Book Review: Keturah

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book: 

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined-and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.
To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning "Waterfall," RITA®-finalist "Firestorm," bestselling "God Gave Us You," and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children.

Find out more about Lisa at http://lisatawnbergren.com.

My Opinion

What stuck out to me about this book right away was the strong female lead characters! I love how independent, strong and smart these Banning sisters are in this book and I also love the adventure, perseverance and strength that they have as the face setback after setback!

I also love learning about the West Indies back in the 1700's when they were used for growing sugar. Lisa T. Bergren does such an amazing job painting the era and giving the reader such a vivid picture through words!

As always, Bergren comes through with a book that I didn't want to put down and didn't want to end! I can't wait for more!

Buy It:

You can purchase Keturah for $10.39 from Amazon.com

Enter to win a copy of Keturah. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 13 on the Litfuse blog!

*  Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Melody of the Soul

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Anna has one chance for survival-and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.

It's 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she'll do anything to keep her safe-a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

About the Author:

Best-selling novelist Liz Tolsma is the author of several World War II novels and prairie romance novellas. She also works as a freelance editor. She lives in a semirural area of Wisconsin with her husband and two daughters. Her son serves with the US Marines. All of their chidlren came to them through international adoption. Her other passions include walking, gardening, camping, and reading.
Find out more about Liz at http://www.liztolsma.com.

My Opinion

Liz Tolsma is one of my favorite authors of all time and I literally search for a new book from her whenever I am at the library! So I was SO SO SO excited to read this latest book, The Melody of the Soul.

As always, this book was AMAZING! It was heartbreaking, moving, historical and I literally couldn't put it down until I finished every page and found out what happened.

I love that this book is based on real people who went through these devastating events in our world's history. It was both heartbreaking and inspiring and reminded me that I am so blessed because people have literally gone through hell and back. Liz Tolsma is just such a gifted storyteller and I HIGHLY recommend this book and ALL the books she has written!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Melody of the Soul for $13.26 from Amazon.com


Travel back in time to 1943 and meet Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian and concert violinist whose career is ended because of Nazi occupation in Prague. Don't miss the new historical novel, The Melody of the Soul, by Liz Tolsma. Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Officer Horst Engel, quartered in Anna's flat and dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them.

Join Liz Tolsma and other bookworms for a Facebook Live event on February 6, plus enter to win Liz's prize pack giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of The Melody of the Soul
• A garnet bracelet
• A box of Czech Republic chocolate

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6. The winner will be announced at Liz's Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Many Sparrows

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would. . . .
In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.

When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son . . . especially when her second child is moments away from being born.

Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob's life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do-be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?

About the author:

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn't writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of "Burning Sky," recipient of three Christy Awards, "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn," Christy-nominee "The Wood's Edge," and "A Flight of Arrows."

Find out more about Lori at http://loribenton.blogspot.com.

My Opinion

This was a really interesting book with insight and a look into a time period in our country's history before even the Revolutionary War. The battles with Native Americans were happening and it was a sad time.

This book gives a really great look into people from that time period and how some white people integrated with Native Americans and vice versa.

It was an interesting read, slow at times, but in the end kept my attention waiting for the resolution to all of Clare's dilemmas. It reminded me to trust God above all things and no matter what happens in life. We don't always know why God allows things to happen but he always works things out for our good! This book was a great reminder of that!

Buy It:

You can purchase Many Sparrows for $10.99 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: My Daughter's Legacy

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God's leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last.

Virginia, 1864
Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love-whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor-ever fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day
Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she's finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

About the authors:

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania.

Find out more about Mindy Starns at http://mindystarnsclark.com.

Leslie Gould, a former magazine editor, is the author of numerous novels, including "Beyond the Blue" and "Garden of Dreams." She received her master of fine arts degree from Portland State University and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children.

Find out more about Leslie at http://www.lesliegould.com/.

My Opinion

I really like the format of this book and how they talk about history and present day characters. These two authors are phenomenal and I knew this book would be good and it was!

I really wish I would have read the first two books in the series because I think they would be helpful as background for these books. But after reading this book, I am searching and reading the first two because if they are as good as My Daughter's Legacy then I can't wait to read them!

Definitely recommend My Daughter's Legacy!

Buy It:

You can purchase My Daughter's Legacy for $12.74 from Amazon.com

My Daughter's Legacy' Blog Tour, Author Chat Party, and Giveaway

Meet two women in different eras but both with unfailing conviction in Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould's new book, My Daughter's Legacy. Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

Celebrate the release of Mindy and Leslie's new book by entering to win the $75 Visa Cash Card Giveaway (details below) and by attending their author chat party on August 1!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of My Daughter's Legacy
• One $75 Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 1. The winner will be announced at the My Daughter's Legacy Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Mindy, Leslie, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Grounded Hearts

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she'll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband's death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

About the author:

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling. Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer's conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.

Find out more about Jeanne M. at http://www.jeannemdickson.com.

My Opinion

Grounded Hearts was a book like nothing I have read before! I have never read a book based in Ireland during WWII and it was SO INTERESTING!

I learned so much about how Ireland stayed neutral during the war and arrested anyone from either side if they crashed or landed in Ireland. It was so interesting!

But besides the historical element being amazing, so was the other sides of this book! I love the romance element between Nan and Dutch and I also liked the midwife element.

Overall, this book was one of the best books I have read this year!

Buy It:

You can purchase Grounded Hearts for $9.21 from Amazon.com

Win It:

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Grounded Hearts
• A Claddagh bracelet
• A Claddagh jewelry box

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Captain's Daughter

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he's glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can't wait to leave behind.

About the author:

Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

My Opinion

I am not usually a fan of Victorian England based novels but I am such a sucker for a good love story! I love the history included in this book and it was really interesting to learn about the theater!

It had some twists and turns throughout the book and I quickly fell in love with the storyline and characters!

If you like England-based novels, this one is for you!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Captain's Daughter

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Stars Over Clear Lake

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

I am so excited to share with you an amazing book I just read! Stars Over Clear Lake is written by an award-winning author, Loretta Ellsworth, who is best known for penning compelling, unique characters who undertake journeys of self-discovery. Her first four novels have been for young adults but her debut adult novel, STARS OVER CLEAR LAKE, is an historical-commercial women’s fiction novel that launched May 2 with St. Martin’s/Thomas Dunne Books.

Set during the 1940s and the present and inspired by the historic Surf Ballroom near Mason City, Iowa, where Loretta grew up, STARS OVER CLEAR LAKE is a moving story of forbidden love, lost love, everlasting love―and self-love. For the first time in decades, Lorraine Kindred has returned to the ballroom where she was swept away by the big bands during the 1940s―and by a star-crossed romance. As she takes in the magnificent energy and brassy sounds of her youth, the past comes to life, along with the fateful decision all those years ago that forced her to choose between personal conviction and social expectation, between the two men who had captured her heart. It had been a time of great music and love, but also of war and sacrifice, and now, trying to make peace with her memories, Lorraine must find the courage to face buried secrets. In the process, she will rediscover herself, her passion, and her capacity for resilience.

Not only is she an amazing author but she is also a local author to me! Loretta, who lives in Lakeville, Minnesota (only about 10 minutes from me!), is a graduate of Hamline University and the author of THE SHROUDING WOMAN, a Rebecca Caudill nominee; IN SEARCH OF MOCKINGBIRD, which won the Midwest Bookseller's Choice Honor Award, was a Teen's Top Ten finalist, was an IRA Notable, and was named to the New York Library's List of Books for the Teen Age; IN A HEARTBEAT, which was named a spring Midwest Connection's Pick and an ALA Notable; and her most recent book, UNFORGETTABLE, which is a Kirkus Pick of the Month.

My Opinion

I love, love, LOVE WWII historical fiction novels so this book was so intriguing to me! I am so glad I gave it a chance because Stars over Clear Lake was a unique, well-written and very interesting book! I love that it gave history of ballrooms and prisoner camps back in the 1940s - that was so interesting to me! The history I learned in this book is phenomenal!

The storyline was also so easy to read and easy to love! I fell in love with this book and the characters from the first pages and couldn't put it down! I will be sharing this book with everyone I know and you must read if you love historical fiction books!

Buy It:

You can purchase Stars over Clear Lake for $18.31 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: In the Shadow of Denali

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book:

Their Future Depends on Unlocking the Secrets the Mountain Holds From the Past

Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel near the foot of Mount McKinley--Denali as it's still called by the natives. John is the wilderness and exploration guide for the wealthy tourists while Cassidy works in the kitchen as Cook's assistant. The entire staff buzzes with excitement during the busy days preparing for the President's imminent visit. His historic trip to dedicate the new national park on his way to driving in the golden spike to officially complete the Alaska Railroad will be the beginning of a new era for all of them and place The Curry at the heart of Alaska.

Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice to the seasoned Alaska mountain guide, with hopes of discovering the truth about his father's death on the mountain years earlier. His father's business partner blames the guide for Henry Brennan's untimely death, but Allan cannot be at peace until he knows for sure. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassidy, and as the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear, and much more dangerous, than either could ever imagine.

My Opinion

Alaska is definitely on my bucket list of places to see. I grew up in Montana in the mountains and I absolutely LOVE mountains and beautiful scenery. I can only imagine how beautiful Alaska, the mountains and the glaciers are.

In this book, I got to visualize all of Alaska's beauty through the eloquent words of the authors! Not only do I get to experience the beauty of Alaska but the book was full of mystery, romance, history and so much more! This is definitely a must-read especially if you have an interest in Alaska and its history! I learned so much about Denali, the history of Alaska and its people!

Buy It:

You can purchase In the Shadow of Denali for $10.16 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Mark of the King

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent.

After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

About the author:

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, including Wedded to War, a Christy Award finalist in 2013; Widow of Gettysburg; Yankee in Atlanta; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.

My Opinion

Since I am making my first trip to New Orleans in a couple weeks, I was so excited to see that this book was based in New Orleans.

Besides being a subject of interest, this book was AMAZING! Jocelyn Green just shot to the top of my favorite author list and I can't wait to read more from her.

This book had mystery, intrigue, love and so much history - I just loved every minute of it! I highly recommend The Mark of the King! Jocelyn Green is so talented and this book was so interesting and amazing - I couldn't put it down and was so sad when it was done!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Mark of the King for $9.77 from Amazon.com

Giveaway

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: For the Record

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book

Betsy Huckabee has big-city dreams, but nobody outside of tiny Pine Gap, Missouri, seems interested in the articles she writes for her uncle's newspaper. Her hopes for independence may be crushed, until the best idea she's ever had comes riding into town.

Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but unfair circumstances have made moving to Pine Gap his only shot at keeping a badge. Worse, this small town has big problems, and masked marauders have become too comfortable taking justice into their own hands. He needs to make clear that he's the law in this town--and that job is made more difficult with a nosy reporter who seems to follow him everywhere he goes.

The hero Betsy creates to be the star in a serial for the ladies' pages is based on the dashing deputy, but he's definitely fictional. And since the pieces run only in newspapers far away, no one will ever know. But the more time she spends with Deputy Puckett, the more she appreciates the real hero--and the more she realizes what her ambition could cost him.

My Opinion

I have read several of Regina Jennings's books. She writes very upbeat, comical and lighthearted historical fiction books. For the Record is no different.

This book details the love story between Joel and Betsy and it leads you through adventure, crime, suspense and love but does it all in a lighthearted way. This book kind of has a slow story line and definitely is fiction. If you are looking for a historical fiction that details historical events or gives you insight into past historical events, this is not it.

This book is great for the romantic at heart and someone who is just looking for a lighthearted historical fiction book.

Buy It:

You can purchase For the Record for $8.46 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Pursuing Gold

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book

With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis.

With only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner’s daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter’s forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace.

About the Author

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over thirty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. She’s a columnist for Leading Hearts Magazine and she directs Atlanta Christian Writing Conference. Cyndi has a heart for encouraging women in today’s crazy, upside-down world. She loves history and peppers her speaking and teaching with fascinating vignettes from the past. Her first book, “Struggles and Triumphs,” was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the Year. She co-founded Homeschool Answers and hosts Heart of the Matter Radio.

Find out more about Cynthia at http://clsimmons.com.

My Opinion

Although I love books based in war times like the Civil War, I sadly couldn't get into this book. It was slow from the very beginning and I just couldn't get interested in the story line or Mary Beth or Peter's relationship.

However, it was very interesting learning about banking during this time period in our country's history and how the Civil War affected banking and scared people into cheating others, lying and forging.

Give this book a try if you are really interested in Civil War history or banking, but be prepared for a very slow start to the book.

Buy It:

You can purchase Pursuing Gold for $12.99 from Amazon.com

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Starving Hearts

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.

She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God's existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter's faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

About the author:

Janine Mendenhall teaches teens English, of all things! Sometimes she sleeps, but most nights she reads, writes, or watches movies like Pride and Prejudice and claims she's researching her next book. Splickety Love and Splickety Prime have published her flash fiction. She and her husband, Tom, live in North Carolina where they and their two golden retrievers help gratify the needs of their five children and two cats.

My Opinion

Calling ALL Downton Abbey and Jane Austen fans!!! Starving Hearts is the book for you! This book is based in 18th Century England and features a great heroine and hero duo!

But it's even more than what it seems like at first glance! It is full of suspense, fear, sadness and even a look into the slave trade.

This book will really take you through a maze of emotions but it will definitely appeal to fans of books set in old England.

Buy It:

You can purchase Starving Hearts from Amazon.com for $7.95.


Will Annette's search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall's book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .

Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Starving Hearts
• A bottle of essential oils
• An essential oils diffuser necklace
• A chiffon scarf
• A shoulder handbag
• A copy of Jane Austen's World

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine's blog.

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Loyal Heart

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn't expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.

Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.

After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda's home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip's name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.

Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He's mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.

He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn't prove to be an easy task---Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.

About the author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

My Opinion

As always, Shelley Shepard Gray writes a compelling book that really details the lives after the Civil War.

This book really made me think about what the families, soldiers and widows had to go through after the war was over and sympathize with the South and all the rebuilding they had to do.

This was a great historical fiction with a little romance added in - my favorite kind of book!

Buy It:

You can purchase The Loyal Heart for $9.31 from Amazon.com

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: A Beauty Refined

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions---both for her and the gemstones---are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie---a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel.

About the author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

My Opinion

Tracie Peterson is another one of those authors that I have known for a long time and been reading her books for as long as I can remember! When I see her name on the front of a book, I know it is going to be an awesome historical fiction.

And with A Beauty Refined, I found that to be true again. Tracie Peterson has not lost her talent or creativity or storytelling skills over the years and, in fact, she may be getting better with age! :)

This book was so interesting learning about the Sapphire trade back in the early 1900's. And as always, it was a great love story mixed in with murder, mystery and suspense!

If you love historical fiction, Tracie Peterson and this book are the one to read this summer!

Buy It:

You can purchase A Beauty Refined for $8.56 from Amazon.com

Little does Phoebe know that her father's plans—for the sapphires and his daughter—are not what they seem. If you love historical fiction, romance, and adventure, don't miss Tracie Peterson's A Beauty Refined. When Phoebe meets Ian, everything changes. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of A Beauty Refined
• A sapphire jewelry set

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/9. The winner will be announced at A Beauty Refined Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and fellow fans of historical fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*