ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Lorna Seilstad
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Feather House Publishing
Release Date: October 13, 2020
Pages: 369
Strong-willed watercolor artist Amelia York thought she could paint the scenes of her own life – that is until she finds herself responsible for getting her brother, a paralyzed war veteran, home to Iowa and must deal with the moody Army captain God has painted into her life.
Captain Braedon McCrae is ruled by honor and a strong sense of duty. Still, the deaths of two people close to him have left him angry at God and vowing to never love again.
After a steamboat incident forces Amelia and Braedon to marry, Amelia must decide if she will accept Braedon’s offer of an annulment or keep the sacred vows she made before God.
The more Amelia attempts to control her future, the more she muddies the picture, like watercolors in the hand of a child. Can she learn to love, respect, and trust a man she barely knows?
MY THOUGHTS
When I first saw the cover of the book it immediately intrigued me. Honestly I am not sure why, but it did. So I knew I had to read it and I am so glad I did for I have found yet another author to add to my ever growing list. We meet so many wonderful characters that are likeable and relatable. Amelia York is an strong willed woman and extremely determined on what she wants. She is an artist and has graduated college with a degree, something that was not heard of in that time period. Women were to be proper ladies, marry and become mothers that support their husbands. Although she wants to get married, she wants someone that is not going to control her but rather support her in her aspirations.
Braedon is a lawyer and the perfect gentleman, except in Amelia's eyes he isn't. He is a Confederate soldier so he is the enemy even if he is helping her and her brother. He struggles with his faith especially after all the pain and death he has experienced. But he The relationship between Amelia and Braedon is at times rather comical. They are both very stubborn but the chemistry is definitely there. When they are both strongly advised to get married they slowly start falling in for each other and Braedon starts to see Amelia in a different light and he sees the beauty of God through her eyes as she paints with her watercolors. He truly is captivated by her. She starts questioning herself as well and realizes that she has been making plans instead of letting God reveal His plans for her.
I loved how the author integrated the message of faith throughout the whole story. I have to say that Braedon's Grandmother and Cook were some of my favorite characters. Their wisdom was definitely needed to guide both Amelia and Braedon towards the right path. They planted some seeds that eventually got cultivated. I love having people like that in my life. You know the ones that speak truth to you even when you don't want to necessarily want to hear it.
The ending left me a little disappointed. I wish there would of been an epilogue or even an extra chapter or two. I would of loved to know what happened between Amelia's dad and Braedon and know more about he
This was my first book by Lorna and definitely will not be my last! If you enjoy Christian Historical Romance Fiction then I suggest you give this one a try!
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really enjoyed it!!
Favorite Musings/Quotes:
"You spend too much time telling Him how to do His business, Amelia, and not nearly enough letting Him direct yours."
"She hadn't waited on the Lord to reveal His plans for her. She'd orchestrated her own, and she'd allowed herself to get trapped in the web of lies."
"You need to stop telling God how to do His artwork and trust Him as the artist."
(I received this book from Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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Also available through Kindle Unlimited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
So, writing historical romances fit perfectly. Times may change, the style of clothes, the way we speak, but the common threads that unite us remain the same. Couples fall in love. Injustices
happen. We fight for what we believe in. We struggle. We endure. We grow.
After graduating from York College in York, Nebraska with an A.A. and then receiving a B.S.Ed. from Lubbock Christian University, I met and married the love of my life, David. God had
written our love story, and I knew from the moment we met that he was the one. It was not love at first sight by any means, but I was so sure he was "it" that I wrote that I'd met the man I would marry in my diary. We pledged our hearts to one another two and half years later.
I taught high school English until my oldest child was born. After that I began my career as a professional wiper. I wiped noses, counter tops, tiny tushes, tears, and scraped knees.
Deciding that my children were now older and less in need of my constant supervision, I started pursuing my first love again --writing. After joining American Christian Fiction Writers, I found a wonderful critique group and began studying the craft of writing.
David and I have three children ages 18, 16, and 11. We also work in youth ministry and teach youth and adult Bible classes.
For more information on her books visit her at: http://www.lornaseilstad.com/
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Ashton Dorow
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Life & Lit Press
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Pages: 306
A king haunted by memories of his past...
A young woman fighting against
her future...
Torn from her home and all that is familiar, Arabella of Caelrith finds herself as the unwilling bride of King Rowan of Acuniel--the man whose vengeful war stole her family. Bitter and confused, Arabella struggles to find her place in this new life. That is, until someone tries to kill the king.
Despite repeated warnings to stay out of the matter, Arabella investigates the attempt on Rowan’s life, and his parents’ long ago murder, unconcerned with the potential cost of her interference. But when tragedy strikes, the seriousness of the situation becomes all too clear. Is the price of knowing the truth higher than
she is willing to pay?
When the fate of the kingdom and all that she holds dear is at stake, will Arabella have the courage to stand up against the evil endeavoring to destroy them all? Did God really abandon her when He left her to this fate? Or was she put in the king’s palace… for such a time as this?
A young woman fighting against
her future...
Torn from her home and all that is familiar, Arabella of Caelrith finds herself as the unwilling bride of King Rowan of Acuniel--the man whose vengeful war stole her family. Bitter and confused, Arabella struggles to find her place in this new life. That is, until someone tries to kill the king.
Despite repeated warnings to stay out of the matter, Arabella investigates the attempt on Rowan’s life, and his parents’ long ago murder, unconcerned with the potential cost of her interference. But when tragedy strikes, the seriousness of the situation becomes all too clear. Is the price of knowing the truth higher than
she is willing to pay?
When the fate of the kingdom and all that she holds dear is at stake, will Arabella have the courage to stand up against the evil endeavoring to destroy them all? Did God really abandon her when He left her to this fate? Or was she put in the king’s palace… for such a time as this?
MY THOUGHTS
What can I say about this book that will do it justice and not give anything away? It was captivating and I honestly could not believe that this was her debut book. The Peasant Queen is a retelling of my favorite Bible books Esther and boy does Ashton Dorow do an amazing job with it. This story is set in medieval times and right away from the first page you are immersed into the world of Arabella and Rowan.
Arabella is strong, brave and adamant that she does not want to be queen or be anywhere near Rowan. She carries hurts from her childhood and like any human she is flawed and knows she should rely more on God than she does. When she becomes queen she feels like God has laid upon her a burden she cannot bear but as time passes and she embraces her new life she comes to realize that this is the path God has for her.
Rowan is, well dreamy, but he's also broody. He sees Arabella and although she doesn't fit the role of queen he is intrigued by her and also wants to protect her. He is not without faults and he also has so many hurts from childhood that he can't seem to let go of them. He blames God and his heart has hardened to the point that he doesn't want anything to do with him. But then Arabella comes into his life and it all starts to change.
Their love story (insert heart eyes!!) Goodness! It was quite amazing the roller coaster of emotions that happen with them and I promise you will feel a lot of emotions towards them especially Rowan. These characters are so believable. This line says everything to me about their relationship "Every couple- even the most madly in love- have their arguments. I am convinced that a couple who never fought could possibly be normal."
One verse that immediately popped into my head after reading this story was Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on you own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Both Arabella and Rowan had to go through difficulties in their life in order to be the people that they were but they also had to come to His feet and surrender their all to Him in order to see where God's path was leading them. Not only did that path lead them to find their way to each other but also to make things right with the kingdom.
I have been following Ashton Dorow on Instagram for awhile and her love for God definitely exudes in everything she posts. When she was looking for people to be on her review team I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it, not only because I wanted to support her as an author but also because her book is about one of my favorite Bible stories and I wanted to see what twists or what things from the Bible story she would actually incorporate in her fictional world. I am so glad I was chosen because this story is truly phenomenal. She definitely has a bright future ahead as an author and definitely someone you should look out for. I for one cannot wait until she pens another story in the mean time go grab yourself a copy of this one.
My Rating: 5 Stars/Absolutely Loved It!!
Favorite Musings/Quotes: (There were so many good ones!!)
"You have done what no man has been able to do. You have managed to strip down your king's defenses and peer into his inner most heart." ~ Rowan (goodness gracious that line!!!)
"All would be well. For even what the enemy means for evil, God can turn around and make into something beautiful, something good."
" I could not love you as I should until I learned to love the Lord... Now I know what true love is. 'Tis being selfless, loving without question nor condition, being constant through all, serving one another in all ways. Being willing to lay down one's life for another."
(I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
Affiliate Links
Available through Kindle Unlimited
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
You can find her on:
Instagram or her blog: http://lifeandlitblog.com/
ABOUT THE BOOK
BROKEN LINES
Author: Kelsey Gietl
Series: Broken Lines ~War Across Waters, Book 1
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Publisher: Purple Mask Publishing
Release Date: August 29, 2020
Pages: 282
With the threat of the Great War looming at America’s doorstep, fear of immigrant disloyalty has become enough to divide the nation. So when German-born Amara Müller’s brother decides to join the fight, he leaves her behind in St. Louis with one final directive: Stay safe. There’s only one certain way to keep herself out of suspicion’s spotlight, but will she have the courage to see it through?
Accustomed to a strict diet of cigars and spirits, Emil Kisch has become the master of a worry-free good time. And as one of St. Louis’s best morality squad detectives, he’s able to skirt the drinking laws as easily as he arrests others for breaking them. To him, war is a problem for other men. Until one night he makes a mistake that even a glass of whiskey can’t wash away. Is it too late to reverse the course set in motion?
As their lives are intertwined with the fate of the war, Emil and Amara must fight to save what they both hold most dear. But which side of the line do you stand on when your allegiance belongs to both?
Accustomed to a strict diet of cigars and spirits, Emil Kisch has become the master of a worry-free good time. And as one of St. Louis’s best morality squad detectives, he’s able to skirt the drinking laws as easily as he arrests others for breaking them. To him, war is a problem for other men. Until one night he makes a mistake that even a glass of whiskey can’t wash away. Is it too late to reverse the course set in motion?
As their lives are intertwined with the fate of the war, Emil and Amara must fight to save what they both hold most dear. But which side of the line do you stand on when your allegiance belongs to both?
MY THOUGHTS
Kelsey Gietl does a phenomenal job at making this story very realistic. You definitely get immersed from the first chapter into the lives of all these characters. Although we meet various characters throughout the story, the main focus is on are Emil and Amara. Emil is not what you would consider an upstanding gentleman. Even though his job is being a morality officer he does all the things that his job stands against. But underneath it all he's a caring man, carrying different hurts that wants to succeed.
Amara also has past hurts especially in her relationship with her former intended. She takes her brother's words to heart regarding her getting married but she keeps to to herself. She is definitely a bit more guarded. The love story is not all rainbows and sunshine but it is definitely a journey of faith and redemption.
The author also brings up some hard topics to this story that could be to some readers potential triggers. The topic of alcoholism, domestic abuse and infertility are brought to light but I think Kelsey does an amazing job at brining those topics forth in the story with grace.
Overall I loved the story. I think it was very well written. She is very descriptive in the setting and it makes you feel like you are in that time period with the characters so I didn't find it as being too much. I am curious to see what happens in book two and see if we get to find out a bit more about Amara's brother and what his story is.
My Rating: 4 stars/ Really enjoyed it!
(I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she grew up with a love of books and excessive use of her library card. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Graphic Design from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and has made a career in fields from event planning and proposal writing to product management and communications.
In her free time--when she's not writing, reading, or researching--she enjoys yoga, musical theatre, beach vacations, and gallivanting around St. Louis with her amazing husband and two beautiful children.
Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Snowbound in Winterberry Falls by Ann Brodeur, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Snowbound in Winterberry Falls
Author: Ann Brodeur
Publisher: Anaiah Press
Release Date: November 6, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into knots. A last minute vacation road trip to focus and seek God’s direction for her life ends up in disaster when she gets caught in the worst snowstorm to hit Vermont in over a decade, crashing her into a small town and the one person she’d rather forget.
Former photojournalist Jason Miller hadn’t planned on being solely responsible for saving his family business from financial ruin. He’s barely keeping the newspaper in print, his News Editor has gone AWOL during the town’s most celebrated holiday festival, and reports of missing Christmas decorations have everyone on edge.
When a desperate knock at the newsroom door brings a ghost from Christmas past back into his life, can Jason make up for his prior behavior without breaking his promise to Stephanie’s father? Will Stephanie’s quest to solve the town’s Christmas caper—and uncover the truth about Jason’s disappearance—cost her everything she’s ever wanted?
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub
EXCERPT
Stephanie grinned, picked up the folder again, and clutched it to
her chest. “You won't regret it. I'm going to find the biggest Christmas story
your paper has ever published.”
Jason smiled. “And if you don't?”
Stephanie smiled and shook her head, her confidence oozing from
her crooked grin. “That's not going to happen.” Her eyes twinkled, daring him
to contradict her.
Jason's chest rumbled with laughter. “There’s no way there’s
anything newsworthy in these silly high school pranks. Wasting time working on
that story when I’m down a reporter. For the record, you'll owe me for going on
a wild goose chase when you could be making yourself useful.”
Stephanie waved her hand as she turned to leave, the file tucked
beneath her arm. “What is it that I would owe you if I'm wrong?”
She paused in the doorway and raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.
“Not that that's going to happen.”
Jason chuckled, enjoying the banter a little too much. “Oh, don’t
you worry about that. I’m thinking something along the lines of writing me a real story.” He smirked. “Like, how does
Santa deliver all those presents in one night?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ANN BRODEUR is an avid reader and inspirational romance novelist. She’s the proud Maman of four, and is happily married to her own French Canadian Hero. After years of writing non-fiction for a variety of non-profits, and receiving an Honorable Mention in the Magazine Feature Article category in Writer’s Digest Magazine’s 86th Annual Writing Competition, Ann is pursuing her dream of publishing stories that encourage and inspire hope.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a Handcrafted Pewter Christmas Ornament, Handmade Ribbon Bookmark, and The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 20, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 27, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: April Bradshaw
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Sweetwater Still Publishing
Release Date: November 15, 2020
Pages: 198
What if you woke up one day and life seemed meaningless? Would you have the courage to let go, hoping to find something better?
Identical twins, Hope and Jewel were always close. But when a new man enters their lives and Hope is accused of a serious crime, their relationship is threatened.
In an effort to find the truth, Hope begins to wonder if love and forgiveness might just be worth all of the trouble in the world---even the possibility of losing her sister.
Identical twins, Hope and Jewel were always close. But when a new man enters their lives and Hope is accused of a serious crime, their relationship is threatened.
In an effort to find the truth, Hope begins to wonder if love and forgiveness might just be worth all of the trouble in the world---even the possibility of losing her sister.
MY THOUGHTS
This little book packs a lot in it! I read it all in one day, mainly because I couldn't put it down. I had to find out the outcome. I must be honest and let you know that the beginning starts a little slow but trust me stick with it, it gets good and then you won't want to put it down!
We meet Hope right away and we can immediately see that she is looking for something more out of life. She feels a tug in her regarding God but pushes it aside as her sister Jewel wants nothing to do with religion and mocks it. You can tell right away that the twins are completely polar opposites and it makes this story quite interesting. When Hope is accused of a serious crime at work everything completely changes for the twins and their relationship with each other.
Ben is one of the characters that we see during the story and he becomes a solid foundation in Hope's life and her pursuit for God. Their love story is quite sweet.
This story is definitely filled with twists, a little mystery and a whole lot of emotions. (I needed the tissues...) This story is all about redemption and grace. My only complaint for this book is that it doesn't give you a complete conclusion and I am not sure if that was meant on purpose. I am really hoping that there will be another book as I think it is needed to better understand Jewel. I think she needs her own story.
Overall I think that this is a great read and perfect for anyone that loves clean fiction. Perfect for young adults and older teens.
My Rating: 4 Stars/ Really Liked it
Favorite Musings/Quotes:
"A person's character doesn't lie far beneath the surface," he said easily. "What's inside has a way of spilling over."
"If we don't trust God in hard times, we don't really trust him at all."
Affiliate Links
Also available through Kindle Unlimited
(I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Happy Friday!!
Who is ready for Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving break perhaps? We are definitely having a Thanksgiving break and we are ready to leave town and see family! It's another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books and today I am sharing the first line of Watercolors by Lorna Seilstad. Review will be coming soon!
MY FIRST LINE
"Spring should be filled with the scents of apple blossoms and fresh rain, not of sweaty men, wet canvas, and diseased flesh."
Now it's your turn! Grab the book closest to you and drop the first line in the comments!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Release Date: October 20, 2020
Pages: 400
Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.
Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words.
Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight
Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words.
Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight
MY THOUGHTS
Wow! What a wonderful book definitely one of those that I could not put down. There was so much going on in this book and I definitely don't want to give too much away. There are so many things going on in this book and it all starts with the Love Note that Willa finds in her desk and boy does that Love Note take us on a journey.
Willa is a strong-willed young lady. She knows what she wants and doesn't want to back down from the goals she has set for herself. She wants to become a doctor just like her father. She wants to marry, one day, but she doesn't want to succumb to what society wants her to be. She wants to prove herself especially to her dad, in hopes to find the love that she seeks from him. She is a hurt soul.
After finding the love note she is determined not only to return it to the original author but find out this love that transcribed through this letter. She returns to Crestwicke where she becomes Mrs. Gresham's nurse and that is where the "love note" truly becomes the focus of the story. You meet so many characters in the house that are affected by the note in different and unique ways. It truly represents something different to everyone the note encounters.
I thoroughly enjoyed Willa's love story and I don't want to give it away but I am so happy she ended up with who I was rooting for the whole time! I was a little worried for a few seconds but in the end it all worked out perfectly! Willa definitely goes through a journey and I really enjoyed how the author takes you in this journey and makes you feel all the emotions these characters are feeling. She is very descriptive and you can almost picture being there with them.
Overall this book was perfection to me and I highly recommend it. It has intrigue, mystery and romance. A well rounded historical fiction book.
My Rating: 5 Stars/ Loved it!
Favorite Musings/Quotes:
"I secretly craved a taste of deeply authentic love, but I also wanted the stars and open sky."
"Then I rested in the knowledge of God's immensity that could be felt here better than anywhere else and basked in who he was. This was my love. H was my sanctuary."
(I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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