by admin | May 17, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Country Life
MY REVIEW:
An Unlikely Blessing
I originally reviewed “An Unlikely Blessing” on February 14, 2011. You can read my complete original review HERE. I have included an excerpt of that review below.
“An Unlikely Blessing” has the same down home, character driven plot that kept folks reading Jan Karon’s Mitford series and Philip Gulley’s Harmony novels. I have read several books from both of those series and for my own personal preferences, “An Unlikely Blessing” takes first place. It is a heartwarming story with such real characters that I wanted to move right into Hilltop myself. Lots of humor, a bit of action, and just good storytelling makes “An Unlikely Blessing a keeper”. Read the book description below for everything you need to know without my throwing a spoiler into the works.
What can I say? I loved “An Unlikely Blessing” and can’t wait for the next installment so I can find out what is going on with Pastor Alex and his flock.
Surprising Grace
Well, it has been a bit over a year but I finally got to catch up with Pastor Alex and those dear folks of Hilltop. The same blend of good storytelling, humor, and wisdom was again evident in this second installment of Baer’s Hilltop series. Alex has begun to settle well into small town/rural life and realizes that he has never been happier. It has become evident both to him and the community that he is right where God wants him to be. New characters, a little romance, more humor, a bit of mystery, drama, and action plus some sad moments work together well to make “Surprising Grace” another endearing novel. I sincerely hope that future installments are planned. There are still too many unfinished stories in Hilltop that I want to read about.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing’s for sure — life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.
An Unlikely Blessing
Meet Alex Armstrong, former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Alex becomes familiar with the colorful residents and their odd traditions, from rommegrot to lutefisk. And then there’s the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them, providing all with An Unlikely Blessing.
Surprising Grace
Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he’s even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once planned to marry—and the home he’s come to love.
Romantic Times says of Forever Hilltop, “These two stories in one volume feature amazing characters – some are witting and some are quirky, but all of them are loveable and memorable. The small town comes to life and will remain with readers for a long time. Baer knows what her fans look for in a feel-good book and does not disappoint in either story.”
Read what other bloggers are saying about Forever Hilltop HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head.Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.
A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty adviser in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.
KINDLE GIVEAWAY:
Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Touch for you AND one to giveaway to the friend of your choice
- Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend
Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/22/12. The winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy’s blog! Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Judy’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
by admin | May 14, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMy Stubborn Heart• Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (May 1, 2012)byBecky WadeABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Sensational CBA Debut in Contemporary Romance!
This summer author Becky Wade makes her CBA debut with a fun — and funny — contemporary romance. Amidst the light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments is a compelling spiritual journey of one woman’s choice to listen to God and wait on him. Filled with humor and authentic romance, My Stubborn Heart is shaping up to be the hit of the summer.
Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate’s grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.
Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house. ;Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded — hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Kate can’t help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light… whether he likes it or not.
If you would like to read the first chapter of My Stubborn Heart, go HERE.
Learn more about Becky and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
“My Stubborn Heart” is the debut novel by author Becky Wade that I would describe as somewhat “edgy” by current definition. While it has a basically strong faith based message, there are also some scenes and language that many Christians could find offensive. I myself did not have too much of a problem with it because most of the potentially objectionable content was used in a realistic manner. After all, do any of us really know any “perfect” Christians (including ourselves) who never speak inappropriately? I did find that the references to Matt as a “hottie” became a bit repetitious and juvenile, especially coming from supposedly mature women but even that did not prevent me from enjoying the novel.
The story features Kate, a 31-year-old who has been praying for a husband most of her life and has begun to wonder if God would ever answer her prayers. When she takes a break from her job to help her grandmother renovate the family home in Redbud, Pennsylvania, she experiences an instant recognition when she meets Matt, the man doing most of the renovation. However, Matt resists her attempts at friendship from the beginning. As any regular reader of romance novels will know, the story is all about how the walls between Kate and Matt will come down in order for them to have a future together. With that as a given, “My Stubborn Heart” fills in all the blanks about how that transpires.
Sometimes humorous and sometimes dramatic and highly emotional, “My Stubborn Heart” is filled with interesting characters and background. The town of Redbud is enchanting and details about the renovation and decoration of the house were fascinating. An emphasis on the power of prayer predominates and more than makes up for any of the previously mentioned concerns.
Overall, I would recommend “My Stubborn Heart” to those who enjoy contemporary romance.
by admin | May 14, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Beth Wiseman’s first non-Amish novel Need You Now is a story about a family in trouble but it takes them awhile to figure it out. Their move from big city Houston to a small rural town to get their son away from bad influences has created several huge changes in their lives. Dad Brad is now commuting several hours a day back to his job in the city and is also under pressure as he hopes for a big promotion that will make things easier financially for is family. His wife Darlene decides to find a job in order to feel needed when the kids are in school. Older daughter Grace who has always been a model child, is so stressed by the move and her new life that she resorts to some dangerous behavior in order to cope. To compound their problems, Darlene soon finds herself the object of unwelcome attention from a student’s father. A couple of unlikely friendships are formed that have enormous impacts on their lives.
With realistically flawed characters and real life situations, Need You Now will offer most readers several points to ponder. Although there are more than one crisis and some serious relationship issues, the story is relieved with several humorous scenes. Wiseman’s vivid imagery and characterization make Need You Now a book that is difficult to put down. It also proves to me that Wiseman is not a one trick pony who can only write Amish novels. While I do enjoy them, I am looking forward to more contemporary fiction by this author.
This book was provided for review by Handlebar Marketing.
by admin | May 13, 2012 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Revell, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Pursuit of Lucy Banning” gives readers an inside look at the lives of the wealthy residents of exclusive Prairie Avenue of Chicago during the late 1800’s just prior to the opening of the World’s Fair. As the gilded age is nearing its end, lifestyles are indulgent among the rich with heavy emphasis on their social standing. Making the proper marriage connection is of utmost importance within the upper class.
Lucy Banning is the only daughter of one of the Prairie Avenue families. She has been groomed to marry the son of her parents’ best friends for most of her life. As Lucy is pressured to set a wedding date and spend her time planning the event, she is much too involved with her secret college class and her orphanage work, the true loves of her life. When she meets her brother’s friend Will, she realizes that she loves Daniel like a brother and can never marry him. His resistance to her decision and his increasingly unusual behavior haunts her every move. A subplot that features a new maid in the Banning household adds extra interest to the story and just might be the lead-in to the next installment of this series.
“The Pursuit of Lucy Banning” has just the right blend of drama, romance, and even a bit of suspense. The neighborhood of Prairie Avenue was so well described that I could imagine walking down the street and viewing the marvelous architecture of the homes there. Lucy was a strong character with many redeeming qualities, especially her tender heart toward those less fortunate than herself. Will was the perfect match for her even if he didn’t measure up to her family’s social standards.
I very much enjoyed my brief look into the world of the rich and famous of Chicago and a lifestyle that no longer exists. I can’t wait for the next book of the series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Riveting Story of Love, Wealth & Secrets as Historic Chicago Prepares for 1893 World’s Fair
Marshall Field, Henry Studebaker, Pullman, Kimball, Glessner, Bissell, Armour and Rothschild— these names add up to business inventiveness and unbounded wealth in turn-of-the-century Chicago – but changing social classes are threatening the luxury of the elite Prairie Avenue, the playground for the rich and powerful. Olivia Newport introduces readers to a world of luxurious mansions, secrets and forbidden love in the Windy City.
Set on Prairie Avenue, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning gives an inside look to the rich and powerful on the eve of the 1893 World’s Fair in the Windy City. Olivia Newport transports readers to a time of opulence in the first installment in the Avenue of Dreams series.
Lucy Banning may live among Chicago’s rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work–and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago. When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World’s Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family’s expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?
From lavish upper-class homes to the well-worn rooms of an orphanage, Newport breathes life and romance into the pages of history–and everyone is invited.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Olivia Newport‘s novels twist through time to discover where faith and passions meet. Her husband and two twenty-something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where day lilies grow as tall as she is.
