Moonlight Masquerade

Moonlight Masquerade

by Ruth Axtell

About the book (from the back cover):

Lady Celine Wexham seems the model British subject. French by birth but enjoying life in 1813 as a widowed English countess, she is in the unique position of being able to help those in need -- or to spy for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte. When Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to pose as the countess's butler and discover where her true loyalties lie, he is confident he will uncover the truth. But the longer he is in her fashionable townhouse in London's West End, the more his staunch loyalty to the Crown begins to waver as he falls under Lady Wexham's spell. Will he find the proof he needs? And if she is a spy after all, what then will he do? With sharp wit, fast-paced dialogue, and infectious intrigue, Ruth Axtell deftly creates a world where black and white burst into a confusion of colors -- and no one is who they seem.

My take:

I was drawn into the book at the very beginning as Rees ("Mr. MacKinnon") is searching through Lady Celine's dressing room for evidence that she is a spy. I felt my heart beating faster and faster as it became certain that he was going to get caught. I was eager to keep reading, but was kind of disappointed when the chapters to come failed to keep my attention. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this sort of book at the time, but I never did find the same excitement as I did at the beginning. I thought the idea for the story was great, but it didn't intrigue me the way I thought it would.

I give this book a "3."

Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.


About the author:

Ruth Axtell is the author of thirteen novels, including Wild Rose, one of Booklist's Top Ten in Christian Fiction. Currently a resident of Downeast Maine, Axtell has lived in the Canary Islands, Miami, and the Netherlands.









Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

When the Heart Heals

When the Heart Heals

by Ann Shorey

About the book (from the publisher):

Readers are invited to travel back to 1867, to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love's tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition. With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey tells the story of Rosemary, a sympathetic but strong woman determined to thrive in a world that doesn't always understand. Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and downright vulgar. Although she would like to put her experiences as a nurse behind her, she must support herself. She takes a position with Dr. Elijah Stewart and a mutual attraction begins to develop. But when a sophisticated woman arrives in town claiming to be Elijah's fiancee, a heartbroken Rosemary decides to leave Noble Springs and start fresh. Can Elijah convince her of the mystery woman's deception before he loses her forever?

My take:

This was a wonderful read! I have always enjoyed novels written around the Civil War era, so I really enjoyed this one. I found Rosemary's character to be very interesting. I had no idea that female nurses were considered "vulgar" in that time period. I found myself sympathizing with her character and all of the non-fictional heroic nurses of that era who gave up their reputations and "soft" lives to serve wounded soldiers and civilians. 

Towards the end of the book I found myself irritated with Rosemary's refusal to listen to Elijah's story. I suppose there has to be some romantic tension, but at that point I just found myself annoyed with her character. I guess it comes back to the fact that we all have faults and irritating qualities. 

I would give this book a "4" and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially around the Civil War era.


Available February 2013 at  your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Company.



About the author:

Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom, The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in The Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for Grandma's Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Tutor's Daughter

The Tutor's Daughter

by Julie Klassen


About the book (from the back cover):

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementos? The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems -- and secrets -- of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her... 

When suspicions escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart? Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast -- a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions -- where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits. 

My take:

I absolutely adored this book! I am a huge Julie Klassen fan, and was thrilled when I saw her newest book was up for review. I was definitely not disappointed when I read this one!

I loved this book so much, I can't say enough about it. Before I read this one, my favorite Julie Klassen book was The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. But now I think it is a tie between that one and The Tutor's Daughter! I really enjoyed discovering the mystery of who was playing the pianoforte at night, and who was slipping into Emma's room at night. And I was very pleasantly surprised to fall in love with one of the characters I seriously disliked in the beginning!

Reading this book and Klassen's other books has renewed my interest in revisiting England someday. I am hoping that day comes sooner rather than later! Cornwall (where this book takes place) is going on my list of places to visit!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction/romance in the Regency period. I happily give this one a "5."


About the author:

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane - Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. Find out more about Julie at http://www.julieklassen.com/.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

All for a Song

All for a Song

by Allison Pittman

About the book (from the publisher):

Dorothy Lynn Dunbar has everything she ever wanted: her family, her church, her community, and plans to marry the young pastor who took over her father's pulpit. Time spent in the woods, lifting her heart and voice in worship accompanied by her brother's old guitar, makes her life complete...and yet she longs for something more. Spending a few days in St. Louis with her sister's family, Dorothy Lynn discovers a whole new way of life - movies, music, dancing; daring fashions and fancy cars. And a dynamic charismatic evangelist...who just happens to be a woman. When Dorothy Lynn is offered a chance to join Aimee Semple McPherson's crusade team, she finds herself confronted with temptations she never dreamed of. Can Dorothy Lynn embrace all the Roaring Twenties has to offer without losing herself in the process?

My take:

I really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn't sure how I would like the split story between the present day and the 1920s, but I ended up really liking it. I found myself engaged in the story of Dorothy Lynn's life and didn't want it to end! I was very intrigued by Aimee Semple McPherson, did a little research on her, and discovered that she was the founder of the Foursquare Church! One thing I found strange was the showmanship in her crusades that the book alluded to. It made me wonder if Aimee was really like that, or if it was just a guess on the part of the author, to make the story a little more interesting. Aimee's character was one of my least favorites in the book. I really enjoyed Dorothy Lynn's story though. I found her to be a character I could really relate to, and I'm sure many others would feel the same.

Overall, I loved this fascinating story about a young woman coming of age in the Roaring Twenties. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical fiction book. I give this book a "4 1/2."

Author Q&A:


1. What was your inspiration for this book, All for a Song?

There were so many different pieces that came together with this book; it’s hard to name just
one. First, I was introduced to, and then became fascinated with Aimee Semple McPherson,
and while I wasn’t ready to take on her story, I knew I wanted to create my own characters to
somehow come into her sphere. She was a woman who embraced both ministry and fame,
and I wanted to create a character who had that same opportunity. With that, I am so
inspired by the decade of the 1920’s—such sweeping social changes, shifts in moral
centering, an explosion of choices and opportunities for women. It was a time to test one’s
faith—to go against the new norms in pursuit of righteousness. Such a challenge!

2. Tell me about your main character Dorothy Lynn. Was her character based upon anyone in 
particular?

The young Dorothy Lynn, no, not really—not beyond any other singer/songwriter out there.
She’s a young woman with a message and a voice, so maybe she’s a mash-up of every
musician I know. The older Dorothy Lynn, Miss Lynnie, is somewhat based on the mother of a
friend of mine. His mother went to be with the Lord while I was in the final stages of writing this
novel, and at her funeral, I learned that she had a stroke years before her passing, during
which she had a glimpse of Heaven, and had spent her intervening years longing to return. I
remember going home from that celebration of her life and re-writing just about every Breath
of Angels scene, incorporating that into Dorothy Lynn’s story. It was exactly what the story
needed, and brought about a depth I couldn’t have imagined in the initial draft.

3. What lessons or truths will your readers find in the pages of this novel?

I hope that they learn that it’s good to take a chance, to take hold of opportunities that
come your way, even if it doesn’t always make sense to do so. Yes, there are times that
require periods of prayer and reflection and guidance-seeking, but then there are times when
you have to hop on the next train and trust that God has the details well in hand. Along with
that, I’d want them to know that while there is breath, there is opportunity for grace and
forgiveness, but we might need to humble ourselves. There’s a theme of a longing for home,
no matter how enticing the alternative seems.

4. Although this novel is set in the 1920s, how does Dorothy Lynn’s story still resonate today?

The world today wants nothing more than to entice young women to exploit themselves in
some way, and the enemy wants nothing more than to make us think that we are beyond
redemption. We all make stupid, thoughtless, reckless decisions; we all get ourselves into such
unbelievably embarrassing messes; we all disappoint our loved ones. The world tells you to
move on; God tells you to go back.

5. As a writer, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story?

Oh, my goodness. As a historical writer, I loved the time period—that sort of new, innocent
fumbling with innovations of the time. One of my favorite scenes was when the 107-year-old
Dorothy Lynn experiences her first iPad. (By the way, I had to make her that old in order to
make all the history “fit.” I spent every day for a month watching the Willard Scott segment on
the Today show making sure that her age would be believable. Wouldn’t you know? Every
week there’s somebody that tops the 105th birthday!)

6. What is your hope for this story? How would you like it to impact readers?

I would love it if this book would prompt a reader to reach out to somebody they feel they
have lost. Reconciliation is hard—whether you’re the perpetrator or the victim of whatever
“wrong” that happened. But life is short, even if you’re going to get more than a century of
living, at some time that final day will come. Close those gaps in your life. Offer and ask for
forgiveness. Leave a legacy of grace.

7. How has this novel helped you to grow as a storyteller?

My tendency (a very purposeful one) is to leave my stories with a bit of an “unfinished” edge.
I like my characters to leave the page on the cusp of fulfillment, so that my readers can have
the pleasure of imagining those final, satisfying moments. A good friend (and, coincidentally
a fan) of mine said, “I love your books. I hate your endings. I’m just going to have to accept
that this is what an Allison Pittman story does.” So—how fun was this to write the most definitive
ending, ever! To open a story on the last day of a character’s life—so totally new for me.

8. What is the best advice or encouragement that you have received?

It goes back to a conversation I had with James Scott Bell back when I’d written
approximately 7 chapters of what would become my first novel, Ten Thousand Charms. The
whole conversation is chronicled in Chapter 16 of his fabulous book The Art of War for Writers.
(I’m the “young woman” – which I was, at the time, sort of…) Anyway, I was frustrated and
discouraged, and he explained to me that this writing thing was like a pyramid. At its base,
you have everybody who ever thinks they maybe might want to try to start writing a book
someday. At the top is Max Lucado. The rest of us are somewhere in-between. “Your job…is
to keep moving up the pyramid. Each level presents its own challenges, so concentrate on
the ones right in front of you.” I love and welcome every new challenge.


About the author:

Award-winning author Allison Pittman left a seventeen-year teaching career in 2005 to follow the Lord's calling into the world of Christian fiction, and God continues to bless her step of faith. Her novels For Time and Eternity and Forsaking All Others were both finalists for the Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction, and her novel Stealing Home won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol Award. She heads up successful, thriving writers' group in San Antonio, Texas, where she lives with her husband, Mike, their three sons, and the canine star of the family  - Stella.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Love Surrendered

A Love Surrendered

by Julie Lessman

From the back cover:

Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy has moved to Boston and is embracing the city life, with a new name and a wide-open future. When she gets involved with a fast crowd at Ocean Pier -- one that includes the handsome Steven O'Connor -- she is pulled deeper and deeper into a world of rule breakers and mischief makers. She finds herself drawn to Steven and the whole O'Connor family. But a secret Annie is keeping has the power to destroy her best-laid plans. Will Steven ever see her as more than a sweet country girl who needs protecting? And will he break her heart when he finds out who she really is? With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and the emotional twists and turns Julie Lessman fans have come to expect, A Love Surrendered will ignite your senses and inspire your spirit.

My take:

I absolutely loved this conclusion to Julie Lessman's Winds of Change series. I remember when I finished reading A Heart Revealed last year, I didn't know how I was going to go a whole year to read the next book! And now that the series is over, it is hard for me to believe that the O'Connor family saga has concluded. However, I am looking forward to reading the prequel to the O'Connor family story, A Light in the Window, which is coming out on November 9 and will feature Marcy and Patrick O'Connor's story. I would highly recommend this book, and the entire O'Connor series, to anyone who enjoys inspirational historical fiction!

This book is available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the author:

Julie Lessman is the popular author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, andA Passion Denied, as well as A Hope Undaunted, which was one of 2010's Booklist Top Ten Inspirational Fiction winners. Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She lives in Missouri. Visit her website at www.julielessman.com. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sixty Acres and a Bride

Sixty Acres and a Bride

by Regina Jennings

Publisher's description of the book:

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay. Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable, and Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.

My take:  

This is one of those books that took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I really liked it! I enjoyed the parallels to the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz (one of my favorite stories, by the way), and also enjoyed the development of the characters. I liked Rosa's spunk and daring behavior in a town that was full of gossips. She really did have the same courage and perseverance that Ruth did.

I think this book would make a great movie! Maybe someday? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction. I rate this a "4."

About the author:

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English. She has worked at The Mustang News as well as Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She and her family make their home outside of Oklahoma City. This is her first novel.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

The Messenger

The Messenger

by Siri Mitchell

From the back cover:

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith...until her twin brother joined the Colonial cause and ended up in jail. She longs to bring some measure of comfort to him in the squalid prison, but her faith forbids it. The Friends believe that they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. She is not allowed to visit him, even if she were able to secure a pass. Jeremiah Jones, a Colonial spy, needs access to the jail to help rescue men important to the cause. Upon meeting Hannah, a plan begins to develop. Who would suspect a Quaker visiting a loved one? But Jeremiah is unprepared for Hannah, her determination to do right, to not lie. How can one be a spy and not lie? Hannah, in turn, is surprised by Jeremiah...for the way he forces her to confront her own beliefs, for the sensitivity and concern that he shows her despite the wounds he still carries. 

Try as I might, I could not get interested in this book. I tried 4 or 5 times to latch on to some part of the book that would keep my interest, but to no avail. I was disappointed, because I have read and loved several of Siri Mitchell's contemporary fiction novels. I had high standards for this book, because I loved The Cubicle Next Door and Moon Over Tokyo. In these novels, her style of first person writing, excellent characterizations, and descriptions kept my interest the whole time. The Messenger seemed to drag, and I couldn't relate to Hannah or Jeremiah. I felt little to no emotion from Hannah's character (this might be the Quaker part of her character, but I didn't care for it). I also found it difficult to jump from Hannah's thoughts, to Jeremiah's thoughts, and back.Though it pains me to write a negative review, I will not let this keep me from reading Siri Mitchell's books in the future. And honestly, I think it might just be my personal preference. I am sure someone else would love reading this book. From now on, though, I think I will stick to her contemporary fiction.



About the author:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi. Her tenth  novel, The Messenger follows prior Bethany House releases: A Constant Heart, Love's Pursuit, She Walks in Beauty, and A Heart Most Worthy. She Walks In Beauty won the inaugural INSPY award for Historical Fiction in December 2010. Three of Siri's novels, Chateau of Echoes, The Cubicle Next Door, and She Walks in Beauty were Christy Award finalists. Love's Pursuit was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Baroness

Baroness

by Susan May Warren

Yes, this is another book review I wasn't required to write! But since I did a review on Heiress, the book that preceded this one, I thought I should follow up on my excitement for the series! I certainly wasn't disappointed with this second book!

Baroness picks up a few years after Heiress left off. It jumps into the stories of Lillie Hoyt (daughter of Esme Price Hoyt) and Rosie Worth (daughter of Jinx Price Worth). The two girls are 19 years old and on a vacation in Paris in the Roaring 20s. When Paris becomes more a place for broken hearts for the two girls, Lillie ends up trying to go back home to Montana and Rosie goes back to New York City.

Like the first novel, I found myself not wanting to put this one down - though, I have to admit that I liked the style of Heiress a little better. Again, I found myself drawn to the way Susan May Warren created her characters so "real," with faults just like you and me. I am really hoping she writes a third novel - though I have looked at her website and Amazon and haven't found a title or synopsis yet! I definitely recommend this one!

About the author:

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

Heiress

Heiress

by Susan May Warren

It's not often that I review a book for which I wasn't required to write a review. But this book was so good, I feel like I can't not write a review! This one has been on my list for some time, ever since it came out back in September. I love all of Susan May Warren's books and I didn't want to miss this one!

Esme Price is a debutante heiress whose father owns the New York Chronicle. Her father wants her to marry the wealthy Foster Worth. She wants to marry for love, which she doesn't feel for Foster. Jinx (Jacqueline) Price is Esme's younger sister, forced to put off her debutante status until Esme gets married. When circumstances arise that allow Esme to get out of marrying Foster, what will she do?

I absolutely loved this book. I loved and hated that the book was cut up into chunks that featured Esme at one point and Jinx at another. Just as I was getting caught up in what was going to happen to Esme, it was back to Jinx's story! But this really is a good thing, and a great way to sweep the reader up into the story. Susan May Warren really does an outstanding job creating her characters and making them come to life.

I was halfway through the book when I knew I was going to have to buy the second book in the series, Baroness. I did, and it is on my Kindle, waiting for me to start it!

I give this book a "5" and can't wait to continue reading this series! My friend Becky wrote a review of the book too. You can read it here!


About the author:

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

A Necessary Deception

A Necessary Deception 

by Laurie Alice Eakes

Lady Lydia Gale lost her husband, Charles, 7 years ago in the French Revolutionary War. She lives with her controlling father, her sickly mother, and her sister Cassandra, who is near-sighted, bookish, and engaged to Jeffrey Whittaker, and her sister Honore, whose only interest is catching a man during her "coming out" season. 

Christophe Christien de Meuse is the man she helped release from prison. Christien had helped her husband during the war, and Lydia felt she owed it to him to help him. Shortly after helping Christien, Lydia is visited by a stranger who claims that Christien is a French spy. The stranger blackmails her, threatening Lydia's family if she doesn't comply.

I struggled with this book a bit. Though I was really interested in the story and loved Christien's character, I disliked Lydia's character throughout most of the book. Her obsession with keeping her sisters in line and "toeing the line" got old after awhile, and I wanted to yell at her to wake up to discover all the good she had in her life. 

Though I didn't enjoy Lydia's character, I am looking forward to reading Cassandra's and Honore's stories in the rest of the books in The Daughters of Bainbridge House series.

This book is now available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Company.  

About the author:

Award-winning Laurie Alice Eakes wanted to be a writer since knowing what one was. Her first book won the National Readers Choice Award in 2007, and her third book was a Carol Award finalist in 2010. Between December 2008 and January 2010, she sold thirteen books to Barbour Publishing, Avalon Books, and Revell, making her total sales fifteen. Recently, she added two novella sales to that collection. Her first book with Revell, Lady in the Mist, was picked up by Crossings Book Club, and three of her books were chosen for large-print editions by Thorndike Press. She has been a public speaker for as long as she can remember; thus, she suffers just enough stage fright to make her sharp. In 2002, while in graduate school for writing fiction, Laurie Alice began to teach fiction in person and online. She lives in Texas with her husband, two dogs, and probably too many cats.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Journey to Riverbend

Journey to Riverbend

by Henry McLaughlin

Some books take me a bit of time to get into. This book is one of them. But once I was interested, I was hooked, and could hardly put it down. The book opens with an introduction to Michael Archer and Ben Carstairs. Michael works as a jail chaplain, and Ben is about to be hung for a crime he didn't commit. Right before he dies, Ben asks Michael to make amends with his father, Sam Carstairs, for him. Michael arrives in Riverbend, Sam's hometown, and discovers that Sam is out of town on business. He soon meets Rachel Stone, a beautiful girl with a less than reputable past, who lives with the preacher and his wife. Michael is able to relate to her because he has some things in his past that he would like to hide. 

Sam Carstairs is a ruthless businessman who will do whatever it takes to get ahead. His past shady business dealings come to haunt him, and he starts receiving notes from someone who wants him to pay for what he has done. He is kidnapped on the stagecoach on his way home, and the news gets to Riverbend. They put a posse together to find him, and Michael decides to join. 

I'm not going to give any more of the story away, but I can assure you this book will have you turning page after page. It's a very good story set in the old west. I really liked how the author painted Michael Archer as a strong man of God who is able to influence the men around him. I highly recommend this book.

About the author:

Henry McLaughlin is the 2009 winner of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest. He has a master's degree in social work and spent many years working in the public child welfare system. It was in this role that he first honed his writing skills in preparing concise and accurate court reports and petitions. He retired from that career in 1999 to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Henry and his wife, Linda, have been married for over forty years and live in Saginaw, Texas. They have five children, the oldest of whom is in heaven, and one grandchild. Visit his website at www.henrymclaughlin.org. 

A Reluctant Queen

A Reluctant Queen

by Joan Wolf

I have always been fascinated by the story of Esther in the Bible - from the unknown Jewish woman who becomes Queen of Persia, to the way she saves her people from annihilation - what a story! I was somewhat hesitant to read this rendering, simply because I don't always like the artistic liberties some authors take with Bible stories. I have to admit I had a hard time getting into it. The beginning felt a bit forced - mostly from the dialogue. But then I just decided to forget the little details and enjoy the story as a whole. In the Author's Note, she admits to taking some liberties with the story. I am not enough of a biblical scholar to know which historical details were embellished. What I did enjoy was the way the author made the characters seem human - as she explains at the end, she had to give them motives to do what they did - Haman's hatred for Mordecai, Esther's love for her people and King Ahasuerus. 

This book intrigued me enough that I think I am going to read Esther in the Bible this week. Maybe I will even do a study on it. 

Q & A with Author Joan Wolf

A Reluctant Queen, Thomas Nelson, June 2011

What draws you to historical/biblical fiction?

I have always adored history, a love I inherited from my father. He used to discuss people from history as if they were people in the current newspapers. I think almost 90% of my books must have an historical setting.

You’ve had a successful career writing for the ABA, why start writing for the CBA now?

A few years ago I had an extraordinary experience where God touched my life. This encounter stirred my interest in writing about other people who had experienced the presence of God in their lives and the CBA seemed to be the best place for me to do that.

What is it about the historical account of Esther that led you to write a romance story about her?

When I was a girl Esther fascinated me. It seemed wonderful that God had chosen a woman to be the person who would save His people. And, since I am a romantic soul, I also thought that there must have been a great love between her and the king for him to have done as she asked.

Why did you move away from the traditional interpretation of King Ahasuerus’ conduct?

I always thought that Ahasuerus must have loved Esther deeply because he listened to her and revoked the edict that Haman had sent out. A king who not only allows his wife to break into his religious feast without punishment, but also comes to have dinner with her the following day, must care for her very much indeed. And such a man must be a much nicer person than the king traditionally portrayed by Xerses/ Ahasuerus.

You love animals. Do you ever incorporate them into your books?

Do I not ever incorporate animals into my books? I am famous for my horses, but dogs play their part as well. Unfortunately, I couldn’t put Esther on a horse, but I did make Ahasuerus a fanatical horseman.

What is your favorite historical era to write about?

I love to go way back in time, to periods where the records are mostly archeological. I actually did three books set in the Upper Paleolithic, the period of the last ice age. My next book is about Rahab, and I’m having such fun reading about pottery and stone remains from the late Bronze Age.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity Group.

To celebrate Joan Wolf’s debut Christian Fiction title, A Reluctant Queen, Joan and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away A Reluctant Queen prize package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (for KINDLE)

To enter, just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the contest ends on June 20th. Winner will be announced on June 21st during Joan’s A Reluctant Queen Book Club Party on Facebook (details below)! Hope to see you there – bring your friends!

Join the fun on June 21st! 

Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!

I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Her Daughter's Dream

Her Daughter's Dream

by Francine Rivers

I started Her Daughter's Dream almost immediately after finishing Her Mother's Hope. The first book ends with Marta, "Oma," going to her daughter Hildemara's house to take care of Carolyn, her granddaughter, while Hildemara recovered from tuberculosis. This serves to further drive a wedge in Hildemara and Marta's relationship, as jealousy crops up over who will care for Carolyn.

I was quickly swept up into the book as Carolyn's story started to unfold. One tragedy after another seems to define her life, and she runs away to the counter-culture of San Francisco in the 1960s. When she returns home, she finds out she is expecting a baby, who she names May Flower Dawn.

I think I liked this book even more than the first. I loved reading about how God redeemed the lives of the characters, and "restored the years that the locust had eaten." My favorite books always have a theme of redemption, and Francine Rivers never fails to disappoint. I especially enjoyed reading the afterword, where Francine talked a little bit about her family's history, and how it correllated with the story in this series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about God's redeeming mercy in the lives of characters that seem like they could live next door.

Spring for Susannah: My Review & a Chance to Win a Kindle!

Spring for Susannah

by Catherine Richmond

I usually enjoy a good Christian historical romance, but I have mixed feelings about this one. The novel starts out with Susannah Underhill getting off a train in the Dakota Territory as a mail order bride for Jesse Mason, her minister's brother. Due to her rigid upbringing and a terrifying experience a few weeks earlier, Susannah is quite skittish and living up to the title of "a woman of few words." Try as he might, Jesse has a difficult time drawing her out of her shell and getting her to trust him.

By the end of the book, Susannah discovers that her real issue is her lack of trust in God. The harsh prairie conditions force her to recommit her faith in God. I liked the way the author painted Susannah's faith journey. However, I am hesitant to recommend this book because of the overly graphic (for my taste) sensual descriptions. It seemed sort of odd to me. I am glad they were descriptions of a married couple, but I think a lot of the detail could have been scaled back.

Overall, I did find the book interesting. I always enjoy learning about history through the medium of fiction.


About the author, Catherine Richmond:

Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist till a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelist critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband. For more about Catherine, please visit her website here.

To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:



* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen



* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)



To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat, testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Her Mother's Hope

Her Mother's Hope

by Francine Rivers

Marta Schneider's father is determined that she won't be smarter than her brother, so he takes her out of school when she's 12 years old and sends her out to work to help support the family. Marta finds the work a relief to get away from her abusive father, and learns valuable skills in the process. She eventually opens her own boarding house in France, and meets her husband, Niclas Waltert. The two move to Canada and experience the struggles of farming. Soon they have 4 children, one of whom is Hildemara Rose, who becomes the main character in the middle of the book. Hildemara feels she can never do enough to please her mother, while Marta only wants her to be able to stand on her own two feet. Will Marta's and Hildemara's relationship eventually change? Will Hildemara be able to spread her wings and prove her strength?

I really enjoyed this book. Starting in turn of the century Switzerland and ending in post-World War II California, I had a hard time putting it down. I have to admit I struggled with Marta's character. I was sympathetic towards her in the beginning as she was escaping her father's abuse and forging her own way, but I had a difficult time sympathizing when she fought with her husband for dominance of the household, and treated Hildemara so cruelly. By the end of the book I understood her a bit more, but I am looking forward to reading the second and concluding book, Her Daughter's Dream, to find out if the two can repair their relationship.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction with a bit of romance.