by admin | May 30, 2016 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Daughter’s Dream” is the second book in Gray’s The Charmed Amish Life series. It can easily stand alone but would probably be much more enjoyable after reading the first book of the series “A Son’s Vow” which provides background information that helps to understand more about the characters and the town.
As the title implies, this novel is about dreams but in this case it covers the dreams of more than one character. It seems that several of the characters spent their lives trying to fit into the image they thought other people expected of them, leaving them mostly unfulfilled and sometimes unhappy. Funny thing is that most of the time the expectations of others was not what they imagined. In “A Daughter’s Dream” several of these characters learn more about dreams and what it means to follow the Lord’s plan for their lives.
I enjoyed another visit to Charm and was happy to see familiar faces and to learn that the town was beginning to recover from the tragic fire at the mill. This installment was so filled with wisdom and faith that I found much to consider as I read it and wondered if I had ever dared to dream.
Although this book features the Amish, their story could easily apply to any walk of life and contains lessons we would all do well to think about. I am looking forward to the next book of this series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young teacher and farmer discover they have much in common, especially when it comes to healing old wounds from the past . . . and finding love in one another.
Rebecca Kinsinger has always dreamed of being a teacher. But when she’s given the opportunity she’s been waiting for at Charm Amish School, she’s dismayed to discover that teaching is hard work—work she’s afraid she’s not very good at.
That is, until Lilly Yoder joins the class. A thirteen-year old who’s just lost her parents, Lilly is in need of someone like Rebecca. For the first time since starting her new job, Rebecca feels a sense of purpose. But when she meets Lilly’s uncle, Jacob, his good looks and sweet, easy-going temperament are hard to ignore. How can she even entertain romantic thoughts of Jacob when his niece is her student?
Suddenly becoming Lily’s sole caregiver, Jacob Yoder never thought he’d be a single parent—or a farmer. Having been living in Florida as a carpenter, Jacob feels more at home wielding a hammer than a backhoe. The only bright spot in his life is Rebecca Kinsinger. As Lily and Rebecca develop a bond, Jacob’s fondness for the pretty teacher grows, too.
But when a fateful accident brings them together, Rebecca and Jacob must choose between duty and desire. Will they follow the path before them? Or set out to find true happiness . . . and true love?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, 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.
Enter to win a copy of A Daughter’s Dream—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 8th on Shelley’s blog!
by admin | May 30, 2016 | Books, Fairytale Retellings, Medieval, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I am not certain how I happened to miss out on Melanie Dickerson’s faith-based fairy tales before now but if “The Beautiful Pretender” is a good example of her novels, I hope to have the opportunity to read more of them. Although described as A Medieval Fairy Tale, this novel was not written with children in mind. Any adult who enjoys such books should enjoy this one but it is also innocent enough that one would not object to their young teens reading it also.
In this story, The Margrave of Thornbeck has been ordered by the king to find a wife. Having been mostly reclusive and with no particular lady in mind, Reinhart agrees to invite ten unmarried ladies as guests to his castle with the intention of secretly testing them to choose the one who meets his requirements in a wife. Avelina, a maidservant is sent to pose as her master’s daughter with instructions to avoid being selected as the bride. Although that seemed easy enough to avoid, nothing turned out as planned.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Beautiful Pretender”, especially Reinhart and Avelina’s characters. One of Avelina’s strengths was her honesty and her inner struggles over obedience to the Earl or her deception to Reinhart was just one trait that made me like her so much. Her actions throughout the story emphasized her integrity and worth. The story was so well written that it was a joy to read. The plot moved along at an excellent pace with plenty of drama, action, danger, suspense, and of course romance. Numerous twist and surprises were scattered throughout the tale and the strong ending was quite satisfying.
I highly recommend this book and plan to go back to read the first book of this series “The Hunter of Thornbeck Forest” as soon as possible. I also look forward to the next installment. Oh my, I think I just added yet another author to my list of favorites.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?
The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.
Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Dickerson is the author of “The Healer’s Apprentice,” a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedickerson.com.
Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of The Beautiful Pretender
- A Kindle Fire tablet
- A $25 Amazon gift card
- The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie’s blog.
by admin | May 25, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Anchor in the Storm” may just be Sarah Sundin’s best book yet. With a large dose of World War 2 facts I never knew, a suspense filled mystery woven into the story, a lovely romance, and her bold inclusion of what many would consider “defective” characters, this novel was fascinating from the first to the last page.
Both Lillian and Arch made appearances in “Through Waters Deep”, the first book in Sundin’s Waves of Freedom series and have moved to center stage to star in their own story. Arch is one of those guys who is burned out on romance because all the gals are more interested in his family’s wealth than in who he really is. Lillian is just as shy of romance but for her own reasons. After losing a leg to a childhood accident, she has grown used to people thinking of her as a “freak” and because of a bad experience does not trust any man. Naturally that is just the right fuel to ignite the fires of romance but is it possible for either of them to overcome their fears enough to trust the other?
I loved reading about Lillian and Arch and seeing their personal development through their story. It was encouraging to watch Lillian’s confidence grow and her fearless pursuit of the truth about the drug ring she and Arch were investigating. Arch had some personal growth too as he learned to trust Lillian (most of the time) and to trust the Lord as he slowly began to overcome his fear of death while on his ship.
“Anchor in the Storm” is a wonderful tale with just the right combination of elements to make it work. I look forward to the final book in this series and hope I don’t have to wait too long to read it.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance—and danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.
Read an excerpt from Anchor in the Storm.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including “Anchor in the Storm.” Her novel “Through Waters Deep” was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in “Where Treetops Glisten” was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.
GIVEAWAY:
Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
- Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
- Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
- 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
- Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
- “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
- Set of two nautical tea towels
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.
by admin | May 25, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance, San Francisco
MY REVIEW:
Before I finished my very first novel by Karen Barnett, I knew I had found yet another author whose books I must have. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to review them so far but I can assure you that if I happen to miss out on a blog tour, I will definitely purchase anything she pens. “Through the Shadows” met all my expectations and more.
The third book of Barnett’s Golden Gate Chronicles series, “Through the Shadows” takes place two years after the great San Francisco earthquake. The city is beginning to rebuild but many people have lost everything and the rich seem to get richer at their expense. Political corruption is rampant and an evil human slavery trade takes advantage of the innocents among the Asian community. It is to this volatile environment that young lawyer Charles McKinley comes to his uncle’s law practice because he wants to help others. Unfortunately his noble ambitions are squashed by the realities of his new job. Elizabeth King has also recently arrived in San Francisco hoping to atone for her mistakes by helping in a mission to the young rescued Chinese girls.
I loved this book! Elizabeth is just the kind of character I like – one who fights for the oppressed without a thought of her own danger, loving and loyal to those she cares for, yet fragile and wounded in spirit. Charles is the perfect hero also. He has such fine ambitions to help others and even when things do not go as planned, he always takes the high road. Working without sleep to prove himself worthy, he turned the other cheek time and again to those who wanted to undermine him and went out of his way to protect and serve those who needed him.
It was a joy to catch up with Elizabeth’s brother and sister as well as their spouses from the first two books of this series. Other familiar characters played important roles also. With plenty of drama, danger, misunderstandings, romance, and suspense, “Through the Shadows” held my attention through the end. It is a fine story of forgiveness and reconciliation plus learning to see ourselves the way the Lord sees us and accept his plans for us.
I am sorry to see this series end but I look forward to whatever Karen Barnett has in store for her readers next. I can’t wait!
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.
The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome-and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.
Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.
Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Barnett is the author of “Beyond the Ashes,” “Out of the Ruins,” and “Mistaken.” Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.
Find out more about Karen at http://karenbarnettbooks.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of Through the Shadows—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 7th on Karen’s blog!
by admin | May 23, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Someone Like You” is a beautiful contemporary romance about second chances and the grace of God. Less-than-perfect primary characters are vividly portrayed with all their shortcomings which made me like them even more. Well except for that one supremely irritating narcissist who just never could get a clue about how grownups should actually behave.
I liked the story twist in that Julia and Zeke had parted ways years before due to differences in their faith only to have their roles reversed when their paths crossed again. I did think Zeke beat himself up just a bit too much over his self-perceived failures but then that really is what some of us tend to do in everyday life.
Ladybug the goat added just the right touch of humor at times when things could have become bogged down in emotions. What fun! Overall the plot was held together by just the right amount of action, tension, romance, and humor. And for those who really love romance, there are more than one romantic stories included in this book.
I mostly liked the way the story was resolved although it wrapped up just a bit too quickly for me. One thing I might like to see is a future novel featuring Hunter. Much as I disliked him and as badly as he behaved, I would love to read his redemption story. After all, it is never too late for anyone to find God.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate.
A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father’s less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she’s shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort’s general manager and her college sweetheart.
With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can’t ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?
Read an excerpt from Someone Like You HERE.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.
Find out more about Victoria at http://www.victoriabylin.com.
