Review: A Simple Christmas Wish

A Simple Christmas Wish by Melody Carlson

Publication Date: 09/15/2013
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Revell Books
Genre: Christmas, Christian/Inspiration, Gift Book
Pages: 176
ISBN-10: 0800719654
ISBN-13: 978-0800719654

(Received for an honest review from Revell Books)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook, IndieBound

Melody Carlson on the WEB: Website, Facebook, Goodreads

Excerpt from A Simple Christmas Wish, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

Rachel Milligan is caring for her seven-year-old niece, Holly, at her home in Chicago when she receives devastating news: Holly's parents have been killed in a plane crash. Because Rachel is Holly's only known relative, she assumes that she will be her beloved niece's guardian. However, custody is awarded to Lydia, a distant aunt who happens to be Amish. Just a week before Christmas, Rachel takes Holly to the Amish community in the hopes of persuading Aunt Lydia to relinquish custody. Instead, Lydia sets out to teach Holly to live according to the Amish way. As family secrets emerge and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs.

Combining an Amish family saga with the anticipation of Christmas cheer and the promise of a budding romance, this newest Christmas story from beloved author Melody Carlson is sure to please.

Thoughts:

Melody Carlson is a well respected and highly acclaimed author of Christian/Inspirational fiction. She writes novels for women and teens and even books for young readers. Carlson has recently been releasing a Christmas novella each year. This year's novella is called, A Simple Christmas Wish. It is the story of a little girl and her aunt, who are touched by tragedy just before Christmas. Carlson once again shines in this short Christmas tale that brings the English and Amish worlds together. Carlson's ability to get her message across in this short format is exceptional and readers of both Christmas fiction and Christian/Inspirational fiction will love it!

As many of you know I am a huge fan of Christmas fiction whether it is main stream romance, Christian/Inspirational or any other genre. Melody Carlson's Christmas novella's are some of my favorites. I was really excited to see Carlson's take on an Amish Christmas in, A Simple Christmas Wish. I will have to say that this is my favorite Christmas novella by Carlson to date. It is inspiring and heartfelt and I think readers will identify with not only the characters but the situation. Tragedy is never easy but when it comes at Christmas time it seems even more devastating and I think Carlson captured that feeling and turned it around. 

Rachel is babysitting her niece Molly just before Christmas while her parents celebrate their anniversary. One phone call changes Molly and Rachel's lives forever. Molly parents have been killed in a plane crash. Now Molly must travel to Ohio to live with her aunt, Lydia who is Amish. There are so many interesting nuances about this book. You have Rachel's love for Molly. Lydia's unwavering faith. Ben's romantic feelings and everything sort of clashes together all at once. I thought Carlson did a great job of telling this story in very few pages, but with great impact in every paragraph. 

Carlson writes this story in under 200 pages, but I did not feel like anything was rushed at all. Everything takes it's natural course and feels realistic and smooth. I wanted it to be longer because it was so good, but it wasn't necessary to carry the story. It stood well on it's own. I thought Carlson also used her pages wisely by letting the characters speak for themselves. The reader learns more about everyone through their actions and not through a narrator which was a nice touch. 

The characters are really the star of this novella. Molly is a wonderful little girl who will touch the heart of every reader. Rachel's love for Molly is so strong that she is willing to do what is best for her no matter what her own feelings are. Ben comes across as a loving son and brother and a man who understands what Molly is facing. Lydia is strong in her faith and wants to teach and nurture Molly. Together these characters make for a wonderful Christmas story. 

Carlson treats the Amish faith with respect and dignity and it is obvious that she has researched the Amish in detail. I thought she took a risk by having Lydia be less than friendly with Rachel in the beginning, but she pulls it off and readers will quickly understand why it was necessary. I have never met an Amish person who was not the epitome of hospitality and love, so I was taken a little aback by that, but Carlson knew what she was doing. 

This novella was just a joy to read this time of year!

Available at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Giveaway Details:

I recently told you all about a great website offering giveaways of Christian/Inspiration fiction and non-fiction titles, called The Book Club Network. This month they are giving away five copies of Melody Carlson's Christmas novella, A Simple Christmas Wish. Remember that you have to sign up and be a member of the community to participate in the giveaway. You have until the last day of the month.

Review and Giveaway: Fixing to Die

Fixing to Die (Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper - Book 9) by Elaine Viets

Publication Date: 11/05/2013
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Obsidian
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0451240987
ISBN-13: 978-0451240989

(Received for an honest review from Obsidian Mystery)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Elaine Viets on the WEB: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Dying in Style (2005), High Heels Are Murder (2006), An Accessory to Murder (2007), Murder with all the Trimmings (2008), The Fashion Hound Murders (2009), An Uplifting Murder (2010), Death on a Platter (2011), Murder is a Piece of Cake (2012), Fixing to Die (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Fixing to Die, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

Mystery shopper Josie Marcus has been happily married to veterinarian Ted Scottsmeyer for months. But her newly wedded bliss is about to be cut short....
 
Josie and Ted have finally tied the knot, and they’re ready for the next step: buying a house. Ted’s business partner, Christine, has one she’s willing to sell, but it needs a lot of love. Luckily, the newlyweds are up for the challenge.
 
But when they tear down a rickety gazebo in the backyard, they find the body of Christine’s sister, a free spirit who supposedly took off six months before. The police arrest Christine for murder, leaving Ted to work overtime at the office to cover for his partner. With no time to work on the house or be with her husband, Josie will have to find the real killer quickly, before both her house and marriage are beyond repair.... 

Thoughts:

Elaine Viets returns with the latest book in the Josie Marcus, Mystery Shopper series, Fixing to Die. Fixing to Die is the ninth book in the series and finds lead character Josie finally, happily married to her Veterinarian husband Ted and looking for a new home of their family. Viets moves between the main mystery involving a murder victim found under the gazebo and a secondary mystery involving her daughter and cyber-bulling. Fans of the series will see less mystery shopping in this one, but more focus on Josie's life and her family, as well as, her sleuthing skills. Viets gives readers a great cozy with an interesting theme.

Josie Marcus is one of my favorite cozy heroines. She has been through the ringer but she has finally married the love of her life and they are now looking for a love nest to raise their family. I liked the fact that Viets keeps Josie true to her original character, even though the circumstances of her life are changing. Josie is just as curious and inquisitive as always. When Ted's partner is accused of murdering her estranged sister, Josie is on the case. She can't seem to stay out of it when someone she cares about is knee deep in a mystery and I love that about her character. It is also apparent in the side mystery involving her daughter.

Viets does such a remarkable job of putting all the pieces of the puzzle throughout the book in such a way that the reader could figure it out, if they could just see the cover of the box. It's funny how she is able to keep you right on the verge of knowing who the killer is and then she throws in a monkey wrench and you're uncertain again. That happens about a dozen times in this one and I never did get it until the end. I didn't have any problems figuring it out once it was revealed, Viets had been deftly alluding to it all along. I loved the mystery aspect of this one and found it very entertaining.

The side story involving Amelia and the cyber bulling she was experiencing was also very good. Not only does this happen every day, it is a serious issue that needs attention and I think Viets did a good job of making readers aware. I also loved Amelia's character as she is developing in the series. She reminds me so much of a Josie and it's obvious to me that she will be a great sleuth too one day. She was such a refreshing character in this story and I thought she added a lot to this book.

There isn't much mystery shopping in this one, as the focus is more on Josie and Ted's new life and the relationship between them and Amelia. I liked the change of pace and thought it was necessary at this point in the series. Readers got to focus a little more on Josie's sleuthing as well. I don't think it deviated too far from the theme of the series. It just took a little break from it. Looking forward to the next one in this delightful series.

Fixing to Die is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Elaine Viets is an Agatha and Anthony Award­–winning author who also writes the Dead-End Job Mystery series. She was also given the key to the city of Maplewood, Josie’s hometown. Her mother was a mystery shopper in Elaine’s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. Elaine has served on the national boards of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with her husband, reporter Don Crinklaw.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Fixing to Die by Elaine Viets.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, December 9th.

1. Please leave a comment describing a shopping disaster you or someone you know has had.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review: To Have and To Hold

To Have and To Hold (Cactus Creek Cowboys - Book 1) by Leigh Greenwood

Publication Date: 11/05/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Casablanca
Genre: Western Historical Romance
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 1402284462
ISBN-13: 978-1402284465

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Leigh Greenwood on the WEB: 

Website, Goodreads

Excerpt from To Have and To Hold, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

A Stranger to the Rescue

Colby Blaine has been a longer his whole life. And he isn't about to change now. But that doesn't mean he can ignore people in trouble. When he rides up to an inexperienced wagon train under attack, he doesn't hesitate to jump into the fray. It's only after the raid that he really lands himself in hot water...

Naomi Kessling is certainly grateful to Colby for saving her family and agreeing to lead their train to safer territory. But the man has an infuriating way of knowing just how to get under her skin—he asks too may questions about a past she doesn't want to remember, and his touch makes her long for far more. Yet the more time they spend together, the more Naomi sees that perhaps it's Colby who needs rescuing the most...

Thoughts:

Author Leigh Greenwood isn't your typical romance writer and his, not her, stories show that different perspective on every page. Greenwood's latest book, To Have and To Hold is the first book in his Cactus Creek Cowboys series. Fans and new readers alike are treated to a solid western historical romance, involving a stranger who saves the Spencer's Creek wagon train and leads them to safety in Santa Fe. Greenwood's straight forward approach to writing lends itself to a certain authenticity that is sometimes lacking in the genre. His research skills are evident and his attention to the romance is exceptional.

I have to say that I have always been skeptical when it comes to men writing romance. Let's face it ladies, they just don't think the way we do. Leigh Greenwood's romances are not your typical, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after stories, but I think that's the beauty of it. A male perspective on things is often less crowded with fluff and more logical. That doesn't mean that women don't know what they are talking about, they are just more emotional, more focused on the feelings involved. So I expected this book to have less romance and more western adventure, but I will have to say that Greenwood had a very good balance in To Have and To Hold. 

Greenwood's research on the Santa Fe trail and the hardships facing those who traveled it, was very well done and thorough. I thought Greenwood did a great job of showing what this wagon train was facing and how so many of the people who went west were unprepared for the journey and the situations they would face. It was interesting to see how Colby and Naomi, the main characters, were able to interact with each other and their environment. I liked how Colby taught Naomi many of the things she would need to know to survive in the West and how their admiration for each other grew through that.

Naomi is a strong woman, who has cared for her father's household for many years and she feels capable and ready to face adversity. But she is troubled by the vague reasons behind the Spencer's Creek people leaving their home in Kentucky and how she and her nightmares are involved in that decision. I liked the fact that Greenwood used secrets to add to the tension of the story. The secrets were not even known completely by the heroine and that made of an interesting twist. Naomi was very distrustful of Colby and I felt that was somewhat misplaced. She is having frightening nightmares about a Union solider, so perhaps she believes it to be a bit prophetic, but I think Greenwood let that aspect of the story go on a little too long, before these two finally got together.

Colby was a great hero! He was strong and sure of himself. He may have been a loner, but he wouldn't sit by and watch the wagon train be destroyed. He had his reasons for not being around people much, because he had suffered in his past. I liked the fact that Greenwood allowed readers to see Colby's deep longing for a family and how much that meant to him. I liked how he showed his feelings for Naomi. She intrigued him, but he didn't over think it, he just lets is unfold in a natural way.

I was really surprised that Greenwood, being a man, was able to really translate the love that was growing between these two. Colby and Naomi start out as distrustful, but slowly begin to see things in each other to appreciate and a friendship grows out of necessity as much as anything else. But it ripens and changes slowly and steadily. It wasn't a whirlwind romance and the book isn't a fast paced adventure. It's a low key, heart felt story about two people who find love. There are certainly adventurous moments, but that isn't the focus of the book. I liked it. It was different and refreshing. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

To Have and To Hold is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Leigh Greenwood is the USA Today bestselling author of the popular Seven Brides, Cowboys, and Night Riders series. The proud father of three grown children, Leigh resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. He never intended to be a writer, but he found it hard to ignore the people in his head, and the only way to get them out was to write. Visit him at www.leigh-greenwood.com.

Giveaway Details:

Head on over to Martha's Bookshelf for a chance to win an ARC copy of To Have and To Hold by Leigh Greenwood. You have until November 29th.

Review: Born Wild

Born Wild (Black Knights Inc. - Book 5) by Julie Ann Walker

Publication Date: 11/05/2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 1402282729
ISBN-13: 978-1402282720

(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks Casablanca)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Julie Ann Walker on the WEB: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Hell on Wheels (2012), In Rides Trouble (2012), Rev it Up (2012), Thrill Ride (2013) Born Wild (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Born Wild, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker dives back into action with the red-hot romantic suspense Black Knights Inc. series! They claim they're bad-boy bikers who own custom motorcycle shop, but these special-ops guys—a mix of Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Marines, FBI and more—handle the jobs too tough for the government to tackle.

TICK...TICK...
"Wild" Bill Reichert knows a thing or two about explosives. The ex-Navy SEAL can practically rig a bomb blindfolded. But there's no way to diffuse the inevitable fireworks the day Eve Edens walks back into his life, asking for help...

BOOM!
Eve doesn't know what to do when the Chicago police won't believe someone is out to hurt her. The only place to turn is Black Knights Inc-after all, no one is better at protection than the covert special-ops team. Yet there's also no one better at getting her all turned on than Billy Reichert. She has a feeling this is one blast from the past that could backfire big time...

Thoughts:

The fifth book in the Black Knights Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker is finally out! Readers have been waiting a bit impatiently for Wild Bill and Eve's story and will be well satisfied with Born Wild! Walker uses her trademark wit and sassy dialogue along with some super sexy heroes to give this romantic suspense novel just the right amount of punch. What can be more seductive than a group of former under cover ops men on motorcycles? Not too much!

What can I say about this series. If you like strong alpha males with a purpose... this one might be for you. If you like heroines with heart and guts... this one might be for you. If you like a book that doesn't conform to convention in theme or language... this book is definitely for you! Julie Ann Walker has written the Black Knights Inc. series for readers who are tired of the same old tried and true formula in romantic suspense. She shakes it up by making her heroes anything from once upon a time Navy SEALs to former FBI agents. And she adds in a motorcycle culture theme that has fans raving for more. It's like Sons of Anarchy minus the law breaking! These guys might be tough for a change the bikers are the good guys.

Born Wild is the fifth installment in the series and it doesn't look like Julie Ann Walker is going to give up on the Black Knights any time soon. Wild Bill and Eve have a tragic past. They loved and lost for a lot of reasons and now they are given a second chance. What has changed? A lot. What remains the same? their feelings for each other. But is that enough? Walker does a great job of building up this relationship and readers will be glad that these two finally get their happy ever after. It's a hard fought one to be sure, but that just makes it all the more satisfying.

When Bill and Eve were together 12 years ago, she was a different person. She was daddy's little girl, spoiled, rich, shy, and way to quiet. She did everything she was told, had every decision made for her and now she's in trouble and nobody will listen. Except Wild Bill and his black ops buddies. Eve has changed. She's grown up and realizes that she's tired of being pushed around, tired of being walked on. She is learning to find herself and what she wants out of life until someone thinks that killing her is a good idea. What a great character. I love the fact that Walker is giving Eve a backbone. She's let her stand up for what she believes and who she believes in and her growth as a character throughout this book is a joy to read. I loved her inner dialogue and her effervescent spirit. 

Wild Bill is just that... wild. The nickname didn't stick for nothing. He is one of the best demolition experts to have been a part of the Navy and he is hands down one of the Black Knights most sexiest members. He is courageous and full of steel, right down to his bones, but he has a vulnerable spot... Eve. She makes his anger, sad, horny and just about everything else. When it comes to her, he has no control. But he's also hurt by her betrayal from the past. It takes a strong man to get past something like that and readers will have no doubt that Wild Bill is one of the strongest. Walker makes him tough but she also shows his softer side. I liked seeing the big man, become a cuddly teddy bear. 

There are other great characters from previous books. I always love great supporting characters like Mac and Ace and the addition of Delilah was delightful. I'm looking forward to Mac and Delilah story in the next release in the series. This novel has a lot going for it. A great mystery. Romance that sizzles. A touch of humor and more pop culture language and sayings that you can shake a stick at. It was well written and just a really sexy fun read. These guys are hard as nails but their kittens when it comes to love!

Born Wild is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times bestselling author of the Black Knights Inc. romantic suspense series. She is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She'll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk. You can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Review: Christmas at Harmony Hill

Christmas at Harmony Hill (Shaker series Novella) by Ann H. Gabhart

Publication Date: 09/15/2013
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Imprint: Revell Books
Genre: Christian/Inspirational Fiction
Pages: 208
ISBN-10: 0800719824
ISBN-13: 978-0800719821

(Received for an honest review from Revell)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, ChristianBook, IndieBound

Ann H. Gabhart on the WEB: Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Books in the series:

The Outsider (2008), The Believer (2009), The Seeker (2010), The Blessed (2011), The Gifted (2012), Christmas at Harmony Hill (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Christmas at Harmony Hill, courtesy of the author's website.

Synopsis:

It is 1864 and the nation is still torn apart by civil war when Heather Worth discovers she is with child. She has been working as a laundress with her husband's army unit, but when the army gets orders to march south to Tennessee, Gideon insists Heather go home to have their child under safer conditions. Heather agrees, but returns home to another kind of devastation--deaths in the family and a father who refuses to forgive her for marrying a Yankee. With nowhere else to turn, Heather seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, where her great aunt Sophrena lives. There, after many peaceful years at Harmony Hill, Sophrena is having doubts about her Shaker path. Both women are in need of love and forgiveness--whether given or received. With Christmas coming, can the miracle of new life fill their hearts with unexpected joy?

Thoughts:

Christmas is a time of miracles and Ann H. Gabharts Christmas gift book set during the Civil War is about the miracle of life. Set in Harmony Hill, a Shaker village in Kentucky, this book has all the makings of a great Christmas story. Gabhart's simple, yet elegant writing style, coupled with amazing research and a heart for stories of God's love and faith make this a must read for this Christmas season. As Heather prepares to have her baby, the war divides her from her husband Gideon. When she is turned away at home, she seeks refuge and with her Aunt Sophrena in the Shaker village. But will the beliefs of this isolated religious community offer the peace and hope that she is looking for? A great Christmas read!

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and I eagerly await the time when I can start reading Christmas themed novels. Christmas at Harmony Hill is a Christmas novella and a part of Gabhart's Shaker series. I was really excited to receive it since the Shaker series is one of my favorites because it is set in Kentucky and centers around the Shaker faith. Gabhart always does such a wonderful job bringing the Shakers to life and educating readers about the faith of this small but mighty group of believers. Readers who have not read any of Gabhart's books or know very little about the religion will find a great starting place with this book. It is short, at only 208 pages but each one is worth the read. 

The relationship between Heather and Gideon is strong and beautiful. Heather defies her father by marrying a man who is fighting for the union during the Civil War. She follows him to battle and becomes a washerwoman, cleaning the uniforms of the soldiers. But when Heather becomes heavy with her first child, she and Gideon must decide what's best for the baby. I loved the way that Gabhart is able to show the love between these two characters and how much this child meant to them both. Heather was very courageous to follow Gideon even into war and she loves him dearly. She doesn't want to leave him but knows it's for the best. 

The resistance of her family when she returned home was hard to understand and believable. This was such a hard time in American history. Heather's father can not reconcile the fact that his daughter married a man who could in part have been responsible for deaths among their own family members and he turns her away out of grief and desperation. I thought Gabhart really nailed it with this portrayal of what was going on in the minds and hearts of families that were torn apart by this conflict. It was such an honest portrayal and very poignant.

Heather goes to Aunt Sophrena at the Shaker village for help. The beliefs of the Shakers are not well known and I thought that Gabhart did an amazing job with showing the reader what they believed and why. She doesn't just fall into the trap of relating these truths through a narrator but lets the characters show what they believe. It felt authentic and believable. This was a people who do not believe in marriage and believed children should be raised apart from their parents. This is contrary to what Heather and Gideon wanted but Heather has very little choice. I liked the fact that Gabhart shows both sides of the Shaker beliefs and thought she did a great job of showing Heather's struggles with what she wanted for her child.

The birth of a child is truly one of the great miracles of God. This story has all the earmarks of a great Christmas story. Wonderful characters, a serious conflict, and faith. God has a plan and figuring it out isn't always easy, but he knows what he's doing in spite of how it may sometimes look. This is a book about life and about forgiveness and I thought it was simply amazing!

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

I'm giving this novella, 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. She's published over twenty-five books for both adults and young adults. Scent of Lilacs, her first inspirational novel, was chosen as a Top Ten Books in Christian Fiction by Booklist magazine. Her first Shaker book, The Outsider, was a finalist for ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year and was a Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review Magazine. 

Ann lives on a farm in Kentucky not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann loves hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dog, Oscar. Her website is www.annhgabhart.com.

Review and Giveaway: Autumn Grace

Autumn Grace (Amish Seasons - Book 2) by Marianne Ellis

Publication Date: 11/05/2013
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Trade
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0425264262
ISBN-13: 978-0425264263

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Trade)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Marianne Ellis (aka. Jo Ann Brown)on the WEB: Website, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Summer Promise (2013), Autumn Grace (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Excerpt from Autumn Grace, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

With the change of seasons comes a change of heart—and an unexpected journey of love, compassion, and discovery . . .

The oldest of seven daughters, Ruth Schrock has grown up believing that her uncompromising father has never really approved of her independent nature. Though devoted to her community and her faith, she’s always found it difficult to follow the straight and narrow path of a deacon’s daughter. When Ruth is asked to teach in a nearby community, she jumps at the opportunity—feeling that God has given her a chance at a life of meaning.

Ruth never could have guessed that her new path would lead to Levi Yoder. Handsome Levi is a shy and quiet man. He lives alone and seems most comfortable spending time with the injured animals he rescues and cares for. Ruth and her all-embracing love of life confuse yet captivate Levi. With her school across the road from his farm, the attraction grows—but so do the conflicts. Can these two opposites find a path they can walk together into the future?

Thoughts:

Marianne Ellis brings readers the latest inspiration romance in her Amish Seasons series, Autumn Grace. This is tender love story between a quiet, man of God and a young Amish school teacher. Readers of Amish fiction will love Ellis' attention to detail and characterizations. With strong values and a call to a simpler life, readers would think there will be no ups and downs for this couple, but that's not the case. Ellis provides an enchanting story set against the backdrop of the Amish religion that will keep readers reading long into the night.

It's no secret... I love Amish fiction! As a young girl I started out reading inspirational fiction and though I have branched out into a lot of other genre's, I still love the simple and beautiful love stories created by authors who understand that faith and love are often meant to be shared. Most of the inspirational fiction I have reviewed has come from the big names in Christian Fiction, Revell Books, Bethany House and others. Autumn Grace comes from Berkley and I was interested in seeing what they had to offer readers of this genre. I was definitely not disappointed.

Autumn Grace features a young woman named Ruth that has had a difficult time living up to the rigors of the Amish life. Her father is a deacon and a lot is expected of his children and the eyes of the community often rest on them. Ruth has a way of looking at life that is refreshing and joyful. She has a lively spirit, which is not always a good thing, when it comes to the Amish. She doesn't feel as though she fits in and is waiting for God to show her where she needs to be. I loved Ruth, she was such a breath of fresh air. Ellis does a fantastic job of showing the reader that Ruth is not doing things that are against her faith, it is just how she does things that seems to be at issue. I thought she was a wonderful character and readers will find her irresistible and infectious. 

Levi is a quiet man, shy and unassuming. I liked the fact that he lived his faith openly and tried to help his community in any way he could, including serving on the school board. His passion for wounded and sick animals was another thing that drew me to his character. He was the kind of man you wished had a good woman at his side. It was almost as if he deserved that. I thought Ellis brought the Amish lifestyle and faith to life through this character and made readers fall in love with him. An excellent hero!

When Ruth is asked to take a position as a teacher, she feels as though she has her answer. But the road to her destiny isn't an easy one. Her school is across the road from Levi's farm and he helps her as she faces the school board on one occasion. The romance that blooms between them is both confusing and joyful to Levi and exactly what God had in mind for both of them. Their road isn't easy, as they are very different and I thought Ellis really brought out that point well. Even those who are living a life of faith, don't always have it easy. It's how they weather the storm that is often different. 

I loved the good clean romance that Ellis has written here and I believe readers will find it enchanting. I have great respect for the Amish people and their faith. I often think we would all be a little better off if we were less concerned with the things of the world and more concerned about the things of heaven. Ellis portrays the Amish people well here and I think it is a testament to her writing that she is able to bring the Amish so vividly to life in her stories.

Autumn Grace is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

About the Author:

Marianne Ellis, author of Summer Promise, is the pseudonym for two accomplished writers: JoAnn Brown and Cameron Dokey.

Jo Ann Brown has written over ninety books in the romance genre. She currently writes in The Patchwork Mysteries series for Guideposts and Thorndike, and she wrote the novelization for Thomas Kinkade’s The Christmas Cottage for Berkley.  Her interest in the Amish goes back many years when she and her family lived in Pennsylvania not far from Lancaster County.

Cameron Dokey began her writing career in 1994. Since that time she has more than thirty works of fiction to her credit including romances for readers of all ages. Her young adult works have appeared regularly on the ALA most recommended lists. Brown and Dokey also collaborated on the Candace Steele paranormal romance series for Ballantine Books.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Autumn Grace by Marianne Ellis.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, December 5th.

1. Please leave a comment describing any experiences you might have had with the Amish in your own life.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

Review and Giveaway: Lord Rakehell

Lord Rakehell by Virginia Henley

Publication Date: 11/05/2013
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 432
ISBN-10: 0451415027
ISBN-13: 978-0451415028

(Received for an honest review from Signet Eclipse)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Virginia Henley on the WEB: Website, Facebook, Goodreads

Excerpt from Lord Rakehell, courtesy of Amazon's Look Inside feature.

Synopsis:

Some men thrive on scandal.

Lord James Hamilton, heir to the Duke of Abercorn and newly appointed attendant to the young Prince of Wales, is in no rush to find a wife and take on a more responsible life. A lover of all things pleasurable, James has earned his reputation as a rakehell of London. But when a feisty beauty piques his interest, James finds himself obsessed with learning more about her, and even contemplates making her his own.

Lady Anne Curzon-Howe has long been besotted with her dear friends’ handsome elder brother, James—ever since the moment he compared her to a wild Irish rose. While Anne has many suitors, the elusive James is the only man who draws her fancy. But Lord Hamilton’s rakish ways are notorious for a reason, and convincing him to love only her will be an incredible—albeit rewarding—challenge....

Thoughts:

Virginia Henley has written many historical romance novels that have pleased fans for years. Her latest novel, Lord Rakehell is no exception. It is a romance filled with lush imagery, details of life at court, and a poignant romance. Henley's ability to transport the reader back in time is amazing, as well as, her well thought out plot points and her knack for character development. Readers who are looking for a good romance by a well known author need look no further, Lord Rakehell is just what they are looking for!

This is actually the first novel I have read by Virginia Henley, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Henley has sold a lot of romances and readers have great praise for her writing. The beginning of the novel was somewhat tedious and it took awhile to get down to the romance, but once you got there, Henley did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life and giving the reader a reason to be interested in them. 

Henley's writing style is very descriptive and she brings the court of Queen Victoria to vibrant life. Her characters are very well written in the fact that readers will feel like they are a part of the story, experiencing the feelings of Anne and James right along with the characters. That is not an easy feat and Henley pulls it off with style.

Lord Rakehell has a good but somewhat predictable plot. However, Henley puts and unexpected spin on it that readers will find engaging and worth their time to read. James Hamilton is heir to the dukedom of Abercorn and attendant to the Prince of Wales. He notorious for his womanizing ways and has no intentions of settling down. But a kind word from his past has drawn the attention of Lady Anne Curzon-Howe. When Anne and James meet a misunderstanding occurs that completely changes the direction of their relationship. James mistakenly believes she is the mistress of a friend and see's no exception to his rakish ways in trying to garner her favor. 

Anne lets James continue to wrongly believe that she is a mistress and not a lady for some time. When it is finally revealed to him that Anne is really a lady and an attendant of the Princess of Wales, he is so far taken with her that he is willing to give up his worldly ways to woo her. I thought Henley did a fantastic job of turning the story on it's end by using a bit of psychology on the hero. Anne was offering him what he wanted in a sense, an uncomplicated arrangement. But it was anything but what he believed it would be. This was a wonderful plot point that will win over fans in a heartbeat. 

Lord Rakehell may take a bit to get to the good part, but when it does readers will be glad they stuck it out and waited to see what happened. I loved Henley's descriptions of Queen Victoria's court and all of the behind the scenes facts that the reader learns about court life and the goings on in the public eye, as well as, behind closed doors. It was informative as well as entertaining and added a lot to the overall plot. There were a few instances when the heroine spoke in a more modern way than I expected, but that was a minor thing in comparison to the overall story. I thought the romance was tender and romantic and I am looking forward to reading other books by the author.

Lord Rakehell is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag! 

About the Author:

New York Times best-seller Virginia Henley is the author of 30 lush and lusty historical romances and 5 short stories. Her books are published in 16 languages around the world. She is the recipient of a dozen awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times, A Maggie Award for Excellence from the Georgia Romance Writers, and a Waldenbook Award for top-selling long historical for 1994.

Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Lord Rakehell by Virginia Henley.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, December 5th.

1. Please leave a comment describing your favorite kind of male hero.
2. Please fill out the FORM.