by admin | Oct 16, 2012 | Amish, Books, Historical
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
and the book:
Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
BJ Hoff’s bestselling historical novels continue to cross the boundaries of religion, language, and culture to capture a worldwide reading audience. Her books include Song of Erin and American Anthem and such popular series as The Riverhaven Years, The Mountain Song Legacy, and The Emerald Ballad. Hoff’s stories, although set in the past, are always relevant to the present. Whether her characters move about in small country towns or metropolitan areas, reside in Amish settlements or in coal company houses, she creates communities where people can form relationships, raise families, pursue their faith, and experience the mountains and valleys of life. BJ and her husband make their home in Ohio.
Visit the author’s website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
In this third book in the Riverhaven Years trilogy young Gideon Kanagy faces a challenge and an unexpected romance. Meanwhile, Gideon’s sister, Rachel, and the “outsider” Jeremiah Gant add to the drama with their own dilemma and its repercussions for the entire Riverhaven community.
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736924205
ISBN-13: 978-0736924207
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Prologue: Too Many Long NightsI feel like one who treads alone
Some banquet hall, deserted.Thomas MooreAmish settlement near Riverhaven, OhioNovember 1856Rachel Brenneman had always liked to walk by the river at twilight.There had been a time during the People’s early years at Riverhaven when she gave no thought to walking alone, day or night. After she and Eli were married, the two of them liked to stroll along the bank of the Ohio in the evening, discussing their day, planning the workweek, dreaming of the future. After Eli’s death, however, Rachel no longer went out alone after dark, although sometimes she and her ten-year-old sister, Fannie, took a picnic lunch in the early afternoon and sat watching the fine big boats and smaller vessels that traveled the great Ohio to unknown places.
Now though, venturing away from the community no longer felt safe, even in the middle of the day. In truth, there was nowhere that felt safe, not after the deadly attack on Phoebe Esch and the other troubles recently visited upon the People. At night, especially, Rachel stayed inside, sitting alone in her bedroom with the window scarcely open in deference to the weather, which had recently turned cold.
November was a lonely month. Rachel still loved to listen to the river from insider her home, but the nighttime sounds—the distant lapping of the water, the blast from a boat’s horn, the night creatures in communion with one another—never failed to set off a stirring of remembrance and an ache in her heart. Yet she couldn’t resist sitting there night after night, watching and listening, trying not to let her memories struggle to the surface of her thoughts, trying not to let new hope ignite the ashes of her dreams…
Trying not to think of Jeremiah.
But how could she not think of him? How did a woman love a man, even if their love was forbidden, and not see his face in her mind or hear his voice in her ear or remember the imprint of his smile upon her thoughts?
Common sense seemed to tell her it should be easy to put the man out of her head. They couldn’t be alone with each other. They couldn’t even pass the time of day unless they were in the company of others. If they happened to meet by accident, they were expected to separate as quickly as possible.
Yet even with all the rules and restrictions that kept them apart, Jeremiah Gant was still a part of her life. He flowed through her heart and traced the current of her days as surely and completely as the Ohio flowed through the valley, winding its way through the land, coursing through the days and lives of Rachel and the other Plain people.
Lately, there had been talk of leaving. Two years and more of unrest and harassment and threats—?even death—had begun to wear on the Riverhaven Amish. It was rumored that talks were taking place among the church leaders, discussions of whether to remain in this once-peaceful valley that had become home to the entire community or to consider moving on.
There was no thought of fighting back, of seeking out the unknown adversaries and taking a stand against them. Even if the People could identify their tormenters, they would not confront them. The Amish were a people of nonresistance. They would not fight, not even to protect their own lives. It wasn’t their way. To strike out at another individual under any circumstances was strictly against the Ordnung, the unwritten but strict code that guided how they were to live.
The only person Rachel had ever known to defy the rule against fighting, even in self-defense, was Eli, her deceased husband. He’d gone against the Amish way when he defended Rachel against those who ambushed them on another November night, now four years gone. He had fought with desperation and all his strength, only to die at the hands of their attackers while allowing Rachel to escape.
She knew it was a grievous sin to have such a thought, but many had been the time she wished she could have died alongside Eli that terrible night rather than live through the grief-hollowed, barren days that followed his death. She had been totally devoted to Eli. Their marriage had been good, for they had been close friends as well as husband and wife. Rachel had thought she could never love another man after losing Eli.
And then Jeremiah Gant had come to Riverhaven, turning her life around, enabling her to love again—?only to have that love forbidden. Even though Jeremiah had made it known he would willingly convert to the Amish faith, Bishop Graber refused to grant permission, once again leaving Rachel with a lost love and a broken heart.
Perhaps it would be better if they were to leave Riverhaven…leave the fear and the dread and the pain-filled memories behind.
Leave Jeremiah…
The thought stabbed her heart. Could she really face never seeing him again? Never again hear him say her name in that soft and special way he had of making it as tender as a touch? Never again see the smile that was meant for her alone?
In truth, it wasn’t only Jeremiah she would miss if they were to leave this fertile Ohio valley. She loved the land, the gentle hills, the singing river. She had come here when she was still a child, come from another place that had never truly been home to her. Here in Riverhaven though, she had felt welcome and accepted. At peace. At home.
At least for a time. It was almost as if she had become a part of the land itself. Even the thought of leaving made her sad beyond telling.
She sighed, knowing she should stir and make ready for bed, even though she felt far too restless for sleep. Would this be another of too many nights when her thoughts tormented her, circling like birds of prey, evoking an uneasiness and anxiety that would give her no peace?
Finally she stood, securing the window to ward off the cold, even though she sensed that the chill snaking through her had little to do with the night air. All too familiar with this icy wind of loneliness, she knew there was no warmth that could ease its punishing sting.
MY REVIEW:
River of Mercy is the first book I have read from B. J. Hoff’s Riverhaven Years trilogy. Although this novel can easily stand on it’s own merits without leaving the reader wondering what in the world is going on, I do wish I had read the two earlier books in the series just because this one was so good. I definitely plan to obtain copies of both of them to read if I ever find a spare minute from the books I have committed to review.
Just when I think I have had about all the Amish fiction I can handle for awhile, I encounter one that is so totally different from the others that my interest is engaged. I’m not certain if it is the fact that it is a historical novel, its dark and brooding mood that is almost gothic in tone, or the suspense and mystery that permeate the story. Perhaps it is the combination of all the elements that made it work for me. It has been awhile since I read a novel by B. J. Hoff but in the past I always knew I could count on her for an interesting, informative, and entertaining story.River of Mercy was no disappointment in that respect.
I could bore you with a recounting of the main points of the story but I believe it would detract from the delight of discovering it yourself. The writing is almost lyrical and the characters and plot are full of life. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and almost hated to see it end. Oh, and I think the book trailer is one of the best I’ve seen. If I had not already read the book before I saw it, I would want to run out and buy a copy immediately. Please do not skip watching it.
by admin | Oct 16, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“You Don’t Know Me” is the latest addition to Susan May Warren’s Deep Haven series. While the other novels in the series have for the most part stayed within the contemporary romantic fiction parameters, this one has an added layer of suspense. The story features Annalise Decker, a woman who changed her identity twenty years earlier to participate in the witness protection program. Life in small town Deep Haven is pretty much perfection for Annalise with a great husband who is running for mayor, talented kids, good friends, and plenty of school and sporting events as well as charitable organizations to keep her busy. That is until a face from her past shows up in the coffee shop one day and the perfect life she has built could come tumbling down.
Although Annalise is the primary character, other members of her family including her mother-in-law and her witness protection handler AKA known as Uncle Jack play prominent roles also. Annalise may be keeping a HUGE secret, but it quickly becomes evident that each of the others have secrets of their own. As is usually the case with secrets, they all are eventually revealed. Although “You Don’t Know Me” is not Warren’s usual romantic style, I liked the fact that the stressful events drew Annalise and her husband Nathan closer and more in love than before. I also liked the underlying message about secrets and faith.
I have long been a fan of Susan May Warren’s books and “You Don’t Know Me” is just another example of this lady’s immense talent. Her characterization is superb. I found it easy to identify with what each person was experiencing emotionally as they wrestled with making the correct decisions. Pacing was excellent and the suspense kept me glued to the book when I should have been doing something else. I think the only thing I didn’t love about this book was that it ended much too soon and I will have to wait awhile for Susan to release another novel. I guess it would be too much to ask her to forgo her personal life to keep me supplied with reading material.
“You Don’t Know Me” is another winner from Susan May Warren and I highly recommend it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Deep Haven Novel
Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.
To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.
No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.
Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?
Purchase a copy of “You Don’t Know Me” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.
A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.
Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
by admin | Oct 13, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The second novel in Lynette Eason’s Deadly Reunions series, “When a Heart Stops” is literally what its title says – heart stopping suspense. Like the first novel in the series “When the Smoke Clears”, this installment also focuses on plans for a high school class reunion. Heroine Serena, a medical examiner, just happens to be a member of that class. When the body count rises and they all belong to her former classmates, Serena not only becomes involved in an attempt to find the murderer but may also be a target. When her former secret crush shows up as an investigator into the crimes and also shows a serious interest in spending time with Serena, a little romance is the result.
With a copycat killer who delights in taunting the police, another potential threat that is a carryover from the first book that involves Serena’s best friend who disappeared on graduation night, and a plot that is filled with secrets, numerous twists, turns, and surprises, it is impossible to guess the guilty party. The pacing was near perfect, the characters strong, and the suspense was look-over-your-shoulder intense.
I always enjoy Lynette Eason’s suspense novels and “When a Heart Stops” was no different. I would recommend reading “When the Smoke Clears” first because it has pertinent characters and facts that enhance the understanding and enjoyment of “When the Heart Stops”. While each book has a unique mystery that is solved by its end, there is also another underlying mystery that is woven into the entire series that has yet to be solved. Now we must wait for the next installment and hope to find the outcome in it. I know its publishing date cannot come too soon for me.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The highly-anticipated second installment in the Deadly Reunions series, When a Heart Stops will have readers staying up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens. Full of the suspense and romantic tension reader have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When a Heart Stops is intense, emotional and fast-paced.
Spunky and outgoing, nothing much bothers medical examiner Serena Hopkins–except for the thought of falling in love again. But when a serial killer is picking off her former classmates, Serena’s life becomes intertwined with her old high school crush, FBI agent Dominic Allen. Is the secret she’s keeping putting her next on the killer’s hit list? Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it’s too late?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the author of several romantic suspense novels, including Too Close to Home, Don’t Look Back, A Killer Among Us and When the Smoke Clears. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina. Visit her website at www.lynetteeason.com and follow her on Twitter at @LynetteEason.
Praise for Lynette Eason & the Deadly Reunions Series
Eason does an amazing job of setting the bar high for romantic tension, as well as offering a deep dark secret that may or may not ever come to light. The first book in the Deadly Reunions series, readers will be so hooked that they’ll want to embark on this thrill ride for years to come!
– Suspense Magazine
Eason is quickly making a name for herself with taut, suspenseful fiction. The mystery will keep the reader guessing until the end, and as soon as one puzzle is resolved, a cliffhanger will keep you anxiously awaiting the next installment!
– RT Book Reviews
“I love this book. It will keep you guessing until the very end.”
– Dee Henderson, bestselling author
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | 1920's, Books, Historical, Smoky Mountains
MY REVIEW:
Although they are often profiled as illiterate, moonshiners, snake handlers, and hillbillies, the cliched perception of Appalachian highlanders has been put to rest in Walt Larimore’s “Sugar Fork”. The residents of the Sugar Fork valley are a unique group of resourceful and hard-working people who are fiercely loyal to their friends and neighbors and dedicated to taking care of each other. Featuring Abbie Randolph and her family, the story relates their continued struggle to maintain ownership of their unspoiled land as an unscrupulous lumber company makes repeated attempts to force them to sell. Faced with new challenges and even more tragedy, they find an unexpected ally in the area’s new young doctor Wade Chandler who soon finds himself smitten by Abbie.
“Sugar Fork” is a beautiful picture of the way people should work together to care for each other. The Randolph family, their friends, and neighbors exemplify what can be accomplished through faith in God and unity of purpose. I thoroughly enjoyed “Sugar Fork” which has earned its rightful place among such notable novels as “Christy” and “The Last Sineater”. I hope you will pick up a copy for yourself or as a gift.
This book was provided for review by Howard Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This captivating story takes place in the Sugar Fork Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains wilderness during 1925-26. Nate Randolph and his five unique daughters wrestle to survive after the death of Callie (his wife and their mother) as well as maintain their farm, forests, family, and faith against a menacing business and an evil company manager seeking by every means possible to pilfer their land and clear cut their virgin woodland.
This sequel to Hazel Creek continues with the colorful cast of characters our readers came to love in the prequel, including independent and earnest mountaineers, Cherokee Indians, gypsies, lumbermen, moonshiners, two world-famous writers, and, of course, a flesh-and-blood Haint … all of whom join the Randolphs in their gripping struggle against the evil and violence of a murderous lumber company manager.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Walt Larimore has been called one of “America’s best-known family physicians” and listed in “Distinguished Physicians of America,” “The Best Doctors in America,” and “Who’s Who in America.” Walt was awarded the 2004 Christianity Today Book Award for cowriting Going Public with Your Faith: Becoming a Spiritual Influence at Work. He has been a Gold Medallion Book Award finalist three times—for the Going Public book and small-group video series, as well as his book The Highly Healthy Child. He also authored the popular Bryson City Tales books and coauthored the TSI series with Paul McCusker. He lives in Monument, Colorado.
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
Welcome to the campaign launch for Summerside Press’ brand new series, American Tapestries. Debuting this new series are authors Melanie Dobson (Where the Trail Ends) and Janice Thompson (Queen of the Waves) and they are celebrating the series launch by hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway and throwing an American Tapestries Facebook Party on October 18th.
{American Tapestries Kindle Fire Giveaway and 10/18 Facebook Party}
Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
- Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! 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 Where the Trail Ends and Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – 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 18th!
Each novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. Whether they fought in her battles, built her cities or forged paths to new territories, a diverse tapestry of men and women shaped this great nation into the Land of Opportunity. Even then, as is true now, the search for romance was a major part of the American Dream.
MY REVIEW:
“Where the Trail Ends” chronicles one young woman’s grueling journey over the Oregon Trail as her family struggles to reach their destination in the Willamette Valley before the winter snows impede their progress. With dramatic descriptions of the hardships experienced by the weary travelers, the story gives readers a glimpse of how the original settlers came to our northwest states. With strong characters, vividly described surroundings, unexpected twists, and several suspense filled scenes,, “Where the Trail Ends” is a novel that held my interest throughout. Although filled with the tragedies and dangerous encounters generally expected in a novel about the Oregon Trail, this story focused on following the Lord through the trials and letting Him refine their character as they trusted in him. What could have been a depressing book was positively filled with hope.
Samantha Waldron was a strong and determined young woman who meant to keep a promise made to her dying mother. No matter the cost, she would take care of her younger brother Micah. With that at the forefront of her mind for each step of the two thousand difficult miles, Samantha had little time to speculate on romance and marriage. After being separated from the rest of their party, Samantha and Micah were rescued from near death by Alexander Clarke, an official with the Hudson Bay Company. As they become better acquainted during her winter at Fort Vancouver, Samantha and Alex experienced a growing attraction but his plans to return to England and his fiance discourage them from acting on their mutual interest. Although I knew the couple would eventually end up together, there was nothing expected or boring about their progress in getting to that point.
“Where the Trail Ends” is a well-written novel that is sure to appeal to those who enjoy historical romance.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?
For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.
Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.
Order a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.
Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.
When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.
