by admin | Jun 20, 2012 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Glamorous Illusions” totally lived up to the promise of its beautiful cover that hinted of elegance and a bit of mystery. The story is presented from the points of view of both primary characters Cora Diehl/Kensington and Will McCabe and the reader gets to know each of them and their inner thoughts well by the end.
Raised on a farm in Montana, Cora is suddenly confronted with the reality that everything she has known in life is not exactly what she believed it to be. Whisked off the farm by a birth father she has never known to spend months in Europe on a grand tour with half brother and sisters she was unaware of, Cora’s mixed feelings about the situation left her more than confused. Trying to live up to everyone’s expectations as well as attempting to gain the acceptance of her new siblings left Cora feeling rejected and in a constant state of stress. Her only lifeline was her friendship with Will who helped her through the difficulties and offered her many words of wisdom along the way. As a guide in training, Will was also mostly unwelcome in the same circles as the other Kensington young people but found Cora to be a refreshing and unspoiled change from the other young women. Unfortunately he also knew that a relationship with her was off limits no matter how they felt about each other.
Although there is a touch of romance, “Glamorous Illusions” focuses more on Cora’s journey of self-discovery. Her character is portrayed so well that it was easy to understand her inner conflicts as she found herself both loving the unaccustomed luxurious lifestyle yet feeling uncomfortable and guilty about it at the same time. I loved her boldness, honesty, and her determination to always do the right thing. Will was also a wonderful character whose own morals led him to do what was proper.
With excellent descriptions of the lifestyles, fashions, and customs of the early 1900’s, “Glamorous Illusions” takes the reader back to an era that most can only imagine. The story is filled with lots of interaction between the characters and has its share of drama, a smidgen of humor, and even some action and suspense thrown in for good measure. My only complaint is that I have to wait until next spring for the next installment, “Grave Consequences”, to find out what happens with Cora, Will, and all the rest. It will be difficult to wait but rest assured, that is one book that will be on my must read list.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father’s health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her.
Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person’s education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement.
As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she’s never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning.
Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King-a Father who is the only One who can truly heal.
See what other bloggers have to say about “Glamorous Illusions” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.
For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website.
What is our “true” identity? Join the conversation at Lisa Tawn Bergren’s Author Chat Facebook Event Page. On the evening of 6/27 we’ll gather to talk about our spiritual journey, share our stories and a few laughs.
In the meantime, celebrate with Lisa by entering her Glamorous Illusions Giveaway!
One “glamorous” winner will receive a “Glam Prize Pack”:
- A $350 Visa Cash Card (Oh … think of what you could do: treat yourself to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a
two-night escape in a lovely hotel – you’re only limited by your imagination!)
- Glamorous Illusions (by Lisa Tawn Begren)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 6/26/12.
Winner will be announced at Lisa’s “Glamorous Illusions” Facebook Party on 6/27
{Fun begins at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT}.
Lisa will be hosting an evening of meaningful chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement – bring your friends! She’ll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Lisa via video or phone.)
So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via
FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 27th!
by admin | Jun 18, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMary’s BlessingRealms (May 15, 2012)byLena Nelson Dooley
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.
Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?
Mary Lenora Caine knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her “God’s blessing.” But now that she’s gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands.
As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can’t see anything in her future but drudgery. Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need.
Will Daniel come to grips with God’s plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Mary’s Blessing, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Mary’s Blessing is the second book in the McKenna Daughters series by Lena Nelson Dooley and features Mary Lenora Murray, one of the McKenna triplets who had been adopted by another family when her mother died in childbirth. Approaching marriageable age, Mary is so busy taking care of the household responsibilities and her younger siblings that she has very little hope that life will ever be any different. Daniel Winthrop has other ideas. He is very aware of how hard Mary works and would like nothing better than to marry her and make her life easier. When she accepts his request to court her, Daniel begins to make big plans for their future. Unfortunately life does no always cooperate with the best laid plans and Mary’s father suffers a serious accident that puts both Mary and Daniel to the test.
Although at first glance Mary’s Blessing appears to be much like other novels of this genre, it has a lot to recommend it. At the beginning of the story, both Mary and Daniel are obviously immature and not nearly as ready for marriage as they think they are. Mary’s dad has been so immersed in his grief that he doesn’t realize the burdens he has placed on Mary. And Mary’s younger sister is mostly self-centered and uncooperative much of the time. I liked how each of the characters progressed naturally as a result of their trials, especially the way the younger ones matured and grew in their faith.
Mary’s Blessing is not always an easy story to read because it depicts difficult and sometimes heartbreaking situations. But such is life and Dooley’s characters are so real-to-life that the reader will quickly grow to care about each one of them and rejoice with them as they manage to overcome the obstacles in their paths. I am looking forward to the third installment of the series and hope to see the triplets reunited.
(Also reviewed on an earlier blog tour)
by admin | Jun 16, 2012 | Books
MY REVIEW:
“Trauma Plan” is Candace Calvert’s latest medical drama/romance and was definitely worth the wait. Riley Hale just wants to go back to work but injuries she suffered when brutally attacked have not healed as quickly as she had hoped. The ER director is just not ready to take a chance on her again. Dr. Jack Travis runs a clinic for those unable to afford traditional medical services and is known locally as a renegade, among other less than complimentary descriptions. Although the first meeting between Riley and Jack was less than amiable, once Jack heard her story, he offered her a job at his clinic. Desperate to prove herself, Riley accepted despite her reservations about the controversial doctor.
“Trauma Plan” is one of those books you don’t want to put down once you begin reading it. In addition to Jack and Riley, both strong characters who quickly find their way into your heart, there is a wonderful group of supporting characters who add warmth, wisdom, humor, and even a few tears. The story is filled with descriptions of medical events that are usually described from a human viewpoint rather than a technical one. The plot contained numerous challenges that tested Jack and Riley’s faith and strength. “Trauma Plan” has more than enough action, drama, suspense, and romance to hold most anyone’s attention. If you enjoy medical drama, it should definitely be on your reading list.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sidelined by injuries from a vicious assault, chaplain Riley Hale is determined to return to her former duties as an ER nurse. But how can she show she’s competent when the hospital won’t let her attempt even simple tasks? Determined to prove herself, Riley volunteers at a controversial urban free clinic despite her fears about the maverick doctor in charge.
Dr. Jack Travis defends his clinic like he’s commander of the Alamo. He’ll fight the community’s efforts to shut its doors, even if he must use Riley Hale’s influential family name to make it happen.
As Riley strives to regain her skills, Jack finds that she shares his compassion—and stirs his lonely heart. Riley senses that beneath Jack’s rough exterior is a man she can believe in. But when clinic protests escalate and questions surface about his past, Jack goes into battle mode and Riley wonders if it’s dangerous to trust him with her heart.
Read the first chapter of Trauma Plan HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse who believes love, laughter and faith are the best medicines. Her Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine—along with a soul-soothing prescription for hope. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, she makes her home in northern California.
Please visit her Web site at www.candacecalvert.com.
by admin | Jun 16, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Waiting for Sunrise” is the story of a young woman who tragically lost her father at a young age then lived with an abusive step-father until her mother sent her away for her protection. Although her life improved greatly and she met and married the love of her life, Patsy’s earlier life had left her with serious abandonment issues. Her fear that her husband Gilbert would leave if everything wasn’t perfect increased her stress levels until she experienced a mental breakdown. Told primarily through flashbacks, “Waiting for Sunrise” not only relates Patsy’s story but also the story of her half brother Billy who didn’t escape their abusive home but managed to overcome the odds against him.
While “Waiting for Sunrise” was beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of setting and characters, there was just something about it that didn’t sit well with me. I found myself growing aggravated with Patsy for allowing herself to wallow in depression when she had so many people who loved her and wanted to help her. She was so focused on herself that she couldn’t see that she had in many ways abandoned her own children even though she was in the same house. I was unable to generate much sympathy for her at all. On the other hand, I enjoyed Billy’s story and the way he refused to allow his circumstances to bring him down.
“Waiting for Sunrise” is a very emotional story that deals with several serious issues such as physical abuse, mental illness, and adultery. On the positive side, it also illustrates the power of faith to overcome extreme obstacles and is ultimately a testimony of victory through Christ.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A rising voice in Southern fiction, award-winning author Eva Marie Everson writes with a large helping of Florida charm. Waiting for Sunrise is a touching story of family, young love and the need for forgiveness. Everson expertly draws out the bittersweet moments of life, weaving them into a tale that envelops the soul.
Life sometimes gets the best of us. For some it’s the daily pressures, for others it’s the shadows of the past. For Patsy Milstrap, it’s both. When she travels to beautiful Cedar Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast in search of healing, she never dreams her past will be waiting for her there.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eva Marie Everson is a successful speaker and the award-winning author of Things Left Unspoken, This Fine Life and Chasing Sunsets. She is coauthor of the Potluck Club books and the Potluck Catering Club series. She lives in Florida.
“Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,
a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
