Book Review: Summer's Dream by Mary E Hanks

Summer's Dream

Second Chance Series Book 3

by Mary E Hanks

Series: Second Chance Series
Paperback: 314 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 20, 2015)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 2114 KB
Print Length: 314 pages
Publication Date: October 19, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

I love second-chance romances, immediately purchased this without reading the whole synopsis. The story is sweet and heartwarming. I liked that the author wove a realistic relationship between husband and wife. The reconciliation with their newfound faith feels so right. Looking forward to reading Ms. Hanks other books in this series.

Purchase your copy

About the book:

Summer dreamed of becoming an artist and painting natural beauty on canvas. But all that changed when she married Joshua Hart, a man carrying a powerful dream of his own. With a temper to match his wild-boy good looks, he stormed out of their marriage to pursue a life as a musician, leaving her alone and, unbeknown to him, pregnant.

Five years later, Summer is busy raising her daughter and managing the family's camp and retreat center in the woods of Eastern Washington. With her artistic dreams all but forgotten, her world turns upside down the day Josh shows up with an offer to help her get the camp ready--and plans for divorce.

Only Josh didn't expect to find a blue-eyed darling who calls him "Daddy" living at Hart's Camp. Not to mention his surprise over the attraction he still feels for Summer Day. Can he make amends for the past? Or is it too late?

Ty and Winter Williams, marriage-retreat speakers, share their heartwarming story of second chances, and Summer and Josh must face the choices they've made. Is God's grace enough to carry them through the divorce? Or can He change their hearts and help them find their way back to love?

Book Review: Never a Bridesmaid by Janice Thompson

Never a Bridesmaid: A May Wedding Story

(A Year of Weddings Novella Book 6)

by Janice Thompson

Kindle Edition
File Size: 2579 KB
Print Length: 85 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
Publisher: Zondervan (April 28, 2015)
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 2 hours and 26 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Zondervan
Audible.com Release Date: April 30, 2015

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ 

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from BookLookBloggers. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.


My thoughts:

First off, I don't think the title fits the story. Just read the synopsis!

Think I'd rate this as an OK book. The romance part was just okay, it didn't have that 'wow' feeling. The storytelling's kinda slow but some parts felt rushed. Weird? Lots of circling in the story but when people are introduced, no time to really know or connect with them. The plus in the story would be Mari's relationship with her family. Never had a sister so that was what I enjoyed exploring. 

 About the book:

Meet the people who make it all happen – the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Can one bridesmaid undo the disasters caused by a poorly chosen maid of honor and save her sister’s wedding from disaster?

Mari’s older sister Crystal is getting married, and Mari is one of her bridesmaids – actually, the last in a lineup of five bridesmaids, but that doesn’t really bother her. Much. But Sienna Jameson as the maid of honor? Really? She might be Crystal’s best friend, but she’s ditzy and undependable on her best days. When the best man turns out to be hunky Derrick Richardson, the right fielder for the Houston Astros and one of Houston’s most eligible bachelors, Sienna abandons her duties as maid of honor to chase Derrick, and it’s up to Mari to make sure Crystal’s wedding day goes off without a hitch.

While Mari is wrapped up in dress fittings, bridal showers, and bachelorette nights, Derrick has taken notice of her devotion to her sister and her determination to make the wedding perfect. But between dodging Sienna’s advances and watching Mari running around like a madwoman, Derrick is left to steal moments whenever he can to get to know this beautiful bridesmaid.

When the maid of honor shows up to the ceremony late and more done up than the bride herself, Mari fears her attempts to make her sister’s wedding perfect have all been for naught. Will the bride be up-staged by the maid of honor? Will the fifth-in-line bridesmaid ever be recognized for all the work she’s done? And will Mari finally have a moment to revel in the magic of a wedding and dance in the strong arms of a man?

Purchase your copy

Book Review: The Promise by Beth Wiseman

The Promise 

by Beth Wiseman

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2014)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1385 KB
Print Length: 294 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1401685951
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2014)
Sold by: HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 8 hours and 26 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Audible.com Release Date: September 30, 2014

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Booklookbloggers.com. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


My thoughts:

The book tells the story of Mallory Hammond's promise to a dying cousin. Since she couldn't donate her kidney to Kelsey as she was too young for an operation, she vowed to do it and save someone else's life when she's older.

Right after college, Mallory spent all her time literally looking at every opportunity where she can save life. She even worked in a medical clinic so she can help people while waiting to fulfill her promise.  One day, an opportunity came knocking on her door. A dying girl from Pakistan needs to travel to the US so she can have a chance for a better treatment. Although she knew traveling to a war-torn Pakistan would be a dangerous mission, she packed her bag and went to fetch the Pakistani girl.

Thought The Promise is the best Christian book I have read from Thomas Nelson. It talks about how people with different faith and background, still could get along, could feel love to one another as long as they respect each other's belief. Mallory, the main character is a non-believer while her boyfriend is a devout Catholic, her boss and his fiancée are both Muslim. The Promise is tagged as a Christian book, which is usually a slow read. I was pleasantly surprised that the story is intense, lots of action and suspense. Overall, this is an extremely good read, can't wait to read more from this author!

About the book:

Mallory's search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal--and danger. Can the only man she's ever loved rescue her before it's too late? Mallory Hammond is determined not to let her boyfriend, parents, or anyone else get in the way of her #1 goal--to save a life. She had that chance when she was a teenager, and the opportunity slipped away, leaving a void she's desperate to fill. 

Then a new friend she met online offers her the chance she's dreamed of. But she'll have to leave behind everyone she loves to take it. Tate Webber has loved Mallory for years. He understands that Mallory's free spirit has to fly, and when he gives her the space she needs, he hopes that when she lands, the two of them will be in the same place and can marry at last. In a bold move--and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her--Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dream. Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey to Pakistan anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend isn't who he says he is. And Mallory can only pray she'll make it out alive. 

Inspired by actual events, this riveting story will take you on a wild journey and have you asking yourself: How far would I go for love?

About the author:

Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List and the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. She is a three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and an INSPY Award winner. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--Seek Me With All Your Heart--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth is contracted with HarperCollins Christian Publishing into the year 2018, and she has published twelve novels and nine novellas to date.

As a former newspaper reporter, Beth was honored by her peers with eleven journalism awards, including first place news writing for The Texas Press Association. She has been a humor columnist for The 1960 Sun in Houston and published articles in various publications. However, writing novels is where her heart is. She left her job as a journalist in 2008 to write novels full time. 

Beth has a deep affection for the Amish and their simpler way of life, and while she plans to continue writing Amish love stories, she is also branching out into other areas. Her first non-Amish, contemporary--Need You Now--released in April 2012 and landed on the CBA Bestseller List. She enjoyed writing the story based in a town near where she lives, and she chose another small Texas town for her next non-Amish contemporary--The House that Love Built--which is based in Smithville, the same quaint town where movies such as Hope Floats and Tree of Life were filmed. 

In a daring new novel, Beth jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, Beth believes this is the book she's been working toward for a long time. 

Beth and her husband are empty nesters enjoying the country life in Texas with three dogs, two cats, and two potbellied pigs. When she's not writing, she loves to travel, paint, and enjoy time with friends and family. You can find Beth at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook where she interacts with readers or visit bethwiseman.com to learn more about Beth and her books.

Book Review: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (Whispers On The Moors) by Sarah E. Ladd

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall 

(Whispers On The Moors #3) 

by Sarah E. Ladd 

Series: Whispers On The Moors (Book 3)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2014)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1343 KB
Print Length: 344 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 9 hours and 56 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged


Note: I received a review copy of this book free from BookLook Bloggers. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I don't really choose books because of covers but this time I did. It was soooo nice to look at and very intriguing!  

Each character has depth, believable, interesting. Character building is the most important aspect of the book and in novels like this, it is even more important because readers are transported to a historical setting. Readers should be able to connect to the characters and setting and this one has both. Cecily, Nathan and some minor characters have their own back story which also made the book captivating.  

As much as I love the book, got one negative things to say. The appearance/revelation of one of the characters in the mid part of the book was so predictable. I was on denial this could happen to a book so good. 

Overall, it was engaging and well written. I'd definitely read more books from this author.  

About the book:

Her secret cloaks her in isolation and loneliness. His secret traps him in a life that is not his own.

Darbury, England, 1819

Cecily Faire carries the shame of her past wherever she treads, knowing one slip of the tongue could expose her disgrace. But soon after becoming a lady’s companion at Willowgrove Hall, Cecily finds herself face-to-face with a man well-acquainted with the past she’s desperately hidden for years.

Nathaniel Stanton has a secret of his own—one that has haunted him for years and tied him to his father’s position as steward of Willowgrove Hall. To protect his family, Nathaniel dares not breathe a word of the truth. But as long as the shadow looms over him, he’ll never be free to find his own way in the world. He’ll never be free to fall in love.

When the secrets swirling within Willowgrove Hall come to light, Cecily and Nathaniel must confront a painful choice: Will they continue running from the past . . . or will they stand together and fight for a future without the suffocating weight of secrets long kept?

About the author:

Hello, I am Sarah E. Ladd, author of "The Heiress of Winterwood", which is an inspirational romance novel set in Regency England. This book is the first book of the "Whispers on the Moors" series and will release April 2013. 

I would love to connect with you on Facebook and talk about all things Regency! Be sure to like my page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/SarahLaddAuthor

Book Review: Amish Second Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid, and Tricia Goyer

Amish Second Christmas 

by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Ruth Reid, and Tricia Goyer

Hardcover
Series: Thorndike Press Large Print Christian Fiction
Hardcover: 597 pages
Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print; Lrg edition (January 28, 2015)
Amazon Hardcover Link

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2014)
Amazon Paperback Link

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1460 KB
Print Length: 419 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Amazon Kindle Link

Audible Audio Edition

Listening Length: 11 hours and 40 minutes

Program Type: Audiobook

Version: Unabridged

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Audible.com Release Date: November 4, 2014

Whispersync for Voice: Ready

Audible Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from BookLookBloggers.com. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

Amish Second Christmas is a collection of four Christmas Amish romances. It has been a while since the last time I read an Amish book. As always, the stories are sweet, light and at times funny. Reading this kind of book makes me want to visit one of their communities and experience the simplicity of their life. 

Second Christmas

The Christmas church service may or may not be held on December 25th, but both Christmas and the following day, sometimes called "second Christmas," are holidays for the Amish. This second day is usually one of relaxation or visiting others. (http://www.amishnews.com/amisharticles/amishchristmas.htm)

Out of all the four stories, WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES AGAIN is my favorite. 

“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman
Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine  begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store. 

The story is like an ordinary one but the appearance of the Englischer (non-Amish person) made it an extraordinary story. The twist made my heart ache for Elias, Katherine's husband I never "met" (died in an accident). I am giving the story five stars.

“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid
Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.

I can't imagine Amish people having penpals. From what I understand, they live in a small area, and most Amish are shy and rarely go outside their community. This one was unexpectedly a nice story.

“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller
Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins. 

Best friends. . . .  sweet story for teens.... 

“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer
Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.

I don't like stories with a character that has low self-esteem especially if the character is no longer a 'teen'. 

All in all, it was a good read! Looking forward to reading more Amish stories in the future!

About the book:

“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman

Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine  begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store. 


“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid

Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.

“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins. 

“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer

Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.

About the authors:

Award-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but she has also written several successful contemporary novels, set primarily in her beloved Texas, including Need You Now and The House that Love Built. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth's The Promise is inspired by a true story. Website: www.bethwiseman.com Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman

Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including A Man of His Word and Treasuring Emma, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, The Mysteries of Middlefield. Website: www.kathleenfuller.com Twitter: @TheKatJam Facebook: Author Kathleen Fuller

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children. Facebook: Author-Ruth-Reid Twitter: @authorruthreid

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. Tricia and her husband John live in Little Rock, Arkansas where John works for FamilyLife. They have six children. Twitter: @triciagoyer Facebook: authortriciagoyer 

Book Review: Letters to Katie by Kathleen Fuller

Letters to Katie

Author: Kathleen Fuller
Series: A Middlefield Family Novel
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 7, 2013)

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Booksneeze.com. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Letters to Katie is the third book to the Middlefield Family Series. This book centers to two Amish young couples, Katie and Johhny + Sawyer and Laura.

Initially, it was a little dragging. Didn't like Cora's (Sawyer's grandmother) ways of showing love to Sawyer and I admit there's sometimes a feeling of unease to Sawyer's constant mention of his faith to the Lord. As for Johnny and Katie's story, liked it better than Sawyer and Laura's. The conflict seems better/real to me. I liked their story, painful to very sweet ending. If you are into clean romance books, go out and grab yourself a copy of this book. 

About the book:

Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.

Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since the two were children, but he’s never returned her affections.

Now Johnny is trying to forge a new life for himself by purchasing a farm and building a business of his own. But times are tough, and he soon learns that he can’t take anything for granted—especially Katherine.

Before Johnny has the opportunity to tell Katherine his true feelings, she’s struck by a serious illness. While Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor comes back into her life, claiming that his letters speak of a history and a future for the two of them.
With the two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so torn. But will the solutions to both Johnny’s and Katherine’s problems lie in places neither one has ever considered?

About the author:

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and currently live in Geneva, Ohio. I've been married to James for 20 wonderful years (really, they have been wonderful!) We have three terrific children, two dogs, and have raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. We would have gone into the goat business, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I started writing in 2000, and published my first short story a year later. Since then I have authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and have done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I have also worked as an editor. I have a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 18. A few of my favorite things: my relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don't take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did I mention chocolate?

Book Review: Clumsy Girl's Guide To Falling In Love by Karen Wiesner

Clumsy Girl's Guide To Falling In Love 
(Friendship Heirlooms Series Book 1)

Author: Karen Wiesner
Kindle Edition
File Size: 474 KB
Print Length: 194 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press LLC (December 1, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Buy Links
Amazon
Author's Website

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Karen Wiesner. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:
The book tells the story of Zoe Rossdale and Curt Bertoletti. Curt left Zoe for another girl and Zoe couldn't let go even after three years. They met again while Zoe's walking her cat just after she had her hair cut off and suddenly, Curt realized his mistakes (actually after seeing her new straight hair!) and found himself wanting to reconnect with Zoe. It's an "ex-lover" story, the usual ex stuff, but really a good one (oh well, except the last part - explanations below).

It took me a loooong while to finish the book because every time I pick up this book, I couldn't control my emotions and tears would stream down my face. I usually take my books everywhere I go and this was the one book I couldn't read in public. The last time I read this book in public was in my doctor's clinic. I couldn't hide my red eyes to my doctor and I had to explain everything to her, like giving her the synopsis of the story *lol*. It was such an embarrassing day for me! After that, I vowed to never read romance in public ever again!

Past the first quarter of the book I was sobbing, makes my heart ache, literally. When Curt left Zoe (broke up with her on the phone), it's like the whole world came crashing down at her. She was fired in her first job, she caught her father having an affair with her mother's sister, she stopped school, lost her apartment, and it came to point where she can't even buy her own food! Who would not cry reading that kind of story? Anyway, it's all about forgiveness. I know the feeling. You've been hurt and even if you can forgive him, you can never forget those bad things he did to you. ;( This is such a heart touching emotional story....

Another thing I loved in the story was Curt and his family. They're Italian and they're very sweet. There are too many Italian things to learn while reading this book. That's something I immensely enjoyed reading!

The only thing I didn't like in the story was the christian theme, it was there all along but I failed to notice it in the first few chapters. It became a "hardcore christian" the last 50 or so pages. I've read a lot of christian-romance books but more often I knew the content before reading. In this book, I didn't know about the christian thing, and I found the lines a little "preachy". All in all, I loved the book and this one's gonna get 4-stars from me!

About the book: 

Zoë Rossdale is the clumsy girl who always has her elbows, feet, eyes, and brass-red hair going in the wrong directions. She floats around in her own world, comfortable there alone, only to be jarred back into the real one when her obliviousness gets her in trouble again. After a lifetime of being evaluated critically—first by her own father, and then by everyone around her—and found wanting, she’s trying to change…for her own good. She’s reaffirmed her commitment to Christ and vowed not to do any of the stupid, possibly illegal, things she’d done for years on the pitiful excuse of surviving. After nearly being fired from the only job she could get to keep her from starving and living on the streets, she’s going to school once more and trying to do better for her über-patient boss. And she’s allowed her best friends to talk her into getting contacts, some new clothes, and a more flattering hairstyle. They tell her she looks beautiful, but she feels more like a dodo bird than ever before—until she literally runs into the only man she’s ever gone loopy over. 

Curt Bertoletti has spent years trying to forget the seriously messed-up Zoë and her embarrassing ways. The only person who’d ever approved of the ditzy klutz was his mother, and his mother has become relentless in her cause to get him married and settled down. Surely that’s what conjured the appearance of Zoë... Zoë, who looks so little like the girl he remembers. Even as he vows that he won’t stray again—out of weakness or whatever it was that had him stone-gone over her before—he can’t help remembering how well he and Zoë fit together. They’d truly been two abnormal peas in an even stranger pod. But no other woman had ever gotten that misty look in her eyes when she looked at him, or kissed him like she’s forgotten anyone or anything else existed. No other woman made him so happy, so mad, so sad, and so content. Though he’s walking stronger in the Lord than he ever has before and he finally knows what he wants in life, he’s convinced Zoë Rossdale is not it—matchmaking mother or no matchmaking mother. So why can’t he forget her and be done with it? 

For better or worse, Zoë will always be Zoë—the clumsy girl with her dress tucked into her pantyhose, toilet paper stuck to her shoe and trailing in her wake, the girl whose idea of falling in love is to stand at the edge of the precipice, throw out her arms and confidently jump into a free-fall. If Zoë will always be Zoë, the only question left is, can they both live with that fact? Forever?

About the author:

Creating realistic, unforgettable characters one story at a time...

Karen Wiesner is an accomplished author with 96 books published in the past 15 years, which have been nominated for and/or won 125 awards, and has 34 more titles under contract. Karen's books cover such genres as women's fiction, romance, mystery/police procedural/cozy, suspense, paranormal, futuristic, gothic, inspirational, thriller, horror, chick-lit, and action/adventure. She also writes children's books, poetry, and writing reference titles such as her bestsellers, First Draft in 30 Days and From First Draft to Finished Novel {A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building}, available from Writer's Digest Books. Look for Writing the Fiction Series: The Complete Guide for Novels and Novellas, her next offering from Writer's Digest Books, in May 30, 2013. Her previous writing reference titles focused on non-subsidy, royalty-paying electronic publishing, author promotion, and setting up a promotional group like her own, the award-winning Jewels of the Quill, which she founded in 2003. Jewels of the Quill produced two award-winning group anthologies per year published by Whiskey Creek Press from 2005-2011. All were edited by Karen and others. For more information about Karen's fiction and series, consult her official companion guide The World of Author Karen Wiesner: A Compendium of Fiction. Additionally, Karen is a member of Infinite Worlds of Fantasy Authors and World Romance Writers. Along with her writing, Karen enjoys designing websites, graphics, and cover art.

Book Review: His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

His Steadfast Love


Author: Golden Keyes Parsons
Paperback: 331 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers (November 1, 2011)
Amazon Link



Note: I received a review copy of this book free from BookSneeze. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.


Ratings:


★ ★ ★ 


My thoughts:


His Steadfast Love is a Christian book about two people in love divided by the Civil War. Amanda Belle and Captain Littlefield romance blooms before the war started. The two met while attending a church service. When the Civil War erupted, Captain Littlefield went back to his duty as a captain from the Union Troop (North). Unexpectedly, Amanda's brother signed up to fight for the South - the Confederates States. As Captain Littlefield has so much respect for Amanda's father, being the town's only pastor, he formally asked Reverend Belle's permission to continue communicating with his daughter but was surprised when he refused saying that he simply cannot allow his daughter to communicate further to someone from the North.


The book is rich in American history, it was interesting to read something about the Civil War. In this book, the war started because the North wanted to free the slaves while the South didn't agree with this. I thought the book was okay for a historical novel though I wasn't sure about the romance part. I just didn't feel Amanda's connection with Captain Littlefield. I guess maybe because the author focused on the war. The slaves jargon also annoyed me in some parts of the book.

Overall, His Steadfast Love is recommended for readers looking for a good historical novel.


About the book:


In one of the most heartbreaking times in American history, a Southern preacher's daughter makes a tragic error that pits her against the very people she loves most.


It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Although Amanda Belle never thought she would marry, her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.


When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel marches off to war to fight for the Confederate States and Kent remains with the Union troops.


Her heart is torn between the two men she loves and the two sides of the conflict. When she turns to God for help, Amanda expects direction and support, but hears nothing. Is God listening to her anymore? Does He not care about the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?


The war is dragging on for much longer than expected, and Amanda struggles between the opposing philosophies of slavery. But after the death of her pastor father, she learns some hard truths about love, the human condition, and God's role in her life.


Amanda must trust God to bring her family through the chaos that threatens her home, her family, and the beloved state of Texas.

About the author:

Golden Keyes Parsons is a popular retreat and conference speaker, author of historical novels and an ordained pastor. Her book, "In The Shadow Of The Sun King," (Thomas Nelson Publishing), first in a four-book series based on her family genealogy, released Fall 2008, and was named a finalist in the ACFW's Book of the Year Debut Author category. The book chronicles the saga of the Clavell family in 17th century France, where, as French Huguenots, they suffer persecution at the hands of Louis XIV's Catholic government. The second book, "A Prisoner Of Versailles," was released September 2009. Book Three, "Where Hearts Are Free" is scheduled to release Fall 2010. 

Book Review: Nickels by Karen Baney

Nickels

Author: Karen Baney
Paperback: 356 pages
Publisher: Karen Baney (November 28, 2011)
Amazon Link


Note: I received this book free from the author, Karen Baney. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings:

★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

Niki Turner has been hurt in the past, lost her parents to an accident and God also took her brother a few years after the accident. This is the main reason why she doesn't want to keep anyone close to her heart. She is afraid of meeting other people simply because she might lose them too. 

She wants nothing from other people and then she found herself working with Kyle Jacobs, Marcy's (Niki's best friend) brother. Niki is attracted to Kyle but she fears any romantic relationship with him won't last so she's shutting him out. However, Kyle is determined to win her heart. 

At first, I didn't feel any connection with the main character, Niki Turner. I was kind of annoyed with her attitude although I was really trying my best to understand her situation. When Kyle Jacobs appears in the story, I began to like Niki. I began to understand her situation. Kyle is one sweet guy and I liked him instantly. He is also carrying a not-so-good past but I'm glad it didn't take too long for him to realize that digging up the past does no good. I enjoyed reading the story. Though there's one more thing I just couldn't believe in the story. When Niki's brother died, Kyle didn't know about it! It's just unbelievable because Kyle's sister is Niki's best friend! And to think that more than eight years has passed and Marcy never told her brother about it??

All in all, Nickels is a sweet story of trusting and finding love again. I found it a good Christian novel though I think it is "too clean" for my taste.  If you want a "hard core" Christian novel, you might one to pick up this book. 

About the book:

Niki Turner has finally arrived. Her career as a Software Engineer is soaring—she has just been offered the company’s most sought after account, Helitronics. Life would be perfect, if she could stop her roommate from playing matchmaker.

Then Kyle Jacobs mysteriously re-enters her life. As painful memories resurface, his presence turns her life upside down and threatens to waylay her career. She must find a way to work with him—after all, he’s the helicopter flight consultant for the new flight control system she’s coding.

Can she forget the past and see him as the new man he has become? Or will her resentment keep her from finding what she has always been searching for?

About the author:

Karen Baney, in addition to writing Christian historical fiction and contemporary romance novels, works as a Software Engineer. Spending over twenty years as an avid fan of both genres, Karen loves writing stories set in Arizona.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs. She also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Arizona State University.