by admin | Aug 17, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always love to read a new book by Judith Miller who has a wonderful way with words and features such interesting historical settings with well-rounded characters. “The Potter’s Lady” lived up to my expectations very well and kept me involved with the story until its very last page.
I enjoyed renewing my acquaintance with characters featured in “The Brickmaker’s Bride and learning more about what was happening in their lives, especially Ewan and Laura. I also appreciated the progression of the romance between Rose and Rylan plus the bit of mystery and intrigue that affected their lives. Historical facts about the pottery industry as well as descriptions of how the pottery was made gave the book even more authenticity. Although I pretty much guessed early on who was behind undermining their business, there were still enough surprises and drama to hold my interest.
“The Potter’s Lady” will join “The Brickmaker’s Bride on my keeper shelf. If you enjoy a good historical romance, both of these books should appeal to you.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia, Rose McKay seeks a measure of success–in business and in love.
When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she’s determined to assist him in making the endeavor a success. A recent graduate of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. Rose also reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family’s pottery works and promises to help her.
Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be decent folks. He just wishes Rose wouldn’t insist on changing the way they do things. Then McKay Pottery begins to lose business to the Harkness company, and Rylan suspects Joshua may be secretly taking advantage of Rose.
When Franklin Hotels announces a design contest, it could be the opportunity McKay Pottery needs to achieve recognition and clients. Rose and Rylan work together to create something magnificent. With Joshua’s company as their main rival, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may spell ruin for them all?
Read an excerpt from “The Potter’s Lady” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Judith Miller is an award-winning writer whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her family make their home in Topeka, Kansas. Learn more at www.judithmccoymiller.com.
by admin | Aug 17, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingOnce Upon a SummertimeRevell (June 2, 2015)byMelody Carlson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two ‘re-homed’ pets to make life more interesting-our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.
My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that’s off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the Ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime-one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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 woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises–not the least of which is Sean O’Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!
Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Summertime, go HERE.
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.
by admin | Aug 15, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Now that I have read both “A Cry From the Dust” and “The Bones Will Speak” I am certain that I will have a place on my bookshelves for any forthcoming novel by Carrie Stuart Parks. I have always enjoyed suspense novels but in the past few years have begun to shy away from those that have too much gore. Carrie’s books have just enough details to ramp up the suspense as well as give the crimes credibility but she does not include anything that makes me cringe or keeps me awake at night. I also like the fact that she draws from her own career and personal experiences for her plot and character development.
In “The Bones Will Speak” forensic artist Gwen Marcey is trying to pick up the pieces after a bout with cancer, an unwanted divorce, and financial pressures due to the loss of her job. A discontented teen daughter adds to her stress. When her dog brings home a human skull, Gwen’s life becomes even more complicated as more bodies are discovered and there is even a possibility that she and her daughter are being targeted by a serial killer.
This book had me turning the pages as fast as I could read. I didn’t want to put it down until I found out who the killer could be. Plenty of twists and surprises kept the story moving and the tension built throughout the book until its climatic last pages. I can’t wait to read about Gwen’s next adventure.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Forensic artist Gwen Marcey has become the target of a serial killer who believes he’s been appointed God’s executioner.
In Copper Creek, Montana, Gwen Marcey is struggling to put together her life after cancer and divorce. When her dog retrieves a skull of a murder victim and leads her to the victim’s grave, Gwen uses her forensic art ability to identify a serial killer. She is horrified to discover all the victims look like her fourteen-year-old daughter.
The murderer is a “lone wolf,” a member of the terrorist group Phineas Priesthood-and he has a score to settle with Gwen. Unraveling the tangled Christian Identity movement, where race-not grace-provides salvation, Gwen is in a frantic rush against time. She must use all her skills to uncover the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy her and everyone she loves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She teaches forensic art courses to law enforcement professionals and is the author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing. Carrie began to write fiction while battling breast cancer and was mentored by New York Times bestselling author Frank Peretti. Now in remission, she continues to encourage other women struggling with cancer. Visit Carrie’s website.
by admin | Aug 15, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The final installment of the Journey of the Heart series, “A Heart’s Home” is both poignant and hopeful. New life and death walk side-by-side at Fort Phil Kearny with joy and grief close companions. Emmie and Isaac’s future together is threatened by both secrets and past promises at the same time the fort is threatened by the Sioux.
With its share of conflict, danger, emotional upheaval, and romance, “A Heart’s Home” brought the series to a satisfying conclusion. I thought that all the hanging threads were tied up nicely with all my questions answered. My only complaint is that because I am accustomed to the author’s longer novels, I missed the character and relationship development that is impossible in such short books. As I have stated previously, I did enjoy the chance to read Colleen’s very first series that paved the way for all her novels that I have loved over the past several years.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Emmie’s hope for a life with Isaac is overshadowed by a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny.
Isaac Liddle is keen to marry Emmie, and she knows she shouldn’t hide her pregnancy from him any longer. But before she can tell him her secret, a widower friend asks the impossible of Emmie: Will she honor her promise to his dead wife by marrying him to care for the orphaned baby?
With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
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/.
‘A Heart’s Home’ and Conversations with Colleen Coble Giveaway
A hidden pregnancy, a promise sure to break hearts, and a tragic loss at Fort Phil Kearny: Don’t miss the gripping conclusion in book six, A Heart’s Home, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series. With the Sioux Wars threatening outside the fort, Emmie’s solemn vow threatens her happiness from within. Will she honor a promise sure to break her heart—and Isaac’s? Or is there another way to find a home for her heart?
Colleen is celebrating the final book release of her A Journey of the Heart series by giving away the entire series and the chance to host Colleen virtually at your book club, local library, or women’s group to talk about the series.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- Books 1–6 of A Journey of the Heart series
- A chat with Colleen via Skype or Google Hangout
- A custom book-club kit PDF, featuring Colleen’s favorite recipes and group discussion questions
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 31st. Winner will be announced September 1st on Colleen’s website.
by admin | Aug 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Irish Meadows” is an interesting first novel that takes place mostly on Long Island, New York. At first the story seems to feature Brianna O’Leary but before long her sister Colleen quickly gains a very important role. With the O’Leary horse farm facing financial difficulties, father James believes it can be saved if both daughters marry well and a well-placed marriage of foster son Gilbert would not hurt the chances of a successful bank loan. With all his manipulation, James fails to consider the desires of others involved in his planning.
As another reviewer stated, I much preferred Brianna at the beginning and thought Colleen was not at all nice – especially to her sister. Somewhere along the way, my preference did an about face and I realized that Colleen was not the villain I had thought but was acting out of misplaced guilt and shame. A love interest that took her entirely by surprise changed her outlook and helped her find true faith. Brianna, on the other hand, became more rebellious and found it difficult to trust Gilbert or Colleen. I was more and more frustrated with Gilbert as he allowed James to manipulate his life rather than stand up for what he really wanted.
All-in-all, “Irish Meadows” was an intriguing story that held my interest. Of all the characters I think I liked Rylan the best, even if he vacillated about what he wanted for awhile also. Pick up a copy to find out for yourself how things turn out for Irish Meadows and the O’Leary family. There might be a few surprises in store.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.
Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.
Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.
As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, “Irish Meadows,” won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.
Find out more about Susan Anne at http://www.susanannemason.com.
Susan Anne Mason’s ‘Irish Meadows’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father’s schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don’t miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
- One copy of Irish Meadows
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!
