Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

Hello reiders! For fans of Jody Hedlund get ready for her recently released, Luther and Katharina. It's one of the best stories this year that brings to readers a glimpse into of the greatest love stories that shocked the Catholic Church. Forget Tristan and Isolde because Luther and Katharina is a gripping story from beginning to end that will have you rooting for the two as they fight for true love. 

What It's About 

Katharina von Bora has seen nothing but the inside of cloister walls since she was five. In a daring escape, Katharina finds refuge with Martin Luther and seeks his help to pair her with the noble, wealthy husband she desires.

As class tensions and religious conflicts escalate toward the brink of war, Martin Luther believes that each day could be his last and determines he will never take a wife.

As the horrors of the bloody Peasant War break out around them, the proud Katharina and headstrong Martin Luther fight their own battle for true love, in one of the greatest love stories of history.

My Thoughts 

Recently it was Reformation Day, which is the holiday where Martin Luther expressed his concerns in written works known as the 95 Theses, and nailed them to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. From this he started the Reformation of the Catholic Church. Fast forward to now where I am reviewing a fictional account on his life and how he came to meet his wife Katharina another interesting time in his life where he went from single monk to married life.  

This book is beautifully written and the research that went into writing this shows.  I loved how even though it was fictional it just like all of these moments were huge possibilities. I would believe all of these conversations being had.  Hedlund does reference that some of her scenes are embellished, but let's be honest if there is honesty in those type of things it doesn't really bother me as a reader. 

I loved also getting to learn as the reader other parts of Luther and Katharina's life that was real for them.  Like for Luther he has intense kidney stones that caused him a lot of pain and discomfort in his life and I had no idea this was something that he went through.  How about it, I learned something while reading this! That's a point in my review.  I just loved how this novel flowed.  Hedlund did splendidly with crafting the Luther and Katharina's struggles when it came to their feelings and desires.  They didn't start off with eyes for one another, neither of them wanted to end up together (even when we know maybe there was a tiny part inside of them that wanted too.) I also loved reading the struggle Katharina had with putting her faith and trust in God instead of the idols that she was conditioned to believe would give her those things. This was a moment were as a couple Luther was able to encourage, and very sternly at parts, how important it was for her to leave those and turn towards God. 

This book just recently released and to be honest I would enjoy a continued story of these two.  It was an enjoyment to see one author's take on the lives of two very important people in history. Highly, highly, highly recommend this book to history buffs and those for a slight weakness for an endearing romance that blooms at the perfect pace in a story line. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

About the Author 

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances including books for adults and youth. She currently makes her home in central Michigan with her husband and their five busy children.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N

Happy reading, reiders! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Book Review #27: Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman

Chivalrous (Valiant Hearts #2) by Dina L. Sleiman brings readers another unforgettable heroine who has an incredible adventure awaiting her. Sleiman has created a action-packed story that is full of heart swooning romance and intelligent female characters that are just as smart and strong as the men they live alongside. This is not a book or series to be missed! 

Summary 

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.

My Thoughts 

Chivalrous is the second book in the Valiant Heart Series. If you have not read the first one, never fear it is possible to enjoy this book just as much without having the backdrop from the last book to play into this story line.  Yet, I don't know how much to stress that you would be doing yourself the best thing ever by getting acquainted with the lovely Merry, dashing Tim, but most importantly handsome and sweet Allen. If you are interested here is my review of the first novel. But now on with my thoughts on Chivalrous.

Oh, where to begin? The action? The romance? The kick butt Gwendolyn masquerading as a man so she can fight in tournaments? Loved. Every. Page. Of. This. Book!! 

I guess I will start with what I liked about this story.  I loved the Camelot feel I got when reading this.  I was again impressed with Sleiman's world and character building through the story.  This woman is giving me everything I want as a reader. The two leads are going through struggles of identity, destinies plus there is this possibility of maybe choosing who they want to love-- which for both is a game changer. All truly huge life altering circumstances that I felt were handled really well in this plot line.  They didn't feel rushed, or unnecessary for the character's to go through and I as a reader appreciate that.

Now I'm sure I don't give too much away when I say that Gwendolyn and Allen start to form a relationship of sorts. I won't give too much away with how it begins or ends, but there was one element that was in their relationship that I found really refreshing.  It was how Allen and Gwendolyn, in searching for their purpose in life were able to encourage one another towards God's Word and guidance. I just loved how Sleiman intertwined that into the foundation of their relationship. 

This book deals with people pleasing as well. First, with Gwendolyn and her father. Second, with Allen and the counsel who have decided he is their savior in a means of sorts. More like a hero/champion... I found this theme to be relate-able and I think it's a great common ground for readers to relate with as well.  Be it people pleasing, or struggling to find one's purpose or destiny in life it all stems down to how Gwendolyn and Allen find their truth in God's plan for them but also realizing that they have to act on the plan just as much as God has planned it out for them. (Did I lose you with that sentence?) 

This book is a champion in itself! I am anticipating the third one which will be focused on Gwendolyn's maidservant who was a very complex character with a story I am excited to read. 

I highly recommend this book for lovers of strong heroine with a passion for life that is contagious! 

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves 

I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author 

Novelist, Poet, Dancer, Wife, Mother and Passionate Follower of Christ. Check out her novels, Dance of the Dandelion, Love in Three Quarter Time, Dance from Deep Within, Dauntless and Chivalrous.

Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads

Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N

Seriously, don't miss out on this new series. You'll want to join this thrilling medieval bandwagon.

Happy Reading~! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

Valley of Decision is the compelling conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles. Finally, Lisbeth and her daughter are given one more chance to reunite with Cyprian. By trouble is brewing and there is a trial for murder for Lisbeth's mother.  If you love time travel, the early days of Christianity blended into fiction and also a side of romance to keep some things light this is the book for you.  Join me in my review and see why this novel could be your next read.  

Summary

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure. 

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision--leave third century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life. 

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can't--secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow. 

With Maggie's surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator. 

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision bring the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion. 

My Thoughts 

This is the third and last book to the Carthage Chronicles, and if you have not read the first or second book I highly recommend that you go and read those two first but this review will be as spoiler free as  I can make and if there is a spoiler I will warn you! 

Either way I think it's best for the readers to read the first two books to get a sense of the characters.  This has not been my favorite series, but I do love time travel and I like fiction that is based in the early years of Christianity.  Gentry is a fabulous author.  She knows how to mold and sculpt language to make her stories feel like they are breathing. (I know that sounds weird, but for me as a reader I feel like this book is so full of life how can it not feel like that when I'm reading it?)  

I also loved how she did multiple story lines this time around--more bang for your buck.  Plus, we get the treat of reading about grown up Maggie, the daughter of Lisbeth and Cyrpain.  I like her independence and fearlessness, but also at times it was funny to read because it was a 21st century young woman trying to go up against the politics of a completely different time which did not value women as much.  It was still enjoyable to read,  and the budding romance that she starts to kindle with a certain someone (trying not to give away spoilers) was surprising and then when re-reading the second book it seemed right.  

Now getting to Lisbeth and her story.  I was kind of sad this time around because when reading the first book I kind of knew what was going to happen to Cyrpain.  But I was also holding out for maybe there was a way around this particular event.  Just be prepared is all I have to say.  Even when knowing the outcome sometimes it still is a bummer to read.  Besides all of that the author did well with tying up the stories of all of the characters we as the readers have grown so attached too. 

This was an enjoyable time-traveling novel and I highly recommend this whole series if you are looking for one to read! 

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review.

About the Author 


This girl who grew up on a Kansas dairy farm never wanted to be a writer, but she has always been a storyteller. Her mother called it "Selling wind in a bag." Lynne started out writing plays and skits. Then in a moment of sheer insanity, she decided to take a stab at writing full-length novels. Reinventing Leona was her first and it is no longer in printer. The Carthage Chronicles is her latest series. 

Lynee can milk a cow, drive a tractor, organize a banquet, prepare a kid for that first professional acting audition, or sit across the table and enjoy a cup of coffee with you. 
She counts her thirty-plus year marriage and her two wonderful children as her greatest accomplishment. 


Links to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shephard Gray

A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn by Shelley Shepard Gray is a sweet tale about new beginnings and the growth of an unexpected budding romance.  Gray brings her readers another endearing Amish story that makes the plays a wonderful song on our heart strings.  If you love all things Amish, weddings, and fun characters that fill the pages of a story then look no further than A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn. 

Summary 

In the third book in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Gray's Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, a wedding brings together two young widowed parents...and gives them a second chance at love. 

Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone.  Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely.  But when she meets Jay Hilty-- a handsome widower with three young sons of his own-- Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggle. Still, she is dismayed that her family is opposed to their friendship-- and the idea of its ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband's memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever? 

Emma's gentleness with Jay's boys stirs something in his heart that's been quiet for far too long.  But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a local woman, suddenly Jay, Emma, and their children are swept up in wedding preparations. Witnessing his son's joy, Jay wonders if it's time for him to move forward, too, and find happiness again. 

One again, love has come to Pinecraft. But can these two parties of four becomes a happy, healthy family of eight? 

My Thoughts 

Shelley Gray is a splendid writer, and it is always a joy and pleasure to read her books.  They always make me feel good when I'm doing reading.  She provides a light read that is both funny, endearing and full of moments that are cherishing to read. 

This story kind of reminded me of the movie "Yours, Mine and Ours" where the mother (in this book Emma) and father (Jay) both a significant amount of children find a second chance at love and from there try to figure out how it would be possible to bond their two families together. Basically, if you liked that movie I think you will like this Amish spin on it. This wasn't my favorite story by Gray but it was still sweet and endearing which is the combination Gray always delivers in her stories for her readers. So if you are a fan of Gray's stories be rest assured that you will get exactly what you want.  I did like however how the children interacted with one another, and I loved the cute doggie that had a love for pizza. A dog after my own heart if you ask me. I did also like how Gray blended two different stories together. Her writing style reminds me of Susan May Warren where we as the reader get more than one story! Horray! We as the readers get to dive into the relationships of Jay and Emma and the love story between Jay's son and a local woman he meets when Jay moves their family to Pinecraft. 

I love as a side note the recipes that Gray includes. I think she gets them from Amish communities that she comes into contact with when writing these stories? (don't quote me on it) Still, I love to add a new recipe to my newly born collection of recipes, so thank you Gray! 

Like I said, it wasn't my particular favorite by Gray but I still think that it has good qualities and is a book that anyone of any age could read and enjoy as light read. I still am looking forward to any future books Gray will be writing soon! I still say give this endearing Amish love story a try especially if you love a good romance and oranges. ;) 

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.   

LINK TO LITFUSE 5 BOOK GIVEAWAY 

About the Author 


Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail. 

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads 

Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N 

Happy reading~ 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Irish Meadows | Susan Mason

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason is a treasure to read. It follows the story of two sisters that don't have the best relationship, and have entirely different goals in mind when it concerns their futures.  From quiet Brianna who just wants to further her education and graduate from college to Colleen who is happy to marry for money (or so it seems) proves to holds a delightful read. Join me in my review of this lovely start to a fantastic series to come. 




Summary 

Irish immigrant James O’Leary has spent his life building Irish Meadows into a thriving horse farm and is not about to let hard economic times threaten its success. He intends for his daughters to marry prosperous men–ones who will secure the family’s rightful place in society, and at the same time, guarantee the future of Irish Meadows. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their father expects them to marry well. Yet despite his wishes, Brianna, the quieter sister, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry–as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards. When stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from college and distant family member Rylan Montgomery stops in on his way to the seminary in Boston, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

My Thoughts 

I really enjoyed this book and its premise. Its about two sisters close in age but not in relationship with one another and the predicament their father expects of them: a good marriage to help the family.  So we meet first Brianna who is a quiet young woman who loves to read, be around her father's horses and just recently the one man she has ever had feelings for has resurfaced in her life. Brianna was a fun character to read because these were the moments where she got to open up especially when it concerned her attention towards Gilbert.  The relationship between the two was good and at times as the reader aggravating (but in the best way), just kiss already!! I loved how the writer decided to focus Brianna's character towards having a passion for college and acquiring her education in a time where women having that opinion was seen as unnecessary.  I felt it made the book feel more present in the time it was placed and as a woman reading about it made it great to see what she had to overcome and stand firm on in order to achieve her dreams. 

Now my favorite character to read though was Colleen. At first I didn't think I was going to like her because from the information that I was given as the reader from past things that Colleen had done I was expecting a brat type of character who was shallow and was going to irritate me throughout the reading. Ooooooo how happy was I when they image was shattered and instead I was presented a broken woman who had gone through a hurt that she had never expressed to anyone else until Rylan.  Rylan was the perfect person for Colleen, I just have to say that! So good.  Their relationship was most of the time Rylan trying to help Colleen find her way in her relationship with God.  There is a huge full circle for both of these characters and I just loved them both so much that I looked forward to their scenes the most. 

From the beautiful intricate language to the detailed descriptions of the story itself this author and her stories are a much watch out for. This is a beautiful tale of redemption in relationships with people but most importantly with God. 

Highly recommend this book to anyone who knows how to read! Looking forward to more by this author! 

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review.

About the Author 



Susan Anne Mason's debut historical novel, "Irish Meadows," won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, and Goodreads 

Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Will Brianna and Colleen have the courage to stand up to their father's schemes to save their horse farm and instead pursue true love? Don't miss Irish Meadows, the newest book by Susan Anne Mason! As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, their father grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Join Susan in celebrating the release of Irish Meadows by entering to win her Kindle Fire giveaway and RSVPing to her September 1st author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Irish Meadows

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 9/1. The winner will be announced at the Irish Meadows Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Susan and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Through Waters Deep (Waves of Freedom #1) bySarah Sundin

Through Waters Deep the author Sarah Sundin brings to her readers another gripping tale that is making waves this summer. It's a wonderful beginning to a wonderful new series known as Waves of Freedom. It has everything a summer read needs! From sabotage and undercover work to the growing romance between Mary and Jim, readers and fans of Sundin can be rest assured that this new series will give them everything they could ask for and more. Join me in my review as I reveal the reasons why this book should be read immediately. 

Summary 

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

My Thoughts 

It's Christmas in August, ya'll. Want to know why? It's cuz Sarah Sundin has gifted us the best thing ever, that's why, and this is a new series to obsess and fawn over for the next two years. I'm anchored in with this series and can not wait for the next two books. But before I get ahead of myself for the books to come; let's talk about this book right here: Through Waters Deep. 

If you love stories centered around WWII, that have rich historical research blended in with the story line, and have strong heroines and heroes that have great character building that just make you want to spend hours and hours reading about them then look no further than anything by Sarah Sundin. She is the author who provides the best books. I can't get over her writing. I'm a fan. I'm obsessed. I never want her to stop. (Sorry for the fangirling...on with the review.) 

This book already has a strong beginning with its gorgeous cover that has story accurate details such as the red dress Mary is wearing (more details to come in review.) Just from that alone I'm hooked. The premise of this story is very intriguing. It has romance, it has Nancy Drew-esque mystery solving, and it's set in the 1940s. Hook, line, sinker. This book is a home run. Sundin has this powerful way of captivating her readers with how she develops her stories. This one in particular has her characters going through great character building and development I must say. Three cheers for Sundin!

Mary, safe and quite Mary, is someone that people sometimes overlook and because of that they let their defenses down. This results in Mary being able to listen to conversations that are had around her because she tends to fade into the background, so to say. She works as a secretary at the Boston Navy Yard and something goes haywire with an explosive at the beginning of the story. It intrigues Mary and she wants to find out the source of it all.  Is it someone who favors the Nazi regime and wants America to go to war, or is it a framing of an innocent German man? This calls for not just Mary, but also us readers to get our Nancy Drew hats out and figure out "Who dun it?". From there she meets a man from her past, Jim and her life gets more exciting then she could ever imagine. 

Jim is a naval officer. He is also a man trying to figure out how to be a naval officer when it means making the tough choices. Now these choices that he has to make tend to feel wrong to him. Nonetheless, these choices have to be made for the good of his position and the men he is in charge of. From this it brings a lot of guilt and what-if thoughts that he has to battle in order to continue his work. He finds a rekindling of friendship with Mary and she is able to encourage him as he is able to encourage her. I love how their relationship started off again as friends. Sure there was some instances where both characters noticed the attractiveness of the other. But it wasn't the foundation of the relationship.  

I loved how much Mary grew from being the quiet girl content of being in the background into someone who started to branch out of her comfort zone. By the end of the story she was confronting very dangerous men that could kill her and she was ready to stand up for the truth. It was great. At an age where I too have to start branching out (ex: moving out and thinking of after college decisions) I related a lot with Mary with the terrifying feeling of "what if I fail?" or "what if this is the wrong decision?". From there comes the red dress reference. Mary at a sale buys a red dress (I loved this scene) which might seem like just a regular red dress to others, but for Mary its her first step towards accepting that its ok to not want to be invisible and its ok when people take notice in you rather it be for your talents or character.  

From beginning to end you will be gripped with this story. I'm so excited to read about Jim's sister in the next one, it's going to be amazing I already know.  

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review.

And after you make the best decision of your reading life and read this book, I highly recommend that you check out her other two series and novella. I have a few reviews/thoughts up of some of her books here and here and here if you would like to check out other stories that she has to offer. 

About the Author 

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of World War II era. She is the author of the upcoming Waves of Freedom series (Through Waters Deep, coming August 2015), the Wings of Nightingale series (With Every Letter, 2012, One Distant Shores, 2013, and In Perfect Time, 2014), and the Wings of Glory Series (A Distant Melody, A Memory Between Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow). She also has a novella in the WWII Christmas collection Where Treetops Glisten (WaterBrook, 2014).


A mother of three, Sundin lives in northern California. She works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women's Bible studies. She enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups.

Link to author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads 
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N


In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Dive into Sarah Sundin's explosive new series, Waves of Freedom, with book one, Through Waters Deep. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them in the midst of their budding romance.

Join Sarah in celebrating the release of Through Waters Deep by entering to win an Anchors Aweigh prize pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Through Waters Deep
• A nautical tote bag
• A set of compass rose notecards
• A "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• A Boston Tea Party earl grey tea set
• A Through Waters Deep apron
• A set of nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 24th. The winner will be announced August 25th on Sarah's blog.

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Among the Fair Magnolias | Tamera Alexander, Shelley Shepard Gray, Dorothy Love, Elizabeth Musser

Among the Fair Magnolias is an exquisite blending of four novellas that captures southern history during one of its most turbulent decades. Each story has an abundance of rich language that brings the south to life on the page, is full of great characters that stick to their morals and firm convictions, and the story lines will leave you as the reader asking for seconds. These four southern love stories prove to be just as sweet as peach cobbler. 




Summary 

Four Southern women are at a turning point in history . . . and in their own hearts.

~To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander~

The Civil War cost Savannah Darby everything—her family and her home. When Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston, buys the Darby estate, he hires Savannah to redecorate. Can she find a mysterious treasure before her job is finished?

~An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray~

When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers that she is very ill and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

~A Heart So True by Dorothy Love~

Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

~Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser~

Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

My Thoughts 

My-oh-my was this collection of four novellas just the best thing since sliced bread! I just adored every single novella that was in this book. From the beautiful cover to the deep and complex story lines, I was seriously impressed.  

I am still new to the novella game as a reader because I am always hesitant about not seeing enough resolution in the characters or the plot line. We are talking a whole story from beginning to end in under 100 pages or so, and sometimes that makes me nervous as a reader. I want resolution! I want to be satisfied with my read! All simple things a reader thinks about when picking a book to read. Still, I knew about all of these authors and have read their works prior to this so I was a little bit more open minded to the experience. As I stated above, this collection of stories exceeded my expectations (but now I want more!). 

Each story was placed in the south during or around the time of when the civil war was ending or the area that the story was placed had been recovering from it.  From there we are introduced to four strong willed women who are firm in their beliefs and have minds of their own. Those two qualities are very interesting because it's during a time where most women (at least to my knowledge) were not as vocal or at least encouraged at all to speak their opinions of any matter. I loved how well developed each woman was and how each author wrote them throughout the story. Plus, each male character that was their opposite complimented each woman so well. I just loved the way we were able to see four different relationships in such beautifully sweet story lines. 

I loved how well involved in history Elizabeth Musser's story was. It dealt with the time of when many southerners were helping, now freed slaves, escape the wrath of the Klux Klan. It was such a dramatic time and I felt that Musser really crafted her story well when it came to keeping it short. However, it still packed a punch for me as the reader and it opened my eyes to a time I wasn't aware of in that part of the south. Personally, I think it was the most moving out of the four novellas. 

Dorothy Love's story was about Abigail being caught in a situation that has left her helpless when it comes to duty and love. This story did focus on the issue and controversy of Abigail being able to speak her mind and making her own decisions. If she did her family and herself would be the gossip of the town, and if she didn't she would be paired off when a man that would rather her be mute than speak at all. Another quality of this story that I liked was how it focused also on the secondary characters such as Abigail's parents. It showed that her father was more than just a businessman who wanted his daughter to marry. It also showed a backstory of her mother that I would have personally loved to have read as a standalone or even another novella. Just saying...

Tamera Alexander's story about Savannah Darby is a great treat for any readers of To Win Her Favor as she is a character that is in that book and now she gets her own story! Alexander always knows how to write a story that no matter how short or long she never disappoints with making a girl sigh. *sigh* It was a really fun story to read and was a great light read addition to these four novellas. I loved Savannah and her siblings and I loved reading about Aiden's connection with them and how they finally got their happily ever after. Sweet as peach cobbler I say! 

Lastly, Shelley Gray's story was really interesting to read.  It was about an regret filled outlaw who once returning home starts to live a life with possibilities he thought was never in his cards. Honestly out of all out them I would have wanted this as a stand alone. The story line was great for character development, but if we're still being honest here, as a novella it got straight to the point and gave me everything I could ask for in a story. Nora and Russell are so cute it kills me. (Probably my favorite out of the four if I had to choose.) 

Each story was the most delightful thing I have read all summer. Pick up a slice of your own and taste the sweetness that is this collection of novellas!  

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review.

About the Author's 

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including "A Lasting Impression" and "The Inheritance." Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. 

Link to her: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads

A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. 

Link to her: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), "The Protector," recently made the New York Times best seller list. 

Link to her: Facebook, Website, and Goodreads

Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls 'entertainment with a soul.' For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams.

Link to her: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads

Purchase their book on: Amazon and B&N 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Four best-selling novelists bring tales of four Southern women who face near impossible choices on their journeys in life and in love during the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history in Among the Fair Magnolias. Don't miss this collection of stories from Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser.

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HD 6
• One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: A Bride at Last | Melissa Jagears

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears depicts two people finding healing and love between a rock and a hard place.  It has humor, secrets, and the classic Jagears telling of a romance between two people who long for the same thing: family. 

Summary 

Silas Jonesey's life in Salt Flatts, Kansas, has not followed the course he imagined. After his mail-order bride, Lucinda, abandoned him, it was an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices and sour moods. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true; his estranged wife has contacted him after ten years of silence to tell him of her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but after realizing she had been deceived about her intended groom she never went through with the marriage. Settling into life as a schoolteacher, she's spent her spare time the past few years helping her student, Anthony, and his sick mother. When Lucinda passes away, Kate is ready to fulfill the woman's wish that she take care of nine-year-old Anthony--until a man shows up in town asking about Lucinda and claiming he was married to the woman ten years ago. 

Silas and Kate disagree over who should raise young Anthony, who has opinions of his own about his future. After being forced to come together for the good of Anthony, Silas and Kate begin to see another side to each other and the possibility of a united future despite all that stands between them. When Kate's past comes to light, Silas's feelings about women who abandon their grooms immediately throw the walls right back up between them. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together as a family, or will past hurts and new resentments leave them lonely forever?

My Thoughts 

Jagears has done it again. She has brought her readers a splendid summer read that is sure to make them sigh and leave them giddy with happy feelings. 

This was probably one of my favorites from the Bride Series. If you have followed along with the previous books feel assured that you will see scenes and glimpses of our favorite couples from those books in this book as well.  But back to this book.  I liked how complex it was.  There was more to it then just the two main characters, Kate and Silas, trying to find out what to do with Anthony the nine year old orphan. It was also about Silas finding a family he never knew he had. It was about Kate learning to stop running from life. It was about finding old roots and planting new ones. 

The focus story line is how Kate and Silas are able to deal with the secrets and past hurts that start to resurface as they begin kindling a possible relationship. A possible new future that entails a home, belonging and healing. On top of that the nine year old boy given to Kate after her friend's death could maybe be Silas's son so they have to find out a way to prove it. I liked how Jagears decided to transition this story from discovery to discovery, healing to healing, secret to secret. It flowed really well I felt.  There was a constant battle between the idea of starting a new beginning for these characters because they kept letting their past decide what they thought they deserved to experience in their futures. 

There were slight moments where I felt some decisions made by characters made me want to grab them by the shoulders and tell them to stop being stupid and just be honest with one another. But alas that is probably a reader tick I have when I want characters to just be happy already.

If you love love stories this is a book for you.  It about new beginnings and two souls finding out if their hurts will cause their bond to be stronger or force it to crumble down into a life of loneliness.

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves
I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review.

About the Author 

I am a stay at home mother on a tiny little farm with a fixer-upper house. As much as I love writing and reading about homesteaders, I am so glad I’m a homesteader during an era with modern grocery stores to take up for my slack. I am an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher by trade, and I still work occasionally in that field along with being my church’s financial secretary and writing novels. {snippet from author's website bio}

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website,  and Goodreads 
Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid   

Can Silas and Kate overcome their rocky start and experience healing—and possibly love? Discover the answer in Melissa Jagears' new book, A Bride at Last. Neither Kate nor Silas is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light as they attempt to prove nine-year-old Anthony's paternity to the court. Can their wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

Celebrate the release of A Bride at Last by entering to win a $100 Memory-Making giveaway and RSVPing to Melissa's August 4th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 gift card to Netflix (for a family movie night), Shutterfly (to create a family memory book), or TablePlayGames (for a family game night)
• One copy of A Bride at Last

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4. The winner will be announced at Melissa's 8/4 A Bride at Last Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Melissa and fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!