by admin | Jan 9, 2012 | Books, Giveaways
ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY:
In Where Wildflowers Bloom, Book 1 in author Ann Shorey’s brand new Sisters at Heart series, Faith Lindberg wants nothing more than to escape her small Missouri town, and the graveyard of painful memories left by the Civil War. She plans to sell her grandfather’s mercantile, and join a wagon train bound for Oregon. But her grandfather, and a handsome stable man have other plans!
To celebrate the story, author Ann Shorey and Revell Books are proud to announce the MERCANTILE MEMORIES giveaway, featuring three incredible prizes.
GRAND PRIZE:
Our Grand Prize winner will receive an heirloom chess set, handmade from 1830s chestnut & cherry wood, just like the one Judge Lindberg and Curt use in their chess battles.
SECOND PRIZE:
Our Second Prize winner will receive a deluxe, Missouri-shaped box of mercantile goods from the Missouri Mercantile company. The box features an assortment of items just like those stocked by Faith in Lindberg’s Mercantile.
THIRD PRIZE:
Our Third Prize winner will receive a Memoirs Gift Set. Write your memoirs just like Judge Lindberg does in the story! The set includes the bestselling Writing the Memoir book, and a $30 gift card to Blurb, to create and print your story.
Thanks so much…. Happy Reading and Good Luck!
by admin | Jan 7, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
I have long been a fan of the books of Rachel Hauck so I naturally was eager to read The Songbird series she co-authored with Sara Evans. I was not at all disappointed. The story moved along well with no disruptions or indication that it was written by two authors. The characters and setting are every bit as true-to-life and delightfully southern as Rachel’s solo books.
In “Love Lifted Me”, the third installment of the series, Jade and Max have enormous obstacles to overcome in their marriage and personal lives. Max needs to rebuild lost trust because of his drug addiction and infidelity, not only with Jade but his law firm. Jade still loves Max but struggles to trust him with her heart. Her own insecurities tend to muddle things even more. Hidden secrets and outside interference threaten to destroy their precarious relationship. When Max accepts an offer to coach high school football in a small Texas town, they pray that it is the chance they need for a new beginning.
I found it encouraging to read about the realistic spiritual growth and maturity that was evident in both Max and Jade as the story progressed. The authors created just the perfect balance of emotional tension mixed with a bit of action, a touch of humor, a little mystery, and of course some romance. With a strong focus on trust and forgiveness, “Love Lifted Me” was an excellent conclusion to the series. I recommend reading the entire series but “Love Lifted Me” can also stand on its own.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookSneeze program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jade never knew happily-ever-after would be this messy, loud . . . delicious.
Jade Benson embraces unexpected motherhood when her husband Max gains custody of his young son. As she and Max work out their newly formed family, an invitation to coach Texas high school football sends them on a journey.
Then a stranger reveals a painful secret, and Jade faces her hardest challenge yet. When she surrenders her heart to God and to her husband, Jade discovers the joy of love lifting her above her fears.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
| Sara Evans Multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans has been honored with numerous accolades, among them the 2006 Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year and the Country Music Association’s Video of the Year for “Born to Fly.” Evans has been named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” and won the hearts of television viewer’s as the first-ever country star to compete in ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Sara is a Cabinet Member of The American Red Cross. Twitter @saraevans music, facebook.com/home.php#!/saraevans |
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| Rachel Hauck RITA-finalist Rachel Hauck lives in Florida with her husband, Tony. She is the author of Dining with Joy; Sweet Caroline; Love Starts with Elle; and The Sweet By and By, co-authored with Sara Evans. Visit RachelHauck.com and SouthernBelleView.com. Twitter @RachelHauck, facebook.com/RachelHauckAuthor?ref=ts |
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by admin | Jan 6, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Rose of Winslow StreetBethany House (January 1, 2012)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.
When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with the mysterious past.
As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Rose of Winslow Street, go HERE.
Learn more about Elizabeth and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
The Rose of Winslow Street was a refreshing change of pace for a historical novel. Normally I expect to find a young woman who falls in love with the dashing and rich and possibly aristocratic young man who is also usually above her station. Then occasionally the reverse will be the case. The Rose of Winslow Street seems to break all those precedents.
Without divulging too many facts that would result in a spoiler, I will say that many of the characters in this story are not who they seem to be at first. Libby is a beautiful young woman who feels inferior because of her learning disability and lack of affection from her father. Although Libby and her father could lose everything they have to Michael and his family, Libby’s compassion will not allow her to treat them as enemies.
I really liked how Libby’s feelings for Michael were based on the way she saw him treat his children and others and that he was attracted to her for very similar reasons. This is a story with plenty of action, mystery, and romance. It is very early in the year but this just could be the best book I will read this year. Only time will tell. By all means, run to your favorite bookstore or online vendor and pick up a copy of The Rose of Winslow Street. You won’t be sorry.
by admin | Jan 4, 2012 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Maid of Fairbourne HallBethany House (January 1, 2012)byJulie KlassenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Two of her books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s RITA awards.
She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt–and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?
Observing both brothers as an “invisible” servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?
On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of “serve one another in love.”
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE.
Learn more about Julie and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall was a thoroughly enjoyable tale with a delightful twist on the usual Regency novel. Electing to run away rather than allow herself to be victimized by the plotting of her stepfather and his nephew, Margaret experiences a side of life she has never imagined in her own pampered existence. Forced to accept employment as a servant in order to survive, she discovers that her new master is the man she had refused to marry earlier. Would Margaret be able to hide her identity from the members of the Upchurch family long enough to avoid detection by her stepfather?
I loved the reversal of roles in this story and how Margaret began to empathize with the servants she had once overlooked unless she needed their assistance. This novel has it all, a bit of action and suspense, swashbuckling pirates, glamorous balls, details of life below stairs, and of course some romance. Mix all these elements with historical facts and a faith based message and it becomes the perfect book for my reading preferences. I am looking forward to the next novel by Julie Klassen and must make sure I haven’t missed any of her previous ones. Do NOT hesitate to pick this one up if you are even slightly interested in historical fiction.
