by admin | Feb 27, 2013 | Books, Post Civil War, Romance, Southern, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Flora’s WishHarvest House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
by
Kathleen Y’BarboABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.
Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.
A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.
Learn more about Kathleen and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
May 1887–Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as “Fatal Flora,” a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family’s estate. She’s confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.
Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister’s heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?
And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora’s heart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora’s Wish, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I realize that I’m pretty much down to the wire in the time frame for reviewing Flora’s Wish. I have been trying desperately to read it since Sunday and just now finished. That is pretty sad for someone who usually zips through books, especially one as entertaining as this one. Unfortunately I have succumbed to the flu and simply either could not focus or kept falling asleep. Neither is conducive to getting a book read or reviewed. I am beginning to see some hope that this scourge is nearly over and managed to finish Flora’s Wish within the last hour. Never again will I say I don’t mind being sick since it gives me an excuse to read. Never wanted to be this sick.
To get back to the book in question, Flora’s Wish lived up to all my expectations that were based on past books I have read by this author. In fact, I think Flora may just be the feistiest, frustrating, and fearless heroine yet. Our Flora, otherwise known as “Fatal Flora”, has plenty to live down after losing four (yes four!) fiances to premature death before they could make it to the altar. And for some reason her current fiance Will Tucker is just a bit difficult to pin down. So when Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn accuses Will of being a thief and Flora his accomplice, Flora is bound and determined to prove him wrong. Lucas immediately takes Flora into custody and the pair soon find themselves in over their heads.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lucas and his clever inventions that reminded me of watching the old TV show Wild, Wild West back in the day well before I ever heard the term “Steampunk”. There were ample twists, turns and surprises in the plot with new and unexpected villains introduced to keep things really intense. I plan to go back and read Flora’s Wish again with a clear head. I am sure I will enjoy it even more then.
by admin | Feb 23, 2013 | Books
MY REVIEW:
Set in post Civil War Missouri, When the Heart Heals features Rosemary Saxon whose brother Curt played a primary role in Where Wildflowers Bloom, the first book of the Sisters at Heart series. Independent Rosemary had served as a nurse during the war and although nursing was frowned upon by society, she took a position with the new doctor in town in order to support herself. Unfortunately her tendency to offer advice about herbal remedies to Dr. Elijah Stewart’s patients was a major source of irritation to him. Despite their differences and verbal sparring both Rosemary and Elijah found themselves thinking of the other more often than they liked. Threatening notes to Rosemary and suspicious incidents prompted them to put aside their differences.
When the Heart Heals was a page-turner with wonderful characters, interesting historical facts, a touch of suspense and action, and of course an inspiring romance. Several plot twists and surprises added to the tale. I enjoyed reading more about characters that were introduced in the first book of this series as well as meeting a few new ones. A theme of forgiveness is strongly emphasized. This novel reminds me why I love Ann Shorey’s books and makes the wait for the next installment even more difficult.
If you haven’t read any of Ann’s books, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of When the Heart Heals. I don’t think you will be sorry if you do.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a country healing from war, can a young woman find healing for her heart?
Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and even downright vulgar. Although she would like to put that part of her life behind her, she needs to support herself. She takes a nursing position with Dr. Elijah Stewart, but whenever they are together they always seem to do or say the wrong things. When someone threatens Rosemary, will she find the courage to stand, or will she leave town-and Elijah-forever?
With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey invites you back to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love’s tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition.
Endorsements
“With mastery and grace, Ann Shorey’s gentle prose woos us back to a simpler time with a simply beautiful love story. Truly, When the Heart Heals is sweet tonic for both the heart and the soul.”–Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series
“When the Heart Heals is sure to grab your attention. Rosemary Saxon is a memorable heroine in an intriguing story that left me glad I’d read it and looking for more Ann Shorey novels.”–Lauraine Snelling, author of The Red River series and the Wild West Wind series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom, The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.
by admin | Feb 20, 2013 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The remote Mennonite town of Kingdom is threatened by the escalating number of violent attacks on its residents, but they are divided on how the threats should be handled. Should they continue their nonviolent tradition or should they stand up and fight for the protection of their families and friends? Not only is Hope Kauffman torn by the question of trusting God for her defense or trusting in herself and her friends and neighbors for protection but she is undecided about whether she is in love with her fiance Ebbie or Jonathon who has also shown an interest in her. As the attacks become more frequent, Kingdom’s residents must decide where their faith and trust lies and Hope must choose between two men who are not in agreement on how the town should respond.
Unbreakable had a well-paced plot with plenty of action, drama, and suspense. The romantic aspect was a bit different than most novels in that the heroine was undecided about the two men in her life for a large part of the story. I enjoyed reading about a Mennonite community in the process of change and felt that the situation Kingdom found itself in was an excellent vehicle for working out some of their differences of opinion, especially about their position on nonviolence. I also liked how the author had Hope decide which of the men really loved her. Was it the one who said he would do anything for her or the one willing to sacrifice everything for her? I’ll leave you with that little teaser. You’ll have to read Unbreakable for yourself to learn which man was which and how everything turned out for Hope and her beloved town of Kingdom.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gentle and unassuming, Hope Kauffman has never been one to question the traditions of her Mennonite upbringing. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal he arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.
Despite the attempts of Hope and other Kingdom residents to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, while Ebbie insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope’s safety is threatened by a mysterious outsider, she can’t help but question what she’s always been taught about the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence.
As it swiftly becomes apparent the threat Hope faced is only the beginning, the town that’s always stood so strong finds itself divided. With tensions high and their lives endangered by an unknown enemy, will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear and division to break them or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve?
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She’s authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.” Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site:
www.nancymehl.com or her blog. She is also active on Facebook.
Celebrate the release of Unbreakable with Nancy Mehl by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 5th Author Chat Party on Facebook!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Books one & two in Nancy’s Road to Kingdom series (Inescapable and Unbreakable)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the “Unbreakable” Author Chat Party on March 5th. Connect with Nancy, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books, and fun Mennonite-themed giveaways.
Grab your copy of Unbreakable and join Nancy on the evening of the March 5th for a chance to connect with Nancy 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 5th!
by admin | Feb 19, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
“Picture Perfect” is the first installment of the new Janice Thompson series Weddings by Design. This series is also set in Galveston and features all new characters BUT fans of Thompson’s previous series Weddings by Bella will be thrilled at the chance to catch up with D.J. and Bella, their families and those splendidly quirky ladies from Spendora.
Fiercely competitive Hannah McDermott is determined to live up to her Irish family’s tradition of always coming out on top but she fears she has found a strong rival in Drew Kincaid. As Hannah does everything she can to best Drew to become Bella’s number one recommended wedding photographer, he seems to pop up everywhere she turns. The problem is that instead of trying to one up her, Drew turns out to be a really nice and helpful guy. Not only that but he seems to like her – a lot. Will Hannah manage to overcome her insecurities and accept Drew’s help (and possibly more) or will she continue her frantic attempts to advance her career?
I loved seeing Bella as a confidante, role model, and mentor for Hannah in “Picture Perfect” as she shared from her own experience. As I have come to expect, it’s difficult to be depressed when reading one of Janice’s novels and “Picture Perfect” lived up to my expectations. It is a perfect blend of romance, drama, and humor. The only problem is that it left me wanting more and I will have to wait awhile for the next edition. I definitely am looking forward to it albeit impatiently.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?
Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.
As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts-or even out of her line of sight-and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?
With contagious humor and a cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives you crazy bridal-business drama, sweet romance, and a satisfying dose of laughter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of…
Continue reading about Janice Thompson
