It’s almost Christmas!
I have teamed up with my critique partner, Jessica Kate, to bring you a giveaway of two of our favourite novels: Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter, and Then There Was You by Kara Isaac.
[giveaway id=1610]
Author: Iola Goulton
First Line Friday | Week 19 | The House on Foster Hill
It’s Friday, which means it’s time to open the book nearest you and share the first line. Today I’m sharing from The House on Foster Hill by Jamie Jo Wright:
Is that creepy or what? I have to say I started reading this novel late at night, and that was a bad idea. I think it’s more suited for reading on a bright sunny day … when there are no creeping shadows in the house. Just saying.
About The Book
Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather’s Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house’s dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.
A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy’s search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives–including her own–are lost?
Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Goodreads
Click the button to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today:
You can then click on the link which will take you to the master page, which holds all this week’s #FirstLineFriday posts.
And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.
Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!
Book Review | Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano
A Slow Start and a Fast Finish
Out of the Ordinary felt as though it took a long time to get going. It wasn’t that nothing was happening—there was a lot happening. But it all took place in a very short period of time. It starts with Miss Gertrude Cadwalder attending a party on a yacht with her employer, Mrs Davenport. That evening takes almost half the novel, which may be why it felt as though it wasn’t moving forward. Nor could it, as Gertrude spends rather too long trapped in a chair by her bustle.
And that situation is typical Jen Turano, in the best way.
Out of the Ordinary was full of Jen Turano’s trademark witty writing, with plenty of nonsensical plot elements. We briefly met Gertrude and Mrs Davenport in an earlier novel, so we know she is a woman with aspirations to fashion. Aspirations and money she may have, but taste she does not. Gertrude is often the victim of Mrs Davenport’s fashion crimes, such as the offending bustle in Out of the Ordinary.
The second half was much better than the first, as it got moving (literally and figuratively), and we got to see more of Gertrude and Harrison, and find out more about the eccentric Mrs Davenport. The romance perhaps proceeded more quickly than I might prefer, but it worked because Gertrude and Harrison weren’t strangers—they’d met in previous books in the Wildflowers series. And I enjoyed the strong Christian undertones.
Yes, Out of the Ordinary is part of a series. The earlier books are At Your Request (a free prequel novella) and Behind the Scenes. Although Out of the Ordinary can be read as a standalone novel, it would be better to read the earlier stories first. Otherwise the sheer number of characters (and personalities) introduced at the beginning of Out of the Ordinary might be overwhelming.
A must-read for all Jen Turano fans, and those who like some wit and intelligence in their Gilded Age romance.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
About Jen Turano
A USA Today Best-Selling Author, Jen Turano has written the critically acclaimed Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as JenTuranowell as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013. Her seventh book, Playing the Part, released in the spring of 2016, and will be followed by a new four-book series, Apart from the Crowd. When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life.
Find Jen Turano online at:
About Out of the Ordinary
Miss Gertrude Cadwalader hoped her position as the paid companion to Mrs. Davenport would be easy. But as she becomes acquainted with her employer, she realizes the wealthy Mrs. Davenport has a strange tendency to be a bit light-fingered with other people’s trinkets. Gertrude is relieved when Mrs. Davenport decides to have a quiet summer away from the social scene–until the woman changes her mind in order to help a young socialite launch into society.
When Gertrude is caught in the act of trying to return one of the trinkets by Mrs. Sinclair, the mother of shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair, the woman jumps to an unfortunate conclusion. Harrison is determined to mend fences with Miss Cadwalader, but he’s unprepared for the escapades a friendship with her will entail.
Find Out of the Ordinary online at:
Amazon | ChristianBook | Goodreads | Koorong
You can read the introduction to Out of the Ordinary below:
New Releases in Christian Fiction | December 2017
As usual, more books than budget! (But read to the bottom of the post for some help with that dilemma). American Christian Fiction Writers have more in-depth descriptions of these books at the ACFW Fiction Finder website.
Contemporary
Rebecca’s Redemption by Lee Carver — A nurse seeking redemption for past sins joins a doctor contending against the jungle. Both healers need healing.
Romance
The Christmas Baby by Lisa Carter — Mistletoe Mommy Anna Reyes is pregnant and widowed, and a Christmas homecoming isn’t so simple. Reuniting with her best friend, Ryan Savage, makes it easier—even though she knows he’ll soon be leaving their small coastal hometown. After putting his career on hold for his family’s business, Ryan’s finally ready to pursue his goals. But as he and Anna work to make the holidays special for a group of at-risk kids, Ryan wonders if he can give up one dream for another. They’re determined to make this a Christmas to remember, but can Ryan and Anna also make their holiday family last forever?
You’re Gonna Love Me by Robin Lee Hatcher — Nick’s love of thrills and danger and Samantha’s love of safety and security drove them apart two years ago. After her worst fears came true, can they build something new upon the ashes of the past?
A Christmas Kind of Perfect by Christine Schimpf — Conrad Hamilton thought his life would be easy. A great job running his own construction business, living in his hometown in Door County, Wisconsin, with Lila Clark by his side. He planned on marrying her as soon as she returned from her Chicago internship but it never happened.
Lila never expected to become a successful writer nor did she plan on spending the last decade in New York. But she did. Can the magic of Christmas turn two hearts back to one another again or is it too late to capture that special kind of perfect?
Under the Mistletoe: A Christian Christmas Anthology by Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Carol E. Keen, Elle E. Kay, Mary C. Findley, Judith Robl, Evangeline Kelly, C.J. Samuels — Christmas is the time when families get together and love abounds. Eight inspirational authors have teamed up to bring you 8 wonderful Christmas novellas sure to bring you joy this season. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Making Spirits Bright by Cathe Swanson, Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, April Hayman — Christmas is a season for new beginnings and second chances. A time for hope and joy and laughter. A time for people of all ages to find love and come together in community. Making Spirits Bright is a collection of just such stories – four never-before-published inspirational Christmas novellas. From romance to cozy mystery, with a generous dash of humor, these contemporary stories are sure to warm your heart as well as brighten your season and lift your Christmas spirit.
Historical Romance
The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection by Mary Connealy — The Old West comes to life under the talented pen of bestselling author Mary Connealy. Enjoy a lighthearted ride alongside seven historical and one contemporary cowboys and the women who tame their hearts.
Would-Be Mistletoe Wife by Christine Johnson — Worried she might lose her teaching job if funding is cut for her boarding school, widow Louise Smythe must consider marriage. But the only prospective groom in town is lighthouse-keeper Jesse Hammond, and he wants children–something she may never be able to provide. While Jesse waits for the ideal woman to make his wife, though, Louise can’t help but long for something more than his friendship. If he wants to be promoted to head lighthouse keeper, Jesse needs to find a wife suited to his rustic lifestyle. But as he and Louise partner to give the town’s homeless orphans a joyous holiday, he’s drawn to the petite woman. Will the light of Christmas finally inspire them to trust in each other’s hearts?
Circle of Blessings by Deborah Raney — A young college student is determined to win the love of her English professor at the university in the Dakota Territory where she is studying to be an architect.
Historical
Return to Bella Terra by MaryAnn Diorio — When she receives word that her mother is terminally ill, Maria Landro Tonetta travels to her Sicilian homeland with her son Nico. She finds herself yearning for the life she once knew as a child on Bella Terra, the family farm, now on the verge of bankruptcy. Caught between two worlds, Maria dreams of moving back to Sicily with her husband and children to save the farm. When, however, Nico’s biological father unexpectedly appears at Mama’s funeral, Maria faces a new enemy to her dream.
But is there an even greater enemy within her own soul?
Brides of Minnesota by Lena Nelson Dooley — Follow a Swedish family’s journey as they settle in Minnesota where each brother seeks a living—and wife.
Mystery
Guilt by Association by Heather Day Gilbert — When the dead body of an overdosed teen turns up next to Tess Spencer’s mom’s trailer, it’ll take a miracle to keep Tess from becoming a casualty in her own personal war on drugs.
Romantic Suspense
Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman — The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?
Holiday Secrets by Susan Sleeman — When his ex is thrust into the crosshairs of a deadly syndicate, FBI agent Gavin McKade will do whatever it takes to protect her. Even work the case with his stubborn sheriff dad. As if protecting Lexie from professional killers isn’t difficult enough, the unlikely reunion has rekindled their complicated romantic connection. But if Gavin can’t untangle Lexie from this dangerous web, the blurring line between duty and love may not matter…because this Christmas could be their last.
Speculative
The Redemption of Jedidiah Pinkney by J.R. Pitts — A crippled and bullied young boy finds redemption and healing after an encounter with Jesus.
And for Suspense fans … free ebooks!
Fifteen Christian authors have combined to create a Christmas Suspense Stocking Stuffer, only available until 10 December. Click here to find out more!
Book Recommendation | Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman
No one believes her except Reid Billings, Kaylene’s brother, and even he takes some persuading. Now it’s up to Emilie and Reid to find out the truth before Kinley regains consciousness. Because that will mean she goes home, to live with her abusive father. But it’s not going to be easy. All the evidence points to Kaylene, Emilie’s boss wants her to focus on her living clients, the ones she can still help. And her stalker is back.
Imperfect Justice is an excellent mix of legal thriller and romantic suspense. There is plenty of suspense, lots of legal problems, and enough romance to make sure it doesn’t all get too heavy. And while it’s dealing with women in abusive situations, it’s hard-hitting without being explicit.
I didn’t really consider the implications of the title as I was reading, but they certainly hit me as I came to write this review. Our earthly justice is imperfect. Even if we’re able to identify and punish a criminal, the victims of crime still have to live with the aftereffects. We can’t turn back time as if the crime never happened. Equally, God’s justice is perfect … but we don’t get that now, either. We have to wait, which often means learning lessons like patience and forgiveness.
Imperfect Justice is the second book in Cara Putman’s Hidden Justice series, following Beyond Justice. The stories follow a group of female attorneys, so work as standalone stories. Recommended for fans of legal thrillers and romantic suspense from authors such as Rachel Dylan, Carrie Stuart Parks, Colleen Coble and Lynette Eason.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
About Cara Putman
As a preteen Cara Putman watched lawyers change legislative opinions at an important legislative hearing in Nebraska. At that time, she wondered if she became an attorney if people would give her words the same weight. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law and Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Cara has turned her passion for words into award-winning stories that capture readers. Her legal experience makes its way into her stories where strong women confront real challenges.
The award-winning author of more than 25 titles, Cara writes legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense because she believes that no matter what happens hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it.
When she’s not writing, Cara is an over-educated attorney who lectures in law and communications at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and homeschools her children. She and her family live in Indiana, the land of seasons.
You can find Cara Putman online at:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
About Imperfect Justice
The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?
Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.
Thrown together in the race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?
Find Imperfect Justice online at:
Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK
ChristianBook | Goodreads | Koorong
Bookish Question #36 | Which Bible translation do you prefer?
Bibles.
Isn’t it ironic that something that’s so central to our faith can divide us?
The first Bible I ever read belonged to my great grandmother—a King James Version. I was about eight years old, and although I could read the words (and I was the best reader in my Sunday School class), I was never chosen to read the Bible story of the week out loud to the class. I soon worked out it was because while I could read all the words in the King James Bible, my classmates didn’t understand them.
I’ve had similar experiences as a Sunday School teacher in the years since, meeting children who could quote the King James chapter and verse, but didn’t actually know what the words meant. (One thought King James had written it himself.)
That, to me, isn’t enough. Sure, we need to able to read accurately. But we also need to be able to comprehend what we are reading. Otherwise, what is the point? We’re parroting, not learning.
That’s not to say we can’t learn anything from the King James Version. We’ve recently got a new pastor in church, and he preaches from the King James. We asked why. Simple: it’s the one he is most comfortable reading,because it’s the closest to his native language of Icelandic.
Our retired pastor reads from the Amplifed Version (I guess he likes the extra information). My Jewish Christian friend reads the Complete Jewish Bible. I prefer the New International Version (UK edition, because it uses “proper” spelling). I like the NIV because the vocabulary and meanings are contemporary—I don’t feel I have to translate them.
To see what I mean, read 1 Corinthians 13 in the King James and the NIV. I can see the link between love and charity. But charity in 2018 usually means a financial donation to a cause. The meaning of the word has changed.
But I do find there are passages which feel more lyrical in the King James (or New King James). Especially in the Psalms.
What about you? What Bible translation do you prefer? Why?
First Line Friday | Week 18 | The Last Summer
It’s Friday, which means it’s time to open the book nearest you and share the first line. Today I’m sharing from The Last Summer by Brandy Bruce:
I never meant for any of it to happen. How often do we say that or feel it? Not many books make me cry, but this one did.
About the Book
For twenty-something Sara Witherspoon and her group of friends, a perfect Southern summer includes lake-house getaways, wedding planning, outdoor concerts, and a dash of romance. But for these seven friends who love each other like family, this year, summer rolls in with changes for everyone.
Sara’s longtime crush, Luke, has been her best friend for as long as she has been a part of the group. When Luke begins seriously dating another of their friends, Sara’s forced to deal with her hurt and jealousy, while outwardly try to support them both.
While Sara comes to terms with her own heart and her friends’ relationships, an unexpected handsome pilot from North Carolina and an old flame are thrown into the mix. Knowing her heart suddenly becomes much more complicated.
But as time unfolds and friendships begin to unravel, Sara and the others are presented with the reality of what a season of change does to old friendships and new love interests.
Does growing older mean growing apart?
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Goodreads
Click the button to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today:
You can then click on the link which will take you to the master page, which holds all this week’s #FirstLineFriday posts.
And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.
Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!
Book Review | The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman
Natchez, MS, 1791 …
Following the death of her brother and her father’s subsequent injuries, Isabella Bartholemew is left in control of her family plantation of Breeze Hill on the Natchez Trace. She needs labour. Her father is opposed to slavery. So she hires an indentured Irish carpenter to rebuild the estate—Connor O’Shea.
I liked Isabella. She was a strong woman who was prepared to do what needed to be done to protect her family and her home. And there were a lot of threats. Natchez in 1791 wasn’t a safe place for a woman almost alone. It was surrounded by slave traders, rouges on the road, and several suitors … some of whom are not what they appear.
That’s a lot of trouble to navigate, and Isabella does it well. She was more intelligent and more savvy than many historical romance heroines. I liked that.
I enjoyed watching Isabella and Connor get to know each other, and watching their relationship progress against the backdrop of the local troubles. Connor O’Shea is practically perfect. He is a handsome, hardworking man of faith and principles, who once made the mistake of falling for the wrong girl. He says he’s determined not to do the same again, but his actions (and feelings) don’t match his words or will. This makes for some fun in the romance. (Although there was also plenty of conflict.)
All in all, The Promise of Breeze Hill was an excellent historical romance. The ending was perhaps a little too neat, but that’s a small niggle in an enjoyable novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House for providing a free ebook for review.
About Pam Hillman
CBA Bestselling author Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that’s the kind of life every girl should dream of.
Find Pam Hillman online at:
Website | Facebook | Goodreads| Pinterest | Twitter
About The Promise of Breeze Hill
The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage.
Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?
Find The Promise of Breeze Hill online at:
Amazon | ChristianBook | Goodreads | Koorong
You can read the introduction of The Promise of Breeze Hill below:
Book Review | Piercehaven by Robin Merrill
Friday Night Lights meets Girl’s Basketball
Emily Morse has come to the remote Maine island of Piercehaven as the high school’s new English teacher. It’s her first proper job out of college, although she’s had a few adult ed and relief teaching roles. Now she has a job, her own classroom, even a house. Everything seems to be gong well, especially when the handsome fisherman she meeets at church asks her out.
But the students are a different story.
They live for basketball and aren’t inclined to read or write or learn. Her fellow teachers are jaded. The Phys Ed teacher thinks he rules the school by virtue of being the basketball coach. After all, the girl’s team has a state championship title to defend. And she finds high school politics are a lot more complicated in a small community than she’d anticipated:
As the story went on to show, Emily Morse had a good idea of how high school should work. But it doesn’t work that way in Piercehaven. It’s a small school where everyone knows everyone else (and they’re probably related), and no one pays any attention to a newbie English teacher who will probably be gone at the end of the year.
The proofreading was excellent, but writing was solid at best. There were times when my writer/editor brain wanted to take a red pen to my Kindle. But the story was compelling—more than compelling, especially towards the end. Piercehaven ends up being a gripping tale of what happens when too many people would rather look the other way than confront the status quo. The majority is not always right.
A good read for those looking for Christian fiction that’s a little out of the ordinary.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
About Robin Merrill
Robin Merrill is an award-winning writer from rural Maine where she lives with her husband, their two children, and several furry friends. She is the author of the #1 Amazon Bestselling Shelter; the Gertrude, Gumshoe series; and the popular Jesus Diet devotionals. Her individual poems, essays, and short stories have appeared in hundreds of publications, and three of her poems have been featured on The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor. She has performed her poetry and fiction in venues all over the country and has represented Maine at three national poetry slams.
You can find Robin Merrill online at:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr
About Piercehaven
Emily is so excited to start her new teaching job on a remote Maine island. It seems God is really dropping all the puzzle pieces of her life into place. There’s even a handsome lobsterman in play. But the island also harbors a long-kept dark secret, and it’s up to Emily to figure out what it is and what she’s going to do about it.
You can find Piercehaven online at:
Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon UK | Goodreads
Read the introduction to Piercehaven below:
Bookish Question #35 | What Read the Bible in a year plan do you recommend?
So we’re coming up to the end of another year, which means it’s time for me to consider what Bible reading programme I’ll follow next year (if any).
In 2014 and 2015, I read A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year by Diane Stortz. The first year, I did it with a virtual group on Facebook. We tried that in 2015 as well, but our weekly meetings fell apart for a range of reasons (my flaky internet connection being one of them).
In 2016 I used a different programme, one that went through the Bible in time order. This was good, but it did mean skipping around a lot. Like, some days would have six different readings (e.g. skipping between the Old Testament history books, or between Psalms and prophets.
So in 2017 I went back to A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible … and failed miserably. I’m not sure if it was the lack of accountability, or the familiarity. I’d like to get back into the habit of getting through the Bible in a year, but would like some kind of organised reading plan.