by admin | Dec 12, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Novella, Post Civil War
MY REVIEW:
After losing the man she loved during the war, Esther had focused on raising her orphaned niece and managing the family bakery. Jeremy had been rejected by his fiance when she learned he had lost a foot in battle. Neither ever expected to find love at their age but Esther’s search for just the right artist to paint a Christmas star for her niece’s wedding gift may have set things in motion for another family wedding.
“The Christmas Star Bride” may be my favorite so far in the 12 Brides of Christmas collection – probably because the romance came as somewhat a surprise to both parties. I probably also liked the story because it featured a couple who were a bit more mature than those in the usual romance novels. Of course, Cabot’s excellent skill at developing a wonderful story and her careful research combined to make this one well worth my time.
I am loving getting to read all the stories in this collection and hate to see it quickly coming to the end. I encourage everyone to grab a copy of one or more of these sweet and inspiring stories about Christmas brides.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Esther Hathaway lost her one true love at Gettysburg twenty years ago, but she is still willing to celebrate her niece’s wedding by commissioning Jeremy Snyder to paint her portrait. Will Esther’s prayers for God to ease her loneliness be answered by a wounded vet?
More About The Christmas Star Bride with Amanda Cabot
Who would have guessed that at one time Cheyenne, Wyoming had the highest number of millionaires per capita in the country? Amanda Cabot discovered that fact and many others while researching her novella The Christmas Star Bride. Such a surprising fact spurred her imagination and intrigued her writer’s sensibility.
“Ever since I moved to Cheyenne and learned a bit of its history, I’ve been fascinated by the era of the cattle barons when Cheyenne was the wealthiest city per capita in the country. Not only was Cheyenne the capitol of Wyoming Territory, but it also boasted beautiful parks, the only opera house west of the Mississippi and even had electric lights. What better time and place to set a story?”
This is not Amanda’s first visit to nineteenth century Cheyenne. Two of her Westward Winds books, Waiting for Spring and With Autumn’s Return, are both set in Cheyenne during this period.
In this particular story, however, she wanted to tell the story of “an older couple, one who’d suffered through the War Between the States, and how love comes when it’s least expected. Once I realized what Jeremy and Esther had endured, the story practically wrote itself.”
“The Bible verse I chose for this story is Psalm 34:22, “The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants, and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.” Both Esther and Jeremy have had desolate periods in their lives, but thanks to their faith in the Lord, they are redeemed.”
Amanda noted that while her characters are not based on real people, “my heroes and heroines frequently embody my personal values. Because I believe in justice and happy endings, readers will find that my protagonists do, too. They’ll also find the recurring theme of the healing power of love, since that’s something I believe in.”
Because she lives in Cheyenne, Amanda often walks the streets her characters inhabited. She’d not personally like to have lived in that time period (too dangerous to be ill), but she would love to have seen the opulent homes now gone.
Who is Amanda Cabot?
Amanda Cabot is the author of more than thirty novels, including the CBA bestseller Christmas Roses and Waiting for Spring. A Christmas-time bride herself, Amanda now lives in Cheyenne with her high-school sweetheart husband, where they celebrate a fairly simple Christmas tradition.
For more information about Amanda, please visit her website at www.amandacabot.com or read her blog.
You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter
Amanda had one last word: “I hope everyone who’s reading this has an opportunity to read all of the 12 Brides of Christmas novellas. I’ve had the privilege of reading each of them, and I can tell you that you’re in for a treat.”
by admin | Dec 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Military, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I’ll be honest – my adult son laughed when he saw the title of this book. I will admit, the title gives absolutely no indication of the intense, suspense-filled content within the covers of this novel. I sincerely hope that other readers will not pass it by because they would miss a real page turner.
Imagine if you will that you are kidnapped by a drug cartel along with an extremely deadly toxin that could destroy thousands of people if released – and they want you to develop a means to detonate it so they can extract revenge against a rival cartel. You are all alone in a jungle compound with ruthless men when you discover that your very best childhood friend who you haven’t heard from in a decade has been sent undercover to rescue you. Can you forgive him for his disappearance from you life and allow yourself to trust him to get you out of a hopeless situation?
That is exactly the scenario Jess McCoy found herself in the middle of when Will Gumble suddenly appears as another prisoner of the cartel. As he was forced to help her in the lab, the two of them tried to develop an escape plan. As the days grew short, so did their hope of escaping alive.
“Navy SEAL Noel” has a fast-paced plot with a suspense that keeps building. Although I knew that everything would work out in the end (it almost always does), there were times I had my doubts. I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Jess and Will and their eventual realization that without God’s intervention they had no hope. Great book about forgiveness and dependence on the Lord.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A LETHAL REUNION
Abducted by a drug cartel, scientist Jessalynn McCoy’s orders are simple—release a deadly toxin, or be killed. Trapped with no options, she’s desperate for help…she just never expected it from Will Gumble. The boy who let her down years ago is now a navy SEAL. She trusts his skills, his experience. Yet trusting him is a struggle. Will’s Christmas wish is to heal their damaged relationship and get them to safety. But time is running out and someone is on to their escape plans. Any mistake could mean the difference between facing the holidays together or apart. Forever.
Links to retailers carrying the book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
CBD
Book Depository
Excerpt From Navy SEAL Noel:
“Jess, calm down. I won’t hurt you.” The words made no sense to her muddled brain, but they continued, quiet and assured. “Don’t scream. It’s all right. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
It wasn’t the words that made her sink into him, but the voice that, even after all this time, she’d recognize anywhere. Her eyes hadn’t been playing tricks on her that afternoon. Will Gumble was in this compound. In her very room.
“I thought I saw you—I thought that was you, but…” Her words were little more than a whisper despite his assurance that it was safe to speak. Her stomach pitched, fear and relief mingling with alarm and the echo of a remembered betrayal. But dealing with her emotions would have to wait until she felt steadier on her feet. Exhaustion and the ebbing of her fight-or-flight adrenaline rush had left her legs like jelly. She leaned into Will. He held out his arms, as though he knew just what she needed. As though he was still someone who cared about taking care of her, being there for her.
But she didn’t want him holding her. She wanted answers. She wanted to understand what on earth was happening. Most of all, she wanted to silence the little voice in her head that kept saying Will’s appearance was simply a dream or hallucination.
Yanking herself upright at the last possible moment, she shoved his chest with both hands. “You scared me to death! Why did you break into my room? What are you doing here?”
His lopsided grin had always started with a little quirk to the left before spreading across his mouth. And that hadn’t changed, even as he looked down at the tiny black-and-white-checkered floor tiles.
He scraped his fingers over the black whiskers covering his chin. “Your dad sent me.”
“My dad?”
“Well, I couldn’t say no to my new XO, could I?”
“So you’re still in the navy?” Oh, she sounded bitter—so much more bitter than she wanted to. Why couldn’t her words be flippant and nonchalant, as if it didn’t really matter that she no longer knew even the most basic things about him? He’d popped back into her life, and she didn’t want it to matter.
But it did.
Maybe because of the extreme situation.
Sure. She’d just keep telling herself that.
His smile flickered for a moment before he nodded slowly. “I am.”
Forcing a chuckle, she said, “I figured when my dad realized I was missing, he’d send a SEAL team to bring me home.”
“Not a full team—he just sent one.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager for a Christian publisher. She finds time to write late at night and is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring local music, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings and shares about her adventures in writing at Facebook.com/LizJohnsonBooks and Twitter.com/LizJohnsonBooks.
by admin | Dec 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
As a reviewer for the past five or six years and as an avid reader for more years than I can count, I have obviously read many romance novels. Most of the time the primary characters are fairly young, even those who have lost a husband or wife. That is not a bad thing, but in “Love Without End” I enjoyed the story that featured a couple who were just a bit more mature with children in their teen years. As I get older myself, I find I enjoy reading about more mature characters once in awhile.
Both Chet and Kimberly are alone. Chet’s wife walked out on him after their son’s death and Kimberly’s husband died suddenly leaving her in a world of debt. Each is determined to be a good parent to their children and somehow get through life the best way they can. In “Love Without End” Chet and Kimberly find that God may just have other plans for them.
I enjoyed reading about the growth of Chet and Kimberly’s relationship with each other and in their faith. A bonus was reading the chapters that detailed Nana Anna’s history in King’s Meadow and on the Leonard ranch. I loved Anna’s character and how her wisdom and love for Chet, Kimberly, and their children helped each of them to heal from their own pain. A novel that focuses on following God’s plan for your life, “Love Without End” is a worthwhile read. I look forward to future books in the King’s Meadow series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?
Chet Leonard’s life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.
Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King’s Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.
When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King’s Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.
Learn more at Robin’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.
Find out more about Robin Lee at http://robinleehatcher.com.
Fire Up the Romance this Holiday with @RobinLeeHatcher’s “Love Without End” Kindle Fire Giveaway!
Fire up the romance this holiday with Robin Lee Hatcher‘s latest offering in the King’s Meadow Romance series, Love Without End. For two single parents with bruised hearts, it’ll take more than a little courage to get back on the horse when it comes to love.
Celebrate love rising from the ashes of tragedy with Robin by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Love Without End and the rest of the King’s Meadow Romance series from Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 14th. Winner will be announced December 15th on Robin’s blog.
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by admin | Dec 4, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Quilts, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Swept Away” is a fun-to-read contemporary romance with several memorable characters. Sara Jane Morgan’s feisty grandmother is determined to find a husband for her and has decided that Drew Stevenson is the perfect match for Sara Jane. At first glance, the pair could not be any more unlikely to make a match. Sara Jane is a well-dressed teacher who appears to be Miss Prim and Proper. On the other hand, broom maker/handyman Drew looks like he just stepped out of the wilderness. The question is “Could Sara Jane’s grandma be right about them being perfect for each other or is she just desperate to see Sara Jane happily married?”
I thoroughly enjoyed Grandma’s antics as well as all the uncomfortable situations Sara Jane and Drew found themselves in. The history of ballad quilts was quite interesting to me and almost makes me want to create one for myself. “Swept Away” is an engaging story that ends just right. I would not mind reading more by this pair of authors.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sara doesn’t think she wants love. But her grandmother has other plans.
Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don’t always go as planned.
Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane’s grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer’s granddaughter.
Still, it doesn’t take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn’t what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.
Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author and a professional book reviewer. A stay-at-home mom and home school teacher, Laura lives with her family in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.
Cindy Loven is active in the church and writes from her home in Conway, Arkansas, where she lives with her husband and their son.
Quilts of Love | SWEPT AWAY – Kindle Giveaway & “Merry Quilted” Facebook Party!
Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven. November’s QOL release is a spark of romance and fun just in time for the holidays.
Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
- Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
- Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey
Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 9th. Winner will be announced during the “Merry Quilted” Christmas Facebook party on December 9th. RSVP today and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors (Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn) for a “merry” evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER 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 December 9th!
