by admin | Jun 10, 2014 | Books, Historical, Novella
MY REVIEW:
“Appalachian Serenade” is the prequel novella to the new Appalachian Blessings series by Sarah Loudin Thomas. Set in small town West Virginia during mid twentieth century, the story is short enough to be read through in one sitting (at least I did). Sarah has a way with words that quickly transported me back to a kinder and gentler (or so it seems) period of time. Her descriptions of Robert’s store brought back memories of the country stores that were so familiar during my childhood.
Delilah Morrissey is a young widow who always seems to know what people want or need before they know for themselves. In certain Christian circles, her special gift might be considered the spiritual gift known as word of knowledge. However one might define her gift, Delilah always used it to bless others and as a result, the business at Robert’s store flourished. Both Delilah and Robert have cherished dreams for their future but after years of waiting, each of them has virtually given up hope of seeing their dreams fulfilled.
“Appalachian Serenade” is a short but sweet romance that gives the reader hope that her own dreams might yet be realized also. If this is any example of the full length books in the series, I cannot wait to dig into them.
This book was a free Kindle download provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Delilah Morrissey has always wanted to be a mother, but when she becomes a young widow, that dream now seems farther away than ever. Unable to continue to live alone in Chicago, her only option is to accept her sister’s offer to move in with her family back in West Virginia. Will Delilah have the faith to pursue a new dream–even if it means giving up the old?
Includes an excerpt of Miracle in a Dry Season, the first full-length novel in the Appalachian Blessings series–a book New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber called, “Wonderful, simply wonderful.”
Download a free copy of Appalachian Serenade HERE for a limited time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has also published freelance writing for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | Jun 9, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, San Francisco
MY REVIEW:
What a great book! Characters were so well defined that they practically stepped off the page. I loved the authors unique descriptions and her deft blending of romance and history. I felt like I had a new understanding of early cancer treatment and x-ray technology as well as the absolute horror experienced by thousands during the great San Francisco earthquake. And in the midst of the mesmerizing story, I got a well thought out lesson in faith. I enjoyed reading about the x-ray treatments but kept wanting to tell them they shouldn’t expose themselves to it so much!
Heroine Abby has experienced so much heartbreak in such as short period of time. Her prayers seem to have been ignored and she has decided that God just doesn’t care and is convinced her prayers do not matter. In fact, she is probably more than a bit angry at Him. When Dr. Robert King enters the picture, Abby pins her hope for her sister’s recovery on him and his revolutionary treatment. When things don’t go as planned, Abby’s disappointment and anger is also directed at Robert. Only as hope seems dim and Abby sees answered prayer does she finally realize that God does not always answer prayer the way we want but that He still cares and wants the best for us.
I thought Robert was the perfect hero. He had just enough flaws to make him down-to-earth but was also sensitive, caring, and had integrity. The romance between Abby and Robert was paced well and had enough ups and downs to keep it realistic.
Absolutely loved “Out of the Ruins” and cannot wait for the rest of the Golden Gate Chronicles series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Out of the Ruins | The Golden Gate Chronicles, Book 1
Abby’s shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.
While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.
As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Karen’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Barnett is the author of “Mistaken” and several articles that have been published by “Guideposts” and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats. @KarenMBarnett
Find out more about Karen at http://karenbarnettbooks.com.
Enter to win a Kindle HDX & RSVP for 6/19 Facebook Party!
Don’t miss the debut book, Out of the Ruins, in Karen Barnett‘s new series, The Golden Gate Chronicles. Set against the backdrop of early 20th century San Francisco, Out of the Ruins will remind readers that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, God is still as close to us as our next breath.
Karen is celebrating with a fun giveaway and Facebook author chat party.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 19th. Winner will be announced at the Out of the Ruins Facebook author chat party on June 19th. Connect with Karen for an evening of fun book chat, games, and prizes. Karen will also be answering audience questions and giving an exclusive look at the next book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series!
So grab your copy of Out of the Ruins and join Karen on the evening of June 19th 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 19th!
by admin | Jun 9, 2014 | Amish, Books, Giveaways
Don’t miss the first book, Rumspringa’s Hope, in Beth Shriver‘s new Spirit of the Amish series.
Beth is celebrating the series launch with a Kindle Fire Giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Rumspringa’s Hope by Beth Shriver
Enter today, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 22nd. Winner will be announced June 23rd on Beth’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Beth’s blog on June 23rd to see if you won.
by admin | Jun 8, 2014 | Books, Colonial America, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Overall A Place in His Heart was a fairly interesting book with plenty of good historical information about life during that time frame, especially the different views of the Anglicans and Puritans and living conditions in the New World.
The book was very well written and it was obvious the author did her research. I loved all the details and even learned a few things. I did find it difficult to love the characters though. I thought Barnabas was a selfish jerk and never really understood why Mary loved him. His obsession with his late wife was extreme to say the least and his attitude toward Mary despicable. Despite my loss of patience with her for putting up with Barnabas, I did think Mary was a gem who went out of her way to demonstrate her love for others.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She could cross an ocean, but could she ever win his heart?
Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Left at the altar and disgraced in her small hamlet, she is being pressured to marry the eligible son of the London milliner. Puritan Barnabas Horton still grieves the loss of his beloved wife, but he knows his two young sons need a mother.
With tender hearts, Mary and Barnabas take a leap of faith and wed. But when Barnabas’s secret plans to move his family to the New World to escape persecution come to light, Mary’s world is upended. How could she possibly leave her papa and her dear sister?
And will she ever reach the secret places of her husband’s broken heart?
Read an excerpt from “A Place in His Heart” HERE.
Endorsements:
“This debut novel will pull you into love and loss, then sweep you across the English sea to the rolling landscapes of Long Island. Be prepared to have your heartstrings plucked to the music of God’s song of love in sickness and in health, and in times of richness and want. A Place in His Heart is a satisfying and compelling historical romance sure to win fans early for the entire series.”–Jane Kirkpatrick, bestselling author of One Glorious Ambition
“A tenderly told story enriched by the author’s own heritage, A Place in His Heart is sure to win readers’ hearts too. Rebecca DeMarino weaves a lovely spiritual message as old and new worlds collide and love thrives amid the challenges of early America.”–Laura Frantz, Christy Award finalist and author of Love’s Reckoning
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rebecca DeMarino is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and The Southold Long Island Historical Society. She was a 2011 Genesis Award semi-finalist. Rebecca is retired from a major airline and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Tom. Learn more at www.rebeccademarino.com.
