by admin | Jan 31, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Steadfast Heart” may have been Lenore and Kolbein’s story but I’m afraid Abrianna and Wade hijacked it. I did like both Lenore and Kolbein but Abrianna’s vivacity just seemed to take over. I’ll admit to reading several other reviewer’s opinions and it seemed many felt the same. Unlike some of them, I didn’t find it to be a negative thing because I know that I can look forward to probably at least two more books that will expand the characters and story before the series ends. And I do mean that I look forward to it. I am in hopes that Abrianna and Wade will discover that their friendship has grown into an even more special relationship. I also am eager to learn more about the nefarious Mr. Welby and hoping he get his comeuppance.
“Steadfast Heart” has it all – love at first sight, drama, some mystery, plenty of humor, and faith. Tracie Peterson developed her characters with her usual skill and left me wanting to read more about them. Abrianna’s aunties were so quaint and humorous to read about and I look forward to spending more time with time as the series progresses. I feel that “Steadfast Heart” may just be the intro for the rest of the series where the reader will really get into the “meat” of the story. If Brides of Seattle is at all similar to her previous series, the overall reading experience will be excellent. I so look forward to “Refining Fire” and hope I can snag a review copy so I won’t have to wait until its publication in June to read it.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Despite her spoiled upbringing, twenty-year-old Lenore Fulcher isn’t pretentious. She simply believes a marriage should be built on true love. Her father, however, thinks she’s wasted enough time searching for the perfect husband. He wants to marry her off to one of his business partners–who is seventeen years her senior–an idea that is out of the question for Lenore.
Kolbein Booth, a young lawyer from Chicago, arrives in Seattle looking for his headstrong sister, who he believes may have answered an advertisement for mail-order brides. Sick with worry, he storms into the Madison Bridal School, demanding to see his sister, only to learn she isn’t there. But Lenore Fulcher is, and something about her captures his attention.
Is this the man Lenore has been searching for? She may not have long to find out…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Lissa Barber Photography
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over one hundred novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s website at www.traciepeterson.com.
by admin | Jan 31, 2015 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Back in the days when I was much younger and probably before there was a distinct genre known as Christian Fiction, I loved what was then called Gothic Romance novels. As the general market became filled with more and more content that I found offensive, I began to limit my reading to Christian fiction only and pretty much forgot how much I enjoyed those old Gothic novels. During the past year or so, I have been delighted to find a few authors who are writing books with that Gothic atmosphere but with clean plots and usually even a strong message of faith. “The Secret of Pembrooke Park” is one of those books and it surpassed all my expectations.
When Abigail Foster’s family suffers a financial setback, they are offered the opportunity to move to the manor of a distant family member. Feeling somewhat responsible for the financial loss, Abigail moves in to set things in order while her father takes care of business and her mother and sister remain in London to prepare for the season, hoping her sister will find a well-to-do husband. The mysterious manor has been abandoned for eighteen years and it appears that its residents left it suddenly, however no one in the area will even discuss what might have happened. Rumors of a secret room filled with treasures plus warnings about the former owner reach Abigail but most of her questions remain unanswered.
“The Secret of Pembrooke Park” is filled with mystery, suspense, secrets, a romantic triangle, and several surprises. The abandoned manor was the perfect setting for all the mysterious happenings. Although there were quite a few clues dropped during the course of the narrative, many of them could have pointed to more than one suspect so I was never quite certain who it was – at least until the actual revelation. I loved finding out what the true “treasure” was!
I enthusiastically recommend “The Secret of Pembrooke Park”, especially to those like me who enjoy Gothic romance. Julie Klassen is on my top 10 list and her books like this one have kept her there.
This book was provided for review by the Readers Only Group of the Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Abigail Foster is the practical daughter. She fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry, and the one man she thought might marry her seems to have fallen for her younger, prettier sister.
Facing financial ruin, Abigail and her father search for more affordable lodgings, until a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll’s house left mid-play…
The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem acquainted with the manor’s past, the only information they offer is a stern warning: Beware trespassers drawn by rumors that Pembrooke Park contains a secret room filled with treasure.
This catches Abigail’s attention. Hoping to restore her family’s finances–and her dowry–Abigail looks for this supposed treasure. But eerie sounds at night and footprints in the dust reveal she isn’t the only one secretly searching the house.
Then Abigail begins receiving anonymous letters, containing clues about the hidden room and startling discoveries about the past.
As old friends and new foes come calling at Pembrooke Park, secrets come to light. Will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks…or very real danger?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
JULIE KLASSEN worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards.
She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
by admin | Jan 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
While not the most suspense-filled or romantic of the Quilts of Love books I have read, “A Stitch in Time” certainly had its moments. The characters were genuine and small town life was represented quite well. Primary character Thea’s frustrations with her co-chairperson and the general lack of help from the other committee members was so reminiscent of real-life situations – sad and humorous at the same time.
The plot moved along at a steady pace with a few surprises along the way. The discovery of one particular clue was somewhat unique in my opinion. I would have liked just a bit more interaction between Thea and Cole. I was never quite sure if there was any true romance between them. I did like how the relationship between Thea and her best friend was resolved.
Overall, “A Stitch in Time” was a good fit for its genre and should be enjoyed by most who prefer cozy mysteries. I hate to see this series come to an end.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thea’s first quilt show is coming apart at the seams!
Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel.
Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds?
When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.
Find out more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love Books website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author and speaker Cathy Elliott nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in Anderson, California. Like the protagonist in her new mystery, Cathy is an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antique treasures.
Find out more about Cathy at https://cathyelliottbooks.wordpress.com/.
New from Quilts of Love | A Stitch in Crime Kindle Fire Giveaway!
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by admin | Jan 29, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Stitch in CrimeAbingdon Press (January 20, 2015)byCathy ElliottABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathy Elliott is a full-time writer who lives in northern California and whose cozy mysteries reflect her personal interests from playing her fiddle with friends to antique collecting and quilting. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antiques and is several years into recovery from her eBay addiction. UPDATE: She backslid a while back, enticed to bid on a 1945 Singer Featherweight. (She won.) But now she’s back on the wagon. Except for the recent crazy quilt pillow purchase. She also leads music at church and enjoys time with her grandchildren.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel. Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds? When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Stitch in Crime, go HERE.
by admin | Jan 24, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again Susan May Warren has proven to me why she remains in the top five of my favorite authors list – and those five authors are actually probably all tied for first place. I just can’t choose one over the others. That being said, “Always On My Mind” may have been one of the most difficult yet inspiring plots I have encountered in quite some time.
Casper Christiansen ran to Honduras after learning the woman he loved had also been involved with his brother. Hoping to unearth buried treasure and make a name for himself, Casper not only failed at that but also failed to forget the lovely Raina. Realizing that he still loved her, Casper returned home to tell Raina how he felt but found her pregnant with another man’s child. When Raina refuses to consider Caspar’s help, he retreats to the family resort where he attempts to help his brother with the upkeep while working at a job in town that bores him. Raina wants to do the right thing but is confused about what is really best for her. As they frequently find themselves in each other’s company, she and Casper begin to rebuild their friendship but can it ever develop into what Casper dreams?
“Always On My Mind” is an emotional and sometimes convoluted story that made me want to talk some sense into Raina more than once. It was so easy to see that the other guy she dated was not a good person and all wrong for her. I loved reading more about Darek and his family as his own struggles also formed an integral part of this story. A central theme of the book was how Casper, Darek, and Raina each felt they had something to prove yet all they really needed was to find their worth from the Lord.
I know my review is probably superficial but I am finding it difficult to fully express my feelings as I read it. It is a story that really delves into the inner conflicts of several characters and encourages the reader to look at herself in the same manner. Contemplating the valuable lessons hidden within a wonderful novel could very well lead to a bit of our own restoration. I highly recommend this novel as well as anything and everything Susan May Warren has written.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.
Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts-and the future of the resort.
Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
