Review + GIVEAWAY: Keeper of the Stars

Keeper of the Stars
By Robin Lee Hatcher
A Kings Meadow Romance, #3
Thomas Nelson, 2016


Summary

Because it's not always love at first sight!

When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny's mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain---but that's exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.

Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can't get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn't behind the wheel, but he still blames himself . . . and so does Brad's sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.

Still feeling the pain of Brad's death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

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Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. 

The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Connect with Robin:  www.robinleehatcher.com, Twitter, Facebook


My thoughts

A beautiful setting vividly conveyed. Love of family. A community that helps out when needed. Guilt, grief, anger. Forgiveness. A spiritual journey of growing faith. All this and more describes the final book in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Kings Meadow series, Keeper of the Stars. But one theme rises above all the others to my way of thinking, and that is influence.

Keeper of the Stars is a lighter novel in some respects, yet it deals with some deep issues that affect most of us at one time or another, and it captured me emotionally - an ability that Robin seems to have in her writing. Rather than enjoying life, Penny was worried about her Dad and couldn’t let go of anger and bitterness, her trust in God broken the night her brother died. Trevor, a kind guy who was focused solely on achieving a successful career in country music, felt like the accident had been his fault. It was easy for me to connect with Penny and Trevor, and while I enjoyed their romance, its importance seemed secondary to the spiritual and relational themes – and that’s the way it should be.

But the main character in this story isn’t even alive – Penny’s brother, Brad – and that’s where the theme of influence that I mentioned earlier comes in. We are privileged to meet Brad through occasional flashbacks and the effect of his sweet, gentle faith in God is seen on every page. Being an only child who always longed for a sibling, I found the close brother/sister relationship between Brad and Penny very moving.

There are several messages that readers will take away – the need to simply let go and forgive, to offer up everything in our lives to God – but the importance of our witness spoke strongest to me. We don’t always see the effects of our personal witness, but Brad’s life was a gentle reminder that God is always working through us, drawing people to Him. Thank you, Robin, for the spiritual themes you always weave throughout your writing.

In the Kings Meadow series, Robin has created a community that I hate to leave. It is delightful to see previous characters pop in, but this story stands alone. If the series had to end, Keeper of the Stars is a beautiful and fitting conclusion. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review – and for making this giveaway possible.

Litfuse landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhatcher

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for Keeper of the Stars, please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment here. Are you new to Robin’s writing or are you a long-time fan? Do you have a favorite story or series? (I’ve enjoyed several of Robin’s books, but this Kings Meadow contemporary series just might be my favorite so far.)

I try to promote on social media, but the best way to keep up with my reviews and occasional giveaways is to subscribe by e-mail in the top right corner (no pressure intended).

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Sunday, February 21. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Eligibility: US residents

Review: The Memoir of Johnny Devine

The Memoir of Johnny Devine
Genre: Historical
Publisher: Ashberry Lane Publishing
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Number of pages: 279

Awards/Honors:  RT Book Reviews (rare) 5 goldstar Top Pick, a Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee (of 5), and the December 2015 Seal of Excellence winner, which makes it a Book of the Year Nominee (1 of 12 out of thousands reviewed)




Summary

The Memoir of Johnny Devine (RT Book Reviews 4.5 GOLD Star Top Pick): In 1953, desperation forces young war widow Eliza Saunderson to take a job writing the memoir of ex-Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Devine. Rumor has it Johnny can seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he can hail a cab. But now the notorious womanizer claims he’s been born again. Eliza soon finds herself falling for the humble, grace-filled man John has become—a man who shows no sign of returning her feelings. No sign, that is, until she discovers something John never meant for her to see.

When Eliza’s articles on minority oppression land her on McCarthy’s Communist hit list, John and Eliza become entangled in an investigation that threatens both his book and her future. To clear her name, Eliza must solve a family mystery. Plus, she needs to convince John that real love—not the Hollywood illusion—can forgive a sordid past. Just when the hope of love becomes reality, a troubling discovery confirms Eliza’s worst fears. Like the happy façade many Americans cling to, had it all been empty lies? Is there a love she can truly believe in?

Available to purchase on

- AMAZON -

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Camille Eide writes romantic, inspirational dramas about love, faith, and family. She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grammy, bass guitarist, and a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, oldies Rock, and Peanut M&Ms.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | BLOG | WEBSITE

My thoughts

What a fresh and unique voice Camille Eide has! The first two thoughts that enter my mind are that 1) this is why I read Christian fiction, and 2) the major publishing houses should be beating on Camille’s door. But if this is an indication of the quality of Ashberry Lane’s authors, I will certainly be looking into more of their books.

The Memoir of Johnny Devine is set in 1953 during a time when fear of communism ran high and everyone was suspected until proven innocent. It’s a well written and intelligent book, one that will make you think. I was born in 1947, so I have some sketchy memories of this era as a child – with President Eisenhower and  Senator McCarthy being in the news a lot. It was fascinating to learn about organizations such as American Women’s Alliance and the House Un-American Activities Committee. Camille has a vast knowledge of the movie world and has done an outstanding job at conveying a strong sense of place in old Hollywood, as well as the suspicion that seemed to lurk everywhere.

Johnny and Eliza are wonderful characters, flawed and honest. I loved Eliza’s passionate crusade against racial, ethnic, and gender oppression – a risky stand to take during these times because it was seen as Communist propaganda.  Johnny, a screen idol with a notorious reputation, is writing a memoir in an effort to witness of his faith through the confession of past mistakes. Both have previous experiences that make them wary of forming a new romantic relationship. And with her kindness and spiritual wisdom, Johnny’s housemaid, Millie, is an enchanting secondary character.

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“With each surrender of my will, I find myself a little

freer in my soul, a little less chained to myself,

a little closer to God, a little more like Him.”

– Johnny

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One of the strengths of this novel is its spiritual theme, with Christ’s love, mercy and grace evident on every page. Both Johnny and Eliza have a journey to make, for although Johnny has received Christ’s forgiveness, he can’t let go of the guilt – and the idea of “surrender” to anyone scares Eliza. This story has an emotional spiritual impact that any reader can relate to.

The Memoir of Johnny Devine reflects the essence of what Christian fiction should be. And while it could be classified as historical romance, if offers so much more to the reader! Highly recommended.

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

Top Ten Tuesday: Movie Screen Leading Men

Thank you to the folks at The Broke and the Bookish for hosting this fun Top Ten Tuesday meme each week! Many other bloggers’ picks on today’s theme can be seen here.

This week’s theme is a Valentine-related freebie, so instead of drawing from books, I’m going to share some of my favorite romantic leads from movies. This was such a fun project because I guess I’m a romantic at heart, and these guys (and their gals) have given me much enjoyment as I watched their stories over and over again.

Many of these are from the 60s, and I don’t know why. Maybe they just don’t make them like this anymore. You’ll also notice that some are Rogers & Hammerstein musicals. It may not be realistic to burst into song at the drop of a hat, but the musician in me loves that part. Also, all have happy endings – with the exception of two, that is.

So, in no particular order, here are some leading men who have captured my heart over the years. Have you seen any of these movies? And who are some of your personal favorite leading guys from the big screen?

Christopher Plummer / Captain Von Trapp

The Sound of Music, 1965

I’d hate to pick a favorite from this list, but if I had to, it would probably be Captain Von Trapp. Just a beautiful story in every way.

Jonathan Crombie (1966-2015) / Gilbert Blythe

Anne of Green Gables, 1985

“The first time we met was in the Anne of Green Gables production office for a preliminary read-through of the script. I was 17. I think Johnny was 18. I remember thinking he was so sweet and non-threatening in the best way. Because we were all nervous, and he put you at ease. He had a wonderful sense of humor, so we laughed a lot.” – Megan Follows

Yves Montand (1921-1991) / Paul Robaix

My Geisha, 1962

My Geisha is a movie that most of you have probably never even heard of. But it is a fantastic romance built around the filming of a movie adaptation of Madame Butterfly – and Shirley MacLaine costars. Did I mention that it’s a wonderful romance?!

Harve Presnell (1933-2009) / “Leadville” Johnny Brown

The Unsinkable Molly Brown, 1964

Love this musical adaptation of the real-life Molly Brown (played by Debbie Reynolds), a Titanic survivor, and Johnny who awaited her back in Denver, Colorado.

Andrew McCarthy

Come Dance with Me, 2012

Straight from the Heart, 2003

I just can’t get enough of Andrew McCarthy in these two Hallmark movies. Those blue eyes! He’s the type of leading man that gets to me.

William Holden (1918-1981) / Hal Carter

Picnic, 1955

Picnic is considered pretty racy for its time. I love the way it looks back on an era (the 1950s) when drifters hopped boxcars, marriage was the most important goal for a girl, and people wore ties, sports coats, and full-skirted dresses to picnics.

 

Patrick Swayze (1952-2009) / Johnny Castle

Dirty Dancing, 1987
Simply timeless.

Michael Douglas / Ed Leland

Shining Through, 1992

Suspense and World War II stories aren’t high on my list, so I don’t know why I ever watched Shining Through. So glad I did, though! When he rescues Melanie Griffeth from the Nazis at the end . . .

Robert Preston (1918-1997) / Harold Hill

The Music Man, 1962
76 Trombones…Lida Rose…Goodnight My Someone…Till There Was You…What could be more delightful?!

Gary Sinese / Terry McQuinn

Fallen Angel, 2003
Can’t help but be drawn to Gary’s character is this outstanding Hallmark movie.

Richard Chamberlain / Ralph de Bricassart

The Thorn Birds, 1983

Franco Nero / Lancelot

Camelot, 1967

These two leading men did not get their happily-ever-after endings, but I was drawn to their stories in spite of that. Franco Nero and Vanessa Redgrave from Camelot actually married in 2006. And as good as The Thorn Birds was, the book by Colleen McCullough was even better.

Pat Boone / David Wilkerson

The Cross and the Switchblade, 1970

This movie isn’t a romance, so why on earth have I included it? Well, Pat Boone was a very popular singer and teen heartthrob in his day, and this is a powerful movie. It’s the real-life story of David Wilkerson, who founded a ministry to New York’s street gangs called the Teen Challenge Center. Nicky Cruz, a tough Puerto Rican gang leader (played by Eric Estrada), was converted and went on to serve with Wilkerson and later started his own outreach ministry in California.

Review + GIVEAWAY: A Son's Vow

A Son’s Vow
By Shelley Shepard Gray
The Charmed Amish Life, #1
Avon Inspire, 2016


Summary

Three months ago, everything changed for Darla Kurtz and her family.

Darla’s father was responsible for a terrible fire at Charm’s lumber mill which killed five Amish men. And though he, too, lost his life, the town of Charm hasn’t looked at her family the same since. Even Lukas Kinsinger—with whom Darla used to have a close friendship.

Now her brother’s anger at the town is spilling over onto Darla, and she has the bruises to prove it. The accident already cost five lives, but if something doesn’t change soon, Darla fears it will cost her—and her family—even more.

Lukas Kinsinger wants to mourn the loss of his father, but he can hardly find the time to breathe. Suddenly the head of his father’s lumber mill and responsible for taking care of his three siblings, he’s feeling the pressure. He has also never felt more alone—especially with the new tension between he and Darla. But when he learns of her troubles at home, Lukas knows he can’t simply stand by and watch. Someone has to help her before another tragedy occurs.

As Lukas and Darla attempt to repair their families, they discover something deeper than friendship growing between them. But will Lukas and Darla’s love be accepted after so much loss? Or will the pain of the past overcome any chance of future happiness?

Shelley Shepard Gray’s first book in her Charmed Amish Life series is set in the quaint Amish village of Charm, Ohio, and tells the stories of the Kinsinger siblings who are each struggling to find both forgiveness and love in the face of tragedy.

_________________________

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Connect with Shelley:
shelleyshepardgray.com, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest


My thoughts

With A Son’s Vow, Shelley Shepard Gray begins a new four-book series, transporting readers to the Amish village of Charm, Ohio (population 110). I always find much to enjoy in Shelley’s writing and am delighted with this new series. Although Shelley incorporates a wealth of sensitive issues (grief, anger, physical abuse, blame), the narrative isn’t especially deep - but other factors combine to make this a really good story. The heart and emotion of its characters are vividly conveyed, and the story’s length of 262 pages seemed just right. And the bottom line? A Son’s Vow is not your typical Amish story, and that makes for a compelling read.

Charm, Ohio

I loved Shelley’s previous series set in Pinecraft, but am just as hooked on the small community of Charm. A wonderful little village map is included at the beginning, and it was fun to explore online pictures of this area that inspired the series. While Lukas and Darla are the lead characters, they are surrounded by a great ensemble cast of family and friends. One of my favorite things about a series like this is that we get to come back to familiar characters and see their development.

At the center of this story is the lingering effect of an accidental fire at the Kinsinger Lumber Mill that killed five men, including the fathers of Lukas and Darla. Lukas, the eldest son, shoulders the responsibility of running the mill and taking care of his family. Anger manifests itself in different ways . . . For some, it’s in laying blame at the feet of Darla’s father; for Aaron, Darla’s brother, it’s an uncontrollable anger that leads to abusive behavior.

One of the things I liked most about A Son’s Vow is that it presents a realistic look into the lives of a flawed people, showing that there’s really no difference between the Amish community and us when it comes to dealing with life issues. From unimaginable grief over the loss of a loved one, to the need to forgive and go on – the Amish struggle is just as difficult as ours.

For Lukas and Darla, the road to redemption and forgiveness might be rocky, but God’s hand and lovingkindness is seen throughout. I look forward to all that is to come in this series – hopefully more from Lukas and Darla, as well as Hannah, Rob, Aaron and Hope. Book #2, A Daughter’s Dream, releases in May 2016.

Recommended

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

Litfuse landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

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GIVEAWAY

Are you new to Shelley’s writing or a long-time fan? Do you have a favorite story or series by Shelley? (I don’t know that I have a favorite, but I enjoyed her recent series set in Pinecraft very much.) To enter the drawing, please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment here.

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Saturday, February 13. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Eligibility: US residents

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite Historical Settings

Thank you to the folks at The Broke and the Bookish for hosting this fun Top Ten Tuesday meme each week! Many other bloggers’ picks on today’s theme can be seen here.

This topic has been fun to think about because I read so much historical fiction. There are a few eras that I’ve always enjoyed, such as Regency and the American Revolution - but in some cases, maybe it’s the fiction that has drawn me to that particular era. Each of these books is a favorite. So here’s my . . .

Favorite Historical Settings

Old Testament

New Testament times

Medieval England

Regency England

American Revolution

1800’s Appalachia

Civil War

World War II

Vietnam

Although this has a contemporary setting, a Vietnam veteran suffering from what we now know as PTSD plays a major part.

Review + Prism Tour GIVEAWAY: The Express Rider's Lady

The Express Rider’s Lady
By Stacy Henrie
Love Inspired Historical, 2016


Summary

Delsie Radford is going to make it to California, no matter the danger or difficulty. Her father may have kept her and her sister apart, but Delsie refuses to miss her sister's wedding—even with only eighteen days to get there. And she's found the perfect escort in Pony Express rider Myles Patton.

Myles can't believe it when a pretty socialite hires him to take her cross-country through rough terrain and dangerous territory. Surely she'll quit before they reach their destination—he's known girls like her before. But the longer they ride together, the more Myles notices Delsie's toughness and kindness beneath her polished exterior. And though they may be worlds apart…they might just be perfect for each other.

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Stacy Henrie has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator.

Find Stacy online at . . .

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest


My thoughts

With its epic scope and beautiful writing, The Express Rider's Lady ranks among the best of Love Inspired books that I've ever read. I’m glad to have discovered the writing of Stacy Henrie.

Spanning a year’s time, The Express Rider’s Lady traverses the Pony Express route between Missouri and California in 1860, and evokes a strong sense of place as we glimpse the Western prairie and mountains through Delsie’s eyes. I gained a deep appreciation and respect for these Pony Express riders, who journeyed approximately 125 miles per day, facing hardship and danger.

Sparrow Hawk

Myles and Delsie are well developed, appealing lead characters and I was immediately drawn to them. Delsie is impressive in her love for family and desire to preserve unity – and how she endured that long ride on horseback staggers the imagination! Myles is such an appealing hero – a man of integrity, kindness and compassion. For a man who had come to question God’s love, it was touching that he gave the animals in his life biblical names – Elijah, his pet sparrow hawk, and Moses, his horse. And I loved the chemistry between Myles and Delsie, with the gradual building of a relationship that began as friendship.

Elements of faith are skillfully woven throughout – such as the way Delsie honored her father, and the effect of her faith on Myles. Stacy has beautifully shown through these characters that, even when we pull away from God, He is still quietly at work in our lives.

I enjoyed The Express Rider’s Lady very much and look forward to more from Stacy Henrie.

Recommended.

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

And be sure to enter the tour giveaway below. Prizes include . . .

$50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Print copy of The Express Rider's Lady (US only)
ebook of The Express Rider's Lady (open internationally)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

February 1st: Launch
February 2nd: Heidi Reads... & The Power of Words
February 3rd: Katie's Clean Book Collection & Min Reads and Reviews
February 4th: Babs Book Bistro & Wishful Endings
February 5th: Savings in Seconds & Literary Time Out
February 7th: Wishful Endings & Zerina Blossom's Books
February 8th: Mom with a Reading Problem & Backing Books
February 9th: Seasons of Humility
February 10th: Singing Librarian Books, Christy's Cozy Corners, & Mel's Shelves
February 11th: Getting Your Read On & Tell Tale Book Reviews
February 12th: Dixie n Dottie, Reading Is My SuperPower, & Rockin' Book Reviews
February 14th: Grand Finale