Review - Swept Away

Swept Away
By Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House
Pub. Date: March 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-0764209147
ASIN: B00AHY0T0A
Pages: 320
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/iwbMo
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/mconnealy

Review:

After enjoying the Kincaid Brides, I eagerly signed up to review Mary Connealy's first book in the Trouble in Texas series from Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Luke Stone fought during the Civil War and now four years later he is returning to claim his family's ranch, S Bar S, but there is a slight problem ahead of him as his father had sold the ranch years ago to Flint Greer, or so he claims to. Greer's story has many holes in it as Luke has the deed to the ranch. He starts to wonder if Greer had anything to do with his father's death.

Ruthy MacNeil is traveling with her family to California by wagon and she isn't looking forward to it as she is informed that she'll be forced to marry her step-brother, Vernon. The family is already working her to death and being married to Vernon will probably kill her, so the only out is for her to leave. While she tries to make her escape, she is swept away at a river crossing, but out of nowhere, Luke rescues her.

Review - Where the Trails Ends

Where the Trail Ends
By Melanie Dobson
Publisher: Summerside Press
ISBN: 978-1609366858
Pub. Date: October 1, 2012
Pages: 336
Blog Tour Link: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/american-tapestries-dobson
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/e0YC2

Review:

The year is 1842 and the Waldron family is on the Oregon Trail trying to reach Willamette Valley before winter arrives. Mr. Waldron tells his family that the Willamette Valley is the Land of Milk and honey, and that he would build them a home of their dreams. They barely escaped the fall's deadly thunderstorms and the wrath of the wild animals, but they might die of hunger and thirst before arriving at their destination.

The book focuses mostly on the daughter Samantha Waldron, who is extremely close to her little brother, Micah. When the family tries to cross the Columbia River, a violent storm erupts above them causing the river to become out of control. Samantha and Micah are saved by Lord Alexander Clarke and brings them to Fort Vancouver. Micah is just fine and plays with the other children living at the Fort, but Samantha takes several days to recover. The only thing Samantha has left is her little brother Micah.

Alexander helps Samantha by giving her a job as the school teacher. There are many single soldiers stationed there and Alexander makes sure none of the men make an uncalled advanced toward Samantha, whose heart now belongs to him anyway. Just as the two start to become close, a ship from England arrives to take Alexander back home.

Suddenly, Micah goes missing. Who will help Samantha find her little brother?

Review - Taming the Wind

Taming the Wind
By Tracie Peterson
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764206177
Release Date: September 1, 2012
Pages: 336
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/dsGj5
Blog Tour Link: http://litfusegroup.com/author/TPeterson

In book three of The Lone Star series, a now single mother, Carissa Lowe, is still grieving over the way her ex-husband, Malcolm, had broke her hear and partially stomped on it, but at the same time she has accepted that she'll always be nothing more than widowhood for her future. This way she can never be hurt again by a man. She and her daughter Gloria move in with her sister, Laura, and her brother-in-law, Brandon, on their horse ranch in Texas during the year 1968. 

After the Civil War ended, the Texas government seized properties of anyone who served  in the Union but were from a Confederate state and that what has happened to Tyler Atherton as he returns to his family home. He plans on recovering his father's ranch, but in the meantime he is working on a friend's ranch to earn money. He is sidetracked by the beautiful Carissa, a woman he once saved from her abusive husband. He had literally saved her from drowning in the waters off Corpus Christi after her husband had thrown her in. He begins to spend time around Carissa, but she will not let anyone near her heart.

Review - Touching the Sky

Touching the Sky
By Tracie Peterson
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764206160
Pub. Date: June 1, 2012
Pages: 336

The second book in The Lone Star series is set after the Civil War ended and after the tragic death of President Lincoln. The main character is Laura Marquardt who runs into the Captain Brandon Reid and his Union troops in an alleyway. She later runs into him again at a party at the her family's house. They begin to actually have an honest conversation and they realize that they have many things in common, like they both believe strongly that former slaves should have an education so they can learn how to read and write.

Laura's sister recently married an ex-Confederate solider, but her brother-in-law is plotting to murder innocent Union soldiers. She is afraid to tell Caption Reid and his men about the murder plot as it may put her sister's life in jeopardy.

Review - Unending Devotion

Unending Devotion
Written by: Jody Dedlund
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764208348
Pub Date: September 1, 2012
Pages: 374
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/dihgn
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/JHedlund

The year is 1883 and Lily Young spends her days as a photographer's assistant traveling to logging camps and small towns, but Lily has another agenda up her sleeve. She is actually searching for her missing younger sister.

While in Harrison, Michigan, Lily crosses path with Connell McCormick, an Irishman and knife thrower. Connell is helping his father increase the fortune by running three of their logging operations. He wants to expand their operations and hopefully show his father that he is responsible. He has moral values, but he also has eyes for the saloon girls.

Lily's goal of finding her sister may be in jeopardy as she starts to fall for the handsome Connell, and his goal of expanding his father's business may be in trouble as he also has feelings for Lily.

Review - Over the Edge

Over the Edge
The Kincaid Brides Book 3
By: Marry Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764209130
Pub Date: August 1, 2012
Pages: 336
Blog Tour Links: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13525530/overtheedge
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/cPxuv




The third book in The Kincaid Brides series focuses on the mysterious Seth Kincaid. He had survived the Civil War and also survived a fire in a cave, which had put him on an edge so to speak. He witnessed many terrible things during the years he spent away from Rawhide and some of those things he has blocked out of his mind, including marring Callie.

After not hearing from her husband, Callie traveled by stagecoach to Rawhide in search of what happened to him. Seth is surprised to learn that he has a wife and he is even more surprised to learn that he has an eight-month-old son. Seth wants to live up to his vow (even though he doesn't remember taking a vow) to provide for his new wife and child. To make their marriage work, they must deal with their differences and Seth must finally deal with his past.

Review - Beloved Enemy

BELOVED ENEMY
Written by: AL LACY
Published by:  MULTNOMAH PUBLISHERS, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-590-52903-4
Pages: 356
Pub Date: 1994

    Jenny Jordan, the daughter of Colonel Jeffrey Jordan, takes a job as a sectary for the Senate Military Committee that was offered by the newly elected Abraham Lincoln, just as the Civil War begins. Soon she meets Corporal Francis “Buck” Brownell, who is part of the Zouave from New York. The Union soldier begins courting Jenny, which is somewhat of a problem because she is original from the southern state of Virginia.

    Before long, she finds out that her father is a spy for the Confederate, and he asks his daughter to help him take a message to the Confederate. Jenny loves her country and Buck, but she is devoted to her father and her home state of Virginia. She must become a Confederate spy, but she hopes she can still have a future with Buck.

Review - In Too Deep

In Too Deep
AUTHOR: Mary Connealy
PUBLISHED BY: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0912-3
RELEASED DATE: 2012
PAGES: 331

    Book two of The Kincaid Brides series pickups where the last left off. Rafe and Julia are now married and Julie’s stepmother Audra doesn’t want to be a bother to them anymore. She plans on heading back east to care of her father. Rafe will not hear any of it and proposes a simple solution - Audra will marry his younger brother Ethan, whom is going to take over the Kincaid Ranch.

    After a little work, Ethan and Audra are forced into marriage, where she is planning on being the maid of the household, which includes Ethan’s other brother, the troublemaker, Seth. Ethan doesn’t know how to be a husband or a step-father to Audra’s daughter Maggie, but with God’s help, the newlyweds may make the marriage work.

Review & Giveaway - Song of My Heart

Song of My Heart
BY: Kim Vogel Sawyer
PUBLISHED BY: Bethany House
PUBLISHED IN: 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0786-0
Pages: 352

    I am a fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s writing, so I was more than eager to review her new historical romance, Song of My Heart. Set in 1895, Sadie Wagner leaves her family’s home in Indiana and travels to Kansas. Times are tough and her stepfather is out of work because of health issues. Sadie’s cousin, Sid, had promise her a job as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas, and there was possibility of another job - as a singer at an opera house. Sadie has always dreamed of being a great singer and now her dream may come true.

    The hero in this tale is Thad McKane, a man who also has a dream. He wants to become a minister, but does not have the money for the training seminars. He arrives in Goldtree after hearing reports of bootleggers in the county. Goldtree is lacking a proper sheriff and Thad volunteers for the job. He is sidetracked by the gorgeous young singer, Sadie, who is performing at Asa Baxter’s mysterious opera house. Thad and Sadie are attracted to each other and romance starts to blossom, but Thad wonders how innocent Sadie is.

    Song of My Heart is a fast-paced, well-written novel. Sadie Wagner is a sweet and innocent character, who is tangled into the wrong situation. Thad is very likable and the character steps outside the generic hero type, making him more realistic. Since this is a Christian romance, I was surprised that the author added the plot of Sid, who attempts to court his own cousin. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I loved that it was set in Kansas, as I am from Missouri. Song of My Heart is one of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s best books.

*I would like to thank Bethany House and Litfuse for sending me a copy to review. 

About the Author: 

 

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.

She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.

Buy the Book: http://ow.ly/9uLOD

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13461539/kimvogelsawyer

Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer and RSVP for her "Song of My Heart" Facebook Party {3/29}! Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

 

 

Review - Blue Moon Promise & Kindle Giveaway

Blue Moon Promise
BY: Colleen Coble
PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Nelson
PUBLISHED IN: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-59554-915-0
Pages: 316
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

When my copy of Blue Moon Promise arrived, I was memorized as I glanced upon the book cover, as I am a sucker for any novel that is set in the 1800’s. The woman on cover reminds me of a teacher I had in Junior High. I set the book on my nightstand, and eagerly started reading the book later that night. I have bought a few Colleen Coble books, but I have never had a chance to read one, so jumped into the first chapter with a fresh mind.

The main character, Lucy Marsh, is adjusting to raising her younger half-siblings, Jed and Eileen. Their father, owner of a pawn store, had recently been murdered, and their stepmother ran off with another man. Lucy works hard as a seamstress, but can barely keep up with the rent. One night when she arrives home and finds an old friend of her father’s, Mr. Henry Stanton there. He wants to help Lucy out - a marriage proposal. Mr. Stanton is wanting a wife for his son, Nate.

  Lucy agrees to the proposal and soon enough she, along with Jed and Eileen, is on a train headed to Texas. Nate is surprised to find out that his father has brought him a wife. After Henry has a health scare, Nate agrees to try the marriage.

Nevertheless, someone is following the Marsh clan to Texas, and he wants a value object that belongs to him.

It took me two sittings to read Blue Moon Promise, the wonderful characters and fast-paced plot kept me turning the pages. There are a few twists & turns that keeps the plot from becoming predictable. I found the love story between Lucy and Nate to believable and never once did I think it was rushed. I recommend the book to all romance readers.

*I would like to thank Thomas Nelson/Litfuse for sending me a copy to review. 

Buy the Book at: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595549153&title=Under_Texas_Stars_#1__:_Blue_Moon_Promise 


 About the Author:

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

For more about Colleen and her other books visit www.colleencoble.com

Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance, and suspense . . . immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.

To celebrate Colleen is teaming up with her publisher Thomas Nelson for a "Blue Moon Promise" Facebook Chat party where she will giveaway a KINDLE Fire and a Texas-sized gift basket (fabulous Texas treats and fun Lucy-inspired housekeeping products)!

Click the banner, RSVP today for the Facebook Party and mark the date on your calendar!

Invite your friends and don't miss Colleen's evening of chat, trivia, prizes, and more.

  Kindle Giveaway and More! Save the Date - 3/13!

 

Blog Tour Schedule:

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13458569/bluemoonpromise

Review - Valley of Dreams

Valley of Dreams
BY: Lauraine Snelling
PUBLISHED BY: Bethany House
PUBLISHED IN: 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0415-9
Pages: 352
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Valley of Dreams, the first novel in the Wild West Wind series, has been sitting on my desk for several weeks now. After reading a few negative reviews about the book, I hesitated about reading this historical fiction. I was intrigued by the first chapter, as you are introduced to the main heroine, Cassie Lockwood, - a young sharpshooter for the Lockwood and Talbot Wild West Show. Uncle Jason (her dad’s business partner) has been running the show every since her dad’s death. Unfortunately, times are tough and the show is going go close, as the bank investors are coming to repossess everything. Uncle Jason gives her what little money he has, a wagon, horse, and supplies.

Cassie’s father had dreamed of living in the Black Hills of South Dakota and now that is Cassie’s dream too. With Chief, a Sioux Indian from the Wild West Show, and Micah, the head wrangler, she sets off to find the valley. Of course, things are so easy, as there are many dangerous situations ahead.

The author, Lauraine Snelling has done a remarkable job creating beautiful descriptions throughout the novel. The characters are well written and so is the plot. Valley of Dreams is my first read from the author and it won’t be the last. I recommend the book to everyone.

*I would like to thank Bethany House for sending me a copy to review!

Book Review - Journey to Riverbend

Journey to Riverbend

BY: Henry McLaughlin

PUBLISHED BY: Tyndale Fiction

PUBLISHED IN: 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4143-3942-9

Pages: 415

Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Just before being hanged, Ben Carstairs asked Michael Archer to carry out his dying wish - reconcile with his father, Sam Carstairs. Michael promises to carry out the wish and heads off to the town of Riverbend. He meets a beautiful woman, Rachel Stone, who is staying with a preacher and his wife. Rachel has a dark past and just wants to start fresh in Riverbend.

Sam Carstair is kidnapped, and Michael joins the sheriff and his men in a journey to save him.

Journey to Riverbend is action-packed western tale with a Christian edge to it. The author, Henry McLaughlin, uses wonderful dialogue and descriptions of the old west. I was instantly hooked into the story after reading the first page. The romance between Michael and Rachel felt a little cliché, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.

*I would like to thank Tyndale Fiction for sending me a book to review.

Book Review - The Vigilante's Bride

The Vigilante’s Bride

BY: Yvonne Harris

PUBLISHED BY: Bethany House
PUBLISHED IN: 2010

ISBN: 978-0-7642-0804-1

Pages: 297

Reviewed by Billy Burgess

With no other choice, Emily McCarthy is on a stagecoach to marry an older man, Bartholomew Axel, which she has never met before. Luke Sullivan robs the stagecoach and kidnaps Emily. On the other hand, is it more of a rescue? Luke knows that Bartholomew Axel is a horrible man and Emily does not want to marry someone that she does not love. Bartholomew soon discovers who has stolen his bride-to-be and wants to retrieve her.

The Vigilante’s Bride is a fast-paced western romance. I thought that it was odd that the book came out in August. It should have come out in December since the book is set around Christmas. The book has a simple plot with likeable characters, which makes it a fast and enjoyable read. Western lovers will enjoy the take on the dying genre and romance lovers will enjoy the love story between two main characters.

*I would like to thank Bethany House for sending me a copy to review.

Book Review: Belle in the Slouch Hat

Belle in the Slouch Hat

BY: Mimi Mathis
PUBLISHED BY: Phoenix International Inc.
PUBLISHED IN: 2010
ISBN: 978-0-9824295-1-8
Pages: 217
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Before going off to join the Missouri Irregular Cavalry during the Civil War, Joshua “Bud” Brayden gave his younger sister, Belle, his slouch hat. Shortly after, a Union solider named Stryker shoots Bud in the back.

Belle is heartbroken by Bud’s death. She is determined to go after the man that killed him. Her brother once told her that Quantrill and his men sometimes hide out at a woman’s farm. She rides off to meet Maude Madison.
Maude takes in wounded soldiers and tries to help them. She also takes in some of the Quantrill raiders. Belle is wants to meet William Quantrill, and she eventually does. She also meets William “Bloody Bill” Anderson, Frank James, Jesse James and the Younger brothers.

I am from Missouri, and live close to where “Bloody Bill” Anderson is buried. It was pleasure reading about Belle’s quest for justice. Belle’s cousin Winnie adds a nice touch to the story. The author has done a marvelous job blending fiction, supernatural and historical figures into an adventurous story. This is necessary read!

*I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy to review.

Book Review - Brimstone

Brimstone

BY: Robert B. Parker
PUBLISHED BY: Putnam
PUBLISHED IN: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-399-15571-0
Pages: 293
Ages: Adult
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

The gunslingers Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole are back in the third and final novel in the series. A year has passed since they were in the town of Resolution. They go out looking for Allie French - the woman who stole & crushed Virgil’s heart in Appaloosa.

Virgil and Everett find her in a small-town brothel. The lifestyle had crushed Allie’s spirit. The three of them head into Brimstone, Texas to start over. The relationship between Virgil and Allie is not the same as it was in Appaloosa. Allie wants to change her ways, and joins a local church lead by Brother Percival.

Meanwhile, Everett and Virgil become the town’s deputies. Brother Percival stirs up trouble in the town which escalates into murder. Virgil struggles to keep the peace of the town and keep Allie from getting hurt.

“Brimstone” is the best written book out of the trilogy. The previous books contained mostly dialogue. The third outing not only has great dialogue, but has a better plot. The relationship between Virgil and Allie is beautifully written. I won’t give away the ending of the book, but it’s excellent!

Book Review - Resolution

Resolution

BY: Robert B. Parker

PUBLISHED BY: Putnam

PUBLISHED IN: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-399-15504

Pages: 292
Ages: Adult
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

“Resolution” is the second book in the trilogy and picks up exactly where “Appaloosa” left off. Everett Hitch ends up in the town of Resolution - a town with no law. He is offered and accepts a job as a lookout at Amos Wolfson’s Blackfoot Saloon. He is soon known as the protector of the ladies who work in the saloon.

Everett’s old friend, Virgil Cole, arrives in town. Eamon O’Malley, a mine owner, starts buying up some of the local businesses. This upsets the local ranchers. Everett and Virgil are caught in the middle of the war.

“Resolution” is an amazing western with wonderfully crafted dialogue. It’s a must read for any fans of the later Robert B. Parker.