Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

 

A volunteer for the newly established Weather Bureau, Sophie van Riijn needs access to the highest spot in her village to report the most accurate readings. Fascinated by Dierenpark, an abandoned mansion high atop a windswept cliff in the Hudson River Valley, Sophie knows no better option despite a lack of permission from the absent owners.

The first Vandermark to return to the area in sixty years, Quentin intends to put an end to the shadowy rumors about the property that has brought nothing but trouble upon his family. Ready to tear down the mansion, he is furious to discover a local woman has been trespassing on his land.
Instantly at odds, Quentin and Sophie find common ground when she is the only one who can reach his troubled son. There's a light within Sophie that Quentin has never known, and a small spark of the hope that left him years ago begins to grow. But when the secrets of Dierenpark and the Vandermark family history are no longer content to stay in the past, will tragedy triumph or can their tenuous hope prevail?


Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Jennifer Parker
Cover Photography: Mike Habermann Photography, LLC

Opening Verse: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."--Matthew 5:8


My Review
I'm fascinated by the unique story lines Camden brings to her books. Using her vast knowledge of history, this author takes true events from our past and weaves them with lovable characters, an interesting setting, and a beautiful romance. I can't get enough of her books. 

Melancholy Quentin Vandermark arrives at his family's estate with one intention--to demolish it. He's also determined to prove to his grandfather that the Vandermark curse doesn't exist and the tragic events throughout their family history have a scientific explanation. When he discovers that Sophie van Riijin is trespassing on his property to attend to the weather station she set on the roof without permission, he sends her away. Only there's something about Sophie that tugs at him, and he's unable to keep her away for long. 

Full of intrigue, faith, and rich history, this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys historicals, romance, and strong characters who keep the pages turning. I give this book 5 stars! 

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Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com. 

Proverbs Prayers by John Mason

Experience the wisdom of God in your life.

The book of Proverbs is a wellspring of wisdom, offering practical guidance for life and the tools to make good choices, withstand pressure, prioritize relationships, and avoid unnecessary trouble. 

Now bestselling author John Mason helps you make that wisdom a part of your inner life. For thirty-one days, he takes you through each chapter of Proverbs, unpacking the wisdom within and providing a heartfelt prayer based on the insights from that chapter. As you read and pray, you’ll discover the principles found in this wisdom-packed book coming alive in your life in ways you may never have imagined.

Publisher: Revell, 2015

Author: John Mason

Cover Design: Paula Gibson

My Review

The book of Proverbs holds an astounding amount of wisdom for all areas of life. To couple that wisdom with the power of prayer is amazing. I highly enjoyed this book. I used it as an accompaniment to my King James Bible, reading the passage twice and then reciting the provided prayer. I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a deeper study of the book of Proverbs, is seriously seeking wisdom, and to those who enjoy daily devotionals. I give this book 5 stars!

__________________________________________________________

John Mason is a national best-selling author, noted speaker and executive author

coach. He is the founder and president of Insight International and Insight
Publishing Group.
He has authored fifteen books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An
Original-Don’t Die A Copy, and Know Your Limits—Then Ignore Them which have
sold over 1.5 million copies and are translated into thirty-five languages throughout
the world. These books are widely known as a source of sound wisdom, genuine
motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published in Reader’s
Digest along with numerous other national publications. And four of his books have
reached the #1 spot on Amazon best-seller lists.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts and insightful ideas, he is a popular
speaker across the U.S. and around the world.
John and his wife, Linda, have four children: Michelle, Greg, Michael and David.
They reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in
the process?




My Review
A fun marriage of convenience story to wrap up the Wilde at Heart Series. 

Bailey Wilde, the oldest of the Wilde sisters, is determined to homestead her ranch now that her sisters have married and moved away. Haunted by her time spent in the Civil War disguised as a man, she's reclusive and likes it that way. Then Gage Coulter appears at her door, claiming he owns the canyon she runs her cattle on and he wants it back. But in order for Gage to access the canyon, Bailey has to agree to let him cross her land. She refuses, of course, so Gage finds another way in, using dynamite to blast a path through to the canyon. During a long, snowed-in winter, Bailey's loneliness engulfs her. When Gage shows up at her door come spring, offering marriage to increase their ranches, Bailey gives in. The rest is a Wilde ride!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances, especially ones with a twist. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars!

____________________________________________________

Mary is the author of several award-winning novels. She's known for her witty dialogue and unique plots. For more on Mary, visit her website at www.maryconnealy.com.

The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry

Nazi scientists started many experiments. One never ended.

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed--until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy. 

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success--but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America--just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015--and the world has become an unrecognizable place. 

Katherine Mueller--crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle--offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee? 

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.




My Review
Unique, intriguing, captivating. This book snatched my attention from the first page and held it to the very end. Reminiscent of the Mel Gibson classic film Forever Young with the heart of Steve McQueen's The Great Escape, this author is the one to watch. 

Roger Greene loves two things: to fly and to serve his country. Those dreams end when his plane gets shot down over enemy territory and he's imprisoned by Nazi scientists experimenting on POWs. Roger quickly learns his part in the Methuselah Project is successful when he becomes the sole survivor of an air raid and his wounds heal within hours. The project's creator dies in the bombing and the scientists that take over must recreate the formula by studying still-imprisoned Roger--for years.

It's now 2015, and Roger has found a way to escape. He seizes the opportunity only to be thrust into a world remarkably different than the one he knew. With the help of new acquaintance Katherine Mueller, Roger attempts to remain incognito while starting a new life. He finally convinces her of his story, only to discover she works for the very organization he's hiding from.

This book had it all for me--action, suspense, romance--but it also spoke to my patriot heart. Roger was the perfect hero with a strong love for his country and his "old-fashioned" values that should still be valued in this modern world. The Methuselah Project was a great reminder of how tough the American spirit is when put to the test.

I gave this book 5 stars!

_______________________________________________________________

By God’s grace, I’m the author of the novels The Methuselah Project, Gunner’s

Run, Kiriath’s Quest, and over 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a writer and World War II buff, my main role is Director of Church Planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry active in Eastern Europe. I hold a degree in foreign languages, speak Russian, and every summer I assist with children’s camps in Eastern Europe. I live near Indianapolis with my wonderful wife Pam. Visit me at facebook.com/AuthorRickBarry, on Twitter (@WriterRickBarry), and at www.rickcbarry.com. 

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick

Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?


My Review
This author's prose dances along the page and transports the reader to Oregon Territory, pre-Civil War, where a coming-of-age Eliza Spalding is running her father's household and caring for her younger siblings in absence of their mother. She catches the eye of Andrew Warren, a young man working to build his own cattle spread. Tired of her smothering lifestyle, Eliza sneaks away with Andrew and elopes. But the marriage ahead is not exactly what Eliza had envisioned. 

I enjoyed seeing the budding romance blossom and fight for survival during times of hardship. This is real, and Eliza fought valiantly. I did find some parts of the mother's journal confusing and hard to follow, but the Cast of Characters and the Oregon map at the beginning were very helpful, as I don't often read historical fiction. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that's real and gritty. I give this book 3.5 stars!

___________________________________________________

Jane is inter-nationally recognized for her lively presentations and well-researched stories that encourage and inspire.  Her works have appeared in more than 50 publications including  Decision, Private Pilot and Daily Guideposts.  Jane is the author of over 25 books including historical novels. Many of her titles are based on the lives of real people or incidents set authentically in the American West.  Her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center.  Her works have been finalists for the Christy, Spur, Oregon Book Award, WILLA Literary Award and Reader’s Choice awards.  Several of her titles have been Book of the Month and Literary Guild selections. For more about Jane, visit her website at www.jkbooks.com.

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.




My Review
History comes alive in this engaging romance surrounding the American Revolution. These characters will emboss themselves on your heart and stick with you long after the last page.

Seamus Ogilvy has returned from war weary, widowed, and struggling to rebuild a relationship with the young daughter he barely knows. Sophie Menzies, mistress of neighboring Three Chimneys, quickly befriends Seamus's daughter and becomes the link that binds father and daughter together. When Sophie's ownership of Three Chimneys is threatened, Seamus offers a solution her heart can't deny. But when a woman from his past returns, Sophie's position at Tall Acre is jeopardized. Will Virginia's new government be able to sift through betrayal and lies to determine the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Another great read by Laura Frantz! I give this book 5 stars!

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

War is coming.

Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.


Publisher: Revell, 2015
Author: Sarah Sundin
Cover Photography and Illustration: Brandon Hill

My Review
I was hooked from the first page. With a gripping plot set amidst the enchanting and war-torn era of the 1940's, Through Waters Deep will stick with you long after the first page. 

Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling reunites with high school acquaintance Ensign Jim Avery during the USS Atwood's sabotaged christening. Together they embark on a journey of clues to find the saboteur. As they narrow down suspects, their friendship blossoms into something more. Will their feelings for one another survive the start of war? Or will they drown in deep waters?

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, romance stories, and/or historical fiction. 

I gave this book 5 stars! This is the first novel of Sarah's I've read, and I'll definitely be reading more!

_____________________________________________________

Sarah Sundin received the Writer of the Year at the Mount Hermon Christian Christian Writers 

Conference. A graduate of UC San Fransisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. To learn more, visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com.

In Good Company by Jen Turano

After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?


Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Paul Higdon
Cover Photography: Brandon Hill Photos


My Review
Jen's characters are always a load of fun. Witty and heart-warming, In Good Company is a pure delight. 

Millie Longfellow needs a nanny job after getting fired yet again. Socialite Everett Mulberry needs a nanny to care for the three mischievous children he's unexpectedly become guardian over. Neither adult believes they'll make a good match, but desperate times call for desperate measures. When the children gang up on Millie in attempt to get rid of her, as well as Everett's fiance, Caroline, they discover they can't outwit this nanny. As Millie's relationship with the children warms, Everett comes to realize Millie quite good at her job after all and enlists Millie's help investigating the mysterious deaths of the children's parents, which angers Caroline. These changes have Everett questioning his place in society, and wondering if he's in good company after all. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances and/or stories filled humor. I give this book 5 stars! 

____________________________________________________

Jen Turano is the author of six books, including the Ladies of Distinction series. She makes her home in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and son. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

In an uncertain time, she faces a choice that will change her life forever.

The Southold Chronicles

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montauk tribe, is enjoying her wedding feast when her groom is killed and she is kidnapped by a rival tribe and held for ransom. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is nonetheless left to die in a Connecticut forest--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her long friendship with family friend Benjamin Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

Publisher: Revell, 2015

Cover Design and Photography: John Hamilton Design

Author is represented by WordServe Literary Group

My Review

Full of rich history and emotion, this story will surely capture your heart. 

Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren rescues Montaukett princess Heather Flower after being stolen from her tribe. Her best friend Benjamin Horton wants nothing more than protect Heather from future attacks, as well as from Lieutenant Van Buren. As the two men attempt to capture her affections, the reader will be eager to capture the unexpected twists. 

I did find this book a little hard to follow at the beginning because of the large cast of characters, but this story is well written, and I love how the author uses her own ancestry as inspiration for her novels. 

I give this book 3.5 stars!

___________________________________________________________________

When Rebecca DeMarino traveled to Horton Point, Long Island, with her mother, Helen Jean Horton

Worley, in 1999, passions collided: her love of faith, family, travel, history, and writing. Rebecca's debut novel, A PLACE IN HIS HEART, is a historical romance based on Mary and Barnabas Horton, Rebecca’s ninth great-grandparents. Set in 1600’s Southold, Long Island, book one of The Southold Chronicles will be released by Revell in June, 2014. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and when not writing, she enjoys family and genealogy, travel, reading, running, baking and gardening. Rebecca is represented by Greg Johnson of WordServe Literary Agency.

Our Disney World Vacation 2015

We've had a VERY busy summer so far, which is why you haven't seen many posts from me other than book reviews. In between baseball games, VBS, and 4-H projects, we took a much needed vacation to Disney World. Here's a little scrapbook to show you what we've been up to.


EPCOT

Here we are in Canada, watching
the rain clouds approach. 

We visited Epcot the day of our 14th wedding anniversary. The weather was hot and muggy but most of our day was spent indoors enjoying the great attractions this place had to offer. After the rides, we toured the World Showcase.

In France, we devoured a Croque Glace` 
at L'Artisan des Glaces. This amazing dessert is 
a warm brioche filled with white chocolate coconut ice dream...I mean cream. 

And this is us, taking the world's worst selfie. Unfortunately, the rest of our evening got rained out and we weren't able to see the other countries, but we had a blast at Epcot all the same. 





DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Tow Mater

Here, we saw all the stars! The kids loved meeting their favorite characters and being part of the movies on The Great Movie Ride, Star Tours, and The Tower of Terror (though the little guy wasn't a fan of this last one). 

Phineas and Ferb

Me and the boys are Singing in the Rain. If only my voice and dance moves were as graceful as Debbie Reynolds's. But the "rain" sprinkling off the umbrella was a nice break from the hot sun. 

MAGIC KINGDOM

Cinderella's castle

We celebrated little guy's 5th birthday at the Magic Kingdom. It blessed my heart to see him enjoy his favorite characters' rides, like Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo, and Aladdin's Flying Carpets. The older boys loved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and exploring Tom Sawyer's Island. 

Happy Birthday!

Again, we enjoyed meeting our favorite characters!

Buzz Lightyear

Rapunzel's tower

And seeing where they live!

It was a fun-filled and long day with amazing fireworks to end the journey. Goodbye, Disney!

We ended our trip with a relaxing day on Siesta Key, Beach, Sarasota, before the long drive home. I can't wait to see where our next adventure awaits! 

Laugh Out Loud Pocket Doodles for Boys by Rob Elliott

Rob Elliott's Laugh-Out-Loud joke books have brought laughter to more than half a million households. His last book invited kids into the action as he teamed up with cartoonist Jonny Hawkins to create "Laugh-Out-Loud Doodles for Kids." Now the dynamic duo is back with two brand-new books for boys and girls who love to draw and love to laugh! Packed with jokes that will keep boys and girls giggling for hours, and unfinished doodles for them to complete any way they want, these books keep little hands and minds busy. Perfect for road trips, lazy summer days, or anytime the kids say, "I'm bored!"

Publisher: Revell, 2015
Author: Rob Elliott
Illustrator: Jonny Hawkins


This review was so much fun, as I was able to get the kids involved. Good, clean entertainment, perfect for a rainy day or long road trips. My boys did many of the pages in the car while traveling to Disney World. Others, they finished when we got back home. This book is perfect for ages 5-12. Have a sharpened pencil and crayons handy, and be prepared to laugh!

My boys give this book four thumbs up!

(Five stars in the book review world) 

"My favorite part of this book was the jokes. I can tell them to my friends." -- Silas, age 11

"I like to draw." -- Hudson, age 5


As a mother, my favorite sound in the world is my kids' laughter. If they're laughing that means they're happy, and happy kids make a happy mama. I highly recommend this book. 

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

A teacher on the run. 

A bounty hunter in pursuit. 

Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother’s death. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record?

Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.


Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Dan Thornberg, Design Source Creative Services
Author is represented by Books & Such Literary Agency

My Review

A fun, high-stakes adventure in life and love. Karen Witemeyer never disappoints with her unique plots, spunky characters, and witty dialogue. 

Charlotte Atherton flees the Sullivan Academy in the middle of the night with the child Stone Hammond has been hired to retrieve. She outwits him, but not for long. He finds the schoolmarm, along with the child, on a secluded Texas farm. His presence is less than welcoming, especially when Charlotte proves she's the child's legal guardian. Will Stone finish the job he came to do? Will Charlotte trust his help when an even larger issue presents itself?

I recommend this book to those who love historical romance and fast-paced stories. I gave this book 5 stars!

My New Book!

I'm tardy in announcing this, and for that I apologize. Last month, I signed a contract with Pelican Book Group for my debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart. This story is a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and a 2014 Seekerville Pitch Perfect winner. This story has truly been a labor of love, and I couldn't be more excited to see it in print (and e-book).

Here's a sneak peek...

Isn't this cover stunning? 

Set in the fictional town of Summerville, Maine, Mt. Desert Island, beekeeper Huck Anderson is reunited with Arianne Winters when he inherits the building her bridal shop occupies. He's prepared to evict his tenant so he can open a sporting goods store. Instead, a life-threatening injury sidelines Huck, and Arianne turns his plans upside-down. Now the key to his building isn't the only thing Huck wants back.


Author Jericha Kingston says, "Candice Sue Patterson delivers another sensational romance for readers of Christian Fiction. Awash with compassion, Patterson lets us walk in the boots of one without Christ, in the high heels of one trusting Christ, and in the hearts of both."


Look for How to Charm a Beekeeper's Heart, coming soon!