Tag Archives: Tennessee

#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/.

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#BookReview: Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander

9 Oct

Christmas at Carnton is a wonderful novella that launches a brand-new series from one of my favorite authors! Set against the backdrop of the Carnton Plantation, Alexander once again brings Tennessee history to life and beckons readers to step back in time. I delighted in the richness and vibrancy of Aletta and Jake’s story and was captivated by their heartfelt journey. I love stories set during the Civil War era, and this tender tale is no exception. I can’t wait to continue the Carnton series!

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

 

About the book:

In the midst of war and the fading dream of the Confederacy, a wounded soldier and a destitute widow discover the true meaning of Christmas, the cost of love . . . and of loving again.

Recently widowed, Aletta Prescott struggles to hold life together for herself and her six-year-old son. About to be evicted, she sees an advertisement for the Ladies Aid Society Auction and applies for a position—only to discover it’s been filled. Then a chance meeting with a wounded soldier offers another opportunity. And friendship. But can she trust him? Is Jake Winston the man he appears to be? Having lost everything once, Aletta is determined to guard not only her own heart but also her son’s.

Captain Jake Winston, a revered Confederate sharpshooter, suffers a head wound at the Battle of Chickamauga. When doctors deliver their diagnosis, Jake fears losing not only his greatest skill but his very identity. As he heals, Jake is ordered to assist with a local Ladies Aid Society auction. He respectfully objects. Kowtowing to a bunch of “crinolines” isn’t his idea of soldiering. But orders are orders, and he soon discovers this group of ladies—one, in particular—is far more than he bargained for.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

8 Aug

To Wager Her Heart is a heartfelt journey back in time, combining fact and fiction and immersing readers in Nashville’s diverse history. There is much to love about Alexandra Jamison and Sylas Rutledge and their emotional journey. From the wonderful characterization to the compelling story line, Tamera Alexander captivated me with the third and final Belle Meade novel. I love this remarkable series and highly recommend each novel to fans of historical fiction!

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

 

Join Tamera TONIGHT to celebrate the release of To Wager Her Heart!

 

About the book:

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society’s expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn’t tear them apart first.

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father’s name. One man holds the key to Sy’s success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville’s society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he’s found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison’s fiancee—and what has broken her heart.

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen’s university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy’s roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn’t count on is having to wager her heart to do it.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

21 Mar

A Note Yet Unsung is a beautiful story! This third novel in the Belmont Mansion series highlights a deep love and appreciation of music, and I was fascinated by the historical details Alexander included. Alive with a richness and vibrancy that resonates through the narrative, I loved Tate and Rebekah and their emotional journey. From trials to triumphs, this pitch perfect tale captivated me from beginning to end!

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

 

About the book:

Despite her training as a master violinist, Rebekah Carrington was denied entry into the Nashville Philharmonic by young conductor Nathaniel Whitcomb, who bowed to public opinion. Now, with a reluctant muse and a recurring pain in his head, he needs her help to finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he’s robbed her of her dream?

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

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#BookReview: More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

20 Jun

More Than Rivals

More Than Rivals by Ken Abraham

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/28PaLSN

In 1970, one small southern town was a powder keg ready to erupt.
But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in Gallatin, Tennessee. They knew the barriers that divided them–some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart–but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the basketball court. After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill rose as leaders of their respective high school teams. And at the end of the 1970 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game. What happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill–and transform their town.

 

My thoughts:

“To me, it’s just basketball. The sport is the common denominator that brings us all together. Colored or white, it doesn’t matter. It’s just a game.”

More Than Rivals is a poignant story! Ken Abraham brings the time period to life as he shares the story of an unlikely pairing and a championship game that transformed a Tennessee community. I was immediately drawn into the lives of Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon, and I enjoyed their amazing journey.

Based on a true story, More Than Rivals is an informative glimpse of history, as well as a touching tale of friendship!

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

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