Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

#BookReview: Mattie’s Pledge by Jan Drexler

29 Sep

matties-pledge

Mattie’s Pledge by Jan Drexler

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2ddDCl6

Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community–friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.
Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they’ve both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can’t help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?

 

My thoughts:

Mattie’s Pledge is the second book in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series. Although I have not read Book 1, Hannah’s Choice, I had no trouble following the continuing story line.

Mattie Schrock is an endearing character, and I really enjoyed getting to know her and experiencing her emotional journey. As several families join the Shrocks in relocating to Indiana, Mattie wrestles with her feelings for Jacob Yoder and her desire for adventure.

Weaving elements of history through the narrative, Drexler offers a unique glimpse into the Amish migration, which I found to be very interesting. Combining drama, intrigue, and romance, Mattie and Jacob’s story is a tender tale and a recommended read for fans of Amish fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: The Lady and the Lionheart | Big Top #Giveaway

14 Sep

the-lady-and-the-lionheart

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1UO0dos

Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia.

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

 

My thoughts:

The Lady and the Lionheart is a story to be savored! Joanne Bischof is a magnificent storyteller, and her words never fail to leave an indelible mark on my heart. Such is the case with this tender and touching tale; each and every word engages the senses and stirs the emotions. I loved slipping behind the curtain and experiencing the sights and sounds of the Big Top world. Completely smitten by Charlie and Ella, my heart ached for these special characters and their extraordinary journey. Beautifully poignant, The Lady and the Lionheart is not to be missed!

 

GIVEAWAY!

big-top-giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Lady and the Lionheart, Joanne is giving away a box of Big Top goodies, perfect for a storybook day at the circus!  Click here to fill out the entry form.  Drawing is open through September 22, 2016.

 

the-lady-and-the-lionheart

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Newton and Polly Pre-Order Offer + Sweepstakes

13 Sep

newton-and-polly

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

 

PRE-ORDER OFFER!

newton-and-polly-pre-order-offer

Pre-order a copy of Newton & Polly before September 20, 2016 and receive a printable “Amazing Grace” pdf!  

 

SWEEPSTAKES!

newton-and-polly

Enter to win a copy of Newton & Polly!  

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: A Rancher of Convenience | Facebook Release Party

12 Sep

a-rancher-of-convenience

A Rancher of Convenience by Regina Scott

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2c5xa1u

Sweet mail-order bride Nancy Bennett can’t believe it when her husband is exposed as a cattle rustler—and killed. And when the banker holding the ranch’s mortgage questions whether she can run the ranch on her own, the pregnant widow has nowhere to turn. Until steady foreman Hank Snowden proposes marriage…

Racked with grief about his role in Lucas Bennett’s death, Hank resolves to do right by the man’s wife and child. So it’s natural for him to step in as Nancy’s newly minted husband. But the marriage of convenience may become more than a mere obligation…if only Hank and his bride can brave the first steps toward elusive true love.

 

My thoughts:

Regina Scott is a splendid storyteller, and I loved her fresh twist on this marriage of convenience story! A Rancher of Convenience takes readers to Texas in the late 1800s, and I enjoyed the bits of history of my home state. I also delighted in the wonderful characterization and the development of Nancy and Hank’s sweet story. Humorous and heartwarming, A Rancher of Convenience charmed me from beginning to end!

Although this is the third book in the Lone Star Cowboy League continuity series, A Rancher of Convenience is a story that can easily stand alone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

YOU’RE INVITED!

september-release-party

Join Danica Favorite, Gabrielle Meyer, Regina Scott, and Winnie Griggs TOMORROW, September 13, as they celebrate their September releases! Chat with the authors, learn more about their books, and win some fabulous prizes!

RSVP here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1087442108013856/

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: Starving Hearts | Delightful Heart #Giveaway

1 Sep

Starving Hearts

Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28OtflH

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?

 

My thoughts:

Starving Hearts is an intricately woven tale of sordid secrets and dastardly deceptions. In her debut novel, Mendenhall introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters and skillfully sets the stage for the series to follow. While the characterization is strong and the imagery vivid, there were times when I struggled a bit with the story. I found it very engaging in parts, yet other times my interest waned. Steeped in historical themes and elements, Starving Hearts blends intrigue and romance and leaves readers wondering what will happen next as the Triangular Trade Trilogy continues.

 

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

starving hearts - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

starving hearts - collage

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.

starving hearts - enterbanner

 

Janine Mendenhall

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.

 

Starving Hearts
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Starving Hearts. 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: The Artisan’s Wife by Judith Miller

25 Aug

The Artisan's Wife

The Artisan’s Wife by Judith Miller

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bch98a

Ainslee McKay’s world is shaken when she discovers her twin sister has not only eloped with a man she barely knows but now Ainslee must fulfill their obligation at a tile works in Weston, West Virginia. Ainslee must learn the ropes and, if she can keep the tile works profitable, her brother will help her sell the business.

When Levi Judson arrives and shows Ainslee his designs for new tiles, she’s impressed by his skill and passion for the business. But he’s hiding his true reason for coming to Weston. And Ainslee knows he’d be crushed to learn his plans for a long career at McKay Tile Works are in vain since she intends to sell. Can the growing feelings between them survive if the truth comes to light–or is a future together as untenable as the future of the tile works itself?

 

My thoughts:

Alive with imagery and emotion, The Artisan’s Wife captured my attention from beginning to end! It was such a pleasure to revisit the McKay family, and I delighted in the history and romance of Ainslee’s story. I also enjoyed learning about the tile making process and the artistry involved in creating mosaic tiles. Judith Miller never fails to charm me with her characters and their stories, and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Tags: , , , , , ,

#BookReview: River Rest by Susan Page Davis

4 Aug

River Rest

River Rest by Susan Page Davis

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In rural Maine in 1918, Judith Chadbourne gives up her teaching job after her mother’s death to help her father with her five siblings. But when her father sinks into deep depression and her brother Joel is drafted, the household chores and farm work may overwhelm her. Neighbor Ben Thayer offers to buy their farm, shocking Judith and angering her father. An outsider from New York, Ben seems rich and mysterious, but his heart aches from his own loss. Judith accidentally breaks the antique crystal Christmas ornament her mother loved. The splintering star echoes her family’s shattering. Ben’s efforts to help make Judith suspicious, but when Joel falls critically ill at the army camp, Ben’s aid brings the beginnings of trust. After the armistice, and the community and family start to recover from the strain of the war, but Judith learns independence is lonely. When Ben is injured, she is the only one who can help him. Can love take her beyond the frozen Maine winter?

My thoughts:

As I opened the pages of River Rest, I quickly became enamored with the story, its setting, and its characters. Susan Page Davis is a wonderful storyteller who deftly transports readers to another time and place!

With her father in the throes of depression, Judith Chadbourne struggles to maintain the family farm and oversee the household. When her mysterious neighbor offers assistance, Judith is leery and resists his efforts. The story that unfolds is an engaging and heartfelt tale that captivated me from beginning to end!

After reading the note at the end of the book, I delighted in the story even more, as it was partly inspired by diary entries from Davis’s great-aunt. I loved River Rest and highly recommended this story 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.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: A Beauty Refined | Precious Gems #Giveaway

2 Aug

A Beauty Refined

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29Sh70o

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.

 

My thoughts:

A Beauty Refined is an intriguing tale of danger, deception, and romance! When Phoebe Von Bergen arrives in Montana with her father, she is shocked by several unexpected discoveries.

I was quickly captivated by Phoebe’s story, not putting the book down until the last page had been turned. I delighted in the historical details included in the narrative, as well as the threads of suspense and romance. Tracie Peterson transports readers to the past with her beautiful storytelling, and I can’t wait to read more of her stories!

 

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!

beauty refined - 400

One grand prize winner will receive:

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!

beauty refined - enterbanner

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!

 

Tracie Peterson

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.

 

 

 

A Beauty Refined

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about A Beauty Refined.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: Honor Redeemed by Christine Johnson

27 Jul

Honor Redeemed- cover

Honor Redeemed by Christine Johnson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2abnLnY

Her future–and her heart–hang in the balance.

Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life.

But when Prosperity arrives penniless in the South, she is dismayed to find David has not been eagerly awaiting their reunion. In fact, he is married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, Prosperity gains the friendship–and the affection–of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?

 

My thoughts:

Honor Redeemed is a beautiful and stirring story! Christine Johnson swept me away to historic Key West, and her imagery brought the island setting to life. I loved the complexity of the characters and was captivated by their dramatic stories. Prosperity and David’s story is a wonderful tale of “honor lost, honor redeemed, and a love forged in adversity.”

Although it is the second book in the Keys of Promise series, Honor Redeemed can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. However, those who have read Love’s Rescue are sure to delight in the opportunity to revisit Rourke and Elizabeth O’Malley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: To Follow Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

25 Jul

To Follow Her Heart- cover

To Follow Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2aupKzf

Duty and love are powerful forces. Only one has the power to make her life complete.

In 1664 Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton’s ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados. There were no survivors. She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island.

Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy sails aboard a British warship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown. When he makes his surprise return to Southold—and to an overjoyed Patience—it’s not quite the happily-ever-after his beloved had hoped for.

 

Quote- To Follow Her Heart

My thoughts:

To Follow Her Heart is a lovely conclusion to the Southold Chronicles! While this story can stand alone, I recommend reading the series in order for a greater understanding of the characters and their stories.

Patience Terry and Jeremy Horton are wonderful characters and their journey is fraught with drama, danger, and romance. My heart ached for Patience, and I found her strength and resilience inspiring. As her dearest friend reminded her, “You must be stronger than your fears because you have God with you every step of the way.”

Based on her own heritage, Rebecca DeMarino’s authenticity of story and setting adds a beautiful richness to the Southold Chronicles. I have enjoyed each of these novels and recommend them to fans of historical fiction.

 

Demarino-291

REBECCA DEMARINO inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother; a love of horses, reading, and writing from her dad—and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Her new novel, TO FOLLOW HER HEART releases this month from Revell. She is the author of A PLACE IN HIS HEART and TO CAPTURE HER HEART, books one and two of The Southold Chronicles.

Connect with Rebecca on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

 

To Follow Her Heart- cover

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →