by admin | Jul 6, 2016 | Books, Civil War, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I have long been a fan of Dorothy Love’s books but it quickly became apparent that “Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray” would be somewhat different from her earlier novels. Naturally I was a bit uncertain about whether I would like it. I should not have worried – this book was so well written and full of interesting facts that I could hardly put it down.
There were so many events and details in “Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray” that never graced the pages of my history books. Indeed, I found myself researching some of them to find out if Ms. Love found these facts through her own research or if they were just part of the story. She definitely did her research. My education obviously had huge gaps in American History – whether because of bias or lack of time I cannot say.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, especially getting an intimate view of the wife of General Robert E. Lee which also showed me a different aspect of his life. The strong friendship that developed between Mary Lee and her slave Selina was inspiring and illustrated another viewpoint of the relationship between slave owners and their slaves. This book is a must for history buffs as well as those interested in the Civil War.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A general’s wife and a slave girl forge a friendship that transcends race, culture, and the crucible of Civil War.
Mary Anna Custis Lee is a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, wife of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and heiress to Virginia’s storied Arlington house and General Washington’s personal belongings.
Born in bondage at Arlington, Selina Norris Gray learns to read and write in the schoolroom Mary and her mother keep for the slave children and eventually becomes Mary’s housekeeper and confidante. As Mary’s health declines, Selina becomes her personal maid, strengthening a bond that lasts until death parts them.
Forced to flee Arlington at the start of the Civil War, Mary entrusts the keys to her beloved home to no one but Selina. When Union troops begin looting the house, it is Selina who confronts their commander and saves many of its historic treasures.
In a story spanning crude slave quarters, sunny schoolrooms, stately wedding parlors, and cramped birthing rooms, novelist Dorothy Love amplifies the astonishing true-life account of an extraordinary alliance and casts fresh light on the tumultuous years leading up to and through the wrenching battle for a nation’s soul.
A classic American tale, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray is the first novel to chronicle this beautiful fifty-year friendship forged at the crossroads of America’s journey from enslavement to emancipation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels.
Facebook: dorothylovebooks
Twitter: @WriterDorothy
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by admin | Jul 5, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The hero of “Murder Mezzo Forte” is an unlikely college history professor in threadbare suits who drives what many would consider a junker. Preston Barclay is also a reclusive widower with a penchant for puns. He also suffers with musical hallucinations. Yet for some reason the ladies seem drawn to him. After he and a female colleague discover the body of another professor, they soon find themselves suspects as well as victims of rumors and lies intended to destroy their careers and perhaps even their lives.
Unfamiliar with Taylor’s books, I was delighted to find “Murder Mezzo Forte” to be quite entertaining with abundant humorous and witty remarks that helped to lighten the much darker subjects of murder and danger. More than once I found myself chuckling at one of Preston’s off-the-wall remarks right in the middle of a suspenseful scene. What fun!
The intriguing plot includes a diverse cast of characters that includes corrupt policemen, inept college administrators, organized crime members, and quirky faculty members as well as other unique characters. Preston himself was a quite interesting character complete with foibles but his honesty about his shortcomings was refreshing. The mystery was one that kept me guessing throughout the story although hints dropped along the way led me in the right direction. There were definitely some welcome surprises and the touch of romance was just right.
I enjoyed “Murder Mezzo Forte” and would definitely be interested in reading other books by Donn Taylor.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He is a reclusive history professor with musical hallucinations. . . .
She a headstrong professor of religion, a converted Wiccan. Earlier, they solved a campus murder, but now police say they formed two-thirds of an illicit love triangle with a newly-murdered female colleague and they’re probably guilty of her murder. A leak of the alleged scandal to the college administration threatens their jobs.
Their desperate attempt to prove themselves innocent of the triangle and the murder plunges them into a tangle of unsavory corporate relationships among college trustees. And it puts their lives in danger from a mysterious criminal organization that seems to have tentacles everywhere.
Can this ill-matched pair’s stumbling efforts succeed against the entrenched forces of the police, the college’s incompetent administration, and that powerful but unseen criminal organization? If not, they may end up unemployed, in prison, or suffering a fate much worse.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterwards, he earned a PhD in Renaissance literature and taught literature at two liberal arts colleges. His publications include three suspense novels, one historical novel, and a book of poetry. He lives near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.
Find out more about Donn at http://www.donntaylor.com.
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by admin | Jun 28, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy Beth Vogt’s novels but “Almost Like Being In Love” is exceptionally good. With down-to-earth, likeable characters and a strong, evocative plot, this story pulled me right in and didn’t let go until its perfect ending.
Caron Hollister has spent her entire life trying to please her father – from basketball in high school to becoming a successful realtor in his firm to walking away from the love of her life and settling for the man her father approves. When her father makes a major change in the firm without telling her, Caron realizes that she can never do enough to earn his approval. A snap decision sends her to Colorado to help her her best friend prepare for her wedding and finds herself the winner of a destination wedding and honeymoon. How on earth will she tell her boyfriend Alex who hasn’t asked her to marry him yet? While there she runs into Kade, her former sweetheart and ends up agreeing to help him out in his business for a month. What a tangled mess!
I liked the way the author wrote this from POVs of Caron, Kade, and Alex so that the reader gets to know each of them intimately. The major theme that runs through the story is about what motivates people to make the decisions they make. Caron and Alex especially had to step back and look at themselves and what they really wanted from life and decide why they were even together. Did they really love each other enough to marry or were they trying to please their families or were they just doing what was easy and comfortable?
I really liked the way this story ended with none of the characters being portrayed as the “bad guy” (or girl). I would say that most of the situations were resolved well with relationships restored and lives changed for the better. I would heartily recommend this book.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Winning an all-expenses paid Colorado destination wedding might seem like a dream come true for some people—but Caron Hollister and her boyfriend Alex Madison aren’t even engaged. How is she supposed to tell him she’s won their wedding and honeymoon when he hasn’t asked her to marry him? Being “perfect for one another” seems like the absolute best reason to get married. But what if their supposedly faultless relationship is merely a safe place to protect his secrets and a way to keep their families happy? After quitting her job, Caron accepts her best friend’s offer to visit Colorado. She needs to catch her breath. Who knows, maybe visiting the destination wedding site will make a future with Alex seem like a reality.
Kade Webster just landed the biggest deal of his life with his company, Webster Select Realty, participating in the Colorado Springs Tour of Homes. He never imagined he would run into the woman who broke his heart—Caron Hollister—right when his career is taking off. Seeing her again, Kade can’t help but wonder why Caron walked away from him years ago, leaving him with no explanation. When Kade learns his home stager won’t be able to help with the Tour of Homes, he vaults past all the reasons he should stay away from Caron, and offers her a temporary job helping him on the project. This time, their relationship is purely business.
Spending time with Kade has Caron questioning everything. The man intrigues her—at times infuriates her—and reminds her of what she lost. Has she been settling for what everyone expects of her? Just because others believe she and Alex are an ideal couple, does that mean they should get married? And how can Caron say “I do” to one man when she’s wondering “what if?” about another?
Read a preview of “Almost Like Being In Love” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction writer who said she’d never write fiction. After saying she’d never marry a doctor or anyone in the military, she is now happily married to a former Air Force family physician. Beth believes God’s best is often behind the door marked “never.” An established magazine writer and editor, she now writes inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there is more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us.
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by admin | Jun 21, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“More Than She Dreamt” is a sweet, historical romance novel that made me think of all the Grace Livingston Hill novels I devoured at one time of my life. I believe it was the dialogue that gave me that impression at first, then the lofty thoughts Danny had about Katie clinched it for me.
The story wasn’t all sweet and light though. Young widow Katie Jensen had been through some hard times and had sacrificed much for her children and had their well-being as her priority. When she felt the Lord prompt her to leave her uncle’s home, she left with bare minimum funds and her faith, buoyed by her young son’s constant reminders that “the Lord will provide”. And provide He did! Yet in the midst of that provision, Katie’s faith was put to the test over and over as danger stalked her more than once.
Character development in “More Than She Dreamt” was well done and the plot moved along at a fairly decent pace. Some readers might find the story just a bit too sweet but I felt that the sweetness was tempered well by the added danger and suspense. Then we can’t forget those precious children who provided abundant humor throughout the story.
“More Than She Dreamt” is a novel filled with hope and faith that demonstrates how important it is to trust and depend on the Lord and to follow His lead.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It was more than she dreamt. But as the romance began to bud, she felt the thorns of a heartless beauty rise to tear it apart.
Young widow, Katie Jensen, endures patiently under her oppressive uncle in desolate Arizona Territory. She tries to keep her promise to her dead aunt to be a witness and take care of her uncle but when his tirades grow worse, she gathers her two precious little ones and runs.
Making their way to an unknown land, they come to the town of White Rock, which is strangely like the place in the dreams Katie has been having. They are welcomed into the cottage of a kindly grandmother who takes in borders.
When Danny, the older woman’s grandson, comes home, he finds surprises in store: a crisis, a beautiful young woman, and her adorable children who bring laughter and life into all their weary souls.
Katie is filled with hope when an unexpected romance sparks but there is a vindictive raven-haired beauty and an old enemy conspiring to put it out—permanently.
Will God give Katie rest as she and the family pray for their enemies?
Can she stand strong in her faith when fear overwhelms her?
Purchase your copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandy Faye Mauck writes Historical Romance in the light of the gospel and with the heart of her Savior.
Slip into a comfy chair with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate and travel back to the first years after the turn of the century.
Enjoy faithful Christian characters who have come through a spiritual wilderness into a place of hope. Stories of charming romance sprinkled with humor and topped with redemption. And be sure not to put the cup too close to the edge of the table because there are enemies lurking about.
Sandy lives in her own happily-ever-after with her Bible doctrine writer husband in the west they love. They have five children and nine grandchildren. She enjoys crocheting (a different kind of yarn) and is also a professional artist.
Guest Post from Sandy Faye Mauck:
Hi everyone! Sandy Faye Mauck here! Today I launch my book on Celebrate Lit!
They say to write the book that is missing from your bookshelf. So I did. I wrote a story that brought the purity of a Christian romance with a touch of humor and endearing characters who live what they believe, with real enemies and redemptive grace.
More Than She Dreamt is set at the time just after the turn of the century. Probably my favorite time travel place if I had to choose because of the interesting changes and the lovely clothing and yet there was indoor plumbing, and lights, LOL!
My greatest writing inspiration (other than my Lord), was my favorite author, Grace Livingston Hill. She could tell a story, make you feel you were there in every sense. Grace could bring romance, excitement, and enemies and then touch your heart with a truth of God’s word that would penetrate your heart. I hope to do this as I write my heart and I add humor because that is who I am.
I hope you enjoy this Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and the special personal giveaway at the end!
Blog Tour Stops:
June 14: cherylbbookblog
June 15: Singing Librarian Books
June 16: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
June 17: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
June 18: Bigreadersite
June 18: Cassandra M’s Place
June 19: A Greater Yes
June 19: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 20: Pause for Tales
June 21: Daysong Reflections
June 22: A Holland Reads
June 23: Splashes of Joy
June 23: Christian Bookaholic
June 24: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
June 25: Red Headed Book Lady
June 25: It’s Storytime With Van Daniker
June 26: Bukwurmzzz
June 27: For the Love of books
Giveaway:
To celebrate her tour, Sandy is giving away a charming keepsake box filled with some Rose Arbor themed prizes. Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9c26
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