by admin | Nov 4, 2013 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTraces of MercyDavid C. Cook (October 1, 2013)byMichael Landon Jr. and Cindy KelleyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
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Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values.
At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.
Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Traces of Mercy is one of those novels that grabbed me from the beginning so that I didn’t want to put it down until I had reached the end. Then I was so unhappy that it was over. I will find it difficult to wait for the next installment of the Mercy Medallion Trilogy.
Vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings set the stage for an unusual but nevertheless engrossing story. There were times that I did not approve of Mercy’s decisions and/or actions but I was still able to sympathize with the desperation that drove her. Rand was never my choice for Mercy. I always felt he was just a somewhat spoiled rich boy but he did redeem himself by his generous aid to Mercy at the end. Elijah Hale did not play a very prominent role until the last part of the story but I hope to read more of his story in the next book. There were certainly several unexpected twists that I didn’t see coming.
Traces of Mercy may be one of the best books I have read this year and there have been many that I would rate as extremely good. It is a “don’t miss” book, especially of those who love historical fiction.
by admin | Nov 1, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Liz Tolsma is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect when I agreed to review “Snow on the Tulips”. I am happy to say that there was absolutely no reason to be concerned. The story grabbed me immediately and I was not ready to give it up when I reached the final page.
“Snow on the Tulips” was so well written that I almost felt as if I were there with the characters and experiencing everything they experienced – the fear, the anger, the determination, the hopelessness, the deprivation, and the grief. I could also identify with Cornelia’s feeling that God did not listen to her prayers. It is beyond my imagination how citizens of countries occupied by Nazi forces were able to function day to day with the ever present threat of those cruel and unfeeling men. I knew very little about the Dutch resistance during World War 2 but found their story both fascinating and inspiring.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity, another new author has been added to my Must Read list. “Snow on the Tulips” kept me spellbound until the end and I am in hopes that a sequel is in the works. I would recommend this novel to anyone, both male or female, especially those who enjoy historical fiction of this era.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.
The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.
As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.
She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Liz’s website.
A splendid debut novel! With a tender romance, a gripping plot, and a well-researched setting, Snow on the Tulips drew me in to the harrowing uncertainty of life in the Netherlands under Nazi rule. Liz Tolsma’s beautiful story kept me up at night—not just wondering what would happen to her endearing characters, but wondering what I would do in similar circumstances. Do not miss this book!
Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of With Every Letter
This book was a fascinating look at WWII from the Netherlands perspective, one I hadn’t heard before. It captured my interest and wouldn’t give it back until the last page!
CBA Retailers and Resources
Tolsma crafts strong characters and easy-to-visualize scenes. The inherent danger of the Nazi occupation is apparent. Relevant biblical connections remind the reader that God is always in control, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Tolsma’s story is a way to remember the past and those who gave their lives for freedom. A German and Dutch glossary is included.
4 Star Romantic Times Review
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com.
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
Liz Tolsma is celebrating the release of her novel, Snow on the Tulips, by giving away an Amazon Reading Pack to one lucky winner.
Find out what readers are saying about the book here.
One winner will receive:
- A $50 Amazon gift card
- Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 18th at Liz’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz’s blog on the 18th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox! Just enter your email address on the left sidebar of her blog.)
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
