by admin | Aug 2, 2010 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Twilight’s Serenade
Bethany House
(August 1, 2010)
by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.
In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.
She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max. She’s active in her church as the Director of Women’s Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer’s retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Britta Lindquist left Sitka six years ago in an attempt to distance herself from the love of her life, Yuri Belikov. Upon her return, she finds Yuri absent and his wife about to deliver a child. When tragic circumstances ensue, Britta suddenly finds herself caring for Yuri’s children–and her life intertwining with the man she’s tried so hard to forget.
But Britta’s other great love is for the violin, and her talent is recognized by Brenton Maltese, a conductor from England. He proposes she accept the coveted first chair position in his orchestra…and also his hand in marriage. At a crossroads, Britta must determine what her heart truly longs for–and if she’s willing to fight for it.
At a Crossroads, Britta must determine what her heart truly longs for – and if she’s willing to fight for it.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Twilight’s Serenade, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I have been a Tracie Peterson fan since I read my first book written by her. Rarely have I been disappointed in one of her books and even then it would be something minute that disagreed with my personal taste. Tracie’s books have always been both entertaining and informational. I really like the fact that I usually learn something from her books. Twilight’s Serenade met all my expectations and was easy to follow even though I somehow missed the second book in the Song of Alaska series (I will remedy that asap).
As usual, Tracie made the characters and their surroundings come to life for me and tempted me to want to see Alaska for myself. The plot moved forward at a good pace and had enough personal conflict, tragedy, uncertainty, and romance to keep it interesting. I was a little disappointed that Britta never picked her violin back up but other than that, the story ended well.
This series has some of the most gorgeous covers I have ever seen and they just hint at the wonders inside. If you have never read anything by Tracie Peterson before, Twilight’s Serenade and the entire Song of Alaska series would be a good place to begin.
by admin | Aug 1, 2010 | Books, Budget Stretchers, Freebies
For those who are not sure if they would enjoy Christian fiction or are uncertain about trying new authors, a variety of Christian fiction novels are offered as free Kindle books quite frequently at amazon.com. Amazon also has many classics that can be downloaded for free.
The best thing about this is that you don’t even have to own a Kindle! If you have a PC, an iPhone or iPod touch, an iPad, a Blackberry, or an Android phone, all you have to do is download the Kindle application for your device and you are ready to go. Purchase any Kindle book (including the free ones) at amazon.com and they can be downloaded to your device in mere seconds.
You will find several of the current available free Christian books below. If you want any of them, grab them fast because the free offer may not last. Just click on the book cover to go to its amazon.com page to order.
DISCLAIMER: I have read most but not all of the above books. You can find my reviews for some of them by looking through my archives. All are described as having a Christian theme in their description so I assume that is the case. I do not take any responsibility if you find them unsuitable.
by admin | Jul 31, 2010 | Books, Civil War, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Seeker tells the story of Charlotte Vance whose life was turned upside down by the abandonment of her fiance and the marriage of her father to a gold-digger young enough to be her sister. Strong willed and determined, Charlotte knows what she wants from life and makes every effort to see that she gets it. When her new stepmother starts to make her life unbearable, Charlotte’s first step is to join the Shakers in order to convince her fiance to change his mind. Little does she know the drastic changes her life will undergo.
The Seeker is filled with details about life during the early Civil War era, including contrasts between Charlotte’s privileged life as a senator’s daughter and her life in the Shaker village. Details of the Shaker belief system and some of its history give the reader insight into a religion previously a mystery to many. Scenes from the Civil War camps and battlefields help to round out the story. The romance between Charlotte and Adam takes place mostly within their letters but is satisfying nonetheless.
Although The Seeker is a lengthy book, it is rich in personal and historical elements that kept the narrative interesting. Some of the characters veer from the expected and manage to break some long held stereotypes. Redemption and forgiveness are key themes, yet there is nothing preachy about this book. I would emphatically recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction and are not looking for light entertainment.
Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
a captivating story of love that blooms
despite desperate circumstances
Author Ann H. Gabhart weaves a striking story about life, love and fateful decisions in her new book The Seeker.
Set during the 1860s, The Seeker introduces readers to Charlotte Vance, a pampered Kentucky gentlewoman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers—a religious group that does not allow marriage—she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte’s sister, it is more than she can bear.
With the country—and her own household—on the brink of civil war, Charlotte hatches a plan to avoid her new stepmother and win back her man by joining the Shaker community at Harmony Hill. Little does she know that this decision will lead her down a road of unforeseen consequences.
In this moving and well-researched story, Gabhart brings alive the strikingly different worlds of the Southern gentry, the simple Shakers, and the ravages of war during the 1860s to deliver a touching story of love, freedom, and forgiveness.
She joined the Shakers to escape her troubles …
But unforeseen consequences threaten all she holds dear
Endorsements
“In The Seeker, Ann H. Gabhart has penned a captivating story of love that blooms despite the desperate circumstances of the Civil War and a delicious heroine who chooses safety and seclusion among the Shakers. Gabhart’s vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters will leave you wanting more. A wonderful read!”—Judith Miller, author, Daughters of Amana series
“Ann H. Gabhart has a gift for skillfully blending research with fiction to create stories that entertain. The Seeker is a well-woven tale about a strong and determined woman who is willing to risk everything to follow her convictions. A definite can’t-put-it-down book.”—Suzanne Woods Fisher, author, Amish Proverbs, Amish Peace, and The Choice
“To read The Seeker is to step inside a peaceful Shaker village and experience a new world of faith, love, freedom, and forgiveness. Ann H. Gabhart brings to life a spirited southern belle in war-torn Kentucky with authenticity and grace. A page-turner to the very end!”—Laura Frantz, author, The Frontiersman’s Daughter and Courting Morrow Little
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky, Ann H. Gabhart has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past. Her thorough research provides a convincing and colorful backdrop for her Shaker novels. Gabhart is the author of several novels, including The Outsider and The Believer.
by admin | Jul 28, 2010 | Books, France, Historical
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dark In The City Of Light
Bethany House (July 1, 2010)
by
Paul Robertson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Paul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and the author of The Heir. He is also a former Christian bookstore owner (for 15 years), who lives with his family in Blacksburg, Virginia.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What Evil Haunts the Shadows of 1870s Paris?
Baron Ferdinand Harsanyi — After his wife’s mysterious death, this Austrian attaché holds control over mines whose coveted ore could turn the tide of war.
Therese Harsanyi — Swept up in new romance and the spectacle of Paris, the Baron’s daughter is blind to the dangers stalking her family and the city she loves.
Rudolph Harsanyi — Unsure whom to trust, the Baron’s son’s grief over his mother’s death twists into growing anger and a desire to break free.
As France and Prussia plunge toward war, one family is caught in a web of deceit, political intrigue, and murder that threatens to tear them apart.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Dark In The City Of Light, go HERE.
