All Things New by Lynn Austin

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing All Things New Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012) by Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.

Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her.

With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.

If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.

My Review:

This is the third Lynn Austin book I have read, and I will have to say I have loved them all. Lynn is so talented at writing historical fiction novels that I have come to expect only the best from her. Her books are different than many others historical Christian fiction out there mainly because she really focuses on the the history and the life in the given time period and not the romance. So if you are looking for mainly a romance this book is not for you.

All Things New is set in the south on a plantation just after the Civil War. I really found this to be an interesting setting because I have not really read anything else in this type of setting. The South has lost war, but they have lost so much more. They have lost their lifestyle, their possessions and most importantly their men. While slavery is clearly wrong, just because the slaves were free didn't change the way many thought, some easily accepted the fact and others did not. This was a very hard era for those in the south, both the plantation owners and the freed slaves. I really admired the characters that stood up for the freed salves and accepted that they are real people and can't be treated as slaves anymore. Overall, Lynn Austin did a great job at capturing the time period and the issues the people faced.

*I received this book through CFBA in exchange for my honest review. Thank You!

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund + Giveaway

About the Book:

Michigan, 1883
In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer's assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan--and the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.


Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell's help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what's right cost them both everything?


My Review:


4.5 Stars

Unending Devotion is Jody Hedlund's newest book and I just loved it. I found it to be different than her last book A Doctor's Lady. I really found Lily's character to be strong and brave, and a bit stubborn at times, her passion to find her sister and make a change is so strong. It makes me wonder if myself and others I know would have the same courage to do what she did. It is not easy the things she faced and the world her sister lived in.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is listed as a historical romance, but personally I think everyone would enjoy it and get something out of it. There is so much true history in the book that it makes the story that much better. It also brings awareness to what life really was like in the 1880's logging industry. Overall, great job Jody and I will be looking forward to your next book.

I received this book from the author and publisher for the purpose of this review. Thank you!




Book Trailer:

Giveaway Info:

Jody has offered to give a copy of the book away to one of my readers. Thank you Jody!

Here is what you need to know to enter:

1. Giveaway ends  October 19th
2. Must leave a comment with your e-mail
3. Must live in the US.

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book:

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

My Review:

5 Stars

To start off with, doesn't this cover just make you want to run out and get the book! What a beautiful cover that helps set the setting of the book. Just as much as I loved the cover, I loved the book even more. I have read most of Karen's book and they have all been wonderful and different. From page one to the final page I enjoyed this book. The characters are so much fun and very believable. I enjoyed all the adventures they went on and was excited to find out how it all would turn out. 

I highly recommend this book to any one who loves historical romance and any current Karen Witemeyer fans. You won't be disappointed! I know I can't wait for her next release!

* I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. Thank you Karen!

Chasing the Sun by Tracie Peterson