A Most Inconvenient Marriage - a Regina Jennings Launch Team review

A Most Inconvenient Marriage
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764211404

Book Description
Abigail Stuart Thought She was Jeremiah Calhoun's Widow.
But Jeremiah Calhoun Is Very Handsome, Very Alive, and Very Perplexed.
Most Inconvenient Indeed.
With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he's gone--a practical solution for both of them.

After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain--until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail's story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she's never seen this Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn't trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?

My Thoughts
Historical romance is one of my favorite genres. When it's coupled with an inspirational theme, I'm on it! When I had an opportunity to review Regina Jennings' newest novel, I jumped on board. There's nothing that I appreciate more than a well-written novel and characters who seem life-like. Jennings accomplishes both of those. She's an author who, although she's relatively new, manages to tell a story in such vivid detail that I can see the action in my mind as if it were a movie. I like that!

While reading this novel, I found myself having to tear myself away from it. I went through several frustrating real-life situations that demanded my attention during the time that I was attempting to read, and I found myself longing to get my hands on it so that I could continue reading! It isn't often that I carry a book to the bathroom with me to prop up on the counter while I'm fixing my hair or putting on makeup. It's not often that I take a novel along with me in the diaper bag in the hope that I could even sneak in two minutes of reading time somewhere. THIS is one of those books. And because of my desperate attempts to get at it during the chaos that held me captive, the book is a little worn. It now wears the marks of a well-loved novel. lol

The novel's setting takes place just after the Civil War has ended, and its location is in the Ozarks. Prison hospital nurse Abigail Stuart managed to get herself hitched to a dying Civil War prisoner named Jeremiah Calhoun. When he asks her to go back to his home and take care of his sister and his ma, Abigail has no qualms about heading that way. Her own family had basically disowned her because of a misunderstanding, so a trip to the Calhoun property was accepted as her new home. However, when she got "home" and realized that Jeremiah wasn't dead after all, but was instead someone totally different than the man whom she had married, Abigail felt the foundation underneath her begin to crumble.

When Jeremiah got home, injured and war-beaten, and found that some woman claimed to be his bride, he did his best to try to convince everyone that Abigail was definitely not his wife. Jeremiah had someone waiting on him, after all! But when he found out that Laurel had given up on him after hearing that he'd died and instead had set her affections on another, Jeremiah found himself one frustrated man.

I loved this story. There was some interesting and gripping conflict at the end of the novel (that I won't spoil for you) that surprised me. I love when an author can accomplish that element of surprise!

If you've never read any of Regina's novels, I highly, HIGHLY recommend you give her a try! If you're a local, just ask me and I'll loan you my copy of A Most Inconvenient Marriage! ;)

Regina Jennings is one of my favorite authors. She's a relatively new author who has published four novels, all of which I've had the pleasure of reviewing. It has also been my pleasure to be a part of Regina's read and review launch team, which has enabled me to provide feedback directly to Regina, given me the opportunity to have a copy of her novel(s) in exchange for an honest review. My comments are my own and not a paid review.

If you'd like to read more from Regina, check her out on Facebook!

Caught in the Middle - a Bethany House review

• Series: Ladies of Caldwell County, Book 3
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (April 1, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209922

Book Description

She Wants the Freedom of the Open Plains. 
He Wants the Prestige of a Successful Career.
Neither is Ready for What Comes Instead. 
The train to Garber, Texas, is supposed to bring life's next victory to Nicholas Lovelace. Instead, it gets held up by robbers who are thwarted by the last person Nick ever expected--Anne Tillerton from back home in Prairie Lea.
 
Anne's been hiding away as a buffalo hunter. She's only in town to find their runaway cook, but the woman flees--leaving Anne with her infant son. With Nick the only person Anne knows in town, the two form an unlikely team as they try to figure out what to do with the child.
 
But being in town means acting and dressing for polite society--and it's not going well for Anne. Meanwhile, Nick's work is bringing new pressures, and being seen with a rough-around-the-edges woman isn't helping his reputation. Caught between their own dreams, a deepening relationship, and others' expectations, can the pair find their way to love?

My Thoughts

This was a novel that caught my attention from the very beginning. Train holdup. Robbers. Business dude meets rough-shod, trouser wearing girl who saves his life. True to form, Regina Jennings drew me in to her characters and their situations.

When Anne Tillerton got "stuck" with a baby who was abandoned by his mother, the last thing she knew how to do was to take care of him. On a search for the baby's father, Anne soon realizes that her suspicions about the baby's father were indeed true--baby's daddy was an outlaw. Emphasis on was. 

Nick Lovelace has his own demons to deal with. Grandfathered into the position of commissioner after the previous one unexpectedly died, Nick falls into the position of feeling obligated to run for office after his term is finished. Falling prey to some greedy individuals, Nick is put into a position where he has to decide if he's going to be on the side of good or evil when it comes to his political future.

Regina is fantastic at weaving a story that will tug at your heartstrings. Her talent keeps on building, book after book. The book has enough humor, romance, and heart-touching drama to make you want to read more!

About the Author Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang,along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

I received Caught in the Middle as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Bethany House Publishers. My comments and opinions are my own.

A Stitch and a Prayer - a Litfuse Review

• Series: Quilts of Love
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (May 20, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426772521

A Stitch and a Prayer, written by Eva Gibson, is a historical Christian fiction novel that is based on a fictionalized account of her grandparents' lives during turn of the 20th century Northwest.

Book Description

A quilt becomes a labor of love for a lonely wife mysteriously separated from her young husband.

After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage—even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life.

But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will’s spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby’s birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will’s promise to return to her. Will her labor of love-and faith in God—sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?

My Thoughts

Whenever the wind blew hard and the rain came down sideways, lashing the windowpane, Florence Harms heard her dancing song.

It has taken me a long time to finish reading this book. Every time I would pick it up, something would frustrate me about the storyline or the characters. When I opened the book and saw the above quote, I winced and said, "This does not bode well." I hate to see metaphors in a story opener. It is just hard to pull it off without seeming--for lack of a better word--cheesy. I was just hoping that maybe it was off to a rough start and things would get better.

No.

I gave this book many a chance, gave myself a talking to a few times, and forged ahead. The things that bothered me the most were the whiny main character, the weepy husband (Do husbands really weep so much?), the characters for whom I couldn't figure out from where they came (felt like I should've read a book about them already--missing pieces), the neighbors that suddenly become great friends, the pearls that were such a big deal but so little time was spent talking about their relevance, and just a general choppiness of the story. I'll deal with explaining some of these below.

Florence's character really annoyed me. One day, she'd be happy and relying on God, and the next day she'd be so whiny and questioning everything. Sure, we humans are like this quite frequently, but Florence was unnaturally so.

Her husband Will seems to be very emotional. Actually, he and Florence seem like the same person at times, just given names of the opposite sex. At one point, he tells Florence he's probably going to have to leave for a time, but when he does he promises to say goodbye. And true to the story's path, he doesn't. He leaves a letter instead. Florence's response? Tears welling her eyes. Then later on in the day, Aunt Amelia comes over and Florence cries in her arms. It just seemed too tame, especially for Florence.

Toward the end of the story, some new neighbors were introduced into the book. Some kids got a little rowdy, shot above Florence's house and got Aunt Amelia mad enough to pitch overworked baking soda biscuits. The next day, the boys' dad brought them along and made them apologize. They became instant friends, and the motherless boys became instant friends with childless Aunt Amelia. I'm still trying to figure out the relevance of these people being brought into the story, especially so late. They just felt like story filler--like they were just crammed in there.

There was a set of pearls left to Florence from her mother. Early in the story as Florence was preparing for her wedding, the pearls went missing. Thinking that the pearls were going to become a big part of the story, I kept reading thinking there would be some plot about the pearls, maybe some explanation about why they were so special. Nope--just a little snippet saying that a month later they found them--the cat had them.The pearls were mentioned a little later in the story as well, but once again, so little was mentioned about them again.  I'd have loved to have seen something more about the pearls. 

The story was choppy. At the beginning of the story, Florence and her family were living in a tent, leading me to believe that they had just settled into the northwestern territory. Later on though, Gus the traveling salesman seemed well known (they wanted to invite him for Christmas dinner), the doctor was close enough to them that Florence felt comfortable hugging him, and they knew some other people fairly well. However, some folks who lived just a bit down the road were almost strangers to them. That said, township relationships were confusing. The story skipped in time a lot. Almost ever chapter covered a different month, and there were bits of the story that I really wanted to see more covered, but it felt like it was a rush to finish.

I think the story had potential, I really do, but it wasn't given the appropriate time to flesh out. What I did thoroughly appreciate is that there was a lot of scripture included in the book which Florence used to encourage herself throughout her difficulties. That was very admirable, and it's not something that I see regularly. It was the portion of the story that I most appreciated, and seeing God's word brought up several times made me smile.

About the Author
Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including The Gift of Forgiveness and The Three Marys. She currently teaches "writing your life story" classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for A Stitch and a Prayer.

I've been given a copy of A Stitch and a Prayer by Litfuse Publicity Group, in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

A Promise in Pieces - a Litfuse Review

It isn't too often that I read a book that is . . . different. Different is a word that I use lightly, but I believe that there is probably a better word that I could use to describe how the story line captured me. Mold-breaking, perhaps?

A Promise in Pieces is a novel from a series called Quilts of Love. Its author is Emily T. Wierenga, and it just so happens that this is Emily's debut novel.

Book Description
It’s been more than 50 years since Clara cared for injured WWII soldiers in the Women’s Army Corp. Fifty years since she promised to deliver a dying soldier’s last wish. And 50 years since that soldier’s young widow gave her the baby quilt—a grief-ridden gift that would provide hope to countless newborns in the years to come. On her way to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Clara decides it’s time to share her story. But when the trip doesn’t go as planned, Clara wonders if anyone will learn the great significance of the quilt—and the promise stitched inside it.

My Thoughts
Like I said at the beginning, this was a different type of novel than what I'm used to reading. That's not a bad thing. When I first began reading, I was excited, because I love World War II fiction. I had a feeling that I knew where the story was going to go. I was completely wrong! The story is written mostly in first person point of view (though third person is also present), and it was done very well. The story also very deftly ping-ponged from 1940s/1950s to the year 2000. 

The main character Clara very obviously had trouble nailing down her beliefs and her understanding on what her life's purpose was. She was an only child to a nervous mother and a controlling father, and leaving them to become a nurse in war-stricken France was a harsh blow to her family. She had issues with self-worth after a man died under her care. When she came back home with a written goodbye letter for the man's wife, she found herself with a load of feelings she couldn't quite pinpoint and an empty feeling. She struggled with what to do with herself after she arrived home. When she made the decision to become a midwife, she found herself smack-dab in the middle of life's troubles. The town was filled with widows, families whose war-beaten men were left with anxiety and drinking problems. And to beat it all, there was a baby boom going on. Watching what the women were going through, Clara decided that she couldn't fall in love because she didn't want to feel the pain of losing someone she loved.

All of this story was being told in current-day year 2000 to her family as they were travelling to Louisiana. Clara, an elderly woman, shared her story with her family as the miles went on. Then real life drama escapades as they arrive in Louisiana and Clara has to put the past behind her and accept her new way of life, which is filled with grief and sadness.

This was a novel that left me confused at times. It felt jumbled, and sometimes I just didn't like where the story was going. Sometimes I felt like the story wasn't complete, like things were left out that should have been there--like I was only given part of the tale. At one point, I was even wondering if Emily had been given a page limit or if an editor had suggested she remove missing pieces that really should have remained. In all honesty, this novel has the feel of a 350-page book. In my opinion, it should have been much longer to have allowed a lot more to come from Clara. I felt like more could have been shared about her time in France. I felt like more could have been fleshed out with her time with Oliver. This story had a lot of potential, and I feel like it just deflated at the end.

With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed how Emily wrote. There was a lot of emotion, she captured feelings quite well, and the storytelling was good. She captured POV quite well, and I look forward to a lot more from Emily Wierenga. I just hope that next time maybe she can write a 350-page novel! I believe she's got it in her!

About the Author Emily T. Wierenga is a former editor, ghostwriter, freelance writer and staff journalist. She was a monthly columnist for The Christian Courier and has written for numerous Christian publications including Focus on the Family, In Touch and Today’s Christian Woman. Wierenga is the author of three previously released non-fiction titles: Save My Children: The Story of a Father's Love, Chasing Silhouettes: How to help a Loved One Battling an Eating Disorder, and Mom in the Mirror: Body Image, Beauty and Life After Pregnancy. Her memoir, Atlas Girl: Finding Home in the Last Place I thought to Look, will release July 1, 2014. A Promise in Pieces is her first novel. In July 2013, Wierenga wrote a letter on her blog to Kate Middleton on the postpartum body. The post went viral, receiving more than half a million views in one week, and was shared by Dove. Currently, Wierenga is a blogger for the World Help Organization.  

Wierenga speaks at women’s retreats, universities, churches and conferences, about 

her journey with anorexia nervosa and was one of the keynote speakers at the premiere Christian eating disorders conference, Hungry for Hope 2013. She serves as an Official Ambassador for FINDINGbalance and is a Navigator with the National Eating Disorders Association. 

Wierenga is wife to a math-teacher husband and mother and foster mother to four boys. The Wierengas make their home in Neerlandia, Alberta, Canada.

The latest Quilts of Love release, A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga is receiving glowing reviews.

Emily is celebrating the release of her debut novel with a "Women Helping Women" shopping spree giveaway.

  One winner will receive:

• $200 to spend at Emily's favorite shops, Noonday Collection & Vibella (Click through to learn more about how these companies exist to make a difference in the lives of women!)
• A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga
• A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson
• Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog on May 12th. Then be sure to stop by the Quilts of Love Facebook page on May 29th for the "Quilting Bee" Facebook party with Emily and other Quilts of Love authors. RSVP for an evening of book chat, quilting tips & tricks, prizes, and more!

Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

I've been given a copy of A Promise in Pieces by Litfuse Publicity Group, in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

Goldtown Adventures Series - a Kregel Review

I was given the opportunity to review two books written by Susan K. Marlow. The books are part of a series called Goldtown Adventures, and their titles are Canyon of Danger and River of Peril. These are children's books that are appropriate for ages eight through twelve, and since the main character is a boy, they would probably be most appreciated by boys, though I'm sure girls would enjoy them, too.

Canyon of Danger is Book Number Three in the Goldtown Adventures series. You can read the first chapter of it at this link, if you'd like.

Book Description

Jem Coulter's pa, the sheriff of Goldtown, is away on a trip to deliver a prisoner to Sacramento, and he has left Jem in charge of the ranch-along with Aunt Rose, that is.

 

No sooner is the sheriff gone then trouble starts-a dead calf, a mysterious stranger, and then Pa's horse, Copper, and his prize rifle are stolen. And Pa's deputies seem unconcerned. Jem and his cousin Nathan find Copper's tracks end at a dark canyon up in the hills.

 

Jem remembers an old Indian legend Strike-it-rich Sam is fond of retelling about people disappearing and no one ever seeing them again. What is the real story of the canyon of danger? Have thieves found the perfect hideout?

 

Readers ages 8 to 12 will be entertained by the adventurous spirit and historical lure in this fast-moving series that teaches about life in the post-Gold Rush days of 1860s California. Quick-paced plots and unforgettable characters make these books fun for the whole family.

My Thoughts
Let me just say first that this is a book that would've interested me when I was a kid. I probably would have turned away because it had a boy on the cover, but if someone had told me it was an interesting book, I'd have read it anyway. This is a book you want to read anyway! When I sat down to read, I wasn't able to read very far before my infant needed my attention, but I managed to finish the first chapter. Boy, was the first chapter a gripper! That is my mark for a keeper. If the first chapter doesn't reel me in, I've no real desire to keep going. This one was not one of those.

I was very impressed with the plot. There was enough excitement to draw in a child, and the story line didn't get too overwhelming, nor was it frightening. The characters were all very believable, and I felt like I "knew" Jem.

To take this on a personal level, I have a nine year old son who is very picky about what he reads. There aren't as many wholesome books for boys of this age, I feel, as there are for girls. It was nice to find a series of books that weren't just good, clean fun, but adventurous, too!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

River of Peril is the second book that I read. It is Book Four in the Goldtown Adventures series. You can read the first chapter of it at this link.

Book Description

Jem Coulter thinks his family is just on a sightseeing trip to the big city of Sacramento. Then armed bandits hold up the stagecoach for the secret stash they're carrying: gold for the Union Army fighting the distant Civil War! Suddenly war isn't so far away; it's right there on the road to Sacramento, with Jem's father, the sheriff of Goldtown, fighting against the rebel army's Knights of the Golden Circle.

 

When the family finally reaches the city, they think they're safe at last. Setting out to see the sights, Jem, his sister Ellie, and their cousin Nathan make a new friend. But is Henry the pal they think he is? With a father who is a die-hard Confederate, could Henry be in cahoots with the thieves?

 

River of Peril gives readers ages 8 to 12 the fast-moving, exciting adventure they've come to expect in this series, as well as a glimpse into the history of post--Gold Rush and Civil War life in 1860s California, with stagecoaches, steamboats, stowaways--and lots of gold!

Jacob's Thoughts

My nine year old reviewed this book. He thought that Jem was a realistic character and said that he would have liked to have had Jem as a friend. He thought it was odd that a kid would have a rifle and shoot it. What a difference between current day and 1860's America! He liked the fact that when Jem was in trouble, he called on God to help him. Jacob thought it would be fun if he could be on an adventure with Jem. Jacob is not a fan of reading, but he enjoyed reading this book. 

My Thoughts

This was a well thought out story. I loved the steamboat adventure. I thought that Susan did an excellent job describing life on a steamboat. Her research has shown in this book, and the historical tidbits make the book seem like history come alive. Also, like Jacob, I thought it was nice to see a character cry out to God when he saw that he needed help. 

Lastly....

This is a series that is easily read. Its chapters are short--relevant to the age of 8-12 year olds. This series would be perfect for a family read-aloud or for individual use. I haven't read the first two books in the series, but each of these books has been perfect for stand-alone, so don't be afraid to read them out of sequence. Susan does a wonderful job of informing the reader about who the characters are, so there's no concern about trying to figure out who is whom.

Susan has enrichment guides that go along with each of the books in this series! Check them out--they're perfect if you homeschool, if you are a teacher in a private school or a parent who just wants a little enrichment in your child's life.

I received Canyon of Danger and River of Peril as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Kregel Blog Tours. My comments and opinions are my own.

A Bride for Keeps - a Bethany House review

I love a good, Christian romantic western novel. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, but I particularly love American westerns. This novel takes place post-Civil War.

Julia Lockwood ran from her life in Massachusetts. After her father promised her to another man as a business pawn, Julia was deeply hurt and abused. After having the opportunity to becoming a mail-order bride to what an acquaintance promised was a wonderful man, Julia found it her last chance to get herself out of what would be a potentially dangerous situation in her own home state. Heading to Kansas was her last chance for what she hoped would be a happier life.

Everett Cline had been jilted by three mail-order brides. Knowing that there was no way he'd humiliate himself again by requesting yet another bride, Everett soon finds out that his neighbor friend went behind his back and requested one for him!

Once Julia arrives in Kansas, Everett can't see past her beauty--why would someone so beautiful want to settle down on a homestead and work so hard? Julia, knowing that her beauty has always been what attracted men, was determined to prove that she was more than just a pretty face.

I really enjoyed this novel. I highly recommend it, if you're a lover of inspirational historical fiction. The characters were believable and the situations were captivating.

Go to Melissa's website to download for free the novella that introduces this book. You can also read Chapter 1 of A Bride for Keeps for free!

I received A Bride for Keeps as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Bethany House Publishers. My comments and opinions are my own.

Love in the Balance - a Bethany House review

Regina Jennings is a fairly new author. Love in the Balance is her second novel published, and her first novel Sixty Acres and a Bride, which I reviewed, was absolutely fantastic. So, when I had the opportunity to get my hands on this second novel, I jumped at the chance!

Love in the Balance is a historical romance, Christian fiction, set in Lockhart, TX, in 1879. Molly Lovelace has been brought up by "fancy" parents. Her father owns a mill, and they want only the finest things for their daughter--including a well-to-do bachelor to wed. Molly, although liking some of the finer things in life, wants to get out from under her father's controlling clutches. So, she moves out of town and gets a job working for a judge.

Meanwhile, she has her eye on a handsome hard-working, though poor Bailey Garner. She finds his character and his handsome good looks charming, and she finds herself drawn to him inexplicably. In turn, Bailey is captivated by HER, too.

But when a family tragedy strikes and Molly sees her opportunity to wed someone well-off, who is she going to pick? Someone who can provide for her and appease her father, or the man who she really has her eyes on?

I'm not gonna tell!!! You'll have to find out for yourself.

I really like Regina's writing. She has a knack for creating personable, hilarious characters and situations. The characters were not without flaw--Regina created them to be realistic and sometimes frustrating to the reader! Sometimes I wanted to shout out, "C'mon, people!! Common sense, here!" at some of the characters. haha Also, I felt that the storyline wasn't completely predictable. She took me by surprise with the direction she took the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading more! This is definitely an author you will want to watch!

I received Love in the Balance as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Bethany House Publishers. My comments and opinions are my own.

Penelope

Back in December, I had the opportunity to read and review a novel by Anya Wylde called The Wicked Wager. Since then, I've read a second novel, Penelope.

Book Description

Leaving behind the rural charms of Finnshire, Miss Penelope Fairweather arrives in London with hope in her heart and a dream in her eye. The dowager, no less, has invited her for a season in London, where she will attempt to catch a husband.

Thus begins our heroine's tale as she attempts to tackle the London season with all her rustic finesse. Unfortunately, her rustic finesse turns out to be as delicate as a fat bear trying to rip apart a honeycomb infested with buzzing bees.

What follows is a series of misadventures, love affairs, moonlit balls, fancy clothes, fake moustaches, highwaymen, sneering beauties, pickpockets, and the wrath of a devilishly handsome duke.

My thoughts 
Just like the last novel, this one was very witty. The characters have a corny, nonsensical way about them that makes me laugh. However, there were some things about the story that were unbelievable. The characters, falling in love, didn't convince me. I'm not sure if the author is trying to make the reader disbelieve that the characters really are in love (I remember feeling that way about the previous story's characters, too) or if this is just a wee faux pas in character weaving. The story has a ridiculousness that sorta has me confused--does Anya Wylde WANT her reader to feel that its characters and the things they say are ridiculous? I'm not entirely sure.

The story is clean--no offensive language or lewd scenes take place. A bit more editing would be my suggestion, along with some clearer purpose from the author. All in all, it's a light read, inciting chuckles, and a quick read!

When Jesus Wept -a Litfuse Review

I have long been a fan of Bodie and Brock Thoene's books. Several years ago I read the Zion Covenant series, and I recently have been going through the A.D. Chronicles series. If you like Bible fiction, World War II fiction, and fiction centered around the Jewish people's history, you will thoroughly Bodie's and Brock's books!!

When Jesus Wept, Bodie's and Brock's newest fiction novel written from the perspective of the resurrected Lazarus of Bethany, was one of the best novels I've read by this duo. Set around the time of Jesus' appearance into the ministry, I was quickly drawn into Lazarus' life, the characters' situations, and the portrayal of the Lord Jesus. Bodie and Brock have a magnificent way of making the Lord palpable, as if I could reach through the book and touch Him. The emotion, the plot, and the writing are all beautiful. I highly recommend this novel, and I know I'll be looking forward to Book 2!

About the Book
Book 1 in the Thoene’s new  Jerusalem Chronicles.
Brock and Bodie Thoene’s most powerful and climactic writing project to date, When Jesus Wept, captures the power and the passion of the men and women who lived through the most important days in the history of the world.

Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the swirl of events around Jesus. When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus’ ministry, centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets found in the Old Testament.

Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more.

Purchase a copy here.

About the Authors
Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) are bestselling authors of over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. The Thoenes have four grown children and eight grandchildren. They divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.








Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook Author Chat party!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "When Jesus Wept" Author Chat Party on 4/23. Connect with the Thoenes, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Jerusalem Chronicles series, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect with the authors 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 23rd!

Swept Away - a Litfuse Review

I really enjoy Mary Connealy's novels. (I reviewed another one of her novels, Over the Edge, last summer.) I've always loved historical fiction, and this one is no exception. Swept Away is the first novel in the Trouble in Texas series.

Ruthy MacNeil is literally swept away when her wagon train's attempt at fording a river didn't go over so well. When she is separated from her abusive adoptive parents and adoptive brother (aka fiance) in the fray, Ruthy is discovered and rescued by Regulator (and Civil War soldier) Luke Stone, who is on his way to Broken Wheel to take over his father's stolen property and, as a result, to settle a nasty score.

When Luke finds that Ruthy is mostly unconscious and not able to fend for herself, he has no choice but to take her along with him. Looking forward to getting farther away from her family in case some of them managed to survive, Ruthy went willingly.

When Luke arrives at Broken Wheel and forms his posse of friends from the Civil War to help him win back his dead father's ranch, Ruthy finds herself wanting to take part, too.

This story went from interesting to intriguing to chair-gripping excitement. Love that! This is a novel that, once you began reading, doesn't stop! Constant flowing plot, constantly building. Mary is great at plotting an exciting story that leaves you not wanting to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters in this story. There were a lot of them, and Mary introduced them all in a logical way and in a manner that wasn't confusing. Each new addition was timely and well-described so there was no confusion about who was whom.

Mary Connealy is celebrating the release of Swept Away by giving away a $250 "Swept Away" Vacation Package and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party! 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A $250 Visa Cash Card (Get away for the weekend or use it to buy an eReader for a relaxing ‘Staycation’!)
• A copy of Swept Away (For you AND a friend!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Swept Away" Author Chat Party on March 28th. Connect with Mary, get a sneak peek of the next book in the series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Swept Away and join Mary on the evening of the March 28th for a chance to connect 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 28th!

 

I received Swept Away as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to give a favorable review; my opinions are my own.

Belonging & Betrayal - Zondervan reviews

Two books are being reviewed in this post.


Belonging, by Robin Lee Hatcher, is a Christian Historical romance novel set in 1897.Set in a desert town called Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho, Felicia Kristoffersen has found herself set for an adventure as a school teacher for the first time. Having had her training for years but never actually been hired to teach, Felicia was a bit nervous. And so was the local merchant and widowed Colin Murphy, whose daughter Charity has reading problems.

Felicia just happens to be boarding in a little home on Colin's land and soon discovers Colin's hesitancy toward having her as the schoolmarm. In fact, he even voted against having her come!

Felicia's background plays a big part in her story. Her father had abandoned her and her siblings, and left her with a beloved mother who was dying. When Felicia and her siblings became orphans and went their separate ways to different families in different parts of the country, this leaves Felicia with trepidation and inadequacy.

I thoroughly enjoy Robin's books. She's one of my favorite authors because she's able to balance a well-plotted story with well-fleshed characters and leave you wishing there was more to the story!!

Belonging is the beginning of a series. The second book is called Betrayal, and the third is Beloved.



Betrayal, the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series by Robin Lee Hatcher, is set in 1899, on a ranch in western Wyoming.

Drifter Hugh Brennan has had his share of sorrow, betrayal, and disappointment. Making his way west to find his sister Felicia, Hugh finds himself without food and money. Finding himself on a little ranch belonging to widow Julia Grace, he soon becomes her employee.

Julia Grace has recently been widowed. Her abusive husband dead, she finds herself inundated with repairs she can't take care of, taxes she can barely pay, and an annoying brother-in-law who will stop at nothing to take her land from her.

With Hugh's help, Julia soon discovers that not all men are like her dead  husband. Hugh is resourceful, patient, and kind, and she finds herself drawn to his gentle ways. But when the going gets tough, will Hugh stick around?

This second book in the series was absolutely fantastic! Robin did an excellent job fleshing out these characters, and I genuinely look forward to the third book in this series.

Thanks to Zondervan for sending me two extra copies of these books. I'll be giving these away next month, so be sure to come back for the giveaway.

I received Belonging and Betrayal as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Zondervan.

The Tainted Coin - a Kregel review

Medieval fiction has never taken my interest in the past. However, in the last couple of years, I've had the opportunity to read and review two of Mel Starr's novels in the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon series. Since then, I've read the series up to current release, and I hope to read more! What I like most about this series of books is the magnificent detail that goes into the novels. When I can feel the weather, smell what the character smells, and sense the tension that Hugh experiences, that's the mark of a great book!

The Tainted Coin is the fifth novel in the series. (You can read my reviews of the third and fourth novels.) Hugh de Singleton is the main character. Hugh is a surgeon and a bailiff. Much of his daytime activities revolve around these responsibilities. However, now he also is a father. His beloved Kate and he now have an infant daughter.

The story begins as Hugh makes the discovery of a badly beaten man at a nearby church, where he also discovers that the priest there is a former enemy of his! The enemy, thankfully, is a changed man and helps Hugh in trying to help the beaten man. The injuries sustained are too much for the man, however, and his last words are, "They didn't get me coin."

Hugh goes on a quest to find out what happened to the man, who happened to be a chapman selling goods. When the search gets personal, though, Hugh realizes that he must protect his family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of this novel, Mel has a copy that you can read here.


About Mel

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Spring Arbor High School in 1960, and Greenville College (Illinois) in 1964. He received an MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970. He taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel married Susan Brock in 1965, and they have two daughters; Amy (Kevin) Kwilinski, of Naperville, IL, and Jennifer (Jeremy) Reivitt, of Portage, MI. Mel and Susan have seven grandchildren.



I received Unhallowed Ground as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Kregel Blog Tours. My comments and opinions are my own.

No Safe Harbor - a Bethany House review

I have read some great books lately, and Elizabeth Ludwig's No Safe Harbor is one of them! This is one of those books that I love--it drew me in from the first page, left me with questions I wanted answered, and by the time I got to the last page, my questions were answered! This novel is very well written, the dialog matches the characters, and the scenes unfold naturally. It has a soft ending, making way for the second story in the Edge of Freedom series which is due for release sometime in 2013.

Set in the late 1890s in New York City, No Safe Harbor tells the story of Cara Hamilton, who has sailed from Ireland in hopes of finding her brother Eoghan whom she fears is dead. She finds her way to a female boardinghouse with the help of a countryman. Knowing that she should not reveal her brother's name because of the danger that it could put her and him in, Cara is guarded. But when a fellow Irishman named Rourke offers to help her, her wall gradually comes down. When she finds out who Rourke is and the whereabouts of her brother, Cara is forced to decide between Rourke and her own twin brother.

No Safe Harbor is filled with suspense, intrigue, romance, and edge-of-your-seat anticipation! If you like historical fiction, this one won't disappoint!!

About the Author 
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing.

In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.


Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.


Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas.

I received No Safe Harbor as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Bethany House Publishers. My comments and opinions are my own.

Be Still My Soul - a Multnomah Review

Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof is a story that felt different to me. Different than other books I read. How? Well, it has a "tone" (only way I know to describe it) that hit my heart immediately. Set in the turn of the last century in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this story will bring all sorts of emotions to the table. Melancholy, forbidden, hopeless are words that I would use to describe Lonnie Sawyer's life. She lives at home with her parents and her siblings, but her father is not loving toward her. She looks forward to turning 18 when she can move in with her aunt.

But before that can happen, a man named Gideon messes up with her plans when she allows him to kiss her and her father witnesses it. Deciding that she's no longer pure, her father forces her to marry Gideon. Both Lonnie and Gideon do not want to marry but do so because they see no other way around it.

When Gideon decides to move to another town for better job opportunities, Lonnie goes along with him, but the trek is arduous. Lonnie collapses when Gideon doesn't allow her to rest, and as a result they wind up at the home of an older couple. From here, chaos ensues for both of them. With a lack of love toward one another, can they make it or will Gideon leave?

This book kept me on the edge of my seat!

I received Be Still My Soul as a complimentary gift in exchange for review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. My comments and opinions are my own.