Litfuse Blog Tour and Book Review: Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan by Melanie Dobson/4 Stars

About the book: 

It's the height of the Gilded Age, but Elena Bissette's family has lost most of its fortune. The Bissettes still own a home on fashionable Mackinac Island, and they spend summers there in hopes of introducing Elena to a wealthy suitor. Quickly tiring of the extravagant balls at the Grand Hotel, she spends her days walking along the island's rugged coastline. There she meets Chase, a young fisherman who invites her to watch the ships from an abandoned lighthouse. The two begin to meet there in secret, hoping to solve a decades-old mystery. Meanwhile, Elena's mother contrives introductions between Elena and the island's most eligible bachelor, an elusive millionaire named Chester Darrington. When Elena's two worlds unexpectedly collide, she will be in for the surprise of her life.

My thoughts: 

My favorite genre of historical fiction is quickly becoming Guilded Age fiction, and Melanie Dobson has easily earned a spot among some of the best authors currently writing about this glorious era.  Her writing in this novel is wonderfully descriptive without being overdone, and with the backdrop of Mackinac Island, the combination is perfect.  The romantic angle is a little far-fetched in my opinion, and the conflict between Elena and Chase drags a little long, but all in all, the entire story really is quite sweet.  Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan is a great addition to the ever-growing series, and I sincerely hope that Melanie will find another occasion soon to take me back to the Guilded Era.  :o)

And as a side note...  I have always wanted to read a novel set on Mackinac Island since I've about worn out my DVD of Somewhere in Time.  :o)  I honestly have never known that cars are not allowed on the island, and that the slow pace is the norm.  It's time to plan a trip, if you ask me.  *wink*

4 Stars

**Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Summerside Press for providing a copy for review.

***

Celebrate with Melanie by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Signed copies of Melanie’s Love Find You books: Love Finds you in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana.

But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4/12. The winner will be announced on 8/6/12 at Melanie's blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Melanie's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Litfuse Blog Tour and Book Review: Wish You Were Here by Beth K. Vogt/4 Stars

About the book:

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom. Still, kissing the groom's brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake?

It seems Allison's life is nothing but mistakes at this point. And pulling a "Runaway Bride" complete with stealing, er, borrowing her best friend's car doesn't seem to solve her problems. Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Maybe she just needs to stop orchestrating everything. Allison prefers being the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead.

About Beth:

Beth K. Vogt provides her readers with a happily ever after woven through with humor, reality, and God's lavish grace. She's a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor-or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. Beth has discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." She writes contemporary romance because she believes there's more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth earned a journalism degree from San Jose State University and met her husband Rob when he knocked her down at a karate studio. They've been married for 31 years. They have four children, ranging in ages from 28, 25, 23 and - thanks to a funny thing happening on their way to the empty nest-a 10-year-old. The Vogt Team, which now includes a "daughter-in-love" and "son-in-love," enjoys hiking and camping in Colorado. Read more about Beth at her website:  http://bethvogt.com.

My thoughts:

I won't sugarcoat the truth here...I almost marked this book as a DNF (did not finish). I made it to the 100-page mark and thought to myself, "If this book doesn't pick up the pace reeeeeeally soon, I don't think I can go on." Well, nothing like a little perseverance, ya know?  :o)  I went another few pages, then a few more, and then, there was no getting around it...I was hooked.

There's really just one thing I want to highlight from this fabulous debut novel, and that was the balance between Allison and Seth's relationship failing and the new relationship forming between her and Daniel.  I mean, honestly...in real life, how many of us would have screwed that up so badly?  I'll be the first to admit that it would be me because, like Seth, I have always had this innate need to be in control (or at least, convince myself that I'm in control even if I'm not).  But wow, how many times have I jumped the gun ahead of God's plan?  More times than I care to count.  I was so impressed that when it came to decision time for both Allison and Daniel that things were allowed to take their natural course, and both really allowed God to direct their steps.

Beth Vogt joins a fabulous crop of new fiction writers this year...seriously, they're sprouting up all over the place!  I'd love to see a spin-off from this novel featuring either Meghan or Hadleigh (well, a story for both characters wouldn't disappoint me, either).  :o)

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the publisher through Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy for review.

***

Enter Today - 5/15-6/4!

 

Litfuse Blog Tour and Book Review: Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love/4 Stars

If possible, I think Dorothy Love's sophomore novel is better than her first!  It's been a long time since I stayed up past midnight to finish a book to it's very last page.  :o)  Another bonus?  That cover...isn't it gorgeous?!  The covers for all three books in this series really deserve a hand of applause for their beauty.  I could stare at them for the longest time... *sigh*  And yet another bonus?  It's set in my home state of Tennessee, and I couldn't help but appreciate all the references to cities, towns, and landmarks that I'm familiar with. 

I think I related more to the heroine in Beauty for Ashes than I did the heroine in Beyond All Measure (Dorothy's debut novel).  I've been in that place before where if something could go wrong, it did go wrong, and like Carrie, I've hoped that I could run away from those problems so someone else could sort them out.  Unfortunately, life has other ideas, both in the real and fictitious worlds, and Carrie's world was pretty much turned upside down more than once.  It was a cross between heartbreak and frustration as I read about her relationships with Nate and Mary, but those feeling were soon replaced with admiration because of her strength of character.  No matter what, she wasn't going to quit.  No matter what, her irritation at the lot she'd been given in life was not going to overwhelm her.  She was going to make it through this storm God had sent her through (first the loss of a husband, then being the third wheel in her brother's new marriage), and come out stronger on the other side.

Griff's character was a good addition to the story, but I didn't connect with him as much as I would've liked.  It always seemed like he was hiding something, even until the very end.  Most likely, it was the drifter in him that made me wary.  However, I did enjoy the portions where he worked as a horse trainer, and the references to the newly-created Kentucky Derby.

When I connect with books on a personal level, it's always easy to recommend them.  It's extra-easy in this case because this book is a winner.  :o)  I can't wait to journey back to Hickory Ridge one final time when Dorothy's final book in this series, Every Perfect Gift, releases later this year.

4 Stars

Southern?  Absolutely.  :o)
Sass?  No

Summary of Beauty for Ashes:

She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to give beauty for ashes.

**Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for providing a copy for review.



Enter Today and Save the Date-3/20!

Litfuse Blog Tour and Book Review: A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander/4 Stars

About the book:

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee her home, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe, who shows her kindness by not turning her in to authorities. But when he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged him. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville society, Claire believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach—but only if her past remains hidden.

The Federal Army destroyed Sutton's home, confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined—as well as the woman he loves.

Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves—and each other—for who they really are.

My thoughts:

It's so difficult to find a starting point in describing how positively beautiful this book was.  It was rich, lush, majestic, breathtaking--so many things that, if I were to actually see everything from it in person, it would all leave me speechless.  And if that wasn't enough, just to know that part of the story was based on an actual historical figure and place, not to mention set in my home state...well, I couldn't get enough quick enough!  I soaked in every single thing--the magnificent Belmont mansion, the overwhelming collection of artwork, the gradual friendship, then romance, between Claire and Sutton--that when I read the last page, I literally felt full, like I had just enjoyed the most delicious meal in a 5-star restaurant.

I can't imagine what Tamera has in store for book 2, but you better believe that I will make a return trip to Belmont Mansion!  In fact, the next time I'm in the Nashville area, I hope-hope-hope that an actual trip to the mansion can work it's way into the travel plans...how much fun would that be?!  :o) 

4 Stars

Southern?  Without a doubt!
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Bethany House through Litfuse for providing a copy for review.

***

Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from Tamera Alexander!

While Tamera and her book,  A Lasting Impression, are traveling across the country virtually (with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway (11/4 - 11/15) and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party (11/15) (dripping with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don't miss a minute of the fun. Swoon!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
• A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspiredgiveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

Book Review: Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren/5 Stars

About the book:


Hope finds the hopeless when a storm hits.

It's Christmas weekend 1949, and despite the threat of a storm, the townspeople of Frost are determined to continue their holiday traditions, if only as a means to forget the war that they had all just suffered through. But the suffering hasn't ended for Dottie Morgan who lost her only son in the war. She's preparing to wallow in her isolation for the weekend, when Violet, nearly a spinster at age 29, dares to make a request that will force Dottie to publicly revive the memory of her dead son.

When a storm traps the two women at home with a strange young man who has an unbelievable confession and a neighbor with more to do with Violet's past than she would like, no one can predict how this Christmas will give them all a second chance.

My thoughts:

Rather than give a review about all the great characters or the touching scenes of this book, I'm simply going to say that sometimes there are books that come along at just the right moment in your life, and they leave the most profound impression.  To some, Baby, It's Cold Outside may represent a wonderful start into Christmas books this season, but for me, it became a personal journey of sorts--a chance to pull back the curtain and recognize that, just like Dottie Morgan, I'm not perfect, either.  To some, that may sound like a horrible quality for a book.  (I mean, really...most readers don't really like to have their toes stepped on while they're reading a novel, thank you very much.)  But there's something about the way that Susan does it that doesn't come off as preachy or condescending.  These personal, introspective moments are what make Susan's books so special to me.  They get under my skin, and before it's over, I'm either at the point of tears and/or thanking God that he still loves me despite my faults. 

And hey, if you're looking for an entertaining Christmas story, you'll still get it here...no worries.  But I hope that, like me, you will take away something more than just, "That was a great book."  I hope you'll give it the chance to be a blessing to you.  I never expected it to give one to me. 

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Summerside Press for providing a copy for review.

***

Warm up to Chrismtas early this year with Susan May Warren's Baby, It's Cold Outside! To celebrate the release of her new Christmas book with Summerside Press, she and the publisher are giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting an early Christmas Party on Facebook!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One festive winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/26!

But, wait there’s more! Join Susan May Warren on 10/27 for merriment and a few early Christmas presents at her Baby, It's Cold Outside Christmas party! Grab your Christmas sweaters, socks and pj’s and join Susan and a few friends for a fireside chat about her recent books (Heiress & Baby, It’s Cold Outside), holiday traditions, favorite Christmas recipes, a trivia contest and more! Invite your friends and don’t miss the fun!

RSVP here and we'll see you on October 27th at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST!

Litfuse Blog Tour and Book Review: Heiress by Susan May Warren/5 Stars

About the book:

They can buy anything they want—fame, power, beauty, even loyalty.  But they can’t buy love.

The beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price can buy everything their hearts desire. But what if their desire is to be loved, without an enormous price tag attached? When one sister betrays another for the sake of love, will she find happiness? And what happens when the other sets out across the still untamed frontier to find it—will  she discover she’s left it behind in the glamorous world of the New York gilded society? What price will each woman pay for being an heiress?

Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, two women discover that being an heiress just might cost them everything they love.

My thoughts:

I could go in so many directions with this review to tell you all about the characters, the plot, the setting, the clothes (oh...the clothes), but Heiress is one of those novels that is an experience--in jealousy, in opulence, in tragedy, in love.  It's one that, if you know nothing but the back cover blurb, then you are in for the surprise of your life.

I knew that Susan was a great writer, even after reading my first book by her earlier this year, but Heiress has catapulted her to favorite author status in no time flat.  Just when I thought I was going to hit a lull in this story, she snapped my mind back to attention with one twist after another.  Now, I know that some authors usually like to have one surprise lurking somewhere in their stories, but to have them appear in rapid succession (and all of them believable, no less) showed that Susan's got some masterful writing chops.

Without a doubt, Heiress has to be the edgiest Christian fiction book of the year.  It should also come with a warning label--"Don't start unless you plan to stay up past your bedtime."

Go.  Get.  It.  Now.  I dare you.  ;o)

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  It makes an appearance from time to time.  :o)

**Many thanks to Summerside Press and Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy for review. 

***

Enter 9/22-10/5!

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Book Review: My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren/4 Stars

About the book:

Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

My thoughts:

Ok, so don't shoot me, but I've never read a Susan May Warren book before.  *ducking for cover*  It's not intentional or anything.  She just happens to be one of many authors that I just haven't gotten around to yet.  But ya know, I think I'll be coming back for more...and soon, too.  :o)


My Foolish Heart is part of the Deep Haven series, although it's come along several years after the original 3 books were released.  Being that this was my first book by Susan, I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be in the loop about this sweet little town.  Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about.  I jumped right in with both feet to read about Issy and Caleb, and got a bonus with Lucy and Seb's story thrown in.  And I won't lie...the romance was enough to make me down-right giddy, butterflies in my stomach, holding my breath--the whole nine yards!

The intro was a little slow for my taste because Issy and Caleb both came with a lot of baggage.  Issy suffered from agoraphobia, which meant that panic attacks were a frequent occurrence for her.  Caleb was a vet from the Iraq War, and came home a scarred and wounded soldier.  As a reader, it was necessary to really get into their characters before reading their introductions to each another, but I think it could've been done effectively in less than the almost-100 pages it took.

What impressed me the most was the story's realness.  Never before have a read a novel that dealt with these types of issues (agoraphobia, PTSD, etc.).  Everything felt so current, especially with the references to Caleb coming home wounded from the Iraq War.  The book also addressed struggles with fear and pride, and how those two tiny words had the power to control a life. 

All in all, I liked that My Foolish Heart had a good mix of the funny with the serious.  For readers like me who read books for an escape from everyday life, it's such a pleasure to read a book that not only brings a smile to my face, but can also bring a tear to my eye.  And believe me...both happened quite frequently.  ;o)  I am very happy to give My Foolish Heart a solid 4 star rating, along with a promise to read (many) more of Susan May Warren's books in the future. 

Southern?  No-set in Minnesota
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Litfuse and Tyndale for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

About the book:

The war has stolen Rosalie’s fiancé, Vic, from her forever. But rather than wallow, Rosalie distracts herself by cramming her days full of activity—mainly by shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy.

When a reporter dubs her “Seattle 's Own Rosie the Riveter,” even more responsibility piles up. Her strong arms bear all this, but when intense feelings surface for Kenny, the handsome, kind-hearted, and spiritually unwavering reporter, the fear of losing another love propels Rosalie to leave.

It’s only when Rosalie realizes that God has brought her to this place—and this person—for a reason, the sparkling grace of God compels her to let go of her own strength and lean on His, as well as open her heart to love.

My thoughts:

Now, more than ever before, I'm discovering that I like historical fiction in all its forms, whether it's history from 700 years ago about the Scots, or maybe about the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, or either of the World Wars.  I appreciate now what people endured through those hard times, and what it meant to fight for causes they believed in.  Our culture now doesn't lean toward helping out your fellow man too much, unless there's something in it for you.  That's what makes the history of World War II, as well as all of the other wars, so special.  People banded together for one common cause.  If they had to go without sugar, they did.  If there was more vegetables than meat on the table, so be it.  And so what if you didn't have the newest car produced by Ford?  Big deal.  They understood the greater purpose, and that was to fight for the freedoms we share today.

Another unique thing that happened during World War II was that it wasn't frowned upon for a woman to have a job.  All the boys are doing the fighting; the women wanted to do their part, too.  That's what makes Rosalie's story in this book so special.  She lost her fiancé to the war within a matter of months, and many of her friends had husbands or brothers that were busy fighting, too.  She endured through it all, though, with the help of her job at the Boeing plant working as a riveter.  I could identify with her character because she wanted to do something that mattered, something that helped the greater good.  What she didn't expect along the way was to catch the attention of a certain reporter named Kenny.

Kenny had his own problems in the book.  He held back from entering the service because he made a promise to his dad that he would use his writing skills for the war effort.  Unfortunately, that attempt didn't go as planned.  He's been stuck with more stories than he can count about celebrities and local news stories that had nothing to do with the war.  How will he ever be able to face his father and say that he failed, especially since his dad is fighting in the war?

War stories aren't for everyone, and even though they fire up a great sense of patriotism in me, I find that I have to take them in small doses.  This story was perfect for me in that, there wasn't a lot of "war" in it.  Rather, I knew it was something that everyone was aware of, and all the characters were just trying to make it through another day the best they knew how.  I took with me more than just the romance from this story; I took away pride for my country, and the sacrifices that so many soldiers offered. 

4 Stars

**Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing a copy for review.

**Click here to purchase a copy of Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington.

**Click here for more information from other readers who enjoyed Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington.