by admin | Sep 24, 2017 | Books, Christmas, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I always look forward to Melody Carlson’s Christmas book each year. It has become such a tradition for me that Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without them. This year’s book “The Christmas Blessing” is a historical one that takes place during the World War 2 years.
As is often the case, the story is a poignant one that pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. It is also filled with hope and joy and comes complete with a glorious surprise or two before its end.Although the story is short and character development is limited, the author still manages to make her readers care about what happens to Amelia and her baby.
This small hardback can easily be read in an evening or two which is a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the winter holidays. So grab a hot drink and a warm throw and take a short break with this lovely little novel. I may just join you be reading it again closer to Christmas.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Although Amelia would be on the train only until tomorrow morning, she unpacked a few things with the goal of making Jimmy and herself as comfortable as possible. To her delight, this cozy sleeping car felt just right for the two of them. Not only that, but as the train began to move, Jimmy relaxed and settled in. Almost as if he were glad they were finally on their way. Maybe he instinctively knew that life was about to get better for them. Perhaps he would enjoy meeting his paternal grandparents. At the moment the train pulled out of the station, anything seemed possible.
She’s determined to give her baby a better life.
Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?
Not long after she receives the news in 1944 that her baby’s father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant’s paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don’t know that she–or their grandson–exists.
When Amelia discovers the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington’s, The Christmas Cat, The Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Angel Project. She received 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. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
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by admin | Sep 24, 2017 | Books, England, Mystery, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Linda Shenton Matchett is a new-to-me author so I was uncertain about what I might expect when I began reading “Under Fire”. I had no need to worry because I was quickly drawn into the story and found it one that was difficult to stop reading.
Well written with plenty of historical details and a great deal of mystery and suspense, the story is centered around journalist Ruth Brown and her quest to learn the truth about what happened to her sister who was believed to be dead despite the lack of a body. Ruth was a strong and determined character who could at times be a bit reckless in her drive to solve the mystery behind her sister’s disappearance. Convinced Jane was still alive, Ruth refused to give up, even when her own life was in danger. Her anger at God had contributed to a disturbing lack of faith that left Ruth vulnerable to the evil around her.
I enjoyed “Under Fire” and will certainly keep my eyes open for more books by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to Purchase
Journalist Ruth Brown’s sister Jane is pronounced dead after a boating accident in April 1942. Because Jane’s body is missing, Ruth is convinced her sister is still alive. During her investigation, Ruth becomes suspicious about Jane’s job. Eventually Ruth follows clues to war-torn London. By the time she uncovers the truth about Jane’s disappearance, she has stumbled on black marketers, resistance fighters and the IRA – all of whom may want her dead.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, and author. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader. She is author of several romance novellas and novelettes. Under Fire, the first in her trilogy about amateur sleuth/war correspondent Ruth Brown, has just been released by eLectio Publishing (electiopublishing.com).
Guest Post from Linda Shenton Matchett:
Writers are often asked where they get ideas for their stories. Many authors start with a “what if” scenario (e.g. what if the fate of a world lies in the hands of a young man who must return a ring of great power to its place of origin: The Lord of the Rings). Other authors find inspiration in news articles (Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express). I begin my stories by creating the main character.
As a former Human Resources professional, I am fascinated by the history of women’s employment and enjoy reading about those who trail blazed in industries and positions formerly dominated by men. When I was trying to decide what my protagonist should do for a living, I knew she needed a job that allowed her freedom of movement, but nothing seemed to fit until I saw a museum exhibit about women war correspondents. Of the 1,600 journalists who received government accreditation, only 127 were female.
In order to get a sense of what these women experienced (derision, hostility, sexual harassment, and more) I read their memoirs, autobiographies, diaries, and articles. As an accredited correspondent they were supposed to received meals, transport to the front, and transmission of their articles. Many military officers refused to take the women into combat zones, so they had to get there any way they could, such as Martha Gellhorn who stowed away on a hospital ship and hid in the head to reach Normandy and cover D-day. It is my hope that Under Fire honors these brave and tenacious women in some small way.
BLOG STOPS:
It’s Storytime with Van Daniker, September 14
Blogging With Carol, September 14
Avid Reader Book Reviews September 15
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16
cherylbbookblog, September 17
Carpe Diem, September 17
A Reader’s Brain, September 18
Bigreadersite, September 18
Blossoms and Blessings, September 19
The Fizzy Pop Collection, September 19
Janices book reviews, September 20
Back Porch Reads, September 20
A Baker’s Perspective, September 21
Just the Write Escape, September 21
Pause for Tales , September 22
Have A Wonderful Day, September 22
Lights in a Dark World , September 23
Connie’s History Classroom , September 23
Karen Sue Hadley, September 24
Vicky Sluiter, September 25
Daysong Reflections , September 25
Mary Hake, September 26
Ashley’s Bookshelf September 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 27
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize consisting of:
copy of the book, Box of English Tea, Typewriter notepad, and Rosie the Riveter socks!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c221
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by admin | Sep 21, 2017 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Shelley Shepard Gray’s Lone Star Hero’s Love Story series so I was happy to have the opportunity to review the latest book in the series, “Love Held Captive”. I was not disappointed. In fact this book actually provides the reader with two different love stories.
Once again, Confederate officers who spent time in the same prison camp are featured. Both Ethan Kelly and Devin Monroe are heroes in this novel and they both meet women who have managed to survive the war on their own despite many hardships. Both women have also been mistreated by a despicable man who had also spent time in the prison camp with them. Will Ethan and Devin become the true heroes Lizbeth and Julianne need?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Love Held Captive”. Although it did touch on some very adult subject matter, I personally thought it was handled tastefully and discreetly with no explicit intimate scenes. Some readers may still prefer to pass on this book and that is their choice.
The plot is well written and moves along steadily with some flashbacks to the prison camp that helps set a background for the relationships between the men. As in the previous novels, I was impressed by the strength of their friendships and their determination to be there for the others when needed. I have loved this series and am hoping this will not be the last book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After the War Between the States, a Confederate officer longs to heal the heart of a beautiful woman—but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her.
Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget.
Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war.
When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men band together to earn the trust of the women they love, Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal.
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.
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by admin | Sep 21, 2017 | Books
MY REVIEW:
In her second Amish Cooking Class novel, “The Blessing”, Wanda Brunstetter continues the story of Heidi and her cooking classes. After a disappointment, Heidi’s husband Lyle convinces her to begin another class to help keep her from dwelling on her letdown. Readers will meet a new group of students as well as catch up with some familiar characters from “The Seekers”.
The steady plot is filled with day-to-day scenes that set the background for life as experienced by Heidi and her students. A bit of humor is scattered throughout although the tone is predominately serious. The students are a mixed group – readers can expect to like some and to dislike others. But as in “The Seekers”, Heidi’s gentle spirit and quiet wisdom as well as sharing Bible verses at each lesson unexpectedly impacts each student and changes their lives.
“The Blessing” (and the rest of this series) is a must read for all lovers of Amish fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Six new cooking class students. New friendships form, a romance blossoms, and hearts receive healing nourishment. Will Heidi’s own hurting heart also be healed?
Despite stressful changes occurring in their lives, Lyle and Heidi once again open their Ohio home up to those seeking to learn about Amish cooking. This time a teenager helping her divorced dad cook for the family, a caterer needing new recipes, a food critic, a hunter looking to impress his buddies, a wife given the class as an unwanted gift, and a mailman lured in by the aroma of good cooking gather around Heidi’s table.
During each class, Heidi teaches culinary skills, but it is her words of wisdom that have a profound effect on her students—though, this time Heidi’s own hurting heart will need some healing nourishment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of nearly 70 books with more than 9 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and Country Woman. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.
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by admin | Sep 21, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Blue Ridge Sunrise” was an enjoyable romantic novel that features two people who had been in love but life came between them. Circumstances unexpectedly bring them back into contact and anyone who has ever read any romance novels has an idea of what happens. Of course there are secrets between them and another man who does everything he can to cause problems. Oh, there is also a cute little girl who will steal your heart.
Characters are well-defined, so much so that many readers have difficulty liking the female lead Zoe, including myself. Eventually, after learning more of her background, I was able to understand Zoe better and maybe even like her a bit. Cruz, on the other hand, was the perfect hero despite having a few flaws of his own. Kyle, the other guy, is a classic jerk who is very easy to dislike intensely.
The plot moves back and forth between present and the past which fills the reader in on what actually happened between Zoe, Cruz, and Kyle and how they reached the present point in their lives. Some drama and action are included but the story very much revolves around the relationship of Zoe and Cruz. As mentioned by other reviewers, the faith thread is not as strong in this book as previous ones but it is still a clean novel with no violence or graphic intimate scenes.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe–a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?
Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.
As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including “The Convenient Groom” and “A December Bride” which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband have three boys and are rapidly approaching an empty nest.
You can learn more about Denise through her website www.DeniseHunterBooks.com or by visiting her FaceBook page at https://www.facebook.com/authordenisehunter
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