by admin | May 13, 2013 | Books
MY REVIEW:
For anyone who has ever wished they had been around to experience the wonders of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, DeAnne Gist’s newest novel “It Happened at the Fair” offers a fictional account through the experiences of inventor Cullen McNamara and teacher Della Wentworth who each spent six months working in exhibits there. Well researched descriptions of the grounds and events are accompanied by actual photos and drawings from the fair. Although the story itself is fictional, it is filled with historical facts.
“It Happened at the Fair” is somewhat different than the other books I have read by this author. It is related from both Cullen and Della’s point of view. In fact this book seems to be written more from Cullen’s viewpoint than Della’s. I have always enjoyed the humor in DeAnne’s novels. Although there is a certain amount of humor in this one, it has a more somber note as a whole which is certainly understandable due to the circumstances of the primary characters. Cullen is a farmer who is allergic to nearly everything he comes in contact with during planting and harvest seasons. On top of that he is quickly losing his hearing. His father has gambled nearly everything to send Cullen to exhibit his automatic sprinkler system at the fair so Cullen is under pressure to succeed. When he continues to lose potential customers due to his inability to hear what they say in the extremely loud exhibit hall, he convinces Della, a teacher of deaf children, to help him learn to read lips as they explore the fair together after their work hours. Cullen soon finds himself attracted to Della despite a fiance waiting back home. With such an uncertain future what is a man to do?
Despite the difference in “It Happened at the Fair” and the author’s previous books, I did enjoy it. After all, variety is the spice of life and I for one would become quickly bored if each author’s books were always the same. I feel that this particular book illustrates Gist’s research skill and her ability to pen a more serious novel. I still love her light-hearted romances and hope she will offer more of them in the future but she has proven herself to be an author of many talents. I hope you will give “It Happened at the Fair” a try.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.
The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt.
Read the Press Kit
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deeanne Gist—known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee—has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for “People,” “Parents,” and “Parenting.” She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com.
by admin | May 10, 2013 | Books, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed books by Lynette Eason since I first discovered her Love Inspired Suspense novels. The previous two installments of the Deadly Reunions series left me wanting more so I was excited at the chance to review “When a Secret Kills”. As the exciting conclusion of the suspenseful mystery that threatened the lives of Jillian Carter and her friends, “When a Secret Kills” was even better than I could have expected.
Once again, Lynette has skillfully built her plot to a satisfying climax with totally unexpected twists. I loved that even some of the villains were surprised that everything they had believed for ten years was not exactly what they thought had happened. I liked the characters of Jillian and Colton and rooted for them to get back together through the entire book. It was also fun to read about characters from the previous two books in this series.
Truthfully, there was nothing not to like about “When a Secret Kills” and I will continue to look forward to any novel that Lynette Eason decides to write.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the spine-tingling conclusion to her explosive Deadly Reunion series, Lynette Eason once again treats readers to a tale of secrets that need to be told and dangers that need to be faced.
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it’s time to put the past to rest. She’s tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She’s no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do—ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago—and Jillian watched it happen.
Didn’t she?
Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for a ride that will make you afraid to be home alone.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of several romantic suspense novels, including When the Smoke Clears, When a Heart Stops, and the Women of Justice series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Find out more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Praise for Other Deadly Reunion Titles:
When the Smoke Clears:
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
When a Heart Stops:
“…will keep the pages flying to reach the dramatic climax”
– CBA Retailers& Resources
When a Heart Stops is only the second book I’ve read by Lynette Eason, but it’s enough for me to know that she is now one of my favorite authors! I LOVE a good suspense book that keeps me guessing and wondering who is behind it all…well this book definitely gave me that!
– Suspense Zone
by admin | May 10, 2013 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingKatie’s ChoiceB&H Books (May 1, 2013)byAmy LillardABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)
Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940?s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.
Learn more about Amy and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Katie Rose Fisher loved Samuel Beachy with an intensity that shook their Amish district. No one doubted they would one day marry, until Samuel turned his back on the church and joined the world of the English.
Alone now in Clover Ridge, Katie Rose dedicates her life to God and the school children she teaches each day. Although she secretly longs for more, Katie knows God’s hand is at work, and she is happy.
News correspondent Zane Carson never even knew Oklahoma had an Amish community until he got the chance to live among them and learn about their day-to-day activities. Their simple way of life is intriguing, but not half as much as the young teacher.
Katie Rose is flattered over the attention she receives from Zane, but she has resolved to never marry. Even if she were to entertain the idea, it surely couldn’t be with an outsider like Zane.
Never one prone to the restraints of organized religion, Zane finds a comfort in the rituals and blessings in the day to day righteous living of this small Amish community. He finds himself, God, and love with Katie Rose.
But as Zane draws closer to Katie Rose, Samuel comes back to repent his ways and return to his place at her side. Can Zane convince Katie Rose that he is committed to adapting to her way of life, or will Samuel win her affections back for himself once again?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Katie’s Choice, go HERE.
by admin | May 8, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing
Wounds
B&H Books (May 1, 2013)
by
Alton Gansky
THE AUTHOR:
Alton L. Gansky is the author of 24 novels and 8 nonfiction works, as well as principle writer of 9 novels and 2 nonfiction books. He has been a Christie Award finalist (A Ship Possessed) and an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice) and recently was award the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies and Lit.D. He lives in central California with his wife.
In addition to his own writing, Alton Gansky has consulted and provided editing/ writing services to several CBA publishers and written copy, video scripts, and other works for the general business market. Through Gansky.Communications he has consulted with publishers and agents, as well as provided editing services. He is “the go to guy” for co-writing having been selected by Penguin, Waterbrook, Broadman Holman, and other publishers to work with their top tier authors.
Gansky is in frequent demand at writer’s conferences having taught and keynoted in California, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Delaware, Washington, and Canada. He has also been guest lecturer on suspense writing at Taylor University in Indiana.
Learn more about Alton and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A man’s lifeless body is found in the fresh soil of San Diego’s botanical garden. Cause of death is asphyxiation, an easy call for the medical examiner. More mysterious, however, are the tiny drops of blood on the victim’s skin, resulting from hundreds of punctures.
A rabbi leaving his house for work expects a regular day at the synagogue. That quickly changes when he discovers a dead man on his front lawn, clearly beaten to death.
Motorcycle riders racing along the empty streets of an abandoned military base stumble across another man’s corpse, its skin revealing long, red-purple marks of a thrashing given with wood dowels.
The numbers mount. Each week another victim and another mysterious clue in a game of mass murder the police don’t want to lose. The solution rests with Dr. Ellis Poe, a religious professor who only wishes to be left alone with his books and classes.
But evil must be faced, and the choice is no longer his own.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wounds, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
An unsolved murder three decades old has shaped the lives of two individuals. Carmen Rainmondi, San Diego homicide detective, has spent her life with one purpose in mind – finding her sister’s killer and putting away others like him. A loner, her private life has very little space for others. Dr. Ellis Poe has spent his life filled with guilt because he witnessed the murder of Carmen’s sister but did nothing to help. Work is his panacea and he too spends his free time alone. When one of Poe’s seminary students is the victim of a bizarre murder, Carmen and Ellis’s paths cross for the first time with Carmen the chief investigator on the case. By the story’s end both Poe and Carmen will be instrumental in solving a rapidly developing case as more bodies are found that seem to be connected.
Wounds is a novel that grabs the reader and takes them for an unforgettable ride with homicide detectives as they attempt to solve a case before more people die. The descriptions are so vivid that the reader sees what the detectives see, hears what they hear, and practically smells what they smell. Very little is left to the imagination yet it was all handled tactfully and non-offensively. The tension mounted with each chapter but brief moments of humor offered some much needed relief. Although the author dropped clues along the way, there were plenty of plot twists and surprises to keep me in suspense until the very end.
Wounds is the perfect book for those who enjoy a realistic murder suspense novel.
by admin | May 4, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery
MY REVIEW:
After reading the first two books in the Postcards From Misty Harbor Inn series, I can truthfully say that the series would be perfect to read during summer vacation or a long, lazy weekend. These novels invite the reader to join three sisters on Nantucket Island, the location of many happy childhood memories of family vacations there. When they discover that the Misty Harbor Inn is empty and has been allowed to deteriorate, Caroline encourages Gracie and Sam to join her in buying the property in order to open a bed and breakfast. Thus begins the adventure as each sister wrestles with the possibilities and then the process to make the inn their own. Not only was Misty Harbor Inn a dream of their late mother’s but it is the subject of many local legends and mysteries which include a missing widow and the possibility of secret rooms. Intrigued by its mysterious history, the three sisters are determined to discover everything they can about the former residents and what actually happened to them.
Each sister has a unique personality and background which at times causes a bit of conflict but their love for each other usually brings their differences to a quick resolution. The books themselves were easy and comfortable reads. I liked the fact that the three sisters were older and were of my own generation. I could also identify with them because I too am one of three sisters. The interaction between the characters was good with just the right balance of humor and conflict interspersed with normal, everyday life. Although contemporary in nature, this series has a nostalgic feel to it. Central themes are that you are never to old to follow your dreams and never too old for love.
These books were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother’s dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother’s passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God’s hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.
Seaside Harmony:
Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!
When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom’s dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.
Sunflower Summer:
Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam’s discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it — and them — to deepen relationships and transform lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.
Find out more about Evangeline HERE.
Welcome to the series launch of the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series. Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer are the first two books to release in this charming series highlighting the beautiful Nantucket setting – complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air. The series weaves together the stories of a family of sisters as they progress through their own unique personal journeys. Along the way, readers will discover the wonder of God’s love in the lives of each of his children and be drawn deeper and deeper into a mystery right alongside the characters.
Guideposts Books will be celebrating the release of the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook party on May 9th.
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Nook HD
- Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 8th. Winner will be announced at the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/9. Connect with Patti Berg, Pam Andrews, Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang (who collaborated together under the pen name, Evangeline Kelley) for an evening of book chat, trivia, and fun! There will also be great giveaways (gift certificates, books, and more) as well as a sneak peek at the next book in the series!
So grab your copies of Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer and join readers just like you on the evening of May 9th 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 the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!
