I really enjoyed this book very much. It was a historical fiction based on actual history of Joseph Smith and his followers. His fictional story brought real life to the events and characters that are involved. The trials and the hardships were all accurate and brought you right into Liberty Jail and the events that transpired. A lot of research for accuracy was clearly a part of this book on the history of the beginnings of the Latter-Day Saints. Taking place in the early 1800's we can read about life in those times as well. It is well worth a read! I definitely recommend this interesting and engaging book!
This was a very different book for me. It was also touching as I have visited Auschwitz which is now in Poland as Oświęcim.
It was a tragic historical graphic account of the experiences of a young Jewish girl as she enters the camp and because she was known as a great lover of books, becomes the camp's librarian. It was a different story as to some of her experiences but very moving to read about.
This was a very different Amish fiction book than what I first expected but was delightfully surprised. It was a dual time period book, which I am not always fond of, because I often get a little confused which time period I am reading. But this one was very well written with a current time period and the time frame as WWII approaches. Having parents that lived in WWII Germany, this story held my interest as I recalled the stories my own mother shared with me. And that is what happens in this book as Rosene shares Clare's story of helping family in Germany. The story is about the Anabaptist struggles through this time period and how they dealt with them. The Current story also has a mystery to it in regards to the tragic death of Ivy's parents. The book was very interesting and I enjoyed reading it very much!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
This book kept my attention from page 1. It was a very well done dual timeline book for the current time period and also the early 1800's. I loved that the book took place in Texas, in fact close to where my early ancestors came just south of San Antonio in Karnes County just 20 years after this book takes place. So I felt very "at home" as the story unfolded.
Occasionally I have a problem with dual time books, as I am not always sure "where" I am in a book, but had no difficulty with this book as it was very well developed in the two time periods. The two stories, past and present, were carefully detailed as to the events that occurred and I was trying to figure things out on my own as the book went along to know exactly how they would meet together at one point. It was really good.
The author did a wonderful job on this very engaging tale. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This book starts what appears to me to be an excellent and exciting new series! It was quite different than previous books of this author that I have read.
All of her books keep you reading. There is no putting down a book! Lot's of action. No dull moments. I can hardly wait for book 2.
This new series takes place in the Canadian Rockies and a settlement of people living in caves in the mountains. It's amazing and you will not want to miss reading this. The heroine is a strong woman who is in a leadership position in this community of Laurent. There are secrets and "bad guys" and sweet romance. You will love. I know that I did!
I received an ebook copy from the author through NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Being a reader and having visited libraries since a young girl, this book struck a definite cord with me. Loved the time-slip which was seamlessly done. The characters were well described and you start to enjoy them so much. It was wonderful to see the long ago romance. The scenery lives in your own mind as you read their descriptions. You are there and you see it and feel it.
I loved Sadie who works in the library of the Biltmore estate but is not to be seen. The romance is perfect and sweet. There is so much to enjoy about this book! So happy that I read this exquisite book. There is even a little mystery to follow and it's just good!
I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Fantastic book! I loved it. I didn't want it to end. Lucy Wilson is asked by Cora Wilson to help her as Cora serves as Education Superintendent. Lucy has no idea what she is in for as she starts working with the mountain people who are mostly illiterate. There are a couple of storylines in this book. Lucy's work with the mountain people and her memories of her missing sister, for which she blames herself.
It is wonderful to see the changes that happen in Lucy's life and the struggles she has and sees in the poverty of the people here.
This book was amazing. I was totally taken in by it and could envision the people, the surroundings, and the events that happened. This book was definitely one of my favorite books. That good!
I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.,
This book was quite different from the other titles that I have read from this author. But I totally loved it just I have her other books. She is an amazing author. Her characters were so interesting and the warmth you feel while reading about them is sweet and enjoyable.
I love the Christian themes along the way and I personally found myself writing down some meaningful quotes from this book. You could see God's Hands in the actions of the characters as they interacted with one another. It was a definite feel-good book and I love that. What a beautiful story!
I was given a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
This is another wonderful historical adventure book by this author. Her books are packed with action, adventure and love. What can be better than that? Elan and Joel and wonderful characters and form a bond and they look for Joel's brother. This book will engage and it will enthrall you. You won't be able to put the book down. Yes, it's that good and I am sure anxious to read the next book from this author! Lot's of great reading, here!
I received a complimentary ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.
This was the next book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. This book was pretty amazing as Pearl MacFarlane is in a situation where she is nursing casualties of the Civil War., both Rebels and Yankees. This is a tremendously difficult position to be in yet she cares for them all in her own home as she remembers these are someone's sons, husbands or fathers. She does all she can do and she and one of the Yankee amputees begin to understand one another's beliefs and feelings despite their opposing sides. Their feelings grow stronger despite their backgrounds.
I really loved this book. It was so detailed in every way and very well researched. The book is a true test of faith. I loved how the author wrote a page to the reader explaining her writings of this book.
It was very well written, highly captivating and definitely Christian. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.
The daughter of a Chinese mother and a Japanese father, Tsukiyama uses the Japanese invasion of China during the late 1930s as a somber backdrop for her unusual story about a 20-year-old Chinese painter named Stephen who is sent to his family's summer home in a Japanese coastal village to recover from a bout with tuberculosis. Here he is cared for by Matsu, a reticent housekeeper and a master gardener. Over the course of a remarkable year, Stephen learns Matsu's secret and gains not only physical strength, but also profound spiritual insight. Matsu is a samurai of the soul, a man devoted to doing good and finding beauty in a cruel and arbitrary world, and Stephen is a noble student, learning to appreciate Matsu's generous and nurturing way of life and to love Matsu's soulmate, gentle Sachi, a woman afflicted with leprosy.
My Thoughts:
This book interested me as my grandson is currently in Japan for the next 2 years. I wanted to learn some historical type events, a little more about the culture and just generally read a good book taking place in Japan.
I really enjoyed the book and found some sad moments as Sachi and Matsu's story is revealed. The leprosy in Japan was something I had not read or heard about before. Matsu is a generally good person and he was very likeable because of his caring ways. Stephan was a very interesting character torn between two homes as War touched their lives. His feelings towards his father and the situation there are moving and touching.
I am quite happy to have read this interesting book and recommend it as a very good book to invest your time to read.
This was a great romance collection. There were 3 new authors for me and so that made it interesting. The five stories in this collection were a unique collection, some historical and contemporary. So something for all readers, I felt.
Each story was very different and I enjoyed each storyline as it developed. This was a Christian read, and that's my style of reading.
I really enjoyed each of the stories and recommend the book. It was very well written.
This a pretty interesting book, non-fiction, about Johann Huber who becomes converted to the Mormon church during the church's early days in Austria and the trials and controversy he experienced trying to live his religion in a Catholic country. He experienced a lot of persecution and yet he was very true to his faith.
I thought this was a very interesting book with lots of insights in a place and time when tolerance in people following a different road was almost not allowed. Very good book with lots of research clearly visable to the reader.
I really enjoyed this sweet story of an arranged marriage. The main character, Rena found herself expecting a baby, alone. Her father arranged for her to marry the sheriff. Rena had a very difficult time forgiving herself of her past and often blamed herself for the problems that came to her father and her husband.
It was a nice book of forgiving, and of healing. This is the first book that I have read from this author and very glad I did. Left me feeling very happy that I had read this book. I will be looking for more of her writings.
I have truly enjoyed this author's writings. This one grabs you from the first and keeps holding your attention to the very end. What a moving story about a very sweet little girl. Her story is remarkable. It's very touching. You will love how the historical events give you an understanding of the life of many people of that time period. Each time period has it's own hardships and Cholera definitely was a frightening disease. The book is so good you won't be able to put it down.
I highly recommend this!
I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
Today I am so happy to once again have author Linda Weaver Clarke as a guest on my blog. This is an author whose books I love to read. I think the Bear Lake Family Saga Series is probably my favorite of all! If you haven't had a chance to read this series, I would highly recommend it!
Who is Author Linda Weaver Clarke?
I was raised among the Rocky
Mountains of southern Idaho and live in Color Country in southern Utah. I am
the author of 23 books. I have several genres that I write in—a Historical
Romance series: Bear Lake Family Saga,
a Mystery Suspense series: The Adventures
of John and Julia Evans, a Cozy Mystery series: Amelia Moore Detective Series, and a Period/Adventure Romance: The Rebel Series. I am also a missionary
at the FamilySearch Center. I help people find their ancestors and learn about
their heritage.
What draws readers to this historical romance series: Bear
Lake Family Saga?
This series has strong female
characters who have a destiny to fulfill. Each woman wants to make a difference
in someone’s life. No matter the trial that comes her way, she is ready to
fight for what she believes. I love the male characters. Even though they are
strong and masculine, they have their tender moments that can melt your heart. Bear
Lake Family Saga has plenty of adventure along with a tender love story.
What was the inspiration for this series?
My ancestors were my
inspiration. I was writing their histories so my children would learn to
appreciate their heritage. Their stories were intriguing and full of adventure.
When I was done, I decided to write a historical romance series and give these true
experiences to my fictional characters.
Give us a brief description of each story in this
series?
Melinda and the Wild West (Book 1): Melinda is a
schoolteacher. She has many challenges but it’s a rugged rancher who challenges
Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love.
Edith and the Mysterious Stranger (Book 2): Edith is a nurse.
When a mysterious stranger starts writing to Edith, she gets to know a man's
inner soul before making any harsh judgments. Whoever he is, this man is a
mystery but is he as wonderful in person as he is in his letters?
Jenny’s Dream
(Book 3): Jenny is an aspiring author. She has a
dream to fulfill, but the only thing standing in her way is an unpleasant
memory, which has haunted her since childhood. She must learn to forgive before
she can follow her dream.
Sarah’s Special Gift (Book 4): Sarah is a beautiful and successful dance teacher but she is
not an average young woman. Sarah is deaf, but this does not stop her from
living life to its fullest. And it does not stop her from falling in love with
a man who needs her help.
Elena, Woman of Courage (Book 5): The Roaring Twenties was a time of great
change, when women raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. As Elena fights
to prove herself as the town’s first female doctor, the town’s most eligible
bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart.
Are your books in audiobook form?
Yes. I have a narrator who is
narrating them for Audible. I have one narrator for Melinda and the Wild West, and
then changed to a different narrator for the next four. Carolyn Kashner
actually sings in Edith and the Mysterious Stranger, and she has such a lovely
voice.
Who is the most intriguing character in this series?
I love all my female
characters, but I feel that Elena from Elena Woman of Courage is the most
interesting. She has to endure a lot of
prejudice from the town bully who feels that women doctors have no right
to practice medicine. But that isn’t all. This story takes place during the
roaring twenties, and Elena has decided to be a part of this new generation by
bobbing her hair and raising her hemlines. That
takes a lot of courage. Of course, the town’s most eligible bachelor
finds her most intriguing. He actually admires her tenacity. I admire Elena, as
well.
(For history buffs: Bobbed haircausedalotofcommotion.A teacherinJerseyCitywas
orderedtogrowher
hairbackbytheschoolboardorshe wouldbefired.Womenwith bobbedhairwerefiredfrom prestigiousdepartmentstoreswithoutanywarning.Apreacherpoundedthepulpit,sayingthata“bobbedwomanwasadisgracedwoman.”The
raising of hemlines had its problems, as well.)
They developed a new vocabulary during the roaring
twenties. What were some of the words you discovered while writing this story?
This was the fun part of
writing Elena Woman of Courage. During this time period, they spoke a language
foreign to their parents. Here are some
examples.
If you were excited about
something, you say: Cat’s pajamas!
If you didn’t agree with someone,
you say: Ah, horsefeathers!
If you were a feisty woman,
you were referred to as: a bearcat.
If you were an attractive
woman, you were referred to as: a doll.
Women were also referred to
as: a tomato.
When John wanted to “spoon” with Elena, she said: The bank’s closed.
A woman’s body was referred
to as a chassis and her legs were gams.
To enter the contest, tell me why you lovehistorical romances in the comment area. Please state in your comment, as well, whether you would prefer an ebook or Audible audiobook. We will have a winner for both an ebook and an Audible! The contest will run from now till July 14th, 2018. Please leave your email address in a safe format so that we can contact you if you are the winner!
I grew up on Laura Ingalls Wilder. I was a Minnesota gal! My favorite teacher shared two wonderful book series with us. The Box Car Children and all things Laura Ingalls Wilder!
I fell in love with the pioneering spirit of these wonderful books. The trials, the joy, sadness and heartache that all was apart of their lives.
As an adult, I returned to Minnesota and we visited Burr Oak, in Iowa which was not far from my Minnesota border town home. Now I've shared my love of these books with my daughter and also my granddaughter.
These books are so special to me and I was so thrilled to see this commemorative book on behalf of Laura's 150th birthday.
The book is beautiful and does a real loving memory to this wonderful author and pioneering woman. Her illustrations and art work are just amazing and the text brought a few tears to my eyes as I remembered the stories and the details of the lives of these people who became a part of my growing up years. Such a beautiful book, the kind you want to leave on your coffee table for all to browse through.
And as a genealogist, I loved looking at the plat maps, seeing where they lived throughout their lives. I never really realized how often they started over, although I knew that there were several homes.
This book is truly a reminder of the many happy childhood memories this author shared with me and many others who have loved and treasured her books. So happy to have had a chance to see this wonderful tribute to Laura Ingalls Wilder.
I received an e-book version of this book from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. All thoughts are my own.
This book was especially fascinating to me, for several reasons. First, I am a German genealogist, and having done my own family research find connections to the Luther family through one of my lines. As a result, I too, did a lot of research on Martin Luther. I also had many ancestors from the province of Sachsen, where the book and the lives of this couple took place, who were pastors in the Lutheran church. Through my own research, I found that many of my Lutheran pastor ancestors knew Martin Luther, befriended him and experienced some of the trials of the Reformation, as did he.
So that being said, I was amazed at the amazing research that must have been required for this book. It was really so interesting to see what type of lives the monks and the nuns had and experienced. And what a remarkable and strong man Martin Luther was to so strongly work to bring about religious reform and freedoms.
A remarkable book and I feel so fortunate to have been able to read this.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given.
