by admin | Nov 14, 2014 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Just when I have decided that I absolutely cannot read another Amish romance, I am offered one that is also a Christmas novel. At this time of year, I have difficulty resisting Christmas books so I opted in for the blog tour for “Christmas at Rose Hill Farm”, knowing that I couldn’t go wrong with a novel by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I am so glad I did because I found it to be a charming and satisfying read.
I particularly enjoyed reading about growing roses and the details about rose rustlers. I had never heard of such a person but the background information was fascinating. The rest of the story was also quite enjoyable as I soon found myself wanting to know how the dilemma Bess faced would be resolved. With a quickly approaching wedding to Amos, what will Bess do when Billy Lapp, the man she has always loved suddenly makes an appearance back in her life?
“Christmas at Rose Hill Farm” set just the right tone for the approaching holiday season and its ending was perfect.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bess Riehl is preparing Rose Hill Farm for her Christmas wedding, but her groom isn’t who she thought it would be. Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler for Penn State and wants nothing to do with Stoney Ridge, his family, or Bess. And that suits Bess just fine. Why should she think twice about a man who left without a word, without any explanation? It’s time she moved on with her life, and that meant saying yes to Amos Lapp, Billy’s cousin and best friend. But as Bess and Amos’s wedding day draws near, her emotions tangle into a tight knot. She loves Amos. Yet she can’t forget Billy.
When a “lost” rose is discovered at Rose Hill Farm, Billy is sent to track down its origins. Get in, identify the rose, and get out. That’s his plan. The only catch is that he’s having a hard time narrowing down the identity of the lost rose, and he can’t get those tropical blue eyes of Bess Riehl out of his mind.
As the history of the lost rose is pieced together, it reminds Bess and Billy–and Amos, too–that Christmas truly is the season of miracles.
“Filled with heart-twisting moments amid the sweet anticipation of love, this story will charm readers into the holiday spirit.”
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of the Inn at Eagle Hill series, Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including “Amish Peace.” She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist. She is a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. For more information, please visit suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with her on Twitter @suzannewfisher. Get Amish proverbs delivered right to your mobile device! Download the Free App! http://bit.ly/10TygyiFind out more about Suzanne at http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/.
by admin | Nov 14, 2014 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading and reviewing Dawn Crandall’s “The Hesitant Heiress”, I knew I would have to read the rest of The Everstone Chronicles series. I am fortunate that Dawn has entrusted me with the opportunity to do so by sending me digital copies to review. I have always loved historical fiction and Dawn’s novels have proved to meet my qualifications for must read books. Although I loved “The Hesitant Heiress”, “The Bound Heart” may be even better. If this is any indication, I can’t wait for “The Captive Imposter”. I already know it will be wonderful.
It will be difficult to review “The Bound Heart” without any spoilers but I will certainly try. This novel features Meredyth Summercourt, a young woman whose one indiscretion with a man she found attractive led to severe guilt and the idea that she was “ruined”. She felt bound to Vance Everstone and was convinced that the only way she could atone for her sin was to marry him. Meredyth’s situation reminded me of some teaching I heard years ago about “soul ties” and how physical intimacy creates them between two individuals – a tie meant to take place within marriage but a reality even outside its boundaries. It helped me to understand how strongly Meredyth felt that her only redemption was marriage to Vance regardless of his poor character and even despite the love she had discovered for her longtime friend Lawry.
Now Lawry – well Lawry is one of the best heroes I have encountered in awhile. Perhaps he is handsome and comes from a prominent and wealthy family but Lawry’s character just shines throughout the book. Lawry is a man whose ambition is to care for orphans plus any other needy people who may cross his path. His love for Meredyth has increased through the years and all he wants is to spend his life with her. His compassion and restraint are admirable and his love of the Lord is evident in nearly everything he does. Meredyth cannot help loving him but is certain that she does not deserve someone as good as Lawry.
I could go on but I am getting close to possible spoilers. “The Bound Heart” is an emotional roller coaster that illustrates the devastating effect that one mistake can have on a person’s entire life. It is also a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption that leaves the reader with hope for themselves. I highly recommend “The Bound Heart” but suggest reading “The Hesitant Heiress” first.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One accidental kiss. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt’s world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn’t have the time or the desire to fall for her friend Lawry Hampton. However, with Vance out of the country and Lawry constantly at her side, Meredyth can’t help but wonder if what’s holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from their unfortunate past.
When Vance comes home to stake his claim on Meredyth, will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she’s convinced she deserves? Or will she find the strength to accept that God’s plan for her life could include redemption… and quite possibly the love of her best-friend?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of
The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing
The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
by admin | Nov 13, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Native American, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have recently added yet another author to my Must Read list thanks to the Amazon Vine Review Program. I recently read and reviewed Lisa Carter’s “Beneath a Navajo Moon” and loved it so I jumped at the chance to review her latest novel “Under a Turquoise Sky”. I was NOT disappointed.
“Under a Turquoise Sky” is a riveting suspense novel that takes place primarily on Navajo land in New Mexico. Kailyn Eudailey has witnessed the murder of a good friend by men suspected to be leaders of a Mexican drug cartel. Because her life is also in danger, Aaron Yazzie is called in to protect her. The novel opens quickly with suspense, danger, and action and continues in that vein for awhile. Then there is a lull where the characters seem to relax just a bit with just a hint of the potential for danger under the surface. Then all of a sudden everything erupts into total chaos again with Aaron and Kailyn unsure if they will survive.
I enjoyed everything about “Under a Turquoise Sky”. The plot moved along at a good pace with just the right amount of action, drama, suspense, and romance with even a bit of humor inserted at the perfect times. Interaction between Aaron and Kailyn was believable and had me rooting for them to get together despite their obvious dislike of each other at first. The plot was full of surprises with unexpected twists along the way. I also enjoyed having characters from the previous novel pop up in the story from time to time. Although it is primarily a suspense novel, the author deftly wove a gospel message throughout the story without it being overbearing.
Now that I am familiar with Lisa’s novels, I plan to keep my eyes open for all of her future books. If you haven’t read anything by Lisa Carter, I suggest you check her out.
This book was provided for review by The Amazon Vine Review Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When federal agent Aaron Yazzie is assigned to protect the only witness to a drug cartel execution, he hides Kailyn Eudailey in the safest place he knows . . . the vast, untamed wilderness of the Navajo Reservation.
Transporting Kailyn to New Mexico may not be as easy as Aaron would like. Kailyn is a high-maintenance Southern belle who is determined to assert her independence at every step. Although Aaron’s job is to protect her from the dangers that could get them both killed, Kailyn is getting to him. As an undercover agent, Aaron has grown adept at playing many roles. But will he be able to embrace his true identity and God’s plan for his life in order to keep Kailyn alive?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Carter is the author of Carolina Reckoning and Aloha Rose, and a writer and teacher whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense, and Christian Parenting Today. She is a frequent speaker and vocalist at women’s ministry events and has taught at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels. Lisa is a member of ACFW, RWA and Sisters in Crime. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling, quilting, and researching her next romantic adventure. She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Visit her online at LisaCarterAuthor.com.
by admin | Nov 13, 2014 | Books, Chicago, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
In “Pound Foolish”, the Jackson’s fourth book in their Windy City Neighbors series, the reader is offered another side of the ongoing parallel story from the unique viewpoints of Greg and Nicole Singer. Included are such hot topics as job loss, marital miscommunication, submission of wives to their husbands, and the prosperity gospel, to name just a few. A valuable lesson about what is most important in life and how God really blesses His children, “Pound Foolish” can be read as a stand-alone novel but would be enjoyed even more after reading previous novels in this series.
I will be honest and admit that at times I had difficulty staying with this particular novel. I really did not care for Greg Singer at all. He was a know-it-all who made increasingly unwise choices for his family while refusing to listen to any input from his wife Nicole. Of course Greg was the very definition of the book’s title “Pound Foolish”. My familiarity with previous books of this series as well as other books by the Jacksons encouraged me to press on so I did finish the book. Needless to say, I was rewarded with the usual wisdom I have found in all their novels and witnessed spiritual growth and a restored marriage by the end.
I like the way each novel focuses on different members of the neighborhood. While Estelle Bentley has played a prominent supporting role in some of the other books of this series, her husband Harry had a pivotal role in “Pound Foolish”. Harry’s spiritual maturity, support, and advice were invaluable to Greg’s positive outcome. In my opinion, each and every one of the Jackson’s novels is an entertaining way to gain priceless Christian wisdom from fictional situations that emulate real life. Readers cannot go wrong with any of their novels.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Pound Foolish | Book Four in the Windy City Neighbors series (Castle Rock Creative, October 2014)
Greg Singer coordinates consumer sports shows for powerboats, four wheelers, snowmobiles, and jet skis-macho toys for outdoor men like himself. But the job puts tremendous stress on his marriage with Nicole, who for the first time notices the handsome lawyer at the end of the block. “Greener pastures?” When the recession hits Greg’s industry, he thinks the crisis is merely an opportunity for God to bless him with unmatched prosperity, a promise he hears preached each Sunday, and he steps out in bold faith . . . But is he being “pound foolish”?
The fourth in the Windy City Neighbors series, Pound Foolish explores the economic upheaval and uncertainties challenging every family. Intersecting with Penny Wise (book three), the Jacksons employ the innovating storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Pound Foolish returns us to Beecham Street-a typical American neighborhood . . . where a growing friendship brings new meaning to prosperity.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.
As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.
Find out more about Dave and Neta at http://www.daveneta.com/.
