by admin | Aug 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Irish Meadows” is an interesting first novel that takes place mostly on Long Island, New York. At first the story seems to feature Brianna O’Leary but before long her sister Colleen quickly gains a very important role. With the O’Leary horse farm facing financial difficulties, father James believes it can be saved if both daughters marry well and a well-placed marriage of foster son Gilbert would not hurt the chances of a successful bank loan. With all his manipulation, James fails to consider the desires of others involved in his planning.
As another reviewer stated, I much preferred Brianna at the beginning and thought Colleen was not at all nice – especially to her sister. Somewhere along the way, my preference did an about face and I realized that Colleen was not the villain I had thought but was acting out of misplaced guilt and shame. A love interest that took her entirely by surprise changed her outlook and helped her find true faith. Brianna, on the other hand, became more rebellious and found it difficult to trust Gilbert or Colleen. I was more and more frustrated with Gilbert as he allowed James to manipulate his life rather than stand up for what he really wanted.
All-in-all, “Irish Meadows” was an intriguing story that held my interest. Of all the characters I think I liked Rylan the best, even if he vacillated about what he wanted for awhile also. Pick up a copy to find out for yourself how things turn out for Irish Meadows and the O’Leary family. There might be a few surprises in store.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.
Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.
Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.
As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, “Irish Meadows,” won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.
Find out more about Susan Anne at http://www.susanannemason.com.
Susan Anne Mason’s ‘Irish Meadows’ Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father’s schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don’t miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?
Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD 6
- One copy of Irish Meadows
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!
by admin | Aug 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
In “Through Waters Deep” Sarah Sundin has provided an intimate glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the tense days preceding U.S. involvement in World War 2. A secretary in the Boston Navy Yard, Mary Stirling prefers to remain in the background. She learned a difficult lesson about the dangers of pride as a child and practically flees from any threat of attention. Naval Ensign Jim Avery is an old school acquaintance of Mary’s who crosses her path in Boston. Spending time together as friends leads to stronger feelings on both sides but complications threaten to end their relationship before it begins.
Tensions are at a high at the naval yard and several apparent acts of sabotage have everyone on edge. As a fan of Nancy Drew mysteries and a keen observer, Mary cannot resist a bit of undercover investigation despite warnings to remain uninvolved. As time passes, the list of potential saboteurs grows and so does the risk of danger to the ships and the men who are assigned to them. Are Mary’s observations just a game or can she help solve the mystery before it’s too late?
Both Mary and Jim are strong characters who have trauma from their childhoods to overcome. Sarah’s fear of being too proud has kept her true personality under wraps. Jim, in turn, blames himself for injuries sustained by his younger sister and avoids taking charge from fear that someone else could be injured because of his actions. I loved how each of them encouraged the other and enjoyed how they overcame their fears by drawing closer to the Lord.
“Through Waters Deep” has plenty of action, suspense, and romance to meet the needs of most readers. Historical details added authenticity to the story and helped me as a reader to understand a bit more about life during that era. I highly recommend this book and any other book this author has written.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war.
Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.
Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of “With Every Letter,” “On Distant Shores,” “In Perfect Time,” and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, “On Distant Shores” was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.
Dive into Sarah Sundin’s explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.
Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Through Waters Deep
- A nautical tote bag
- A set of compass rose notecards
- A “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
- A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
- A Through Waters Deep apron
- A set of nautical tea towels
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah’s blog.
by admin | Aug 10, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHope HarborRevell (July 7, 2015)byIrene Hannon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.
Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!
Since then, she has written more than 45 romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels. She is a seven-time finalist and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romantic fiction—and a member of Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. Her books have also won a Daphne du Maurier award, a Carol award, three HOLT Medallions, a National Readers’ Choice award, a Retailers Choice award, two Booksellers’ Best awards and two Reviewers’ Choice awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. One of her novels was also named by Booklist as a top 10 inspirational fiction books of 2011. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.
Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full. She is happy to say she has no regrets!
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.
When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life–and love–altered her plans. When tragedy strikes and changes her plans yet again, she finds herself back in her hometown with a floundering farm to run and a heartbreaking secret. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter’s. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help save a struggling charitable organization, the winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives–including their own.
Fan favorite Irene Hannon brings a whole new cast of characters to life in a charming Oregon seaside village. Emotional and heartwarming, this story invites readers to come home to Hope Harbor, where love and hope bloom–and hearts heal.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Hope Harbor, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
“Hope Harbor” is an engaging inspirational romance about second chances in both faith and love. A stranger’s visit to Hope Harbor in an attempt to overcome his grief and guilt after his wife’s death results in some probably not so coincidental encounters that affect the lives of many in a positive way. It is a story of healed emotions and restored relationships as well as renewed faith in God.
I really enjoyed visiting the Oregon coastal town of Hope Harbor and getting to know some of its inhabitants. The love interests Michael and Tracy were well developed but other characters filled major roles. I particularly enjoyed Anna and Charley and Floyd the seagull added a nice touch of humor. I also found the details about cranberry farming to be quite interesting.
I always enjoy Irene Hannon’s novels – whether it is a romantic suspense or a contemporary romance. “Hope Harbor” did not disappoint.
by admin | Aug 5, 2015 | Books, Novella, Post Civil War, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
The first thing that attracted me to “Among the Fair Magnolias” was its gorgeous cover that hinted at the possible delights inside. Secondly, the fact that several of the novellas were written by favorite authors was indication that I would most likely have a few enjoyable hours while reading it. I was not disappointed.
As a true Southerner, I always relish reading stories about my part of the nation. In these four novellas, I had the pleasure of visiting four distinct locations within the South. Each tale took place shortly after the Civil War and each one highlighted the difficulties as the defeated Southerners attempted to rebuild their lives. Each story is as unique as its location and each features a matchless romance that endures despite challenging circumstances. I enjoyed each of the stories although I will admit that I did have my favorites. As a Tennessean, I definitely leaned toward the one with that setting.
For those who enjoy historical Southern romance, “Among the Fair Magnolias” would be an excellent choice. Each individual story would be perfect for an evening’s leisure time or for a weekend afternoon.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history, four Southern women—destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war—face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.
To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.
An Outlaw’s Heart by Shelley Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers she’s very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.
A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.
Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She’s in love with one of the freedmen on her family’s plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including “A Lasting Impression” and “The Inheritance.” Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award.
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.
Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), “The Protector,” recently made the New York Times best seller list.
Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams.
Find out more about Alexander, Gray, Love, Musser at http://www.thomasnelson.com/among-the-fair-magnolias.
