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 Janice Thompson (Queen of the Waves) and Melanie Dobson (Where the Trail Ends) and together 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 Janice 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 Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson 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 Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson 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:
In “Queen of the Waves” Janice Thompson has taken a somewhat different direction from her usual romantic comedies that I have come to enjoy so much. In this historical romance set primarily aboard that famous fateful voyage of the Titanic, Janice’s trademark humor is still present but appropriately toned down several notches. Although anyone reading a novel about the Titanic already knows the historic outcome of that cruise, there must be as many different stories as there were passengers. Janice’s vivid imagination has gifted her readers with an improbable yet totally believable story that just could have happened.
With vivid descriptions of the bigger-than-life ship with its opulent decor, extraordinary menus, glamorous passengers, and their sensational wardrobes, “Queen of the Waves” is a sensory treat for the reader’s imagination. The characters are delightfully realistic with both good and aspects to their personalities. The plot moved at the perfect pace and contained several unique twists and surprises that helped detract from the dread of the already known ending. A sweet but unexpected romance and positive relationship developments add depth to the story. And deftly woven throughout the plot from beginning to end is a message of faith that reminds the reader of the Lord’s involvement in our lives despite our carefully laid plans.
I am usually not a fan of Titanic stories, “Queen of the Waves” might just make me reconsider. It was an enjoyable book that I would recommend to all who enjoy historical romance novels.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.
Order a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.
She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.
Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.
Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com.
by admin | Oct 12, 2012 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)
by
Lynn AustinABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband’s work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she’d earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn’s novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.
Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival–and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine’s mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak…but a bitter hatred fuels her.
With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women–daughter, mother, and freed slave–in a riveting tale.
If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.
by admin | Oct 8, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Full Disclosure
Bethany House Publishers (October 2, 2012)
by
Dee Henderson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O’MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ann Silver is a cop’s cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region’s most trusted investigative positions.
Paul Falcon is the FBI’s top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.
Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn’t expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.
The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former Vice President. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is…
Watch the book trailer:
If you would like to read the first chapter of Full Disclosure, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
It has been far too long since Dee Henderson released a new novel so I was super excited to receive an ARC of “Full Disclosure” to review. And what a book it is! There is so much going on that one could wonder why the author threw in several seemingly inconsequential story lines. But in the end she ties them all up into one neat little package full of surprises. This lady is so good at what she does, she even had me wondering for awhile if the heroine might actually be the villain. (Maybe she was – you’ll have to read the book to find out because I’ll never tell.)
It was fun to revisit characters from Henderson’s earlier novels – and in such a unique way. In fact her earlier novels are discussed quite frequently within the context of this novel in such a way that I have to wonder if “Full Disclosure” might be somewhat autobiographical. Even the title hints at that. Whatever the case may be, this book has a bit of everything – suspense, humor, drama, action, and romance with an abundance of twists and surprises. I’m not sure I have ever gotten to know characters more thoroughly than Ann Silver and Paul Falcon because of the intimate look into their thoughts throughout the novel.
If you have ever enjoyed a book by Dee Henderson, “Full Disclosure” is one you don’t want to miss. If you are not familiar with her work, you might want to start now with the O’Malley series to add another level of enjoyment to the reading of “Full Disclosure” when it releases this fall.
by admin | Oct 7, 2012 | Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As the second series featuring the O’Connor family draws to a close, readers finally get to see Steven fall in love. Of course if you’ve read any of Julie’s previous novels, you know it’s not going to be quite that simple. What would be the fun in that? As in all the earlier novels, “A Love Surrendered” is fraught with romantic tension as the primary couple struggle to keep their relationship pure.
Although Steven and Annie are the main characters, the other members of the O’Connor family share the limelight with them. Readers who have read and loved the other books will enjoy the updates on each member of the beloved family as well as their spouses and children. A balanced blend of drama, humor, and romance is spiced with plenty of secrets, some conflict, and joyous events. As usual, what looked at first to be a lengthy book ended much too soon.
I love how real Julie’s characters are. Although each of them has a strong faith, they all struggle with the same everyday temptations as her readers. Then without coming across as preachy, she manages to convey a strong spiritual lesson that illustrates how total dependence on God and lots of prayer is the only way to overcome both temptation and the past.
I am sorry to see the end of the O’Connor family’s story but am looking forward to whatever Julie has planned for us next. At least I can anticipate one more O’Connor story in the prequel “A Light in the Window” waiting on my iPad to read and review later this month.
Please forgive me if my story details have been skimpy. This book is just too good to spoil with too much information. It’s best if you just read it yourself. I do recommend that if you are new to Julie Lessman’s novels that you start at the beginning and read both series in order. Each book can stand on its own but are oh so much better in sequence. Take my word for it.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman’s many fans have been waiting for.
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents’ death. But when she falls hard for Steven O’Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is the popular author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied, as well as A Hope Undaunted, which was one of 2010’s Booklist Top Ten Inspirational Fiction winners, and A Heart Revealed. Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She lives in Missouri.
Praise for Julie Lessman & the Winds of Change Series:
2011 1st Place Award – Historical Fiction Author of the Year&Romance Author of the Year – Family Fiction
A Hope Undaunted
“A rich girl and a poor boy find that love can be the great equalizer in Lessman’s engrossing tale, which has more awareness and sizzle between the hero and heroine than your average inspirational romance.”
Booklist, starred review
4 Stars
The storyline flows evenly throughout this well-written romance and the characters are well realized. Fans of the 1920s will be extremely satisfied. – RT Reviews
A Heart Revealed
4 Stars
The second book in the widely popular Winds of Change series has romance, secrets and unforgettable characters. Lessman has the ability to bring her books to life for the reader every time. – RT Reviews
by admin | Oct 6, 2012 | Books, Speculative, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Brink of Chaos
Zondervan (September 25, 2012)
by
Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Tim LaHaye is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 70 nonfiction books, many on biblical prophecy and end-times. He is the coauthor of the record-shattering Left Behind series and is considered one of America’s foremost authorities on biblical end-times prophecy.
LaHaye has written more than 60 non-fiction books on a wide range of subjects such as: family life, temperaments, sexual adjustment, Bible prophecy, the will of God, Jesus Christ, and secular humanism with over 14 million in print, some of which have been translated into thirty-two foreign languages. His writings are best noted for their easy-to-understand and scripturally based application of biblical principles that assist in facing and handling the challenges of life.
Craig Parshall serves as senior vice-president and general counsel for the National Religious Broadcasters and has authored seven bestselling suspense novels.
Craig Parshall is a highly successful lawyer from the Washington, DC, area and the author of the popular Chambers of Justice series of legal thrillers. With his wife, Janet, he has also authored the historical novel Crown of Fire, which takes place in the 1500s against the turbulent backdrop of the Scottish Reformation.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the third book of The End series, Joshua Jordan remains in Israel during his self-imposed ‘exile’ out of the reach of U.S. authorities who have trumped-up false criminal treason charges against him. His wife, Abigail, continues to lead the Roundtable to prove the innocence of her husband. Following the nuclear attack by Russia, Israel is cleaning up the bodies of dead enemy soldiers for 7 months and setting out on its 7 year plan—both per the prophecies in Ezekiel. As corruption in high government offices threaten to block the election of a worthy presidential candidate by all means necessary—including the unthinkable—Israel’s leadership is tempted to sign a ‘peace’ proposal initiated by the UN under the authority of Coliquin. After he discusses this plan with Pastor Peter Campbell, Joshua is convinced Coliquin may well be the prophesied Anti-Christ and that his peace plan is a trap to destroy Israel. Are the recurring dreams Joshua has had about the coming rapture from God. And is the end sooner than anyone expects?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Brink of Chaos, go HERE
