by admin | Sep 6, 2014 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I will be totally honest and admit that I did not remember entering to win a copy of “The Hesitant Heiress” when the author notified me that I had won a digital copy. I had seen brief mention of the book on Facebook a few times but had no other knowledge of it. I found I had some open space on my review calendar due to the late arrival of a book so I decided to go ahead and read it. As far as I know, this is Dawn’s first novel so I had no preconceived expectations.
Well, it looks like I have yet another new author to add to my “To Read” list. The well-paced plot with beautiful prose and captivating characters drew me in immediately. Although not exactly brooding, the overall tone of the story reminded me just a bit of the old Gothic novels by Victoria Holt or Mary Stewart that I so loved when I was younger. It is a historical romance with just the right touch of mystery and unanswered questions to hold my interest. I really liked the fact that Amaryllis and Nathan actually conversed – a lot. And sometimes they even talked about their faith. It was not just instant attraction but a relationship that grew as they got to know each other better, even though Amaryllis was so determined that she could not trust Nathan. There were times that I became a little frustrated with Amaryllis because nearly every time Nathan attempted to explain his feelings for her, she managed to change the subject.
During the first half of the book or so, the author seemed to concentrate on developing the back story for both Nathan and Amaryllis while their tempestuous relationship ebbed and flowed. Then as the story progressed toward its climatic end, the drama built, secrets were revealed, and there was even some action and danger. As all good stories do, this one ended well, leaving me anxious for the next installment of The Everstone Chronicles. I am thankful that I am on the list of influencers who will receive an advance copy to review.
So, if you are looking for a new author who writes really good historical romance, be sure to check out “The Hesitant Heiress”. I’m glad I did!
I won a digital copy of this book during its book launch contest.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy disappearing before her very eyes. Now the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: marry within the year to inherit her grandmother’s fortune. Amaryllis reluctantly takes part in her aunt’s society, intent on getting to the west coast on her own… and without a husband.
Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself falling in love with the most unlikely of men, Nathan Everstone, whose father not only had a part in her expulsion, but whose ominous presence has haunted her dreams for a decade since her mother’s tragic death. Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been “managing her life isn’t who she thought at all.
ENDORSEMENTS:
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 let her quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take encouraged long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a premarriage mentor program at their local church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.
The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn’s first series with Whitaker House. All three books composing the serieswere semifinalists in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a finalist in 2013.
by admin | Sep 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDriftwood TidesTyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2014)byGina HolmesABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Gina Holmes is the founder of Novel Rocket, regularly named as one of Writers Digest’s best websites for writers. Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain was a Christy Award finalist. Her latest novel, Wings of Glass has been named as one of the best books of the year by Library Journal and was a SIBA Okra pick and a finalist for Romantic Times’ Reviewers Choice Award. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.
Learn more about Gina and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He made himself an island until something unexpected washed ashore.
When Holton lost his wife, Adele, in a freak accident, he shut himself off from the world, living a life of seclusion, making drifwood sculptures and drowning his pain in gin. Until twenty-three-year-old Libby knocks on his door, asking for a job and claiming to be a friend of his late wife. When he discovers Libby is actually his late wife’s illegitimate daughter, given up for adoption without his knowledge, his life is turned upside down as he struggles to accept that the wife he’d given saint status to was not the woman he thought he knew.
Together Holton and Libby form an unlikely bond as the two struggle to learn the identity of Libby’s father and the truth about Adele, themselves, and each other.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Driftwood Tides, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Driftwood Tides is an emotionally charged story of a young woman who has always felt out of place but wasn’t sure why. A startling revelation during a pre-wedding blood test, sends Libby on a quest to find out who she really is. What Libby finds is not always pretty, but new bonds are formed that will last forever and she finds an inner peace and strength she didn’t know she had.
Although Driftwood Tides is not exactly filled with action or romance, its plot dragged me right into it. I enjoyed reading Libby’s journey of self-discovery and found myself quite involved in it. The characters are fully human and believable. Holton’s dependence upon alcohol was so sad but his determination to overcome was admirable.
Ultimately Driftwood Tides is a story about relationships, both old and new and how distance can sometimes open a person’s eyes to the love that was always there but somehow misunderstood. I liked the way the story played out with mended relationships between Libby and her mother as well as how Libby’s fiance supported her during her time away as she sought answers. And . . . the surprise ending was just perfect!
by admin | Aug 29, 2014 | Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What could be any better than a book that combines a mysterious folk legend like the spooklight and an historical love story that includes a cowboy? Lori Copeland has written such a story and I could not resist. I have read quite a few of Lori’s books and enjoyed them all. The Healer’s Touch might just be my favorite one yet.
While the author does not attempt to solve the mystery of the spooklight legend, it does play a prominent role in setting up her story. Other mysteries within the course of the story do find resolution and there are also some surprising revelations in store for the reader.
I loved the rural Missouri setting and the book’s characters, particularly Lyric. The plot included plenty of action, drama, mystery, humor, and romance to keep me happily advancing the pages of my ereader screen. The Healer’s Touch was a fun to read book and I would love to see more with the same setting.
This book was provided for review by the publisher through Net Galley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lyric Bolton doesn’t ask for much—just friendship and acceptance from her rural Missouri community. But her family is regarded with suspicion and fear because of her mother’s sickness—a sickness of the mind that grows worse by the day. Lyric is resigned to a life of isolation and doesn’t see any way out…but that’s before Ian Cawley bolts into her life on a runaway stallion.
As she opens her heart to Ian, Lyric dares to imagine a different life. But what will happen when he discovers the secret she holds closest of all?
Purchase a copy of The Healer’s Touch HERE.
Read an excerpt from The Healer’s Touch HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Copeland is the author of more than 100 titles, including A Kiss for Cade and Under the Summer Sky. Her beloved novel Stranded in Paradise is now a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Her stories have developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance.
by admin | Aug 29, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Home to Chicory Lane” is a story that focuses on following God and taking the time to see His hands in our lives. An emphasis on the importance of family and tough love was also woven throughout the narrative. This novel was a good, clean read with interesting characters and a faith-filled message. A contemporary novel, “Home to Chicory Lane” features two generations of the Whitman family. Grant and Audrey Whitman’s last of five children have left the nest and Audrey’s dream of turning the family home into a bed and breakfast is about to be realized. Little do they know that newly married daughter Landyn will show up right in the middle of their grand opening because she and her husband Chase have had a rift.
Overall, the plot progressed smoothly despite the changes in points of view. Reading it from the position of a parent with grown children of my own, I of course found myself sympathizing with Audrey and Grant, especially when Landyn came across as a spoiled brat during the first part of the story. I found myself frustrated with her attitude and felt that she had brought her troubles upon herself. I was happy to find that as the story progressed and Landyn and Chase faced several serious trials, both of them began to mature and make better choices as well as recognizing God’s blessings in their lives.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Landyn longs for home, but her mother may have other plans.
Audrey Whitman’s dreams are coming true. Now that their five kids are grown, she and her husband, Grant, are turning their beloved family home into a cozy bed and breakfast just a mile outside of Langhorne, Missouri.
Opening weekend makes Audrey anxious, with family and friends coming from all over to help celebrate the occasion. But when Audrey’s daughter, Landyn, arrives, the U-Haul she’s pulling makes it clear she’s not just here for a few days. Audrey immediately has questions. What happened in New York that sent Landyn running home? Where was Landyn’s husband, Chase? And what else was her daughter not telling her? One thing was for sure, the Chicory Inn was off to a rocky start. Can Audrey still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home her daughter so desperately needs?
Learn more and purchase a copy on Deborah’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas—the setting of many of Deborah’s novels—for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away. Visit Deborah on the web at DeborahRaney.com.
Find out more about Deborah at http://deborahraney.com.
$200 B&B Weekend Getaway Giveaway & 9/9 Facebook Party with Deborah Raney!
The first book in Deborah Raney‘s new Chicory Inn series, Home to Chicory Lane, introduces us to Audrey Whitman, a mother who has launched all her children into life and now looks forward to fulfilling some of her own dreams during her empty-nest years. However, not all of her children are ready to stay out of the nest quite yet.
Deborah is celebrating the release of her new series with a $200 B&B Weekend Getaway and a Facebook author chat party.
One winner will receive:
- A B&B Weekend Getaway (via a $200 Visa cash card)
- Home to Chicory Lane by Deborah Raney
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 9th. Winner will be announced at the Home to Chicory Lane Author Chat Party on 9/9. Deborah will be hosting a heartfelt book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at the next book in the Chicory Inn series!
So grab your copy of Home to Chicory Lane and join Deborah on the evening of September 9th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!
