by admin | Apr 16, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
After reading Kristy Cambron’s “The Butterfly and the Violin”, I was convinced that it was not possible that the second book of her Hidden Masterpiece series could compete. I was wrong! “A Sparrow in Terezin” is just as strong and beautifully written with multiple scenes to touch the reader’s heart and soul.
Once again the novel takes place during two different time periods and places with characters of both eras having connections that are not immediately evident. Although Sera and William’s trials and troubles are riveting, it is the story of Kája Makovsky that really takes center stage in this novel. Although Kája is relatively safe in war-torn London, when she hears how many Jews are dying at the hands of the Nazis, she makes a daring journey back into Prague, hoping to save her parents.
“The Butterfly and the Violin” is a poignant story of bravery and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. It paints the story of life within the walls of Terezin – of strength, faith, and hope in the midst of deprivation and cruelty. A testimony of the difference that just one person can make in the lives of others despite what seems to be a hopeless situation.
I highly recommend both novels in Cambron’s Hidden Masterpiece series and suggest reading them in the order published although each can easily stand on its own.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor’s story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.
Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she’s stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.
1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.
Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Kristy’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal Reviews’ “Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction)” for February 2015.
Cambron is an art/design manager at TheGROVEstory.com storytelling ministry. She holds a degree in art history from Indiana University and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and communications for a Fortune-100 company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.
Find out more about Kristy at http://kristycambron.com.
‘A Sparrow in Terezin’ by Kristy Cambron | New Book Plus a Book-Inspired Giveaway
BLOG CODE:
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron‘s new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A set of poppy notecards
- A poppy pin
- A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
- A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
- Literary tea bags
- Tumbler
- A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Apr 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Novella, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Book two of the Journey of the Heart series finds Sarah encouraged by her friend Amelia to travel with he and her new husband to Fort Laramie and make things right with Rand. Unfortunately Sarah finds that things are entirely different than what she expected. If she wants to regain Rand’s love, she may just have to fight for it. To make matters worse, Ben Croftner makes an appearance and it does not look like he will leave without causing trouble.
“A Heart’s Obsession” continues the story of Sarah and Rand with plenty of action, drama, and suspense. At this point in the story, I am not too happy with Rand and would like to see Sarah be a bit more assertive. I will be forced to wait until the next installment (or horrors, even later) to find out if their situation improves to my satisfaction. That is one aspect of serial novels that I do not like. I suppose I am just too impatient. Even full length series can try my patience!
Once again, this novella is a welcome look back at one of Colleen Coble’s earliest work that is a fine indicator of the talent that has made her one of my top favorite authors.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will Sarah’s journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?
When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.
But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn’t what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.
Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.
Learn more and purchase a copy at the Thomas Nelson website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Kindle Giveaway, Blog Tour, and Author Chat Party with Colleen Coble Code: Can a woman held captive by her family make it back to the one man she knows she can trust? Find out in book two, A Heart’s Obsession, of Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series. When Sarah Montgomery’s father succumbs to his long illness, Sarah is faced with a life-altering choice: submit to her brother’s will and marry the deceptive Ben Croftner . . . or escape through the dangerous American West to reclaim the heart of her beloved Rand Campbell at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.
Celebrate book two in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
- A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge (blog tour coming in mid-April)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!
by admin | Apr 14, 2015 | Books
MY REVIEW:
“From the Start” is just the right book for one of those times when a reader could use something that is a little light-hearted, fun, a bit humorous, and romantic but has enough spiritual content to keep it from being just fluff. Melissa Tagg has just the right touch when it comes to novels like that and her heart-warming stories about the Walker family and the enchanting little town of Maple Valley are sure to please. I have enjoyed each and every one of Melissa’s novels thus far and “From the Start” was no disappointment. Melissa’s books are so readable that I don’t like to miss even one of them.
Kate and Colton were both engaging characters who had me on their team at once. I loved catching up with the other members of Kate’s family and revisiting Maple Valley. I wish I could visit there for real. It was fun walking with Kate and Colton through the major changes and challenges in their lives as they learned that it is sometimes best to just regroup and start over…especially when the Lord seems to be leading the way.
“From the Start” is a sweet romance with a strong message of faith that should leave most readers wanting more. Highly recommended!
This book was provided for review by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn’t kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays…until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.
Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend’s hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he’s lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he’s never really done normal before.
While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it’s like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn’t part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that’s ever happened to them?
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
“Simply adorable . . you might just fall in love with Here to Stay.”–USAToday.com’s Happy Ever After blog
Melissa Tagg’s newest book, From the Start, is guaranteed to win the heart of readers with this delightful story of a retired football player looking for his future, and a writer trying to figure out how to pen his story–while rewriting her own. Colton is downright swoon-worthy, and this first book in this hometown series about the charming town of Maple Valley, Iowa, scores a resounding touchdown! Tagg just gets better and better.
Susan May Warren, bestselling, RITA award-winning author of The Wonder of You
From the Start embodies Tagg’s best! Delightful. Endearing. And full of engaging characters and tingling moments reminiscent of our favorite films and stories. I’m thrilled this is the beginning of our journey with the Walkers and eagerly anticipate this wonderful family’s next chapter.
Katherine Reay, author of Lizzy & Jane
With her usual dose of girl-next-door charm, Melissa Tagg invites the reader into yet another witty and faith-filled story in From the Start. Though written with punchy dialogue and a colorful cast of supporting characters, Tagg isn’t afraid to expand the lighthearted parts of the story to delve into some of life’s tougher challenges–which she does in an authentic way. The first in a new series, I’m eagerly awaiting the next chapter from the Walker clan!
Kristy Cambron, author of The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin
by admin | Apr 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingJadedDavid C. Cook (March 1, 2015)byVarina Denman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An avid reader and blogger,
Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on a three book Texas series which will soon be published by David C. Cook. The first book in the series,
Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.
Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.
Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a child, Ruthie was shunned by the local congregation. Thirteen years later, Ruthie’s heart begins to stir when an attractive single preacher arrives. But their relationship is bitterly opposed—unearthing a string of secrets which threaten to turn the church, the town, and her world upside-down.
Jaded is the rare novel that is both love story between a woman and man … and God and His church. Plunging deep into the waters of shame, forgiveness and restoration, it will resonate with every woman who’s experienced a loss of heart … and a thirst for hope.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Jaded, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Having spent most of my life in rural communities and small churches, the story told by Jaded rings true to me. I personally have never witnessed a situation quite like the one experienced by Ruthie and her mother but I can recognize the potential of something similar happening if circumstances played out just right.
Jaded is beautifully written and I immediately connected with its characters. It is a sobering tale of how much destruction and pain that gossip and lies can cause. It is also a glorious story of the beauty and freedom gained by the truth and forgiveness.
I very much enjoyed my first book by Varina Denman and am looking forward to reading more of her work.
by admin | Apr 12, 2015 | American Revolution, Books, Historical, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
It has been many years since I was a student. One of my high school majors was history, I was an honor student, and I have always loved historical fiction. But I cannot remember even one thing about Gulf Coast involvement in the Revolutionary War. In my recollections of my classes, all I remember about that war took place in the vicinity of what we call New England. So – I was quite happy to add more facts to my woefully deficient knowledge of that portion of our early history.
“The Creole Princess” is the kind of book I love. It is populated with well-rounded and interesting characters who made the story come alive. Lyse was delightfully spunky, smart, and brave and Rafael was both outrageous and canny and not at all who he seemed to be. Of course a romance was in the works between the two of them but its progression is just a part of what made this novel so good. The pages are filled with action, danger, humor, drama, suspense, and romance that combine to make this book a real page-turner.
I love being able to see history through the eyes of those who could have been there. It appears that Beth White has performed her research well and has blended true historical facts and even characters into a novel that will open the reader’s eyes to events from the Revolutionary War that like me, they might not have known. I highly recommend “The Creole Princess” as well as White’s previous novel, “The Pelican Bride”. Lovers of historical fiction should not miss either of them.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Torn between loyalties to family and flag, one young woman is about to discover that her most important allegiance is to her heart.
It is 1776, and all along the eastern seaboard the American struggle for independence rages. But in the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is much quieter–though no less deadly.
Lyse Lanier may be largely French in heritage, but she spends most of her time in the company of the ebullient daughter of the British commander of Mobile. When a charming young Spanish merchant docks in town, Lyse is immediately struck by his easy wit and flair for the dramatic. But is he truly who he makes himself out to be? Spies abound, and Spain has yet to choose a side in the American conflict. Is Lyse simply an easy mark for Rafael Gonzalez to exploit? Or are his overtures of love as genuine as Spanish gold?
With spectacular detail that brings the cultural gumbo of the Colonial Gulf Coast alive, Beth White invites you to step into a world of intrigue and espionage from a little-known slice of the American Revolutionary War.
What critics are saying about the Gulf Coast Chronicles
“Duplicity, danger, political intrigue, and adventure.”–Booklist on The Pelican Bride
“New France comes alive thanks to intricate detail.”–Publishers Weekly review of The Pelican Bride
“The brutal New World [is] captured with distinct detail in this fast-paced romantic adventure.”–RT Book Reviews on The Pelican Bride
Read an excerpt from “The Creole Princess” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth White‘s day job is teaching music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. A native Mississippian, she is a pastor’s wife, mother of two, and grandmother of one–so far. Her hobbies include playing flute and pennywhistle and painting, but her real passion is writing historical romance with a Southern drawl. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Visit www.bethwhite.net for more information.
