About the BookA young Amish woman finds herself torn between the man she's pledged to wed and the man her heart desires in this heartwarming story of chance, duty, and choice in the face of love—the first volume in beloved New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray's new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series Amish bride-to-be Leona is thrilled to be in Florida, on a mini vacation in the pretty town of Pinecraft. Her girlfriends think she's happy because she's away from the stress of wedding planning. They have no idea that Leona's real joy is in being away from her fiancé. Edmund is a good man and will make a decent husband . . . just not for Leona. The more time she spends with him and his overbearing ways, the less she wants to be his wife. Her cousins are sure Edmund is the right man for her—and their certainty makes Leona begin to doubt herself. But when a chance encounter with a wayward cat brings her face-to-face with a handsome, fun-loving Amish man named Zachary Kaufmann, Leona's faced with two vastly different futures. Leona must decide: Should she follow the path set out before her? Or take a chance with only the promise of what could be to guide her? About the AuthorShelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement. Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church. She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow. Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please connect with her on: Goodreads Facebook Twitter Amazon Website ReviewThe Promise of Palm Grove book one in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series was a delight to read. Author Shelley Shepard Gray has written a story that will captivate the heart of readers from page one. With her charmingly-written story and well-developed and easy to relate to characters, Shelley has once again produced a novel that readers will enjoy not only a first time, but will want to come back and read it over and over again. I would recommend this novel to not only fans of Shelley’s previous novels, but to those that love inspiring Amish-fiction. Series: Amish Brides of Pinecraft Genre: inspirational; contemporary; romance; Amish-fiction; Christian-fiction Publisher: Avon Inspire Publication date: January 27, 2015 Number of pages: 288 Other books in the series: 2-The Proposal at Siesta Key 3-A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn 4-A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft A review copy of this novel was previously won in a giveaway.
The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick
9/23/2015
About the BookEliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity. When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage? Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past. About the AuthorJane Kirpatrick is the New York Times, CBA, and Pacific Northwest bestselling author of more than twenty-seven books, including A Light in the Wilderness, a 2015 Spur Award Finalist, and A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have been finalists for the Christy Award, Spur Award, Oregon Book Award, and Reader’s Choice awards, and have won the WILLA Literary Award and Carol Award for her Historical Fiction. Many of her titales habe been Book of the Month, Crossings, and Literary Guild selections. You can also read her work in more than fifty publications, including Decision, Private Piolat and Dailey Guideposts and in her Story Sparks newsletter. Jane lives in Central Oregon with her husband, Jerry. ReviewAlthough not exactly what I originally expected, Jane Kirkpatrick’s novel The Memory Weaver, was a historical fiction delight. This novel is about a young woman who has had a hard life and tries her best to make it better. The novel fluently transitions between the story of Eliza Spalding Warren and the diary of her mother, bring new depth and enlightenment to the story. Readers will enjoy this well-written and brilliantly crafted characters that also enrich the development of the storyline. I would recommend this novel to readers that have a deep love of historical fiction and would enjoy a story that takes place in the Washington and Oregon territories during in the mid 1800’s. Genre: historical fiction; Christian fiction; romance Publisher: Revell Publication date: September 1, 2015 Number of pages: 336 A review copy of this book was provided by Revell Reads.
Jasper's Lament by Katherine Pym
9/22/2015
About the Book
London 1664. The 2nd Anglo/Dutch war is imminent, and England prepares against the threat. After his father’s mysterious death, Jasper’s world is thrown into chaos. Coded messages, letters penned with invisible ink, and chests of gold appear from unknown sources. Dangerous symbols in unexpected places drag Jasper deeper into a conspiracy not of his making. Torn between his newfound love for a Dutchman’s daughter, and his loyalty to the king, Jasper struggles with dark forces. If he ferrets out the plotters that plan to tear England apart, will he lose the one woman he loves?
Available to purchase on:
Priase
"Jasper's Lament is as well-named as well-written. Pym has a wonderful ability to tell a good tale with admirable ease and conviction. It reaches heart-strings, cleverly molding so many little side-plots around the major one, yet never losing its racy pace." -Kev Richardson, Historian "A highly polished and well written book, with excellent historical accuracy and a real flavor of the age. Jasper’s Lament is a great read and hugely atmospheric." -Grace Elliot, veterinarian by day, and author of historical romance by night.
About the Author
Katherine Pym is an author of historical novels set in 1660's London with one novel of the French Revolution, including The Barbers and Jasper's Lament. She divides her time between Seattle, WA & Austin, TX with her husband and puppy-dog.
Auther Interview with Katherine PymReview
Well-written and full of inviting characters and a fast paced storyline, readers will enjoy Kathryn Pym’s latest novel, Jasper’s Lament. Full of secrets, mystery, intrigue, deceit, murder, religious politics, war, and love this novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This novel is full of exciting, as well as twisting adventure taking place in 17th Century London. I would recommend this novel to readers that want a fast-paced enlightening read that portrays 17th Century London.
Note: There is some swearing in this novel, but it is not excessive. There are also a few sex scenes, specifically in chapters 21 and 32, which readers may choose to skip. Genre: historical fiction Publisher: Books We Love Ltd. Publication date: June 29, 2015 Number of pages: 301, e-copy edition only GiveawayBlog Tour Schedule
Monday, September 14
Spotlight at What Is That Book About Tuesday, September 15 Spotlight & Giveaway at Raven Haired Girl Wednesday, September 16 Review at Book Nerd Saturday, September 19 Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More Monday, September 21 Character Interview at Boom Baby Reviews Tuesday, September 22 Spotlight & Giveaway at Unshelfish Review, Interview, & Giveaway at Singing Librarian Books Wednesday, September 23 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews Friday, September 25 Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
A review copy of this novel was provided by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.
About the Book
At Home in Persimmon Hollow is the first book in a series chronicling the world of Agnes Foster and the people of
frontier-era Florida. In 1886, Agnes Foster is forced to leave the Catholic orphanage in New York where she grew up to start a new life as a teacher in Persimmon Hollow, Florida, a town she has only ever seen in a newspaper ad. With nothing but her strong Catholic faith to sustain her, she leaves behind the only home she’s ever known and the little girl she hopes to adopt, and encounters a wild and beautiful new landscape, and a town full of hardworking, faith-filled people. She also meets the difficult, yet handsome and hard-to-ignore Seth Taylor, a man whose heart has been hardened to God after a terrible loss. Just as Agnes starts to feel Persimmon Hollow could be a good home for her and her daughter, and that Seth could be her love, tragedy strikes in the form of a trio of evil men from both their pasts, intent on doing them more harm. Will their fragile new love survive? Will Seth return to his faith? Can Agnes finally escape her dark past and find a bright new future?
Available to purhchase on...
About the Author
Gerri Bauer has a B.A. in English from Stetson University, Where she works in Social media and online marketing and volunteers for their campus ministry program. She was born and raised in New York City but has deep roots in Florida, where she lives with her husband, spoils her cats and keeps tabs on a far-flung extended family. She edited The Parce Letters: Voices from the Past, a collection of primary sources on pioneer settlers in Florida. This is her first novel.
Author Interview with Gerri BauerReview
With a bit of adventure, romance, and the discovery of a place to call come, Gerri Bauer has created a novel that readers will enjoy over and over again. With its inspiring story and loveable characters At Home in Persimmon Hollow will quickly become a favorite among readers. Not only will readers enjoy this heart-warming story, but they will come to love and maybe even want to call Persimmon Hollow home. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy inspiring, historical fiction romance novels.
Series: Persimmon Hollow Legacy Genre: historical fiction; romance; Christian fiction Publisher: Franciscan Media Publication date: July 17, 2015 Number of pages: 320 Other books in the series: 2-Stitching a Life in Persimmon Hollow (coming April 2016) GiveawayBlog Tour Schedule
September 14- My Friend Amy
September 15- Wishful Endings September 16- Reading Is My SuperPower September 17- Spiritual Woman September 18- Singing Librarian Books
A review copy of this novel was provided by Franciscan Media.
Simply Anna by Jennifer Moore
9/17/2015
About the BookAbout the Book
Suffering from a cruel heartbreak, Lord Philip Hamilton has been driven to seek refuge from the painful memories haunting London, and his father’s Jamaican sugar cane plantation provides just the escape he needs. Philip finds solace in his hard work and takes comfort in the fact that his distance from society ensures that his heart will be protected from future entanglements. Protected, that is, until the unexpected appearance of a mysterious woman with no memory of her past. The only clue to her identity is a necklace inscribed with a name: Anna. In a matter of weeks, this gentle, intelligent, and impossibly beautiful stranger turns Philip’s world upside down. But as the bond between the pair grows, the threat of Philip losing his heart once more is only the beginning of the dangers that await. Island renegades and a ruthless band of pirates clash in a swashbuckling battle, and it soon becomes clear that these villains may be the key to unlocking Anna’s past . . .
Available to purchase on:
About the Author
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world that includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that is anything but romantic. Jennifer has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family, but most of the time wishes she was aboard a British frigate during the age of sail.
Author Interview with Jennifer MooreReview
Simply Anna is an inspiring, exciting, and adventurous read by Jennifer Moore. Full of exploit from page one, this novel will captivate readers attention, having them going back to re-read this novel again and again. Jennifer’s story is well-written along and has well-developed and thought out characters that readers will enjoy and connect with. Taking place in Jamaica on a sugar plantation, this novel shares in the brutality of the relationship of slave owners and their slaves, as well as the trusting relationship between owner and slave, showing the stark contrast between the two. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy learning about events in history, as well as that love romance.
Genre: historical fiction; romance; adventure; regency Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: September 1, 2015 Number of pages: 224 GiveawayBlog Tour ScheduleSept. 14th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/ http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/ Sept. 15th: https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/ http://www.iamareader.com/ http://atransparentmom.com/ Sept.16th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/ http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/ http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/ http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ Sept. 17th: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ http://singinglibrarianbooks.weebly.com/ http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ Sept. 18th: http://fireandicereads.com/ http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/category/entertainment/books/ http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/ http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/
A review copy of this novel was provided by Covenant Communications.
Paperback Release + Giveaway of The Hesitant Heiress (Everstone Chronicles #1) by Dawn Crandall
9/17/2015
About the Book
The dreams of talented pianist, Amaryllis Brigham, attendee of the Boston Conservatory of Music, are dashed to pieces when one day she is unjustly expelled from the school. With both her parents dead, Amaryllis goes to stay with her Aunt Claudine as she returns from Europe. To Amaryllis’s shock, she is left her grandmother’s fortune. Aunt Claudine informs her, however, that she must marry within the year to obtain the fortune. For a girl who avoids men whenever possible, Amaryllis halfheartedly takes her place in her aunt’s society with the goal of somehow getting back to the west coast, the place she calls home.
Against her better judgement, Amaryllis finds herself falling for her cousin Lawry’s best friend, Nathan Everstone. Amaryllis believes Nathan’s father to be the reason she was wrongly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music and is determined to dislike him. But with Nathan showing up in her dreams and appearing during many of her waking moments, how can Amaryllis resist him. As Amaryllis finally lets herself freely and openly love Nathan, chaos pursues as events from the past haunt her. Additionally, her grandmother’s lawyer kidnaps her. Who is the real cause of all the pain Amaryllis has suffered the last eleven years? Not everything is as it seems. Will she be able to trust and find the love of a lifetime or lose herself in the past that haunts her? Exerpt/First ChapterAbout the Author
Dawn Crandall is a graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble. She is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary and is a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.
The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn's first series with Whitaker House. They were originally released as eBooks, but will all be released in paperback Fall 2015. Dawn's debut novel,The Hesitant Heiress, is the winner of the 2015 Birmingham RWA Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for the inspirational category, the winner of the 2015 Wisconsin RWA Write Touch Readers' Award for the Inspirational category and is currently a finalist in the 2015 Carol Awards--ACFW's recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year. Dawn's second novel, The Bound Heart is the winner of the 2015 Clash of the Titles Laurel Award. All three books composing the series were semifinalists in ACFW's Genesis Writing Contest for unpublished manuscripts, the third book going on to become a finalist in 2013. Author Interview with Dawn CrandallReview
Dawn Crandall’s first novel in her Everstone Chronicles series is a delight. Just when the reader thinks the events of the story are headed in one direction, another event unfolds, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next. This historical fiction romance novel is both entertaining and enriching with its pleasurable cast of characters and events. I would highly recommend this novel to those who like inspiration, adventure, and a bit a mystery tied in with a love story.
Series: The Everstone Chronicles Genre: historical fiction; Christian fiction; romance; mystery; inspirational Literary awards: Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for Excellence Romance Writers of America Contest, ACFW Genesis Contest Nominee, Clash of the Titles Olympia Contest Semi-Finalist Publisher: Whitaker House Books Publication date: August 1, 2014 Number of pages: kindle edition, 315 Other books in the series: 2-The Bound Heart 3-The Captive Imposter GiveawayGoodreads GiveawayGoodreads Book GiveawayThe Hesitant Heiressby Dawn CrandallGiveaway ends September 29, 2015. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
A review e-copy of this novel was previously won in a giveaway from the author, Dawn Crandall.
About the Book
Slavery of a different kind, beyond physical chains, leads to a different type of escape . . .
Marissa Kristofferson can taste freedom. Her long years of suffering at the hands of her sadistic husband, Lance, are coming to an end as he lies dying. But she is stunned when he reveals the contents of his will and what she must do to keep Kristofferson Plantation, and how he plans to keep her bound to him even beyond the grave. The beautiful slave Lolley has always envied Marissa’s life, and after learning that the master has also ordered her freed after his death, she is determined to reach for the life she wants by becoming the mistress of Marissa’s son, Shane, though she does not realize the lengths Marissa will go to to prevent the match, or the far-reaching consequences that will follow. And Shelby, the plain and dutiful slave of free blacks, is unwittingly caught in the shocking drama that unfolds as a family is torn apart. Used as a pawn in a game of rivalry, deception, and betrayal, hers is a fight for survival while attempting to remain true to herself. Three women—so very different but each carrying dark secrets that are closely intertwined, caught in a world between slave and free, a world which is becoming more fragile and precarious as war threatens and alliances shift, and each harboring seemingly impossible dreams of a better future. In this first book of a dark historical saga, K. Willow paints a lush, emotional portrait of scandal, murder, injustice, and the ties that bind in the antebellum South. Praise
“K. Willow’s historical novel, Ice Whispers, book one of The Hidden Hills Saga, is breathtaking beautiful and stunningly sad all at the same time. It’s really the story of two women, Agatha and Shelby, who are slaves in the Kristofferson and Franklin households respectively. They’re both amazingly strong, selfless and wise women who come from two succeeding generations of slaves. While all the drama and action in the tale revolves around the Kristoffersons and the Franklins, it was the story of those two larger-than-life women that kept me enthralled. Willow adroitly uses them as a lens for the reader to view the affairs in Hidden Hills, and it works magnificently. I just finished reading Ice Whispers, and I’m totally floored by this work. It’s marvelous and is very highly recommended.” -Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite “Part historical romance, part mystery, K. Willow’s book Ice Whispers is an entertaining and immersive read. Readers get to take the role of the voyeur as they explore the inner workings of the Hidden Hills society. Every member of the town has a role that they play, but each has their own secrets that they are trying to keep hidden. Willow’s novel is a quick and fun read that is full of vibrant characters. It is the perfect book for those who like to be in the know of the juiciest gossip or those who enjoy the drama of the workings of high society in mid-1800s America. I thoroughly enjoyed Ice Whispers, and I hope I get the opportunity to read more of Willow’s Hidden Hills novels.” -Tania Staley for Readers’ Favorite
About the Author
K. Willow is a novelist and award-winning writer with a background in television, film, theatre, and soap operas. She writes dark historical and urban fantasty and lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband.
Author Interview with K. WillowExerpt from the Book
Chapter One
Sometime in November, 1858 Outside of Charleston, South Carolina
“When I die,” he said, “and pass from this earth to a more satisfying place . . .”
Aggie stood hidden behind the door, listening and feeling the aged and winded voice of Master Lance Kristofferson whisper through the crevice and hover over the tiny hairs of her skin. His most powerful voice had always hushed the spirit, rebellious as it was, inside of her. And today’s morning, even more so, the spirit was stuck in her chest. Not a person ever dared to speak whenever Master Lance Kristofferson was talking. Nor did they ever attempt to question his judgments, his authority over the multitude living there on Kristofferson Plantation, both slave and free. Unwise souls who did so always regretted it after enduring the merciless consequences from such a vengeful man. From warnings, most had acquired this lesson, but some had learned it through a most difficult way. And so people in Hidden Hills, especially those on Kristofferson Plantation, knew to listen to Master Lance. They should preserve their truest feelings inside themselves and simply obey, for it was the best way to safeguard their lives. There hadn’t been a time that anyone, even the most elderly of slaves or the most gossip-driven society woman, could recall when Lance Kristofferson had not achieved what he wanted. He had always found a way. He crowed, “I want you all to be aware of what exactly is going to become of each and every one of you.” His audience of three, all dressed in their fine and elegant morning dress for the day, was assembled before him at the foot of his grand old metal bed, where he had slept alone for probably over two years now. Aggie’s mistress, Marissa Kristofferson, his younger wife, who was now more handsome than Master Lance had ever been at her age, sat ready between the other two. Mister Alexander Pratt, the faithful employee who oversaw the runnings of Kristofferson Plantation, and then Shane, Marissa’s dark-haired, sullen son of eighteen, whom Aggie had raised alongside her own daughter, Lolley. Aggie could hear them, see them, even though, as it had often been over the years, she was veiled from them. Unassuming, but witnessing everything. She knew that not one of them wanted to be there in that cold, drab room with Master Lance. Even Aggie could smell the disease that was devouring him, seeping through his pores and rubbing up against the bodies of all close to him, from their fingertips to their little toes. She could hear things, and she could hear it laughing. And she wanted to shut it up, that sickness that had thieved the beauty of this once overly superior man. Now he was as ugly on the outside as he was on the inside. The other cups sitting on the tray held out in front of Master Lance jiggled together as he struggled to place his own teacup on it. But Lucas, the darkest skinned one in the room, was holding that tray, and he wouldn’t let it fall for fear of the wrath to come to anyone who embarrassed the master. From the doorway, Aggie watched as Lucas held the tray with the large pot and all of the teacups secure in place, unaffected. She knew that he had become accustomed to Master Lance’s growing physical frailness, even though Master Lance had not been able to admit it was so. The master’s mind was still as strong and devilish as it ever had been. Aggie felt her spirit rising up against her, becoming anxious as she heard the scrambling of the soles of old shoes downstairs on the main floor, tirelessly working to fulfill their morning chores, calling her to help, to see to it that the teams of slaves in the Kristofferson household were doing as they had been told. Rivulets of sweat dripped down from her tight, curly hairline over her dark, chiseled skin, but she steeled herself to maintain her statuesque position, waiting for Lance to continue making his great announcement. But knowing Master Lance, his sudden quietness signaled that he was also waiting—for Lucas to leave. Lucas turned and trailed toward the door. It was obvious to Aggie that Master Lance didn’t want Lucas spreading word of what was going to happen to Kristofferson Plantation—and to all of them—just yet. He would rather torment them all by allowing the gossip and the hearsay to just keep running amok in every circle of the plantation. Lucas finally lifted his sharp hazel eyes to the probing deep and dark ones of Aggie. He mouthed, “No.” No, Aggie thought, though he had been there a good fifteen minutes before she had arrived in the shadows of the doorway. Lucas had not heard any new information. As soon as he stepped both feet in the hallway and was out of sight of the white folks inside, she wrapped her long fingers around the tingling knob and dragged the door closed. “Bring that tray on out to the kitchen,” she whispered. “Miss Marissa, Mister Pratt, and Master Shane will want to be eating shortly after their talk.” He nodded and strode on skinny legs beneath dark, perfectly creased trousers down the hallway. She watched until he had disappeared around the worn corner leading down the back stairwell. Trying one more time, hoping for good fortune, she positioned her body with her head tilted toward the door to see if she could hear anything. But all was still in there except for a throaty hum of a voice, which she knew must be Master Lance’s. She could not make the words out. Aggie sighed as the spirit inside of her relaxed back down into the center of her belly, and she started to stroll down the hallway, knowing there was always the possibility that the mistress might just let slip out later what had happened in that room. Review
K. Willow has written a story that is both beautiful, but haunting. This novel takes place in the 1800’s during the time of slavery right before the American Civil War, bringing to life and acknowledging some of the brutal truths that took place during this time period. A story of three women, each enslaved in a different way, will capture reader’s attention as they learn about dark secrets and consequences of choices made by these women and the people surrounding them. I would recommend this novel to those that enjoy historical fiction come to life in a new and heart-wrenching way.
Note: There are also a few sex scenes, specifically in chapters 12 and 22, which readers may choose to skip. Series: The Hidden Hills Saga Genre: historical fiction Literary Awards: Readers’ Favorite Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Publication date: November 21, 2014 Number of pages: 274 GiveawayBlog Tour Schedule
Monday, August 31
Spotlight at The Lit Bitch Tuesday, September 1 Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective Wednesday, September 2 Review at A Book Geek Friday, September 4 Review at Book Nerd Tuesday, September 8 Guest Post at Shelf Full of Books Wednesday, September 9 Spotlight at A Literary Vacation Thursday, September 10 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Friday, September 11 Review at Queen of All She Reads Saturday, September 12 Review at A Fold in the Spine Sunday, September 13 Interview at A Fold in the Spine Monday, September 14 Review & Guest Post at Jorie Loves a Story Wednesday, September 16 Review, Interview & Giveaway at Singing Librarian Books Thursday, September 17 Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews Friday, September 18 Tour Wrap-Up & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
A review copy of this novel was provided by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and the author K. Willow.
Sneak Peek of Fireweed by Terry Montague
9/15/2015
When I was about three, my mom said, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I think she was expecting me to say, “A mommy, like you.” Instead, I popped off with, “I want to be a writer.” I can still remember her face. She said, “Well, don’t you think you need to learn to read first?”
I didn’t think so. Terry Bohle Montague is a BYU graduate and a free-lance writer, having written for television, radio, newspaper, and magazines including The Ensign and Meridian Magazine. She has also been published as the author of book length historical non-fiction and fiction. Her non-fiction work includes the book, Mine Angels Round About, the story of the LDS West German Mission evacuation of 1939 which occurred only days before the Nazi invasion of Poland. Her LDS fiction, Fireweed, is loosely based on her interviews with the evacuated West German missionaries and their families. Terry studied with Dwight Swain and Jack Bickham, as well as David Farland. Her writing awards include those from LDS Storymakers, Idaho Writers’ League, and Romance Writers of America.
Lisel Spann has dreamed only of wonderful things in her future. Living with her father, sister, and brother in a cramped apartment in Berlin, the small family shares what seems to be an unbreakable spirit of love and security. However, with the rise of the Nazi party and approaching dark clouds of war, any kind of future grows increasingly uncertain. Knowing little of hate and destruction, Lisel is ill prepared as the storms of battle erupt in full fury and loved ones are taken from her as her beautiful city is reduced to rubble.
With fear and despair rising within, it is through her quiet, compassionate father that Lisel discovers faith and hope. Now, in a desperate journey to find her sister, Lisel and her neighbor flee Berlin and the advancing Russians for Frankfurt, a city under the protection of the Allies. But their flight to safety is filled with pain, hunger, and terror. However, with spiritual lessons and blessings from her father, the support of departed loved ones, and her tried but undying faith in a loving Heavenly Father, perhaps Lisel can emerge like the fireweed—rising strong and beautiful from scorched earth —transforming bitterness and despair into a charity that never faileth. Expert Part 1
In the middle of June, loudspeakers in factories, shops, restaurants, and street corners blared out national and party anthems followed by the announcement that Paris had been captured. Then the current hit was played, “We March on England.” There was no cheering. No celebration. Glumly, the Germans went back to their activities without comment.
Lisel heard the news with mixed feelings. How tired she was of war! Tired of greasing hand grenades! Tired of worrying about her brother, Michael, somewhere in France. Tired of worrying about Kurt! Tired of ration coupons and long lines! Tired of being tired! But, surely, the war almost over. The newspapers said by Christmas. Then Michael would be home. By Christmas, she would be finished with her Compulsory Service. By Christmas, Papa would have their genealogy. By the New Year, if they were careful with their money, they would be in America. By the New Year, perhaps, they would have gone to the temple. Grete began dropping in again that summer, usually on Sunday afternoons when she knew Lisel was home. She talked of school, and the people they both knew and of movies she had seen and of a handsome officer she had met. Lisel wondered if Grete was more impressed by the black Horsch the officer drove than by the officer himself. But then Grete would go on and talk of marriage and babies and the house she wanted to live in. Lisel listened with weary indulgence. She did not share Grete’s romantic aspirations with any enthusiasm. Lisel’s daydreams had more to do with sleeping and eating than with boys. And when she did think of men, she thought of Kurt and was saddened. Of course, most of the men had been drafted. Now, their LDS branch was made up of women, children, and older men. They had even lost two branch presidents to the military in the first six months of the year. In the middle of July, Hitler offered Great Britain a no-strings-attached peace. He said there was no reason Germany and Great Britain should war again each another. If there was war, it was only because Great Britain forced it. Within four days, the British bombed Bremen, Hamburg, Paderborn, Hagen, and Bochum. Herman Goring, Hitler’s defense minister, had promised no enemy aircraft would ever penetrate the Reich. Now, resentment soared and morale plummeted. The Germans bad been promised peace, but they had gotten only bombs. To Berlin, Goering made further assurance that though enemy aircraft might fly over Germany, they would never reach the capital. He even told them not to worry if an air raid siren went off. They should become alarmed and hurry into the shelter only if they heard the anti-aircraft guns. So, when the women in the Wittenau Munitions Works heard the wail of air raid sirens one night in late summer, they paused only long enough to look up their trays of grenades. But then, within moments came an unfamiliar sound. Like a loud, harsh barking. For a heartbeat, Lisel stood listening, puzzled. Her blood chilled. “It is the gun,” she said under her breath, not quite believing it. “It is the antiaircraft gun!” Lisel caught a glimpse of Herr Hahn as he leapt upon his desk. “Get to the cellars!” He screamed. “Get to the cellars!” Then everyone was running. Pushing for the doorway. Fighting for the stairs. Behind Lisel, she heard the rolling balla-balla-balla sound of flak. The women scrambled, stumbled down the dark stairs. They crowded into the cellar beneath the Munitions Works. It smelled damp and musty. Herr Hahn slammed down the cross piece that barred the heavy door and found this way to the center of the room, where he stood under a single bulb that hung from the ceiling. “Calm yourselves! Calm yourselves! He shouted at the women. “You will each find a seat on the benches or sit on the floor. If you have your gas mask, put it on. But above all, be calm.” Lisel pushed her way to an inside wall where Susanne stood, as if in shock, her normally cheerful face drawn and pale and her brown eyes glazed. “We must sit, Susanne,” Lisel said, taking her friends’ icy hands and pulling her to the floor, where they sat with their backs against the wall. Around her, she heard the other women weeping and swearing and praying. Lisel’s teeth wanted to chatter but she gritted them. She squeezed Susanne’s hand. “It will be all right soon, she said. Dumbly, Susanne nodded. Tears streaked her face. Lisel shut her eyes on her own burning tears and sent up a fervent appeal. “Father, please protect us. Protect Papa and Marta and Michael and Kurt.” From overhead, she heard the hum of an aircraft as it flew low over the Works. Then, again, the bark of the antiaircraft gun. Heavy flack fell with a wuuu-ummm sound then a slow rolling echo. “Why are they doing this to us?” Susanne cried out. “Why are they doing this?”
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A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter seeks to begin her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave his lumberjack life and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the new proprietress must learn to face her past. Can affection grow between the cabinetmaker and the proprietress of St. Ignace’s newest business? And when danger threatens, will they survive to attend the Lumberjacks’ Ball?
About the Author
A decade after surviving a brutal attack, a mercantile owner’s daughter seeks to begin her life anew in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A gifted craftsman wishes to leave his lumberjack life and seeks employment at her new store. When his presence dredges up memories she wishes to suppress, the new proprietress must learn to face her past. Can affection grow between the cabinetmaker and the proprietress of St. Ignace’s newest business? And when danger threatens, will they survive to attend the Lumberjacks’ Ball?
Connect with Carrie on:
Goodreads Facebook Twitter Pinterest Amazon Website/Blog Overcoming with God Blog Author Interview with Carrie Fancett PagelsReview
In The Lumberjacks’ Ball, book two in the Christy Lumber Camp series, author Carrie Fancet Pagels has once again written a story that readers will enjoy, wanting to read it again and again. Carrie’s characters are well developed, easy to connect with, as well as delightfully engaging. This story takes readers into the world of a small town and lumberjack camp where tragedy and excitement alike takes place. This well-crafted story, full of rich characters will both touch and inspire readers. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy inspiring romance fiction novels.
Series: The Christy Lumber Camp Series/Christmas Traditions Genre: holiday; Christmas; inspirational Publisher: Hearts Overcoming Press Publication date: April 4, 2015 Number of pages: 144 Other books in the series: 1-The Fruitcake Challenge 3-Lilacs for Juliana Giveaway
A review copy of this book was provided by the author, Carrie Fancett Pagels, and Carrie Fancett Pagels Pals – Readers/Reviewers/Influencers.
About the Book
God’s perfect plan is sometimes so hard to determine. Gwendolyn, Cecelia, and the youngest, Bonnie, make a pact never to break their father’s heart like their big sister did. Then their determination is sorely tried when suitors show up, and he gets so pigheaded with his rules. Will Henry survive his daughters coming of age? Will they endure and keep their promises to each other?
From one man asking to court her—who Daddy sends packing—Gwen goes to three! How can she ever decide? Cecelia knows exactly who she wants, but she’s still a year away from Daddy’s acceptable courting age. What if her beau doesn’t know or won’t wait? And Bonnie hates being the baby and wants to be grown-up more than just about anything…except her man. She is for sure and for certain in love. In his life, Henry Buckmeyer has never been so beside himself. His little girls are so young, just babies, too young. He hates the whole idea of men coming to take them away and is inclined to shoot every one of them, but praise God for a levelheaded, loving wife and step-mother! She helps keep him sane amidst the female chaos. Packed with fun, romance, deception, action, heartbreak and tears, this delightful Christian novel keeps the twists and turns coming. Will the Buckmeyer home ever be settled and peaceful again? Will any of his daughters find true love…a man he'll approve and to whom he can give his blessing? About the Author
Caryl, praying her story gives God glory, loves writing for Christian genres--historical and contemporary romance, Biblical fiction, and mid-grade especially. In 2014, Simon and Schuster debuted VOW UNBROKEN, a historical Christian romance set in 1832 Texas, and Caryl followed with three additional novels. In April, LADY LUCK'S A
LOSER (contemporary, mature, inspirational romance) September's debut, HEARTS STOLEN (set in 1839-1844), book two of her historical Christian Texas Romances--a #1 Amazon Best-seller, and in November, A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, volume one of her new Biblical fiction series, The Generations--also an Amazon #1 Best-seller. For every good blessing - including ten children (four by birth, six by marriage) and sixteen grandsugars - she gives God the glory. Caryl lives a country-life with Ron, her high school sweetheart husband of forty-seven years and two grandsons, in the woods a few miles south of Clarksville, Red River County seat, located in far Northeast Texas with two grandsons Christian (16) and Benjamen (13). Review
Full adventure, mischief, and romance, author Caryl McAdoo has written an entertaining and enjoyable historical fiction, romance novel that readers will love. Getting to know the Buckmeyer sisters, Gwendolyn, Cecelia, and Bonnie, is quite the venture, as each sister has her own story. Although readers may not get especially attached to the characters and their relationships with one another, this story is still fun and will touch your heart. I would recommend this novel to readers that are ready for a historical fiction, Texas-romance adventure novel.
Series: Texas Romance Genre: historical fiction; Christian fiction; romance Publisher: Howard Books Publication date: September 1, 2015 Number of pages: 243 Other books in the series: 1-Vow Unbroken 2-Hearts Stolen 3-Hope Reborn 4-Sins of the Mothers 6-Just Kin (coming January, 2016) Giveaway
A review copy of this novel was provided by Celebrate Lit.
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