Change of Heart Review

Change of Heart by Molly Jebber is a 288 page novel in the Amish historical fiction genre.  It is published by Zebra Publishers and will be released on June 30, 2015. To pre-order a copy, click here.

change of heart

Overview

Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She’s never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.

With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances. . .

About the Author

Molly Jebber is the author of CHANGE OF HEART, an Amish historical romance. Fascinated by the Amish history, culture, Molly perused her passion to write.  Her love or writing led to a book deal with Kensington Publishing as well as three more titles debuting in 2015/2016. Publisher’s Weekly magazine announced and listed this book number three in their best ten review list for 2015. Romantic Times gave Change of Heart 4.5 stars.Molly enjoys time with her family, friends, traveling, swimming and golf. She loves God and serving Him.

http://www.mollyjebber.com – Sign up for Molly’s newsletter, for giveaways, appearances, and latest news on book releases.

My Two Cents

It is always fun to find a new author. Especially an author who writes not only Amish fiction but in the historical contexts. Molly Jebber does a wonderful keeping to the Amish culture. It is obvious to the reader she has done her research on the culture of the Amish during this time period.

Change of Heart is a refreshing take on Amish fiction because the storyline and setting are so different from the typical Amish genre.  The characters are very different but written well.  The idea of pocket quilts was fascinating to me and their use in the story makes it quite endearing.  The relationships between the character are encouraging. The bonds between Becca and her sister are strong and even shunning has not been able to separate them. Their support for each other help to remind us what family is all about.

I give Change of Heart 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. This is a sweet story that will captivate you from beginning to end.

Many thanks to Molly Jebber for a free copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Molly’s new book, Change of Heart this weekend we are giving away a copy of the book to one lucky winner.  To Enter, click on the words “Entry-Form” below.

This giveaway ends Monday, June 29 at 11:59pm.

Hearts Made whole Review

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund is a 383 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre.  It is the second book in the Beacons of Hope series but can be read as a stand alone. Hearts Made Whole is published by Bethany House Publishers and was released on June 2. To purchase your copy, click here.

hearts made whole

Overview

Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper—even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation—the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?

My Two Cents

I was immediately drawn into Hearts Made Whole and was easily able to connect to the characters.  Jody paints a picture of a beautiful setting in historical Massachusetts and the life of a lighthouse keeper.  The story she weaves exposes the plight of women and the difficult choices they faced during this era.  Jody also exposes the harsh realities of war veterans trying to assimilate back into everyday life and the scars they carry.

Jody creates very strong, well-developed characters in Hearts Made Whole. Caroline is a strong woman who is taking care of her siblings after they were orphaned. During an age where women struggled for equality, she struggles to keep her job, provide a roof over their heads, and be both mother and father to her siblings. Caroline faces tough choices but handles them with love and grace.

Hearts Made Whole has a storyline that is gripping.  Jody uses her characters to unfold mystery, jealousy, and tenacity.  She also uses those characters to inspire trust in the Lord, love, forgiveness and second chances. Some characters you can not help but love while others you make you so mad you want to scream.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  Hearts Made Whole is a story that fills your heart and gives you a wonderful reminder of how important it is to trust in the Lord.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Find Jody online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Two Giveaways

Simple Harvest Reads Giveaway:

To enter Simple Harvest Reads giveaway, click on the words “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 11, 2015 at 11:59pm PDT.
Jody Hedlund’s Giveaway

Don’t miss Jody Hedlund’s new book, Hearts Made Whole, a story of loss, forgiveness, hope, and true love set in 1865 Michigan. When Ryan’s failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Can Caroline forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody’s June 23rd author chat party!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

One second-place winner will receive:

One third-place winner will receive:

hearts made whole - prize colalge

Love’s Rescue Review

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson is a 352 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It is the first book in the Keys of Promise series. Love’s Rescue was published by Revell and was released on June 2, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Print

Overview

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O’Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.

My Two Cents

Have you ever done something you know you will regret forever? Have you ever wanted to please someone but doing so will break your heart? Meet Elizabeth Benjamin, the protagonist of Love’s Rescue who deals with these issues to find she needs to trust in God for answers. This book has everything you can want in a novel: Love, family, friendships, suspense, sacrifice, secrets, tension and much more. There are parts where the tension is palatable and you want to reach into the book to strangle a character. I loved it from the beginning, turning page after page and finished in one sitting.

This was my first experience reading Christine Johnson and it was very enjoyable.  It was apparent the amount of research and knowledge that was poured into the novel. The setting of Key West, Florida during the 1850s was a perfect setting for this novel and Christine’s love for the area was evident.  The storyline included the occupation of wreckers which I was not familiar with, however, Christine integrated her historical knowledge into the story wonderfully and it was easy to follow.

The theme of forgiveness is strong in this novel.  It shines marvelously through the characters Christine creates and is very encouraging to the reader. It makes the reader reflect on matters that need forgiveness in their own lives and remember how much forgiveness God has given them.  It is enjoyable to read a well-written book, yet is even more enjoyable when the reader can walk away with something worthy to apply to their own lives.  Christine does this with her debut novel, Love’s Rescue, and I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  Come take an adventure on the seas as well as in the historical Key West with a book that will leave you feeling encouraged at the finish!
Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. She and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys. Learn more at www.christineelizabethjohnson.com.

Giveaway

To enter to win your copy of Love’s Rescue, click “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on June 9 at 11:59pm.

As Love Blooms Review

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad is a 320 page novel in the Christian historical romance genre.  It is the third installment in The Gregory Sisters series but can be read as a stand alone.  As Love Blooms is published by Revell Publishers and was released on May 19.  To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes & Noble, click here.

Overview

Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturalist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park–and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

Against a lush backdrop of early twentieth century Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to please. Tessa’s young romance opens like a rose, stealing readers’ hearts and filling their senses with the intoxicating fragrance of dreams come true.

as love blooms

My Two Cents

As Love Blooms is a sweet story about a girl who finds love while struggling to fulfill her dreams and struggling to find who she is during a time in history that was redefining women. The relationship between the sisters is wonderfully constructed and the reader can see their strengths, weaknesses, struggles and support of each other throughout the story.  The girls relationship with their Aunt Sam is different than most relationships but you can see how much love they have for each other.

The book also focuses on Reece and his struggle to step out of his father’s spotlight.  I enjoyed his relationship with is friend, Erik and his wife as well as his landlady.  This relationship gave insight into his character making it a pleasure to read a book that toggles between two main characters.

In the background of As Love Blooms is the focus on horticulture.  The story reflects the knowledge and research completed by the author regarding this subject.  There was a lot of interesting information given and the nuances about what was popular at the time or going on in horticulture during that time in history added to the story. Added to this is the question of women being involved professionally in the horticulture industry or just in private homes makes the story line interesting.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a free copy of As Love Blooms in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation has be received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

A history buff, antique collector, and former high school English teacher, fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls, While Love Stirs, and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

Giveaway

To win a copy of As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad, click on “Entry-Form” below:

This giveaway ends on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:59pm PDT.


Small print: This giveaway is sponsored by Simple Harvest Reads. The winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 30 days to claim their prize.  Simple Harvest Reads is not responsible for prizes lost or damaged by the post office.

A Sparrow in Terezin Review

A Sparrow in Terezin is a 353 page Christian historical fiction novel. It is published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and was released on April 7, 2015. To purchase your copy through Amazon, click here or through Barnes and Nobles, click here.

Overview

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor’s story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day–With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairy tale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she’s stumbled into a charmed life–until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942–Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear–even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

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My Two Cents

A Sparrow in Terezin is the second book in the A Hidden Masterpiece collection. This was the first book I have read by Cambron and I was able to follow the storyline easily. Cambron is skilled at interweaving two stories across decades without losing the reader but drawing them into a wonderful and moving story.

The research Cambron has invested is apparent in this novel. She entwines the history into the story where it unfolds through the characters. What makes A Sparrow in Terezin so exceptional is how Cambron shows the reader the history which draws you in instead of telling you which typically makes a story dry to the reader. A Sparrow in Terezin takes you back in time to a piece of history that we should never forget. The sweet story spiced with a bit of mystery makes the reader want to keep reading to the end.

The characters in A Sparrow in Terezin are well developed and authentic.  The American characters are believable and when we cross the ocean to England, Cambron adds characteristics that makes these characters believable as well.  The reader feels the emotions of these characters: Their success, their heartbreak, their love. Add in the imagery Cambron uses and it makes this one of the best historical novels I have read in a long time.

This book deserves every star in a five star rating. If you read historical fiction, than A Sparrow in Terezin is a must read book!

About the Author

Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather’s stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Thank you to Netgalley and Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of A Sparrow in Terezin in exchange for my honest review. All opinions in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was given for them.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A set of poppy notecards
  • A poppy pin
  • A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
  • A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
  • Literary tea bags
  • Tumbler
  • A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin
sparrow giveaway bastet



Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy’s blog.

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To Win Her Favor Review

To Win Her Favor is a 384 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It was published by Zondervan and will be released on May 12, 2015.  To pre-order your copy, click here.

Overview

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.

An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He’s come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he’d wagered, especially when Maggie Linden’s father makes him an offer he shouldn’t accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance—and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie’s father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she’s never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

To Win Her FAvor

My Two Cents

To Win Her Favor is a lovely fast paced novel that has its setting right after the Civil War. The plotline pulled me in right away and Alexander kept me engaged with suspense, romance, and a bit mystery. The research completed for this book is thorough, accurate, and gives the story authenticity. The novel includes difficult historical topics both truthfully and respectfully.  The reader can gain an understanding of how life could be during this time.

The characters of To Win Her Favor have personality, grit and a realness that makes you empathize with them even though we do not live in the same time period. For example, Maggie has worked hard for her dream and it would break her heart to lose it all so she makes a desperate decision. I think many of us can relate to how Maggie feels. Alexander does an incredible job of making a story authentic to the time period, yet relatable to today.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This amazing romance will sweep you back in time and leave you wanting more when you are finished.

About the Author

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don’t forget Jack, their precious—and precocious—silky terrier.

Find Tamera online: website, Facebook, Twitter

A big thank you to Litfuse chicks and Zondervan for a free copy of To Win Her Favor in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation has been received and all opinions expressed are my own.

Celebrate the release of To Win Her Favor with a Kindle Fire and book giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • A copy of To Win Her Favor

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 10th. Winner will be announced May 11th on Tamera’s blog. Plus stay tuned for more opportunities to win after May 11 with a special Pinterest contest—more details coming soon!

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The Creole Princess Book Review

The Creole Princess by Beth White is a 352 page novel in the historical Christian fiction genre.  It is published by Revell on April 7, 2015.  Click here to purchase from Amazon or here to purchase from Barnes and Noble.

Overview

All along the eastern seaboard, the American struggle for independence rages. In the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is quieter–though no less deadly. The lovely Frenchwoman Lyse Lanier is best friends with the daughter of the British commander. Rafael Gonzalez is a charming young Spanish merchant with a secret mission and a shipment of gold to support General Washington. As their paths cross and their destinies become increasingly tangled, Lyse and Rafael must decide where their true loyalties lie–and somehow keep Lyse’s family from being executed as traitors to the British Crown.

creole princess

My Two Cents

The Creole Princess is a fast-paced novel that keeps you on your toes. It is very apparent that White did a lot of research on both the history of the time period as well as the setting in which the novel takes place; this shines through in her writing.  There are several cultures represented throughout The Creole Princess and the nuances added to her characters from each culture make them very authentic. Added to all of this, the history represented is not very well known so you learn something new.

There are many solid characters in The Creole Princess; some you love and some you hate. They come to life and give you a small glimpse of what it would have been like to live during this time period. White excels at creating tension through her characters and their situations which makes it hard to put her book down.  You can not wait to see what happens next. The main protagonist, Lyse, illuminates love, grace and forgiveness.  She makes you want to be a better daughter, sibling, wife, and friend.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  It will definitely be one I will read again!

About the Author

Beth White is the award-winning author of The Pelican Bride. A native Mississippian, she teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. Her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Learn more at www.bethwhite.net.

Thank you to Revell and Beth White for a free copy of The Creole Princess in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was received for my opinions expressed in this review.

‘A Sparrow in Terezin’ by Kristy Cambron | New Book Plus a Book-Inspired Giveaway

Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection in Kristy Cambron‘s new book, A Sparrow in Terezin. Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line.

Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!

sparrow terezin - 400 

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A set of poppy notecards
  • A poppy pin
  • A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
  • A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
  • Literary tea bags
  • Tumbler
  • A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin
sparrow giveaway bastet 



Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy’s blog.

sparrow terezin-enterbanner

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Remember the Lilies Review

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma is a 369 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre. It was published by Thomas Nelson on February 3, 2015. To purchase your copy from Amazon, click here or from Barnes and Noble, click here.

Overview

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must blackout and delivers it to wealthy nightclub owner Rand Sterling. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to reopen his nightclubs once the war ends. But slimy Frank Covey wants his hand in the till—and has news that could threaten Rand’s reputation if it became public. More importantly, beautiful and intriguing Irene Reynolds cannot discover this information if he expects to persuade her to become his wife.

When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, they must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

My Two Cents

Remember the Lilies took me back in time to World War II and dealt with issues experienced by civilians.  I had never heard of internment camps in the Philippines and the story makes you appreciate what you have today. Remember the Lilies also teaches about forgiveness for others and for yourself.

I loved the character of Anita. She is the person I would aspire to be if I was in a difficult situation.  She was an encouragement to others around her and invested in her niece as well as those around her. Her life touched many and I was inspired to be more like her.

It is very important when writing that the author not have inconsistencies in their writing for the story to make sense to the reader.  Unfortunately, there were a few inconsistencies in Remember the Lilies that made some aspects hard to believe. Also, the personality shifts with Rand and Irene were a little hard to swallow.  For example, some of the behavior from Irene did not seem to jive with the mature christian she seemed to portray at the beginning. Even with these few negative aspects, I am glad I read this book and would recommend to anyone who like historical fiction.

I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com or at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com.

A huge thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson publishers for the free copy of Remember the Lilies in exchange for my honest review.