Jody Hedlund is celebrating the release of Luther and Katharina! Stop by her Facebook Page this week for fun trivia questions and book giveaways!
Review: The Methuselah Project
6 Oct
The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1GcsGbS
Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.
Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed—until the day he’s shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.
When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success—but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn’t aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn’t Captain America—just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger’s sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there’s no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It’s 2015—and the world has become an unrecognizable place.
Katherine Mueller—crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle—offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he’s trying to flee?
My thoughts:
The Methuselah Project is an intriguing story! When Roger Greene’s plane is shot down over enemy territory, he is captured and held as a prisoner of war. However, Roger also becomes a Nazi science experiment, and his life is changed in ways he never could have imagined.
I love World War II fiction and enjoyed traveling back in time and meeting this special war hero. Barry’s attention to detail is tremendous and his knowledge of WWII history is evident in his storytelling. I am not usually a fan of sci-fi elements, but those contained in this story were well-written and very engaging. I really enjoyed the convergence of the story lines and reveled in its twists, turns, and surprises. Rick Barry has penned an imaginative tale, and I look forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Blog tour landing page:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/rbarry
Rick Barry is the author of Gunner’s Run, another World War II novel, Kiriath’s Quest, and over 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times. Rick lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Review: Love’s Every Whisper
3 Oct
Love’s Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1QQ2R7k
Victoria Donnelly is, as always, a failure. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, Victoria’s determined to redeem herself and snag a proposal from a wealthy childhood acquaintance, Gilbert Sinclair. But returning to Eagle Harbor stirs up long forgotten memories. And worse, old affection for her betrothed’s enemy.
Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen’s sons don’t marry shipping barons’ daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks.
He knows how to save drowning sailors, but how is he to save a woman from the biggest mistake of her life—without destroying both their hearts in the process?
My thoughts:
I have been eager to revisit Eagle Harbor since the moment I finished reading Love’s Unfading Light! You can read my thoughts about Book 1 here.
In this second book of the series, Naomi Rawlings once again captivated me with her beautiful storytelling. The story’s details and descriptions are vivid, and I could hear the wind and the waves as storms raged along the Michigan coast.
I could also see the characters in my mind’s eye, and I loved Elijah’s passions for life-saving and Victoria’s determination to redeem herself. These characters and their growth, in strength and spirit, was such a pleasure to experience, as was the spiritual thread that is woven through the narrative.
Love’s Every Whisper is a compelling historical romance and a highly recommended read for fans of this genre. I loved this story and look forward to continuing the series in Book 3, Love’s Sure Dawn!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
A mother of two young boys, Naomi Rawlings spends her days picking up, cleaning, playing and, of course, writing. Her husband pastors a small church in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, where her family shares its ten wooded acres with black bears, wolves, coyotes, deer and bald eagles. Naomi and her family live only three miles from Lake Superior, where the scenery is beautiful and they average 200 inches of snow per winter. Naomi writes bold, dramatic stories containing passionate words and powerful journeys.
To learn more about Naomi and her books, please visit her website.
Friday Freebies
2 Oct
The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough
Check yourself into the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series by Vickie McDonough, where you’ll meet Luke Davis, marshal of Lookout, Texas, who flippantly tells his cousin he’d get married if the right woman ever came along. When three mail-order brides are delivered to Luke a month later, he’s in an uncomfortable predicament. How will he ever choose his mate? Rachel Hamilton’s long-time love for Luke is reignited with his return to town. So when three mail-order brides appear, she panics. Will she find the courage to tell Luke that she loves him? Or take an anonymous part in the contest for his hand?
A Patchwork Christmas Collection
Join three of today’s bestselling inspirational fiction authors in a collection of Christmas stories from Victorian-era America that are full of second-chance romances. Jilted by her fiancé, Karla packs away her wedding quilts and her plans for marriage. Widow Jane travels to marry a prosperous man she barely knows in order to give her daughter a better life—then is stranded in a winter storm. Ada, a wealthy ingénue, inadvertently causes grave injury to a poor man she once considered quite a catch. Each must search her heart, change her plans. . .and patch together a tender, unexpected life filled with love.
Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson
Leah Barringer and her brother, Jacob, have come to love the rugged Alaskan Territory they call home.
But when Jacob determines to join an arctic expedition, Leah realizes her heart yearns for more than this solitary existence.
The unexpected arrival of Jayce Kincaide, the man who spurned her ten years before, awakens feelings that Leah would much prefer to leave buried. As Jayce sets out to prove he’s a changed man, Leah cannot deny the effect he once again has upon her. But the appearance of a young investigator casts a cloud over Jayce’s past…and over Leah’s dreams for the future.
Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre
30 Sep
The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general’s past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?
Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal–readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.
My thoughts:
“Though sympathy tugged at her, Sophie’s imagination made fearsome leaps. The grieving widower. The destitute governess. A motherless child. It had all the makings of a scintillating novel.”
The Mistress of Tall Acre is captivating! One of my favorite reads so far this year, this story and its characters stole my heart!
Sophie Menzies and Seamus and Lily Cate Ogilvy are memorable characters who share a remarkable journey. Their story is brimming with drama, suspense, and romance, and includes a plot twist that I never expected. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out how this story would unfold!
Laura Frantz’s writing is beautiful and her historical details transport readers to another time and place. I loved The Mistress of Tall Acre and highly recommend this story to historical fiction fans!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Award-winning author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky. Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net.
Review: The Lost Heiress
29 Sep
The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White
Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. When her friend Justin uncovers the fact that she is possibly a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.
The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close–but will their loyalty come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother?
As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that their friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?
And then for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession–and those who can save her still aren’t sure who to trust.
My thoughts:
The Lost Heiress is a gripping story that reads like a literary classic!
Roseanna M. White’s vivid imagery and exquisite detail swept me away to the Edwardian era, and I quickly became immersed in the history, mystery, and romance of this story. Although the cast is extensive, each character, from hero to villain, is well-defined, and there are several I look forward to revisiting as the series progresses.
Brook Eden is an enchanting heroine who longs to discover who she is and where she belongs. Her journey, rife with drama and danger, held me captive with each turn of the page. I loved Brook and Justin’s story and am eager to continue the Ladies of the Manor series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna has a slew of historical novels available, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia.
Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
Review: The Memory Weaver
28 Sep
The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick
Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping
Eliza 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?
My thoughts:
“Emotions wrap around memory.
We don’t recall the detail in our stories; we remember the experience.”
The Memory Weaver is a compelling literary journey! Based on actual events, Jane Kirkpatrick seamlessly weaves fact and fiction and creates a world of intrigue, drama, and romance. The characters and their emotions are vivid, as are the historical details of the narrative. I was captivated by this story of transformation through tragedy and recommend The Memory Weaver to fans of historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Reviewers and readers alike acclaim Jane’s work as unique in a world of storytellers. “Kirkpatrick’s books enfold the reader. They whisper “let me tell you about a woman who…. They find a secret place in each of us and bring it gently to the surface.” The Statesman Journal, Salem Oregon. Moving from being a rancher, writer and rattlesnake fighter to full time writer has produced 29 books from bestselling and award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick. She has 24 novels and five non-fiction titles to her credit. Creating stories from the lives of actual historical women or events, Jane’s focus is on telling stories that inspire. “I like helping people from the distant past step from their generation into our own to teach us and touch us with their lives.”
Jane lives with her husband Jerry and two dogs near Bend in Central Oregon. Her works have sold over a million copies, been translated into foreign languages, won literary awards such as the Wrangler, WILLA Literary and Carol as well as being a New York Times bestseller. A mental health professional, she’s a lively presenter who has spoken about the power of story throughout the world. Enjoy receiving her Story Sparks newsletter by signing up at http://www.jkbooks.com/
Review: To Get To You
26 Sep
To Get To You by Joanne Bischof
Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble
To get to the girl he loves, Riley Kane must head off on a road trip with the father he never knew. Then pray for a miracle. Most teens would love to have a pro surfer for a dad. Just not Riley. Abandoned as a kid, he hates the sound of the ocean and the man who gave himself to it. When the eighteen-year-old learns that his best friend is stranded at a New Mexico hospital as her father fights for his life, Riley hits the highway to head east. But when his Jeep breaks down before he even leaves California, he must rely on the one man he despises to get to the girl who needs him the most. And when it comes to the surfer with the Volkswagen van and dog-eared map, a thousand miles may–or may not–be enough to heal the past.
To Get to You is a heartwarming story!
Joanne Bischof never fails to tug at my heartstrings and make me feel for her characters and their journeys. Although To Get to You is classified as Young Adult fiction, I believe Riley and Becca’s story is one readers of all ages will enjoy!
One thing that makes this tale especially unique is that it is written from the male perspective. I really enjoyed experiencing Riley’s journey and loved his memorable road trip with Jake and Saul. The sights and sounds along the way were palpable, as were the emotions.
I also enjoyed Riley and Becca’s subtle and sweet romance. From very different backgrounds, these two are drawn to each other from the moment they meet, and their feelings continue to grow as they spend time together with Becca’s family.
To Get to You addresses teenage angst and coming of age issues and does so with humor, heart, and hope. I loved this story of new beginnings and second chances and can’t wait for the next book in the Wild Air series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts!
Joanne is celebrating the release of To Get to You with an exciting Road Trip Giveaway! Two great prize packages are up for grabs, so visit Joanne’s blog and enter now!
Christy Award-finalist and author of Be Still My Soul, Though My Heart Is Torn, and My Hope Is Found, Joanne Bischof has a deep passion for Appalachian culture and writing stories that shine light on God’s grace and goodness. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, folk music, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. You can visit her website at www.joannebischof.com.
Friday Freebies
25 Sep
Don’t Wait For Me by Dan Kolbet
Edwin Klein’s iconic downtown toy store is hanging by a thread. The end is near, but he won’t accept it. The store is all he has left of his wife and he can’t let it go. Failure and loss have led him to a dark place.
After a chance encounter with a shoplifter, he stumbles upon the help of Amelia Cook, who is struggling with her own loss. Through one holiday season the two of them hatch a plan to save the store and in turn touch the lives of everyone they know.
What follows is a wonderful, but tragic tale of love, loss and new beginnings.
To Trust an Outlaw by Rhonda Gibson
A gang of bandits has captured Elizabeth Winterspoon, and a case of mistaken identity is the only thing keeping her safe for now. With no one else to turn to, she begins to accept the help that one outlaw has offered. Jonathan Russell hates deceiving Elizabeth, but the closer he gets to the truth, the more his cover can’t be compromised. When he finds himself falling in love, his past comes back to haunt him. Will Elizabeth be able to truly forgive and allow the Lord to help her to trust an outlaw?
Agnes Hopper Shakes Up Sweetbriar by Carol Heilman
Summer’s steamy haze coats North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, but feisty Agnes Marie Hopper discovers the heat isn’t the only thing causing her blood to boil. After a kitchen fire destroys her home, Agnes moves in with her daughter, Betty Jo. Three months later they come to an understanding: neither can tolerate living with the other. So on a sultry August morning, Betty Jo drives Agnes and her few belongings to Sweetbriar Manor, a local retirement home and former house of ill repute.
With no intention of staying, Agnes devises a scheme to sneak out of the Manor and find another place to live. Before she can make her exit, she runs into her best friend from high school, along with some other quirky characters. With a nose for trouble, Agnes learns some of the residents are being robbed, over-medicated, and denied basic cable and Internet access. Armed with nothing more than seventy-one years of common sense and a knack for pushing people’s buttons, Agnes sets out to expose the unscrupulous administrator, protect her new friends, and restore Sweetbriar Manor’s reputation as a “rewarding and enriching lifestyle. But the real moment of truth comes when Agnes is forced to choose between her feisty self-reliance and the self-sacrifice that comes from caring for others.
Buzzing About Books 