Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


Rowena "Wren" Ballentyne has spent the first twenty-five years of her life in Cane Run, Kentucky, with only a vague knowledge of her father's family.So when her father tells her that they are headed to Pittsberg she thinks that it is just for a visit, and she tries her best to fit in, even when it is clear that she doesn't.
Wren is open and friendly and she quickly develops good relationships with her grandparents, Aunt Ellie, and her cousin Izanna as she tries to navigate Pittsberg society.

This was a well told story, lush with detail. Though I really didn't like the way that Wren's father handled the whole situation, plunging her into high society an a season, with any prior preparation.

James Sackett is a very interesting man, a suave riverboat pilot, chosen to be Wren's escort for the season. Proper and straight-laced, perfectly attired, and conscientiously observes all the rules of society. It took awhile to get to know him, because much of his conversation with Wren was stilted because of how unbendingly proper James was, yet sometimes she was able to break through his defenses.

I also really liked Mim, Wren's lady's maid, who was very kind, with a good sense of humor that helped put Wren at ease.

Overall, this was a well written read, with a well built setting, and well developed characters. The riveting storyline kept me glued to the page. Great read, that I would definitely recommend.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead by Diane Noble ~ CFBA Tour & Review

Lucie's Review: A delightfully humorous whodunit!

El Littefield is a caterer who solve mysteries on the side, and she is especially invested in this case as she is a prime suspect.
Her catering company "The Butler Did It" was serving a retirement dinner for Dr. Haverhill when half the guests starting throwing up and had to be sent to the hospital.On that same night the figurehead that Dr. Haverhill found is stolen, and El's best friend, Hyacinth, goes missing.

The story unfolds from the perspectives of the main characters. Besides Mrs. Littlefield's side of the story, which is told in first person, the other three perspectives are related in third person. So once I got used to the format, I found that is flowed wonderfully and kept the action going throughout the book.

I liked that the main characters in this book weren't the typical 20-somethings, this is a story about mature, middle-aged adults.

Overall this is a fun, entertaining read with lots of clues to uncover the real villain. There is great interaction between Max and El. Max is a strong man of good character and faith, who never married, and is surprised that at his age he has found someone he is interested in.  A real page turner with a multi-layered mystery that keeps you guessing and take time to unravel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead David C. Cook (September 1, 2014) by Diane Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning novelist Diane Noble writes stories that tap into the secrets of the heart.

With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane feels incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves best—writing the stories of her heart.

For the last three years Diane has been honored to be lead author for the popular Guideposts series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife (Through the Fire, Angels Undercover), and has recently returned to writing historical fiction. She recently finished writing book two of her new historical series, The Brides of Gabriel. Book one, The Sister Wife, and book 2, The Betrayal, which are published by Harper Collins/Avon Inspire, are now in bookstores.

Now empty nesters, Diane and her husband live in the Southern California low desert, near a place known for the lush and beautiful gated communities of the rich and famous.

ABOUT THE BOOK

She’s Passionate about Solving the Case ... with the Town’s Life-Long Bachelor

El Littllefield runs The Butler Did It catering. It’s the perfect cover for her to solve “who-done-its” (nothing too dangerous, please!) in this small university town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While catering her most important event yet—a fancy retirement dinner for Dr. Max Haverhill, life-long bachelor and history dean—countless guests fall ill, a 200 year-old relic is stolen, and her best friend vanishes. All in the first hour.

As El and Max race to solve the mystery, they discover there’s more to their relationship than simply solving the case. Welcome to Eden’s Bridge—the perfect small town setting for big intrigue, romance, and humor.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead, go HERE

Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury ~ Review

My Review:


Gideon's Gift is a heartwarming novella, about a young girl battling cancer, and a homeless man named Earl, as their lives intersect changing each of their lives forever.

This is a short read, with a heartwarming story about two people who could not be more opposite, yet created such positive impacts on each other in completely unexpected ways.

The characters were easy to love, and I felt I knew so much about their backgrounds from merely a few short lines. Gideon was such a sweet child,  with a giving heart.

Overall, this was a short read, with a heartwarming conclusion.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Matter of Heart by Tracie Peterson ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Jessica Atherton is taking stock of her life. Now that the man that she always thought that she would marry someday has found someone else Jessica has come to see herself in a new light and she doesn't like what she sees. She cared more about fancy clothes and traveling the world than she did about helping others or learning useful life skills like cooking. But now she is determined to change, but it won't be easy.

For those of you who have been following this series, you may be pleased to learn that the mystery of missing paper finally comes to a conclusion. And the mystery is what brings Austin Todd of the Texas Rangers to town. Austin moved to Texas to get away from the nightmares of his past, and he is determined to keep everyone at an arms length. But then he didn't count on friendly folks like the Barnetts ushering him into their lives. And it is at the Barnett's that he meets Jessica, and is struck by her quick wit and forthrightness.

The dialogue between Jessica and Austin is great and moves their relationship forward, though their interaction is rather sporadic. Great characters and plot, though it a is a bit choppy at times, with plenty of introspection, which makes it kinda slow at times.

I really like Jessica's parents who really encouraged her to turn to God and her Bible instead of trying to change everything all on her own. I really admired Jessica for her determination and her willingness to take the steps needed to change.

Overall, an enjoyable read, with plenty of familiar faces and new friendships forged.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Identical ~ Movie Review

My Review:

Identical twin brothers separated at birth. Both with Rock n' Roll in their blood and a drive to succeed. One brother rises to fame as a Rock n' Roll sensation, while another follows a quieter path, eventually rising to fame as "The Identical."

Inspired by the Rock n' Roll legends of the 50's, 60's, and 70's, the tale of Drexel Hemsley and Ryan Wade is a heartwarming tale about two brothers who walked similar but different paths. For the most part this movie follows Ryan Wade, the brother who was adopted by tent revival preachers during the 1930's, an all-American boy with a dream of singing and recording his own music.

This was a well made film, with a cast of talented actors and actresses who bring this tale to life. The story unfolds at a steady rate, without the lulls common in lesser films. The story was engaging and heartfelt. One of my favorite parts of the movie was the romance between Ryan and his wife, Jenny. Jenny supported him and believed in his dream, yet also had to endure months on end by herself while Ryan toured. But through it all, Ryan always stayed faithful to her.

Overall, this was a wonderful film, that I can't wait to share with all my friends and family. I received a special online pass to watch the movie before it came out, and I am happy to say that it surpassed all of my expectations, with it's excellent story-telling. and many fine actors. The movie had great momentum and flow to it, preventing it from dragging. The costuming was excellent, and did a great job of reflecting the changing time, and the wild fashions of rock stars. Overall, an excellent movie that I would highly recommend!

Thief of Glory by Sigmund Brouwer ~ Blog Tour Post

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Thief of Glory WaterBrook Press (August 19, 2014) by Sigmund Brouwer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sigmund Brouwer is the best-selling author of nearly thirty novels, with close to 4 million books in print. Based on his inspiration for Thief of Glory, which Sigmund wrote as a way to learn and honor the his parent’s stories, especially of his father’s boyhood in a Japanese concentration camp, Sigmund leads The Chapters of Our Lives memoir seminars across the United States and Canada. Sigmund is married to recording artist Cindy Morgan and has two daughters.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A boy coming of age in a time of war…
the love that inspires him to survive.

For ten year-old Jeremiah Prins, the life of privilege as the son of a school headmaster in the Dutch East Indies comes crashing to a halt in 1942 after the Japanese Imperialist invasion of the Southeast Pacific. Jeremiah takes on the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings when his father and older stepbrothers are separated from the rest of the family, and he is surprised by what life in the camp reveals about a woman he barely knows—his frail, troubled mother.

Amidst starvation, brutality, sacrifice and generosity, Jeremiah draws on all of his courage and cunning to fill in the gap for his mother. Life in the camps is made more tolerable as Jeremiah’s boyhood infatuation with his close friend Laura deepens into a friendship from which they both draw strength.

When the darkest sides of humanity threaten to overwhelm Jeremiah and Laura, they reach for God’s light and grace, shining through his people. Time and war will test their fortitude and the only thing that will bring them safely to the other side is the most enduring bond of all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Thief of Glory, go HERE.


There is no review, because there was a mix up and I did not receive the book to read. Though I will post a review when I have read the book. 

Tried and True by Mary Connealy ~ Review and Litfuse Blog Tour

Lucie's Review: A humorous look at life, homesteading in Idaho Territory.

Kylie Wilde fought the Civil War disguised as a man, so when she files a for a claim in Idaho Territory she does so under the name she fought under. But when Aaron comes poking around, and Kylie falls off the roof into his waiting arms, it is only a matter of moments before he discovers her secret.

Kylie is glad that her secret is out, but on the other hand someone is trying to scare her off her claim.

This book is a fun western adventure full of action, interaction, and stellar characters. Including Kylie's two sisters Bailey and Shannon who also fought in the war at the urging of their father Cudgel Wilde.

Aaron Masterson, is the Idaho land agent, in charge of expediting the claims. A hero who is more than a bit clueless about women, and though he bungles things more than a few times, he learns from his mistakes and tries his best to protect Kylie and help her achieve her dreams, even though they are very different from his own.

Overall, this was a fast paced read, with plenty of great side characters who are sure to be featured in future books! A great book that I found impossible to put down! A fun read that put a smile on my face!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book: Saddle up for a wildly fun ride with the Wilde sisters!

Kylie Wilde is the youngest sister---and the most civilized. Her older sisters might be happy dressing in trousers and posing as men, but Kylie has grown her hair long and wears skirts every chance she gets. It's a risk---they are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as "boys"---but Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East.

Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? And when someone tries to force Kylie off her land, does he have any hope of convincing her that marrying him and settling on the frontier is the better option for her future?

Purchase a copy:  http://ow.ly/AS8Js

About the author: Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Find Mary online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Nowhere to Turn by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Astor's Review:

Danielle Harding flees with her eleven-year-old son, Simon, from her abusive husband, FBI agent Kurt Harding. On the same day Kurt dies. But before he died he took something very important and top secret with him, something that someone now believes she has, with nowhere to go she turns to Operation Refuge and Adam Buchanan to help her.
As the ring draws closer and tighter, the danger grows and the number of people Danielle can trust grows smaller.
Where can she go when there is Nowhere to Turn?

A fast paced action-adventure, engaging and gripping from the very beginning, this book grabs on and doesn't let go till the very last page is turned down. Thrilling chases and a boggling mystery.

All Danielle wants is too get away from her abusive husband, and protect her son. But when she and Simon are swept into a swirling conspiracy of secrets and crime left behind by her late husband.

Overall, this was a well written suspenseful read, filled with great characters, and a sense of hope. I had a really hard time trying to put it down. Highly recommend!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Lucie's Review:

All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes and combat. Cupcake Combat, that is. Lucas sent in a video of his best friend Kat, (without her knowing), and now she is a contestant on a reality cooking competition show. Kat needs an assistant and figures that it is only fair that the man who got her into the show, should help her through it.
Lucas and Kat have been friends for a long time, and lately they've both been hoping for something more between them, but neither one of them has been brave enough to say something. Lucas is a football coach, and this was supposed to be his grand play for Kat's hand, but that was before he found out that the grand prize is a year working with a famous baker in New York.

There is a lot of tension on and off set once they arrive in Hollywood. At first Kat is afraid she'll lose. But as the competition continues she gains confidence, and realizes that she could win the whole thing. Which would be great because she has always wanted to get out of Bayou Bend, Louisiana except that it would mean leaving Lucas behind.

Overall, this was an excellent portrayal of a reality show drama, with colorful characters, drama, love, and underhanded dealings.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book: 

Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie's bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.

But when Lucas Brannen, Kat's best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.

As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself---her---is suddenly in danger of slipping away.

The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat's senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/AZIVZ

About the author: 

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God's grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.

Find Betsy online: website, Facebook

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/alls-fair-in-love-and-cupcakes-betsy-st-amant

Don't miss Betsy St. Amant's latest fiction release, All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A "sweet" tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible "sure thing," St. Amant's novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.

Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party! One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle
• All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Love & Cupcakes" Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a "sweet" book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!

So grab your copy of All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

A Light in the Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick ~ Review

Lucie's Review:


Based on a true story, this book tells Letitia Carson's remarkable tale.
This book follows Letitia from her time in Missouri, across the Oregon Trail, and through several year building a homestead in Oregon territory. Interweaving fact and fiction in a way that shows Letitia's strength and embodiment of the pioneer spirit.

It also follows the story of Nancy Hawking and her friendship with Letitia, and how it endured despite the years of separation.

Davey Carson, was Letitia's husband. He was a very interesting character to me, because wasn't the perfect book hero, he was realistic and had his flaws. While he did marry Letitia and treat her fairly as his wife, he did have a sort of restless spirit and had the itch to move around a lot.

Letitia was my favorite, her faith and courage shone brightly through all the hardships that she faced. She befriended many of the local Indians and they taught her how to live off of the land.

Overall, this is a wonderful novel about a strong, realistic, and inspiring woman. A great novel based on the life of Letitia Carson.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."