by admin | Apr 9, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
I have read most if not all of Rachel Hauck’s books since I first discovered them and appreciate being given the privilege to review many of them. Her latest novel The Memory House is one more example of why I love her books. Another split-time book, The Memory House shares the stories of two young women generations apart and their path from brokenness to restoration and recovery in the Memory House on the Florida coast.
Hauck’s characters are always easy for me to identify with even though our life experiences may be far apart. I could well imagine Beck’s reaction to losing her father on 9/11 and Everleigh’s (I love that name!) trauma after her devastating loss during a Texas tornado. Each woman’s tale of tragedy made them who they were but a better plan that included hope and love was waiting for them at the Memory House. This book was a joy to read despite some of the very sad chapters of both women’s lives. I can always count on at least one Holy Spirit magical moment during one of this author’s books and I was not disappointed. A book filled with faith, love, and restoration, The Memory House is one for my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Read With Audra. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.
Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.
Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.
Click here to read an excerpt!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck).
GIVEAWAY:
by admin | Apr 7, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
There is no lack of Christian historical fiction featuring World War 1 but very few authors seem to have written stories about the First World War. Kate Breslin is one of those authors and she offers some wonderfully researched tales that are quite informative as well as suspenseful and romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed Far Side of the Sea which gave me more insight into behind-the-scenes of the war, especially the use of carrier pigeons and spies.
I particularly liked the two main characters Colin and Johanna who despite their instinctive distrust of each other grew to depend on each other as well. Their search for Johanna’s sister Jewel led them on a dangerous chase across Europe that could easily end in disaster at any moment. Ample plot twists and surprises had me holding my breath at pivotal points. I also appreciated the author’s emphasis on faith that helped see them through their dangerous venture.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer–a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead–he can only hope he’ll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he’s driven back into war-torn France.
But Jewel isn’t the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel’s diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.
That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: ©Samantha Panzera Photography
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is a Carol Award winner and a RITA and Christy Award finalist and lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at www.katebreslin.com.
by admin | Apr 7, 2019 | Books, Canada, Historical
MY REVIEW:
Between Two Shores is a beautifully written book that has obviously been very well researched. The story details life in Montreal during the mid-1700s especially the war between the British and French and the manipulation of the native tribes to help their sides. Catherine Duval feels caught in the middle. Daughter of a French father and Mohawk mother and in love with a British man her loyalty is pulled in every direction.
The author vividly describes the hardships of the times including starving armies who force civilians to harvest food to feed them at great cost to their own families. The narrative describes a harrowing adventure that has very little to recommend it other than the fierce loyalty between Catherine and her sister and brother. I hated the way Catherine was deceived and used by people she should have been able to trust. This is definitely not a feel-good story with a sweet romance but is what seems to be a true representation of the horror of life during that time. Unexpected twists and turns pop up around every corner which helps keep the story interesting.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She Has Always Moved Between Worlds,
But Now She Must Choose a Side
The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval would rather remain neutral in a world tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the Seven Years’ War against her wishes when her British ex-fiancé, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel claims he has information that could help end the war, and he asks Catherine to help him escape.
Peace appeals to Catherine, even if helping the man who broke her heart does not. But New France is starving, and she and her loved ones may not survive another winter of conflict-induced famine. When the dangers of war arrive on her doorstep, Catherine and Samuel flee by river toward the epicenter of the battle between England and France. She and Samuel may impact history, but she fears the ultimate cost will be higher than she can bear.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Double-Wide Design
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a BA in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
Other Books by Jocelyn Green:
by admin | Apr 4, 2019 | Books, England, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again I have been held spellbound by one of Carolyn Miller’s novels. It was such a joy to read as I witnessed Caroline’s transformation from the perfect society daughter to a compassionate believer who put others before herself.
The other characters were also wonderfully portrayed, even the requisite villain. Gideon Kirby was especially endearing with his willingness to give up his own life to protect his sister. The interactions between the characters were not only entertaining but very believable as well. I found the details about fossil hunting during that era to be quite interesting, especially some of the terms used to describe the process and the finds. With vivid descriptions of the Devonshire coast and a few smugglers thrown in for good measure, a bit of mystery and danger, some secrets, and of course romance, the plot held my attention until the very end when I found myself sad that it was over much too quickly.
After reading Miller’s previous novels, A Hero For Miss Hatherleigh is exactly what I expected and more. I love this author’s books and always eagerly anticipate the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can a proper noble lady find a future with a fossil-hunting man of faith?
As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society–and she’s always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her–and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?
Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won’t willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister’s illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount’s daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected–especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he’s falling for in order to protect his beloved sister’s secret.
When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers’ cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences–or will the trust they’ve withheld from each other tear three lives apart?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.
by admin | Apr 3, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It may be spring in Tennessee but it’s always a good time to read a delightful Christmas story. The Deputy’s Holiday Family fits the bill with a cute kid and a second chance romance.
Lacie, now guardian of her deceased sister’s child, has returned to her home town to spend Christmas with her mother. Surprised by an encounter with her former crush, Matt, Lacie is determined to avoid him since he had always been more interested in her sister. Circumstances throw them together and both are surprised by secrets from the past that are revealed.
Loved this story, especially family reconciliations and the spiritual growth in more than one character. Matt was the perfect hero for Lacie and Kenzie with his unwavering support and caring nature. It was encouraging to read about how his relationship with his dad was resolved.
Mindy Obenhaus is an excellent author who keeps her plots interesting and right on track with a perfect blend of drama, romance, and faith. I will be reading more of her books in the future for sure.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Family for Christmas
Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt…if they can open themselves to the possibility of love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
