by admin | Oct 21, 2014 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance, Southern
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFinding MercyDavid C. Cook (October 1, 2014)byMichael Landon Jr. and Cindy KelleyABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
****
Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Mercy abandons Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity, he goes after her. With the threat that bounty hunters might be hot on her trail, Mercy does all she can to stay ahead of the danger, frustrating both the bad men who are after her—and Captain Hale who wants to find her and escort her safely home. But when she stumbles upon clues that help her learn who she is and where she’s from, the danger escalates and she has to learn to keep her friends close and her enemies even closer—if she can determine which is which!
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Finding Mercy, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I just reread my review from almost exactly a year ago for “Traces of Mercy”, the first book in the Mercy Medallion series. A couple of things I mentioned were my impatience to read the next book and wanting to read more about Elijah Hale. Well, both wishes have finally been fulfilled. I enjoyed Finding Mercy just as much as I anticipated and Elijah played a prominent role in it.
As Mercy’s story continued, so did the danger, action, excitement, adventure, and mystery. In fact, the plot moved along at a pretty steady clip until the very end. Once again the authors provided plenty of unexpected twists and surprises. Those surprises kept right on coming almost to the end. I loved the fact that the reader is kept in the dark about Mercy’s past right along with her. I would have hated knowing things about her that she didn’t know – the suspense was part of what kept the story so special to me.
I also liked the fact that although romance played its part in Finding Mercy, it took a back seat to the real story and seemed to be a natural progression that grew through mutual trust and care. I do hate to see this series end but was happy with its conclusion. Well done! I hope to see more from these authors soon.
by admin | Oct 21, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
The third volume of Tracie Peterson’s Lone Star Brides series, “A Matter of Heart” was an excellent conclusion to the series. In the previous book, Jessica Atherton was not a very likeable person and seemed to go out of her way to cause trouble for Alice Chesterfield and Robert Barnett. I did not like her even a little bit. Imagine my surprise to find Jessica the heroine of this novel!
Fortunately, Jessica has realized just how meaningless and miserable her life has become and finds that she only has herself to blame. There is quite a bit of introspection as Jessica examines her heart and attempts to turn her life around and make amends to those she has hurt. I enjoyed reading about her journey as she progressed from acknowledging her flaws to accepting the fact that she could not accomplish the changes she desired under her own strength but that she must allow the Lord to help her.
Of course in any Tracie Peterson novel there must be a little romance and a bit of mystery. “A Matter of Heart” is certainly not lacking in either with two (yes, two) men vying for Jessica’s attention and the continuation and eventual solution of the mystery that has carried over from the first two installments of this series.
“A Matter of Heart” could easily stand on its own but in my opinion, total enjoyment and understanding requires reading all the books of the series in order. Another Tracie Peterson novel added to my collection, “A Matter of Heart” is well worth the read.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Texas born and raised Jessica Atherton is a wealthy young woman whose heart was broken when the man she intended to marry wedded another. But her world is upended when two new men come into her life, and both manage to stir her heart.
Harrison Gable is a successful young lawyer with ambitions that match Jessica’s dreams. His warm, attentive manner and thoughtful gifts make her feel special.
Austin Todd, a former Secret Service agent, enjoys working now as a Texas Ranger cattle inspector. But after learning of forged gold certificates and missing printing plates, he’s drawn back into the world of intrigue and agrees to help solve the case. Jessica is drawn to his kind nature and the unspoken pain she sees in his eyes.
If Jessica follows her heart, where will it lead?
Read an excerpt from “A Matter of Heart” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Oct 18, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I first met Kate Ramsey in the pages of the first book of the Edwardian Brides series, The Governess of Highland Hall. At that time, Kate was pretty much a brat who was dedicated to making trouble for her new governess Julia, the heroine of that particular novel. I could not begin to imagine that Kate would become the focus of the next book in the series and that I would like her quite so much. Of course, brats do tend to grow up and usually mature both emotionally and spiritually. Fortunately Kate is one that did.
Turansky paints a vivid picture of Kate’s life in London as she is put through the rigors of her debut in proper society at the hands of her well-meaning but extremely overbearing Aunt Louisa. The author’s descriptions of all the wheeling and dealing involved in securing just the right husband for Kate was quite enlightening. Although primarily about Kate, the plot contained several subplots that when woven together created one captivating and exciting story.
I particularly enjoyed following Kate’s path as she grew from a self-absorbed young woman whose only desire was to marry a handsome and wealthy young man with the proper place in society into a compassionate person who found her true calling in helping others. Her spiritual growth from one who went to church and knew about God to one who became willing to trust Him with her life and future was compelling.
“The Daughter of Highland Hall” is a wonderful followup to The Governess of Highland Hall and I highly recommend both novels. I am looking forward to the next Edwardian Brides installment.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor… what if it isn’t enough?
Book two in Carrie Turansky’s Edwardian Brides Series, The Daughter of Highland Hall, follows 18-year-old Kate Ramsey on a journey of self-discovery as she travels to London to make her societal debut. As Kate begins making the round of balls and garden parties, she attracts the attention of Edward Wellington, who seems to have all the qualifications on her list. Yet, is he the best choice? Will this lifestyle bring her true happiness? Will Kate have the courage to make an unpopular choice and to choose faith or will she give into an overbearing aunt’s expectations?
Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.
When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served.
Learn more, read an excerpt, and purchase a copy at Carrie’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carrie Turansky is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has written contemporary and historical romances, women’s fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, and they have five adult children and four grandchildren.
Find out more about Carrie at http://carrieturansky.com.
by admin | Oct 16, 2014 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed the first two books in Ladd’s Whispers on the Moors series so I opened “A Lady at Willowgrove Hall” with anticipation. Within the first page or two I was totally immersed and did not want to put the book down – even to sleep. Sarah has a special talent for drawing her readers into the story and making them feel a part of it.
“A Lady at Willowgrove Hall” is a story about secrets – secrets that seem to grow larger and more burdensome each day. The very lives of three of the characters have been grievously affected by these secrets. Cecily’s secret weighs her down with shame and feelings of unworthiness; Nathaniel’s has kept his secret in order to protect his mother and sisters; and Mrs. Trent has allowed her secret to cause her to grow bitter and unforgiving toward Nathaniel and his family despite their innocence.
I liked the way Cecily and Mrs. Trent grew to care for each other despite the negative warnings shared with Cecily when she first arrived at Willowgrove Hall. Nathaniel’s mother and sisters were special secondary characters who added depth and humor to the tale. There were moments when I was unsure whether Cecily would choose Nathaniel or allow herself to be swayed by Andrew, a man from her past. I think she made the right choice.
I loved the way Sarah handled the subject of secrets and how they gain control of one’s life as well as the freedom that comes after bringing the shadows of the past into the light. I highly recommend “A Lady at Willowgrove Hall” as well as the other two books in this series. I look forward to Sarah’s next series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness.
His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.
Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could strip away everything she holds dear. But soon after accepting the position of lady’s companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she’s desperately hidden for years.
Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own – one that has haunted him from birth and tied him to his father’s position as steward of Willowgrove. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breath a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he’ll never be free to find his own way in the world. He’ll never be free to fall in love.
When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and build a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long suffered?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Sarah’s site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. “The Heiress of Winterwood” was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance and a finalist in the Debut Author category of the 2014 Carol Awards. The second book in the series, “The Headmistress of Rosemere” (2013), was on the ECPA best-seller list for several months. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahladd.com.
New Regency from @SarahLaddAuthor AND a Kindle HDX giveaway!
Award-winning author Sarah E. Ladd examines how to escape the clutches of a tainted past in the final installment of her Whispers on the Moor series.
A Regency-era novel, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall cleverly shows that even though our pasts may be shameful or painful, God can take the darkest personal histories and turn them into the brightest futures.
Celebrate with Sarah by entering her Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 2nd. Winner will be announced November 3rd here.
Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
When Mercy abandons Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity, he goes after her. With the threat that bounty hunters might be hot on her trail, Mercy does all she can to stay ahead of the danger, frustrating both the bad men who are after her—and Captain Hale who wants to find her and escort her safely home. But when she stumbles upon clues that help her learn who she is and where she’s from, the danger escalates and she has to learn to keep her friends close and her enemies even closer—if she can determine which is which!
