A Mommy Talks: Bethany House

Showing posts with label Bethany House. Show all posts

Monday, July 29, 2013

Stealing the Preacher {Review}

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer is a spin-off of from her novel, Short-Straw Bride. The novel is set in a rural ranching community of Texas in the late 1800s. The storyline focuses on three main characters- Crockett Archer, a kidnapped preacher, Silas Robbins, thief turned rancher and his daughter Joanna.

Storyline
“On his way to interview for his first preaching post, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he’s forced off the train by a band of middle-aged outlaws and delivered to the ringleader’s daughter as a birthday present.

Joanna Robbins can’t believe it either. For months, she’s prayed for a preacher—a man to bring life back into her community’s church and help her fulfill the promise she made to her dying mother. Despite the circumstances, is there any chance she can convince this stolen preacher he ended up right where he belongs?” ^{(Bethany House)}

Book Trailer

Overall Thoughts
I was really excited to read this book because I absolutely LOVED Short-Straw Bride. Although, this book was good it didn’t live up to its predecessor. I felt like the main characters transformed a little too quickly even though the book seems to cover a decent span of time. Silas’ heart was changed after only a few events and Crocket and Joanna fell in love before they really knew each other. There were a variety of storylines taking place in the book (God pursuing Silas, Crocket and Joanna relationship, Holly pursuing Crocket, the marshal pursuing Silas, etc.) so this may have been a reason the characters development was lacking. One of the things I love about Karen Witemeyer is the way she develops her characters, but this one fell a little short compared to her other books I’ve read. Overall, the storylines were interesting, but I wish more time was put into the characters. While this book wasn’t my favorite from Witemeyer, I still enjoyed it and look forward to her next title.

A Mommy Talks Reviews: The featured product for this review was provided to me, at no cost, by Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own. If you’d are interested in signing up to receive review copies from Bethany House, head to www.bethanyhouse.com/bookreviewers!

Monday, June 10, 2013

A Noble Groom {Review}

Two strangers from two different worlds forced together by unexpected circumstances. He, Carl von Reichart, is a nobleman by birth and she, Annalisa Werner is a laborer who doesn’t think she is deserving of love, even love from her Heavenly Father. Force to leave his life behind due to false accusations Carl flees to America and into the safety of Annalisa’s family under the disguise of Carl Richards.

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund takes us into the rural farm lands of Eastern Michigan where German mining immigrants have settled as farmers in hopes of owning their own land. Unfortunately, Annalisa husband was a gambler and his death has left her to save the farm. With a small daughter and another on the way she is forced to take on a farm hand to help while she waits for a new groom from her home country.

Storyline

“Annalisa Werner’s husband failed her in every way. Why should his death be any less troublesome? Although she’s given up on the idea of love, she needs a good harvest to save the farm—and a husband to help bring it in. So her father sends a letter to Germany to find Annalisa a groom.

Then Carl Richards shows up looking for work. Desperate for help until her husband-to-be arrives, Annalisa hires him—only to discover this gentle stranger is unlike any man she’s ever known. But even as friendship and attraction grow between them, her true groom could arrive any day . . .” ^{(Bethany House)}

Overall Thoughts

Judy Hedlund has a way of bringing history alive in her novels. Though this is a fictional story I came away with a simple understanding of the difficulties and struggles the German immigrants of Michigan faced in their new country. Hedlund uses this hardship to shine a light on the virtues of her characters. Through these virtues I was able to quickly connect to Annalisa and Carl. I was drawn in even more as they labored through the rigors of farming, while trying to bury their budding feelings. These are two characters that you going to love. Definitely an enjoyable read.

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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Swept Away {Review}

Inspired by the Andersonville Prison Regulators of the Civil War, Swept Away by Mary Connealy is the first book in the series Trouble in Texas. The story takes place in the late 1800s in the small canyon town of Broken Wheel, where the Regulators join together to help take back a ranch that belongs to one of their own.

Storyline
“Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?” ^{(Bethany House)}

Overall Thoughts

I loved that this first book of the series was some what of a spin off from Mary Connealy’s last series, The Kincaid Brides. Its always fun to learn more about characters you loved. The main storyline follows Callie’s (from Over the Edge) brother, Luke as he reclaims their family’s ranch. On his way home he stumbles upon Ruthy who in unconscious and had been washed away from her wagon train in a flash flood. Ruthy is a hard working women who knows how to take care of herself, so it wasn’t surprising how quickly she jumped in to help Luke.

Even though the story’s main focus was on Luke and Ruthy, Connealy did a great job of introducing the rest of the Regulators. A matter of fact Swept Away is full of intriguing characters. Characters that I know will be cracked open as the series progresses.

Overall, there were no surprises in this story, but the action in the last few chapters was definitely my favorite part .

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Speaking of books…don’t miss this huge eBook bundle sale!

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Shattered {Review}

Shattered by Dani Pettrey is the second book in the Alaskan Courage series. The book takes us back to the small island town of Yancey, Alaska and to the lives of the McKenna family. Like in her previous book, Submerged, the story pulls you right in at the beginning when a snowboarder is murdered and Reef McKenna’s is covered in blood, but claims he’s innocent. The story focuses in on Piper, the youngest McKenna who is determined to protect her brother, and Landon, a sheriff deputy, who is trying to find the truth. The two team up as they follow leads deep into Canada's rugged backcountry.

Storyline
“When a snowboarder is murdered and Piper McKenna’s brother turns up covered in blood, she knows it’s all just a misunderstanding—and she’s determined to prove it.

Deputy Landon Grainger may love the McKennas like family, but he also has a job to do. And right now all the evidence is pointing straight at Reef. He knows Piper means well, but she isn’t helping her brother’s case by interfering with his investigation. Deep in Canada’s backcountry, Landon and Piper discover their long-standing friendship might be turning into something more—and that this case is growing deadlier with each step.” ^{(Bethany House)}

Overall Thoughts
I couldn’t wait for this book to come out! Shattered kept me guessing, but didn’t leave me behind. I felt like I was apart of the investigation with every twist and turn. Not only that, but I loved being able to dig a little deeper into some of the “supporting characters” from book 1. I was so excited to learn more about Landon and I was not disappointed. I totally related to how hard it was for him to put his faith in God, even when he didn’t have all the answers. Overall, an great second book and I’m looking forward to reading book #3.

What to know more about book 1, Submerged? Read my review.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Over the Edge {Review}

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy is the third book in the series The Kincaid Brides. The story takes place in the late 1800s on a ranch in the hills of Colorado.

Storyline
“Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he hasn't been the same since. Then he fought in the Civil War and returned to Colorado crazier than ever.

Somewhere along the line, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he has a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't too happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. When Seth disappeared, she searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come out west to wrangle her long-lost husband.

Seth is willing to make amends. Callie is more interested in shooting him. Can they rekindle their love before one of them goes over the edge?” ^{(Bethany House)}

Book Trailer

Overall Thoughts
This unique story’s theme is tied around the word LOST ~ Callie’s lost husband, Seth’s lost memory, and even lost diamonds. Though the story focuses on Seth and Callie’s relationship there is bit of adventure as Jasper seeks to take back the diamonds that were stolen from him.

I really enjoyed the main characters in this book. Seth is a lovable guy that I immediately felt bad for and grew excited with every memory he got back. Callie was a tough girl on the exterior, but deep down she was just scared due to her wounded heart.

I personally have not read any of the the other books in this particular series, but the author did a fabulous job of filling the reader in on some of the things that happened in the other two books. I would like to know more about the other characters, but I’m sure they were develop more fully in the first two books. Definitely a fun read, but if you get a chance read the first two books first, so you get the complete story with all the little details.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Short-Straw Bride {Review}

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer is a novel set in a small Texas town in the 1800s.

Storyline
“No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk. But when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt Travis Archer to attempt to rescue her.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?” ^{(Bethany House)}

Book Trailer
If that storyline doesn’t make you want to get a copy and read it, then the book trailer will! Check it out below.

Overall Thoughts
I LOVED Short-Straw Bride. This book kept me up late into the evening because I just couldn’t put it down. I actually finished reading it in 2 days! I fell in love with the characters. Meredith’s stubbornness always had me on edge. And though Travis was firm and set in his ways, you knew that he was doing what he thought was best in order to protect his family. Throw the two together and you have the makings of a fun couple that has to learn to give and take.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Submerged {Review}

Submerged by Dani Pettrey is a novel set in a small island down of Yancey, Alaska. Right from the beginning, the story grabs you as a sabotage plane goes down. The main characters are Bailey, a new creation in Christ, that must return home and Cole, a deep sea diver, who vows not to let Baily break his heart again. The two must work together to help the police department find a murderer with very little to go on.

Storyline
“Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence of murder emerges and Bailey's expertise becomes invaluable for the case. She's thrown together with deep sea rescue diver Cole McKenna, whose heart she broke more than a decade before. Can they move beyond all that came before to stop a rising body count?” ^{(Bethany House)}

Overall Thoughts
I really enjoyed Submerged. The suspense, the budding romance, the small town setting, and the underlining message of accepting Christ forgiveness and moving on from the past, where all things that kept me turning page after page. Pettrey does an excellent job of developing a variety of characters. Reminds me a lot of the O’Malley Series by Dee Henderson. One particular character’s story, left me hanging, as I wanted to know more about Landon the island detective. I’m looking forward to book 2 to discover what happens to him! Overall, an excellent tale that is leaving me wanting more.

Monday, May 28, 2012

The Messenger {Review}

Messenger_cover.indd

The Messenger by Siri Mitchell is a novel set during the Revolutionary War. The story is about Hannah, a Quaker woman, and a wounded tavern owner, Jeremiah. The two team up as spies during the war when Hannah’s brother is imprisoned by the British army.

Storyline
“Hannah Sunderland has never questioned her unwavering Quaker beliefs…until the Friends forbid her to visit her twin brother in jail. But when Jeremiah Jones, a Colonial spy, seeks her out to help rescue her brother and other Colonial soldiers, she’s forced to confront her beliefs—and her unexpected feelings for Jeremiah—head on. As lives hang in the balance, must Hannah choose between forsaking those she loves and abandoning the bedrock of her faith?” ^{(Bethany House)}

Overall Thoughts
It was really hard for me to get into The Messenger. Even though the story takes place during the Revolutionary War the use of “thee” and “thy” just seemed forced and didn’t seem to work with the rest of the dialogue. However, it wasn’t long until I wanted to see how this non-deceiving Quaker woman would turn out. I had to know, would she bend her strict religious ways or would she stand firm in her beliefs? Would her mission be successful? Overall, I was pleasantly surprised especially after the rough beginning.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Doctor’s Lady {Review}

Doctor'sLady_mockup.indd

The Doctor’s Lady by Jody Hedlund is a fictional story based on the true story of missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. The Whitmans and their traveling partners Henry and Eliza Spalding traveled to Oregon Country to evangelize to the Nez Perce natives. Narcissa and Eliza were the first white women to travel what would one day be known as the Oregon Trial.

Storyline
Priscilla White and Dr. Eli Ernest both have a heart for missions, but on different sides of the world. Priscilla hopes to travel to India and Eli wants to return to Oregon Country to minister to the natives there. They soon discover that the mission board will no longer send unmarried men and women into the field. Left with no other options the two decide to enter into an agreement, a marriage of convenience only. But will it survive the long difficult journey west?

Overall Thoughts
I really enjoyed reading The Doctor’s Lady. It was actually a quick read for a book just shy of 400 pages. Hedlund did a great job of showing the hardships and trials people faced traveling west. It was just enough to keep me turning the pages. To top it off she sprinkled those trials with romantic tension.

One of my favorite things about this book, wasn’t actually in the story. It was a little section in the back of the book. As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, this story is historical fiction. I loved how Hedlund takes a little time to tell about the sections of the book that are actually true. Maybe I’m naïve and other authors of historical fiction do this, but this is the first time that I’ve ever noticed it.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction and romantic dramas, then don’t miss out on Jody Hedlund’s The Doctor’s Lady.