“Love in the Balance” by Regina Jennings

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Regina Jennings proved that she was a talented author with her first novel, Sixty Acres and a Bride.   But could she do it again?  Yes!  Her latest novel, Love in the Balance, invites readers back to Texas to meet Molly Lovelace, a somewhat spoiled and naive daughter of the wealthy mill owner.  Mr. Lovelace is a man who knows what he wants and knows what is best for his family.  And you can be certain that Bailey Garner is NOT the right match for his daughter.  Why, he’s not going to amount to anything in life.  His Molly deserves only the best.  And the “best” means a man with money.

I’ll admit, I didn’t like Molly for quite a while in the novel.  To me, she seemed selfish and spoiled and completely oblivious to her affect on Bailey.  It took me a while to like her, so if you’re struggling with this same problem, stick with it!  Bailey seemed genuine and real, deserving of a woman who wasn’t as flighty or self-centered as Molly.   But alas, Molly came around eventually.

Author Regina Jennings has a talent for writing real characters in real situations with her own flair.  I highly recommend Love in the Balance and any others written by Regina Jennings.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

About Love in the Balance: 

Handsome Cowboy or Debonair Tycoon.
How’s a Girl to Choose?

Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey’s poor prospects, she just can’t fit the two dreams together.

Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town-and her life-and for the first time Molly wonders if she’s met the man who can give her everything. But he won’t be in Lockhart long and while it certainly seems like he talks about their glorious future together, she can’t quite get Bailey out of her mind.

What’s a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/iTdiA 

Meet Regina:  

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.

Find out more about Regina at

http://www.reginajennings.com/.

“Grave Consequences” iPad Mini Giveaway from Lisa T. Bergren!

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Me one month ago: “Sure!  I’d love to read Book 2 of Bergren’s Grand Tour series!”

Me after reading the book: “Why in the world did I ever agree to read the second book in a three book series, when the third won’t be out for months!!???  I want to THROW this book up against the wall, hoping Book Three will fall from it!”

And these, my friends, are the daily emotional and mental risks that we book bloggers take.

In all seriousness, I LOVE this series.  I just wish they’d be published a tad faster.  But when  you ask the Lord to give you patience, He delivers.  I haven’t read a ton of Lisa T. Bergren’s work, but what I have read, I’ve loved.  So many good authors, so precious little time, right?

In this novel, we pick up exactly where we left off in Glamorous Illusions.  Cora Diehl Kensington is trying to find her way with her newfound, spoiled siblings, all the while trying to decipher her feelings for a Parisian lord that is smitten with her.  And then there’s Will.  What to do with him?  Does she have feelings for him?  Is he only a friend?  In Grave Consequences, you get to journey out of Paris and explore more of France, Austria and Italy as you travel with the Kensington and Morgan clan on their Grand Tour.  Convinced that they left their attackers behind in Paris, Cora wants nothing more than to take all of the sights in while sorting out her feelings for Pierre and her new budding relationship  with Will.

My only critiques of the book have absolutely nothing to do with the content of the story.  That was perfect. Don’t touch it!  However, it’s been so long since I’ve read Glamorous Illusions that it took me about 50 pages to remember who was who.  I know that they can’t go back and reprint the book, but a list of characters in the beginning would have been most helpful.  Or even printing the last chapter of Book 1 in the beginning of this novel.  This novel is so character saturated that something of that sort is a must.

All in all, I highly recommend this series.  However, only read it before Book 3 if you feel that you have a healthy dose of patience.  I am not blessed with such a gift.  I can’t wait to read Glittering Promises and finally find out if Cora and Will can sort out their unpredictable futures together.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity and David C. Cook Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

CLICK HERE for a link to my review of the first in this series, Glamorous Illusions!

CLICK HERE to pre-buy the next in the series, Glittering Promises!

  Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!

One “grand” winner receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa’s website.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

“Swept Away” by Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy has honed in and perfected her craft of writing laugh-out-loud Western comedies with a romantic flair. There are very few Authors who possess that same talent, so when a new Mary Connealy book is released, you can bet your spurs that I’m going to be reading it.

“Swept Away” is Book One in her newest series titled “Trouble in Texas”.  Luke Stone is a man on a mission.  His beloved family ranch has been stolen from him and Luke is determined to get it back by any means necessary.  During his quest, he stumbles upon a damsel in distress, Ruthy MacNeil.  Ruthy has literally been “swept away” by the river in hopes of escaping an arranged marriage that would eventually lead to her ruin.  Luke, being the gentleman that he is, rescues Ruthy.  He’d prefer to send her on her merry way, but he begins to see the benefit of having her around.  Maybe she’s the key to helping him get back his ranch?

Honestly, you can never go wrong reading a novel by Mary Connealy.  My personal favorite series of hers are Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages and Sophie’s Daughters (all three of those series end up intertwining!).  But I love that she continues to write fabulous Christian fiction with a twist.  I will continue to read anything that Mary Connealy publishes and would encourage you to do the same.

I reviewed this novel for Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This week, the 

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance 

is introducing 

Swept Away 

Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013) 

by 

Mary ConnealyABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie’s Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she’s one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn’t terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they’ve ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she’s rescued by Luke Stone…so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won’t let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can’t just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she’s going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Swept Away, go HERE.

“Secretly Smitten” by Colleen Coble, Kristen Billerbeck, Diann Hunt & Denise Hunter

Buy on Amazon.com!

Ahhhh, Smitten.  Let’s journey back, shall we?  Last year, I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the first novel by the four writing buddies, so I jumped at the chance to do it again this year with the second in the series, Secretly Smitten.  And I finished it in two days flat…  On days that I worked a full 8 hours.  Yeah, it’s good.

Secretly Smitten is a breath of fresh air.  I had been in a rut of boring novels (sad, but true) and Secretly Smitten just made my day (actually, two days).  It’s light, fun and romantic reading that you can break off in four easy sections.  Secretly Smitten doesn’t necessarily have a central theme like the first book did (trying to turn Smitten into the “Romance Capital of the World”), but it does have a story line that streams through the background of all four novellas.  I have to say my favorite story is the first, between Tess and Ryan.  I could have read an entire novel about them, but alas, it was only about 80 pages.

So, should you read Secretly Smitten?  YES, you should.  Do you need to read them in order?  Not necessarily.  Between the two books (8 novellas total) there isn’t a ton of interaction between the characters of Smitten and Secretly Smitten.  However, if you hate finding out if a couple winds up together before you’ve had a chance to read the novel, then DO read Smitten first.  Otherwise, you’ll encounter some “spoilers” in Secretly Smitten.  The characters from the first book do come back into the second, although they do not play a major role.  I’m SO looking forward to January 2014 when Return to Smitten (Book 3) hits the shelves!

I reviewed Secretly Smitten for Thomas Nelson through their blogger program, BookSneeze.  I received the book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  A positive review was not required, but freely given after reviewing this book.  It’s also worth noting that I woke up at 1:00 a.m. in the morning to request this book.  It was totally worth it.

 

 

“Ashton Park” by Murray Pura

As a huge fan of Downton Abbey, I jumped at the chance to read Ashton Park.  While I think it’s smart to jump onto the coat-tails of such a hugely popular historical drama, one must do so carefully.  While I enjoyed Murray Pura’s own version, I felt that it fell short in a few ways.

The novel is the first in the Danforths of Lancashire series, which centers on the Danforth family and their servants (sound familiar, DA fans?).  I felt that some of the characters, who were raised in proper British society, did not act as if they had been.  A lot of the novel read like an extremely dramatic soap opera.  While I’ll agree that it makes for fabulous television, I got a little lost when it was all within one book.  You’re constantly flipping towards the front to the long list characters to figure out who is who.

This is the first book that I’ve read of Murray Pura’s.  I’m not 100% positive that I’ll pick up the second in the series.  I might wait to see what other people have to say about it first.  I reviewed this book for Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and received the book free from Harvest House Publishers.

This week, the 

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance 

is introducing 

Ashton Park 

Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013) 

by 

Murray PuraABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Murray Pura was born and raised in Manitoba, just north of Minnesota and the Dakotas. He has published several novels and short story collections in Canada, and has been short-listed for a number of awards. His first books to be published in the United States are the inspirational works Rooted and Streams (both by Zondervan in 2010). His first novel to debut in the USA is A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana (Barbour), which was released January 2012. The second, The Wings of Morning, will be published by Harvest House on February 1. Both of these novels center around the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For fans of the hugely popular Downton Abbey series, comes this equally enthralling story of the Danforth family of Ashton Park.
Among the green hills and trees of Lancashire, only a few miles from the sea, lies the beautiful and ancient estate of Ashton Park.
The year is 1916. The First World War has engulfed Europe and Sir William’s and Lady Elizabeth’s three sons are all in uniform–and their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.

As the head of a strong Church of England family for generations, Sir William insists the Danforth estate hold morning devotions that include both family and staff. However, he is also an MP and away at Westminster in London whenever Parliament is sitting. During his long absences, Lady Elizabeth discreetly spends time in the company of the head cook of the manor, Mrs. Longstaff, who is her best friend and confidante. This friendship includes visits to a small Baptist church in Liverpool that exposes Lady Elizabeth to a less formal approach to Christian worship and preaching than she is used to and which she comes to enjoy.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Ashton Park, go HERE.

“Lovelier Than Daylight” by Rosslyn Elliott

Rosslyn Elliott concludes her debut Saddler’s Legacy series with Lovelier than Daylight.  I am a big fan of Book One: Fairer Than Morning so of course I snagged the next two in the series to see where Elliott decided to take us. 

 

You can tell from her writing that Rosslyn Elliott is a lover of history.  Throughout each of her novels, she takes real historical events (all centered around Westerville, Ohio) and inserts them seamlessly into her story lines.  What the reader gets in return is a delightful story that is not only fun to read, but educational.  

Susanna Hanby, a passionate aunt, amateur botanist and fierce temperance supporter, vows to rescue her abandoned nieces and nephews.  As a young single woman, the orphanage won’t put them in her care, but Susanna is determined to find a way around that silly rule.  Enter aspiring journalist and brewing company heir, Johann Giere.  He’s committed to fulfilling his responsibilities to his family and their company business, but his heart leans towards sharing stories with the public.  Immediately Susanna and Johann clash on all levels.  He represents all things that Susanna despises and Johann has a hard time seeing past her uninformed prejudice.   

Lovelier Than Daylight is actually set 50 years later than the first novel and 20 years later than the second, but is still centered on the Hanby family.   Beloved Will and Ann from the first novel are front and center, active in the Westerville Whiskey War and helping Susanna bring her nieces and nephews back home. 

 

While I highly recommend the first in the Saddler’s Legacy series, the second two moved a little slow for my taste.  However, if you’re a fan of history and romance, give this series a try. 

 

I reviewed this novel for BookSneeze, Thomas Nelson’s Book Blogger program.  A positive review was not required, only an honest one. 

Win a Kindle Paperwhite and connect with Kristen at her 11/27 Facebook Party!

As an avid Kristen Heitzmann fan, when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I had a little party inside my head.  Heitzmann was the first Christian fiction author that I read and her books are what got me hooked for life.  A couple of my favorites are “A Rush of Wings” and “The Still of Night”.

Buy on Amazon.com!

So imagine my surprise when I open up the novel and realize that the hero of “The Still of Night” is now a widower with a two year old daughter!  I’ll admit that I was shocked and grieved for the loss of one of my favorite characters, as only a devoted reader could.  I paced back and forth in front of the book until I had the guts to continue, knowing that I would experience heartache alongside one of my favorite characters.

Morgan Spencer, the beloved character from “The Still of the Night”, finds himself a widowed father of a baby girl, Livie.  He’s become a recluse, holing up in one of his brother’s cabins in Colorado.  The last thing on his mind is falling in love again.  Petite and feisty Quinn Reilly, an online trader that’s found herself in Juniper Falls, Colorado, has made her life as “invisible” as possible.  She lives day to day, knowing that she might have to leave everything at a moment’s notice.  When that fear becomes reality, Morgan suggests an outlandish proposal that might just answer all of their problems.

If you take a step back and think about the plot that Kristen Heitzmann has set up, you’ll find that not many authors are brave enough to tackle the road she went down.  Sure, I read plenty of novels where the lead is a widow or widower, but I can’t remember the last novel I read where the previous book was centered that person falling in love with the spouse that will “widow” them.  Never.  Ever.

That author?  Kristen Heitzmann?  She has guts.

Thankfully, she also has the talent to weave real, heartfelt emotions into her characters.  Only an author with real chops would attempt that, and Heitzmann pulls it off with flair.

I’ve always recommend Heitzmann’s novels and will continue to do so.  I did have the pleasure of reviewing this novel for free for Litfuse Publicity.  A positive review was not required, but freely given.

 

Visit Kristen’s website!

About the Author: Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of twenty novels, including Colorado Book Award finalist The Still of Night and Christy Award winner Secrets. She lives with her husband, Jim, and lots of extended family in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Colorado, where she climbs trails into God’s great beauty. Learn more at http://www.kristenheitzmannbooks.com.

Kristen Heitzmann is celebrating The Breath of Dawn by giving away one of the new Paperwhite Kindles and hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. (11/27)

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Paperwhite
• The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 26th. Winner will be announced at the “The Breath of Dawn” Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/27. Connect with Kristen, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of The Breath of Dawn and join Kristen on the evening of the November 27th for a chance to connect with Kristen and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

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

“No Safe Harbor” by Elizabeth Ludwig

If you enjoy suspense, history and a dash of romance, I’d suggest that you pick up Elizabeth Ludwig’s newest novel “No Safe Harbor”, Book One of the Edge of Freedom series.  This was the first novel of Ludwig’s that I have read and I promise that it won’t be the last.

Set in New York City in 1897, Irishwoman Cara Hamilton takes her first step on American soil with a determination to find her twin brother, whom she’d believed to be dead for the past two years.   Aside from the Ellis Island inspector, dashing and charming Rourke Walsh is the first person she meets.   He graciously volunteers to help Cara navigate her way through the city to find her boardinghouse, a fact that leaves an impression on Cara.

However, Rourke is not all that he seems.  As determined as Cara is to find her long lost twin, Rourke is just as equally determined to avenge the death of his father, who died at the hands of Eoghan Hamilton: Cara’s twin brother.  He knows that if he can gain the trust of Cara, she will eventually lead him to her brother.  But what he doesn’t expect is the feelings that start to harbor in his heart.  Can he look past the hatred for Eoghan to embrace Cara?

I’ll admit, I didn’t care for Rourke in the beginning.  I honestly thought he was just using to Cara to find her brother, which at first he was, but I was relieved that he was able to look past that.  A satisfying read, I look forward to Book Two and what I’m assuming will be more centered around Eoghan’s story.

I reviewed this novel for Bethany House Publishers and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.  The thoughts and opinions are my own.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

No Safe Harbor

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Elizabeth Ludwig

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing.

In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.

Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America

Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she’d thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend–Rourke Walsh.

Despite her brother’s warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara’s desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke’s true intentions come to light.

If you would like to read the first chapter of No Safe Harbor, go HERE.

“Against the Tide” by Elizabeth Camden

I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Elizabeth Camden’s novels since their inception.  You could only image how excited I was to get the opportunity to review “Against the Tide”.  This is Camden’s third novel and it does not disappoint.

As an orphaned immigrant child stranded in Boston, Lydia Pallas’s life never had the consistent continuity and balance that any other nine year old child would naturally have.  Now, as an adult,  she seeks out order and control in everyday things from the arrangement of her ink bottles to the type of soup she dines on every evening.  (It would get a tad monotonous, don’t you think?)

Along comes charming Alexander Banefield, who has similar qualities to that of a wrecking ball when it comes to Lydia’s life.   He is in need of a master of many languages, that of which Lydia is a hired professional.   Lydia agrees to help him translate an array of documents, as mindless as they may be.  However, Lydia is thrown off kilter when she comes to realize that she starting to have feelings for this man that she calls “Bane”.  And call her crazy, but she’s beginning to think he’s just as smitten.

I love it when I’m able to find a novel that I can fully indulge in and “Against the Tide” is just that.  An irresistible read, I completed the novel over a span of two days.  I also loved that there were direct and indirect mentions of her two previous novels.  “The Rose of Winslow Street” gets a mention during a discussion about soap and perhaps the craziest twist is that Alexander Banefield was actually one of the villains in “The Lady of Bolton Hill”!  I didn’t realize this correlation until I saw the author’s note in the back of the book and I was SHOCKED!  Honestly, I’m glad I didn’t realize the connection until the end.  It made me appreciate even more the redemptive value of the Christian Fiction genre.

This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to give a positive review, only an honest one.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Against the Tide

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Elizabeth:

I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

I married relatively late in life, which turned out to be an odd kind of blessing. I had gotten very good at leading a solo life, and although I was not particularly content being alone, I had become reconciled to it. Most importantly, it taught me never to take my husband for granted. I give daily thanks for the blessing of being able to share a life with my favorite person on the planet.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.
ABOUT THE BOOK

Love and Lives are Threatened in Camden’s Latest Offering

As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she’s finally carved out a perfect life for herself–a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or “Bane,” a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane’s charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia’s part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Against the Tide, go HERE.

“All Things New” by Lynn Austin

Buy on Amazon.com!

Growing up in the “north”, the North’s victory in the Civil War over the South is generally studied as a turning point for the United States. However, what most history books forget to include is details of the shambles that the South was left in after General Lee had surrendered. What was once a genteel society brimming with wealth, industry and affluence is now a blistered graveyard of plantations and a disparaged people with a bleak future. In the South, the fourth month of 1865 is not seen as a time of celebration, but as a time of mourning. Fathers have succumbed to illness, their brothers are missing in action and the women are left to bury the dead. Their livelihood as they know it is no more. Somehow, someway, they must learn to carry on.

And they did.

I’ll admit “All Things New” started off somewhat depressing. Who wants to read about fathers dying and brothers missing? It’s not exactly the type of stuff that keeps you up late into the night, turning the pages. But stick with it. You’ll be glad that you did.

“All Things New” centers around three woman and their different plights in life: Josephine, a young woman who has lost her years in society to the war, along with her father and her brother; Eugenia, the mother of Josephine, who is learning what it takes to carry on after your life has been turned upside down; and Lizzie, a newly freed slave whose trust in the Lord carries her through.

I reviewed this novel for CFBA and Bethany House Publishers.  The novel was provided in exchange for my honest review.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

All Things New

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband’s work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she’d earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn’s novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.

Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival–and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine’s mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak…but a bitter hatred fuels her.

With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women–daughter, mother, and freed slave–in a riveting tale.

If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.