by admin | Feb 6, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
The heroine of “Shadowed by Grace” is Rachel Justice, a young woman on a quest. Working in Italy during WWII as a photographer, she is also determined to find the father she has never known. Rachel’s experiences as a woman working in the midst of so many men are true to the time period. Her assignment to work with Lt. Scott Lindstrom introduced her to the work of the Monuments Men whose goal was to find, reclaim and restore priceless art throughout Europe as quickly as possible after the German troops passed through. Their journey across Italy exposed them to danger and close calls, a developing mystery about who was stealing relics right under their noses, and of course a sweet and growing romance between them. The bittersweet ending was somewhat unexpected but rang true to me.
The story is emotionally charged yet quite believable. I believe the author did her very best to achieve accuracy with her facts and to portray authentic characters. The message of faith was strong but not intrusive and I appreciated Rachel’s realization that God had been with her all along, even when she did not notice.
Although I do enjoy a good contemporary novel and have several favorite authors who write them, more and more I find my true preference is for historical stories and books like “Shadowed by Grace” are responsible for that preference. I love learning about history through the experiences of the people who could have experienced it. The combination of a good story and real historical facts is something that really appeals to me.
I enjoyed this novel so much that I fear I could very well be disappointed in the upcoming film about the monument men. Whether I choose to see the film or not, I highly recommend “Shadowed by Grace”.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She found peace in a time of war.
Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.
In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.
Read an excerpt of “Shadowed by Grace” HERE.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Cara’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. The best-selling author of more than a dozen books, Cara is active in women’s ministry at her church, teaches graduate courses at Purdue University, practices law, and is a homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and 4 children in Indiana.
Cara Putman is celebrating her latest historical suspense novel, Shadowed by Grace with a fun “Past & Present” giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Polaroid Instant Camera
- A beautiful antique AFGRA camera (learn more here)
- Movie passes to see The Monuments Men movie (with George Clooney and Matt Damon)
- Shadowed By Grace by Cara Putman
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced February 10th on Cara’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Cara’s blog on the 10th to see if you won.
by admin | Feb 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy novels by Robin Lee Hatcher. It doesn’t matter if a book is one of her sometimes humorous western romances, a more serious historical novel, or one of her contemporary novels – they are ALL good. “A Promise Kept” is just a bit different from the others I have read. A contemporary novel, it is a more personal story that draws inspiration from events in the author’s own life. It is a book that could touch and perhaps encourage those whose lives have been broken by addiction or divorce.
After an unwanted divorce Allison Kavanaugh moves into the somewhat isolated cabin left to her by her great-aunt Emma. Although needing time to heal, Allison makes new friends and soon feels a part of her new community. When she discovers an old wedding dress and a stack of journals in the attic, Allison begins to read her Aunt Emma’s thoughts on her life. Not only are some family secrets revealed, but Allison is encouraged by the wisdom she finds within the pages of the journals. As she attempts to hear what God wants from her, she finally realizes that His promises are always fulfilled.
“A Promise Kept” is actually two stories in one. As the reader walks through life with Allison, she is also gifted with the story of Emma both in narrative form and through various journal entries. I loved the way that both Allison and Emma’s prayers for their husbands were answered in such realistic ways.
Written in a thoroughly engaging manner, “A Promise Kept” does not avoid the difficult questions about divorce, alcoholism, domestic abuse, and where God is in the midst of it. I enthusiastically recommend this book.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
God was going to save her marriage, Allison was sure of it. But neither her husband nor her marriage had been saved.
What had become of His promise?
Tony Kavanagh had been Allison’s dream-come-true. They were in love within days, engaged within weeks, married and pregnant within a year. Her cup bubbled over with joy . . . but years later, that joy had been extinguished by unexpected trials.
The day Allison issued her husband an ultimatum, she thought it might save him. She never expected he would actually leave. She was certain God had promised to heal; it was clear that she’d misunderstood.
Now, living in the quiet mountain cabin she inherited from her single, self-reliant Great Aunt Emma, Allison must come to terms with her grief and figure out how to adapt to small town life. But when she finds a wedding dress and a collection of journals in Emma’s attic, a portrait of her aunt emerges that takes Allison completely by surprise: a portrait of a heartbroken woman surprisingly like herself.
As Allison reads the incredible story of Emma’s life in the 1920s and 1930s, she is forced to ask a difficult question: Does she really surrender every piece of her life to the Lord?
Drawing from her own heart-wrenching story of redemption, A Promise Kept is Robin Lee Hatcher’s emotionally charged thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers—in His own time and His own ways.
Download an excerpt from “A Promise Kept” HERE.
Purchase a copy and learn more at Robin’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. She discovered her vocation after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. Winner of the Christy, the RITA, the Carol, the Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and many other awards, Hatcher is also a recipient of the prestigious RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the author of 70 novels and novellas with more than five million copies in print.
Hatcher’s own experience being married to an alcoholic led her down an unexpected path. Her divorce, though painful, strengthened her faith and gave God the opportunity to save not only her husband but her marriage as well. Their reconciliation became the answer to prayer Hatcher had been waiting for and it became part of the deeply personal story she wanted to share with her readers in A Promise Kept.
Hatcher enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. Her main hobby (when time allows) is knitting, and she has a special love for making prayer shawls. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband, Jerry, make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with Poppet, the high-maintenance Papillon and Princess Pinky, the DC (demon cat).
For more information about Hatcher and her books, visit her online home at www.robinleehatcher.com, become a fan on Facebook (robinleehatcher) or follow her on Twitter (@robinleehatcher).
Robin Lee Hatcher’s A PROMISE KEPT Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Party!
Don’t miss Robin Lee Hatcher‘s stunning new novel, A Promise Kept. Robin is celebrating with a fun giveaway and an encouraging Facebook Author Chat Party.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6th. Winner will be announced at the “A Promise Kept” Facebook Author Chat Party on the 6th. Connect with Robin and friends for an evening of encouraging book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Robin’s next book!
So grab your copy of A Promise Kept and join Robin on the evening of February 6th 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 by clicking JOIN at the event page.
Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER.
Hope to see you on 2/6!
by admin | Feb 3, 2014 | Amish, Books, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGabriel’s BrideB&H Books (February 1, 2014)byAmy LillardABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twilight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)
Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940?s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown.
As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin.
Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Gabriel’s Bride, go HERE.
by admin | Feb 3, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“It Had to be You” hit me right where I live. As a self-professed “behind the scenes support person”, I could easily identify with Eden who considered herself the family cheerleader. Over and over Eden’s self-image echoed in my own soul. Ingrid’s letter to Eden at the very beginning seemed to be God speaking through her to me also.
Possibly one of Susan’s deepest novels, “It Had to be You” was also a wonderful love story with more than one sub-plot woven through it. I loved how Eden and Jace’s opinions about each other changed as they became better acquainted. I also loved how they were each able to help the other learn the true depth of God’s grace for them personally. There were many lessons to be learned in the pages of “It Had to be You” including the need to let go and let your loved ones fail if that is what it takes to bring them closer to God. More than one example of sacrificial actions for the benefit of others were quite touching.
Once again Susie Warren has produced a superb novel that showcases her unique writing ability as well as her excellent understanding of the human soul. I have loved all her Deep Haven novels and the Christiansen Family series has upped the ante. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and am hoping it will feature Owen.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.
Read an excerpt from “It Had to be You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
