by admin | Dec 4, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Historical, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Widower Roy Gibbons is at the end of his rope trying to be both father and mother to his young daughters. They need a woman’s touch and they have requested a new mother for Christmas. Alma Pickens is in absolutely no hurry to marry. She is content living with her father and taking care of him and their home. Her father’s newest plans changes everything for Alma but she is not certain she is happy about it.
“The Festive Bride” is a somewhat different story about an arranged marriage. Although both Roy and Alma have agreed to her father’s suggestion, neither is sure it is a good idea. With interesting characters and some unexpected twists, this sweet Christmas romance is another fun addition to the 12 Brides of Christmas collection. It is just right for a long winter’s evening by the fire or any cozy reading spot.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
When Roy Gibbons finds Alma Pickens as a mother to give his daughters for Christmas he thought it would be a simple arrangement. But this is the only wedding Alma will have, and she is determined to make it festive. Will this bride be more than Roy bargained for?
More About The Festive Bride with Diana Brandmeyer
Diana’s novella is a poignant story of love between a widow and a widower, which reflects her own personal experience–though she didn’t have to fall in love quite so fast!
The 12 Brides of Christmas stories all feature gifts and that’s where Diana began thinking about her story. “I wanted to set my novella long enough after the Civil War that healing had begun; it was a time for the country to breathe.”
It took some thinking to find out what was available at the time that could be used. “I wasn’t sure paint would have been used on glass. I asked my son, an artist about the paint Alma uses for Roy’s gift and found out I was on the right track.”
As she wrote, she fell in love with the quirkiness of her heroine’s character. “She was fun to write. I named her after a friend of mine which could be what made her so special.”
Diana’s own family traces back to Revolutionary days, though she wouldn’t want to be a pioneer herself. “I like reading about this time period, love looking at the old houses and wondering what it would be like…but live during that time? No. I’m way too spoiled by microwaves, cell phones and warm cars!”
Diana is thrilled to be part of The 12 Brides of Christmas ebook collection. “This has been one of the most exciting writing endeavors I’ve had, 12 authors one topic—Christmas!”
For her, personally, Christmas was a simpler time growing up. “Our family Christmas’s were not huge affairs. My mom stressed the importance of making gifts and the love that goes with that effort is worth more than an item you can buy.”
Who is Diana Brandmeyer?
A multi-published author, Diana Brandmeyer began her career in 1987 writing devotionals for children. From there, she “followed the stories that God placed in my heart. I’m not saying He told me to write them, but the ideas that I get I feel do come from him. At first it was contemporary fiction, then I was led to write about the journey my family took to become well blended. Now I’m writing a historical fiction novel. I love the surprising way God works.”
She writes historical and contemporary novels and a non-fiction book based on her experiences joining two families into one: We’re Not Blended-We’re Pureed, A Survivor’s Guide to Blended Families.
Together, Diana and her husband have three sons, several daughter-in-laws and an adorable grandchild. She lives in Illinois, not far from where The Festive Bride takes place.
For more information, you can visit Diana’s website: http://dianabrandmeyer.com/
Or find her on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest
by admin | Dec 3, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Novella
MY REVIEW:
Lisa Wingate has surprised her fans with a short Christmas novella just in time for the holidays. I ignored the many chores that were awaiting me and read “A Sandy’s Seashell Shop” in one sitting this morning but wished I had taken just a bit more time to savor it. Set in Hatteras Village located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the novella features a grieving young military widow who has tried her best to ignore Christmas since her husband’s death during that season.
This is a read that requires a nearby box of tissues because I guarantee there will be a moment or two that will bring tears to your eyes. Fortunately other scenes will bring forth chuckles or maybe even a hearty laugh or two. Young Micah is just precious and both Tiff and Jason are characters I want to get to know better. A sweet story of healing, hope, and miracles – I absolutely did not want this story to end!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For young military widow, Tiff Riley, Christmas isn’t just another day. It’s the worst of all days. Hiding out on Hatteras Island with three-and-a-half-year-old Micah, she’s desperate to once again ignore the anniversary of tragedy. The winter-season quiet of North Carolina’s Outer Banks is the perfect place to escape. It never feels like Christmas at the beach.
But in tiny Hatteras Village, the crew at Sandy’s Seashell Shop is determined to make sure no one is forgotten at Christmas. Is it possible for a magical Christmas Eve at the Seashell Shop to help mend one damaged life? On a night of miracles, in a place of miracles, can a young widow’s heart be reopened to joy, hope… and even love?
Proceeds from the sale of this E-short will help fund a donation to Operation Military Kids, which serves children whose parents are deployed. Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, inspirational speaker, and the author of over twenty mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its nineteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novels are known for taking on gritty subjects while offering redemptive and uplifting themes. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. More information about Lisa’s novels can be found at www.Lisawingate.com
by admin | Dec 1, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Raelynn Rivers grew up being told that she was born to sing so she dreamed of a career doing what she loved. One day she left her family home in the mountains of Virginia and her best friend/fiance Lane behind to pursue her dream. Sure enough, Raelynn reached the top and became the “Country Music Queen” but fame was not all it was cut out to be and she broke under the stress of it all. After a few years at the top, Raelynn found herself opening for her own former opening acts. A mining accident sends Raelynn running home to her family and realizes just how much she has missed the mountains and Lane. Their relationship appears to rekindle but Lane has a secret that could change everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Silver White Winters” and barely put it down until I had read it all. Both Raelynn and Lane are characters I could easily picture in my mind. The plot was well paced and emotionally satisfying. Lane’s particular secret is one I have not run across in my extensive reading but I felt that Candice handled it well and helped me understand that particular challenges of a person in Lane’s situation. I liked the way the author worked the importance of faith into the story and felt it played an important role in the outcome.
As a somewhat visual person, I have to mention that I think the cover is gorgeous. In my opinion, I believe you can often judge a book by its cover and this one made me want to read what was inside.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Raelynn Rivers dreams of reviving her floundering career. The “Country Music Queen” hasn’t had a number one hit in six years, and her song-writing ability has vanished. But Raelynn’s hopes are derailed when tragedy strikes. Returning to her home town forces her to confront her past—Lane Ryan, the childhood best friend and former fiancé she abandoned in order to pursue her music career.
In the snow-covered mountains of Appalachia, Raelynn reconnects with family and rediscovers her musical abilities—and her faith. And no one inspires her more than Lane. She’s finally ready for a relationship, but the secret Lane carries is as big as Coal Mountain and threatens any future they may have together.
Second chances don’t come around every day. Will Raelynn sacrifice her career this time or say goodbye to Lane forever?
This title is part of the Christmas Holiday Extravaganza, specially priced through December. Order a copy for yourself while it is on sale HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Candice Sue Patterson studied at The Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in southern Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes contemporary romance with threads of nostalgia.
Visit at www.candicesuepatterson.blogspot.com
by admin | Dec 1, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, International Intrigue, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“The Brothers’ Keepers” is a novel that requires a good bit of concentration and attention to details. A suspenseful story of danger and intrigue laced with a hearty dose of Christian history, the narrative takes the reader on a fast-paced journey from one foreign city to another and back again.
When daughter Maggie is abducted and daughter-in-law Becca is attacked, Grace Madison and her entire family become involved in a race against time and unknown enemies to track down an ancient artifact that seems to be of great value not only to Israel but also to the Vatican and possibly others. With the involvement of Mossad and other intelligence organizations, The Madison family find themselves deeply entrenched in the investigation and realize they have no choice but to trust God and to do the right thing.
Overall, “The Brothers’ Keepers” has a very serious tone but is relieved at times by a touch of somewhat dry levity. With so many characters, I found it a little difficult to identify with any of them but that is most likely because this novel is somewhat different than my usual reading choice. The book is well written with a very involved plot filled with action, drama, danger, a hint of romance and some unexpected twists and surprises.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A friend’s deception. A family’s dilemma.
While cataloging looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison learns that her daughter has disappeared in France, and daughter-in-law has been attacked in Switzerland. But before the Madisons can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend—if he’ll let them. Navigating a deadly, four-thousand-year-old artifact trail that crosses three continents, they jeopardize hearts and lives against a foe as old as time—as time runs out.
Because choosing what’s right is all that’s left.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After an award-winning detour through journalism and marketing and a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, NLB Horton returned to writing fiction. She has surveyed Israeli and Jordanian archaeological digs accompanied (twice!) by heavy artillery rounds from Syria and machine gun fire from Lebanon. Calmly tossed a tarantula from her skiff into the Amazon after training with an Incan shaman. Driven uneventfully through Rome. And consumed gallons of afternoon tea across five continents. Her first novel, WHEN CAMELS FLY, was released in May, 2014.THE BROTHERS’ KEEPERS her second in the Parched series, will be released November 17, 2014. The third in the series will release in the fall of 2015.
Find out more about NLB at http://nlbhorton.com.
Don’t miss NLB Horton’s The Brothers’ Keepers—international suspense at its best. While cataloguing looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison discovers her daughter has vanished in France, and her son’s bride has been attacked in Switzerland. After the Madison family unearths a relic whose taproot pierces the Ancient Near East, they realize before they can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend . . . if he’ll let them.
Learn more about book one in the series, When Camels Fly, and enter to win a Kindle Fire.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- When Camels Fly and The Brothers’ Keepers by NLB Horton
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 7th. Winner will be announced December 8th on NLB’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
