by admin | Jul 23, 2013 | Biblical, Books, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingHarvest of GoldRiver North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2013)byTessa AfsharABOUT THE AUTHOR:
TESSA AFSHAR was voted “New Author of the Year” by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader’s Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.
Learn more about Tessa and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The scribe Sarah married Darius, and at times she feels as if she has married the Persian aristocracy, too. There is another point she did not count on in her marriage-Sarah has grown to love her husband. Sarah has wealth, property, honor, and power, but her husband’s love still seems unattainable.
Although his mother was an Israelite, Darius remains skeptical that his Jewish wife is the right choice for him, particularly when she conspires with her cousin Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Ordered to assist in the effort, the couple begins a journey to the homeland of his mother’s people. Will the road filled with danger, conflict, and surprising memories, help Darius to see the hand of God at work in his life-and even in his marriage?
A hidden message, treachery, opposition, and a God-given success, will lead to an unlikely bounty.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Harvest of Gold, go HERE.
by admin | Jul 21, 2013 | Anthology, Books, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The subject of mail order brides has always been an interesting one to me. It is difficult for me to fathom traveling across the country to marry a man one has never met. What circumstances would induce a young woman to do such a thing? “A Bride For All Seasons” tackles that question a total of four times. What a treat it was to read each story, all of which were penned by familiar and favorite authors.
Normally, I would take my time with an anthology such as this and enjoy each tale separately at my leisure. Each novella was so entertaining and delightful that I found myself having read all of them without a break. I loved the premise of the meddling Mr. Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalogue who thought he could improve on the matches by editing information given by the prospective brides and grooms. The misunderstandings caused by his misinformation made for some humorous situations when the couples met. As expected in a book of this nature, each couple worked out their differences and love bloomed but what fun it was to read!
I will not go into any details about the individual novellas because I do not want to detract from other readers’ enjoyment of them. Each story can stand on its own – the only connection is that the matches were all made through The Hitching Post Catalogue. “A Bride For All Seasons” is a perfect book to take along to the beach or a cabin, or a road trip, etc. The short novellas are light and humorous yet each one contains a strong dose of faith and Christian truth. I highly recommend this book.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue…
Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn’t dishonest—not exactly. If he tweaks his clients’ applications a bit, it’s because he’s looking out for their best interests.
This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.
And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley
Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she’d travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!
An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton
Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs.
Autumn’s Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there’s no money to send them back. . .
Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy
David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley
Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher
Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. @MaryConnealy
Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton
A Bride for All Seasons | 12-Day Unexpected Packages Giveaway!
Enter today.
Four novellas, four brides, and four stories to fall in love with.
Enter the world of mail-order brides with four of your favorite authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, and Margaret Brownley. In A Bride for All Seasons (Thomas Nelson) each of the prospective brides is hopeful for a second chance at love—and that second chance always seems to come in an unexpected package.
The authors are celebrating with a fun 12 Days of Unexpected Packages Giveaway! Between July 12-23 visit the authors’ Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on July 23rd! Such fun!
by admin | Jul 20, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Dolled Up to Die” is the second of The Cate Kinkaid Files and I found it just as entertaining as the first, “Dying to Read”. Cate is an assistant private investigator working for her uncle as she learns the business. Once again Cate becomes what one might describe as an accidental detective as seemingly routine investigations turn into life threatening situations.
I love Cate Kinkaid. She is both quirky and a little dingy but there is method behind her madness. She certainly has a penchant for getting in over her head but you have to admire her determination. At least she has boyfriend Mitch to help her stay grounded and watch her back. The quickly advancing plot is very clever with plenty of humor as a counterpoint to the escalating suspense. A strong message of faith is evident throughout without being too heavy-handed.
What else can I say without revealing too much? I have always enjoyed Lorena McCourtney’s novels and she has definitely not lost her special touch. Do yourself a favor and pick up one or both of The Cate Kinkaid Files novels soon.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Cate’s not sure just what she expected . . . but she knows it certainly wasn’t this.
When Cate Kinkaid receives a frantic call about a triple homicide, she drives to the scene against her better judgement—aren’t triple homicides more up the police department’s alley?—only to find that the victims are not quite who she expects. Now she has a new rule to add to those she’s learned in her short stint as an assistant private investigator: always find out if the victims actually have human DNA. Because these three do not.
But who would shoot this nice lady’s dolls? What possible reason could the shooter have? And then there’s the startling discovery of another victim, who definitely does have human DNA . . . With tension that is matched only by humor, Dolled Up to Die is the exciting second book in Lorena McCourtney’s The Cate Kinkaid Files. Mystery fans won’t find a place to stop and take a breath in this fast-paced and intriguing tale.
“Fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will enjoy getting to know amateur sleuth Cate Kinkaid.”
—RT Book Reviews for Dying to Read
“Fans of McCourtney’s Ivy Malone Mystery series will quickly get the clue that The Cate Kinkaid Files will be just as quirky, charming, and fun.”
—Publishers Weekly for Dying to Read
• With over 200,000 copies of her Revell books sold, McCourtney keeps cozy mystery fans coming back for more
• McCourtney has won RWA’s coveted Daphne du Maurier Award for Mystery
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Dying to Read, Invisible (which won a Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), In Plain Sight, On the Run, and Stranded. She resides in Grants Pass, Oregon. Find out more at www.lorenamccourtney.com.
by admin | Jul 16, 2013 | Books, Gold Rush, Historical, Romance, San Francisco, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingIn Golden Splendor• B&H Books (July 15, 2013)byMichael ReynoldsABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copy writing, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.
Learn more about Michael and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage — a letter with a picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush.
Moved by her written plea for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley.
Battered but changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn is about to begin.
If you would like to read the first chapter of In Golden Splendor, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
In Golden Splendor is the second novel in Michael Reynolds’ The Heirs of Ireland series that features members of the Hanley family. Although Seamus is the primary character in this installment, other members of the family are featured to varying degrees.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once the groundwork was laid, I was along for the ride to the very end. The narrative contained a perfect blend of adventure, danger, suspense, romance and interesting historical facts. I love the way I learned new things while enjoying a good tale. Strong characters and a credible plot kept the story moving right along and the secrets of several characters were revealed at just the right time. Most important was the strong Christian theme that emphasized that no one is past God’s forgiveness and to just trust Him when everything seems to be impossible.
I recommend both In Golden Splendor and the first book in the series, “Flight of the Earls” and am looking forward to the final novel “Songs of the Shenandoah”, scheduled for publication in January 2013.
