A Fresh Story by Laura Frantz—Review

Filled with all the things we love about Laura’s writing: breathtaking prose, heart-pounding romance, and an epic journey, A Bound Heart is a unique story with equally unique settings.

I’ve never read another story like this one. From the beautiful Scottish Island of Lark and Magnus’s upbringing, to the new colonies in America and Jamaica, this story spans the globe, yet keeps two hearts bound as one. I especially loved the characters in this story, both main and secondary. Each one is unique and realistic. From the colorful inhabitants of the Scottish island, smuggling goods to stay alive, to the desperate characters onboard the ship, indentured for their crimes, to those in the slave quarters in both America and Jamaica, fighting to stay alive, and the Gentry in Williamsburg, building a new society, there is so much to love about this story. I enjoyed each and every page and didn’t want the tale to end.

I can’t believe I have to wait another year for Laura’s next novel.

A Moonbow Night, by Laura Frantz

There are some books that read like a fast food meal, quick and easy, with little thought. Some read like a decadent dessert, rich, filling, and sweet. Others are like a snack to be read in little bits, as time allows or when you're bored. Some are like a family meal, creating good memories, lots of laughter, and heartfelt moments. Still, there are others, like A Moonbow Night, that read like a six course meal which should be savored, unhurried, purposeful, and satisfying to the very end.

I just closed the pages of A Moonbow Night and my heart is full of Kentucke, Boones, Indians, settlers, friends gained, friends lost, breathless kisses, enduring love, betwixt and betimes, and a beguiling moonbow. What a stunning tale Laura Frantz has spun. With each scene, each character, each backstory crumb, the gossamer threads are woven together to make a tapestry so intricate and so beautiful, it's truly a work of art.

Laura's passion for Kentucky is breathed into the very essence of her characters and storyworld. My own desire to see Kentucky has increased tenfold, though I feel as if I've been there and it has become a part of me. She has taken my preconceived ideas of Kentucky and turned them inside out, teaching me about the history that shaped the state and country and the men and women who sacrificed everything to settle the land.

The story is full of historical references, well-researched details, and breathtaking prose. Several times I stopped just to enjoy a sentence or capture a feeling. The romance grows gently as it changes the hero and heroine, drawing them out of their brokenness and into a place of healing. Some scenes are so powerful, they will leave your heart beating a little harder and make you eager for the next.

I loved reading this story and experiencing a piece of history I knew little about. When I came to the end, I was sad to say goodbye, but thankful I had been invited on the journey.

Thank you to Laura for another adventure, another unforgettable hero, and another timeless love story tucked inside my heart.

About the Story:

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke--men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew looking for an experienced guide. When his guide appears, Sion balks. He certainly didn't expect a woman. But it is not long before he must admit that Tempe's skill in the wilderness rivals his own. Still, the tenuous tie they are forming is put to the test as they encounter danger after danger and must rely on each other.

With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons readers to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

Newton & Polly, by Jody Hedlund

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Jody Hedlund's writing. Here are my reviews for Unending Devotion, A Noble Groom, Rebellious Heart, and Captured by Love.

I love Jody's storytelling ability. Her words are effortless to read, the love story flows naturally, and the conflict is so intricately woven into the story, it feels authentic and realistic. To date, my favorite of Hedlund's stories are the ones inspired by real couples from history, with Rebellious Heart at the forefront (the story was inspired by John and Abigail Adams).

This week I picked up Newton & Polly, A Novel of Amazing Grace. The story is inspired by the true love story of John Newton & Polly Catlett. I made the mistake of "just peeking inside" when the book arrived at my house. I'm on a tight deadline and had told myself I couldn't read it until my story is written, but Newton & Polly grabbed my attention and I couldn't stop reading. Literally, last night at about 10 p.m. I told myself I'd just read a couple chapters before bed. I became so engrossed in the book, I stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish it! I was shocked when I rolled over and looked at the clock.

Despite the fact that I only had four hours of sleep last night, I'm not disappointed that I stayed up to finish the story. There were several things I loved about Newton & Polly. First, it's inspired by a true story--and it's an incredible one at that. I knew a little about John Newton, but I had no idea how deep his tale of redemption went. The ending is so worth the wait. God's amazing grace met John Newton and the world was never the same. He went on to write the most powerful hymn of all time, which also happens to be my personal favorite. Second, the attention to detail in Jody's book was masterful, without being cumbersome. I felt everything these characters felt. I lived through all the toils they endured. It was almost exhausting, but in a heart-pounding kind of way. Third, the emotional depth to this story is remarkable. Not only because it's John & Polly Newton's story, but because Jody does a superb job of bringing it to life and helping us understand how John could continue to make the decisions he made--and see how truly powerful his redemption was.

This is an excellent book. I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves romance, history, and the story of God's unending love.

About the Book:

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.



About the Author:

Winner of 2016 Christian Book Award for fiction and Christy Award for historical romance, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

The Lady and the Lionheart, by Joanne Bischof

I've finally dried my tears enough to type legibly. The Lady and the Lionheart moved me so deeply, I'm not sure I can do this review justice. There are some books that are entertaining, and some that are life-changing. This book is both. From the very first scene, where Ella Beckley sees the circus streamers blowing down the street, to the final scene where Holland Lionheart is looking back on the past fifteen years of her parents' life, I was enthralled to keep reading.

Charlie Lionheart is the hero of all heroes. One scene in particular had me so emotionally enraptured by him, I dare say I fell in love with a fictional character. He is both tender and brave-hearted, perfect and flawed, humble and proud. He is so prominent on the page, one would think the heroine would pale in comparison, but not in this story. Ella Beckley is a beautifully woven heroine, with threads of fear, courage, weakness, strength, despair and hope. She is lovely, both inside and out, and is so real, it's almost as if she reaches out and grasps your hand to come along on her journey.

I was encouraged to read this story by a friend who said she wept at the end. Truth be told, I felt deeply for these characters, and I had come to the end, and wasn't sure why my friend had cried. But then, in the final scene, Holland shares a musing that struck me so swiftly, and so profoundly, I began to weep. For what Christ has done for me, and what He has called me to do for others. I believe the story will resonate with every reader on a different level, and the message will affect some more than others, but for me, the message had me on my knees with a deeper understanding of unconditional love and sacrifice. Truly, a must-read.         

About the book:

Two worlds collide when the circus comes to Victorian-era Virginia.

Raised amid the fame and mystique of the Big Top, Charlie Lionheart holds the audience in the palm of his hand. But while his act captivates thousands, it’s away from the spotlight where his true heart lies. Here he humbly cares for his pride of lions as if they were his brothers, a skill of bravery and strength that has prepared him for his most challenging feat yet—freeing an orphaned infant from the dark bondage of a sideshow. A trade so costly, it requires his life in exchange for hers, leaving him tarnished by the price of that choice.

As the circus tents are raised on the outskirts of Roanoke, nurse Ella Beckley arrives to tend to this Gypsy girl. All under the watchful eye of a guardian who not only bears a striking resemblance to the child, but who protects the baby with a love that wraps around Ella’s own tragic past, awakening a hope that goodness may yet reign. When their forbidden friendship deepens, Charlie dares to ask for her heart, bringing her behind the curtain of his secret world to reveal the sacrifice that gave hope to one little girl—boldly showing Ella that while her tattered faith is deeply scarred, the only marks that need be permanent are his own.

You can purchase the book here.

About the author:

A Carol Award and three-time Christy Award-finalist, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the reader's heartstrings. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children.

www.joannebischof.com
INSTAGRAM @masonjarbooks
FACEBOOK Author, Joanne Bischof

Book Review: A Flight of Arrows, by Lori Benton

Now that I'm a full-time writer, I have less and less time to read books for pleasure. But there are a handful of authors I absolutely will not miss. I read all their releases, sometimes putting my life on hold for a day or two, because I cannot put their books down...

Lori Benton is one of the authors on my must-read, cannot wait-for, refuse-to-miss list.

Last year I read The Wood's Edge, by Lori. It was my favorite book of 2015, but it was the first of a two-book series, so I was left wanting to know what happened to the characters I had grown to love! It was a hard year to wait for the second book in the Pathfinder's Series, and when it finally arrived, I was as giddy as a child on Christmas morning.

A Flight of Arrows is a deep and complex story that picks up right where The Wood's Edge left off. My one regret is that I wish I would have re-read The Wood's Edge before starting A Flight of Arrows, simply because there are so many characters and threads, and it had been a year since I read the first story. I found myself lost for part of the book as I tried to recall all the characters and their role in the story.
A Flight of Arrows is a rich tale of love and hatred, faith and fear, loyalty and betrayal, hope and doubt, loss and restoration. I was so emotionally connected with the characters, I felt everything they felt.

Lori Benton is a master at creating rich details, heart-tugging love stories, and vivid storyworlds. By the end of the story, I was fully satisfied with the outcome for every character, though not everything turned out the way I had hoped--but that only made the story more realistic and beautiful. The historical details are outstanding and I was left amazed at Lori's ability to weave in authentic history with fictional characters. Some of the battle scenes were a bit drawn-out, but again, that adds to the realism in the story.

I loved A Flight of Arrows, and I will definitely re-read both books in the Pathfinder's series. I fell in love with the characters and the world they inhabit. I cannot wait for Lori's next story.

Here's the description from the back of the book:

Hearts are Divided Loyalties Will Be Tested
The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance

Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.

No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.

Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.
You can buy a copy here.

*I was given a copy of A Flight of Arrows for my honest review.

Book Review: Until the Dawn, by Elizabeth Camden

I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Camden's writing. I never miss a book she publishes, so I was very excited when Until the Dawn arrived in my mailbox!

This book, like all the others by Elizabeth, is centered around a strong, intelligent heroine and a very masculine hero. There is a great deal of mystery, intrigue, and history.

I'm used to Elizabeth's stories taking place in metro areas, like Washington, D.C., so it was a bit different to have this book set in a remote village, in a palatial mansion called Dierenpark. I loved the setting, and had an easy time picturing it in my mind. The threat in the story is that the hero has arrived to tear down Dierenpark, but the heroine has practically grown up there, and she'll do anything she can to prevent it from being destroyed.

I loved the character of the heroine, Sophie van Riijn. She was sweet, gentle, and unassuming--yet very determined and strong. She flounders a bit for a purpose in life, but loves her work as a volunteer for the National Weather Service and as a cook for the staff at Dierenpark.

I wasn't quite as fond of the hero, Quentin Vandermark. He's a hard, angry man at the beginning, but slowly he's transformed into a man who is worthy of Sophie. It's a long transformation, and there are a few scenes that left me wanting to throttle the man! It only made for a sweeter redemption at the end and a more compelling love story.

Dierenpark takes on a character all its own and Elizabeth did an amazing job bringing the setting to life. It's one of those fictional places I'd love to visit! There is a great deal of mystery swirling about the estate and it's so much fun to find out the truth toward the end. The revelations do not disappoint.

The story begins a bit slow, but by the midway mark it picks up pace and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to others.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

The Mistress of Tall Acre, by Laura Frantz

The Mistress of Tall Acre, a much anticipated novel by Laura Frantz, arrived in my mailbox on Saturday. To say I was excited would be an understatement. I have been waiting for this book since I finished Laura's last story, Love's Fortune, a year ago.

 

The moment I opened the package!
I don't squeal often, but I did then. :)

There is no question in my mind that Laura Frantz is one of the premiere historical voices in Christian Fiction today. Her books have a captivating quality that make you feel as if you are standing inside the story, watching it unfold from the best vantage point in the room. Intrigue, passion, and faith are artfully woven together with vibrant colors and textures. Her voice is stunning, her attention to historical detail is superb, and her characters are breathtakingly realistic. She brings early American history to life in a way few other authors achieve.

 

The very first scene of The Mistress of Tall Acre grabbed me by the heartstrings and I knew I was in for an emotional journey. As General Seamus Ogilvy, a hero of the American Revolution, meets his infant daughter for the first time, we fall in love with both the general, and the baby girl. This scene is a study in contrasts. Weakness and strength, protection and vulnerability, longing and satisfaction. I felt an instant bond with Seamus and I began to root for him, even before I knew who his enemies were. 

 

The second scene begins five years later, at the end of the Revolution, when we meet Sophie Menzies, General Ogilvy's neighbor. She is a woman broken in body and soul, but not in spirit. The war has taken almost everything from her, but it has not stolen her hope.

 

When Seamus comes home from the war, a widower with a young daughter to raise, he and Sophie agree to a marriage of convenience. Their neighborly friendship soon turns to something more--until a woman from Seamus's past arrives on his doorstep, and threatens the life they've built together.

 

As always, Laura's book mesmerized me. I read it in one day (thank you to my husband and children for the mini-vacation!).

 

 

I love so much about her stories--but I think it's the romance that enchants me so. I'm not exactly sure how she does it, but she makes me feel as if I'm falling in love right along with the characters--so when they rejoice, I rejoice, and when they mourn, I mourn. But there is always hope in the happily-ever-after, which Laura delivers with finesse.

 

I loved The Mistress of Tall Acre, and I highly recommend this book. But beware: you won't want to put it down. ;)

 

Happy Reading!

 

**I have a winner from my guest post with Karen Barnett! The winner of a copy of Beyond the Ashes is Edward Arrington! Congratulations, Edward. I'll be contacting you soon.**

Book Review: The Wood's Edge, by Lori Benton

Sometimes there are no words to express the depth of enjoyment I experience while reading a book. There are some stories that drag me in, and I become so immersed, I feel as if I am standing amidst the action, watching every detail, listening to every word, and feeling every emotion the characters are feeling.

This was the case with The Wood's Edge, by Lori Benton. I was given a free copy by the publisher to review and offer my honest opinion. And my opinion is that this is an award-winning story. It quickly rose in the ranks, and became one of my top five all-time favorite novels.

The story begins in 1757 during the fall of Fort William Henry. This is where we meet one of the story's heroes, Major Reginald Aubrey. His wife has just lost yet another child, and Major Aubrey is distraught. He and his wife will have to flee the fort--but not before he tells her their child died in her sleeping arms. As he makes his way through the fort with his dead son, he comes across a white woman who is dressed like an Oneida Indian. She is also asleep, and has just given birth to a set of twin boys--one is white and the other is dark. In a split second decision, Major Aubrey switches his dead infant for the white child in the sleeping woman's arms, and then he presents the living baby to his wife.

This is the first scene, which sets up the story in a magnificent succession of events that follow two very different families--one Oneida, seeking their lost son, and the other British Colonials, hiding the truth of their son's origins.

This story has everything a good story should have. Love, hatred, loyalty, betrayal, faith, doubt, forgiveness, vengeance, hope, despair, mystery, revelation, and so much more. I had a hard time putting this story down--and then I had a hard time reading the end, because I knew it would be hard to say goodbye to the characters.

I loved The Wood's Edge. Lori Benton is an incredible author--one who has quickly become a favorite.

The book releases April 20th. If you'd like to pre-order, it's available here.

Lori Benton will be my guest on Wednesday, April 15th! Please come back for a visit and a chance to win a copy of this stunning book.

Book Review: Beyond All Dreams, by Elizabeth Camden

I have the privilege of reviewing books for Bethany House Publishers. Each month we're sent an email with the books releasing in the upcoming month, and we're allowed to choose one book we'd like to review. In exchange for our honest review, we're given the book for free.

I had no idea this review program existed until a couple years ago (and there are many more like it). It was one of those, "Where have you been my whole life?" kind of moments. I'm an avid reader, and I'm especially fond of Bethany House books. I think my love affair with their books began when I read Love Comes Softly for the first time. It's a dream come true to get a free book, just for my opinion!

This month I chose Beyond All Dreams, by Elizabeth Camden. I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth's writing. Every one of her books is full of mystery, intrigue, romance, historical details, and a compelling plot. This is the third book I've read of hers, and each one has highlighted a hero in a powerful position, and a very intelligent, career-minded heroine. Beyond All Dreams, like the other two I read, Against the Tide, and With Every Breath, are set in Washington, D.C., which is a fun setting.

I had high expectations when I picked up this book, and it didn't disappoint. I love the heroine's job as a research librarian in the Library of Congress. It was a unique setting and I truly felt like I was with Anna inside the map room where she worked. The attention to detail was wonderful. I learned a lot about cartography and the history of the Library of Congress. Anna's character was similar to other female characters I've read, but she had a few quirks I really liked, which set her apart. I cheered her on from the first page to the last.

I also loved that the hero was a congressman--another unique career, and one I learned more about while reading this book. Luke Callahan was a great hero! Very masculine and powerful, but filled with enough flaws that he was likeable. He has a family many people can relate to, which also endeared him to my heart. He and Anna were complete opposites, but their relationship worked because of it.

Overall, it was a great book, one I couldn't put down.

* * * *

 

Anna O’Brien has the perfect job at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship that disappeared at sea. When forces conspire to prevent her from learning the truth, she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan is one of the most powerful men in congress until his career begins collapsing amidst scandal. When he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship, he is stunned to find himself falling in love with the down-to-earth librarian. Despite the attraction, strict rules forbid Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of congress, and each meeting puts her career in jeopardy.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol where powerful men shape the future of the nation to the scholarly archives of the nation’s finest library, Anna and Luke will begin unraveling a mystery larger and more dangerous than ever imagined.

* * * *

 

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

 

Your Turn: What was the last book you read (or are reading)?

Book Review: With Every Breath

Today I'm sharing my review for With Every Breath, a novel by Christy Award Winner Elizabeth Camden.

First, I have to say I love this title! As you read the book, you realize it's perfect for the plot. It sums up the book in three simple, elegant words.

Kate Livingston is a young widow who helps her parents maintain their boardinghouse by taking a job with her former rival, Trevor McDonough. She and Trevor competed at almost everything in high school, until Trevor won the ultimate victory in securing a coveted scholarship that would have allowed Kate to go to college. Twelve years later, she's surprised when Trevor offers her a job as his assistant.

Dr. Trevor McDonough is passionate to find a cure for Tuberculosis. The work is grueling and heart-breaking, and he needs an assistant who is not afraid to fight alongside him. He's never forgotten Kate Livingston. But when he invites her to work with him, he knows he's taking a chance with his heart.

When Kate begins to unravel Trevor's intriguing past, will she lose her heart in the process? And when an enemy threatens their work with the Tuberculosis patients, will either of them withstand the assault?

This story was a wonderful, intriguing read. It's one of those stories that both entertains and teaches you at the same time. I had very little knowledge of Tuberculosis before I picked up this story, but now I feel as if I have a better understanding. Stories like this that make me feel in awe of the brave men and women who have come before us to fight for cures to make our lives better.

The bonus is that the romance is sweet and heartfelt. Both Kate and Trevor are well-developed characters with a lot of quirks! They're flawed, but loveable, and they have wounded pasts that make them relatable.

Elizabeth Camden always delivers a bit of suspense, and this story didn't disappoint. Wonderful historical novel.

Book Review: Love's Fortune, by Laura Frantz

May I just stop and sigh? As soon as the book covers appeared above, that's exactly what I did! Wrapped up in these three breathtaking images are journeys, relationships, and wonderful memories that have become a part of who I am, truly. I feel like I should be recognized as an honorary member of the Ballantyne family.

Over the past three years, as each book released in Laura Frantz's series, I devoured them like I would a decadent treat. I ached with the Ballantynes, I celebrated with them, and I fell in love over and over again, until their story became mine.

That's how much I love The Ballantyne Legacy and its author, my dear friend, Laura Frantz.

I'm thrilled to be sharing the third and final review for this series. You can find my reviews for Love's Reckoning here and Love's Awakening here.

But today is all about Wren and her Jamie, in Love's Fortune.

Love's Fortune is the story of Wren Ballantyne, the granddaughter of Silas and Eden from Love's Reckoning, and the niece of Ellie and Jack in Love's Awakening.

Wren grew up in the peaceful Kentucky woods, far away from the prestige and responsibilities of her Pittsburgh family. When her father is called back to Pittsburgh to help with Ballantyne business, Wren is thrust into a society she abhors, and finds herself a pawn in her aunt and cousin's scheme to marry her off well.

James Sackett is one of the Ballantyne's most trusted steamboat pilots, and a close friend of the family. When he is asked to act as an escort for Wren's debut into society, he is reluctant, but agrees. He finds Wren to be enchanting, but out of his reach. Embroiled in the Underground Railroad, his life in danger, James is in no position to take a wife--and even if he was, he has nothing to offer Wren Ballantyne.

As the Season progresses, and Wren wins a place as the most sought-after debutante in Pittsburgh, will she follow the plans carefully laid out for her--or will she embrace her heart's desire?

Love's Fortune is set in Pittsburgh in the early 1850s, when political turmoil, rapid industrial growth, and distinct societal roles add suspense and drama at every turn. The historical details in Love's Fortune are impeccable, and both educating and entertaining all at once. Laura artfully weaves three generations into one sweeping series, and includes secondary characters seamlessly throughout all the books.

As always, Laura's beautiful prose and lovely descriptions paint a captivating picture. The colors, smells, tastes, and textures are almost tangible. She adds enough detail to set you firmly in her storyworld, but leaves room to allow your own imagination to roam across the Pennsylvania and Kentucky landscapes.

From the steamboat, bringing Wren up the river to Pittsburgh, to the castle-like mansion being built by a neighbor, this beautiful story dances to life, and offers a fitting end to an exquisite series of books.

Your Turn: Have you read any of Laura's books? The Ballantyne Legacy spans many decades in American history. Which is your favorite decade, and why?

Be sure to check out Laura's Pinterest board for Love's Fortune here.

Two Books Reviews

I've had the pleasure of reading two amazing books recently. I'm not surprised that they're both from Bethany House Publishers. :) One is a Contemporary Romance from the always amazing, Melissa Tagg, and the other is a Historical Romance from one of my favorite historical writers, Jody Hedlund.

Melissa's book, Here to Stay, is her second novel and it tells the story of Blake Hunziker, who we first met in Made to Last. I was really looking forward to reading Blake's story, because I fell in love with his character in Made to Last--and this story did not disappoint!

If you haven't picked up one of Melissa's books, I urge you to get one soon. Melissa has such a fun, spunky voice and her characters are so realistic and charming. The heroine in Here to Stay runs a historic inn, but her dream is to see the world. The hero has just come home from globe-trotting, and he wants to finally settle down and stay in one place. As their lives are brought together by a community event, we watch this unlikely pair fall in love. But how can either one give up their dream?

I especially loved the setting for Here to Stay. It's a small, lakeside town called Whisper Shores. Melissa did a wonderful job bringing the community, and it's citizens, to life. By the end of the book, I felt like I was a member of the Whisper Shores community. Melissa's story is funny, yet poignant, and you will experience all the joys and sorrows along the way. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a romantic comedy.

The second book I had the pleasure of reading is Captured by Love, by Jody Hedlund. Jody writes inspirational historical romance--and let me say, the romance in this book is exquisite! The story is set on Mackinac Island in 1814. Because of its unique setting and time period, it was unlike any other story I've ever read.

The hero, Pierre, is a voyageur who left five years before to seek a career in the fur trading business, but now he's back to spy on the British Army who have overtaken the island he loves. The heroine, Angelique, is forced to live with her domineering stepfather, but sneaks away to take care of Pierre's blind mother, who has become the mother she's always wanted. When Pierre returns to Mackinac Island, neither is prepared for the love that grows between them. Amongst a war, Angelique's betrothal to another man, and Pierre's dangerous work as a spy, they must find a way to overcome the impossible obstacles.

I love so many things about Jody's books. Each one gets better and better. She allows her characters to get into so much trouble, you wonder how they can possibly overcome all the odds stacked against them! But by the end, you're completely satisfied. She's also skilled at creating a love story so realistic, you ache with the hero and heroine until they are safely in each other's arms.

If you're looking for a great read, I'd highly recommend both of these books.

*I was given a free copy of each book for my honest opinion, which I've given.

Book Review: Full Steam Ahead

 

I just finished my latest Karen Witemeyer book, Full Steam Ahead. When I first saw the title, I thought it referred to trains, but I was surprised to learn it was about steamship boilers. Karen's books are always a fun read, no matter the subject, and this subject is something I've never read about.

Karen's characters are always funny, engaging, and likeable. Her heroines are spunky, her heroes are manly, and her secondary characters are colorful. Karen's plots are unique, although they tend to be a little predictable toward the end.

I've loved Karen Witemeyer's writing for years. After I finished her first book, A Tailor Made Bride, I immediately bought the other two she had already published, and since then, I've been quick to buy her new releases. Her books are set in Texas, and I always feel like I learn something new about the history and setting of that great state.

Short Review: Overall, Full Steam Ahead was entertaining to read and kept my attention. I learned a lot about steamship boilers, but sometimes the details bogged down the story toward the middle, and I found myself wanting to skip ahead to the interaction between the hero and heroine, which was always steamy. I would give it a solid A- rating.

Longer Review: Full Steam Ahead is about a young woman named Nicole Renard who must find a suitable husband to become her father's heir to take over the family business. Her father's health is failing, and as his only child, and a woman, she has no choice but to find a husband. She heads to New Orleans, to do just that, but a series of misfortunate events lands her penniless on the steps of an eccentric scientist--a man who is not husband-material.

Darius Thornton has locked himself away from society for over a year after he was nearly killed in a steamship explosion. Since then, he's dedicated his life to fixing the problems that caused the boilers to burst on the steamship. When a young lady answers his advertisement to be his secretary, he doesn't want the distraction he knows she presents--but he quickly realizes Nicole is exactly what he needs in a secretary--and a wife. But can he convince her that he's the man she needs before she collects her wages and continues her journey to New Orleans?

The set up is wonderful, with an amazing prologue, but once Nicole reaches Darius's home, the story sags a bit with a lot of details about boilers. After the hero and heroine discover their love for one another, the story picks up steam again, and quickly carries the reader through to the satisfying end.

Full Steam Ahead is a great story, and I definitely foresee a sequel, which I'm eager to read. I highly recommend this book and all of Karen's other books!

Your Turn: Have you read one of Karen's books? Which one is your favorite?

This book is now available from Bethany House Publishers. You can find it here.

I received a free copy of Full Steam Ahead from Bethany House for my honest review.

A Book Review: The Waiting

Last week I read the Books & Such blog and one of the agents, Janet Kobobel Grant, wrote about a special book project she has been working on for a little over a year. The blog post is titled "Not Every Book Follows the Standard Path to Publication" and it examines one book in particular: The Waiting: The True Story of a Lost Child, a Lifetime of Longing, and a Miracle for a Mother Who Never Gave Up.

As Janet described the unusual path this book took to publication, I became fascinated by the subject matter. When Janet gave a brief synopsis of the book, I immediately went to Amazon and purchased my own copy. I knew I wanted to get a hard copy, so I could pass it along to friends, because without even reading this story, I knew it would be one I'd want to share.

And I was right. Not only do I want to share my copy, but I want to encourage every person I know to buy their own. The Waiting is a non-fiction book that reads like a fictional novel--but it's even more powerful, because it's completely true.

The story chronicles the life of Minka DeYoung Disbrow who grew up on the plains of South Dakota, a shy and innocent farm girl who, at the age of sixteen, was accosted by a stranger at a picnic. For a young girl who still believed the stork delivered babies, she was shocked to discover she was pregnant.

Her parents sent her to the House of Mercy to deliver the baby. Minka was to have the baby, and then come home and pretend as if nothing had happened. But, for Minka, no amount of pretending would allow her to forget her sweet baby, Betty Jane. She knew the baby went to a minister and his wife, but that was little solace for the years of pain.

The book follows Minka's life through the Great Depression, WWII, getting married, giving birth to another daughter (eighteen years after the first), as well as a son. We see Minka as a hardworking wife, mother, landlady, daycare provider, and employee who traverses the country, and eventually ends up in California. We see her hardships and her joys, and our hearts are woven around this amazing, courageous woman.

For almost thirty years, Minka wrote letters to the ladies at the House of Mercy, and to her sweet baby, Betty Jane. She sent money and gifts when she could, and never forgot their kindness to her.

For seventy-seven years, Minka would mourn the loss of her baby girl. But on the day of her baby's seventy-seventh birthday, when Minka was ninety-four, she would ask God to allow her to see her daughter, at least once.

The very same day, back in South Dakota, a judge opened Betty Jane's adoption record, at the request of a woman named Ruth Lee--once known as sweet baby, Betty Jane. The adoption file contained over a hundred letters from Minka. And Ruth soon discovered Minka was still alive.

Ruth (Baby Betty Jane) and Minka during their reunion

My heart broke for Minka, and when her dream is finally realized, after seventy-seven years of waiting, I wept. I've never cried like that while reading a book before. This is a powerful love story, not only between a mother and a daughter, but between God and His people. We see the hand of God woven into every little detail, and it's truly remarkable.

Your Turn: Have you read The Waiting yet?

Book Review: A Sensible Arrangement

I now have the pleasure of being on the Bethany House Publisher's review team. The first book I've chosen to review is A Sensible Arrangement, by Tracie Peterson. This is Tracie's 100th book! I'm writing number three and that feels like a big accomplishment--but a hundred?!?! Congratulations to Tracie on this amazing milestone.

I've read many of Tracie's books and I'm a big fan of hers. She's a well-known, well-loved author in the Christian writing community, and for good reason. Tracie's books are engaging, thoughtful, and full of romance. She also has the ability to weave in spiritual truths that stay with the reader long after the last sentence has been read.

I wasn't disappointed in A Sensible Arrangement. The story has a feisty heroine who is independent, courageous, and compassionate. She's flawed, as we all are, but in a way that is redeemable and relatable. The hero is brave, strong, and honorable. He's also flawed, but in a way that leaves us cheering for him until the final page.

Marty Olson leaves her past behind in Texas to marry a stranger from a newspaper advertisement. She was widowed four years before, and no longer desires to live the life of a rancher. She will marry in name only, as both she and the groom are eager to keep the marriage as more of a business venture.

Jake Wythe is managing a bank in Denver, but longs to return to his ranching roots in Texas. His boss insists a man in his position should be married, so Jake advertises for a Lone Star Bride to come fill the part. He is disillusioned with marriage, and only wants a wife to be a companion and to attend the necessary social obligations of her position until he's saved enough money to return to Texas.

But when Marty arrives in Denver, their sensible marriage arrangement might not work the way they had hoped.

This book has a strong plot, is easy to read, has enjoyable characters, and has a thread of suspense that kept me turning the pages. The story is set in the opulent neighborhoods of Denver in the 1890s, with a hint of Texas woven in. I thought the book would end in a predictable way, but it didn't turn out like I had imagined at all!

My only complaint is that I didn't feel the hero or heroine had very strong goals. They responded to the circumstances around them, but neither one had a significant noble quest. Marty becomes involved with the orphans, and tries to help find them a home, but that isn't a very important thread in the story, and only feels like a secondary goal. Other than that, I felt that the characters were well developed, and the story was believable.

It's the first in the Lone Star Bride series, so I didn't feel like it had a clean ending, though most of the main story threads were tied nicely by the last page. I was left with a few unanswered questions, so I'm eager to read the next book in this series.

Overall, the book was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone.

This book is available on April 1st from Bethany House Publishers. You can find it here.

Your Turn: Have you read any books by Tracie Peterson? Which one is your favorite?

A Book Review ~ Rebellious Heart

I recently read Rebellious Heart, by Jody Hedlund. From the first scene in a New England Courthouse in 1763, I was completely captivated by the characters. I couldn't read fast enough. I truly felt like I was standing alongside Ben Ross and Susanna Smith as they walked through their passionate, though perilous, adventure.

I loved watching Jody weave this tale. Many times I stopped and marveled at how she brought in certain elements to deepen the story, add character sympathy, and transform Ben and Susanna--not to mention other key players. Her storytelling caused me to dig deeper into my own current work-in-progress and look for ways I can strengthen it--which, to any writer, is the true test of a story.

There wasn't a dull scene or unimportant conversation in Rebellious Heart. My eyes slid across the words without tripping and I don't even remember turning a page! I even used up my own precious writing time to keep reading. This is a fantastic story--definitely on my top ten list of all time.

Jody is fast becoming one of my favorite, must-read authors. My only disappointment is that the rest of the day is stretching before me and I'm done with Susanna and Ben's story. Now I need to clean my house and think about what's for dinner.

~ ~ ~ ~

In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she's ever wanted, except one thing: an education. Because she's a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She's determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Ben Ross grew up a farmer's son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn't see how he'll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he's drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna's decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben's growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.

Have you read Rebellious Heart? Have you read any of Jody's other books?

Book Review: Love's Awakening

For the past two days I’ve been living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the tumultuous years of the 1820’s. I’ve been a silent guest in the majestic rooms of New Hope, where Ellie Ballantyne resides with her three older siblings and her two doting parents, Silas and Eden. I watched, anxiously, as Ellie came home from finishing school to discover her family in a perilous endeavor.

As Ellie’s journey unfolds, I was invited to River Hill, the once grand, now rundown and almost forgotten home inherited by Gentleman Jack Turlock. Jack is the son of a notorious Whiskey maker and slave holder—his family known for their ruthless activities. But a near death experience has left Jack to face his past…and question his future.

I silently witnessed Ellie being reacquainted with Gentleman Jack, the boy who taunted her as a child, but the man who ignites her desire as an adult. Ellie is a Ballantyne, and Jack a Turlock, their families bitter enemies even before they were born. Despite their very different lives, I stood by breathlessly in the dusty halls of River Hill as Ellie and Jack fell in love.

I devoured Love’s Awakening in two sittings. Laura Frantz is a brilliant writer, her stories crafted with a masterful pen. I was amazed at the breadth and depth of the emotions I felt while reading this story. It isn’t often that I have to stop and hug a book to my chest, just to allow my emotions to calm down, but such was the case with this book! I literally found myself holding my breath during pivotal scenes. I had to restrain myself from yelling at one character as he came between Ellie and Jack during a delicious scene in a moonlit garden. I was enraptured and I simply could not stop reading until I reached the end. The characters became real, their hopes and dreams palpable, and their struggles unbearable. I savored every word.  

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

Your Turn: Have you read Love's Awakening? Have you read any of Laura's other books? Are you just as smitten as me?

Book Review: Love at Any Cost, by Julie Lessman

Love at Any Cost is the first Julie Lessman book I've had the privilege of reading. My expectations were high when I picked up this book. I've heard so many good things about Julie, I was eager to see for myself. And let me say, I wasn't disappointed!

From the moment I began reading Love at Any Cost, I was transported back to San Francisco in 1902. Julie's details are outstanding and her characters are well-crafted and believable. Each one has a unique personality trait that sets them apart from the others. My particular favorite of Cassie's (the heroine) was her use of slang terms. The very first two words in the novel are: "Sweet thunderation."

Cassie McClare has left her Texas ranch behind to spend the summer with her cousins in San Francisco. She hopes to forget about the man who has broken her heart. Her former fiancé was a fortune hunter and when he found out Cassie's father had just lost all his money, he jilted her a week before the wedding. From now on, she intended to swear off all "pretty men" for good.

Jamie McKenna is a handsome lawyer who has worked his way up from the very bottom of the social ladder. He desires to pull his family out of the slums of the Barbary Coast and make a better life for his mother and sister--but the only way he can do that is to marry into a wealthy family with good political connections. Cassie McClare's arrival in town is the opportunity he's been waiting for.

When Jamie sweeps Cassie off her feet, quite literally, the sparks begin to fly. But will their love survive when Jamie learns Cassie isn't as wealthy as he thought--and can Cassie trust her heart to another "pretty man"?

This story is sweet, funny and full of heart. With a lot of excellent supporting characters, Love at Any Cost is a book I will recommend.

What about you? Have you read a book by Julia Lessman? Have you read this one?

**Available April 15, 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.**

Book Review: A Noble Groom, by Jody Hedlund

Don't you just love authors that keep getting better, despite the fact that the last book you read by them was so good, you wonder how they could possibly write a better story after that?

Such is the case with A Noble Groom, by Jody Hedlund. I loved Annalisa and Carl's story.

Annalisa is a young widow living in a German immigrant community in Michigan in the 1880s. Though she had a loveless marriage with her husband, losing him puts her in a dangerous position. Alone, with a young daughter and a child on the way, Annalisa is left to manage a struggling farm and protect it from a corrupt land developer, who will stop at nothing to take what he wants.

As a widow, she is at her father's mercy, and must marry a man her father chooses. Annalisa will do whatever it takes to provide a better life for her children, and so she concedes to wait for a distant cousin, Dirk, to come from Germany to be her husband.

Carl von Reichart, a German nobleman by birth and a chemist by choice, faces the guillotine for a murder he did not commit. In the wee hours of the morning, his faithful servant breaks him out of prison and instructs him to go to the United States, to an immigrant town in Michigan, where he can hide with the servant's family until his name is cleared.

Carl arrives in Michigan and only plans to stay as long as necessary with the peasants who work the land and slave for their meager existence. What he doesn't plan is falling in love with Annalisa, and her charming little girl, and discovering the depth of character in a community of immigrants who only desire a better way of life.

When Carl and Annalisa fall in love, more than their social status will keep them apart. Annalisa's cousin Dirk is on the way, and he fully expects a bride to be waiting...

What I loved most about this story was the love between Carl and Annalisa--two characters I could believe were real people. As the tale unfolds, their love story flows beautifully and naturally, filling us with all the hope and possibilities of happiness. We ache to see them overcome the obstacles to achieve a happily-ever-after.

I didn't think it possible, but this book is even better than the last one by Jody. With her track record, I can't wait to see what's coming next!

Book Review: Rebekah by Jill Eileen Smith

I love discovering a great new author, and that's exactly what I did when I picked up Jill Eileen Smith's new release, Rebekah.

Rebekah is based off the Biblical character in the Book of Genesis, and is the second in The Wives of the Patriarch Series. Rebekah was the woman chosen by God to be the wife of Isaac, who was the Promised Child. She became the mother of Jacob, the man who would later be called Israel and would be the Father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

After her father's death, Rebekah is left at the mercy of her shrewd brother, Laban. He is responsible for finding Rebekah a suitable husband, and she is afraid he will choose the wrong one. When she is finally given in marriage to her cousin, Isaac, Rebekah is delighted to find the match God intended.

Rebekah and Isaac fall in love immediately, and revel in each other's nearness. But when their marriage is challenged by the birth of their twin sons, and the prophesy Rebekah has been given about them, misunderstanding, betrayal and disappointment follow. Rebekah and Isaac are left to wonder if their love for one another will withstand the trial.

What I loved about Rebekah is how Jill was able to fill in the blanks within the Biblical account. In the Book of Genesis, we're given the basic details of the real story of Rebekah. To bring the story to life, Jill used wonderful cultural details, vivid imagery to capture the setting, pertinent background information to help us understand the motivation of the principle characters and historical context to place us in the hearts and minds of Rebekah and Isaac.

This story is rich with secondary characters who play major roles in the telling of the tale. In some books, a large cast of characters can bog down the story, but I appreciated the diverse personalities in Rebekah and had no trouble distinguishing who was who.

I enjoyed reading Rebekah's story, and I look forward to reading Jill's other Biblical Fiction accounts of the women who played significant roles in the Bible.

~ ~ ~ ~

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