Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

Cover Reveal + #Giveaway: An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White

14 Feb

I’m excited to reveal the lovely cover of Book 3 in Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series, An Hour Unspent, and share a giveaway to celebrate!  I love this series and am eager to read Evelina’s story!

 

Enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter HERE.  

 

The Grand Reveal…

About the book:

Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.

Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.

As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge—and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger—and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape it.

Pre-order links:
Amazon | Christianbook

 

Do you judge a book by its cover?
What do you think about the cover of An Hour Unspent?

#BookReview: My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York by Amanda Barratt

23 Jan

I really enjoyed this well-written story! Adele and Drew are endearing characters who bear responsibility for their family’s well-being, causing them to endeavor to seek financial gain. The story that unfolds is an engaging one of history and romance and is filled with surprising events that held my attention. My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York is a charming tale, and I look forward to reading more from Amanda Barratt.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

Learn more about My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York

#BookReview: The Melody of the Soul by Liz Tolsma | Prize Pack #Giveaway

23 Jan

The Melody of the Soul is an achingly beautiful story! Tolsma’s passion for research shines through this heart-wrenching tale that is alive with historical details and imagery. Meeting each of the characters and learning their stories, my heart ached for them and all they endured. With tender and tangible emotions, their journeys captivated me from the very beginning, making this book difficult to set aside. I loved The Melody of the Soul and eagerly await the next installment in the Music of Hope series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

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:

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!

 

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.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Read what other bloggers are saying about The Melody of the Soul

#BookReview: Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

18 Jan

Out of the Ordinary is a Gilded Age romance unlike any other! Humor and wit abound as the charming cast of characters, with their eccentricities and their antics, dance across the page. Delightfully entertaining from beginning to end, I relished the charming blend of mystery and romance in Gertrude’s and Harrison’s story. While Out of the Ordinary is lighthearted fare, it also delivers a heartfelt message. I love Turano’s tales and can’t wait for more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Miss Gertrude Cadwalader hoped her position as the paid companion to Mrs. Davenport would be easy. But as she becomes acquainted with her employer, she realizes the wealthy Mrs. Davenport has a strange tendency to be a bit light-fingered with other people’s trinkets. Gertrude is relieved when Mrs. Davenport decides to have a quiet summer away from the social scene–until the woman changes her mind in order to help a young socialite launch into society.

When Gertrude is caught in the act of trying to return one of the trinkets by Mrs. Sinclair, the mother of shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair, the woman jumps to an unfortunate conclusion. Harrison is determined to mend fences with Miss Cadwalader, but he’s unprepared for the escapades a friendship with her will entail.

Learn more about the book and the author.  

#BookReview: The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

17 Jan

Laura Frantz’s writing is exquisite, and I love experiencing her stories! That is certainly true for The Lacemaker, as I was swept away by this intricately woven tale. The history of the time period, the captivating characters, and their extraordinary journeys are enchanting and sure to delight fans of historical romance. Beautifully rendered, The Lacemaker is one of my favorite Frantz novels!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg on the eve of the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson is abandoned by her fiance and suspected of being a spy for the hated British. No one comes to her aid save the Patriot Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Liberty is left with a terrible choice. Will the Virginia belle turned lacemaker side with the radical revolutionaries, or stay true to her English roots? And at what cost?

Learn more about the book and the author.

#BookReview: A Mother for His Family by Susanne Dietze

16 Jan

A Mother for His Family is full of charm! Susanne Dietze is a gifted storyteller, painting vivid pictures with her details and descriptions. My heart went out to Lady Helena for all she endured, and I delighted in her relationship with Lord Ardoch. In addition to their story, I was also pleased to revisit Gemma and Tavin from Dietze’s earlier Regency, The Reluctant Guardian. An engaging blend of mystery and romance, I thoroughly enjoyed this marriage of convenience tale!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Lady Helena Stanhope’s reputation is in tatters…and she’s lost any hope for a “respectable” ton marriage. An arranged union is the only solution. But once Helena weds formidable Scottish widower John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, and encounters his four mischievous children, she’s determined to help her new, ever-surprising family. Even if she’s sure love is too much to ask for.

All John needs is someone to mother his admittedly unruly brood. He never imagined that beautiful Lady Helena would be a woman of irresistible spirit, caring, and warmth. Or that facing down their pasts would give them so much in common. Now, as danger threatens, John will do whatever it takes to convince Helena their future together—and his love—are for always.

Learn more about the book and the author.

#BookReview: His Frontier Christmas Family by Regina Scott

6 Dec

His Frontier Christmas Family is a delightful story! Regina Scott paints a vivid picture of frontier life, and it is a pleasure to spend time in Wallin Landing. With their playful banter and close camaraderie, the members of the Wallin family are among my favorite characters. I loved Callie and Levi and their holiday tale of adventure and romance! Frontier Bachelors is a wonderful series, and each story is sure to be enjoyed by fans of heartwarming historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

After taking guardianship of his late friend’s siblings and baby daughter, minister Levi Wallin hopes to atone for his troubled past on the gold fields. But it won’t be easy to convince the children’s wary elder sister to trust him. The more he learns about her, though, the more he believes Callie Murphy’s prickly manner masks a vulnerable heart…one he’s starting to wish he was worthy of.

Every man in Callie’s life chose chasing gold over responsibilities. Levi—and the large, loving Wallin family—might just be different. But she can tell he’s hiding something from her, and she refuses to risk her heart with secrets between them. Even as they grow closer, will their pasts keep them from claiming this unexpected new beginning?

Learn more about the book and the author.

#BookReview: Christy by Catherine Marshall

5 Dec

I had the pleasure of reading Christy for the first time as this timeless classic celebrates its 50th anniversary. What a beautiful story! Wonderfully told with imagery and emotion, a time and way of life are vividly portrayed as the characters spring to life on the page. I was captivated by Christy’s dramatic journey and loved the pearls of wisdom and life lessons shared in her story. Christy is a heartfelt and memorable tale!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.

But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?

Learn more, download a free map of Cutter Gap, and purchase a copy.

Read what other bloggers are saying about Christy.

 

About the author:

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), The New York Times best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel Christy. Based on the life of her mother, Christy captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in A Man Called Peter. A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of Guideposts, forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.

Find out more about Catherine at http://gileadpublishing.com/christy/.

#BookReview: Too Far Down by Mary Connealy

15 Nov

Connealy’s books are always a pleasure to read, and Too Far Down is no exception! The story begins with a bang, and the action and adventure continue until the very end. I enjoyed Cole and Mel’s story with its delightful blend of danger, romance, faith, and family. Although it is not a necessity, reading this series in order is recommended for a greater understanding of the ongoing storyline. Too Far Down is a great conclusion to the Cimarron Legacy series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thought expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

When an explosion kills men and damages the CR Mining Company, the Bodens realize their troubles are not behind them as they thought. Shadowy forces are still working against them.

Cole Boden finds himself caught between missing his time back East and all that New Mexico offers. Sure he fights with his siblings now and then, but he does care for them. He enjoys running the mine and, when he’s honest, he admits that Melanie Blake captures his interest in a way no other woman ever has.

Melanie has been a friend to the Bodens forever. A cowgirl who is more comfortable with horses and lassoes than people, she never expected to find herself falling for someone. Particularly for refined Cole Boden, a Harvard graduate who may not stay long at the ranch. She’s determined, however, to help the Bodens finally put an end to the danger that’s threatened all of them. But will putting herself in harm’s way be more dangerous than anyone expected?

Learn more about the book and the author.

#BookReview: Cherished Mercy by Tracie Peterson

14 Nov

Cherished Mercy is a compelling tale! Peterson drew me in with her wonderful storytelling, and my emotions were stirred by the dramatic story that unfolded. A frontier adventure brimming with love, loss, faith, and forgiveness, this poignant story is one I very much enjoyed.

Although I have not read the first book in this series, I have read Book 2, Beloved Hope, and was eager to continue the storyline in Cherished Mercy. I do hope to read Book 1, Treasured Grace, as I would like to learn more about the characters and the beginning of their journeys.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Mercy Flanagan survived the Whitman Massacre as a child, and now her heart’s cry is for peace between the native peoples and the white settlers inhabiting Oregon Territory. Unfortunately, most of the settlers would rather the tribes were removed from the land completely, one way or the other, and tensions are rising. Mercy has grown tired of Oregon City and feels that she has a larger purpose in life, so when she learns that family friend Eletta Browning is pregnant, she travels south to the Rogue River Valley to help.

At the Rogue River Mission, Mercy meets Eletta’s brother-in-law, Adam, who has suffered a broken engagement. Mercy finds him attractive, but Adam seems determined to focus on ministering to the local tribes and keeps Mercy at arm’s length.

When tragedy strikes and tensions in the territory reach the boiling point, Mercy is pushed to the limit of her strength. She and Adam must rely on their firm faith in God in order to make it out alive.

Learn more about the book and the author.