Follow the Heart by Kaye Dacus ~ CFBA Blog Tour and Review

Lucie's Review:

Kate and her brother Christopher are sent to England by their father in order to marry well, for money. Will they find love only to lose it? And what will happen when they make the ultimate decision whether to marry for love or money?

Slow to start, this book left me with a few questions that never quite got answered, but I absolutely adored the characters! Christopher and Kate navigate England with their uncle and cousins, learning about the culture and trying to find a good match.

Christopher was a great character, who in my mind was really smart, and made the best out of his situation, he didn't just sit around and wait to find a rich wife, he got out there and got a job.

Kate was a sweet characters, who at 27 and still unmarried had her insecurities, and vulnerabilities that were all very understandable, especially considering what she was going through!

Overall, this was a pretty good book, with great characters and setting, with a sort of unique storyline that was kind of Regency-feeling. I really liked how this book followed a brother and sister, and how there was a lot of great information about the Great Exhibition. A pleasant read, with great characters.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Follow the Heart B&H Books (May 1, 2013) by Kaye Dacus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Humor, Hope, and Happily Ever Afters! Kaye Dacus is the author of humorous, hope-filled contemporary and historical romances with Barbour Publishing, Harvest House Publishers, and B&H Publishing. She holds a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, is a former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, and currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is a full-time academic advisor and part-time college composition instructor for Bethel University.

Kaye Dacus (KAY DAY-cuss) is an author and educator who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there. She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is an academic advisor and English Composition instructor for Bethel University.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set during the Industrial Revolution and the Great Exhibition of 1851, Follow the Heart is a “sitting-room romance” with the feel of a Regency-era novel but the fashions and technological advances of the mid-Victorian age.

Kate and Christopher Dearing’s lives turn upside down when their father loses everything in a railroad land speculation. The siblings are shipped off to their mother’s brother in England with one edict: marry money.

At twenty-seven years old, Kate has the stigma of being passed over by eligible men many times—and that was before she had no dowry. Christopher would like nothing better than to make his own way in the world; and with a law degree and expertise in the burgeoning railroad industry, he was primed to do just that—in America.

Though their uncle tries to ensure Kate and Christopher find matrimonial prospects only among the highest echelon of British society, their attentions stray to a gardener and a governess.

While Christopher has options that would enable him to lay his affections where he chooses, he cannot let the burden of their family’s finances crush his sister. Trying to push her feelings for the handsome—but not wealthy— gardener aside, Kate’s prospects brighten when a wealthy viscount shows interest in her. But is marrying for the financial security of her family the right thing to do, when her heart is telling her she’s making a mistake?

Mandates . . . money . . . matrimony. Who will follow the heart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of >Follow the Heart, go HERE

Three Hearts, One Town & A Challenge of the Heart by Sarah Jae Foster ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Cameron Engel is a young woman who struggles to find her way in Lincoln County, Kansas. Along the ways she finds herself with feeling for two very different men, and facing the consequences for her mistakes.

Three Hearts, One Town & A Challenge of the Heart are the first two in a series, and I decided to review them together, because I thought it would make more sense and it read like part of one novel.

I personally found these books hard to read because Cameron and Jake made choices that were hard to read about and I would warn some readers who are easily offended that there are scenes that while not going into too much detail, had very clear implications.

I liked how Cameron grew on her journey, she went through a lot and put herself through some things too. Andrew was just an all-around great character, who in many ways shone bright in a bleak town.

There was definitely a lot going on in this series and it showed how we are given free will and yes, we make bad choices, but it is never to late to accept God's gift of forgiveness.

I received these books from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!


 

Home Run by Travis Thrasher ~ Review & Giveaway

My Review: A moving tale of redemption.

Cory Brand is a MLB player, with an alcohol problem, and after a drunk driving incident that leaves his brother Clay pretty banged up, Cory is faced with going back to his hometown to coach a little league team, enroll in a twelve-step program, and face the reason he left so many years ago...

Being as this was a novelization of a motion picture, I wasn't entirely sure what this book would be like, but I'm happy to say that it surpassed all of my expectations. I loved the depth Mr Thrasher brought to Cory and how he delved into the reasons behind his troubles, and showed how truly hard it is to escape addiction, and you really can't do it alone.

One of  the things that I think is so genius about this book is that it is about Cory's journey from a false sense of security, to recognizing his sins. And I liked how the faith was dealt with naturally, like it wasn't a huge instant change but small changes that added up, and was a nature part of the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, Mr. Thrasher did a great job and the story is easy to read and I feel like you get the full impact of the story in a way that I'm not quite sure that film that produce. But it has made me curious to see the movie :) This was an excellent story that showed how the times when we think we can do it all by ourselves and have things under control, are sometimes when we need God the most. I can most certainly highly recommend this one!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Here's the trailer:

 

Watch the second video, to learn the message behind the movie :)

 

Now if you would like to win a copy of Home Run (the book) just use the rafflecopter below :)

US residents only please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Lawman's Second Chance by Ruth Logan Herne ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

After losing his wife to cancer Alex Steele is determined more than ever to protect his family. And when his daughter needs some help with a 4-H project, they find Lisa a cancer survivor who connects with his children and helps bring his family back together. But can Alex ever let himself love again?

The Lawman's Second Chance is a tale of love that conquers fear of the unknown. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other, the kids were cute, yet imperfect, which only made them more realistic and even cuter!

Alex and Lisa both had rational fears because of what they had both experienced in their pasts, and they had to have faith in God for their future and to take each day as a gift.

Overall, such a well told tale, with stellar characters, I absolutely loved this book! Definitely, will recommend this one :)

I actually bought this one and reviewed it just because I loved it so much. Thanks!
 

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson ~ CFBA Blog Tour

Astor's Review:

Jennifer is a tender addition to the O'Malley Legacy that serves as a prequel to The Negotiator.

Jennifer is different from the rest of the O'Malley books in that it is not an action/suspense novel, but more of a tender and heart-warming love story.

Jennifer and Tom are two doctors who become best of friends, and Tom, and as their relationship grows and progresses, naturally they fight the storms that come with their faith.

This story was just so well done it really captured both of the characters well, and it was the kind of book that I just wanted to curl up with and finish in one sitting. The trials they faced were heartbreaking and really brought a strong emotional depth to it.

Overall this might actually be one of my favorite O'Malley books ever. It's different, but that's one of the things that I like most about it. It's a tender love story about faith and trusting God for every single day. I highly recommend!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013) by Dee Henderson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. These days, most authors are out there energetically promoting their books in print and broadcast and via social media—wherever they can get attention. But Dee Henderson keeps a low profile. She avoids telephone interviews because of hearing problems, declined to provide a current photo, and will say only that she lives in Illinois.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story, go to HERE.

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist ~ Review and Blog Tour

Lucie's Review:

Cullen is a young inventor, the son of a cotton farmer, and he is more than ready to prove himself at the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. At the fair he meets Della Wentworth, who sends him on a wild goose chase around the fair.
But when the fair brings Della and Cullen together for a second time will their friendship hold true?

What a wonderfully well written book, with beautiful pictures from the Chicago World's Fair included, so that I could picture what the fair might have been like.

I loved how much of a true gentleman Cullen was, and how understanding his father was of Cullen's dream. Both Della and Cullen were well developed, with an intriguing depth to them. Both Della and Cullen were exceptionally likable and intelligent, making a strides towards progress in their fields.

A lush setting that was almost like a character in itself, with meticulous detail, that showed how much research was put into this story.

Overall, this was an excellent read, with compelling characters, and a glorious setting. A lovely novel that brings the Chicago World's Fair to life!


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

More about It Happened at the Fair: 

A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair's Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/komrd

Meet Deeanne:

Deeanne Gist---known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee---has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for People, Parents, and Parenting. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends. 

 

 

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dgist 

Deeanne Gist is celebrating the release of It Happened at the Fair with an iPad Mini Giveaway and a Live Author Chat Webcast event {5/22}!

  One "fair" winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 21st. Winner will be announced at the "It Happened at the Fair" Live Webcast Event on May 22nd. Connect with Deeanne for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deeanne will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of It Happened at the Fair and join Deeanne and friends on the evening of May 22nd 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 22nd!

Gone South by Meg Moseley ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Tish's return to her roots doesn't got quite as planned, when she moves down south, and finds out that the town that her family spoke so fondly of hates the McComb  family name.
And when she takes in the town outcast, things definitely don't improve. Will Tish ever be able to make her home in Noble, Alabama?

Great characters in this small town tale of learning to live together. I loved how Tish became friends with George and Mel, and they each influenced the others for the better. The characters were well developed and layered, and I liked the traces of humor that were interwoven into the story, especially George's dog :)

There was plenty of drama, though the one thing that I noticed was that there wasn't that much of a faith track, which struck me as a bit odd.

Overall, this book was well written with intriguing characters who are not all that they appear to be at first. A nice small town story! 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
 

When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad ~ Review & Revell Blog Tour

Lucie's Review: Excellent!

Hannah Gregory had dreams of becoming a lawyer, but she had to give up her dreams upon the death of her parents. She finds a new job as a "Hello Girl" which is a telephone operator, and struggles to obey the strict rules of the office.
When the family friend Walt gets accused of arson, she enlists the help of the lawyer who evicted them from their farm, Lincoln Cole, to defend Walt.
One never knows what will happen next When Love Calls...

A wonderful new series from Lorna Seilstad, with plenty of humor interwoven into this well told story. The characters were likable and instantly charmed me, I loved Hannah's determination to do things herself, and how at times it found her in interesting situations.

I loved how Hannah's friendship with Lincoln grew, their interaction was sweet and entertaining. There was also a mysterious element to the story that brought the characters together. I loved Lincoln's aunt, she was such a fun and pleasantly surprising character :)

Overall, this book was enjoyable and entertaining from the very beginning, and I loved how Lincoln genuinely cared about Hannah's sisters like family, this book nothing short of terrific! I can't wait to read the next ones in the series!


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason ~ Revell Blog Tour and Review

Astor's Review: The stunning conclusion to Lynette Eason's Deadly Reunions!

Jillian Carter has spent 10 years trying to escape her past, but the time has come to face her past head on and bring a killer to justice!

When a Secret Kills is everything that you could wish for in a conclusion to the Deadly Reunions Series, full of action, every chapter has something going on in it. You do not know how awesome it was to see everything come together into a conclusion!

Colton and Jillian were a great team, brought an element of romantic tension to the story.

This story was so well written, and turned out to be my favorite of the entire series because of the great pacing that made this book pretty much impossible to put down.

Also, I would highly recommend reading this series in order, because it won't make as much sense out of order, plus you wouldn't want to miss any of the adventure!

Overall, a thrilling adventure with so many twists and turns along the way that had me guessing til the end, and just when I thought it was over...it wasn't! A suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat-read that you won't want to miss!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

“Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

 

Summerset Abbey by T.J. Brown ~ Review

                                                    

My Review: I loved it!

Prudence, Victoria, and Rowena are three young ladies who find their life horribly disrupted upon the death of Sir Philip Buxton.
Prudence is forced to face her parentage, Rowena struggles to keep control of what was once theirs, while Victoria searches for answers to their cloaked past.
Each of them experiences more than they bargained for at Summerset Abbey.

Definitely a book written for the fans of Downton Abbey, with a great representation of the two different worlds within one household, with the upstairs and downstairs. I loved how well Ms. Brown's writing style blended with this era, it was so perfect for the tone and plot of the story.

I think that my favorite character was probably Victoria, because she was willing to go out there and find answers, she wasn't the typical lady and she wasn't counting on her wealth and title to define her. All of the characters were well developed and brought to life, even the side characters. Prudence and Rowena were also great heroines, and I understood their logic in why they did what they did. Andrew was a loyal friend to Prudence through everything, and I liked how he was humble with big dreams!

As for content, this was a pretty clean book. Sometimes I don't know what to expect when picking up a new book, but this one surprised me pleasantly. The only thing I will mention is that I counted four instances of swearing, but that was it. The tales of scandal were told with minimal detail,  yet just enough so that you knew what probably happened.

Overall, a well written and entertaining read, with admirable heroines, and a riveting plot (I thought I had it all figured out since the beginning--but I didn't! Talk about red herrings!) There were also love triangles, and plenty of romance! A book I immensely enjoyed, I would totally read the sequels if I could get my hands on them!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!