by admin | Sep 26, 2015 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
A historical romance filled with wonderful characters, “The Mistress of Tall Acre” is another winner from the desk of author Laura Frantz. I believe I have read each and every one of her novels and as the old saying goes “I haven’t met one yet that I didn’t love”. I have long been an avid reader of historical fiction and Laura ranks near the top of my favorite must read list.
The heroine Sophie has been deserted by her father, a Tory sympathizer and her brother has never returned from the war. With no income and shunned by most of her neighbors, Sophie and the old woman who lives with her are hard pressed to find enough food to survive, let alone come up with the back taxes to keep the family property. Marrying her neighbor Seamus Ogilvy seems to be an excellent solution to both of their problems – but at what cost? A story filled with classic misunderstandings and secrets kept from each other, “The Mistress of tall Acre” contains fabulous glimpses into the lives of both rich and poor following the American Revolution.
Sophie was a special character who reached out in love to those around her despite her own mistreatment. Lily Cate was a little charmer who added a touch of levity to the tale and Seamus was the perfect hero even if he was somewhat disillusioned by the war and the actions of his wife. I loved the totally unexpected surprises that popped up later in the tale and was happy with the way it all worked out in the end. You will have to read it for yourself to learn what happened because I’m not telling.
Once again, I can recommend the latest book by Laura Frantz. Read it for yourself to find out why I always plan to acquire each new book she publishes. They are that good!
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .
The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general’s past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?
Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal–you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz.
Read an excerpt from The Mistress of Tall Acre.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.
by admin | Sep 26, 2015 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Kristi Ann Hunter has combined a historical England setting with a spunky heroine, a dashing hero, witty dialogue, lots of humor, and just the right amount of romance and intrigue to produce a perfectly entertaining tale in her debut full-length novel. This tangled tale revolves around a young woman who instead of writing in a journal has spent years writing letters containing her innermost thoughts to her brother’s best friend Marsh but never mailing them. The fun begins when Marsh accidentally gets hold of one of the letters and proceeds to write back to Miranda. Despite her mortification, she continues to write to him and they get to know each other through the letters. Little does she know that she actually knows him better than that!
To be absolutely truthful, I am finding it difficult to write this review without spoilers. I liked the fact that the hero and heroine were not perfect and that their relationship grew over the course of the book rather than being a love-at-first-sight kind of attraction. The inclusion of a strong Christian message was welcome but not overdone in my opinion. I like that Bethany House has not compromised on that facet of their books. Perhaps some of the language used was too modern for the time period as some reviewers have mentioned, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. In fact, I was probably too involved in the story to notice. This was such a fun and yet suspenseful book that I hope to find time to read it again soon.
Thank you, Bethany House for taking a chance with another new author. Kristi Ann Hunter is a keeper and I look forward to reading many more novels from her.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she’s never actually met the man she has no intention of ever sending the letters and is mortified when her brother’s mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke.
Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. As the secret goings-on at her family’s estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
Read an excerpt from A Noble Masquerade.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She is a founding member and the coordinator of the Regency Reflections blog and lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.
by admin | Sep 22, 2015 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Florida, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy books by Shelley Shepard Gray. She has a unique way of making her characters come to life that makes them seem like old friends. “A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn” is a continuation of Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft series that is set in Florida. The third book in the series, it can easily stand on its own although there is a thread that runs throughout the series that centers on the inn.
This particular volume contains, not one, not even two, but three romance stories and the reader might be surprised by which couple marries first. Although the story features Emma and Jay primarily, their children, the innkeeper, and her niece also play pivotal roles. An then there is Frankie, a pizza-loving beagle who gets into enough mischief to keep everyone laughing. Overall, “A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn” is a sweet and romantic novel that is good for a quiet evening’s entertainment.
I loved how the Amish of Pinecraft seem to be much more laid back than those who live elsewhere. I could easily visualize the bright colored dresses paired with flipflops and the casual outdoors lifestyle shared by the community. I recommend this book to all who enjoy Amish fiction and to those who might enjoy just a little change of pace.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love.
Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever?
Emma’s gentleness with Jay’s boys stirs something in his heart that’s been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son’s joy, Jay wonders if it’s time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again.
Once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
When widow Emma’s family opposes her new friendship with widower Jay, she begins to wonder if she’ll be alone forever. Don’t miss Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn, in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series! A wedding brings together two young widowed parents, and once again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four become a happy, healthy family of eight?
Enter to win a copy of A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced October 1 on Shelley’s blog!
by admin | Sep 15, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed several of Erin Healy’s novels in the past. Her stories often take an entirely different direction from what is usually the norm but that is part of what makes them so interesting. I will admit that at first I had a difficult time getting into “Hiding Places” and actually put it down for awhile and returned to it after reading something a bit more frivolous. Once I understood the pertinent facts, I suddenly found that I was quickly reaching the end. When it grabbed my attention it didn’t let go.
The main protagonist of the story is eleven-year-old Kate Whitby who has free range of the family hotel where she occupies herself by spying on everyone, especially her obviously dysfunctional family members. The historic buildings of the hotel each have hiding places that were designed for safety when they were built during World War 2. Kate is familiar with most of the hiding spots which play an important role in the drama and danger that develops when several gang members converge on the hotel in search of the man they believe killed the son of their leader.
The story is told through several points of view which makes it both interesting yet sometimes confusing. There were times I wanted to sit Kate down and have a long talk with her about how inappropriate her behavior was, especially her tendency to hide things. The truth was, she saw life through the innocent eyes of a child and her somewhat skewed desire to help others.
Although the tale is pretty suspenseful, it is relieved by occasional humorous moments – usually involving Kate or her great-grandmother. I liked how Kate’s family finally woke up and realized how much they cared for each other when faced with the possible loss of their loved ones. Overall, “Hiding Places” was a satisfying read and a reminder of the importance of family.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Family means safety. Family means protection. Until it doesn’t.
Eleven-year-old Kate Whitby leads an invisible life, the youngest member of her odd family. They live in their historic small-town hotel, where she is an expert at keeping everyone’s secrets: her sister’s a thief, her great-grandmother isn’t as crazy as people think, her mother lives in the past, and her beloved grandfather might have killed his best friend.
Devoted to the people she loves-more than they have ever been to her-Kate vows to protect each one. Charlie Fuse has lived on the streets since his alcoholic father threw him out. When Charlie’s powerful street family tests his loyalty by demanding that he kill the son of a rival gang leader, he refuses. They frame him for the murder, forcing Charlie to run.
When Kate finds Charlie injured and penniless, she hides him from his enemies and her uncharitable relatives, unaware that he has a connection to her family as old as the hotel itself.
The murderous gang tracks Charlie down. To flush him out, they take the clueless family hostage and threaten young Kate. Even then, Kate keeps Charlie hidden, putting all her childlike faith in one terrible hope: that the family who has never been able to protect her before might learn how to do it now.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erin Healy is the bestselling coauthor of Burn and Kiss (with Ted Dekker) and an award-winning editor for many bestselling authors. She is a member of ACFW and Academy of Christian Editors. Her novels include such thrilling stories as Never Let You Go, The Baker’s Wife, Stranger Things, and Motherless. She and her family live in Colorado.
Facebook: erinhealybooks
Twitter: @erinhealybooks
by admin | Sep 15, 2015 | Amish, Books
MY REVIEW:
Just when I had begun to think that every Amish novel was a repeat of the same basic theme, Cindy Woodsmall brings a fresh approach to the genre. “Ties That Bind” has a little romance, more than a little angst, the return of an old love interest, and a family mystery that dominates the story.
Although this book does not contain much action and it may move along at a more sedate pace than many, I found that it held my interest quite well. I liked reading both sides of the story involving the man who assists Amish who want to leave the order. Instead of painting him as a bad person, the author allowed her readers to understand why he chose to do what he did. Without demonizing or idealizing the Amish, she offered a realistic view of their strict belief system and how it affects those who are part of their community.
As the first book of the series, “Ties That Bind” leaves the reader with several questions unanswered. Despite the way it ended, I personally remain hopeful that Ariana and Quill will eventually find their way back to each other. I am also anticipating learning more about what will happen with Skylar. So, yes, I definitely plan to read the other books in this series. I can’t just leave Summer Grove without having my curiosity satisfied.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ariana’s comfortable Old Order Amish world is about to unravel. Will holding tightly to the cords of family keep them together—or simply tear them apart?
Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding brood and to keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schlabach.
Five years ago Quill, along with her dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish.
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Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His love and loyalty to her beckons him to try to win her trust and help her find a way to buy the café—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever.
Ties That Bind is the first novel in the Amish of Summer Grove series.
Click here to download an excerpt from Ties That Bind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.
