Review: Love's Rescue

Love's Rescue
By Christine Johnson
Keys of Promise, #1
Revell, 2015


Summary

When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her crippled brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O'Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the upright man he appears to be.

As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to do her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate.

From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws readers into a world of impossible choices, hidden desires, and heart-melting romance in the steamy south. Readers will cheer for Elizabeth and Rourke as they battle the odds and the elements to secure their future.


My thoughts

Christine Johnson has published stories in the Love Inspired line before, but I believe Love's Rescue is her first full-length novel and I have to say that she has given us a very interesting story. There's a lot to like here - adventure on the seas, strong family dynamics, star-crossed lovers, and the vivid setting of Key West in 1850. I also loved the way themes of secrets, guilt, and unfaithfulness are contrasted with grace and forgiveness.

One of the things I enjoy most is when an author creates characters and a setting to which I want to return, and that's exactly what Christine has done. Who can't imagine the sunshine and clear waters of Key West, or the fury of a tropical storm or hurricane? I found the 1850 time period fascinating with the city rebuilding after a hurricane, the importance of social status, and shipwrecks on the reefs.

It took a little time for Elizabeth to grow on me because she seemed awfully strong willed, selfish and thoughtless, especially in the beginning, but that changes. Rourke makes a great leading man - honorable, caring, and with a strong faith - qualities not usually found among wreckers in the Key West area, a field often populated with the unscrupulous. In a time when slaves weren't recognized as having rights, I found the confidence, trust and friendship that he extended to his chief mate, John, very moving. Elizabeth's father and Aunt Virginia give new meaning to the term "manipulative" and any romance between Rourke and Elizabeth seems doomed. While I wished for more "together" time for these two so I could see their relationship develop, their romance is still tender and sweet.

"Love does right even when it hurts." With this overarching theme, the difficulty of extending grace when we've been wronged is shown, and the beauty of grace, given and received, shines brightly in Love's Rescue. I don't know if Christine will revisit these characters in the next book, but I was particularly drawn to a few of the secondary characters, such as John & Anabelle, and Elizabeth's crippled brother, Charlie. Really wished for more character depth with these three.

Christine did a great job with Key West as a historical setting, an area she is obviously passionate about, and Love's Rescue is a story that fans of historical fiction should enjoy. You will also enjoy visiting Christine's Pinterest board for Love's Rescue.

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Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart® award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God's majestic creation. These days, she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.

Connect with Christine online at christineelizabethjohnson.com, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest

Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Hearts Made Whole

Hearts Made Whole
By Jody Hedlund
Beacons of Hope, #2
Bethany House, 2015


Summary

1865
Windmill Point, Michigan

Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s been given the post as lighthouse keeper, and the isolation where he can drown in drink and hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s none-too-pleased to be giving up her position. They both quickly realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but Ryan’s unwilling to let anyone close, ravaged by memories and guilt. Caroline is drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?


My thoughts

All the trademarks of a Jody Hedlund novel are here - tender romance, poignant drama, and gripping suspense, all set within the framework of an interesting period in America's history. As with all of Jody's stories, my attention was captured on page one and never waned. There are a few instances of animal cruelty and while uncomfortable to read, they are realistic for the time period and a particularly villainous character, appropriately fitting into the overall storyline.  Hearts Made Whole is #2 in the Beacons of Hope series, but easily stands alone. Please click on the title, Love Unexpected, to see my review of the previous book.

Windmill Point Lighthouse, 1913

Jody excels at drawing from actual people, events, and locations in history and weaving together a fascinating story. Michigan's Windmill Point Lighthouse is the setting for Hearts Made Whole, beginning in the year 1865. Something that I'm especially enjoying is the historical background this series conveys about Michigan lighthouses of the past.

Characterization is another strong point and I found Ryan and Caroline, as well as several secondary characters, extremely appealing. Ryan, a wounded Civil War veteran, is appointed lightkeeper at Windmill Point, effectively replacing Caroline, who had faithfully kept the light since the death of her father. Caroline is a strong yet feminine woman, dedicated, who unselfishly takes care of her younger siblings. Ryan is the flawed hero type that I love so much in literature - wounded during the war, plagued by inner demons, and with a hard-to-resist need for opium and alcohol to assuage physical pain and haunting memories.

Lighthouses are always a strong draw for me, because I can't help but reflect on the spiritual themes they represent - danger, lostness, rescue, hope, safety, all epitomized in Jesus. Jody uses one of my pastor's favorite sayings, that "God is good . . . all the time" - and sometimes we just need to be reminded again of that truth. For a long time, Ryan sought relief from sources that could never heal or fulfill, just as we often do. It is so touching to see how the message of the beloved hymn, I Need Thee, is woven throughout.  I loved the scene where, as Ryan looks out over the vast ocean and colorful sky, he first admits his need for God.

I don't know what Jody has planned next, but we see a cross carved from driftwood being passed on through this series, and Ryan gives it to Caroline's sister, Tessa, toward the end of this story. Tessa's actions often made her difficult to like, but the promise of change is evident and I hope to see more of her.

Hearts Made Whole is a wonderfully entertaining story that I am glad to recommend to all who enjoy historical romance.

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Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of seven novels, including Captured by Love, A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and The Preacher's Bride, winner of the 2011 Award of Excellence. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.

Connect with Jody online at jodyhedlund.com, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest

Thank you to Jody Hedlund and Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Litfuse Landing Page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/jhedlund

2015 Kidney Walk: Team Clipston Follow-Up

Amy and her family work hard every year to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation, and also raise awareness of all that this organization does in the process. I wanted to do a brief follow-up with Amy about this year's Kidney Walk and express appreciation to all who supported Team Clipston in any way - for EVERY donation, no matter the size, is important. Please enjoy as Amy shares . . .


Q:  For those who might not be familiar with your story, briefly tell us why your family participates in the Kidney Walk each year.

My husband, Joe, has battled kidney disease since he first diagnosed with it in 2000. He first went on dialysis in 2003 and then received a kidney from his brother in 2004.  In 2008, he went back dialysis after his brother’s transplanted kidney failed.

For the next 3 years, Joe suffered on dialysis. He was so ill that he could only work part-time. His disease was not only difficult for him; it was also difficult for our sons. I felt as if our world was falling apart, and I was desperate to help him.

In my heart, I believed I was supposed to be a donor, and I was devastated when I found out I wasn’t a viable match for Joe.  My hope was restored when I found out about the paired donation program, where I could donate a kidney in exchange for one for Joe. I signed up for the program and then prayed and prayed that we would find Joe a match.

On June 14, 2011, I donated a kidney to a woman, and in exchange, Joe received a kidney from my recipient’s husband. We matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them!  Joe and my recipient are doing well, and I’m so thankful that I could help both Joe and my recipient.

I’m an avid supporter of the National Kidney Foundation and the Kidney Walk because of everything we’ve been through with Joe. I’m determined to share our story and help others who are facing kidney disease.

The Kidney Walk is a tradition for our family, and every year my mom, our sons, Joe and I walk as Team Clipston. It’s our way of supporting the National Kidney Foundation and also it’s a celebration of Joe’s good health. We see it as a big party.


Q:  Please share a little about your family's experience at this year's local Kidney Walk.

The 2015 Carolinas Kidney Walk was held at BB&T Ballpark, which is the new Charlotte Knights Stadium, and it was a beautiful location. My family and I could feel the excitement and energy from the other walkers as soon as we stepped into the ballpark. The actual walk was held in the streets of Charlotte, and we had the choice of doing a 1-mile or 3-mile walk. We chose the 3-mile walk, and it was a lot of fun. We talked to other walkers while enjoying the beautiful sunny day.

Q:  You've done very well with donations and even exceeded your goal. How much were you able to raise, and how did it feel to be one of the top fundraisers?

My goal was $1500 and I raised $1735. I was honored and excited when I was recognized as one of the top walkers. I didn’t expect to be recognized, so it was thrilling to hear my name called during the presentation.


Q:  Is there anything you'd like to say to your supporters?

I’m so thankful for my family members, friends, and readers who sponsored me! I was worried that I wouldn’t make my goal and then I suddenly exceeded it.  What a thrill!  I know folks have their favorite charities that they chose to support, so it means a lot to me that they also chose to help the National Kidney Foundation. Also, many are struggling with their own health issues or other financial difficulties, but they were able to give something toward Team Clipston’s goal. It means so much that people donated their hard-earned money toward my walk team. Thank you to everyone who donated!

Q:  Looking toward next year, have your goals changed in any way?

Next year I plan to walk and I will most likely keep my goal at $1,500. I will, however, try to find other folks to join my team and possibly even walk with my family and me. I see large teams every year and I wish I had asked more friends to walk with us. I also want to have Team Clipston t-shirts printed.  Hopefully I’ll have a group walking with my family and we’ll all have matching shirts!

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Amy, your life story continues to inspire many people and I appreciate all that you've shared with us.

For anyone interested in learning more about Amy's experiences, I encourage you to pick up a copy of her memoir, The Gift of Love. And look forward to new updates next spring as Team Clipston gears up for the 2016 Kidney Walk!

Review: In Firefly Valley

In Firefly Valley
By Amanda Cabot
Texas Crossroads, #2
Revell, 2015


Summary

She's lost her dream job--but has she found the man of her dreams?

Devastated by a downsizing, Marisa St. George has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it means a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining: Blake Kendall, a new guest who might make her believe in love at first sight. But will Marisa's dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers Blake's real identity?

This warm and witty story of dreams deferred and mistaken identity will have you believing in second chances.


My thoughts

In Firefly Valley, book #2 in Amanda Cabot's Texas Crossroads series, is a sweet, relaxed, satisfying read and I enjoyed every minute spent with these endearing and realistic characters. Amanda does a great job at creating a vivid sense of place, and I'm falling in love with the Texas Hill Country. This story can stand alone, but those who have read the first book, At Bluebonnet Lake, will enjoy returning to the Rainbow's End resort and seeing much more of Kate and Greg. The narrative moves slower than some readers might care for, but that's one of the things I liked because characterization was strong and I enjoyed taking my time with the story.

"It wasn't the homecoming of her dreams."

From that first sentence, we can tell that Marisa would face disappointment, frustration and struggles when downsizing forces her to leave the Atlanta world of large corporate clients and take a job at Rainbow's End, where her mom is the cook.  Don't be fooled into thinking this is a light read, because life issues like alcoholism, anger, abandonment, trust, forgiveness and second chances give much depth. Blake starts out hiding his true identity and Marisa deals with fear of abandonment and the anger resulting from that fear. The romance between Marisa and Blake is sweet, but they both have serious issues to work through. And I loved the secondary romance between Marisa's best friend, Lauren, and Drew. Hope to see much more of this family!

There's quite a contrast in financial status among the characters, in that some are extremely well off, while others can barely get by. I particularly enjoyed this aspect because it's not the amount of money, but rather what we do with it, that can be problematic. Greg, Blake and Drew reflect a wise, godly, generous spirit that I admired, making a difference in both community and personal lives.

When I think about Marisa, how she couldn't forgive her father for the hurt he had inflicted on his family, I realize that while we appreciate being granted second chances, the extending of that same chance to someone who has hurt us is a lot harder. There are so many spiritual nuggets gently woven into this story - the unintentional effect of our actions, not letting the past control our future, and the need for grace - both given and received. But the bottom line is that only God can heal and change lives, and He does.

One of the characters in this story, Gillian, is injured in an accident that results in the end of her career as a concert pianist. As a musician, I really look forward to her story in the next book, On Lone Star Trail, which comes out in February of 2016.

I enjoyed In Firefly Valley very much because it was about family, and I recommend it to all who like relationship stories and sweet romance. Thank you for creating stories and characters that I enjoy spending time with, Amanda.

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Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, Christmas Roses, Summer of Promise, and Waiting for Spring. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming.

Connect with Amanda online at amandacabot.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thank you to Revell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Interview + GIVEAWAY: Laura Frantz

I have greatly enjoyed the writing of Laura Frantz from the time I read her first novel, The Frontiersman's Daughter, and my words are inadequate in expressing how honored I am to have Laura visit today. Her stories offer that rare combination of rich characterization, sigh-worthy romance, a vivid sense of place, and superb storytelling - and are always on my "best of the best" list.

Laura's recent series, The Ballantyne Legacy, is especially memorable (click on the titles to see my review of Love's Awakening and Love's Fortune). I asked Laura to share a little about book #3, Love's Fortune, and she is also giving a copy to one of our readers. Please welcome Laura . . .


Laura:  Carole, Heartfelt thanks for having me on your beautiful site here. Always, always a pleasure!

Love’s Fortune is dear to me because the heroine, Wren Ballantyne, is a Kentuckian who spends the novel away from home, immersed in the glittering world of the rags to riches Ballantynes. Wrapping up the series was bittersweet because it ended quite a writing adventure for me as I had become quite attached to Silas and Eden and their descendants. Thankfully, I was able to keep Silas alive in that last book – though readers might think there were some close calls! It was a joy, too, to end that book in Scotland, land of the hero’s birth. I wanted to come full circle with the series so that seemed the best place to pen THE END.

Spiritually, I wanted to contrast what the world believes is valuable (riches, position, acclaim, the temporary) and what is truly eternal (salvation, love, God, the eternal) and this was best done by putting humble Wren in pretentious Pittsburgh society. It was interesting to me to have her come into that dazzling world as a newcomer and hopefully bring the reader along, too, to experience it in fresh ways. I also hoped to show how hard that world had been on my hero, James Sackett, who sort of lost his spiritual footing in the novel because of his position in society. But thankfully, Wren and the Lord woo him back again.

Currently, I’m immersed in another frontier novel set in 18^th-century Kentucky (like my first 3) and am halfway finished with another work in progress.  Next up is The Mistress of Tall Acre which releases September 8^th. The cover should appear any day now once my publisher makes it live on the web. It’s very different than my others! So please stay tuned J.

It’s a joy to reach readers with the written word and also meet those like you, Carole, who have a heart for the Lord and godly fiction. That blesses me more than I can say! I hope and pray the winner of the giveaway enjoys Wren’s world very much!

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Carole:  Laura told about her upcoming release, The Mistress of Tall Acre, and I just wanted to share that it made Christian Book Distributor's New & Recommended list. I have sought out this section for years and found some of the best reading ever. Here's what CBD's fiction editor has to say about The Mistress of Tall Acre:

"Beautifully wrought with sumptuous historical details, emotionally deep characters, and an exciting romantic conflict! Frantz immerses you in a fascinating look at plantation life, survival and adaptation, and a newborn nation with a story that educates as well as entertains. Her tale would make a terrific movie, à la Gone with the Wind - it offers all the visual richness, smart storytelling, and palpable intensity of a cinematic drama."

Can't wait, Laura! It's been a blessing to have you with us and I hope you will return very soon.

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GIVEAWAY

1) Please visit my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews. While not required, I would greatly appreciate it if you would "like" the page if you haven't already.

2) Leave a comment relating to this post . . . For example, are you a fan of historical fiction, a particular era, or of Laura's writing?

Be sure to leave your NAME and E-MAIL ADDRESS in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Tuesday, June 9. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.

Eligibility: US residents