Baroness by Susan May Warren

4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis 

Lilly and Rosie, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want…except freedom.  Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them.  But, Lilly, Esme’s daughter longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City.  And Jinx’s daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen.  But following their dreams – from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers will take all their courage.  And if they find love, will they choose 

Review 

Jazz, air planes, post-WWI, short dresses, bold makeup, gangsters, baseball, tons of jewelry, and flapper dresses. Baroness leaves nothing out in this roaring twenties novel. Susan May Warren is truly a master a capturing an era that few people write about. 

I couldn't put this book down. Almost every character jumped off the page! The two main characters, Rosie and Lilly, truly captured the heart. I cried with them, felt joy with them, and cheered as they attempted to reach for more.

The beginning of the novel seemed, at first, to be somewhat a waste of time. Yes, we strolled through the streets of Paris, but when nothing truly developed from the characters' time in Paris, I started wondering why on earth it was in the novel. Of course, Susan May Warren is a wonderful story-teller, and one can rest-assured nothing goes to waste in this story. I love how she walked us through their past rather provide back story. 

While this novel is written for adults, I can't help but feel that it should also be a "coming of age" novel. If I were a teacher in school, I'd opt for Baroness over The Great Gatsby for required reading.

Now, I have to say something about the title. Baroness. Why is this so cute? When you discover one of main character's final career choice, you can't help but think of the Red Baron. To be honest, I think it's genius!

If you're looking for a novel that is different, gripping, exciting, and historical, then Baroness will leave you not only satisfied, but longing for more. Thank goodness, Susan May Warren has a third one in the series coming out!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, via Litfuse publicity, in exchange for an honest review. 

Baroness Roaring 20s Kindle Fire Giveaway from Susan May Warren!

Celebrate with Susan by entering her Roaring 20's Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Signed copies of Baroness and Heiress by Susan May Warren

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on  FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

About the Author

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

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Purchase

Available from Summerside Press in ebook and print formats

The Key on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson

3.9 out of 5 stars

Synopsis 

Enter a historic Nebraskan prison where three women find betrayal, love, and ultimate truth. Jane Prescott is serving a ten-year sentence for murder. Can a broken spirit be healed behind bars? Matron Mamie Dawson feels called to help the wounded women in her charge. Will a guard’s attentions keep her from her mission? Warden’s wife Ellen McKenna has changed her preconceptions about these female prisoners. Will it be enough to save her from a life-or-death situation? Will the cryptic quilt connecting their lives expose the truth of one woman’s past and ensure a better future for them all?

Review 

The Key on the Quilt is a unique novel that is certain to capture the history lover. Stephanie Grace Whitson has taken a unique step in Christian fiction and ventured beyond the realms of the typical story-line found in the historical genre as she explores prison life among females. 

This novel introduces the reader to three protagonists. Each of these protagonists struggle with something different. One is an actual prisoner, the other is the matron, the other is the warden's wife. These protagonists have the potential to reach a variety of readers, as one may be able to identify with a certain protagonist more than the others due to their life's circumstances.   

This novel does an excellent job of showing readers the essence and heart of Jesus--which is to reach those who are broken and hurting. What better place than a prison? I love how this novel delves into a Christianity that the modern church is slowly forgetting about. It's wonderful to see the direction this story takes.

Another great part of the novel is the symbolism at the end. It's one of those "wow" moments that leaves readers reaching for the nearest tissue. 

The only problem I have with this novel is the amount of back-story and explanation. It seemed to slow the story down. I would have loved to have seen it worked in rather than explained. At some portions, the back-story was very appropriate. At other times it felt un-necessary. 

I definitly recommend every history lover give The Key on the Quilt a try. It's so far from the ordinary story, that one can't help but find themselves pleasantly surprised by this novel. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Barbour Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

View the Trailer 

About the Author 

Stephanie Grace Whitson, bestselling author and two-time Christy finalist, pursues a full-time writing and speaking career from her home studio in southeast Nebraska. Her husband and blended family, her church, quilting, and Kitty--her motorcycle--all rank high on her list of "favorite things."

Website

Purchase

Available from Barbour Publishers in ebook and print formats 

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The Shadow on the Quilt

A Texan's Honor by Shelley Gray

4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis 

Texas, 1874. Years ago, Will McMillan had fought in the open, next to his Captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now, in book 2 of The Heart of a Hero series, he’s waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang.

But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman is in the middle of the fray, Will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he’s risking everything for will never love him back. Even if all he's left with is his faith.

Review 

A Texan's Honor, the second installment to The Heart of a Hero series, is full of adventure, fascination, and gripping characters!

While I enjoyed the first novel in this series, I think I enjoyed the hero in this novel much more! He is so steadfast and solid! No matter what he decides, his decisions are always based on his steadfastness of character traits. And as a reader, I can appreciate that! 

I loved the premise for the novel. Shelley Grey does an excellent job of revealing the right information at the right time, allowing the reader to suspect something just before she reveals it. Until then, however, it never crosses the mind.

Another interesting portion of this story deals with the main character in the upcoming and final novel in this series. Can I just say this character both abhors and fascinates the reader. Not only does he grip the reader and intrigue, but his own personal conflict in this novel is so gripping and surprising that it doesn't fit stero-types at all.

Some Christian readers may find offense in the way "hell" is thrown out as an expletive by one of the bad guys. If you find this bothersome, then I wouldn't recommend this novel for you personally. If it won't bother you, then definitely pick up this novel!

I certainly recommend A Texan's Honor to those who enjoy wild west stories. If you like Deeanne Gist's Love on the Line, you will probably enjoy this one as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Abingdon Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

About the Author

Shelley Gray's first Amish novel, Hidden, was nominated for the Inspirational Readers Choice award. Her book Simple Gifts won the Reviewers Choice Award. Shelley’s novel,The Protector, recently made the New York Times bestseller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado, and taught school for ten years. She lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time.

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Purchase 

Available from Abingdon Press in eBook and print formats

For a limited time, A Texan's Honor is currently offered as a free Kindle book.

 

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A Texan's Choice

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis 

Remember the Titanic 100 years after its doomed voyage with Tricia Goyer’s fictional portrayal of one woman’s journey. To Amelia Gladstone, this ship means promise of seeing family again. To Quentin Walpole, the Titanic represents a new start in America…if he can get on board. All seems lost until Amelia offers him a ticket, securing his passage—and bringing him face-to-face with his railroad tycoon father and older brother, Damian. As Amelia works to reconcile father and son, she finds herself the object of both brothers’ affection. Can she choose between two brothers? Or will she lose everything to the icy waters of the Atlantic? 

 

Review 

The R.M.S. Titanic has fascinated many writers, film-makers, and photographers. The fascination has led to a plethora of stories that take readers and viewers through the last moments of the Titanic as we view it through the eyes of a character.

Stories set on the Titanic are hard for people to get into, yet By the Light of the Silvery Moon poses no problem in grabbing a reader's attention. This story gripped me and left me longing to know what would happen next--in spite of the fact I knew the ship would sink. 

Tricia Goyer creates an interesting story. While I'm not entirely sure how plausible the romance portion of the story would be, she definitely takes the reader's heart captive with it. 

This story is refreshing because it does something most Titanic stories fail to do by giving us characters in the second class. We know all about the details and happenings of the third and first classes, but we never hear anything about those in second class. I was excited to see a story told from a second class passenger's point of view. 

Don't worry, for those of you love first class, she includes them too. 

Another refreshing part of this novel is how Tricia Goyer introduces a plot other than romance. She gives us a prodigal-son story. To be honest, it's amazing how wonderfully she made it fit for a Titanic story-line. My only regret is that, at times, she would quote the parable verbatim when it came to the dialogue. I would have like to have seen original dialogue in those instances. 

If you're reading this book simply because you're a hardcore Titanic enthusiast wanting to know about the ship itself, you will love this novel. Tricia Goyer has no problem bringing the ship to life with her accurate details in society. And If you like James Cameron's famous movie, Titanic, then you'll certainly love By the Light of the Silvery Moon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

View the Trailer

About the Author

Tricia Goyer has published numerous articles, novels, and nonfiction titles. A former teen mom, Tricia founded Hope Pregnancy Center in Kalispell, Montana. She now lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband and four children, including a newly adopted daughter.

Website  Blog  Twitter   Facebook   Youtube

Purchase

Available from Barbour Publishing in eBook and print formats 

Don't miss the chance to win this book in this month's giveaway!

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

4.3 out of 5 stars

Synopsis 

Lucy Marsh's worldly resources are running out, but she's fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father's recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he'd marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he'd give anything to protect Lucy and the children he's grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

Review 

Blue Moon Promise, the first book in the historical Under Texas Stars series, is sure to please those who enjoy a good marriage of convenience story.

This story grabbed me from the fist page and continued to wrap me into the "fictive dream". It's been a long time since I've felt so deeply engrossed in a story. The writing style, plot, and characters are so well done that it truly transports you from your own life and into the story.

This story has a fair amount of romance and suspense to please those who devour romance and those who enjoy Colleen Coble's contemporary suspense novels.

Talk about a well-written romance! I could feel my heart pounding from my chest at times!

The one draw back to this story, for me personally, was the over-execution of the spiritual element. I loved the spiritual message completely, yet the way it arose in dialogue seemed a bit fakey to me. The heroine seemed to be very aware of her own weakness after the initial conversation regarding her problem. Two or three more discussions on it just felt a bit over done. I wouldn't let that discourage you though, because while it's over done, it's not heavy and overbearing, and it never hinders the story or brings it to halt.

I thoroughly enjoyed Blue Moon Promise. I can't wait to see what Collen Coble has in store for us next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson publishers via Booknseeze in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

                     Website  Twitter  

Purchase

Available from Thomas Nelson Publishers in eBook and print formats

 

Read the First Chapter

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis 

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.



Review 
Sixty Acres and Bride not only uses a unique backdrop for its retelling of the book of Ruth, but it also provides readers with unique characters, who are not stero-typical from the book of Ruth.

The first page captured me and wouldn't let me go until I found out what happened. Regina Jennings is definitly a fresh voice in Christian fiction. Her writing style encompasses readers completely in the story. 

Something I loved with this novel is how she delt with cross-cultural barriers in propriety. This is a lesson that many of us still need to learn in our society, and she did such a wonderful job with it. I loved it!

Another thing I truly appreciated was how her characters were mindful of never tempting anyone of the opposite sex--and would go to great lengths to avoid that temptation once that weakness was realized. 

On page 116 there did seem to be a very confusing point of view change that resembled head-hopping. It left me scratching my head for a second, wondering if I my pages stuck together. I'm not sure what happened there, because it never happens again in the novel, but do watch out for it.

If you want to indulge in some flavorful writing with unique characters and a compelling story, then Sixty Acres and a Bride is for you!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. 

Facebook Party and Giveaway!

Celebrate with Regina by entering to win a Kindle Fire and coming to her Author Chat Party on 3/27!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/26/12. Winner will be announced at Regina's Author Chat Facebook Party on 3/27. Regina will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and some beautiful silver jewerly!

So grab your copy of Sixty Acres and a Bride and join Regina and friends on the evening of March 27th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

About the Author 

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

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Purchase

Available from Bethany House Publishers in eBook and print formats

Read the First Chapter 

Sixty Acres and a Bride

Beauty For Ashes by Dorothy Love

4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis 

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to give beauty for ashes.

Review 

Beauty For Ashes, the second installment in the Hickory Ridge series, is a charming novel for the southern heart! Dorothy Love's writing is pure southern, through and through. 

I loved the characters in this novel. Dorothy Love has such a talent in creating characters who are likable, yet very flawed. In this novel, no one is considered flawless. It's amazing how she exposes vulnerabilities inside characters that adds another dimension to them, yet at the same time it never once justifies their flaws. Pure genius, if you ask me. 

Something I really appreciate in this novel is how the main female character has it out with God. She is honest with Him when it comes to her hurts, her doubts, her pain, and her questions. Too many Christian novels surround us with fluffy conversations with God. Not this one! 

The elements in this novel brought be back to my own ashes and reminded me of the beauty God has made from them. Any novel that causes us to reflect on our own life, is probably doing exactly what the author set out to do--touch the reader.  

One of the things I sincerely appreciate is Griff Rutledge. As a Charleston native, Dorothy Love's character is a pure and true Charleston gentlemen (yes, to us there is Charleston, then the rest of the world). I love how she even used a prominent Charleston last name--and many more were mentioned in the novel. Her knowledge of the Charleston area astounded and impressed me immensely. For someone who doesn't live in the area, but visited it many times, she has done an awesome job in absorbing and understanding our historical culture. 

I love how she has skillfully meshed together Tennessee and Charleston in this novel. Bravo! 

I highly recommend Beauty For Ashes to anyone who loves southern, historical, and romance! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. 

I've selected this book for the next blog discussion on the 21st. If you've read the book, or you're reading it, be sure to join us for some fun discussion on it! 

Facebook Party and Giveaway!

First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.



One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
• Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love
• Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/20/12. Winner will be announced at Dorothy's Facebook Author Chat Party on 3/20. Come for an evening of chat, trivia, and a sneak peek at the next book in Dorothy's Hickory Ridge series - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a stunning sapphire ring!

So grab your copy of Beauty for Ashes  and join Dorothy and friends on the evening of March 20th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss Dorothy's delightful giveaway and party. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

About the Author 

Before returning to her writing roots in historical fiction, Dorothy Love published twelve novels for young adults. Her work has garnered numerous honors from the American Library Association, the Friends of American Writers, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and many others. The Hickory Ridge Novels mark her Christian fiction debut.

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Purchase 

Available from Thomas Nelson Publishing in eBook and print formats

 

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Dorothy Love

Every Perfect Gift