by admin | Mar 14, 2014 | Books, Southern
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHow Sweet the SoundDavid C. Cook (March 1, 2014)byAmy K. SorrellsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.
When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface.
Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief.
This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.
If you would like to read the first chapter of How Sweet the Sound, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
How Sweet the Sound is a beautifully honest novel about three generations of a coastal Alabama family. The story is related through the voice of two people – thirteen-year-old Anniston who believes the recent Hurricane Frederic must be the absolute worst thing that could happen in her life and her Aunt Comfort who is excited to announce her engagement to the love of her life. Unfortunately before Thanksgiving is over, both Anniston and Comfort, along with their family experience devastating tragedy that threatens to tear the family apart. Long buried family secrets that gradually surface during the course of the narrative force the remaining members of the family to deal with the truth.
At times How Sweet the Sound is somewhat difficult to read. Anniston and Comfort are both portrayed so well that it is impossible not to become emotionally involved with their grief and pain. Other characters also play pivotal roles, especially Anniston’s new friend Jed whose own life has been tragic yet his attitude and wise observations add a special touch to the story. Then there is Princella, the grandmother who seems to be unable to exhibit love to her children and grandchild but is so focused on the family’s image in their community.
How Sweet the Sound is ultimately an account of the far-reaching effect that sexual abuse can have on the victim as well as future generations. It is also a testimony to the grace and mercy of our God who walks with us through the darkness and if we will trust Him, will bring us through it into His healing light.
I was not sure what to expect when I first opened this book but I am thankful that I had the chance to read it.
by admin | Mar 10, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I open a novel by Janice Cantore I know I can expect a great story filled with action and top-notch, realistic law enforcement drama. “Visible Threat” is the second book in Cantore’s newest series but easily stands on its own merit. I can vouch for that because SOMEHOW I missed “Critical Pursuit”. After reading “Visible Threat” I intend to remedy that oversight as soon as possible.
Featuring Brinna Caruso, a Long Beach officer dedicated (or perhaps obsessed) with saving all the abducted children she can with the help of her search and rescue dog Hero. An unidentified body and a daring river rescue reveals evidence that indicates the possibility that a human trafficking ring may be operating in their area. Brinna teams up with her former partner Jack to find the corrupt men behind the ring before more women become victims.
“Visible Threat” hits the ground running and barely gives the reader a chance to catch a breath before it is off again. The characters and situations depicted are believable and genuine. The references to Christian faith are mostly worked into natural conversations between friends and are not at all intrusive or disrupting to the story. The resolution at the end was credible and not the sometimes hurried tying up of loose ends found in some novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Visible Threat” and recommend it to anyone who enjoys police suspense novels. Do yourself a favor and pick up copies of both “Critical Pursuit” and “Visible Threat”. I know you will be glad you did.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Officer Brinna Caruso wants perfection—perfect justice and a perfect world. She wants to save and protect all the innocents in the world, no matter the cost.
Orphaned and struggling to get by, Ivana and her sister left Bulgaria for America with dreams of a better life. But since they arrived in Long Beach, everything they were promised has turned out to be a lie.
After a dead girl is found in the river with a mysterious tattoo on her hip, homicide detective Jack O’Reilly asks for Brinna’s help. Unaware of the depths of evil that will be uncovered, Brinna finds herself flung into a dangerous frontier—an organized human trafficking ring.
Read an excerpt from Visible Threat HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories. Her Pacific Coast Justice series has met with critical acclaim. Critical Pursuit is the first book in her latest series.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
by admin | Mar 7, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful” is a beautifully written and poignant story that is filled with such insight into the human spirit. It is overflowing with grace that brings healing and more into the lives of two very broken people.
Ivy Clark, a very successful model since her mid-teens, has been manipulated and exploited for her entire career. She has experienced life in the fast lane when all she really desired was the love and acceptance of her father. Davis Knight, once an up-and-coming professional photographer has given up his profession to become a church caretaker. Ivy and Davis are brought together by Marilyn Olsen for a magazine spread featuring her line of wedding gowns. Davis immediately recognizes that there is more to Ivy than her flippant attitude and soon finds himself thinking about her constantly. Ivy resists his friendship initially but soon realizes how dependent on him she has become. With the help of Marilyn’s unconditional love and the Holy Spirit, Ivy and Davis manage to overcome their pasts and to anticipate a brighter future than either expected.
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful” was difficult to read at times because of the intense emotions experienced by the primary characters. I didn’t always like Ivy but nevertheless I could understand her actions because of her background. I did like Davis throughout the story although at times I wanted to tell him to “get over the guilt”. But despite the love interest between Ivy and Davis, I felt that Marilyn was the real star of this book. Her love for everyone, especially Ivy, was a beautiful and bright light that illuminated her faith in Christ.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I enjoyed both Wildflowers From Winter and Wishing on Willows but I think Katie has taken “A Broken Kind of Beautiful” a step further. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next.
An advance reader copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong.
Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.
If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?
Praise for A Broken Kind of Beautiful
“Both beautifully written and honestly told, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is captivating! Faith is the resounding heartbeat of this poignant story, but Ganshert also breathes to life a tender romantic tale and a powerful inner journey as soothing as sweet tea on a hot summer day.”
—Denise Hunter, best-selling author of Dancing with Fireflies
“In A Broken Kind of Beautiful, Katie Ganshert writes her most compelling novel yet, where imaginary characters seem to step off the pages. Readers will embrace both Ivy and Davis as they struggle with who they are and who they want to be. The story lingers with you after you close the book, like a melody you want to listen to again and again.”
—Beth K. Vogt, author of Catch a Falling Star and Somebody Like You
“A Broken Kind of Beautiful is beautifully written and populated with characters that tugged at my heart from the first page. This story is about The Story—the best story of history—that of God’s redeeming grace and pursuing love. I found it moving, inspiring, and wholly satisfying. Another Katie Ganshert novel for my keeper shelf!”
—Becky Wade, author of Meant to Be Mine
“Ganshert’s fresh, riveting novel of shattered dreams, second chances, and true love is one that will capture readers’ hearts and refuse to let them go. This story reveals the deep truth that we can trust our fractured hearts to the God who specializes in mosaic tiles—the One who formed the universe from words and man from dust, and who has no trouble figuring out how to bring beauty from the broken.”
—Betsy St. Amant, author of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes
“Katie Ganshert has created characters so real, my heart ached for them as I longed to know them more and soothe the hurts in their pasts. The truth threaded through the pages is one to savor, as is this story of a journey from brokenness to redeemed beauty.”
—Cara Putman, award-winning author of Shadowed by Grace
“Katie Ganshert’s A Broken Kind of Beautiful is poignant, heartfelt fiction at its finest—a gentle story of hope and healing wrapped in the kind of romance that keeps the reader turning pages. I love the emotional depth, lyrical writing, and strong sense of place. Most of all, I love that days after closing the book, the characters are still alive in my head.”
—Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Say
“With a setting that becomes its own kind of character, a tender romance and soul-stirring symbolism, A Broken Kind of Beautiful is a shining example of how God’s grace can restore the brokenness in our lives. Her gorgeous writing voice pulled me in from the first page and kept me thinking about her characters after the story ended. Katie’s novels are to be savored and enjoyed again and again.”
—Lisa Jordan, award-winning author of Lakeside Reunion and Lakeside Family
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband and their young son. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows.
by admin | Mar 7, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
After reading Lori Benton’s wonderful first novel, “Burning Sky”, I was eager to read “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” so I was honored to be included among her influencers for this novel.
A story about a man and a woman from very different backgrounds, “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” takes the reader on a grueling adventure with Tamsen and Jesse Bird as he helps her to escape her cruel stepfather. Tamsen has lived a life of privilege while Jesse spent most of his young years with Indians after the murder of his parents. The pair experience numerous hardships such as harsh weather as they make their way over the mountains to relative safety but even then they cannot relax their guard. Although Jesse fell in love with Tamsen almost immediately, his own wishes were set aside as he vowed to protect her while allowing her time to choose to marry him for the right reasons.
I loved everything about this book. The characters and the plot were superb! The action, drama, and suspense were so artfully timed that there never seemed to be a place to stop reading. I HAD to find out what would happen next. There were moments when I was afraid to keep reading because I was sure something would happen that I would not like – that is how involved I got with the characters. Thankfully everything turned out especially well but not without some big surprises. “The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn” is the kind of novel that keeps me reading historical fiction. I cannot wait for Lori’s next book to be released.
An advance reader copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love
In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance.
Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?
READ THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God’s transforming grace.
When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband – often scouring the brush for huckleberries, which overflow the freezer and find their way into her signature huckleberry lemon pound cake.
Learn more about Lori and her books on her website.
