by admin | May 21, 2017 | Books, Historical, Montana, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Readers who enjoy historical western-style romance as much as I do should find “Trusting Grace” right up their alley. Its two primary characters have experienced hardship, loss, loneliness, discouragement, and more which has resulted in difficulty trusting others and little hope for the future. Yet is seems that God had plans for their future that neither of them could begin to imagine.
Both Grace Bidwell and Robert Frasier were widowed. Grace was childless yet yearned for children. Robert had inherited three children he was unaware of until after his wife’s death. Of course most readers would come to the same conclusion I did – Grace and Robert should get together! That would solve the problems of both parties. But as we all know, the road to the perfect (and romantic) ending is usually paved with a few misunderstandings and/or other roadblocks along its usually winding path. Such is the story of Grace and Robert.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale that included several other interesting characters that included Grace’s invalid father and Robert’s children. Another somewhat unusual character blossomed during the course of the story and just might have been involved in a secondary romantic thread. As expected, Brendan’s unique sense of humor popped up frequently during the course of the narrative which added even more spice to the story.
I always enjoy escaping into the pages of one of Maggie Brendan’s books and “Trusting Grace” was no exception. I look forward to her next offering!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With a farm to run, can a widow possibly hope for new love?
All of her life, Grace Bidwell has longed for children, but now the chances of her dreams coming true are looking slim. Widowed and caring for her elderly father, she struggles to maintain her late husband’s farm until she places an ad for a hired hand.
Robert Frasier arrives in town with three pitiful, bedraggled children who have nothing but the tattered clothes on their backs and a load of hurt, pride, and anger. Believing this is divine intervention in her life, Grace welcomes them with open arms. As feelings grow between her and Robert, Grace will have to convince him that she is a woman who can be trusted with his heart.
Get swept away into Montana’s lush Gallatin Valley, nestled among towering mountains and proud pines, in this emotional story.
Read an excerpt from “Trusting Grace” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maggie Brendan is the CBA bestselling author of the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series, as well as The Trouble with Patience and A Sweet Misfortune. Her books have received the Book Buyers Best Award from the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America and the Laurel Wreath Award. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, Georgia Romance Writers, and Author’s Guild, Maggie lives in Georgia.
by admin | May 20, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
I was uncertain of what to expect when I agreed to review “Alice’s Notions”. What little information I read seemed somewhat intriguing but I had no idea that I would be so captivated by this book. As other reviewers have remarked, the plot reminded me of a classic movie from the black and white era. I could absolutely see it being made into a movie.
Something shady is happening in Alice Brighton’s small mountain hometown where she has returned after World War 2 as a widow. It is not the quiet and safe place she remembered. As she endeavors to get her new fabric shop running and helping to plan a barn quilt tour, she becomes aware that strange things are happening and her friends and neighbors are also acting a little suspicious. It is obvious that people around her know more about what’s going on than Alice but no one will open up to her. Then there are the two men who both warn her about the other – who can she really trust? Even the immigrant worker who is quickly becoming a good friend might not be who Alice thinks she is.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Alice’s Notions”. Its plot kept me on edge and guessing right along with Alice through most of the novel. The characters were perfect for the story. Greta’s frequent misunderstanding of American slang added a needed touch of humor to relieve the suspense. Unexpected twists and surprises kept the story moving right along to the perfect ending.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase.
In this quaint mountain town, things aren’t always what they seem.World War 2 widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn’t know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasons. Between her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn’t know who she can trust
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 38 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has two novellas in print: A Christmas Promise and Resurrection of Hope. Her first full length novel, Alice’s Notions released in April through Desert Breeze.
You can contact Tamera on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net
GUEST POST FROM TAMERA LYNN KRAFT:
How Classic Movies from the 1940s Made Their Way in My Latest Novel
By Tamera Lynn Kraft
One thing I loved about writing my post World War Two novel was my main character’s passion for movies. Alice Brighton and her late husband loved to go to movies on Friday nights. Now, even after the war made her a widow, Alice still loves movies and compares everyone she meets to a movie character.
Of course for Alice, all these wonderful classic movies and movie stars and a part of her culture, but for me, it was so much fun because I love classic movies. In the novel, Alice compares her landlord to Cary Grant. Cary Grant is one of my favorites. After starring in movies like Suspision, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Notorious, Grant was one of the biggest stars around in 1946 when Alice’s Notions takes place. My favorite Cary Grant movie wouldn’t be made until a few years later. An Affair to Remember, released 1957, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr is one of my all-time favorites.
At one point in the novel, Alice thinks back to when her late husband always said she reminded him of Judy Garland. Garland would have been twenty-four at the time, just a bit younger than Alice, but she became a big star in her teens. She began acting at two years old when she debuted as Baby Francis and sang Jingle Bells. After playing in various roles including a few movies with Mickey Rooney, Garland had her big break in The Wizard of Oz. She went on to star in a ton of movies and had a thriving singing career until she committed suicide in the 1960s. One of my favorite Judy Garland movies released in 1945 during the war was The Clock. The Clock was about a woman who met and fell in love with a GI on leave. Their romance was intensified because they only had the weekend before he was shipped out again for the remainder of the war. This movie must have been in Alice’s mind since she had lost her husband shortly after the movie came out.
During Alice’s Notions, Alice goes on a date to see the movie, The Postman Always Rings Twice, starring Lana Turner and John Garfield. It was released in 1946 and was considered scandalous at the time because the two main characters have an affair and murder her husband. The main theme of the movie is you can’t get away with your sin. The truth will be revealed. In Alice’s Notions, the truth being revealed is also a main theme.
So you may be wondering what classic movie Alice’s Notions reminds me of. Charade with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn was released in 1963. In that movie, Hepburn is being pursued and doesn’t know who she can trust. The movie has light-hearted intrigue, suspense, and romance just like Alice’s Notions. Alice, also, doesn’t know who she can trust.
BLOG STOPS:
May 11: Genesis 5020
May 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 12: Inklings and notions
May 13: Carpe Diem
May 14: Christian Bookaholic
May 15: A Reader’s Brain
May 16: History, Mystery & Faith
May 17: A Bakers Perspective
May 18: Have A Wonderful Day
May 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
May 19: Jami’s Words
May 20: Mary Hake
May 21: Daysong Reflections
May 22: Vicky Sluiter
May 23: Bigreadersite
May 24: His Grace Is Sufficient
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b723
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by admin | May 13, 2017 | Books
MY REVIEW:
I have previously enjoyed many of Jody Hedlund’s historical novels but somehow missed reading the first two novels of this series. Fortunately “For Love and Honor” was well able to stand on its own without background details from the previous novels. But of course I now want to read those also!
“For Love and Honor” is a beautifully written story that absolutely lives up to its title. Its medieval setting, complete with castles, is populated with gallant knights and proper ladies and features Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet who are the subjects of an attempted arranged marriage. Bennet must quickly marry a woman with enough wealth to save his family home. Sabine has little hope of marriage due to an unsightly blemish that repels at best and could cause her to be branded as a witch at worst. With both of them reluctant to marry they surprisingly find themselves perfectly suited. Can they overcome all the obstacles that threaten them to find a forever love?
I liked everything about this book. The plot had a fairytale quality yet was so much more. While often serious in nature, witty dialogue that added to my enjoyment was scattered throughout. A lovely story of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption, “For Love and Honor” is woven with a strong thread of faith. It is a wonderful YA novel that I can truthfully recommend to all who enjoy this type fiction, young or old.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?
Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?
As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.
GUEST POST FROM JODY HEDLUND:
Is Chivalry on the Brink of Extinction?
By Jody Hedlund
With the release of Fifty Shades of Grey movie and its popularity, I can’t help but wonder about the long-term consequences that such ideology will have on how people view relationships.
Already, too many couples struggle to maintain happy, healthy relationships. In fact, it’s become almost a weekly occurrence to get news of another friend or acquaintance who is dealing with a spouse cheating or leaving.
Mutual respect, loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice have become out-dated, forgotten, or tossed aside in place of short-term pleasure that often leaves people feeling hollow and empty.
I honestly can’t help wondering where chivalry has gone, and not just the man-doting-on-the-woman chivalry. But mutual chivalry, the kind where each person in the relationship puts the other in high esteem, uplifts them, and makes a concerted effort to protect and cherish (both emotionally and physically).
Has chivalry become antiquated in our modern society? And even if it has, should it be outdated and on the brink of extinction? Should we be making more of an effort to reclaim mutual respect in relationships?
The kind of respect that does things for someone with no thought of getting anything in return.
The kind of respect that is graciously honest about problems instead of sneaking around and being unfaithful.
The kind of respect that is willing to sacrifice and see the needs of others instead of demanding our way and our own needs be met first.
As my teenage children enter into dating relationships, I worry about the influence of movies like Fifty Shades of Grey. I worry that they’ll see dysfunction as the norm. I worry that they’ll settle for a lot less than they should in their relationships. I worry that they won’t even know the meaning of chivalry.
Of course, we’re having candid conversations about all of these issues. Of course, my husband and I attempt to model mutual respect. And of course, I’m praying my teens work on growing their own character so that they can be strong and ready for whatever they might face.
But one of the things I’ve done over the past couple of years is write a young adult (YA) series that is aimed at some of these very issues The third book, FOR LOVE & HONOR, just released this spring (and can be read as a stand-alone). Since the story is set in medieval times amidst castles, knights, and ladies, chivalry is already a huge part of that era.
More than giving readers a glimpse of chivalry, however, I hope the book sparks some discussion about what it means to have healthy, respectful relationships. The book contains reader questions at the end that youth groups, moms and daughters, or friends can use together.
It’s not just another dating book. Instead it’s a fun and entertaining story that can hopefully facilitate discussion regarding what it means to truly demonstrate chivalry in our relationships.
So what do YOU think? Is chivalry on the brink of extinction? What are some ways we can make sure that we don’t lose it?
BLOG STOPS:
May 2: Lighthouse Academy
May 2: Inklings and Notions
May 2: Bibliophile Reviews
May 3: God’s Little Bookworm
May 3: Ashley’s Bookshelf
May 3: Blogging With Carol
May 4: Faithfully Bookish
May 4: Smiling Book Reviews
May 4: A Greater Yes
May 5: The Fizzy Pop Collection
May 5: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
May 5: Just the Write Escape
May 6: The Scribbler
May 6: Moments Dipped in Ink
May 6: Zerina Blossom’s Books
May 7: cherylbbookblog
May 7: Back Porch Reads
May 7: Jeanette’s Thoughts
May 8: The Artist Librarian
May 8: A Baker’s Perspective
May 8: Book by Book
May 9: A Path of Joy
May 9: Cafinated Reads
May 9: I Hope You Dance
May 10: Kristin’s Book Reviews
May 10: Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot
May 10: Neverending Stories
May 11: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
May 11: Radiant Light
May 11: Karen Sue Hadley
May 12: Pause for Tales
May 12: Just Commonly
May 12: Have A Wonderful Day
May 13: Bigreadersite
May 13: Daysong Reflections
May 13: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
May 14: Book Bites, Bee Sting, & Butterfly Kisses
May 14: The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate
May 14: God1meover
May 15: thewitsabout
May 15: Faithful Acres Body Soul Spirit
May 15: Baker Kella
May 15: Remembrancy
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away all three books in the Noble Knights Series!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b6fc
by admin | May 9, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once more Lis Wiehl has written a page-turner about events that one would not be surprised to find in their current newspapers or broadcasts. When star TV newscaster Erica Sparks is given the go-ahead to start a new program, she decides to begin the series with a feature on a secessionist movement growing in North Dakota. It doesn’t take long before the situation becomes a powder keg that gains the attention of the entire country and Erica finds herself right in the center of things.
I enjoyed reading “The Separatists” which not only featured plenty of suspense but also personal issues in Erica’s own life, especially developing problems with her new husband and her teen daughter. Having read the previous two books from the series, I am beginning to wonder why such a savvy newscaster like Erica is so naive when it comes to trusting the wrong people. I suppose it adds to the story but you’d think she would realize by now that she trusts others just a bit too easily and usually gets burned because of it. Nevertheless, “The Separatists” as well as the rest of the Newsmakers series are excellent reads and I recommend them to anyone who enjoys contemporary suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Journalist and newscaster Erica Sparks is only planning to report on an explosive story—until she gets caught in the middle of it.
After getting the green light from her network to launch an investigative news show, Erica flies to Bismarck, North Dakota, to investigate “Take Back Our Homeland”, the largest secessionist group. What she finds is profoundly disturbing – a growing threat to the future of our union.
Back home, her husband Greg is drinking more and talking less—and taking an unusual interest in the glamorous author Leslie Burke Wilson. Erica’s teenage daughter has also begun acting out in troubling ways.
Then she discovers a potential informant murdered in her Bismarck hotel. Take Back Our Homeland might be even more dangerous than she had thought—and she’s unwittingly become one of the key players in the story. Her fear and anxiety escalate—for her marriage, her daughter, and her own life.
New York Times bestselling novelist and former legal analyst for Fox News Lis Wiehl takes us behind the anchor’s desk in this gripping look at high-stakes reporting in a country torn apart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School.
Prior to joining Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland.
Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category, and Winning Every Time.
She lives in New York.
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