Sunday, February 26, 2017

"WITH LOVE, WHEREVER YOU ARE"--Author Dandi Daley Mackall's poignant fictional retelling of her own parents' real-life WWII romance (see my review)



With Love, Wherever You Are  by Dandi Daley Mackall


Everyone knows that war romances never last . . .


After a whirlwind romance and wedding, Helen Eberhart Daley, an army nurse, and Lieutenant Frank Daley, M.D. are sent to the front lines of Europe with only letters to connect them for months at a time.

Surrounded by danger and desperately wounded patients, they soon find that only the war seems real―and their marriage more and more like a distant dream. If they make it through the war, will their marriage survive?


Based on the incredible true love story, With Love, Wherever You Are is an adult novel from beloved children’s author Dandi Daley.


MY REVIEW:  “With Love, Wherever You Are”, from author Dandi Daley Mackall, rings true with a poignant resonance. The fictionalized account of her own parents’ real-life WWII romance and marriage, the story is based on facts gleaned from hundreds of letters, cards, and mementos, as well as the author’s personal insights. Helen Eberhart was a registered nurse, and Frank Daley was a medical doctor. They both served in WWII, and after they met, their hearts and lives were forever joined. Their courtship was quick, and after their wedding, they were each sent to different assignments in war-torn Europe, and letters--many, many letters—communicated their love during the deadliest of times. A love worth keeping is a love worth fighting for, and that is what you will find, along with so much more, in the story of Helen and Frank.


Book Copy Gratis Tyndale House Publishers


















A professional writer for over 20 years, Dandi Daley Mackall has written dozens of articles for popular magazines and published around 500 books for children and adults alike, with sales of over 4 million.

A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs, & cats. Awards include the Edgar Award for Best YA Mystery, the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children's Literature; Distinguished Alumni Award from Mizzou; ALA Best Book; Christian Children's Book of the Year, Amelia Bloom, Mom's Choice Awards. Her YA novel, My Boyfriends' Dogs, is now a Hallmark movie.

http://www.dandibooks.com/

Sunday, February 19, 2017

BETHANY HOUSE BOOKS--INSPIRING HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION--HEARTFELT ROMANCE




























The entertaining storytelling style of author Regina Jennings is in full force in "For the Record", Book Three in her "Ozark Mountain Romance" series. Betsy Huckabee, intrepid journalist, writes articles for her uncle's small-town newspaper in rural Pine Gap, Missouri. Her imagination leads her to create a serial of stories featuring a brave lawman sworn to protect his territory and bring down those live on the wrong side of the law. Deputy Joel Puckett, newly arrived from Texas, is the embodiment of Betsy's fictional hero, and she can't help but follow his heels to gather material for the stories she sends to big-time newspapers outside the area. Deputy Joel came to Pine Gap with his own set of troubles, and he has his hands full with trying to rid the community of masked marauders while being hounded by a persistent female reporter. An undeniable attraction grows between Betsy and Joel, but each of them must resolve issues from their past with hopes for their future. The promise of a lasting love, along with a leap of faith, just might lead them to the reward of a bright future filled with happiness.


Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books






 
“An Uncommon Courtship”, from author Kristi Ann Hunter, is a treat for lovers of Regency Romance. Book Three in the “Hawthorne House” series tells of an unconventional relationship where the courtship comes after the marriage. Lord Trent Hawthorne is the younger son, happy to be free of the obligations inherited by his older brother, Griffith. His plans for the future include marrying a wife of his own choosing and enjoying a life of his own making. He did not envision a turn of fate that would have him proposing to a virtual stranger after an unfortunate incident lead to a night spent together under circumstances which would be deemed compromising by the merciless tongues of society. Lady Adelaide Bell was happy to dwell in her older sister’s shadow if it meant dodging the glare of her mother’s disappointment in her second daughter. A forced marriage to escape societal censure is the last thing she expected. Trent and Adelaide must grow as individuals before they grow into a loving couple, and a strong measure of faith, along with respect and appreciation, could just lead to a lifetime of joy and fulfillment.


Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books






























"Still Life" is the chillingly-apt title for Book Two in author Dani Pettrey's "Chesapeake Valor" series. After controversy had forced photographer Avery Tate to take a different path in her career, she worked for a time assisting crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell with his investigations. Her feelings for Parker progressed beyond friendship and coworker, but she knew that he still deeply grieved for his lost love, the victim of a murder. Leaving his employment was the difficult choice she felt she had to make. Now, returning to the world that once rejected her, Avery is attending a gallery exhibit where one of the featured images will be that of her friend, Skylar. The eerie theme of the showing is beautiful women posed as if dead, but something about Skylar's photo is all too deathly-real--and Skylar is nowhere to be found. To make matters even more frightening, the photographer claims that the image of Skylar is not his work--someone replaced the photo that he created. Reuniting with Parker to solve the crime is emotional and intense, and it will take all of their faith and special skills to overcome the deadly threat they face to their future happiness and their very lives.


Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books









 
“The Artisan’s Wife” is Book 3 in author Judith Miller’s “Refined by Love Series”. Set in the beautiful mountain state of West Virginia, these books blend history and skilled craftsmanship with abiding faith and sweetly poignant romance. In “The Artisan’s Wife”, Ainslee McKay must pick up the responsibility of managing the family tile work business after her twin sister’s surprise elopement and departure. Always somewhat in her sister’s shadow, Ainslee must make decisions which will affect the futures of many people. Even with her brother along for assistance, Ainslee is still set on selling the business. The arrival of talented designer Levi Judson is a boon to the success of the tile works, but both he and Ainslee are keeping secrets of their own. They work together as friends, and soon their hearts are also involved. When both of their inner truths are revealed, will their relationship grow stronger, or will they grow apart? Can they merge their own hopes and plans and find happiness as well as prosperity for all? Judith Miller is an excellent writer of inspirational historical romance, and I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series, “The Brickmaker’s Bride” and “The Potter’s Lady”.




Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books







"A LOVE REFORMED" by Tracie Peterson


 
“A Love Transformed” is the third and final book in author Tracie Peterson’s “Sapphire Brides Series”. Clara Vesper is a talented jewelry designer, making the stunning sapphire creations sold by her husband Adolph’s company. Their arranged marriage was a business relationship which had appeared profitable, but upon Adolph’s sudden death, Clara learns that she is a widow without means. She and her two small children must leave New York and return to the home of her relatives in Montana. She had once known happiness at the ranch of her aunt and uncle, and there she had also met the love of her life, Curtis Billingham. Much has changed since she left so long ago. Curtis is recovering from serious injuries he received in a mining accident. His spirit seems as broken as his body. Clara is followed to Montana by her late husband’s brother, Otto, and he intends to force Clara to bring her design skills back to the company in New York. Otto is not the only threat to Clara and her children—secrets from her husband’s hidden life are a looming danger. Clara must reconcile the disappointments of her past with new hope for the future—abiding faith must fill her heart and give her the strength she needs to keep her family safe. Will there be a new and happy life for them all, one filled with love and promise? Author Tracie Peterson’s love of history and in-depth research once again blend with her personal faith and admirable storytelling skills as she brings this series to a close.


 
Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books





 

Author Michael Phillips continues his enthralling “Secrets of the Shetlands Series” with Book 2, “The Cottage”. When Loni Ford learns of her unexpected inheritance of property in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, her first thought is to settle a sale of the estate and return to America as soon as possible. However, the more time she spends in the rustically beautiful countryside, the more muddled her thoughts become. The land and its people weave a spell of their own, and then there is David Tulloch, the man the locals had long presumed to be the rightful heir to “The Cottage” and all it entails. Complex and compelling, David is much more than Loni expected. Adding menace to the mix is David’s cousin, Hardy, whose dangerous ties to oil investors are propelling his own forceful claim to the inheritance. Author Michael Phillips’ estimable storytelling skills combine with the magic of the Scottish Isles for an involving romantic suspense read.


Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books