Friday, August 15, 2014

Review: The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton


The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing!

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Synopsis

In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance. 

Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?


My Review

Wow. This book definitely lives up to its rave reviews and exceeded my expectations! It has all the elements I love in a great historical novel- strong romance, fascinating history, suspense and anticipation throughout the book to keep the pace moving. I had not known about the lost state of Franklin and the early American politics surrounding it, and combined with the turbulent Native American dynamic, I was biting my nails! The characters are so vibrant- it was easy to envision each one. The author balanced out all the elements superbly and I didn't feel that any part of the novel was lacking. The ending was tied together beautifully and completely.

Other authors who have books in the same genre and quality that I'd recommend are Jody Hedlund and Amber Perry- all the books I've read of theirs have been 5 stars for me and definitely worth paying full price. (I noticed that the Kindle price of The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn is only $7.99 right now- a great deal!)

(Thank you to WaterBrook Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Review: Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison


Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Which is the key to love—passion or sensibility? Sensible Elly and romantic Maren are sisters trying to hold their family together in the wake of their father’s bankruptcy and death. As both unexpectedly encounter the madness and misadventures of love, they find out what true happiness means. This modern reimagining of the Jane Austen favorite will capture your heart all over again.

My Review

What a fresh retelling of Sense and Sensibility! The author did a great job translating the trials of 19th century England to some that readers could definitely relate to in our day. Maren's mental instability was fascinating to read, how she coped with her depression in different ways and her perspective of the professional help she received. Elly's developing relationship with Ethan was sweet, but frustrating since he was not committing 100%. The youngest sister in this version is not a child but a young woman with autism. Something that I appreciated was the addressing throughout the novel of the very real grief that the girls felt over the death of their father. The settings and dialogue were realistic and contemporary, yet the Austen-esque storyline was definitely recognizable, and it was fun making comparisons between the two. The characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as Mormons), but the references are very basic and it has the same feel as other Christian fiction novels. I'd feel comfortable recommending it to members of any denomination.

(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Friday, August 8, 2014

Review and Giveaway: When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren


Be sure to scroll down to enter to win a copy of the book!


My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.


My Review

I've fallen in love with this series! Since it is about one family I started with the first book, even though they can be read as stand-alone novels. Each book in the series is full of emotion, romance, drama, faith, and redemption. If you plan to read the whole series, I'd recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate the secondary characters, since each older sibling is the main character in a previous book.

Grace is a classic homebody, but she takes it to the extreme by being too afraid to even have dreams outside of her small comfort zone, let alone follow them. I couldn't relate to her fear since I love going on adventures, but the author did an excellent job of portraying her anxiety. I admired that she dug deep and allowed herself to reach out and make a new friend in Max as well as experience the Hawaiian vacation, cooking school, and contest. The chemistry between Grace and Max was great, but the fun banter and compassion showed how right they are for each other despite the personal trials they faced.

The subplot of the book was about Grace's brothers Owen and Casper, and the new girl in town they both "befriend" in different ways. Everything comes to a head during Eden's wedding, and I can't wait for the next book to release to see how their story plays out!

(Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

About the Christiansen Family series:

Set on the north shore of Minnesota, the series features the Christiansens, a family readers can identify with as they try to figure out how faith meets real life.

In Take a Chance on Me . . . (the 2014 Christy Award winner for Contemporary Series)
Darek Christiansen, heir to the historic Evergreen Lake Resort is angry since the loss of his wife. After a charity auction connects him with assistant county attorney, Ivy Madison, Darek begins to believe there might be love again in his future, but he’ll have to overcome his painful past – and Ivy’s secret connection to his wife’s death.

Eden Christiansen’s job as handler for her NHL rookie brother, Owen, leaves her little time to focus on her own career. If only team enforcer, Jace, would mentor the young man. When Owen’s carelessness leads to an injury, Eden and Jace are thrown together and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in the Aloha State, she is pulled away from her predictable life and thrown headfirst into the path of hockey player, Max Sharpe, and the romantic adventure of a lifetime.

Coming in February: Always On My Mind

Readers can keep up with Susan May Warren at her website www.susanmaywarren.com and blog www.susanmaywarren.com/scribbles-blog/. She is also active on Facebook (SusanMayWarrenFiction) and Twitter (@susanmaywarren)

Book Giveaway!
 

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Review: A June Bride by Marybeth Whalen


A June Bride by Marybeth Whalen

My rating: 3 stars / It was okay

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Synopsis

It takes a reality TV show for Wynne to realize love isn't just a game.
Wynne Hardy never thought she'd get engaged on a reality TV show, but when she met Andy on The Rejection Connection, the two of them hit it off. Now he's asked her to marry him, much to the public's delight and fascination. They're all set to wed on live TV in a seaside ceremony at the height of the wedding season.
But just as Wynne thinks all her dreams are coming true, her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life at the worst possible time. Steve broke her heart years ago, and she's still sorting through her feelings for him. Her heart isn't as clear as her head that it's past time to move on---even though she's engaged to Andy.
At a local TV talk show appearance, Wynne meets Meredith, who won another reality TV show---Marathon Mom---proving herself nothing short of a superhero. As Wynne's beach wedding plans spin out of control, Meredith offers to help, unknowingly stepping on Wynne's secret feelings . . . and exposing some secrets Meredith has been keeping to herself. Can these two reality stars get real about their feelings? Will Wynne go through with her televised wedding and be the perfect June bride the network is looking for?


My Review

As I read this book I struggled to figure out which guy I was supposed to be rooting for. As a result I didn't connect with either of them, and resented the main character Wynne for leading both men on. Reality TV always leaves me with a bad taste, so I didn't enjoy that aspect of the plot. It was enlightening to read about Wynne's disillusionment and changed perspective on the reality behind reality TV.

(Thank you to Zondervan Fiction for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

E-book sale: Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander


Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

Only $1.99 for the e-book of Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander!

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Synopsis

Determined to fulfill her late husband’s dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she’s forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He’s a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks...

Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand’s dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient’s life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd’s stubborn heart.


Monday, August 4, 2014

Win a KitchenAid Mixer in Susan May Warren’s Hawaiian Chef Showdown!

Susan May Warren's newest book in the Christiansen Family Collection, When I Fall In Love,  has won over readers' and critics' hearts alike. With critical reviews like, ". . . an exquisite romance. Profoundly touching on the topic of facing fears, this book is a true gem," and more than 60 five-star reviews at Amazon, When I Fall in Love is sure to please.

Susan has teamed up with some amazing food bloggers for a fun food challenge and a KitchenAid Mixer giveaway!
whenifall-400-click

  One grand prize winner will receive:
Grab your aprons and wire whisks and buzz on over to the When I Fall in Love website to learn more and enter the Hawaiian Chef Showdown! Susan is challenging you to make a Hawaiian-inspired dish using coconut, mango, or one of the other ingredients mentioned in the book. You’ll get extra points for creating your own recipe—plus she might share it on the When I Fall in Love site! Or if you're not up for an adventure in the kitchen just click one of the icons below for easy entry.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on August 10th. All winners will be announced August 13th at Susan's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Susan's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

Review: Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck


Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop. But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves. However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny.


My Review

I was initially hesitant to read this book since princess themes can be cheesy or all about the dresses and tiaras. Happily, this book does not fit those categories! The main character Reggie is a wonderfully down-to-earth American, and Tanner appreciates all her quirky attributes and sees past them to the special and unique individual she is. He helps her embrace her strengths and face the challenges of stepping into her royal heritage. I loved the mystery and history of her great-grandmother which unraveled slowly throughout the book with journal entries and memories cherished by Reggie. The sweet romance was overshadowed by the other aspects of the plot, but overall it was a good balance.

(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)