To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


TO WIN HER HEART by Karen Witemeyer was an enjoyable read set in my favorite era.

Eden Spencer is the town librarian and satisfied that will be her future. After a failed engagement, Eden has no desire to start another relationship. But, when Levi Grant, the new town blacksmith shows up, her disinterested first impression of the man with the awkward speech soon turns to interest.

Levi Grant is grateful for a fresh start. After serving a prison sentence for an unforeseen accident, Levi finds himself in Spencer, Texas as the town’s blacksmith. Smitten with Eden, the town librarian, his hopes are dashed when he learns of her exception to violence, even if deemed necessary. But, when he decides to woo her with his knowledge of literature, she soon warms to him.

TO WIN HER HEART was a good read with warm characters. Levi made for the perfect hero, while Eden was your normal jilted, relationship gun-shy heroine. Triumph over odds is the plotline, though not new by any means, Witemeyer makes it seem fresh.




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A Sound Among the Trees: A Novel by Susan Meissner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A SOUND AMONG THE TREES had a rather unique story to tell. I would not classify this book as a Christian novel since there were so few references to God, and only one character towards the end of the book really comes out and says her life was changed by her relationship with the Lord. Everyone else in the book seems to be walking around their present life on eggshells, not wanting to infringe on the lives of those around them or do anything to upset the supposed haunted mansion of Holly Oak.

A trio of characters and the house itself takes the lead at different times throughout this novel. Broken up into five different sections, mostly regarding the mansion–and one section entirely devoted to a string of letters written by one of the women of Holly Oak during the Civil War, this novel had me stymied as to what the message is the author was trying to get across to the reader.

When I came to the section devoted to the letters written by Susannah Page–the woman believed to be haunting the antebellum mansion–I was not thrilled. Reading 100+ pages entirely in letter form had the possibility of turning me off completely. But, instead, it really was a unique way to allow the reader to get to know Susannah Page, and separate her from the rumored stories that had given her credit for the houses foreboding and oppressive vibe.

In the end, I liked A SOUND AMONG THE TREES, though it was mildly melancholy. The darkness of the story of both what went on in the house, and the house’s affect on the characters brought about despair. If the secrets that had been hidden in the house had come to light sooner, the characters would not have had to live their lives, always with a sense foreboding, instead of embracing the historical events that took place in times gone by.

Book provided for review purposes.



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Can A Successful Executive See More Than A Single Mom Struggling To Provide Christmas For Her Daughter?

Dan Walsh Returns With Another Christmas Story Full of Nostalgia, Wonder, And Hope

Award-winning author Dan Walsh creates a nostalgic, Christmas story that takes readers back in time in Remembering Christmas (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1979-1, 272 pages, September 2011.) A time not so long ago in 1980 when IBM had not yet launched the personal computer; the Boombox was hot; Reality TV was unheard of; MTV was just launching; Ronald Reagan was president; the Winter Olympics witnessed the USA team defeat the favored Soviet team and win the gold; and Rick Denton was in pursuit of his career goals and climbing the corporate ladder.

During this time, the holiday season only slowed Rick from his frenetic normal pace. For Rick, holiday downtime for everyone else meant extra time to get ahead on goals and returning calls. His goal in life was to work hard, play hard, live life on his terms, and answer to no one.

Then the phone call came from his mother during Thanksgiving weekend informing him about his stepfather’s stroke. His mom needed Rick’s help at the little run-down bookstore they owned. He has never liked Art, his stepfather and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. Reluctantly Rick agrees to help and when he arrives at the store, he soon discovers that a few days of managing the store turn into a few weeks.

While there Rick meets the patrons of the Book Nook – some quirky, some homeless, some chatty, some hip and cool - and one a lovely young woman who trains him on the job. He tends to judge them all-- until a moment of truth and discovery: the true meaning of Christmas.

With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story that will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, and The Deepest Waters. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

My Review - Remembering Christmas

4 out of 5 stars

REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS is a delightful, feel-good, book that ushers in the spirit of Christmas.

Rick Denton is your typical success-driven businessman. He has distanced himself from his mother and the stepfather he refused to let into his life. But, when he receives a frantic phone call from his mother Thanksgiving weekend, he has no choice but to scrub his skiing plans and go back home. Though his heart is a bit calloused, he still loves his mother and hates to see her feeling so desperate. So, against his better judgment, he agrees to run the family bookstore while his stepfather’s recovery is a touch-and-go situation. When Andrea, a part time worker, shows him the ropes at The Book Nook, he decides his time in Seabreeze might not be so bad after all. If he could only get rid of the homeless man that continues to lurk around the store.

REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS seems a bit contradictory. While much of the book has the characters struggling with possible loss, rejection, sickness, homelessness, single-parenthood, financial woes, and emotional roller-coasters, you can’t help but have hope for each of the characters and where it is in their walk that the Lord meets them and fills their needs. Definitely a feel good book that is written with such richness, you can imagine the musty old bookstore, sense the draft in Andrea’s small apartment, and feel the smiles that fill the faces of those who love Rick and are so thankful for his new lease on life.

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

Book provided for review purposes.

Can a Christmas Store and a Stranger Bring Change to Small Town?

Much-Anticipated Christmas Novella From Award-Winning Author Melody Carlson

In sleepy little Parrish Springs, everyone seems to know everyone else’s business practically before they do. The empty Barton Building has finally sold-- but not to the right person, according to Councilman Snider. He is successful in stirring up the townspeople and turning them against the new owner, Matilda Honeycutt. This older woman with scraggly gray hair and a different fashion sense doesn’t fit into the Parrish Springs tradition. The town is curious and yet afraid of her at the same time. But nothing convinces Matilda to give up her plans for The Christmas Shoppe (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1926-5, $15.99, 176 pages, September 2011) by best-selling author Melody Carlson.

The neighboring shop owners respond in horror when The Christmas Shoppe doesn’t look and feel like all the other charming stores on the town's quaint main street. After all Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life, healing, and love.

The Christmas Shoppe, by best-selling author Melody Carlson, offers a touch of Christmas with a mixture of nostalgia, joy, and hope.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books in 2010 and 2011. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

My Review - The Christmas Shoppe

3 out of 5 stars

THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE by Melody Carlson is a quirky story, hedging on the mystical.

Shop owner Matilda Honeycutt has come to the sleepy town of Parrish Springs. But, as she settles in, the town folk are not very welcoming or accepting of Matilda’s eccentricities. Buying a rundown building in the middle of downtown, the town expects Matilda to fix up the store. So, they are not at all pleased that her Christmas Shoppe is nothing more than a secondhand store with tattered and discarded items. As a city councilman stirs the community against Matilda, one by one, the people of Parrish Springs have life-changing encounters with Ms. Honeycutt and her magical store. Hearts changed, love blooms, and forgiveness is given, all because of Matilda’s eclectic merchandise.

Though THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE was a quick and enchanting read, it was a bit too mystical for me. I enjoyed the growing connection between Tommy and Susanna and so the hurried ending and quick explanation of their relationship left me wanting. But overall, a pleasant story to get you in the mood for the holidays.

Book provided for review.

A Sound Among the Trees: A Novel by Susan Meissner

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A SOUND AMONG THE TREES had a rather unique story to tell. I would not classify this book as a Christian novel since there were so few references to God, and only one character towards the end of the book really comes out and says her life was changed by her relationship with the Lord. Everyone else in the book seems to be walking around their present life on eggshells, not wanting to infringe on the lives of those around them or do anything to upset the supposed haunted mansion of Holly Oak.

A trio of characters and the house itself takes the lead at different times throughout this novel. Broken up into five different sections, mostly regarding the mansion–and one section entirely devoted to a string of letters written by one of the women of Holly Oak during the Civil War, this novel had me stymied as to what the message is the author was trying to get across to the reader.

When I came to the section devoted to the letters written by Susannah Page–the woman believed to be haunting the antebellum mansion–I was not thrilled. Reading 100+ pages entirely in letter form had the possibility of turning me off completely. But, instead, it really was a unique way to allow the reader to get to know Susannah Page, and separate her from the rumored stories that had given her credit for the houses foreboding and oppressive vibe.

In the end, I liked A SOUND AMONG THE TREES, though it was mildly melancholy. The darkness of the story of both what went on in the house, and the house’s affect on the characters brought about despair. If the secrets that had been hidden in the house had come to light sooner, the characters would not have had to live their lives, always with a sense foreboding, instead of embracing the historical events that took place in times gone by.

Book provided for review purposes.



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Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


WITHIN MY HEART by Tamera Alexander has all the key elements for a historical romance; a self-confidence heroine, a hero with a haunted pass, and the great outdoors as its glorious setting.

Rachel Boyd is desperate to keep her late husband’s dream alive–to have a prosperous ranch to pass down to their two sons. But her determination wanes as she finds herself deeper in debt. Feeling as if she has nowhere to turn, she concedes and asked Dr. Rand Brookston for help. As talented and handsome as Rand is, he’s a doctor, just like her father. And for Rachel, that’s all she needs to know. She tries to keep her distance from the doctor, but when he continues to surprise her with his selfless acts, the wall around her heart starts to crumble.

Dr. Rand Brookston has left lucrative opportunities in the East in order to offer medicine to those in the Wild West. Settling in Timber Ridge, his dream is to open a medical clinic so he can better serve his patients. But funds are scare, and the townspeople have yet to embrace him fully. When not treating his patients, Rand desires to get to know Rachel Boyd better. But she continues to keep him at arms length. Not sure what it is that Rachel has against him, Rand is determined to break through her stony exterior.

WITHIN MY HEART was quite enjoyable, but then again, it’s exactly what I have come to expect from Tamera Alexander. Though I felt Rachel could’ve thawed sooner to the ever helpful Rand, I knew they would end up together in the end so the personal tug-o-war was just a formality. The Timber Ridge Reflections series was entertaining. Nothing over the top, just a nice story with memorable characters




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Pirate of My Heart: A Novel by Jamie Carie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


PIRATE OF MY HEART was an exciting and thrilling read. One of my favorite genres is the world of pirates, and Jamie Carie carved out a great story, intriguing characters, and romance that kept me turning the page.

Lady Kendra Townsend is devastated by the loss of her father. Never knowing her mother, her father was the center of her world. Not thinking her life could get any worse, Kendra is appalled to find out her uncle is setting her up to marry a horrific man. He has given her an ultimatum. Marry or leave England to live with relatives in America. Knowing she cannot give her heart to someone she doesn’t love, Kendra chooses to take her chances and leave for America.

Boarding a cargo ship to America, Kendra meets Captain Dorian Colburn, and for the first time, her heart beats for a man. But Captain Colburn quickly brushes her aside to be the responsibility of his first mate. Kendra knows it is best that she not fill her head with thoughts of the dashing captain, but she shares enough stolen glances with him to know interest lies in his eyes as well.
Captain Dorian Colburn is flummoxed by the beautiful Lady Kendra. His heart has already been crushed by a woman, but his intentions towards bachelorhood are put to the test when he finds his every waking moment filled with thoughts of the English enchantress.

Watching the push and pull of the relationship that unfolds between Kendra and Dorian at times was frustrating and painful, but only because you wanted nothing more than to see them together. Though there were a few scenarios I found hard to swallow or ended too abruptly, it didn’t deter me one iota. I was so in love with the characters I would’ve been willing to follow them through any obstacle to finally see them together.

Great pseudo pirate tale, I will look for more books in this vane from Jamie Carie.

Book provided for review purposes.




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Who Can a Lady Really Trust?
A young widow, a mysterious Frenchman, and the threat of
blackmail keep readers guessing in this Regency romance

Grand Rapids, Mich. – Laurie Alice Eakes captures the hearts of her readers once again by weaving intrigue, suspense, and romance together in her new novel, A Necessary Deception (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3466-4, $14.99, October, 352 pages), set during the Regency time period.

When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never expected doing so would put her family in jeopardy. But that’s just what happens when a shadowy figure corners her during an evening stroll and blackmails her with the threat of treason.

She returns to her family just as the London Season is getting underway, and is shocked when the French prisoner appears in her parlor calling himself by a new name, Christien de Meuse, and carrying a letter from the shadowy man.

While she should be helping her younger sisters, bookish Cassandra, who’s about to get married, and headstrong Honore, who’s about to enter into London society, Lydia can’t help being preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Nor can she deny her attraction to him. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can he be trusted? Is she putting her family in danger or sparing them from harm?

With an eye for detail and in-depth knowledge of the period, Laurie Alice Eakes brings alive the drawing rooms of London’s elite .

Laurie Alice Eakes is also the author of Lady in the Mist and several other novels. She won a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency in 2007 for Family Guardian. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

My Review - A Necessary Deception

4 out of 5 stars

A NECESSARY DECEPTION is the second book I’ve read from Laurie Alice Eakes, and was definitely the better of the two.

Lady Gale believes her time for love is over. After the death of her husband in the war with the French, and her suspicions that he wasn’t true to her, Lydia decides her life would be better spent seeing her two sisters introduced into London society. After her sisters are accepted into London’s upper crust, she plans to travel back to her simple cottage, paint the landscapes of her life, and continue a quiet existence.

All her plans are dashed when she encounters Frenchman Christien de Meuse for a second time. Thinking him a friend of her deceased husband, Lydia had arranged for his release from prison. But, her feelings of indebtedness are soon turned to betrayal when he shows up in London and she is blackmailed into introducing him to the elite circles of London. Though told he is a double agent trying to head off a plot against the English government, she does not believe him. But, when her family is the target of threats if she does not comply, she has no choice but to go along with Christien’s plan or see her family ruined.

Struggling against the tyranny of her autocratic father and the folly of her younger sisters, Lydia is beside herself. But her turmoil is never greater than when thinking of Christien de Meuse, and the feelings that are emerging inside her heart without her permission. She wants nothing more than to trust him and give into the desires of her heart. But just when she is ready to give into her thoughts of love, she questions his allegiance and pushes him away. As danger mounts for both England and Lydia’s family, she must decide who she will trust, and if that trust will lead to destruction of her family.

A NECESSARY DECEPTION was a good balance of intrigue and romance. I liked the strength and persistence of Lydia’s character though at times–as the Lady she was– she would falter and do what was expected of her instead of what her conscience was telling her. The character of Christien was suave and mysterious, and Cassandra and Honore were quite the handful to take care of. In all, the book was enjoyable to read. Slow at times, and maybe a few too many rabbit trails, but all in all, I will make sure and keep my eye out for the second installment in The Daughters of Bainbridge House series.

Book provided for review purposes.

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