by admin | May 23, 2014 | Books, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Daisies Are Forever” is one of those books that is destined to leave a lasting impression on its readers. I have read many excellent novels with World War 2 settings but I don’t think any of them felt quite as personal as this one. The author’s depiction of the horrors faced by innocent civilians who are caught in the path of the invading Russian army was so intense that I was relieved to look up from the book and find myself in my safe and comfortable home.
In this narrative, an unlikely group of refugees flee across Germany during bitter winter conditions as they attempt to stay ahead of the cruel Russian army but one catastrophe after another seems to hound each step. Each member of the group has a different story and sometimes different agendas. The two primary characters, Gisela and Mitch are compassionate and courageous as they attempt to protect the weaker children and the two elderly sisters who suffer from dementia. Two other members of the group have plans of their own that are not in the best interest of the others.
The plot is one that grabs the reader from the beginning and holds on until the very end. Despite the seemingly hopeless situation the characters find themselves a part of, there are small touches of humor and glimpses of hope and faith.
There is absolutely no way my review can do this book justice. Take my word and pick up a copy for yourself. I don’t think you will be sorry if you do.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.
Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.
However, Ella is a nurse and refuses to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela. During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans, especially one wounded German soldier, Kurt, who has suspicions about Mitch’s identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her “marriage.”
Their journey to Gisela’s mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella’s daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.
In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.
Purchase a copy and learn more here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“New York Times” best-selling author Liz Tolsma is the author of “Daisies are Forever,” “Snow on the Tulips,” and the contributing author of “A Log Cabin Christmas.” When not busy putting words to paper, Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and children, all adopted internationally.
Find out more about Liz at http://www.liztolsma.com.
DAISIES ARE FOREVER | Enter to win a Kindle HDX from Liz Tolsma!
Liz Tolsma‘s latest WWII historical fiction novel, Daisies are Forever, is getting rave reviews.
“. . . compelling and fast-paced tale about the atrocities and tremendous losses. . . .” —Library Journal
“Excellent storytelling, accurate historical reporting and gritty, persevering characters make this WWII-era novel a must-read.” —CBA Retailers + Resources
Liz celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Daisies are Forever by Liz Tolsma
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 2nd on Liz’s website.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz’s website on June 2nd to see if you won.
by admin | May 23, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“All My Belongings” is a powerful and emotional novel that deals with some very difficult subjects. Pain, grief, and regret are present throughout the story but hope, faith, love, and forgiveness eventually overcome all obstacles.They say you can’t run from your past. In Becca’s case, her attempts to escape the aftermath of her father’s infamous trial and conviction only added to her stress levels. A new name and a new job across the country seemed to call for a reinvented history but Becca was not entirely comfortable with the lies that required. All too soon, Becca’s past caught up to her and the repercussions were not pretty. In many ways Becca’s situation was ironic due to her background, but God used those circumstances to eventually give her the home and family she had always yearned to have. One particularly difficult decision forced Becca to totally rely on God’s grace to see her through.
Becca’s employer/friend Isaac Hughes is just the type man that Becca has dreamed of but he too has some personal issues that need to be laid to rest. Although he has loved and been loved by his adoptive parents, Isaac still has questions about his origins that he would like to have answered before he pursues a life with Becca.
“All My Belongings” is dramatic, suspenseful, and has several surprises in store for the reader. I highly recommend this one.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A new life and a new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.
After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.
But just as she’s wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca’s patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.
Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?
Purchase a copy and learn more at Cynthia’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with “Heartbeat of the Home” radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Cynthia on the Web at www.cynthiaruchti.com.
All My Belongings | Enter to win a $200 Visa Card from @CynthiaRuchti & RSVP for 6/11 LIVE Webcast Event
Cynthia Ruchti asks what it takes to overcome your past and become who you were meant to be in her latest novel, All My Belongings. Cynthia has woven a heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness, grace, and learning what it means to truly belong.
Cynthia is celebrating the release of her latest novel with a fun giveaway and a live webcast event!
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa cash card
- All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the All My Belongings LIVE webcast event on June 11th. Connect with Cynthia for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Cynthia will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of All My Belongings and join Cynthia and friends on the evening of June 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!
by admin | May 21, 2014 | Television Series Preview
The new original series “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” is a wonderful combination of romance, comedy and drama that follows the lives of four postal detectives who transform themselves into a team of detectives to track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail. Their missions take them out of the office where redirected letters and packages can save lives, solve crimes, reunite old loves and change futures by arriving late but somehow always on time. The team includes charming Oliver O’Toole (Eric Mabius), the group’s leader is a man of faith who prayerfully approaches his work with the goal of making a difference in people’s lives; new team member, Shane McInerney (Kristin Booth), a technophile who brings 21st century sensibility to the group; free-spirited, “girl next door” Rita Haywith (Crystal Lowe) who has a photographic memory; and lovable Norman Dorman (Geoff Gustafson), a master in conventional research methods.
The show airs SUNDAYS, 8/7c on Hallmark
This incredible series even incorporates scripture in its themes and in the conversations between characters. In FACT, The American Bible Society has built a bible study to go with the series.
Sign up for that here: http://www.americanbible.org/features/signed-sealed-delivered
Isn’t that great? A seven-day Bible reading experience to dig deeper into the meaningful biblical themes revealed in each episode of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”.
The Bible Reading Experience is free and currently available for one week only. We hope to see the American Bible Society reading series continue and value your support.
Website: http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/signedsealeddelivered
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signedsealeddeliveredtv?ref=br_tf
Facebook for creator Martha Williamson: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Martha-Williamson/609169295802010
MY REVIEW:
I just had the opportunity to watch a sneak preview of Hallmark’s new series “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. Featuring a team of postal inspectors who attempt to locate recipients of lost mail, the first episode had all the features one would expect in a Hallmark production. The actors while attractive, reminded me of people I encounter in my daily life. The plot was relatively uncomplicated yet delivered a strong message.
The postal team were dedicated to their work but each of them were compassionate and were committed to helping others. This particular episode contained themes about being equally yoked as well as being yourself rather than who others expect you to be. With both humor and drama plus a bit of romance, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” should appeal to all who enjoy Hallmark’s shows. I have already set my DVR to record the entire series.
I liked the fact that this series has a Bible study to accompany it. I encourage you to download a copy while it is available and use it to enhance your viewing experience.
by admin | May 21, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mennonite, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGathering ShadowsBethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)byNancy MehlABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn’t take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can’t pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station’s photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.
Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town’s handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family’s past hides in the shadows, it’s clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she’s searching for hidden forever–even if the cost is Wynter’s very life.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Gathering Shadows, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Sanctuary is an isolated town in rural Missouri that is populated primarily by old school Mennonites – and those who like the seclusion and privacy the town offers. When Wynter Evans decides to feature Sanctuary in a travel series for her television station, she also has some personal reasons to spend time there. Odd events, threats, and even a death convince Wynter that she may be closer than she thought to finding her long lost brother.
Gathering Shadows is definitely a page-turner. Its pages are filled with secrets, suspense, and several surprises. The obligatory romance was secondary to the real meat of the story as far as I was concerned although I did like the character of Rueben King. Renewed faith and restored relationships were of prime importance.
As with all Nanch Mehl’s previous novels set in Sanctuary, I thoroughly enjoyed Gathering Shadows.
by admin | May 19, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed Cathleen Armstrong’s “Welcome to Last Chance” so I eagerly agreed to review “One More Last Chance”. I can verify that I enjoyed it as much if not even more than the first installment of this excellent series. Each of the books can easily stand on its own but the combination is dynamite. Last Chance, New Mexico is small town life at its best in my opinion.
It was fun to find familiar and loved characters within the pages of “One More Last Chance”, especially Elizabeth, Juanita, and Carlos. The Dip ‘n’ Dine was once more a prominent setting, yet it too had undergone a few changes, particularly in ownership. Chris and Sarah were perfect as the leading characters and I liked the subtle way their relationship changed over the course of the book. Once again Elizabeth imparted her love, wisdom, and matchmaking skills in ways that impacted those around her positively.
A wonderful story of love, forgiveness, and doing what is right no matter what it costs, “One More Last Chance” is a special story that will find its place among my keeper books.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Some things never change . . . and some things change you forever.
Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason–because it doesn’t change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip ‘n’ Dine, he’s shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.
As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance–just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.
With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.
Praise for Welcome to Last Chance
“Armstrong’s style is as comfortable as a pair of well-worn jeans.”–Crosswalk
“Readers will enjoy the simplicity of Last Chance.”–New York Journal of Books
“Armstrong’s enjoyable debut will pull readers into the joys–and trials–of a small town.”–RT Book Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Ed, and their corgi. Though she has been in California for many years now, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. After she and Ed raised three children, she returned to college and earned a BA in English. Her debut novel Welcome to Last Chance won the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for Women’s Fiction. Learn more at www.cathleenarmstrong.com.
