I read all the time and now I want to blog my book reviews and my other strange thoughts! I have a desire to find YA books that are clean and Christian Fiction books that are great but not too preachy! I keep my reviews Honest and inspire to help readers find good book choices. I will chitter chatter even if no-one listens! (Is that considered talking to myself, if I'm just typing) :-P
Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Smith is sent away to spend a boring summer at her grandma's. But then she meets Wesley. He tells her exactly what she wants to hear and has information about her past that no one else knows. It's almost like he can read her mind.
Only Wesley isn't who he seems.
By the time Mackenzie discovers his true identity it may be too late. She's in too deep and he won't let her go. Now Mackenzie must call on the strongest power of all in order to save her life.
My Review: 4 STARS
At first Mackenzie is angry that she has to spend her summer at her grandma's house until she breaks up with her boyfriend and decides this will be the perfect way to escape her problems with boys.Little does know that grandma lives right next door to a hottie!She is instantly drawn to the boy next door but hesitates getting to know him because of his religion.She also meets grandma's other neighbor and this girl introduces her to far more dangers than she had at home with boys!She meets Wesley and Wesley is not what you'll expect!
I really enjoyed this book! I wasn't really expecting the dangerous things that Mackenzie dabbles in!I really identified with her though and the way she is desperately searching for love because of her lack of a father.She is naive and determined to figure out who her father is with the help of Wesley no matter what the cost!
The spiritual aspects of this book were pretty good, though I would have liked a little more depth in to the battle between good and evil but overall I was happy with how it progressed.I think us Christians a lot of time forget the battle of evil we face and how deceptive Satan really is and this book gives you a fun way of addressing that issue!
Most young adult readers will probably enjoy this easy read and I think it would especially benefit young Christian girls and youth leaders like myself to remind us of what teens go through spiritually
I received this book free from the author in exchange for my personal and honest opinion.All opinions are my own.
About Amber Garza:
Amber Garza lives in California with her amazing husband and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years.
Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.
McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit.
After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.
Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?
About Kim:
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.
“Song of My Heart” is an entertaining and quirky story that is filled with awkward moments, tension, mystery, and a sweet romance!
Sadie is the oldest in her family and when her father has a devastating injury that leaves him unable to work and her mother at home to take of him she feels it is her responsibility to provide for the family. So when her cousin Sid tells her of a clerk job in Goldtree she decides it is the best way to care for her family. Little did she know that Goldtree would have one surprise after another.
The best part of this story is the characters. Thad is by far a remarkable hero; he is so genuinely caring and sweet. He isn’t perfect though and he is wrestling with his own broken past and plans for the future! I love how he grows throughout this novel as he seeks what God wants for his life. He is very protective over Sadie and will do just about anything to keep her safe!
The secondary characters are also worth mentioning. Sadie’s cousin is bit overwhelming and at times I just wanted to smack him. Melba, Shelba and Asa are beyond weird and they add quite a bit of humor to this sweet story. I thought most of the secondary characters were a bit quirky and awkward but boy were the funny.
Sadie is a delightful character as well. She has a voice of an angel and a heart of pure gold. All she wants is to provide for her family and finds that her desperation to provide might lead to some trouble. She wrestles with choices to trust God will help provide or to go against her beliefs to ensure money will come in. Wow, what a struggle. I can’t imagine having a burden that you are the only one bringing in money for your family of six.
The ending is spot on! I wouldn’t want it to end any of other way!! This is such a charming story and I very much enjoyed it!! I’ll be on the lookout for more by Sawyer.
I received a free copy of the book from the publishers via Litfuse for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.
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!
She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home... How Far Will She Go to Save It?
With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.
Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention.
Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future. Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/9sK2C.
About Regina:
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children. Meet Regina here.
I’m so excited that I got a chance to discover and read “Sixty Acres and a Bride” by Regina Jennings! She has created such a wonderful historical romance that is full of lively characters and real life struggles. I loved getting to know Rosa and felt at times connected to her fears and struggles. She was completely charming and I just got a kick out of tom-boy ways and sassy Mexican attitude! You can’t help but to fall in love with her!
Rosa and her mother-in law are trying to make a new name for themselves back where her mother-in law used to live and this adventure is filled with many bumps along the way. They’re about to lose the only property they have to their names, they have about 120 days to come up with the taxes owed on their property. Not only that but they are both in mourning after losing their husbands and Rosa is not exactly fitting in being the only Mexican in the town.
Weston is the perfect hero. He is a quiet cowboy that keeps to himself after the loss of his wife. He takes care of his family and feels strongly about protecting Rosa. He isn’t without faults but he sure is swoon worthy!
This story is written in such a way that you find yourself wanting to reach through the books and slap Rosa and Weston at times. Their romance has many bumps along the road and a lot of times it had to do with their own stupidity. I loved that the heroine was a Mexican girl. It very rare that the main characters are of a different ethnicity and I enjoyed reading more about her culture, beauty and character! There is also a touch of suspense to add to this great historical! I loved this book and I look forward to reading more by this new author!!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
Celebrate with Regina by entering to win a Kindle Fire and coming to her Author Chat Party on 3/27!
One fortunate winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire
Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/26/12. Winner will be announced at Regina's Author Chat Facebook Party on 3/27. Regina will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and some beautiful silver jewerly!
So grab your copy of Sixty Acres and a Bride and join Regina and friends on the evening of March 27th 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 27th!
Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest novel for the emptiness of the desert. Answering an ad to be "heiress" to a vast cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory, Kate hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.
But what awaits her is a life harder than the one she just left. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early. But she is tenacious.
Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn't expect to meet Luke Adams, either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn't recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.
Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.
My Review: 5 STARS
No man has ever proven to be trust worthy to Kate Tenney so she is bound and determined to make a name for herself on her own! She is a talented author in Boston but when one of her novels gets banned she decides moving west is the life for her! She is convinced ranching is what she wants to do with her life! Little does she know how tough ranching can be! But that doesn't stop Kate one bit! When she shows up on Eleanor's ranch she will not give up despite everyone saying she'll be lucky to last 2 days!
I loved Kate! She is a strong and determined young lady who knows what she wants in life and isn't afraid to reach for the stars! She also is a bit stubborn and sort of stuck-up but that doesn't take away from her dynamic qualities! Besides Kate the author characters are just as wonderful! I really enjoyed Luke as well. He struggles with his own self doubt and direction but that just makes him more charming!
I love reading historicals written by Margaret Brownley. She has a knack for creating characters that are unique and charming! She also weaves in some inspiration and spiritual messages throughout and I just loved how Kate grew and matured in her faith as the story progressed. I felt Margaret weaved just the right amount of spiritual threads in the book without making it overly preachy!
There is so much to love in Dawn Comes Early; there are dynamic characters and a unique story line. There is a spiritual message, a little bit of romance, some hilarious comedic moments and a weirdly awkward villain!! All of which I loved!! If you are looking for a fun western check out Margaret Brownley's Dawn Comes Early!
I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my personal and honest opinion. All opinions are my own!
About Margaret Brownley:
Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."
It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she's written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. "I love writing about characters at different stages of faith," she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, "and I'm here to stay."
Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California.
Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge.
But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.
Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?
My Review: 5 STARS
Cindy Woodsmall is by far my favorite Amish fiction writer hands down. She has this ability to create descriptive details and deep meaningful characters that just draw you in to the story. Even though The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is just a small novella there is nothing small about the story line or characters.
We have two strong devoted young people. Annie, who belongs to the Older Order Mennonite people and lives with her mother and siblings in a dysfunctional family setting. Then there is Aden who lives next door to Annie's Daadi Moses and is an Old Order Amish man but struggles with a stuttering problem and a paralyzed brother. Cindy does a superb job of bringing together these two different stories in one unique way. There are so many heartfelt moments and tender scenes throughout the story.
Both Aden and Annie begin an interest in each other even though it is highly against their religions to court those in different faiths. They are drawn together but are struggling to do what is right. You will be guessing as to how and if these two will be able to be together by the end of the book.
There are two things that stick out to me that were wonderful about this story. One is the way the other weaves the scent of cherry blossoms in to the story. I could just picture the orchards and blooms as described throughout the story that just added a lovely touch to this sweet story. The other thing that amazed me about this story is how deep and entertaining it was despite its short length. I never thought I'd get as invested in the story as I did!
If you haven't had a chance to read any of Cindy Woodsmall's Amish Fiction, you need to get right on that. She is superb in creating dynamic characters and interesting stories!! The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is a great way to begin your journey of discovering Cindy Woodsmall.
This book was sent to me free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest and personal review. All opinions are my own.
About Cindy Woodsmall:
Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.
Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.
Her lastest book, When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list.
Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Urban Christian; Original edition (February 28, 2012)
***Special thanks to Tyora Moody for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tyora Moody's debut novel, When Rain Falls, is the first book in the Victory Gospel series. She owns and operates Tywebbin.com, a design and marketing company. Her company’s niche is assisting authors with branding and developing an online presence. As an avid bookworm, she manages two book blogs, WrittenVoicesBlog.com and ChristianBookwormReviews.com. Tyora has also served as a judge for the Christy Awards. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers.
“Why does God keep taking away the people I love?” This is the lamentation of widow CANDACE JOHNSON when her best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice.
Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. The police captain is coming down hard on him and his partner to find out who murdered Pamela Coleman, the daughter of a high profile judge.
Darnell confers with Candace to get the inside track on events leading up to the murder. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell’s judgment.
Little does she know, Candace’s quest to find the truth has led her straight to the killer. She’s already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to completely trust God with her own life.
Product Details:
List Price: $14.95
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Urban Christian; Original edition (February 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601628226
ISBN-13: 978-1601628220
My Review: 4 STARS
How will you handle grief and tragedy?Will you hide away in your house refusing to get close to anyone again for fear of losing another loved one or will you lean on God for your strength to move forward?When the Rain Falls deals with tragedy right from the start as Candace loses another loved one after losing her husband not that long before that.Her husband and friend have both been murdered and she is determined to find out who is behind the killings and getting justice.
Detective Darnell Jackson is new on the force and actually is the replacement for Candace's husband Frank in the department.He is now working the case on Candace's friend and quickly finds out that this investigation has more twists that meets the eye. He also finds that he can't stop Candace from butting in to the case whenever she wants, but he is determined to earn her trust and help her believe that detectives can bring her justice!
This was a very hard book for me to read in the beginning because the emotional aspect of losing your husband and best friend just hit very close to home.The day after I started reading this book a tragedy hit my life and I found myself in tears trying to read this book.Moody really does have a gift with connecting the reader to the story as you can tell from my emotions.After a few days of healing for myself I picked up the book again and was excited to be encouraged and given hope as When the Rain Falls progressed!
The spiritual aspect of the story is surreal and subtle.As Candace struggles with her anger towards God she begins to heal and recognize that God will provide her strength and peace!When the Rain Falls is a great Christian mystery with a touch of romance that you'll just love! Looking forward to more by Tyora Moody.
I received this book free from the publishers through FIRST Wild Card Tours in exchange for my personal and honest opinion.All opinions are my own.
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Excerpt from WHEN RAIN FALLS
by Tyora Moody
RELEASE DATE: March 2012
ISBN-10: 1601628226
ISBN-13: 978-1601628220)
PROLOGUE
Bronx, New York, 1981
Twisting her torso around, the girl strained against the seat belt to peek through the police car’s back window. Lights burned from several nearby houses, creating an eerie glow against the damp night sky. A number of sleepy-eyed neighbors lined the street, their attention focused toward a small white house, now decorated with yellow tape around the yard.
The front door opened, spilling bright lights onto the tiny porch. Two police officers walked out with a man between them. The cops were tall, but not nearly as tall as the handcuffed man, whose arms were muscular and huge. The girl tensed, her eyes drawn toward the man’s white tank top, which revealed more than his furry chest. Bright and dark reds merged into a strange starburst pattern around his middle.
He turned his head in her direction, his narrowed eyes hunting for her. The flashing blue lights danced across his face, highlighting his light brown eyes. His lips parted, showing off perfect white teeth. He’d found her. Like always, his smile stopped at the curves of his mouth, never reaching his eyes. She never knew if he liked or hated her. Sucking back air, she ducked below the window. A whimper escaped between her ragged breaths. She didn’t want him near her. Not ever again.
A wave of warmth, then cold, rippled through her body, causing her to tremble. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, feeling tiny bumps on her skin through the thin pajama top. The cheeseburger and fries she’d eaten hours before gurgled in her stomach, threatening to be released. Without warning, one of the back doors opened. She screeched and pressed into the corner of the seat, believing her worst nightmare had broken free.
Instead, a cop leaned into the car and asked, “Hey. Are you all right in here?”
No, I’m not all right. Can’t you see I’m freaking out? But her mouth wouldn’t cooperate with her brain.
The cop poked his head back out of the car. “Hey, where’s the social worker?”
A man with a rough voice yelled back something, but she couldn’t understand what he said. Staring at the cop, she pulled her legs up to her chest, resting her chin on her bony knees. Wait, something didn’t feel right on her face. Lifting her right hand, she touched the side of her face. The skin felt ragged and sore. When she pulled her hand away, she saw dark stains on her fingers. Was that her blood or . . . ? She dug her nails into her palm, hiding her hand behind her back.
Outside the police car, someone walked up behind the cop and handed him a plastic grocery bag. He didn’t pull out food. Instead, he pulled something gray and furry from the bag and extended it to her. The cop frowned. “Looks like you have an injury there. We’ll get someone to take a look at it. Right now, I think you could use a little buddy. I have a daughter. Got a room full of these things.”
Man, I’m not a baby. She’d always been too small or too short,and the cop must have thought she was a lot younger than her twelve years. She took the stuffed animal, anyway, not really sure what to do with it. The cop shut the back door and then jumped in the front seat. As the car engine cranked to life, she examined the fuzzy stuffed animal. With its round ears, it could’ve been a bear or a mouse. She didn’t really care.
Slowly, she opened her fist, almost expecting the stains to be gone. They weren’t. Her face grew warmer as she wondered what would happen now. Turning to risk another look at the house, she sniffled. Two men walked inside, rolling a stretcher between them. Tears clouded her vision.
The cop said something from the front seat, but she wasn’t listening. Using the back of her sleeve, she wiped away the wetness crawling down her cheeks. She wanted to scream. Again. Bringing the stuffed bear or mouse closer to her face, she squeezed with both arms and hid her face in the soft fur. As the car pulled away from the house, her head throbbed. She could still hear the screaming and shouting.
I’m sorry, Mama. I’m so sorry.
CHAPTER ONE
Charlotte, North Carolina, 2008
“What’s going on?” Candace Johnson sat up in the bed and waited. Either the cellular company had dropped the call or her friend was on the line, probably twirling a lock of hair, her mind elsewhere. She fired off, “Pamela, are you still there?”
“I’m here,” Pamela shot back. Her friend let out a deep sigh. “There’s a lot I’m trying to process right now. It’s late. Let’s talk tomorrow.”
Tomorrow. “You’re kidding me, right?” Nothing rattled Pamela Coleman, but only a few minutes ago Pamela had called with a shaky voice, saying, “We have to talk.” There was no way Pamela could leave the conversation hanging until the morning.
“I’m tired, Candace. To be quite honest, I may not be thinking straight.”
Candace pulled the covers up closer to her body. It wasn’t unusual for them to talk until the wee hours of the morning, but she knew not to push her friend. “Where are you, anyway? Are you still at the art gallery reception this late?”
“No, I’m on my way home.”
“All right, girlfriend. I hope you get a good night’s sleep. There will be no excuses tomorrow. I expect you to spill everything.”
“I hope I can. You get some sleep, too.”
The dial tone buzzed in her ear for a few seconds before she hung up the cordless phone. Sleep. That’s a joke.
Out of habit, Candace slipped out of the bed and walked over to the window. She lifted one of the blind slats to peer out onto the street. It had been over a year and a half since the police department had provided protection for her family during the night. Now it seemed the police no longer cared. Other cases took priority, she guessed. Maybe it was all her imagination, overcome by grief and loss.
Rain pelted the roof and windows. The kind of rain that could coax a person into a deep, restful sleep. Candace wished. A full night’s sleep had become a lost luxury, but she would try to close her eyes. As she climbed under her favorite quilt, uneasiness settled over her mind. Again. Another long night awaited her.
She could blame her sleeplessness on the late-night pizza session with the kids, but she knew better. Even Pamela’s ominous call didn’t help matters. It was the past that kept her staring at the ceiling, walking beside her like a maddening visitor, just hanging around, with no signs of departure.
Stealing her sleep, her peace.
She gripped the quilt, hugging it close to her body. Her aunt always said, “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Candace didn’t care about being strong. She wanted answers.
She stared into the darkness, beyond the clock, to where the glow illuminated a man’s features. The photo was barely visible, but Candace had it memorized. In her mind, she could see
Detective Frank Johnson dressed in his uniform. Though his smile was serious, his deep dimples still made an appearance.
Almost seventeen years of marriage. Her protector.
Seemed like everyone these days told her the same thing. “Frank would’ve wanted you to move on.” How could she? Her Frank believed in justice. In the end, her husband received none. That haunted her.
She did need to get herself together. Her children had been through enough. She didn’t need Rachel and Daniel worrying about their mother. More than anything she wanted them to enjoy their youth. She didn’t want them to experience the pain she struggled through at their age from losing a parent.
So Candace meditated on the rain, willing her eyes to grow heavy.
Mama!
Her eyes flew open, and then she smacked the pillow. Even as she resolved to put the familiar memory out of her mind, questions lingered. Why now?
Almost thirty years had passed since that night. It seemed like every now and then Mama decided to visit her in a dream. Images of the beautiful, troubled woman who birthed her often were like a bittersweet reunion. But sometimes he would show up, too.
Candace was no longer afraid of him. She’d made sure to track down his whereabouts after Frank’s death just to be sure her childhood bogeyman had not returned. She knew he wasn’t a threat to her anymore.
Still, she knew sleep would not come tonight. She refused to close her eyes. Like that night long ago, it felt like God had stopped by to shake her around like one of those snow globes. Where would the pieces of her life fall like those flakes? Candace wasn’t sure she wanted to know.
Candace focused her thoughts on the earlier phone call. Pamela, what do you have to tell me tomorrow?
I will never leave you or forsake you.
He made sure to park the car a distance away. Then he walked, being careful to avoid the streetlights, closer to the house. He was in a crime-watch zone. No need to make neighbors suspicious. The night’s events had put him on edge. All he wanted to do was bury the past and move on. But no, she had dug it all back up again, practically accusing him. He would deal with the situation soon enough.
For now, it was time to visit an old friend.
With the stealth that he’d used many times to break into homes, he crept forward until he reached the oak tree located parallel to the house. He peered around the trunk and looked up toward the window.
The house was dark, but he knew. She’s awake. Thinking about me.
To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors.
As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?
About Julie:
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Julie Klassen sure knows how to write GREAT stories!! I instantly fell in love with the Maid of Fairbourne Hall from the very first chapters!! I was appalled at Margaret Macy’s family and felt that if I was in that same situation I would flee too and do whatever it took to keep myself safe! She suddenly finds herself without any choice but to search for work and willing to accept any possible position.
I don’t believe Margaret Macy ever thought she’d be scrubbing chamber pots and being treated like a nobody but that’s exactly what happened to this spoiled and selfish girl. I was fascinated to see how Margaret’s heart and character would change as she goes from being the one treating her own maid poorly to being a maid herself that is treated poorly. Her growth was genuine and not instantaneous which made her that much more endearing.
The story line is magnificent! There was lots of tension brewing throughout the story that kept you on the edge of your seat wondering if Margaret was going to get away with her disguise or if her step-father would eventually find her! The two brothers in the story kept it even more uncertain as to who she could trust and what her fate would be! I loved the details Julie gives us about being a maid, how it’s a whole other world. She also writes with historical accuracy and spiritual enlightenment!
This time period is probably one of my favorites and just love the way Julie captured it in this unique setting! Julie Klassen’s books always end up on my favorite shelves and this is no exception! Great book!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my personal and honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own.
GIVEAWAY TIME
Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and mystery in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Grab a copy and then be sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party on Facebook! Swoon.
One fortunate winner will receive:
A brand new Kindle Fire
A Julie Klassen Library (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/14/12. Winner will be announced at Julie's Fairbourne Hall Book Chat Party on 3/15. Julie will be hosting an evening of chat, trivia and a sneak peek of her next book - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a Downton Abbey Prize Pack (Seasons 1 and 2)!
So grab your copy of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall and join Julie and friends on the evening of March 15th for a book chat party.
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 March 15th!
