Faith-filled fiction for the romantic in us all
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Tammy Karasek, self-proclaimed (and rightly so) Launch Team Geek offers step-by-step advice on how to successfully launch a book. Everything from why you need a launch team in the first place to how to gather a team, what to do with your team, and when and how to say goodbye. This is an indispensible, easily understood tool for first-time authors and beyond.
Two souls separated from family—one by choice, the other by circumstances—meet and feel an instant attraction. But afraid to admit who they really are and the physical and emotional demons they battle, they each put up guardrails to protect themselves and each other. When one of their pasts puts the other one in danger, is it something they can ever come back from . . . if they survive? Ever since reading the epilogue to Book One of Purcell’s War of the Heart series, I have wanted to read Jed and Rose’s story. And this book did not disappoint. It is a sweet, believable love story with a side helping of another love story thrown in. It deals a lot with people’s differences, which others view as disabilities, and shows how wrong our prejudices and perceptions can be—and how damaging. The ending satisfied my romance-loving heart, and a hint of things to come also makes me eager for the next story in the series.
A master of storytelling and a sought-after writing instructor, James Scott Bell helps authors of all levels to take their writing up a notch in one simple way. Creating realistic dialogue which not only moves the story forward but makes the reader want to keep reading. This author book club staple does not disappoint.
This is seriously one of the best contemporary books I have read. So beautifully written, it tackles difficult topics like the consequences of premarital sex, abortion, and dementia. But it is all handled from a Christian worldview while still recognizing that we all live in a fallen world, and Christians aren't perfect either. I couldn't wait to see how all the mysteries would be solved, while at the same time not wanting the book to end. The ending was very satisfying.
Contemporary Christian romances are what I write and some of my favorite novels to read. And Betsy St. Amant is one of my favorite authors in this genre. I've finished this book and enjoyed it, but I just haven't had time to finish the review yet. Click the picture and check out the Amazon blurb. If it sounds good to you, give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
This is the first Robin Lee Hatcher book I've read, but it won't be my last. Although I tend toward contemporary Christian romances, I always love a good historical one too. I haven't quite finished this book yet, so I'm not ready to write a review. But I am thoroughly enjoying it and think you will too. Click the picture to read Amazon's blurb.
This is a sweet story of second chances. Shelby Thatcher had her heart broken years ago by Gray Briggs, making him a pariah in the small hometown he and Shelby share. But when her Grandma dies and leaves half of her bookshop to Shelby and the other half to . . . Gray, what second story is she trying to write from the grave, and will she succeed? I enjoyed this book and rooted for Gray while still understanding Shelby's hesitance. I think you will too.
I finished this book, but then the Christmas chaos attacked, and I haven't had time to write a review. I will do that soon. But in the meantime, just know that this book had me on the edge of my seat wondering if Cadee and Vince were going to live long enough to work through their past.
“By the time . . . we were plodding along at a safe pace back toward the inn, the laughter had faded, taking all the comfort with it. Gone was the brief moment in time in which we were too focused on the present to think about the past.” The past this beautiful quote speaks of is one filled with heartache and regret. Wes never stopped loving Addie, even when he married another woman. And Addie never fully forgave him for breaking her heart, even when she fell in love with and wed another man. Both now widowed and back in their small hometown of Adelaide Springs, will Wes and Addie’s doomed first chance at love bloom into a successful second chance? I found this novel, the third which takes place in Adelaide Springs, to be a bit heavier and heftier than Turner’s previous ones. However, it did still make me laugh out loud at times, and I often had difficulty putting it down for the night so I could sleep.
Although the topic of this novel—suicide and how it affects those left behind—can make it difficult to read at times, its message of hope through Jesus is one which we all can benefit from. Told from the first-person perspectives of a teenage girl and her grandma, this book shows the ripple effects of a loved one’s suicide into every aspect of the lives of those left behind. It is so well written that, despite its heavy theme, it is difficult to put down, and I highly recommend this book. I was provided a free copy, but all opinions are my own.
"Above us, the night sky flared and flamed with light, crashed and collided with sound." As a lover of alliteration, I adore this line from Marline's sequel to All Men Are Liars. Love the One You're With is another fun, funny and still inspirational novel set in the 1970s. We follow our heroine Dana, a committed Jesus Freak, to London where she meets a young man who makes her question her relationship with the boyfriend she left back home. Filled with realistic situations which cause this young Christian to struggle, Marline's book will make you laugh, cry, and sometimes want to shake Dana as she works to overcome the power of temptation. Will you be on Team Roland or Team Cyril? You can't know unless you read the book. You don't absolutely have to read Book One in the series first, but you'll be better off if you do.
“The wail of the sirens hadn't stopped. How could anyone sleep with all that racket? With the sound of impending doom elevating their blood pressure?" If that quote doesn't get your heart pumping a little faster, the developing romance between two of this book's main characters, David and Natalie, will. Having attended a wedding in Norway of mutual friends, these two, who were once engaged to each other, find themselves stranded there by Luftwaffe attacks. If they survive to live another day, will they also live to love each other again? I found both of these characters relatable and likable and rooted for David to win back the heart of the woman he never stopped loving but didn't know how to show her that love. As a super fan of the first book in this series, Abounding Hope, I was grateful for the continuing storyline of Irene and Jonathan. Although you don't have to read Book One in the Circle of Hope series to enjoy Unending Hope, you will enjoy seeing the beginning of Irene and Jonathan's love story before it continues to unfold in Book Two.
“The stinging sleet had transformed to plush flakes that landed on my face like cold little kisses.” Set in 1973, when bell-bottoms were in, and cell phones weren’t yet, All Men Are Liars by Marline Williams is well-written and laugh-out-loud funny with a strong, spiritual thread. The quote above is only one of many which either made me smile, giggle, or laugh so hard I was glad I wasn’t in a public place. I adored “Dateless” Dana and rooted for her to find her heart’s true love without disappointing the lover of her soul.
From reading this wonderfully well-written and meticulously researched novel, you would never guess that it is a debut. The hero and heroine are not perfect people, but they are both lovable, whose strengths far outweigh their weaknesses. This book literally had me gasping audibly one minute and laughing out loud a few pages over. If you love any kind of romance, but particularly historical ones that take place during World War II, you will love this book.
Even though this is the first book in Angela Hunt's Dangerous Beauty series, I read it third. And, in my opinion, I saved the best for last. I have always been intrigued and inspired by Esther's story. Seeing how her life might have actually unfolded with Angela's historically accurate and Biblically faithful details made for an enjoyable read. And this cover, as with the other two, is just beautiful!
The second in Angela Hunt’s Dangerous Beauty trilogy, Bathsheba is a haunting telling of her story with David. Not always easy to read, because of the horrible outcomes of David’s sinful behavior, it is nevertheless a book I have trouble putting down at night.
Judges is one of my favorite books of the Bible because it shows how God can take even the weakest, unassuming, or in Samson’s case, unlikable people and accomplish His will through them. This book by Angela Hunt, a master of Biblical fiction, takes what the Bible tells us in the story of Samson and Delilah and then fills in the gaps to make an interesting and compelling read. Of course, the Bible doesn’t tell us all the details behind Delilah’s betrayal of Samson, other than 1,100 pieces of silver. But the novel offers potential, plausible reasons for her and Samson’s behaviors, which makes them more understandable and less detestable. The book is definitely an enjoyable read, and it makes you think.
Donna Wichelman's debut novel is as lovely inside as the cover on the outside. Below is a beautifully written passage from it. "How could the air surrounding the Singing Silver Mine be so quiet? Not even the few pines still on the property rustled like they so often did in these mountains, as if they swayed to the music of a wild square dance. But today, it seemed as if the musicians had packed up their instruments and left, and all that remained was a hollow music hall filled ghosts whirling to the music of a silent orchestra." Anna Sullivan is a likable woman who is stronger than she thinks, and she grows into that strength throughout the story. Drawn to a man far above her own station in life, she must accept her inherent worth as a human and a child of God to even consider falling in love with him. And Stefan Maier, a silver mining baron, may be the one to help her do that—despite the fact he’s a bit of a scoundrel. Even though Stefan may have lost his way in his desire to gain more mines, we are allowed to see his softer, moral side fighting against his worldly nature. This made me pull for him to win the heart of his Irish seamstress.
I loved Jayna Breigh's debut novel. Nona and DeMarcus were likable and believable characters, and I adored G'Mama. In spite of DeMarcus' arrogance, I still rooted for him to be able to break through Nona's defenses, and I also longed for Nona to be able to forgive herself and allow herself to love again. Does she? You won't know unless you read for yourself because I'm not telling. 😉
The debut novel of my dear friend Voni Harris hit the bookshelves in November. But since I received it as a Christmas gift, I haven't finished reading it yet. If you are a dog lover who also enjoys clean romantic suspense, this is the book for you. It is a gripping tale of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected romance. Dive into this high-stakes adventure where every moment counts . . . and falling in love might just be the most perilous move of all.
A post-Civil War romance, A Different Kind of War is Purcell’s debut novel. However, you would never guess this is her first novel. It’s that good. The characters are well-developed and likable. I rooted for them as individuals and as a couple. Marjorie is a strong heroine, although a little too headstrong sometimes. She is willing to sacrifice almost everything, including her own happiness, for the family she was thrust into raising at a young age. And Gregory has family issues of his own, including his feelings of guilt over a past tragedy and a father who never recovered from his stint in the war. I loved this book. Several nights I stayed up later than I should have because I couldn’t put it down. Such a great story line with unexpected twists and turns. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Bethany Turner is one of my favorite authors. She writes the kind of books I want to write. Funny but touching, romantic but realistic, with inspirational but imperfect characters. I have to be honest, though. This isn't one of my favorites. I think it's because it wasn't as laugh-out-loud funny to me as some of her others have been. And I was not very fond of Brynn in the beginning. However, her behavior made my emotions run the gamut: anger, disgust and frustration but also laughter and tears as her frozen Elsa began to thaw. I still highly recommend this book. You're going to love Sebastian. And once you get to know the real Brynn (spelled Bren), you're going to love her too. Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other is the first book in the Adelaide Springs trilogy.
The second in Bethany Turner's Adelaide Springs trilogy, this promises to be a sweet, funny, friends-to-lovers rom-com. I haven't had the chance to read it yet, but it is on my TBR (To Be Read) list. Having read the first in the trilogy, I am familiar with Cole and Laila and look forward to their story. I'm certain it won't disappoint.
This is the first craft book I bought after my first writers' conference in 2018. Angela Hunt is one of my favorite author/teachers, and most of my day-to-day writing/editing practices come from her teachings. If you are interested at all in being an author, this book is a great one to get you started.
“‘I’m not ready to talk about it. But maybe soon.’ She released the words as though they were delicate glass.” This is just one of my favorite lines from A Life Unopened, Kim Williams’ newest novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Jumping in time from the 1800’s, when her previous novels were set, to the 1960’s, she does a lovely job of painting a picture of the décor, attitudes and speech of that time. And there are many beautiful lines of prose which are poetic, like the one above. I believe there may one day be a whole collection of Kim Williams’ quotable quotes. A major strength of this book is the two main characters, Marjorie and Daniel, whose two opposite worlds collide, quite literally, at a parade for a fallen soldier. She is an orphan, raised from the time she was a toddler until her current age of nineteen, at the local orphanage in Hazel, TX. He is one of three children from a close-knit and loving family who embody the kind of family Marjorie has always dreamed of. As she moves away from the orphanage to become an employee at a nursing home hair salon and student at the local beauty school, her world begins to open up. However, her life remains literally unopened as she struggles with whether or not to unseal the envelope which her mother left for her. Will its contents help Marjorie feel better about the decision her parents made or reveal what Marjorie has feared all along—that she was never truly wanted by them? As she and Daniel move quickly from friendship to romance, and her confidence in herself and God grows, will she have the courage to face her unanswered questions, or will she choose to leave her past life forever a life unopened?
I have not read this particular book of James Scott Bell's yet, but I have heard it mentioned more than once at the many conferences I have attended as a must-have for newbie writers. It is on my TBR list. If you order it, let me know what you think.
Donald Maass is well-known in Christian writing circles as a great author, speaker, and teacher. Even though I have not read this book yet, I feel confident in offering it here for you to buy and learn from.
Imagine you are listening to your favorite show as you prepare for work in the morning, and suddenly you hear your own voice. Grabbing your iPad, you not only continue to hear your voice, but you see your face! It’s on a body you don’t recognize, with tattoos you would never have, and with a short bob of black hair instead of your own long, blonde mane. But it is definitely your face! Well, that’s what happens to one of Terri Gillespie’s main characters, Sarah Sweeting, at the beginning of her novel, Sweet Rivalry. And the action never stops as a family emergency causes Sarah to reach out to her doppelgänger, whom she believes is her twin sister—the sister who was kidnapped by their mother twenty years ago and has been lost to the family ever since. Despite the miles and years between them and the ways in which they were raised, Sarah and her sister, Raven Souwer, are both successful bakers. Though there are other similarities, as well, there are also major differences which they might not overcome, especially since Raven seems to have little interest in getting to know her sister. Throw in a couple of potential romances, a jealous boyfriend, a national bake-off, and a lot of soul-searching, and you have a book which will keep you reading into the night way later than you should.
I was delighted by this book and think it has appeal for readers of all ages, particularly young adult and older. The story world created by Jeffries is rich with detail (think The Chronicles of Narnia and the world of Harry Potter). And the characters, even the animals with human traits, are believable, relatable, and lovable—except for the bad guy, who is evil and creepy. I love Tess’s growth throughout the story from vulnerable and self-involved royal to confident and sacrificing warrior. My favorite character, though, is Profigliano, the erratic little towhee. He delivered some of my favorite lines, which made me laugh out loud. If you or someone you know enjoys young adult fantasy, with a little romance mixed in, you’re going to love this book. Imagine a world where talking terriers act as family governors, and man’s best friend takes on a whole new meaning, as animals (not just dogs) take oaths to bond themselves magically to their human masters. In this incredible world from Jeffries’ imagination, sixteen-year-old Tess is engaged to marry Prince Linden. However, his indifference toward her makes her question why he ever proposed in the first place. During the first night of their seven-night wedding festival, Tess is shocked to learn the reason for his indifference and further stunned by a pronouncement from the queen. A mighty weapon, which chooses the one who wields it, has chosen Tess to be its next thane! But with war waging around her and no training as to how the weapon works, Tess must depend on a motley crew of “soldiers” to help her gain the training she needs—her 12-year-old brother, the flighty Profigliano, a wise but wild owl, and a two-hundred-year-old bear. To become the thane and save her homeland, though, she must sacrifice the one thing her heart desires.
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