Review of "Dark Road Home"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: "Dark Road Home" is the exciting second novel in Elizabeth Ludwig's "Edge of Freedom" series. Ludwig takes readers back to the bustling streets of historic New York City and builds upon the plot of "No Safe Harbor."  There are many characters and plot intricacies that continue from the first novel and are essential to following the continuing story. I definitely recommend reading the two novels in order.  It has been several months since I read "No Safe Harbor," and I had some trouble recalling the motives of certain characters and the dynamics of several relationships (both good and bad).

An air of mystery and lurking danger wafts through the pages of "Dark Road Home" and creates an engaging plot.  Most of the climatic action occurs near the end of the novel, but mysterious and threatening encounters add the right amount of suspense for my taste.  Once again, Ludwig offers a well-rounded view of the plot, telling the story from the perspectives of the two main characters as well as one of the antagonists.  She also incorporates tenderness and messages of faith to lighten the "dark road."  Some of my favorite, more tender scenes of the novel occur at the Catholic Church's shelter where Ana and Eoghan find love, healing, and faith.

Just when a happy and peaceful ending seems imminent for Ana, Eoghan, Cara, and Rourke, Ludwig throws in a new twist that shows the danger that has been lurking since the beginning of the series is far from over.  The conclusion of "Dark Road Home" gives the impression that the stakes are being raised and more lives will be on the line in book three.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summary from Bethany House: The nightmares of her past have found Ana Kavanagh an ocean away.

Ana Kavanagh's memories of Ireland are mostly of fire and pain. As a girl she survived a blaze that left her an orphan, left her scarred, and left her angry at God. Now in New York, Ana finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who's struggling with his own anger. His twin sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with his enemy.

Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan hopes to rejoin the Fenians, an organization pushing for change back in Ireland, by securing information against Rourke, the man his sister married. Ana, Cara's friend, may be his best source, and despite the attraction he feels, Eoghan determines to use the girl's sweet nature to his advantage.

Adding to the danger is a specter from Eoghan's own past, one whose thirst for vengeance knows no bounds. Eoghan must choose which road to follow--bitterness or forgiveness--and where to finally place his trust.

Review of "Stealing the Preacher"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Karen Witemeyer offers an irresistible combination of fun and faith in her latest novel, "Stealing the Preacher."  The plot is not completely realistic, but it is enjoyable and reminds me of the books that initially drew me to the Christian fiction genre. Witemeyer strikes a pleasing balance between lighthearted events and more serious issues and emotions.  The novel begins with a train hold-up, which is much more comical than suspenseful.  Despite the humor surrounding the hold-up and subsequent kidnapping, it is clear that there are hidden motives behind the event, which will add depth and interest to the story.  Thus the scene is set for "Stealing the Preacher."

Joanna and Crockett are brought together through unlikely circumstances, which makes their love story even sweeter.  Joanna faces personal insecurities despite her strong faith, which makes her a connectable character. Witemeyer creates enough hesitancy and conflict in Joanna's and Crockett's relationship to make their love story more interesting.  Their relationship is not all about romance, however.  They unite to bring a message of faith and salvation to Joanna's ex-outlaw father.  

Although the story progresses with predictability, the relative absence of the unexpected is outweighed by the feel-good nature of the book.  I was in the mood for a fun read, and "Stealing the Preacher" delivered just what I needed with a pleasing historical romance with Texas-twang that left me with a smile and a light heart.
  
I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFise through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summary: A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape-which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.Purchase a copy here: http://ow.ly/lnKcM

Meet Karen:

Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Blog Tour:  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/stealingthepreacher

Review of "Undeniably Yours"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: "Undeniably Yours" by Becky Wade is undeniably a Texas-style romance, complete with an oil heiress, cowboy hero, and a modern-day outlaw. Wade kicks off the Porter Family series with a novel about  love, trust, and opening oneself to God's will.  The characters are relevant and believable with distinct personalities.  Meg and Bo carry the plot, but are joined by an array of secondary and background characters. Most of the story is told from the third-person perspectives of Meg and Bo, but there are occasions when scenes are viewed from the perspective of  the "outlaw," Stephen. I was a little surprised when the plot switched to Stephen's point-of-view several chapters into the novel, but it showed his malice and greed, which ultimately helped me relate to Meg more.

Bo is the exact opposite of Stephen.  As a man of faith and integrity, he is the novel's hero with a western flair as evidenced by his cowboy hat and boots. Meg finds him charming and irresistible, and many readers will too. Despite their differences, love and respect blossoms easily between Meg and Bo. Amid Meg's emotional struggles, he is her protector and advocate. But, just when things seem to be falling into place perfectly for the couple, the plot picks up with some action.  The events are not completely unexpected, but I enjoyed the drama and the resolution.

"Undeniably Yours" offers glimpses of the Porter siblings that leave me pondering what the next books will hold and waiting for another visit to Texas. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFise through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summary from Bethany House: When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of his empire. The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's Thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo knows he ought to resent the woman who's determined to take from him the only job he ever wanted. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them and earn her love.

Just when Meg realizes she can no longer deny the depth of her feelings for Bo, their fragile bond is broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their relationship-and their belief that God can work through every circumstance-survive?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/kGPEI

Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/bwade
  

Meet Becky: Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.

Visit her website at www.beckywade.com.

Review of "Gone South"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Journey to the old and new south in Meg Moseley's new novel "Gone South." Southern flavor accents every aspect, from the cover to the characters and plot. The novel is relatively sedate in regards to action or romance; it is more focused on forgiveness, self-discovery, acceptance, and love. "Gone South" is told from the perspectives of three main characters: Leticia "Tish" McComb, George Zorbas, and Melanie "Mel" Hamilton. Tish and Mel are both outcasts in the quaint southern town of Noble, Alabama.  As a new resident, Tish is ostracized because of her family history.  Mel is a life-long resident who faces prejudices resulting from her past rash behavior. George and his endearing Maltese are the first residents to extend friendship to Tish and Mel.  Each of the three characters were well-developed, but I was more drawn into Mel's story. Her struggles with her past and her family are emotionally engaging.  The ending of the novel glosses over Mel's portion of the plot, and I wish more time had been devoted to tying up the story lines in more detail.

"Gone South" progresses with the refined, leisurely quality of southern life, but it is never dull.  Moseley keeps readers engaged through the lives and emotions of her characters. With "When Sparrows Fall" and "Gone South," Meg Moseley has established herself as an insightful contemporary Christian Fiction author. I will definitely be on the watch for her next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah/ WaterBrook Press through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Summary: Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.
 
When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.
 
Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.

Review of "It Happened at the Fair"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Deeanne Gist takes readers on a tour of the Chicago World's Fair through the eyes of two exhibitors. The fair and its exhibits was reborn through Gist's descriptions and imagery.  In 1893, the Chicago World's Fair took on a life of its own, and the same is true in the plot of "It Happened at the Fair." The architecture and exhibits are described in such clear detail that it feels as though you are walking the grounds with the characters. Gist also incorporates some of the tragedies and failures of the fair, which adds more historical truth and dimension. Each chapter begins with photos from the fair which are fun to examine. 

The fair overshadowed the storyline of the two main characters, Cullen and Della.  Unlike some of Deeanne Gist's previous novels, the relationship between Cullen and Della begins as a friendship.  I enjoyed this more toned-down approach, but readers who expect more physical attraction will be left waiting until the end.  The most interesting aspects of the main characters' lives was their profession instead of the growth of their personal relationship.  It offered insights into the philosophy of teaching deaf students and the prejudices of the time periods. 

I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from Netgalley, courtesy of Howard Books.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Summary from Howard Books: Gambling everything—including the family farm—Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the fair’s Machinery Hall makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?