My Heart Belongs in Ruby City Idaho ~ Review

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City Idaho
Rebecca's Plight
By Susanne Dietze

Rebecca Rice is headed to a new and better life in Ruby City, Idaho. At least that was her plan - she was headed for a marriage with a Mr. Fordham, Ruby City's shopkeeper, a man she had become acquainted with through an exchange of letters.

When bandits hold up the stagecoach that's carrying Rebecca to her new life she more than a little relieved to arrive more or less unharmed in Ruby City. And she's even more relieved to find her intended awaiting her arrival. And before the sun had a chance to set Rebecca was the lawful wife of Deputy Thaddeus (Tad) Fordham. All too late Rebecca discovered she had made a horrible mistake - she had married the wrong Fordham!

And the worst part of the day is there is no easy way to undo the mistake - they have to wait for the area judge to return before this mess can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, or so they hope. But with Rebecca married to the wrong cousin and without funds due to the holdup she finds herself in a most unexpected situation.

As they wait for the judge to return to Silver City, Rebecca begins making a life for herself in Ruby City. But as she gets to know both Thaddeus and Theodore she is left wondering if Theodore is truly the man she should marry.  

Mistaken identities, feuding cousins, and a gang of bandits make Ruby City, Idaho, a place of interest in this story set in 1866. This is a fun and diversionary story that is the perfect foil to the heat of summer. Get ready to sit back and be entertained with this marriage mishap that just may the best thing to happen to any of the parties involved.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Looking forward to a quiet life and a full stomach, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice is pleased to marry her shopkeeper intended, Mr. Fordham, until the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus, not Theodore—proceeded by the title Deputy.

Is it possible to marry the wrong man?

When the newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names, an annulment seems in order—and fast, since Rebecca’s true intended is impatient to claim her as his own, not to mention Rebecca would never marry a lawman like her father. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca wonders if Tad wasn’t the right husband for her all along. . . .

The Road to Paradise ~ Review

The Road to Paradise
A Vintage National Parks Novel
By Karen Barnett

Take a step back in time to 1927 and embrace the peace that Margaret, Margie to her friends, Lane has come to experience at Mount Rainier National Park. Not only is this an escape from the world of society in which she has always lived - it is the chance to truly appreciate the creation that God has created.

Unfortunately for Margie, the park rangers, all of whom are men, don't feel that Margie has anything of importance to offer unless she can influence her father into helping to secure federal funds for their work. Ford Brayden is Chief Ranger and he has been tasked with showing Margie around and he is anything but pleased with the assignment. Ford would rather be out doing something than stuck with what he assumes is a pampered senator's daughter who probably can't tell the difference between a skunk and a raccoon.

 But soon Margie and Ford find themselves having to work together in an effort to save the natural beauty and wilderness of the mountain from the man Margie had thought was her friend, the man she thought she would marry. And this fight is one that could cost them everything if they lose.

I really enjoyed The Road to Paradise with explorations of the beauty and wilderness and how Margie found the hand of God in all that she saw.  I also appreciated the ingenious way that Margie and her father dealt with the threat that they were facing. I have to be honest I really wished I could step into the pages of this book and explore the beauty that was brought to life as the story unfolded. I also enjoyed Margie's habit of quoting persons of note and poetry that suited her location.

Those who enjoy early 20th Century American history will want to check-out this book, which I hope is the first of a series that will explore other National Parks. Karen Barnett's writing is enjoyable with no notice drag as she shifts scenes and characters. And her characters are well-developed one adores Margie, empathizes with Ford, and then there is Philip (who deserves whatever he gets).

I was provided a review copy of this book by Blogging for Books with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
An ideal sanctuary and a dream come true–that’s what Margaret Lane feels as she takes in God’s gorgeous handiwork in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s 1927 and the National Park Service is in its youth when Margie, an avid naturalist, lands a coveted position alongside the park rangers living and working in the unrivaled splendor of Mount Rainier’s long shadow.

But Chief Ranger Ford Brayden is still haunted by his father’s death on the mountain, and the ranger takes his work managing the park and its crowd of visitors seriously. The job of watching over an idealistic senator’s daughter with few practical survival skills seems a waste of resources.

When Margie’s former fiancé sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, the plans might put more than the park’s pristine beauty in danger. What will Margie and Ford sacrifice to preserve the splendor and simplicity of the wilderness they both love?

Karen Barnett’s vintage national parks novels bring to vivid life President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision for protected lands, when he wrote in Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter: "There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred."

About the Author:

KAREN BARNETT is an award winning author of four novels who draws on her firsthand experience as a naturalist, former park ranger, and outdoor educator to transport readers to America’s national parks.. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two children.

Love in a Time of Hate ~ Review

Love in a Time of Hate
By Hanna Schott
Translated by John D. Roth

The Story of Magda and André Trocmé

and the Village That Said No

to the Nazis

Love in a Time of Hate is a lovely and moving story in a time when fear and self-preservation were the reigning thought patterns or so it seemed. This is a story that proves this was not true throughout Nazi-occupied France.

The Prologue opens in 1940 with Magda opening the door when the doorbell rang - this scene brought to mind the picture of Jesus standing at the door knocking.  And this scene is but a fleeting glimpse of the work that the Trocmé's did that was a living example of  "...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 21:40)

This book is broken into parts that share the life story of Magda and André during their childhoods and the familial influences that shaped them into the people that they became. Into people who would take a stand to do what was right at the risk of their own lives and freedom. Into people who tried to live life in such a way so as to not be in conflict with the message that they had to share - a message of love to all during a time of hate and prejudice. To turn the other cheek was not just a statement to speak but a way of life in their commitment to live the peace that Jesus exemplified with His own life. 

Love in a Time of Hate should be an example all should take to heart in this time in our own history, which is becoming equally turbulent and hateful. The historical aspects of this book recommend it in and of themselves. But the human equation adds a depth that many history books lack. This would be a welcome addition to any library and be an excellent choice for a book report.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Herald Press with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

One young couple.

One small village.

Thousands of Jews on the run from the Nazis.

Love in a Time of Hate tells the gripping tale of Magda and André Trocmé, the couple that transformed a small town in the mountains of southern France into a place of safety during the Holocaust. At great risk to their own lives, the Trocmés led efforts in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon to hide more than three thousand Jewish children and adults who were fleeing the Nazis. 

In this astonishing story of courage, romance, and resistance, learn what prompted André and Magda to risk everything for the sake of strangers who showed up at their door. Building on the story told in Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed, German journalist Hanna Schott portrays a vivid story of resisting evil and sheltering refugees with striking resonance for today.

Accelerant ~ Review

Accelerant
Abiassa's Fire #2
By Ronie Kendig

Before starting off - if you have not yet read the first book in this series - stop right now and pick it up. It is imperative to understand what is going on in this book to know what came before and no summary or synopsis of Embers will accomplish that.

If you have read Embers you'll understand Prince Haegan is understandably not happy - his parents were murdered before his very eyes, his sister Kaelyria is paralyzed and near death. And even worse he was not allowed to bring justice and death upon Poired the very person responsible for this attack.

Accelerant opens with Haegen, fleeing the destruction of Zaethien by Poired, upon the back of Chima hoping to somehow save the swiftly fading life of his sister. But Chima has plans of her own and Haegen is about to embark and yet another stage of his journey as Fierian, one that will test him and expose his doubts. But can Haegen overcome his doubts and fears to become whom he was meant to be or will he succumb to the fears and allow the enemy to manipulate and control him - thwarting Abiassa's will?

Throughout this book, there seems to be a lot of anger by many of the key players which I think is a contributing factor in their general unhappiness at the current situations. Many are willing to point out the duties that another must fulfill all the while grumbling at their own. This actually frustrates many truths that could be gathered because this self-focus prevents a key skill - listening.

There are also many important facts that have been lost to the Nine Kingdoms - facts that deal directly with their Histories and which we are only given a glimpse of that may have an important bearing on the final outcome.

And don't expect a conclusion with this book as this series is slated for 3 and what an ending - it will leave you wondering what will happen next. And a word of warning ~ keep a bookmark at the character guide you'll need it to keep this abundance of characters straight in your mind as you read.

About the Book:

He'll destroy the world. 

But first he has to save it.

The Nine Kingdoms bleed. Leaderless, ravaged, the land awaits deliverance from Poired Dyrth's devastating campaign. But what if one blight can only be cleansed by another?

The promised Fierian is known by many names. Judge. Destroyer. Scourge. And now one other: Haegan, Prince of Seultrie. Once a cripple, now a gifted Accelerant, Haegan can no longer run from the truth. But neither can he be reconciled to it. He knows only one thing for certain: as the only able-bodied heir to the Fire Throne, he must return to the Nine and fight for his people.

But there are insidious forces at work. When reality itself falls into question, Haegan struggles to know where to fight, who to trust. Caught between duty to his country and duty to the world, Haegan must see clearly enough to choose the right path to save his devastated world.

Over Maya Dead Body ~ Review

Over Maya Dead Body
A Serena Jones Mystery #3
By Sandra Orchard

Serena Jones is going to just enjoy a little downtime with her family on Martha's Vineyard while celebrating the engagement of an old family friend. But things quickly take a downward turn when their plans are disrupted by a death. Serena being who she is suspicious and with Aunt Martha along she has a ready assistant to help her investigate her concerns.

But all too soon Serena's investigation takes a dangerous turn when someone seems to be targeting her and her unofficial investigation. Before she knows it Nate Butler (her always present building supervisor) and Tanner Calhoun (her mentor and fellow agent) are in Martha's Vineyard offering their assistance and confusing Serena with their attention.

Over Maya Dead Body is a great follow-up to two previous books A Fool and His Monet and Another Day Another Dali. Serena is just as clueless this time as to the marked attention of both Tanner and Nate as she has been before. But this time Nate and Tanner seem determined that Serena be aware of it, but there is a crime to solve if only she can figure out exactly what it is. But whenever she does figure out if it is a murder, antiquities smuggling, or drug running she has a range of potential suspects to choose from.

And more than a case is on the line as once again Serena faces a life-or-death situation, this time her heart is on the line as well. Who will Serena choose? As she says so aptly "I never kiss and tell..."

Get ready for one more case with Serena that will leave you laughing (or at least smiling) as she works with the help of those nearest and dearest to her to solve this mystery. And get prepared for a secret to be revealed that will answer some question series readers may not have realized that they even had. And if you haven't yet read the previous two books you should before opening this one - the background is necessary to fully appreciate this book.

My only complaint the book was so good I read it way too fast for the time I had to wait for it to come out after finishing book 2. And yup it is worth a reread through the entire series.

About the Book:
While vacationing on Martha's Vineyard, Serena Jones becomes entangled in a suspicious death with ties to an international antiquities smuggling ring. Will she find the killer before another person dies?

Gladden the Heart ~ Review

Gladden the Heart
Amish Turns of Time #5
By Olivia Newport

Susanna Hooley's life in Kishacoquillas Valley, Pennsylvania, 1847, is about to get a whole lot more difficult. The Amish church is curious and yet wary of the Methodist tent revival meeting going on in their midst. And Susanna is just as curious as anyone, but there are some lines not meant to be crossed and stepping into the tent is one of those lines, even if the Reverand Baxton and his daughter Patsy have been friends with many of the community's Amish for years.

Susanna has a comfortable life and she anticipates the possibility of marriage to Adam Yotter in the near future. But when a strange malady strikes Noah Kauffman, her favorite cousin, Susanna's hopes and dreams for the future are threatened when Noah's "gift of the Spirit" begins to divide friends and family.

Noah's preaching tugs at Susanna's heart but Noah seemingly has no recollection of preaching once he stops. And once he starts he is unaware of all that surrounds him, even to the point his own safety is in question. Drawn to help Noah and his wife Phoebe, Susanna soon finds herself at odds with her mother and Adam over Noah and the suitability of his gift (or curse) to the Amish way of life. Soon their very community is taking sides and the rift that is dividing them may never be repaired...

Gladden the Heart takes a peek into the past which few are familiar with, one that revolves around "sleeping preachers: and have the very differences of worship and lifestyle were the very things drawing the seeking of the Amish community to this revivalist style of preaching. This book provided an interesting look at Amish history during the time in American history during which revivals were sweeping the nation. It is interesting to see this story unfolding from the perspectives of the various characters who come at the situation from varying and unique viewpoints.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When the lively fervor of nineteenth century revivalism endangers the staid customs of the Amish community in the lush but rugged Kishacoquillas Valley of central Pennsylvania in 1847, the Amish church must deal with a divisive question: What is a genuine spiritual experience?

The question turns personal when Susanna’s beloved cousin Noah begins preaching while under trances and even though he is not a minister he gives long sermons that attract increasing attention. Curious, she helps to keep Noah safe during his trances. At the same time Adam, Susanna's intended, feels pressure from the bishop to speak out against the ways of revivalism.

Susanna and Adam are pushed to opposite sides of a controversy that threatens their traditional Amish faith..  Now they must grapple with whether love is possible...even if they come to different conclusions.

The Unicorn Hunter ~ Review with Author Interview

The Unicorn Hunter
By Rachel Kirkaldie

Princess Jessalyn's betrothal is about to be the talk of the Kingdom of Sharadel, but not for the reasons she wants it to be. But a little betrothal mishap is about to be the least of her worries when she is kidnapped from the grounds of her very home.

But far more than a kidnapping of a princess is working its evil through the lands. And Jessalyn is but one pawn within the greater scheme that could topple more than one kingdom. But until she sees past her own vanities she may not be able to see the greater danger that threatens everything she has ever known.

Caught up in this web that has engulfed is Erik, a young man who has allowed himself to be shaped by life's circumstances and tricked into the role he now finds himself in. And Erik is determined to stop the trickster whom he allowed to influence him. But his quest could cost him his life.

The Unicorn Hunter will take the reader into a world where legends are coming to life and where what is known isn't what is. And Princess Jessalyn, with the help of a young knight and a thief, is about to discover that she is more than what she appears and true worth is not to be found in appearance and rank but rather what resides within.

At 183 pages this book is perfect for a weekend read. For upcoming school book reports in the fantasy/adventure genre keep this one in mind - you'll enjoy the assignment. With a cast of characters with distinct and powerful personalities you know there will be a clash or two as they work towards their goals which may or may not coincide.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.  


About the Book:

"Our next scheme," he replied, shaking his head,

"we're going to kidnap the princess."

Princess Jessalyn has a perfect life all lined up for her: she is the most beautiful princess in the realm and is about to marry the soon-to-be-king of Gontir. But all her plans are shattered when she's kidnapped by a murderous unicorn hunter in a plot to destroy Gontir.Dark and mysterious things begin happening, and Jessalyn may be the only one who can save the realm. Faced with the realization that everything she once cherished is not what she thought was, Jessalyn must decide if the life she's always wanted is worth the price of her heart.

About the Author:
Rachel Kirkaldie earned a BA in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from BYU-Idaho in 2002. While she was there, she worked as a writing assistant in the student writing center, published poetry in the school literary magazine The Outlet, and attended multiple conferences and workshops. More recently she won “Publisher’s Choice” for best Christmas story in a contest. Although a full-time mother and a part-time state employee, she still finds time to dedicate to her writing, making it the best she possibly can.

Find her online at http://www.rachelkirkaldie.com/

Author Interview:

1) What inspired your creation of Princess Jessalyn? 

I created Princess Jessalyn years ago when I was still in high school, back when all I wanted was to be beautiful and I was obsessed with all things princess. I like to think I've gained a little more depth since then, and Jessalyn has, too. 

2) Where did the "smelly fishing kingdom" come from? I've been to a few areas over the years and this description instantly took me to them. 

Sharadel came straight from my brain. It wasn't based on any specific place, at least not that I can recall. I would like to visit it, though, despite the smell of fish. 

3) Are you planning a sequel or is this a stand-alone book? 

Oh, yes, there will be a sequel! The Unicorn Hunter is part of a trilogy. The original manuscript was actually a cliffhanger, and my publisher asked me to change it so the book could stand by itself, just in case we weren't able to publish the next two books. I think the stand-alone ending is better, but I had to cut a lot out and move it to the next book. 

Good, I like series - that way I don't have to abandon a character that I really or a world that I'm just starting to explore! 

4) When you write do you have a place that you go for inspiration or do you just start writing when something comes to you? 

I used to write just when I "felt like it," those moments when I'm full of inspiration and I just have to get it out into words. But inspiration can be elusive, and I didn't want to take ten years to write one novel. So I had to push myself to write even when I wasn't feeling particularly inspired. It can be painfully hard but it gets easier over time, kind of like exercising a muscle. When I write I have to have zero distractions: no music, no TV, and definitely no kids climbing all over me. So most nights my husband would find me in our closet, typing away. :)

5) Do you have a favorite genre or author that is your go to of choice? If so what or who is it? 

I love YA fiction; when I hit the library I go straight to the Teen section. 

Excellent source for reading material by the way.  And YA fiction has some really excellent reading available.

Thanks for taking the time out your busy schedule Rachel for this short interview - I'm looking forward to what comes next for Princess Jessalyn and the Kingdoms of Sharadel and Gontir.