by admin | Jun 17, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Midwife’s TaleBethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015)byDelia Parr
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love’s First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she’s hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha’s world is shattered.
Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can’t remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it’s trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
As an older reader, I am almost always happy to run across a novel that features a more mature heroine for a change. After all, not every woman marries young and lives happily-ever-after until she reaches old age. In The Midwife’s Tale, Martha Cade has been widowed for a number of years and her children are grown. Serving as a midwife, Martha believes she is following her calling and the legacy of previous generations of the women of her family. When her daughter runs away and Martha fails to locate her, Martha begins to come to the realization that perhaps she has been mistaken in some of her actions and beliefs.
I enjoyed reading The Midwife’s Tale. After a bit of a slow start, the story grew on me and proved to be quite a page-turner. I loved Martha’s heart to serve and her willingness to examine her own heart and motives. The contrast between Martha’s approach to childbirth and the new doctor’s approach were informative and interesting. I actual have witnessed a move back toward her methods during the past several years.
The Midwife’s Tale is an enjoyable tale with strong characters and a solid story line that has just a taste of romance. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
by admin | Jun 15, 2015 | DVD, Romance
A romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED centers on Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who gives up his reckless carousing and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance as well as for his devout belief in God. When Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to his strong faith and noble ideas, which are new and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it, simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his relational theories and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep wounds as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” and God-honoring courtship in contemporary America.
MY REVIEW:
The creators of OLD FASHIONED are to be commended for their attempt to counter the message of free love without repercussions that is pushed by most forms of entertainment offered in our current society. Its primary focus is on treating women with respect and that fact that it is possible to save physical intimacy for marriage.
I will admit that for at least the first half of the film, I thought that Clay was way too self-righteous in the way he came across. I admired him for standing up for his values but his attitude would (and did) turn most people off. Amber, on the other hand, seemed to be just a little too flippant. At first I thought that Clay was just a challenge to her and she was determined to break him down. Somewhere along the way, she actually became attracted to the very traits that she had ridiculed at first.
Despite his self-righteous attitude, Clay’s character was appealing and he did loosen up before the end. I personally thought the very best part of the film was when his aunt told him exactly what she thought about his attitude.
I would recommend that parents make it a point for their teens to see this movie at least once. It’s time for our youth to know that Hollywood does not have all the answers.
Twitter: @OldFashionedVow
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
by admin | Jun 15, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed many books by Melody Carlson, so I looked forward to reading “Once Upon a Summertime”. Overall it was an enjoyable, light romance that is perfect for reading on the beach, at the lake, or even a lazy summer afternoon or evening.
While Carlson’s talented style is quite evident in this book, the story itself was fairly predictable, especially once Anna was actually in New York. As other reviewers have mentioned, the story ended rather abruptly with all the potential conflict neatly wrapped up in a tidy package.
One aspect I have always enjoyed about Melody’s books is that I can usually count on a strong spiritual message or lesson. Unfortunately in “Once Upon a Summertime” the romance between Anna and Sean seemed to have a much stronger focus than their faith.
Nevertheless, fans of Melody Carlson should still find this novel entertaining, especially those who love happy-ever-afters.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it’s a safe choice for a young woman starting out her career.
Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises–not the least of which is discovering that Sean O’Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position.
This sweetly romantic tale of dreams come true takes you through the storied streets of New York City–and into the depths of the human heart.
Read an excerpt from “Once Upon a Summertime” HERE.
Endorsement:
“A hard-working girl finds her happily-ever-after ending in Melody Carlson’s heartwarming tale. Readers will cheer Anna’s journey as a summer of new beginnings becomes a summer of unexpected love.”–Lisa Wingate, bestselling author of The Prayer Box and The Story Keeper
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, the Life at Kingston High series, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. She is the winner of a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon.
For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Jun 11, 2015 | Books, Great Lakes, Historical, Lighthouse, Michigan, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Hearts Made Whole” is the second book in Hedund’s Beacons of Hope historical romance series about lighthouse keepers in Michigan. Featuring Ryan Chambers who had a small role in “Love Unexpected” and Caroline Taylor who has almost single-handedly run the Windmill Point Lighthouse for some time. After her father’s death, Caroline and her siblings are notified that they must leave their home because only a man is allowed to be a lighthouse keeper and Ryan just happens to be her replacement. Could anyone less qualified have been hired?
Returning from the war, Ryan is a broken man – dirty, smelly, hairy, and addicted to the alcohol and opium he uses to escape the physical pain and the guilt. This man is the most unlikely hero for a love story that I have run across and I really did not like him for awhile. But somehow, even with all her problems and responsibilities, Caroline was able to see the gentle, kind-hearted man of integrity hidden beneath his visible appearance.
“Hearts Made Whole” is sometimes just a little gritty due to the author’s courageous decision to deal with some difficult issues. I have read enough book reviews to realize that some readers will be offended by certain scenes but the author handled everything so well that there is really nothing inappropriate for Christian readers. After all, none of us have led perfect lives.
Strong characters are painted with a bold and realistic brush. The plot moves along at a good pace with plenty of action, drama, danger, and mystery to keep it interesting. Family dynamics are not all sweetness and light but exhibit some tension, conflict, and even betrayal. There are moments when all hope seems to be lost but both Caroline and Ryan are able to grow in their faith and realize that God has everything in His hands.
Each book in the Beacons of Hope series can stand on its own but I would recommend reading both of them just because they are so good.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?
After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation–the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
Read an excerpt from “Hearts Made Whole” Here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of nine novels, including “Captured By Love,” “Rebellious Heart,” and “A Noble Groom,” winner of the 2014 Carol Award and INSPYs Award. She received a bachelor’s from Taylor University and a master’s from University of Wisconsin, both in social work. Currently she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.
Find out more about Jody at http://jodyhedlund.com/.
Jody Hedlund’s ‘Hearts Made Whole’ Prize Pack Giveaway and Facebook Party
Don’t miss Jody Hedlund’s new book, Hearts Made Whole, a story of loss, forgiveness, hope, and true love set in 1865 Michigan. When Ryan’s failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Can Caroline forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?
Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody’s June 23rd author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
One second-place winner will receive:
One third-place winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 23rd.Winner will be announced June 23rd at Jody’s Facebook party. RSVP here!
by admin | Jun 10, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, England, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLondon TidesDavid C. Cook (June 1, 2015)byCarla Laureano
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I studied literature and criticism at Pepperdine University and earned a degree in English in 1997. Since then, I’ve worked in a number of different industries as a salesperson, marketing manager, copywriter, and small business consultant. In addition to my work for corporate clients, I wrote for publications produced by the World Health Organization.
I love the history, culture, and mythology of Ireland and Scotland, which form the settings for most of my work. I also enjoy incorporating my background in martial arts and fencing into the action elements of my stories.
I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). I was selected as a finalist in ACFW’s 2012 Genesis contest in the speculative fiction category. My debut novel, a contemporary romance entitled Five Days in Skye, was released by David C Cook in June 2013 and went on to win RWA’s 2014 RITA Award for Inspirational Romance. My three book young adult fantasy series, SONG OF SEARE, is being released from NavPress in 2014 and 2015.
I live with my husband and two sons in Denver, Colorado.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.
She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace … only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together … or tear them apart for good this time?
If you would like to read the first chapter of London Tides, go HERE.
