Wow! Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put Carmen Peone’s Renewed Hope down. It is a heart-wrenching story of one abused mother’s struggle Wow! Once you start reading, you won’t be able to put Carmen Peone’s Renewed Hope down. It is a heart-wrenching story of one abused mother’s struggle to save her precious child with help from unexpected friends, all set against the backdrop of the Native American culture. Don’t miss the final heart-pounding installment of her Seven Tine Ranch series as it brings closure to this moving trilogy....more
In A Not So Persistent Suitor, Sandra Merville Hart crafts a sweet tale of a budding romance on the rocks. One ill-planned choice on Ben’s part releasIn A Not So Persistent Suitor, Sandra Merville Hart crafts a sweet tale of a budding romance on the rocks. One ill-planned choice on Ben’s part releases a cascade of trouble that sets his girl, Cora, on her heels and forces the pair to rebuild trust. Through various lessons, they each learn they have many areas in which to grow. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming story of love nearly lost—and found again—as two wounded hearts navigate turbulent times and circumstances in 1884 Cincinnati....more
Historical fiction fans won’t want to miss Pepper Basham’s Heart of the Mountains. The story combines unique and memorable characters with the beautifHistorical fiction fans won’t want to miss Pepper Basham’s Heart of the Mountains. The story combines unique and memorable characters with the beautiful but rugged setting of Appalachia. This story tugs at the heart and leads readers on an unforgettable adventure that culminates in an ending full of redemption, hope, and healing. It’s one of the best Basham books I’ve read!
Cindy Ervin Huff has done it again! Angelina’s Resolve is a compelling tale of a female architect who is cut out of her family business, so she puts hCindy Ervin Huff has done it again! Angelina’s Resolve is a compelling tale of a female architect who is cut out of her family business, so she puts her knowledge and skills toward creating her own “village of women.” With memorable characters, plenty of conflict, and several twists and turns, you won’t want to miss this exciting story....more
Test of Gold by Renee Yancy is a delightful read! You’ll fall in love with Evangeline “Lindy” Lindenmayer and Jack Winthrop. Lindy is from high societTest of Gold by Renee Yancy is a delightful read! You’ll fall in love with Evangeline “Lindy” Lindenmayer and Jack Winthrop. Lindy is from high society and was bred to marry royalty, if her mother has anything to say about things. Jack, on the other hand, comes from a much more humble background—the nephew of a Episcopal minister who is expected to follow in his uncle’s footsteps. They each have desires of their own for their lives, and neither particularly wants the life being thrust upon them. But when a secret friendship turns to unexpected love, will they do what is expected of them or buck the system and find a way to be together? It’s a story you don’t want to miss! ...more
A very good book on the craft of writing a split-time/timeslip/dual-time novel. I appreciated the quick, easy how-to tips, and also the interviews froA very good book on the craft of writing a split-time/timeslip/dual-time novel. I appreciated the quick, easy how-to tips, and also the interviews from authors who have successfully written in the genre before. It's a great go-to for anyone looking to try their hand at this fun genre....more
A chilling confession by 1870s era serial killer Stephen Dee Richards. It was informative, gives a peek into the killer's mind, but isn't gory. Short A chilling confession by 1870s era serial killer Stephen Dee Richards. It was informative, gives a peek into the killer's mind, but isn't gory. Short and to the point. The only complaint I have is, since it was his confession, told from jail while awaiting his execution, it is not a thorough detailing of things. It hits the high points in summary fashion....more
While this book tells an intriguing story out of history, I'm just not sure how much of the information presented should be trusted as accurate. In alWhile this book tells an intriguing story out of history, I'm just not sure how much of the information presented should be trusted as accurate. In all the many articles I've read on the killing spree of the Bloody Espinosas, the older brother is listed as Felipe Nerio (going by Felipe), the younger as Jose Vivian (going by Vivian). But from the moment the author introduces the historical brothers in this book, he labels them as Jose...and Vivian (also known as Phillippe). He does finally address the discrepancy in the names about 80-85% of the way through the book with one short mention that articles of the time reversed the names or labeled the brothers differently, but this seemed to me like it should be something easily researched. So I was confused off the bat, trying to sort through who was who. There are discrepancies with years, where the author states that certain things happened around or after Thanksgiving 1863, which would've triggered the killing rampage of these brothers. But the whole rampage was done by September or October of 1863, so that didn't track either. I could go on, but I'll leave it with this. At the very least, this was a very poorly edited book. At the worst, the author's research is in question. I'm not sure which. I had hoped to use this book as one resource for something I'm working on myself, but all in all, I'm not sure I can trust the information presented, which is truly disappointing....more
A Fabulous "back-to-basics" crash-course told in 160 pages. For the new writer, this is a tremendous resource on writing deep POV--and how it affects A Fabulous "back-to-basics" crash-course told in 160 pages. For the new writer, this is a tremendous resource on writing deep POV--and how it affects many other elements of great storytelling. For the more established writer, it's a great review of what they've already learned. This will be one resource I keep on my shelf to re-read on occasion whenever I need a refresher. ...more
Dan Fuller has done a tremendous job of capturing the spirit of the Old West in his debut novel, A Rifle by the Door. Dave (age 12) and Jenny (age 18)Dan Fuller has done a tremendous job of capturing the spirit of the Old West in his debut novel, A Rifle by the Door. Dave (age 12) and Jenny (age 18) Foster find themselves orphaned in a strange new land when their father is murdered. Before his untimely death, Jim Foster was able to mail a message to his old friend, John Beck—a man who has become a bounty hunter and gunman in the years since they last saw each other. When John Beck arrives, he finds two children wholly unprepared for life in the rugged mountains of Colorado. His devotion to his deceased friend, Jim, causes him to stay on and teach the two green kids how to survive their first winter and run the ranch that was their father’s dream. Told from Dave’s perspective, this coming-of-age tale captures the harsh difficulties of life in the west and leaves you rooting for the brother and sister as well as their seasoned teacher. I highly recommend this fabulous story!...more
Setting aside the fact my own story is one of the four, I can honestly say that the other three stories in this collection are absolutely amazing. PegSetting aside the fact my own story is one of the four, I can honestly say that the other three stories in this collection are absolutely amazing. Pegg Thomas's WORTH FIGHTING FOR is a fun story with great characters. I loved Meg's overprotective brothers (I had a couple of those myself, so these characters rang very true for me). Amanda Barratt's FORGING FOREVER was such a beautiful picture of sacrificial love. And Angela K. Couch's A TEMPERED HEART is so heartwarming in the way she shows unfettered acceptance of the disabled. All were beautiful in their own ways. ...more
So much is packed in this short novella. I love this exploration of culture and the different take on the western genre. Author Anne Schroeder writes So much is packed in this short novella. I love this exploration of culture and the different take on the western genre. Author Anne Schroeder writes about fourteen-year-old Man-Gee, a Chinese boy who serves as an indentured servant to a German immigrant along the Oregon Trail. When Man-Gee falls through a crevice in the earth, landing in a deep pit with no way to escape, he cries out for help. No one from his wagon train hears his cries--but Native American warriors do. And they mistake his cries for that of a Wagani, an evil wandering spirit. To appease the spirit, they offer gifts of food and other items. Man-Gee finds an ally in a young Native American slave girl who plays the flute as her offering to the spirit. And a century later, a modern-day road crew discovers what once happened to the Boy in the Darkness. Chock full of vivid imagery and emotion, Anne Schroeder does an outstanding job of weaving together the experience of one of the lesser-known settlers of the American West....more
I've long been a fan of Author Shannon McNear's novellas, but she knocked it out of the park with her first novel-length story. The Cumberland Bride iI've long been a fan of Author Shannon McNear's novellas, but she knocked it out of the park with her first novel-length story. The Cumberland Bride is a beautifully written novel with a compelling plot of brave travelers on the Wilderness Road. Heroine Kate Greuner loves to ferret out the hidden stories of those she meets, and her latest interest is in the mysterious guide, Thomas, who leads her family and traveling companions through the Cumberland Gap. The last thing hero Thomas Bledsoe wants is to have young Kate needling him with incessant questions as he scouts trails while keeping an ear out for danger from the Shawnee. In wonderful lyric prose, Ms. McNear deftly handles the building romantic tension between Kate and Thomas while weaving a fascinating tale chronicling the historical hardships between the Native American people and the waves of European settlers flowing into their land in the late 1700s. This can’t-miss tale will capture your mind and thrill your heart!...more
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! In her signature style, Karen Witemeyer brings her characters to life in such touching fashion. Evangeline Hamilton isOh my goodness, oh my goodness! In her signature style, Karen Witemeyer brings her characters to life in such touching fashion. Evangeline Hamilton is a young woman with unique eyes—one blue and one brown. This misunderstood trait strikes fear in most everyone who sees her, causing many to think her cursed or a witch. Thankfully, she’s got the love, support, and protection of her fellow orphan “brothers”—Zack and Seth. They lead a happy life until Logan Fowler rides into town looking to get even with Zack for a wrong committed long ago. I won’t give away the many wonderful details of the story, but trust me, there are MANY. You’ll fall in love with each of these characters, and the story will have you laughing one moment, and crying the next. Truly, this is a can’t miss book! ...more
I loved this book! While much of the book is written in an allegorical style, the truths told here are life-altering. When we can learn to put God firI loved this book! While much of the book is written in an allegorical style, the truths told here are life-altering. When we can learn to put God first in our lives, our skills, abilities, talents, and callings go to a new, higher level. This is a must-read for everyone, but particularly those who are tired and worn out with their lives, those who feel like they are always striving and never get ahead. There's hope, but it requires us to slow down and BE with our Creator above all else....more
This was my first exposure to Karen Witemeyer's writing, and I must say, I loved it. A nice mix of romance and action, believable characters who had tThis was my first exposure to Karen Witemeyer's writing, and I must say, I loved it. A nice mix of romance and action, believable characters who had their own sets of problems to work through, and a fun plot. I'll definitely be looking for other books by this author. ...more
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