Book Review: Spring for Susannah

ABOUT THE BOOK: (Back Cover)
When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call.  Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride.  Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves.  Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them.  And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge.  But Jesse's confidence in her - and his faith in God's perfect plan - slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter.  Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble.  Still, Jesse's love is unwavering.  Just when it seems like winter will never end.  Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring.  And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart.  Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

MY THOUGHTS:

Susannah is one brave women, first she becomes a mail order bride and moves across country to the Dakotas where she finds herself married to a stranger and living in a sod home.  Feeling quite lonely she cherishes the closest neighbors and their friendship, and soon becomes adjusted to her new life.  This could have been your typical love story, but there are a lot of very interesting parts to this story.  As you read you can feel the isolation that Susannah feels, you can also feel the frustration of her husband as he tries to help her open up.  You feel the struggles and the pain right along with the happiness, these characters are very believable and lovable.

I really enjoyed this book and think you will too!

To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)

To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat, testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review
 from Litfuse

Book Review: Chasing Sunsets

About the Book: (back cover)
Kimberly Tucker's life hasn't turned out the way she thought it would.  While her ex is living it up, she struggles to understand what went wrong.  When her two sons end up spending five weeks of summer vacation with their father, Kim plans a respite at the family vacation home on tiny Cedar Key.  As she revisits the long-forgotten past, she discovers that treasures in life are often buried, and sometimes you do get a second chance at love.

Let yourself get swept away to an island retreat of warm tropical breezes, sandy beaches, and the most glorious sunsets you can imagine.

My thoughts:
This was an enjoyable summer read.  I liked how the main character, Kim evolved as she began to realize how her need to control was making her life difficult, as she learns to work on her need to control her life begins to take a turn for the better, but then there is the issue of trust.  Who does she trust when it comes to love, an old friend or an old love?  There is also a sub story here, Kim's sisters have a few issues of their own, these stories don't really develop and take a back seat to the story line, but they are a part of Kim and their story needs to be told!  I loved the imagery surrounding the photography on the beach, I have spent time on the beach taking photos and I felt as if I were there while reading this book.

The only thing I did not like was how the story ended, I may have missed something, but when I reached the end, I was left hanging and a bit confused.  Kim's elderly friend Patsy was a big part of Kim's healing and the book ended in 1964 with a part of Patsy's story, it just didn't make sense to me.  But all in all it was a good read!

“Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.

CFBA Book Review: The Sweetest Thing

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Sweetest Thing • Bethany House (June 1, 2011) by Elizabeth Musser

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Musser, an Atlanta native, studied English and French literature at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. While at Vanderbilt, I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Aix-en-Provence,

France. During her Senior year at Vanderbilt, she attended a five-day missions conference for students and discovered an amazing thing: God had missionaries in France, and she felt God calling her there. After graduation, she spent eight months training for the mission field in Chicago, Illinois and then two years serving in a tiny Protestant church in Eastern France where she met her future husband.

Elizabeth lives in southern France with her husband and their two sons. She find her work as a mother, wife, author and missionary filled with challenges and chances to see God’s hand at work daily in her life. Inspiration for her novels come both from her experiences growing up in Atlanta as well as through the people she meets in her work in France. Many conversations within her novels are inspired from real-life conversations with skeptics and seekers alike.

Her acclaimed novel, The Swan House, was a Book Sense bestseller list in the Southeast and was selected as one of the top Christian books for 2001 by Amazon's editors. Searching for Eternity is her sixth novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Compelling Southern Novel Explores Atlanta Society in the 1930s.



The Singleton family’s fortunes seem unaffected by the Great Depression, and Perri—along with the other girls at Atlanta’s elite Washington Seminary—lives a life of tea dances with college boys and matinees at the cinema. When tragedy strikes, Perri is confronted with a world far different from the one she has always known.

At the insistence of her parents, Mary ‘Dobbs’ Dillard, the daughter of an itinerant preacher, is sent from inner-city Chicago to live with her aunt and attend Washington Seminary. Dobbs, passionate, fiercely individualistic and deeply religious, enters Washington Seminary as a bull in a china shop and shocks the girls with her frank talk about poverty and her stories of revival on the road. Her arrival intersects at the point of Perri’s ultimate crisis, and the tragedy forges an unlikely friendship.

The Sweetest Thing tells the story of two remarkable young women—opposites in every way—fighting for the same goal: surviving tumultuous change. Just as the Great Depression collides disastrously with Perri's well-ordered life, friendship blossoms--a friendship that will be tested by jealousy, betrayal, and family secrets...

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Sweetest Thing, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:
This was a rather slow read for me, it's not that I didn't enjoy the book, because I did.  The characters were very well developed and Dobbs had quite a personality!  I just didn't find this to be one of those riveting page turners.  Perri and Dobbs are two girls who learn to fight and despite all, they don't give up.  They both have huge caring hearts and the book is quite aptly named, because this truly is a sweet story about friendship and caring.





*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Book Review: A Reluctant Queen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joan Wolf was born in New York City but has lived most of her adult life with her husband in Connecticut, where she raised two children and countless numbers of assorted animals. Joan is the author of numerous historical novels including The Road to Avalon which Publishers Weekly lauded as “historical fiction at its finest.”

For more about Joan and her other books, please visit www.joanwolf.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Back Cover
She was a simple girl faced with an impossible choice.  He was a magnificent king with a lonely heart.

Their love was the divine surprise that changed the course of history.

The beloved story of Esther springs to fresh life in this inspired novel that vibrates with mystery, intrigue and romance.

MY THOUGHTS:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I have read several books based on Bible stories and the story of Esther was simply wonderful.  Esther came to life and you could feel her heartbreak while reading her story, a simple girl thrown into an impossible situation.  While King Ahasuerus would have been easy to dislike due to his history you can't help but fall for him as Esther softens his heart, as a first Christian book author, Joan Wolf has done a wonderful job depicting these Bible characters, King Ahasuerus was entirely made-up, but it did not take from the story in any way and Joan Wolf explains her reasons for making changes to the true Bible story.

A very enjoyable read, one that I will gladly read again and recommend to others!



*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publishing.

CFBA Book Review: How Huge the Night

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing How Huge the Night Kregel Publications (March 9, 2011) by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland of American parents and grew up in the south of France. She decided to be a writer at the age of five when her mother read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books aloud, but worried that she couldn’t write about her childhood since she didn’t remember it. When she was young, her favorite time of day was after supper when the family would gather and her father would read a chapter from a novel. Heather went to French school until her teens, and grew up hearing the story of Le Chambonsur-Lignon, only an hour’s drive away. She now lives in rural Illinois with her husband, Paul, where they offer free spiritual retreats to people coming out of homelessness and addiction. She enjoys wandering in the woods, gardening, writing, and splitting wood.

Lydia Munn was homeschooled for five years because there was no school where her family served as missionaries in the savannahs of northern Brazil. There was no public library either, but Lydia read every book she could get her hands on. This led naturally to her choice of an English major at Wheaton College. Her original plan to teach high school English gradually transitioned into a lifelong love of teaching the Bible to both adults and young people as a missionary in France. She and her husband, Jim, have two children: their son, Robin, and their daughter, Heather.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens.

Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair.

Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.

Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon-the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust-How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.

Endorsements

“The Munns have written an engrossing historical novel that is faithful to the actual events of World War II in western Europe during the tumultuous year 1940. But How Huge the Night is more than good history; it is particularly refreshing because the reader sees the conflict through the lives of teenagers who are forced to grapple with their honest questions about the existence and goodness of God in the midst of community, family, and ethnic tensions in war-ravaged France.”—Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

“Seldom have the horrors of war upon adolescents—or the heroism of which they are capable—been so clearly portrayed. I loved this coming-of-age story.”—Patricia Sprinkle, author of Hold Up the Sky

“The book expertly weaves together the lives of its characters at a frightening moment in conflicted times. As we read of their moral dilemmas and of their choices, we too wonder, Would I do has these in the story have done?”—Karen Mains, Director, Hungry Souls

If you would like to read an excerpt from How Huge the Night, go HERE

Watch the book video:

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a story about a very dark time in our history, it is a sad story with glimmers of hope.  I loved the imagery in the story, the authors really brought the scenery to life starting with the first page where they say,

"....tumbled down the hillside like blocks some giant kid had spilled...."  15 year old Julien fights to find his way in his new home and he really has it quite easy compared to Nina who has left her home with her young brother after their father dies.  As you read this story your heart breaks at the thought of these young children fighting to stay alive when really it's their time to fly, to prepare for their lives as adults.  This book shows the struggle of every day life, how it must go on, even during war, and how our choices, no matter our age or the situation we are in can change our lives forever.

This book is based on actual events and is one that I highly recommend, a very insightful read.

************************

If you're feeling a sense of deja vu while reading this, yes, I did post a review for this book earlier, I mistakenly signed up to review this book through two different places, but it was a great book so maybe hearing about it twice will cause you enough curiosity to read it yourself!

This review was done for CFBA whom I also received a complimentary copy of this book from!

Book Review and Giveaway!!! Johnny One-Eye

ABOUT THE BOOK

Johnny One-Eye: A Tale of the American Revolution
by Jerome Charyn

"A rollicking tale." --Stacy Schiff, New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice

Johnny One-Eye is bringing about the rediscovery of one of the most "singular and remarkable [careers] in American literature" (Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World). In this picaresque tour de force that reanimates Revolutionary Manhattan through the story of double agent John Stocking, the bastard son of a whorehouse madam and possibly George Washington, Jerome Charyn has given us one of the most memorable historical novels in years. As Johnny seeks to unlock the mystery of his birth and grapples with his allegiances, he falls in love with Clara, a gorgeous, green-eyed octoroon, the most coveted harlot of Gertrude's house. The wild parade of characters he encounters includes Benedict Arnold, the Howe brothers, "Sir Billy" and "Black Dick," and a manipulative Alexander Hamilton.

Not since John Barth's The Sotweed Factor and Gore Vidal's Burr has a novel so dramatically re-created America's historical beginnings. Reading group guide included.

MY THOUGHTS:
The main character takes you along on his journey through war, you battle side by side with Johnny and learn quite a bit of history along the way.  This is a very entertaining book and those of you who love history will want to read Johnny One-Eye.

A book as entertaining as this one is a great way to learn a little more history, it's too bad that all lessons are not this entertaining there are plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep you on your toes, a little romance thrown in on the side and in the midst of it all you'll even learn more about George Washington!

This really is an incredible book, one that will keep you reading and entertained the entire book through.  It's not one of my light summer reads, but it is one you won't want to miss!

.....and now here's your chance to win a copy of this fabulous book!  USA only.

Mandatory: (Leave a separate comment for each entry along with your email address)
What is the best book you've read this year?

Extras:
+2 Follow my blog publicly via GFC
+2 'like' me on FB, link on sidebar
+2 Subscribe, link on sidebar
+2 Follow on twitter, link on sidebar

....and for even more chances to win, visit the blog tour website!  HERE

This contest will end at midnight on Thursday, June 30th at midnight, the winner will be chosen via random.org and will have 48 hours to answer my email or a new winner will be chosen.

GOOD LUCK!



*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tribute books 
in exchange for review, the publisher is also offering the giveaway copy.

Blog Tour: My Foolish Heart

About the book: My Foolish heart
Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven , Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

Read an excerpt here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/contemporary-romance/

About Susan: Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia , Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota ’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

MY THOUGHTS:

Hats off to Susan May Warren for writing such a fun book!  Love isn't always where we expect it, and when we take the time to look beneath the surface of others we can be deeply rewarded and sometimes we do need to take a risk, which is something that Issy learns.

There is a definite Christian slant to this book and the ongoing conversations through Issy's home studio keep this book moving right along.  This is a charming story that will leave you feeling hopeful.  A great summer read! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Tyndale Publishing