by admin | Sep 11, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
I read “The Reunion” in just a few hours today because I didn’t want to put it down. As someone who lived through the Vietnam war years, I found so much familiar truth about how our returning soldiers were treated during that time. I have personally known some men who served during that war and some who didn’t come home. Dan Walsh has brought to vivid life the tale of one of the unsung heroes of Vietnam – a man who was broken both in body and spirit by the war and who lost everything that was important to him as a result.
“The Reunion” is a story that plumbs the depths of human emotions and I believe that only a hardened heart could remain untouched when reading it. I personally cried quite a few tears because I was so touched by the outpouring of love and respect for Aaron Miller. “The Reunion” is a story of love, honor, and the triumph of the human spirit when led by God. It is an uplifting, heart-warming narrative that renews my faith that truly good people who care for others remain in our country.
I could give more details about the story itself but it is one that just needs to be read to be appreciated. Take my word for it and pick up a copy soon. You won’t be sorry.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Expert storyteller Dan Walsh pens a new tale filled with the things his fans have come to love – forgiveness, redemption, love and that certain bittersweet quality that few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn into this latest story about restoration for the broken and ignored.
Walsh brilliantly weaves together two stories of men embroiled in turmoil – Aaron Miller a Vietnam vet who returned from war only to lose everything and of Dave Russo, a writer unable to love again. The Reunion opens with Aaron, 40 years after the war, slowly putting his life back together. Dave uncovers his heroic actions during the war, leading both men to find a second chance in life and love – if they’re willing to take a risk.
Walsh captures genuine emotion in his writing, and according to RT Book Reviews, he “demonstrates that, like Nicholas Sparks, men are capable of writing romantic fiction.”
Walsh has mastered telling stories set in separate time periods. The Reunion is a contemporary story with flashbacks to Vietnam. When Walsh was young, he hated history until he discovered a few non-fiction history books that read like page-turning novels. “They made history come alive,” says Walsh. “Reading became a joy. That’s my goal now, to create that same experience for my readers. I hope they get inspired and thoroughly enjoy themselves.”
“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
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.
CONTEST:
Don’t forget to enter the Reunion book giveaway contest!
http://danwalshbooks.com/the-reunion-book-giveaway-contest/
by admin | Sep 11, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
It is a special treat for me to read a book by one of my favorite authors in a very favorite genre – western historical romance. And it is set in Texas, a place I’ve always thought I’d like to live. There’s just something about the land and people of Texas that appeals to me. As expected, “Taming the Wind” delivered a riveting story with plenty of action, drama, suspense, and romance to go around. I was at first concerned that the novel might be a little short on romance since the guys were all going off on a trail drive while the women folks stayed at home. Knowing that a trail drive took literally months away from home, I didn’t know how Tyler and Carissa would ever manage to get together. I should have known that was a needless worry – after all they are the primary characters in a romance novel. And no, that wasn’t a spoiler – if you read the back cover you know the inevitable ending. It’s just the getting to that point that is the unknown quantity.
Needless to say, I heartily endorse “Taming the Wind” as well as most any novel Tracie Peterson has ever written. I consider her one of the premier Christian historical fiction authors at this time. If you are unfamiliar with Tracie’s work, do yourself a favor and check out “Taming the Wind”. Better still, invest in the entire Land of the Lone Star series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young widow nursing the wounds of her past…
A cowboy with demons of his own…
Though grateful for the blessing of her daughter, Carissa Lowe has accepted that widowhood is her lot in life. Bound by fear and mistrust, she feels incapable of opening her heart again.
Tyler Atherton has never forgotten Carissa. When he discovers she’s living with her sister on a nearby ranch, his life becomes intertwined with the lovely widow’s. And Carissa’s daughter, Gloria, seems determined to wrap herself around his little finger. But while Tyler longs to provide a home and future for Carissa, he is haunted by an obligation he feels unable to fulfill.
Challenged by mounting hardships, can Carissa and Tyler preserve their fledgling love in a land as unforgiving and vibrant as the people who call it home?
See what other bloggers are saying about “Taming the Wind” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “Taming the Wind” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com
Celebrate with Tracie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
See what people are saying about Taming the Wind.
One winner will receive:
- A Brand New Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
- The entire Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson
Hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/25/12. Just click one of the icons below to enter. The winner will be announced at Tracie’s “Taming the Wind” Author Chat Party on 9/26! Connect with Tracie, 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 Taming the Wind and join Tracie on the evening of the September 26th for a chance to connect with Tracie 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 FUN,
RSVP TODAY. TELL YOUR FRIENDS VIA
FACEBOOK or
TWITTER AND INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 26TH!
by admin | Sep 11, 2012 | Amish, Books, Mystery, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFoundAvon Inspire; Original edition (September 4, 2012)byShelley Shepard GrayABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.
Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.
When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.
Check out Shelley’s Facebook Fan page.
Learn more about Shelley and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A murder is solved and a quiet Amish community must deal with the repercussions. Amid the surprising revelations, can a newfound love survive?
As the search for Perry Borntrager’s killer continues, Jacob Schrock feels like his world is about to crumble. Right before Perry went missing, he and Jacob got into a fistfight. Jacob never told anyone what happened that terrible night. He’s good at keeping secrets—including his love for Deborah, Perry’s sister. But when Deborah takes a job at his family’s store and their friendship blossoms, Jacob senses everything is about to be revealed.
Deborah has been searching for a slice of happiness ever since her brother’s body was discovered. When the police start questioning Jacob, Deborah can’t believe that the one person she’s finally allowed in could be the one responsible for her brother’s death. Will she believe what everyone seems to think is the truth . . . or listen to her heart, and hope there is still one more person who is keeping secrets in Crittenden County?
If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of Found, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
In the final installment of The Secrets of Crittenden County series, Found finally gives up some of those closely guarded secrets. At times it seemed as though everyone in Crittenden County knew something about the death of Perry Borntrager that they refused to reveal and some of those secrets seemed to incriminate the very people holding them so closely. Indeed, there were several people who had every reason to want Perry out of their lives but who wanted it badly enough to kill?
Although the mystery of Perry’s death was finally revealed, the ending of Found was not tied up in a neat little package. In fact it left me with a few questions which may have been the author’s intention. As in the previous books of this series, Found kept me glued to its pages as I attempted to guess the killer right along with Mose and Luke. Just when I though the case was solved (and I wasn’t too happy about the suspect), another secret was revealed and this one came out of the blue!
All in all, Found and the two previous novels of this series were well written and held my interest well. My only complaint is that this series could easily have been published as one book rather than a series – but then that’s just my personal opinion.
by admin | Sep 10, 2012 | Books, Giveaways
| For the next week, starting today and running till next Monday, September 17th, Dan Walsh is celebrating the release of his new novel, The Reunion, with a 10-book giveaway contest!Five winners will each receive a signed copy of The Reunion, as well as his third novel, The Deepest Waters. (He’s including this book because it was named a finalist for an ACFW Carol Award for book-of-the-year).
Click on the link below to see how easily you can enter the contest!
http://danwalshbooks.com/the-reunion-book-giveaway-contest/ |
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by admin | Sep 7, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Laura Frantz has done it again! I have been impressed with each and every one of her previous novels. I’m not sure how she does it but each one seems to surpass the last. “Love’s Reckoning” may just possibly be my favorite to date and that’s saying something because I loved all the others.
At a time when many historical romance novels have a spunky, sassy, and/or bold heroine, Eden Lee may seem just a bit innocuous at first. Quiet and unassuming, Eden is totally overshadowed by her sister Elspeth whose bold personality, selfish and competitive nature, and total lack of virtue demands center stage. Then there is our hero Silas Ballantyne, a skilled blacksmith who is finishing his apprenticeship under the sisters’ father. It is somewhat understood that one of the sisters will marry the apprentice and Elspeth decides she wants him. However, Eden and Silas find themselves to be kindred spirits and their low key friendship develops into a stronger attachment that they must keep secret because of Elspeth’s increasing volatility.
I liked the way that the relationship between Silas and Eden developed – his attraction to her gentle and giving spirit and his desire to protect her from the pain caused by her family – and Eden’s response to the respectful and caring way that Silas treated her.
“Love’s Reckoning” is a story filled with emotion and many secrets, some of which are major surprises when revealed. There were times when I didn’t like the choices made by the characters but those poor choices added to the realism of the story. With several characters to love and several to despise, and a couple who disappoint, Frantz’s casting keeps the story compelling. The story itself left me with plenty to chew on and I would venture to describe “Love’s Reckoning” as an epic novel. This book deserves much more attention than it will probably receive and should have the potential to become a classic. I plan to recommend it to my reader friends. Everyone who enjoys historical fiction should pick up a copy.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.
On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?
Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.
Praise for Love’s Reckoning:
“Stunning. Heart-wrenching. Breathless. Not since Gone with the Wind have I read an epic novel that has stolen my heart, my breath, my sleep to such a jolting degree. Love’s Reckoning marks Laura Frantz not only as a shining star in Christian fiction today but as a shooting star who soars skyward to the glittering heights of Rivers and Higgs —Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series
Praise for Laura Frantz:
“You’ll disappear into another place and time and be both encouraged and enriched for having taken the journey.”—Jane Kirkpatrick, bestselling author of All Together in One Place and A Flickering Light
“Laura Frantz portrays the wild beauty of frontier life, along with its dangers and hardships, in vivid detail.”—Ann H. Gabhart, author of The Blessed
“Frantz paints a vivid picture of the tough life out in the wild, and yet her characters demonstrate that it was possible to have a wonderful life.”—RT Book Reviews for The Colonel’s Lady
Expert storyteller Dan Walsh pens a new tale filled with the things his fans have come to love – forgiveness, redemption, love and that certain bittersweet quality that few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn into this latest story about restoration for the broken and ignored.
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.
