other similar books.
