Dauntless ~ Review

Dauntless
Valiant Hearts 1
By Dina L. Sleiman

Lady Merry Ellison is no more.  Her father's attempt to dethrone King John failed - ending in the slaughter of her family and most of those living in the village that her father ruled.  But Merry along with most of the children survived and Merry is determined to protect these young innocents no matter the cost.

But Merry and her young "band" must remain hidden because if word reached King John that the children of Ellsworth and the Baron's own daughter had escaped the slaughter they would be hunted down.  But to survive they need to borrow and steal upon occasion, earning them notoriety as The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.

But when Merry is spotted by the young man to whom she had been promised as a bride, life becomes suddenly much more complicated.  Timothy Grey believing she's been held a prisoner is determined to save the young woman he thought dead these past two years.

Timothy is determined that Merry shall be safe, but the King's anger has yet to abate and Merry knows that Timothy's loyalty lies with the King.  But when the heart is involved where does loyalty truly lie?  This is the question that Timothy and Merry must work through if they are to have a future - whether together or separately.

Though marketed for the Juvenile / Young Adult market anyone who loves well-written historical fiction will enjoy this the first book in the Valiant Hearts series.  If you enjoy Robin Hood give Merry Ellison and her band of ghosts chance to join your shelves, you'll enjoy the trip to 13th century England.

I was provided a copy this book by the publisher Bethany House through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book: 

Where Legend and History Collide, One Young Woman Will Fight for the Innocent

Born a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father's failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest." Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he's forced to reexamine everything he's known.

About the Author:
Dina Sleiman writes stories of passion and grace. Most of the time you will find this Virginia Beach resident reading, biking, dancing, or hanging out with her husband and three children, preferably at the oceanfront. Since finishing her Professional Writing MA in 1994, she has enjoyed many opportunities to teach literature, writing, and the arts. Her debut novel, Dance of the Dandelion with Whitefire Publishing, won an Honorable Mention in the 2012 Selah Awards. Also look for her novels, Love in Three-Quarter Time and Dance from Deep Within, and her Valiant Hearts series coming with Bethany House Publishers in 2015. Dina serves as an acquisitions editor for WhiteFire as well, and she loves to represent them at writers conferences throughout the US. Join her as she discovers the unforced rhythms of grace. For more info visit her at http://dinasleiman.com/

The Lost Garden ~ Review

The Lost Garden
Tales from Goswell
By Katharine Swartz

The Lost Garden is a lovely story set in two very different time periods - the first nearly a century ago 1918 / 1919 and the second in the present day.  Both stories are set in Goswell on the Cumbrian coast of England.  In both stories the main characters have suffered a loss - one that has forever altered their lives.

This is Marin's story and Eleanor's story as well.  How they deal with their losses is the focus of this story and central throughout is the vicarage garden.  

Throughout one can empathize with Marin and Rebecca as they start over and get to know one another.  And one can feel the pain that Eleanor and Katherine are experiencing as the world that they have known has collapsed after years of war. 

This is a beautifully written story that alternates every other chapter between Marin and Eleanor.as they navigate the various challenges of life and discover what love truly means.  The Lost Garden is a beautiful lesson in life when confronted with unexpected loss.  The garden helps those who need it to find a meaning and purpose when life is at a low point.

I highly recommend this story, though you may what to have a box of tissue nearby while reading. This story also builds in a touch of suspense as we are shown a scene from Eleanor's life at the beginning of the book and then we are lead up to this rather dramatic moment throughout the remainder of the story.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Kregel Reviewer program in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Present and past residents of a countryside English vicarage search for love...

 

Marin Ellis is in search of a new start after her father and his second wife die in a car accident leaving her the guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister, Rebecca. They choose the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast and settle into Bower House, the former vicarage, on the edge of the church property. When a door to a walled garden captures Rebecca’s interest, Marin becomes determined to open it and discover what is hidden beneath the bramble inside. She enlists the help of local gardener Joss Fowler, and together the three of them begin to uncover the garden’s secrets.

In 1919, nineteen-year-old Eleanor Sanderson, daughter of Goswell’s vicar, is grieving the loss of her beloved brother Walter, who was killed just days before the Armistice was signed. Eleanor retreats into herself and her father starts to notice how unhappy she is. As spring arrives, he decides to hire someone to make a garden for Eleanor, and draw her out of—or at least distract her from—her grief and sorrow. Jack Taylor is in his early twenties, a Yorkshire man who has been doing odd jobs in the village, and when Eleanor’s father hires him to work on the vicarage gardens, a surprising—and unsuitable—friendship unfolds.

Deftly weaving the dual narratives, Katharine Swartz explores themes of loyalty and love through her memorable characters and strong sense of place.

To Capture Her Heart ~ Review and Giveaway

To Capture Her Heart
The Southold Chronicles 2
By Rebecca DeMarino

Take a step back in time to Long Island when much of the the land was still untamed and wild.  This is a continuation of the story (A Place in His Heart) that introduced us to the Horton family and their struggles to find religious freedom and a place in the New World.

The New Haven community is thriving but prejudices still persist as national loyalties and religious beliefs are expressed among those who call Long Island home - English, Dutch, and the various native peoples.

It is in this world that life unfolds for those who have come to call this land home.  And sometimes life is difficult as rivalries threaten the peace that is sought.  But more than anything this is a story of a young woman caught between several worlds.  The world which she was raised to, the world of the English, and that of the Dutch.  Which world will Heather Flower call home?  Will she follow her heart or her head?

This is fascinating look at the foundations of what we now have and how the decisions that were made more than 300 years ago affected all who called this small area of land home.  It is interesting to see how the British and Dutch were both attempting to influence the tribes and their dealings with each other.

I really enjoyed this latest book in the Southold series and am looking forward to the next one for which a short expert is provided at the back of the book.  This is a delightfully attention capturing story that you will enjoy from cover to cover.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
In an uncertain time, she faces a choice that will change her life forever

It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart.

Exploring a unique slice of history, Rebecca DeMarino transports you to the wild land that would eventually become Long Island, New York.

"A masterful weaver of history and heritage, Rebecca DeMarino laces tender love stories with vibrant threads of history and hope, wooing the heart and waking the soul in this rich New World saga."--Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and The Heart of San Francisco series

Rebecca DeMarino is the author of A Place in His Heart, book one of The Southold Chronicles, a series inspired by her ninth great-grandparents, Barnabas and Mary Horton.She inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother; a love of horses, reading, and writing from her dad; and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Rebecca lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Tom. Learn more at www.rebeccademarino.com.

Grand Prize: $75.00 Gift Card of choice (Amazon, Target, iTunes or Google play), Signed copy of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart.
Runner Up Prize: $25.00 Gift card to Barnes & Noble, Signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart
Second Runner Up Prize: Signed copies of To Capture Her Heart & A Place in His Heart

To Capture Her Heart Book Launch

Gollywood, Here I Come ~ Review

Gollywood, Here I Come!
By Terry John Barto
Illustrated by Mattia Cerato

Gollywood, Here I Come! will appeal to young readers with the brilliant and colorful illustrations throughout.  This is a simple story that lacks the conflict that is found in many stories published today.

Anamazie is baton-twirling, singing, acting star who is about to be discovered and make it big in Gollywood.  Not winning the Gobbleville's Got Talent contest may be the best thing that could ever happen Anamazie.

Look closely at the illustrations and the story and you'll find several tongue and cheek references for well-known Hollywood icons - like The Turkey and I instead of The King and I.

This is a fun little book that will entertain young readers.  I would recommend this for the 6 and under age range.

The story's main message  “You can do anything if you work hard and never give up.” is a common theme in much of today's media which though offering a positive message can be a bit misleading especially to those who don't achieve these goals.  Perhaps those sharing this story with young readers could focus on also on being happy for our family and friends who do succeed in achieving even if we don't come in first.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my review.


ABOUT THE BOOK: (34 pages)

"Growing up in the small town of Gobbleville, Anamazie studies acting, singing, and dancing while basking in the local spotlight as a star baton twirler. Opportunity comes knocking when she is discovered by a talent scout and is cast in a major motion picture.

Gollywood Here I Come! taps into pop culture trends of TV shows like “America’s Got Talent” and the public’s fascination with celebrities. At its heart, the story leaves young readers with the positive message, “You can do anything if you work hard and never give up.”"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Before writing his debut children's book, Terry John Barto directed and choreographed more than 200 regional theater productions. In addition, he was the creative mind behind numerous television and cruise ship live shows throughout the world. When Terry John Barto was employed as the creative director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he worked with many diverse ideas and turned them into screenplays for animated films. He also used his experience to help artists develop popular action figures and dolls for several large retailers. Terry lives in Los Angeles, California and enjoys Pilates, Yoga, and hiking with his dachshunds, Hunter and Mazie.

Gollywood, Here I Come! is a children's books about movie stars, who happen to be turkeys. At its heart, the story leaves young readers with the positive message, "You can do anything if you work hard and never give up."

Your Core ~ Review

Your Core
By Callie Grant
Illustrated by Missi Jay

Everyone and everything has a core.  This delightfully illustrated board book will take young readers on a journey of discovery.  What does it mean to have a core and how does the human core differ from that of an apple or the Earth?

Recommended for ages 0 - 5, you can introduce the spiritual aspects of God at the earliest possible age.  Take this journey together with your little one today and lay a foundation on which to build.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author though TBCN/Bookfun in exchange for my honest review.


ABOUT THE BOOK: (22 pages)
Balls have a core. Apples do, too. The Earth has a core. So do you! Everyone has an inner place made by God for welcoming Him and meeting with Him. Graham Blanchard’s newest Absorb book, inspired by Ephesians 3:14-19, appeals to the youngest readers with simple text and engaging scenes to convey an often difficult concept to grasp—even for many adults. In the Graham Blanchard book collection, Absorb books connect information about God with a child’s inner life. Children assimilate on a personal level who God is and how they are made to be with Him, trust Him and love Him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Callie Grant founded Graham Blanchard to create children's books for growing up in God, by working with an extensive network of artists, parents, pastors, teachers, and children. The company is the culmination of her experience in the publishing industry paired with a strong calling to help families know God's love and nurture their faith through reading together. Her previous titles, under the name Callie Gregory, include Jeeves, I'm Bored: 25 Internet Adventures for Kids, and Jeeves, I Need Help: Tips and Tricks for Kids on the Net. For more information about Grant and Graham Blanchard, visit grahamblanchard.com

The Haunting of Springett Hall ~ Review

The Haunting of Springett Hall
A Novel
By E.B. Wheeler

She doesn't remember her past, only the blackness.  He knows only as far back as two days ago.  Something or someone has drawn them to Springett Hall. If only they could remember...

The Haunting of Springett Hall is a story of second chances. A second chance at life.  A second chance at love.

Lucy Tregarrick's dissatisfaction with the life she had has lead her to the situation in which she now finds herself.  She has failed at something, if only she could remember what she was attempting before she lost her life.  Philip Ketley is the only resident of Springett Hall who can see Lucy.  Is he the key to helping Lucy overcome her failures?

And what is it about Springett Hall that is so disturbing to all who are in residence at this estate?  What evil lurks between the walls and how is this all connected to Lucy?

This is a story of love and loss.  A story of redemption.  A story that will leave you wondering what will happen next.  If you like spooky you need to pick-up The Haunting of Springett Hall and get lost between the pages.  Perfect reading right before bed, especially after taking a peek at the moon...

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the book:

Eighteen-year-old Lucy doesn’t know how she became a ghost, but the more she remembers of her life in Victorian England, the more she wants to forget. Her only hope of changing the mistakes of her past is to enlist the help of a servant named Philip—the one living person who can see her. This impossible romance story is filled with delightful period detail and plenty of mystery.

About the author:

E.B. Wheeler grew up in Georgia and California, where she became fascinated by stories of the places around her. She studied English and history at Brigham Young University and earned an MA and MLA from Utah State University. After several years teaching and writing about history, she decided to pursue her other dream of writing fiction. “The Haunting of Springett Hall” is her first novel. She currently lives in northern Utah with her husband, daughters, various pets, and a garden full of antique roses.

Day of Atonement ~ Review

Day of Atonement
A Novel of the Maccabean Revolt
By David A. deSilva

I have to admit the Maccabean Revolt has always fascinated me. This is the empty space between the Old and New Testaments and to a young child somewhat confusing.  Why is there a gap in the story?  Raised within the Protestant church this wasn't touched on. And High School Ancient World History just briefly flew by it.

My father had a New Jerusalem Bible that contained the Apocrypha which I read at 12 years of age. I have to admit it was somewhat confusing.  Thanks to Day of Atonement I now have an understanding of this era that has been forgotten by most of the non-Jewish world.

Jerusalem is in a period of upheaval as those who live within this City of God fight for political and spiritual dominance.  Some still hold the Law of Moses in high regard while those with wealth are determined to follow the path of the Greeks who have surrounded the lands bringing with them their wealth and culture.

I'm amazed at the similarities between this world and our own at this time.  Peace has been fleeting throughout our history and the time of the Maccabean revolt is no different as brother challenges brother. A city is torn apart as territories are fought for and land and people of the One God are again caught up in their unwillingness to hold firm to the promises and laws of God.

Day of Atonement is a lesson in both history and human nature.  We, as a world, are for the most part unwilling to follow God's teachings especially if it might prevent us from finding enjoyment in something He has forbidden us from taking part in.

If you are interested in well-written historical fiction or have a curiosity about the Maccabean revolt pick-up a copy of this book and peruse it's pages, you may find yourself surprised by what you find.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Kregel in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

In the blank pages between Malachi and Matthew, the course of an entire nation was changed . . .

His brother, the high priest Honiah, enjoyed the authority of the high priesthood, and all important decisions needed his approval. But it was Jason who was shaping the future of Jerusalem and, with it, all Judea. He breathed in again, imagining that he could feel the wave of destiny impelling him forward toward his vision as he exhaled . . .

The Greeks have taken over the world, but Jerusalem is still the same backwater city Jason has always known. He wants to help his hometown rise to a new age of prosperity and influence. If that means stretching the terms of the city's divine covenant, so be it. But how far is he willing to go to achieve Greek greatness for this Jewish city? It will take the willingness of a handful of Jews to die rather than violate the covenant in order to turn the tide back to God.

Written by an internationally recognized expert in the period between the Testaments, Day of Atonement invites readers into Judea during the tumultuous years leading up to the Maccabean Revolt. It was this pivotal decade that reminded Jews of the centrality of the covenant to their national security and taught them that the covenant was worth dying for. The story is so foundational, it is still told every year at Hanukkah. The lessons learned during this turbulent time also shed light on just what was at stake in the ministry of Jesus, whose radical message seemed to threaten the covenant once again.

Day of Atonement joins the perennially successful novels Pontius Pilate and The Flames of Rome by renowned historian Paul Maier on Kregel's premier list of captivating and historically accurate biblical novels.


"David deSilva combines his superb historical knowledge with deep religious understanding and literary sensitivity to create a story that does more than reconstruct the circumstances leading to the Maccabean rebellion. Day of Atonement compellingly explores issues that continue from antiquity to the present: the relationship between faith and politics, the struggle between national identity and cultural assimilation, the zeal of the martyr, the power of faith."
—Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New Testament and Jewish studies, Vanderbilt University

"Moving from the Mediterranean coast to Jerusalem, I pass Modein in the low foothills. Here I contemplate, and mystically relive, some dramatic events in our history. I look back westward to the coastal plain and imagine the foreign armies being defeated by Judas Maccabeus. Looking ahead to the Judean hills rising to the east, I often ponder the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple and the inauguration of Hanukkah. All these events spring to light in deSilva’s magisterial novel, crafted after decades of walking these hills and reading the historical accounts. History without imagination is dull; with informed sensitivity ancient heroes take on flesh. Echoing now is Ari’s question: 'Where are heroes like that now?'"
—James H. Charlesworth, director and editor of the Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project

"When it comes to the history of Israel or early Christianity, historically sound novels are few and far between. Sometimes a good writer doesn't know his religious history well enough; sometimes a good historian is not a skilled enough writer to pull off page-turner that both educates and entertains. David deSilva's new novel reflects a high level of skill on both counts. Applying his considerable expertise in intertestamental literature, deSilva provides us with a winsome tale about how Hellenized Jews sought not merely to recover their land from foreign rulers but to 'plunder the Greeks' when it came to art, education, and language. Highly recommended."
—Dr. Ben Witherington III, Amos Professor of NT for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary.