by admin | Apr 30, 2013 | Books, Historical, Hollywood, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Every time I open a novel by Susan May Warren I know I am in for a treat. This prolific writer has a special gift for creating memorable characters and multi-layered plots that always leave me wanting just a little more (well maybe a LOT more). The third novel in the Daughters of Fortune trilogy, “Duchess” is the climatic conclusion to the series.
“Duchess” features Rosie Worth aka Roxy Price, a young woman searching for significance as a Hollywood actress and partner in a movie studio. Rosie has already experienced tragedy and loss in her life and is determined to be in total control of her destiny which has led her to make more than one decision that she later regrets. Although Rosie has achieved much of the success she desired, she has found that it has not brought happiness. Rolfe Van Horne seems to show up repeatedly in Rosie’s life, raising her hopes that he cares for her as much as she cares for him. Each of them carries a burden of grief and regrets yet they each have dealt with their problems in different ways.
The plot of “Duchess” takes the reader from the back lots of Hollywood to luxurious hotels around the world and even a castle or two in Europe. With a historical setting leading up to and through World War 2, the story features the plight of the Jews and those who worked under cover to free as many of them as possible. No novel by Susan May Warren would be complete without a strong message of faith and “Heiress” is no different. It takes Rosie awhile for it to sink in but she finally accepts the fact that only the Lord can control her destiny and she must surrender her control.
I was sorry for this series to end but I believe that the author tied up all the loose ends perfectly – even providing the reader with a surprise or two in the process. I eagerly await whatever Susan has in mind next for her readers.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book Three in the Daughters of Fortune series.
When her country needs her, will she have the courage to surrender her glittering world and her one true love?
The golden age of Hollywood is in the business of creating stars. Rosie Worth, now starlet Roxy Price, has found everything she’s wanted in the glamour of the silver screen. With adoring fans and a studio-mogul husband, she’s finally silenced the voices—and grief—of the past. Her future shines bright…until the fated Black Friday when it all comes crashing down. When Roxy loses everything, she finds herself disgraced and penniless. Her only hope is to join forces with Belgian duke Rolfe Van Horne, a longtime film investor. But Rolfe is not who he seems, and he has other plans for Roxy and her movies—plans to support a growing unrest in Europe, plans that could break her heart and endanger her life. Find out more about the series by clicking on these links. Heiress. Baroness.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, 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. 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. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com
Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.
Welcome to the campaign launch for the epic conclusion of Susan May Warren’s Daughters of Fortune series. Romantic Times says of Duchess, “The golden era of Hollywood comes to life for readers in Warren’s third Daughters of Fortune novel. Warren writes from her heart, adding some intrigue, sins of the past and some twists and turns readers won’t see coming.”
Susan is celebrating the release of Duchess with a Kindle Fire Giveaway.
One “glam” winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Signed copies of Duchess, Baroness and Heiress
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 4th. Winner will be announced on 5/7/13 at Susan’s blog.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Apr 29, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I find it difficult to believe that “The Heiress of Winterwood” is Sarah Ladd’s debut novel! Its descriptive language just flows and the story pulled me in from the very first few pages. I loved Amelia and Graham – their strengths and their weaknesses made them so humanly believable. I particularly liked Amelia’s determination to keep her promise to her friend despite what everyone else thought was best for her. Graham’s integrity and protectiveness toward Amelia made him a real hero in my eyes.
In contrast to Amelia and Graham, other characters included a slick fiance who was more interested in Amelia’s inheritance than her, an uncle who wanted to use Amelia to promote his own interests, a well-loved cousin of Amelia’s who hid some dark secrets, and Graham’s brother William, whose responsibilities were so overwhelming to him that he found himself in over his head. The plot was fairly unique and had a good balance of drama, romance, suspense, and humor with plenty of twists and surprises to keep it interesting. The strong message of faith was unobtrusive and added important substance to the tale. This was one novel I had a hard time putting down and it ended much too quickly for me. I can’t wait for the next installment of Ladd’s Whispers on the Moors series.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Pride goes before the fall . . . but what comes after?
Darbury, England, 1814
Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything. An heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s baby. She’ll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father—a sea captain she’s never met.
When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.
Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she’s forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.
Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.
Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. “The Heiress of Winterwood” was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahladd.com.
Welcome to the campaign launch for debut author Sarah Ladd’s The Heiress of Winterwood. Already a favorite with critics, USA Today says, “If you are a fan of Jane Austen and Jane Eyre, you will love Sarah E. Ladd’s debut.”
Sarah is celebrating the release of The Heiress of Winterwood with a Downton Abbey Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Downton Abbey, seasons 1-3
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 30th. Winner will be announced on 5/2/13 {HERE}.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | Apr 29, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Individuals tend to react to their personal tragedies in diverse ways. “Darkness Before Dawn” tells the story of Meg who loses her husband in a devastating accident caused by a drunken teen. Her grief takes the form of rage and an overwhelming need for revenge against the young man responsible. Day by day her anger grows, transforming her from a compassionate and loving nurse to a hard-hearted, hate-filled woman that her friends and family hardly recognize. Yet one woman, a terminal cancer patient, looks beyond the anger and continually speaks God’s love and truth into Meg’s life.
“Darkness Before Dawn” is not an easy read and its primary character Meg is difficult to like. The author does not pull any punches with his description of Meg’s reactions or subsequent events but throughout the entire narrative, he inserts spiritual truth that counteracts the lies of the enemy that Meg believes. A story of hate and revenge ultimately becomes a triumph of forgiveness and restoration.
“Darkness Before Dawn” is the first novel I’ve read by Ace Collins but I look forward to reading more of his work in the future. The novel was well-written with believable characters and plot. I’ll admit that I didn’t much like Meg at all but I attribute that to the author’s writing skill. I don’t believe we need to always like or identify with a character to enjoy a book. I would recommend this one to any who are willing to read about how deep in darkness the human soul can descend yet grope its way to the light of dawn through the power of God.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Will grief push Meg over the edge?
On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards’s husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He’s a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. But the accident he caused will change his life—and Meg’s future—forever.
Angered by her senseless loss and facing life as a single mother, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further. Enraged by the brutal trial and the court’s decision, Meg starts down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than 60 books including novels “Swope’s Ridge” and “Words of the Father”, as well as the nonfiction “Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas”; and “Lassie: A Dog’s Life”. His books have become movies and network television specials. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career and makes his home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. AceCollins.com
Find out more about Ace at http://acecollins.com.
In his latest novel, Darkness Before Dawn (Abingdon Press), Ace Collins leads readers on an emotionally charged ride from revenge to forgiveness.
Ace is celebrating the release of Darkness Before Dawn with a Retribution v. Redemption 12-Day Giveaway! Go {HERE} or click the button for all the details. Follow along for a new giveaway each day. (Moleskin journal, books, Starbucks gift cards and so much more!)
by admin | Apr 26, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
I always open a novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer with great expectations. Each time I have found her books to contain a well thought out plot containing realistic and dimensional characters with whom I can relate. I was not disappointed by “Sweet Sanctuary”.
A story that begins with a deception that would send most men running for cover, “Sweet Sanctuary” features a hero of a different sort. When Dr. Micah Hatcher rushes to Boston to defend himself against false accusations, he quickly understands the desperation behind them and agrees to help Lydia protect the child she has raised as a son from an addicted father who wants to sell the child. Despite the distance between Boston and New York where Micah has obligations at his clinic and receiving mysterious “packages” from his brother in Europe, Micah and Lydia develop a close friendship that promises to develop into something more serious.
With its World War 2 setting, “Sweet Sanctuary” offered interesting historical details about the plight of the Jewish people in Europe and the ignorance of most Americans about what was actually happening to them during a large portion of the war. Micah’s involvement in helping rescue innocent children was based on real facts as were many other events in the novel. A strong spiritual thread was woven throughout the story that emphasized the importance of prayer and following God’s plans for one’s life. A realistic story of forgiveness and redemption, “Sweet Sanctuary” is a book to read more than once.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Sweet Sanctuary” and would recommend it for lovers of historical fiction.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Story of Hope and Love Set Against the Backdrop of World War II
Lydia Eldredge longs to provide sanctuary for her young son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky’s drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him.
Dr. Micah Hatcher faithfully serves the immigrant population of Queens, New York. But under cover of darkness, he has a secret mission that challenges everything he thought he wanted out of life.
When Lydia and Micah’s paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other’s callings. Together, they seek a refuge of safety–for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God puts into their lives. Amid turmoil and discord, can hope and love prevail?
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-one novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women’s fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren.
To celebrate the release of Sweet Sanctuary Kim Vogel Sawyer is giving away a Cupcake Club membership (monthly cupcake delivery!) from the amazing Magnolia Bakery in New York and hosting a Facebook Author Chat party {4/30}!
One “sweet” winner will receive:
- Cupcakes from NYC’s Magnolia Bakery delivered to your door every month. (Eat them all yourself or share!)
- Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer for you and four of your friends. (Start a book group — cupcakes and a “sweet” read!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the “Sweet Sanctuary” Author Chat Party on 4/30. Connect with Kim, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways – gift certificates, books, and more!
So grab your copy of Sweet Sanctuary and join Kim on the evening of April 30th 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 30th!
