THE MAYFLOWER BRIDE by Kimberly Woodhouse, Review by Rebecca Maney

"Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness, but they cried unto the Lord and He heard their voice, and looked on their adversity . . .  - William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation

Mary Elizabeth Chapman is quite certain that leaving the body of her beloved mother behind in Holland is the most difficult thing that she has ever been required to do. She reluctantly boards the "Speedwell" in 1620, along with her father and young brother; among the Separatists, anxious for a life of religious freedom in Virginia. However, the journey ahead is going to be more difficult than any of them imagined.

William Lytton is considered a "Stranger", an investor and carpenter who has joined the group of Separatists heading across the ocean, hoping for new beginnings. He is drawn to the lovely Mary Elizabeth; her quiet, demure faith gives her courage and strength when those around her are ill and dying. What would it be like to share the future with such a woman?

A story simply told, with so much fascinating history, which the author has expertly dissected and reconstructed into a memorable series opener.

BACK COVER BLURB:

Can a religious separatist and an opportunistic spy make it in the New World?

A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Mary Elizabeth Chapman boards the Speedwell in 1620 as a Separatist seeking a better life in the New World. William Lytton embarks on the Mayflower as a carpenter looking for opportunities to succeed—and he may have found one when a man from the Virginia Company offers William a hefty sum to keep a stealth eye on company interests in the new colony. The season is far too late for good sailing and storms rage, but reaching land is no better as food is scarce and the people are weak. Will Mary Elizabeth survive to face the spring planting and unknown natives? Will William be branded a traitor and expelled?

Available in both paperback and Ebook.
Purchase The Mayflower Bride at Amazon
Purchase The Mayflower Bride at Christianbook.com

 *I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 
Click here for more about  Rebecca and follow all her reviews

CAN'T HELP FALLING...CLOSE TO YOU by Kara Isaac, Two Reviews by Winnie Thomas

I was so excited to read Kara Isaac's debut novel, Close to You, and I was definitely not disappointed!. The cover and story description are very intriguing, and who can resist a novel set in New Zealand? I must admit, I'm about as familiar with Tolkien's works as Jackson (one of the main characters) was, but the story is so well-written that it didn't matter that I'm Lord of the Rings and Hobbit challenged. If I hadn't known, I would never have guessed it's a debut novel, because it is so creative and engaging. It is also extremely well-edited, which I appreciated. 
Kara Isaac is a fantastic wordsmith--the story pulled me in immediately, flowed seamlessly, and tickled my funny bone with laugh-out-loud situations. I loved the witty and clever dialogue, and the characters were so genuine, likeable, and endearing that I hated to let them go at the end of the book. I'm hoping Kara is a fast writer, because I'm anxiously looking forward to more of her books!

BACK COVER BLURB for CLOSE TO YOU

A disgraced scholar running from her past and an entrepreneur chasing his future find themselves thrown together—and fall in love—on a Tolkien tour of New Zealand.

Allison Shire (yes, like where the Hobbits live) is a disgraced academic who is done with love. Her belief in “happily ever after” ended the day she discovered her husband was still married to a wife she knew nothing about. She finally finds a use for her English degree by guiding tours through the famous sites featured in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. By living life on the road and traveling New Zealand as a luxury tour guide, Allison manages to outrun the pain of her past she can’t face.

Jackson Gregory was on the cusp of making it big. Then suddenly his girlfriend left him—for his biggest business competitor—and took his most guarded commercial secrets with her. To make matters worse, the Iowa farm that has been in his family for generations is facing foreclosure. Determined to save his parents from financial ruin, he’ll do whatever it takes to convince his wealthy great-uncle to invest in his next scheme, which means accompanying him to the bottom of the world to spend three weeks pretending to be a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, even though he knows nothing about the stories. The one thing that stands between him and his goal is a know-it-all tour guide who can’t stand him and pegged him as a fake the moment he walked off the plane.

When Allison leads the group through the famous sites of the Tolkien movies, she and Jackson start to see each other differently, and as they keep getting thrown together on the tour, they find themselves drawn to each other. Neither expected to fall in love again, but can they find a way beyond their regrets to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?

After reading Kara's debut novel, Close to You, and I couldn't wait to read her second novel, Can't Help Falling. I love the unique and creative way she has incorporated Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis's Narnia books into her stories. The setting of Can't Help Falling had me traveling to jolly old England right along with Emelia Mason to meet up with Peter Carlisle in Oxford. These two main characters are very realistic and relatable. Their flaws and personal mistakes make them so human and lovable that the reader laughs and cries right along with them. Kara Isaac's quirky, sometimes snarky, but always fun sense of humor adds so much to the story and makes for some laugh-out-loud scenes and visual images. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

I'm not very familiar with C. S. Lewis's books, but I was able to follow along well. I'm sure those who have devoured the Narnia books would catch more of the meaning and essence she has woven into the story. This book can stand alone, but reading Close to You first might enhance the enjoyment of it, as there are some characters from it that make an appearance in Can’t Help Falling. This is a Christian fiction book with themes of redemption, forgiveness and hope winding through it. 

BACK COVER BLURB FOR  CAN'T HELP FALLING

A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.

Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there's a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can't resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England--home to C.S. Lewis--to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.

Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain's best rowers--until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He's determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It's the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.

When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac's inspiring and romantic story about second chances.

Both books are available as Ebook or Paperback at both retailers:
Purchase Close To You at Amazon
Purchase Close To You at Christianbook.com

Purchase Can't Help Falling at Amazon
Purchase Can't Help Falling at Christianbook.com


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher, under no obligation. All opinions are my own.
Click here for more about Winnie Thomas

Introducing Reviewer Winnie Thomas!

Debra here, and I'm delighted to introduce Winnie Thomas. Winnie and I were roommates at the 2017 CFRR and I felt comfortable with her like an old friend about thirty seconds after we met!  And speaking of CFRR, Christian Fiction Readers' Retreat, Winnie chose this photo of her with Meez Carrie of Reading is My SuperPower!

Winnie Thomas lives in a beautiful northern Utah valley surrounded by mountains. Her wonderful husband has put up with her for almost 50 years, for which she’s very grateful. They are parents to 5 married children, 16 grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter with another due next month. 

She has a dual degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development from Utah State University, which she put to good use raising her children and teaching preschool. Now retired, Winnie loves to read and promote for Christian fiction authors. 

She also enjoys genealogy, family history, playing the piano, and gardening if it doesn’t involve pulling weeds. Spending time with the grandkids and spoiling them also gives her great joy. 

Her favorite food is almost anything 

Thanks so much for joining us, Winnie!

Follow Winnie on Goodreads for more of her great reviews!

4 Must-Read Anthologies for 2018

I'm greatly looking forward to these collections! The covers alone lure me to buy.

THE MAIL-ORDER BRIDES COLLECTION | 9 Historical Stories of Marriage that Precedes Love by Megan Besing, Noelle Marchand, Donna Schlachter, Sherri Shackelford, Michelle Shocklee, Ann Shorey, Liz Tolsma, Jennifer Uhlarik, Kathleen Y'Barbo | February 2018

What kind of woman would answer an advertisement and marry a stranger?

Escape into the history of the American West along with nine couples whose relationships begin with advertisements for mail-order brides. Placing their dreams for new beginnings in the hands of a stranger, will each bride be disappointed, or will some find true love? ORDER A COPY TODAY!

  

FIRST LOVE FOREVER ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Historical Romances Where First Loves are Rekindled by Susanne Dietze, Cynthia Hickey, Marcia Gruver, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Martha Rogers, Lorna Seilstad, Connie Stevens, Jennifer Uhlarik, Erica Vetsch  | April 2018

A first love is never easily forgotten . . . and coming face to face with that person again can be awkward when the heartstrings are still holding on to the “what ifs.”

In settings from 1865 to 1910, nine couples are thrown back on the same path by life’s changes and challenges. A neighbor returns from law school. An heiress seeks a quick marriage. A soldier’s homecoming is painful. A family needs help. A prodigal son returns. A rogue aeronaut drops from the sky. A runaway bridegroom comes home. A letter for aid is sent. A doctor needs a nurse. Can love rekindle despite the separation of time and space? PRE-ORDER A COPY TODAY!

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN TEXAS RANGERS ROMANCE COLLECTION | 7 Rangers Find Love and Justice on the Texas Frontier by Erica Vetsch, Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, Amanda Barratt, Gabrielle Meyer, Lorna Seilstad, Kathleen Y'Barbo | March 2018

No One Is Too Tough to be Loved

Join seven Texas Rangers on the hunt for a menacing gang, who run straight into romances with women who foil their plans for both the job and their futures. PRE-ORDER A COPY TODAY!

A BOUQUET OF BRIDES ROMANCE COLLECTION | For Seven Bachelors, This Bouquet of Brides Means a Happily Ever After by Mary Davis, Kathleen E. Kovach, Paula Moldenhauer, Suzanne Norquist, Donita Kathleen Paul, Donna Schlachter, Pegg Thomas | January 2018

A bouquet of brides is picked for love.

Meet seven American women who were named for various flowers but struggle to bloom where God planted them. Can love help them grow to their full potential? BUY A COPY TODAY

Have you read any of these yet? Which one are you looking forward to?

THE MELODY OF THE SOUL by LIZ TOLSMA, review by Paula Shreckhise

Liz Tolsma is a true wordsmith. She paints a picture— a realistic one but not always a beautiful one of occupied Prague in WWII.

Times have been trying for Anna Zadokova and her grandmother. She has been separated from the rest of her family and the lifestyle that she knew with her musical family as a promising violinist. She is not only of Jewish descent but grew up as a Christian as well. 

But as far as the Nazi’s are concerned, she is a Jew. That's all that matters. 

“Train up a child in the way that he should go and he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6 could be a theme for the characters in this book. Anna and her brother David have been raised in a loving Christian home, although David has joined his friends in a new philosophy. Horst Engle, a Nazi officer in charge of preserving architecture in Prague, has had a mixed upbringing. But his mother’s Christian voice has taken effect and colors his reactions to his job in the Nazi regime. 

This story recounts the horrors of Nazi occupation the lengths the underground will go to protect the Jewish people. Anna’s grandmother is always the voice of faith in the midst of real turmoil and frightening times. Liz’s descriptions put you right in the action, hoping the Jews in hiding will not be caught. The suspense is palpable.

If you love history and want a compelling story that shows strong Christian faith in the middle of a troubling time in our world history then this is the book for you.



BACK COVER BLURB:
Anna has one chance for survival—and it lies in the hands of her mortal enemy.

It’s 1943 and Anna Zadok, a Jewish Christian living in Prague, has lost nearly everything. Most of her family has been deported, and the Nazi occupation ended her career as a concert violinist. Now Anna is left to care for her grandmother, and she’ll do anything to keep her safe—a job that gets much harder when Nazi officer Horst Engel is quartered in the flat below them.

Though musical instruments have been declared illegal, Anna defiantly continues to play the violin. But Horst, dissatisfied with German ideology, enjoys her soothing music. When Anna and her grandmother face deportation, Horst risks everything to protect them. 

Anna finds herself falling in love with the handsome officer and his brave heart. But what he reveals might stop the music forever.

This is book one in a series: Music of Hope by Liz Tolsma.

Buy The Melody of the Soul at Amazon

Buy The Melody of the Soul at Christianbook.com

*I received this book from the publisher, all opinions are my own. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.*

TROUBLED WATERS by Susan May Warren, reviewed by Karen Klepsteen

TROUBLED WATERS 

MONTANA RESCUE #4

by Susan May Warren

I wasn't sure about another book about being stranded on an island, but I should've known that Susan would write it beautifully. In this story, both Ian and Sierra are unsure about where to go in their lives. Sierra is struggling with her sense of purpose and of belonging, especially within the PEAK rescue team.

Ian is the type of man who hates to lose control of a situation, and he pushes away anyone who hurts him. I could relate to both of their struggles, and I think that we all have moments in our lives where we have to learn to surrender control to God and discover His plans for us. It's an exciting ride as both Sierra and Ian find their way to accepting what God can do for them, how He can heal all of their broken places. 

I was also relieved to finally learn more about Esme Shaw's reasons for disappearing, and I'm excited to read more about how that plays out in Storm Front, the next installment in the PEAK rescue series.

Purchase Troubled Waters at Amazon
Purchase Troubled Waters at Christianbook.com

*I received a copy of this book with no obligation to write a review. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.


Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship.


Click here for more about Karen

Meet Book Blogger Nicole Santana

Welcome to the Inkwell, Nicole! 

Debra asks…how long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?

Nicole- I am a newbie blogger! I started at the end of last May, and I absolutely love it. I decided to call my blog The Christian Fiction Girl because I love Christian Fiction and wanted to share my love with others. Honestly, I thought nothing would really come of my blog other than it being a space for my thoughts, but God has had other plans. I have met, and been welcomed by, an amazing community of like-minded people. It’s been a true blessing!

D-. Wow! I didn’t know that. I thought you’d been blogging for longer than that. You certainly have been busy! 

So tell me, what’s the best part of being a reviewer?

N- For me, the best part of being a reviewer is the community I have become a part of. The bloggers, authors, publicity teams, and publishers that I have met and worked with over the past few months have been so welcoming, helpful, and kind. And, the support of the people who read my blog regularly is unlike anything I could have imagined. I really feel like I have made some excellent friendships over the past few months. I am truly blessed.

D- I agree. And you know what? When I first started writing, I only knew of one or two people who had review blogs. I was busy trying to get to know other authors. Then, with my first release (Surprise, books don’t review themselves!), I slowly started to meet reviewers and bloggers. It’s double the fun. After all we are all readers!

What’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’?

N- I think the most difficult part of the “job” is saying “No.” I genuinely want to read for every author who asks, but as just one person there really is no way for me to get to every book. I have a hard time telling people that I can’t read for them. I also have a hard time saying “No” to myself. I need to learn to give myself a little wiggle room in case a book takes longer to read and review than I think it will initially. I have a tendency to really fill my reading schedule, then I feel overwhelmed. But, these are all things I am learning to navigate as a new reviewer.

D- I appreciate when reviewers say no because it means they want to take the time to review without feeling rushed.

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

N- I just finished Love’s Bright Tomorrow by Naomi Rawlings. What an amazing read! I highly recommend it. And, Roseanna White’s A Song Unheard is UH-MAY-ZING!!! Willa, the main character, is my soul sister. I cannot recommend that book enough. I think I read it in about 36 hours.

D- Okay, your enthusiasm allows you to have two answers!  I love both these authors too. I first read Naomi’s writing with her Love Inspired Historical series!

What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)?

N- My five-year old daughter, Isabella, is my absolute joy! My most favorite time of day is when I walk through my front door after a long day at work and see her adorable face as she lights up with excitement to see me. Working with her on her homework, making dinner with her, cuddling on the couch as we watch PBS Kids, and doing our night-time routine is the highlight of my day.

D-  isn’t that the truth! I have to warn you this enthusiasm wanes. But then… there’s grandchildren. Finally! Someone is happy to see me again! Haha.

What is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?

N- I really love Historical Christian Fiction and Biblical Fiction. I love the Regency-era novels of Julie Klassen, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Carolyn Miller. I love anything Civil War era, so authors like Tamera Alexander and Jocelyn Green are go-to authors for me. And, anything Laura Frantz writes regardless of era. She is an outstanding writer. I also love Roseanna White’s works, and will read anything she releases no matter when her books take place. And, as far as Biblical Fiction goes, I will devour everything by Mesu Andrews and Tessa Afshar. I think they are brilliant researchers and excellent storytellers.

Recently though, I have begun appreciating Contemporary Christian novels. Courtney Walsh, Cara Putman, Bethany Turner, Becky Wade, and Lynette Eason are a few of my favorite Contemporary Fiction authors. I will read anything these fabulous ladies produce!

D- Just keeping up with these alone will keep you busy! (and I had my big fangirl moment this summer when I got to meet Laura Frantz in person after so many years of chatting online!)

If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be? And what meal would you have delivered if that afternoon included a quiet evening as well? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!

N- This is a very difficult question for me as I adore Classic films. I will watch anything starring Cary Grant, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Katherine Hepburn, or Ingrid Bergman. They are fantastic actors and actresses. If I had to choose just one film, it would be Notorious starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains. It’s an Alfred Hitchcock film, and it is brilliant. It has everything you could want in a movie: a dashing undercover agent, a beautiful but damaged damsel in distress, an evil villain who is really just a puppet to his mommy (scary!), romance, intrigue, suspense. It’s excellent!!!

I love food! Give me a taco and tamale any day. However, I don’t usually eat a meal when I am watching films because I get so absorbed that I forget the food is there. Typically, when I watch a film I like to have snack food and tea! Tea is my drink. I love it hot, cold, black, or herbal. It’s so soothing!

D- I’m glad you feel that way because I think a lot of ‘young people” (sorry, I had to use that awful phrase) don’t care for black and whites! I grew up with them. We used to have movies on the local tv channels at 1 and 4 pm when I was a kid, so I grew up on westerns, gangsters, and the great classics!

If you could wiggle your nose and be in a new career, what would it be?

N- I would love to be in a career where I could work with authors and publishers on a full-time scale. I enjoy the PR-side to writing the reviews, interviews, and cover reveals that I do now on my blog, and wish I could turn that into a full-time job so I could support my author, blogger, and publicity teams better.

Here is the perfect Virtual Assistant for an Author!

D- I guess my dream career would be hiring someone like you so I don’t have to clone myself! 

What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?

N- I’m not in any way gifted at creative writing, so I can’t give advice on writing practices or the publishing industry as I don’t really know how that side of things works, but I would advise prayer. I am a firm believer that working with God on our dreams and hopes gets us to achievement far sooner, and with better outcomes, than working without Him ever could. It is my practice to pray before I write every post, take on every review job, and work with any author/publisher. If I’m not doing this blogging for God, I shouldn’t really be doing any of it at all.

D- Same for new reviewers—

This I can talk about! Prayer is definitely my first piece of advice. Nothing will succeed as well as it could if we ignore God. He wants a relationship with us, so allow Him into this endeavor. Then, I would recommend making friends with fellow bloggers and asking them questions. Don’t be timid! So far, I have not met a “mean” blogger who wouldn’t answer my questions. I recommend joining Facebook groups for readers/bloggers/authors so you can begin networking and seeing what is out there and what people are doing. I suggest going to the websites of the publishers you like and see if they have any review programs you could apply for. And, follow lots of different types of blogs. You pick up great ideas for how to write various types of posts, how to set up your site so it’s visually appealing, etc. 

D- thanks so much for indulging my questions. And thanks for visiting! I wish you the best with your blog and  I'll be following along!

Links to share:

Blog: https://christianfictiongirl.blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellesmoma16

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bellesmoma16/

Introducing Reviewer Karen Klepsteen

Karen has been a valued reviewer for awhile, 

so she's another one 

I'm so very pleased to welcome to the Inkwell!  

Welcome Karen Klepsteen!

Hi! I'm Karen Klepsteen, a homemaker, wife, and mother. My husband and I have been married for over a decade, and we have one pretty awesome daughter. Originally from Michigan, we're living in South Dakota while my husband completes his education. Since I don't live near my family, I keep in touch with them through one never ending group text. I attend my local congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where I have the privilege of teaching the women's class once a month. This is a fun challenge for me! I really love reading (not a surprise, right?), enjoy cross stitching until my wrists tell me to take a break, and frequently stay up half the night researching my family tree. I've found lots of relatives, living and dead, and have loved getting to know more about all of them! 

For as long as I can remember, I've loved to read. It started with the Happy Hollisters and the Bobbsie Twins, and now here I am, with stacks of beautiful Christian fiction around my house! I also love reading biographies and some young adult and women's fiction. I'm so honored to be here, and I'm grateful for the invitation to share my book reviews with all of you!

Karen is easy to find!

http://www.goodreads.com/karenklepsteen

https://twitter.com/karen_klepsteen

http://www.instagram.com/mylittlebirdieLDS

http://www.pinterest.com/klepsteen 

https://plus.google.com/118439754058862034044

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/1343740069 

Little Green Apples

I've been thinking about little green apples lately. It's because of a song that keeps running through my head with lyrics that say ...God didn't make little green apples...

Yet my soul screams that the words aren't true. God did make little green apples, and yellow ones, and red ones, too. I hum and mumble through the chorus for a day or two, straining to think of the words until I hit upon a line about it never snowing in Minneapolis. Right. Like that's true. Finally, I go on-line and search out the lyrics because I need to put the words into proper context.

The song, Little Green Apples, was originally written by Bobby Russell for Roger Miller, who released it in 1968. Amazingly, the song was released by at least 8 recording stars that same year, and several more artists in the following years including Frank Sinatra, The Temptations, and lately Robbie Williams and Kelly Clarkson. The song has staying power regardless of the age and genre. In 1969 it won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year as well as the Grammy Award for Best Country Song.

But why does it say that God didn't make little green apples?

Listen for yourself in this YouTube version where it's sung by Glen Campbell who is accompanied by his daughter, Debby Campbell. Since the words are captioned across the bottom of the screen, you can read the lyrics or even sing along with Glen Campbell's smooth voice at  https://youtu.be/o9MKF5YBAo0




Although the line that God didn't make little green apples is used in the song, it's used along with other true facts to illustrate that the man singing the song believes his wife loves him because all the things mentioned are true. This love song is like a romance novel. We feel the warmth of her love because she shows it in every smile and gesture. And to those who would say he's a male chauvinist because he expects her to drop what she's doing and run to him, my answer is that we don't know what she's thinking. I truly wish this song had been written as a duet so that we hear what each believes, instead of her simply repeating his words, but it wasn’t so I will accept it as a beautiful love song that stays in my memory.

However, I'd like to point out that this is what happens when you hear...remember...or say something out of context. For one thing it probably doesn't make sense, but for another, you're missing an important part that may save you aggravation down the road. (Especially if you thought it was about you.)

For my part, I remembered one line that didn't make sense until I read it in the body of work that it was written. Some people take verses out of the Bible and use them out of context, confusing those who don't know the truth. Am I showing Christ in every aspect of my writing, or only when I think the story needs it? Will the reader need to re-read the story to remember the take-away value? Food for thought.

Are you familiar with the Little Green Apples song? Which version?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anita Mae Draper's historical romances are written under the western skies of the Saskatchewan prairie where her love of research and genealogy yield fascinating truths that layer her stories with rich historical details.  Anita's short story, Here We Come A-Wassailing, was a finalist for the Word Guild's 2015 Word Awards. Her novellas are included in Austen in Austin Volume 1, The American Heiress Brides Collection, and The Secret Admirer Romance Collection. Readers can check out Anita's Pinterest boards for a visual idea of her stories to enrich their reading experience.  Discover more at:

Website - www.anitamaedraper.com 

Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/anitamaedraper/

A MOTHER FOR HIS FAMILY, review by Trixi Oberembt

A Mother for His Family
reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

Oh my, if I had an actual swooning couch I would have been utilizing this on more than one occasion throughout this book! I definitely was fanning myself till I cooled the pink off my cheek. Why? One name conjures up the need for smelling salts, John Gordon—Lord Ardoch—gentleman extraordinaire. What makes him even more swoon-worthy is his Scottish descent, as evidenced in how he says doon instead of down and his softly accented words of affection to Helena…oh but I’m getting ahead of myself now! Suffice it to say, any lady would fall for such a fine hero, so be prepared with your own couch, lace fan and smelling salts.

Helena Stanhope, lady of distinction, the daughter of highbrow society & but woefully tarnished by a blackguard named Fredrick Cole through no fault of her own. Yet she is the one to whom must pay the consequences, according to unspoken rules of society. Pity! Forced to marry far below her station (according to her parents, anyway), she soon finds herself the mother of four distinctly unique & lovable children, and Lord Ardoch’s “lady wife”. But it seems God has many good plans for her life as she finds real love is vastly different from what she grew up knowing. 
 

“I don’t want you living in this mire of guilt, nor does the Lord. You are precious and lovely in His eyes.” (John to Helena pg. 123)

See what I mean by swoon-worthy? 

John sees her worth and, soon after, so do the children! Yes, this is a fantastic regency novel full of compassion, heart-ache, finding ones way and worth through the Lord, real love and strong family ties! An absolute delight to read and be immersed in the story, one to be flogged if you miss! *titter*! 


*I obtained a copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to write a  review. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Spend more time with Trixi!

Goodreads:

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Twitter:  as @sea_tea04

A Mother for His Family by Susanne Dietze! An Inkwell Release Party!

Follow Susie's Amazon Author Page!

A Convenient Arrangement

Lady Helena Stanhope’s reputation is in tatters…and she’s lost any hope for a “respectable” ton marriage. An arranged union is the only solution. But once Helena weds formidable Scottish widower John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, and encounters his four mischievous children, she’s determined to help her new, ever-surprising family. Even if she’s sure love is too much to ask for.

All John needs is someone to mother his admittedly unruly brood. He never imagined that beautiful Lady Helena would be a woman of irresistible spirit, caring and warmth. Or that facing down their pasts would give them so much in common. Now, as danger threatens, John will do whatever it takes to convince Helena their future together—and his love—are for always.

Menzies Castle in Perthshire, Scotland is our setting today!

Please let our staff see to your cloak, then make your way to the drawing room on the arm of our handsome footman! We've brought in our best tea and treats for you!

zero calories?

 

 

  Enter Our Drawing! Comment in one of these three ways, and SAFELY add your email address! One random winner recieves their choice of paperback or ebook. Giveaway ends March 1

Option One-

Visit Susie's Pinterest Page for more details  
What actor did Susie have 

in mind for Lord John? Visit her pinterest page to find out, 

don't spoil the surprise but tell us in the comments what you think of him!

Option Two-
 CLICK TO TWEET!
Visit Inkwell Inspirations as we celebrate Love Inspired Historical Novel A MOTHER FOR HIS FAMILY by Susanne Dietze
#Regency #Sweet #ChrisFic #Giveaway


 
Option Three-
Sign up for Susie's newsletter! and comment to let us know

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Available in ebook and paperback:
Purchase A Mother For His Family at Amazon here.
Purchase A Mother For His Family at Christianbook.com 

Because an Inkwell Release Party is never the same without him...

Visit Susie's Website

We're excited to see Susie's latest Love Inspired Historical, but have you read the first in the series, THE RELUCTANT GUARDIAN?