by admin | Apr 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Legacy” is a thoughtful and well-written novel that flows so that it can be read quickly. It is filled with such wisdom about family dynamics that the reader not only has an enjoyable book but could glean some helpful tips for his/her own life along the way.
Another story about the Anderson family, this installment features Doug. Living away from home for college, Doug has made some lifestyle choices that he knows would not be pleasing to his family or God. Guilt and shame as well as a certain amount of rebellion has reduced Doug’s contact with his family to a minimum. Naturally, his parents are very concerned and often do not handle their communication with him very well. The story is reminiscent of the parable of the prodigal son and in fact refers to that scripture frequently.
I love how these authors are able to work together to weave Smalley’s professional expertise into a true-to-life novel that could potentially have more personal impact than non-fiction for certain readers. I am actually passing on my copy to someone I know who is concerned about her own son’s lifestyle choices as a university student in hopes that it will be of benefit to their family.
I highly recommend “The Legacy” and the earlier books in this series. Each one is thought provoking and filled with wisdom.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One young man is about to discover the true cost of independence
For years, Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith. His parents have been trying to reach him before he falls too far. His friend Christina hopes what she is seeing online isn’t true. But sometimes you have to hit bottom before you’re ready to grow up.
Just as things begin to settle down a bit, Doug’s life takes a turn that requires every bit of faith and patience for both his family and Christina–whose growing feelings for Doug, a man who writes her off as not worth his time, keep her off balance. Will Doug’s crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?
The emotionally gripping conclusion to the series critics are calling . . .
“Captivating.”–RT Book Reviews
“Emotional.”–Booklist
“Uplifting.”–Library Journal
“Satisfying.”–New York Journal of Books
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of many books, including The Dance, The Promise, and The Desire with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.
Gary Smalley is one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 50 years and live in Missouri.
by admin | Apr 17, 2015 | Books, England, Gothic Romance, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
In “A Stranger’s Secret” the rugged coast of Cornwall is the perfect backdrop for a story filled with mystery and intrigue. Between the dire deeds of the local wreckers, a mysterious stranger, and multiple attempts on his life, this novel held my attention and wouldn’t let go.
The second novel in Eakes’ Cliffs of Cornwall series, “A Stranger’s Secret” features Morwenna, a young widow who played a minor role in the first novel of the series. Determined to preserve her young son’s heritage by preserving her late husband’s estate, Morwenna refuses to accept help from her grandparents, who she fears will try to control her and her son. When she rescues a nearly dead stranger in the aftermath of a shipwreck on her estate, Morwenna finds herself pulled into a deadly mystery and learns that her life is linked to the life of the stranger in more ways than one.
With well-rounded characters, a perfectly Gothic mood, and a plot with many twists and surprises, “A Stranger’s Secret” was the kind of novel I love to read. Morwenna’s regrets over her past actions and determination to be a good mother were admirable but unforgiveness toward her grandparents and her absent parents prevented her true happiness. The transformation of her attitude was gratifying to watch unfold and I loved how her grandparents turned out to treat her much different than she expected.
All in all, “A Stranger’s Secret” was a very satisfying novel and I look forward to more books by this author.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger
Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a grieving widow, Morwenna only wants to make a life for herself and her young son at her murdered husband’s estate. Until an unconscious man washes up on her shore, entangling her in a web of mysteries that threatens everything she holds dear.
Still grieving the loss of her husband, Morwenna Penvenan fills her days preserving her son’s heritage: the dilapidated estate his father left them. But all attempts at restoration are thwarted when she is accused of deliberately causing ships to crash on her shore in order to steal their cargo. While seeking clues to the true culprits, she finds an unconscious man wearing a medallion with the Penvenan crest enameled upon it.
Upon learning of his father’s death, David pursues answers to the many questions left in his father’s wake: Why was his father in Cornwall when he said he would be in Scotland? Why did he die in possession of a medallion belonging to a prominent Cornwall family? Why did his father take money from the family’s ship-building business? And why did someone kill him? Only after waking up at the Penvenan estate under Morwenna’s care do the pieces start falling together.
As David recovers in Morwenna’s house, they grow to care about one another, while knowing each have reasons to distrust the other. The closer they work together, the more they learn how their lives—and mysteries—are entwined. As the past continues to intrude on their lives, they must learn to ask the Lord and others for help or risk losing each other and maybe even losing their lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Recipient of the National Readers Choice Award, Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of nine books and a novella, with four more books and two novellas scheduled for release. She is a writing teacher and speaker and has her master’s degree in creative writing. She also writes articles on writing, including “Writing from the Heart While Writing for the Market” for The ACFW Journal. Visit her website at Facebook: authorlauriealiceeakes Twitter: @LaurieAEakes
by admin | Apr 16, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
After reading Kristy Cambron’s “The Butterfly and the Violin”, I was convinced that it was not possible that the second book of her Hidden Masterpiece series could compete. I was wrong! “A Sparrow in Terezin” is just as strong and beautifully written with multiple scenes to touch the reader’s heart and soul.
Once again the novel takes place during two different time periods and places with characters of both eras having connections that are not immediately evident. Although Sera and William’s trials and troubles are riveting, it is the story of Kája Makovsky that really takes center stage in this novel. Although Kája is relatively safe in war-torn London, when she hears how many Jews are dying at the hands of the Nazis, she makes a daring journey back into Prague, hoping to save her parents.
“The Butterfly and the Violin” is a poignant story of bravery and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. It paints the story of life within the walls of Terezin – of strength, faith, and hope in the midst of deprivation and cruelty. A testimony of the difference that just one person can make in the lives of others despite what seems to be a hopeless situation.
I highly recommend both novels in Cambron’s Hidden Masterpiece series and suggest reading them in the order published although each can easily stand on its own.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor’s story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.
Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she’s stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.
1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.
Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Kristy’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal Reviews’ “Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction)” for February 2015.
Cambron is an art/design manager at TheGROVEstory.com storytelling ministry. She holds a degree in art history from Indiana University and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and communications for a Fortune-100 company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.
Find out more about Kristy at http://kristycambron.com.
‘A Sparrow in Terezin’ by Kristy Cambron | New Book Plus a Book-Inspired Giveaway
BLOG CODE:
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron‘s new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.
Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A set of poppy notecards
- A poppy pin
- A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
- A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
- Literary tea bags
- Tumbler
- A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Apr 14, 2015 | Books, Historical, Novella, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Book two of the Journey of the Heart series finds Sarah encouraged by her friend Amelia to travel with he and her new husband to Fort Laramie and make things right with Rand. Unfortunately Sarah finds that things are entirely different than what she expected. If she wants to regain Rand’s love, she may just have to fight for it. To make matters worse, Ben Croftner makes an appearance and it does not look like he will leave without causing trouble.
“A Heart’s Obsession” continues the story of Sarah and Rand with plenty of action, drama, and suspense. At this point in the story, I am not too happy with Rand and would like to see Sarah be a bit more assertive. I will be forced to wait until the next installment (or horrors, even later) to find out if their situation improves to my satisfaction. That is one aspect of serial novels that I do not like. I suppose I am just too impatient. Even full length series can try my patience!
Once again, this novella is a welcome look back at one of Colleen Coble’s earliest work that is a fine indicator of the talent that has made her one of my top favorite authors.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will Sarah’s journey west lead her back into the arms of the one man she can trust?
When her father succumbs to a long illness, Sarah Montgomery is freed from duty to family. At last she can be with the love of her life, Rand Campbell, who has gone out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Sarah and her younger brother Joel make the arduous journey filled with hope.
But at Fort Laramie, the reception Sarah meets isn’t what she had hoped for. Her friend Amelia is thrilled to have her, but Rand seems to be in the clutches of Jessica DuBois, the scheming daughter of the post commander.
Sarah resolves to remain at Fort Laramie and try to win Rand back. But things will get tougher before they get easier . . . especially when her ex-fiancé Ben Croftner arrives in Wyoming, obsessed with having her back in his arms.
Learn more and purchase a copy at the Thomas Nelson website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Kindle Giveaway, Blog Tour, and Author Chat Party with Colleen Coble Code: Can a woman held captive by her family make it back to the one man she knows she can trust? Find out in book two, A Heart’s Obsession, of Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series. When Sarah Montgomery’s father succumbs to his long illness, Sarah is faced with a life-altering choice: submit to her brother’s will and marry the deceptive Ben Croftner . . . or escape through the dangerous American West to reclaim the heart of her beloved Rand Campbell at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.
Celebrate book two in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series by entering to win a Kindle Fire and RSVPing to her May 5th author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
- A copy of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge (blog tour coming in mid-April)
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced May 8th on Colleen’s website. Plus be sure to clear your calendar on the evening of May 5th because Colleen is hosting an author chat party on Facebook to celebrate her A Journey of the Heart series and the release of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge! RSVP here!
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on May 5th!
