by admin | Nov 29, 2013 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Reunited at Christmas” is a quick to read Christmas romance that is perfect for relaxing with on a cozy winter evening after a hard day of holiday shopping or baking. A well-developed plot and vibrant characters enhance the story that is filled with conflict, romance and even some dangerous and suspense filled scenes. Woven throughout this delightful romance is a strong message of God’s faithfulness during both good times and bad.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Search and rescue dog handler Shelby Davis is living the dream. Not only does she train search and rescue dogs, but she’s a bestselling suspense author who has waterfront property in the beautiful mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado. All is well until she receives a call to bring her dog Max and her snowmobile to help rescue a man who is lost in a blizzard up on Gravel Mountain. That man is the one person she never wants to see again—Ryker Anderson—the man who broke her heart the day he called three months before their wedding to say goodbye with no explanation as to why.
After being gone for eighteen months, Ryker Anderson is back in Grand Lake where he hopes to win back the woman he loves. He only hopes Shelby understands why he left. Will he be able to convince Shelby that she can trust him with her heart again even though he broke it before?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debra Ullrick is a New York Times, CBA, and Amazon.com bestselling author who writes Christian contemporary, historical, and romantic suspense novels. Her passions include: monster trucks, classic cars, mud-bog racing and…Want to know more about Debra? What books are available by her? Or read reviews from her fans? Discover her hobbies and more? Then cruise her website at www.DebraUllrick.com.
by admin | Nov 28, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed spending another Christmas in Apple Ridge with Cindy Woodsmall’s latest Christmas novella “The Dawn of Christmas”. Featuring Sadie and Levi, the story also features characters from the two previous books in this series.
On the eve of her wedding, Sadie witnesses something that breaks her heart and causes her to cancel her wedding. Her father agrees for her to move to another town to work as well as go to the mission field. Several years have passed since that day and Sadie’s family is ready for her to come home and settle down with a husband. Sadie likes her life the way it is and has no interest in the matchmaking schemes of her family.
Due to a broken marriage in his family, Levi is also disinterested in marriage but is constantly urged to settle down. When he and Sadie meet unexpectedly, they immediately find themselves at ease with each other and quickly form a fast friendship. Their friendship endures several ups and downs but Sadie’s fear of another relationship and Levi’s distrust of women keeps a barrier between them. Just when a breakthrough seems eminent, a meddling person from Sadie’s past could ruin everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Dawn of Christmas” with its theme of second chances and learning to trust. I hope that Cindy will continue to write more Christmas novellas because I look forward to them during the holiday season each year.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging For Books program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This Christmas, experience learning to trust alongside the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania in this heart-warming tale of second chances.
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together? – See more HERE.
Click HERE to download chapter one of The Dawn of Christmas.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.
by admin | Nov 27, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Hawaii, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAloha RoseAbingdon Press (November 19, 2013)byLisa CarterABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the author:
I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.
I am a teacher. With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.
I am a writer. Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.
I am on a journey of faith. My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.
Learn more about Lisa and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Aloha Rose, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
With the quilt she was wrapped in when abandoned on her adoptive parents’ doorstep the only clue, Laney Carrigan’s quest to find her birth family quickly leads her to Hawaii where she connects with a grandmother and great aunt. She grows to love her long lost relatives as well as the lady helping to care for her grandmother who is losing her battle against dementia. The only fly in the ointment is Kai Barnes, her adopted cousin. Their love/hate relationship is a source of stress for both Laney and Kai – primarily because of unresolved issues in their lives.
Aloha Rose is a beautifully written novel with wonderful characters who are so alive! The plot is filled with emotional ups and downs as well as quite a few twists and a couple of big surprises. As one of the books in the Quilts of Love series, it is a given that a quilt and/or quilting details would play a prominent role which quilt lovers should find interesting. Details about Hawaiian history. language, and lifestyle added to my enjoyment. A strong message of faith runs throughout the story and plays a major part in the lives of Laney and Kai as they struggle to overcome their fears.
I enjoyed Aloha Rose and would recommend it to those who love quilts as well as anyone who just enjoys a good contemporary love story.
by admin | Nov 23, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Well, Anita Higman has done it again. She managed to grab my attention from the beginning of “A Marriage in Middlebury” and held it until the very last line.
Basically a story of lost love, “A Marriage in Middlebury” features Charlotte Rose Hill who walked away from the only man she ever loved for reasons that are later revealed within the narrative. When that same man, Sam Wilder returns to Middlebury to settle his father’s estate accompanied by a fiance, Charlotte quickly realizes that she has never stopped loving him. It won’t be easy having him back in town, especially since she has agreed that her tearoom will provide the refreshments for the wedding reception.
With a unique plot that has several unexpected twists, secrets from the past that are unearthed, various lovable yet quirky characters, and more than one romance, “A Marriage in Middlebury” has everything needed for a perfect romantic novel. It is a story of second chances as well as learning to place your trust in the Lord regardless of your circumstances. It is a heartwarming story in which everything turns out just right by its end.
This book was provided for review by the author and LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end? Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder’s marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam’s new fiancée? A second chance at love doesn’t happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
by admin | Nov 22, 2013 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Shakers
MY REVIEW:
“Christmas at Harmony Hill” is Ann Gabhart’s Christmas novella with the same setting as her Shaker series. The story primarily features Heather Worth, a young bride during the Civil War who has been able to stay with her husband Gabriel by working as washerwoman for the Yankee troops. As her pregnancy reaches its end, Gabriel sends her home to be with her family because the battlefield is no place for a baby to be born. Heather arrives home to devastating news and finds herself unwelcome to stay. A letter from her mother directs her to Harmony Hill, a Shaker village where she can find help from her Aunt Sophrena. Heather’s arrival seems to be a sign from the Lord to Sophrena who has recently found herself struggling with the restrictions of the Shaker practices.
“Christmas at Harmony Hill” is a short, easily read story that is packed to the brim with historical facts about both the Shakers and the Civil War. More important, it relates those facts through the reactions and emotions of people who experienced that history which makes it much more personal. Through Heather and Sophrena’s experiences, the author tactfully manages to illustrate some of the errors in the Shaker beliefs without obvious finger pointing. It was however, quite interesting to learn more about the Shakers and the story behind their beliefs.
A warm and uplifting tale, “Christmas at Harmony Hill” is a story of forgiveness and reconciliation as well as the importance of family. This is one more book to be added to my Christmas book box.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She stared up at the Shaker buildings. They took in those in need. That was why she was riding into their village. But she couldn’t stay here. Not forever. They divided families. She’d heard her grandmother speak harshly of the way Shakers didn’t believe in marriage and had special houses where children were kept from their parents.
Heather put a hand over the swell of her baby inside her. Surely they wouldn’t take a newborn from his mother’s bosom. Heather’s mother couldn’t have imagined that happening or she’d have never told her to come . . .
A stirring story of healing, hope, and home at Christmas
It is 1864 and the nation is torn apart by civil war when Heather Worth discovers she is with child. With her husband at the front and nowhere else to turn, she seeks refuge in the Shaker village of Harmony Hill. Amid the tumult of the times, Heather yearns for the peace she sees in this strange community. But can this longing really be fulfilled amid these people with their peculiar beliefs about family?
As Christmas approaches, the joy of new life and the love that is born of forgiveness may hold the answer.
Join bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart for a peek into the world of the Shakers–and the world of the human heart.
Read an excerpt of Christmas at Harmony Hill HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.
