The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

The Midwife's Tale is the first in the "At Home in Trinity" series by Delia Parr. 

Martha Cade is a midwife in 1830, a time when the medical establishment is full of new ideas about how babies should enter the world. One such doctor has just moved into town, and while he has some life saving skills, his attitude towards midwives in general is condescending, overbearing, and downright scary.

Martha's nineteen year old daughter has run off with a theater troupe while she was out on a delivery and her heart is broken, but her faith and some close friends are helping her cope. 

Author Delia Parr's ability to breathe life into history and the characters residing in Trinity Pennsylvania  made me care about their well being which made it a joy to pick up the book and escape into their world. When a character that I really liked turned into a villain, it threw me for a loop and I felt betrayed. I wonder if there will be redemption sometime in the next two books... I hope so.

For more information about The Midwife's Tale please read on!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Midwife’s Tale

Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015)

by

Delia Parr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered. 

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.

  

Seek and Hide by Amanda G.Stevens

Seek and Hide is the first in the Haven Seekers series by Amanda Stevens. It reads like the pilot of an intricately plotted TV series. The setting is the not to distant future America where Christianity as we know it is outlawed. Bibles have been "retranslated" into a generic version of itself, with all of the controversial parts taken out.

Christians who believe the original translation are reprogrammed by the Constabulary, an agency specializing in a version of brainwashing that basically makes you wish that you were never born.

Marcus is a recovering alcoholic who has recently embraced Christianity. He is an expert carpenter and all around macho guy who finds himself aiding and abetting a young woman fugitive and her deaf baby.

Author Amanda G. Stevens gives readers a glimpse of what it might look and feel like to have all religious liberty snuffed out in America. The heartache of families torn apart and friends disappearing beg the question of the whereabouts of God during times of persecution and gives plenty of opportunity for heart-string tugging.

Those who love in-depth dramatic stories-- that may feel a little too close for comfort should definitely check Seek and Hide out!
Please read on for more information from the publisher!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Seek and Hide

David C. Cook (September 15, 2014)


by

Amanda Stevens


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Amanda's first novel, Seek and Hide, will be available September 15, 2014 from David C Cook.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment--including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.

Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she's targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she'd never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.

When Aubrey and Marcus's lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus's life in a way he'd never expect, turning a loner into a leader.



If you'd like to read the first chapter of Seek and Hide, go HERE.

Wisdom Tree by Mary Manners

Author Mary Manners takes a slightly different approach to the Christian romance novel in her new book, Wisdom Tree.

The "wisdom tree" in the story is an actual tree where the hero of the novel, Pastor Jake Samuels goes to pray and seek wisdom from God. Carin O'Malley is the protagonist. She is the new English teacher where Jake's brother Corey is attending school. All of the characters have recently suffered some significantly life altering heart-ache and are dealing with it using their own natural coping skills-- some yielding more positive outcomes than others...

Jake and Carin have an instant connection, but are obviously not on the same page spiritually and Carin has some unfinished business from her past to work through.

Wisdom Tree is a "romance" that has a personal, realistic tone. I believed that the characters could, in fact be from someone's real-life story, which seems thoughtful to me, and carries a heavier quality than some of the lighter romances that are out there.

As an added bonus, at the end of Wisdom Tree the author has include a thirty day devotional with each one starting with a scripture reading. I really love that idea-- talk about life changing opportunity!!!

So... for more information about Wisdom Tree and Mary Manners please read on!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Wisdom Tree

White Rose Publishing (September 19, 2012)

by

Mary Manners


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:
I live in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with my husband, Tim, and our teen-aged daughter, Danni. Also with us are Lucky and Gus - the two cherished cats we rescued from local animal shelters.

I'm a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.
During the school year, I teach middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. When I have free time, I love to garden, take long walks with my husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.

I write romance novels for White Rose Publishing. If you'd like to visit, I have an author page there, as well. That's where you'll find everything there is to know about my books.

I also have author pages at the following locations. Do come by and spend some time with me there!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned
After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.


Carin O'Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love...especially with a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.


But when Corey's antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan.


------------------------------------------------
Discover your own wisdom tree with the included one-month devotional.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Wisdom Tree, go HERE.

Devotion by Marianne Evans

Valentines Day is tomorrow. So it only makes sense to review a book about... marital infidelity???

No, it's not a self-help manual, but a novel about a couple, Kellen and Juliet, whose marriage hits a speed bump when Kellen is blind-sided by an attraction to a beautiful and extremely talented client. 

At the same time, wife Juliet has given up on the hope of  becoming pregnant, and her self-image and her faith in God have taken a hit. 

When Juliet hears some gossip about her husband and the truth comes to the light, she fears she will not be able to trust Kellen-- maybe forever.

Devotion is well written, somewhat reminiscent of Karen Kingsbury's style. Author Marianne Evans obviously has a heart for Christian marriages, and highlights how increased vulnerability can catch even   truly committed couples unawares.

She also explores the place for pastoral counsel and belonging to a church that nurtures and encourages.

Good things. 

For more information about Devotion, please read on!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Devotion

Harbourlight Books (September 19, 2012)

by

Marianne Evans

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

A Word from the author:

My career began at Kensington Publishing, then Wild Rose Press released what will likely be my last secular novel, With This Kiss. This book is very dear to my heart, because, in a way, it memorializes the life of my grandmother, Rachel Alfano. She was a feisty, loving Italian. Back in the day, folks came to her deli in East Rutherford "from the City" (New York, of course!) to get her pepperoni, or purchase her hand-made sausage and pastas. Life and times at 82 Mozart Street are engraved upon my heart, and precious to me. What better place to set a romance?

Now, I'm called to write 'Faith-affirming fiction' (TM). Christian inspirational romance, and Christian themed fiction, is something that both as a reader, and writer, I feel called upon by God to enjoy and create.

This segment of my journey began when I was lucky enough to win a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing that led to the publication of my Christian inspy debut, Hearts Crossing. This humble, heart-felt novella went on to become a series...and an Amazon best seller! A Face in the Clouds, a short story spin-off of Woodland, is also part of my 'best seller' portfolio. What a blessing!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.

For Better or Worse

But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?  How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?

'Til Death Do Us Part

When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Devotion, go HERE.

A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Ellliott

If cozy mysteries are your druthers then you will have your fill of glorious cozy in A Stitch in Crime.

Antique store owner Thea James bites off a bit more she can chew when she innocently agrees to chair the first ever Quilt Show extravaganza in the tiny town of Larkindale.

A comedy of errors ensues when the kick off party at the Wentworth Mansion, home of the elderly but spry Mary-Alice becomes a crime scene. Along with an intentional bonk on the head, Mary-Alice's diamond brooch is stolen--and that's just the beginning...

Thea takes "the show must go on" to extremes valiantly forging ahead in spite of threats and foibles in her determination to help out the economically challenged little town--and save what's left of her wounded pride.

I loved the wacky, eccentricity of the characters and story-line and am pleased as punch to recommend this "Quilts of Love" offering to all my cozy loving friends!

Please read on for more information about author Cathy Elliott and A Stitch in Time!!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Stitch in Crime

Abingdon Press (January 20, 2015)

by

Cathy Elliot


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cathy Elliott is a full-time writer who lives in northern California and whose cozy mysteries reflect her personal interests from playing her fiddle with friends to antique collecting and quilting. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antiques and is several years into recovery from her eBay addiction. UPDATE: She backslid a while back, enticed to bid on a 1945 Singer Featherweight. (She won.) But now she’s back on the wagon. Except for the recent crazy quilt pillow purchase. She also leads music at church and enjoys time with her grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel. Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds? When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Stitch in Crime, go HERE.

Blind Trust: Port Aster Secrets Book 2 by Sandra Orchard

Award winning author Sandra Orchard delivers an ambitious novel with the second installment of the Port Aster series. Encompassing crimes that range from murder to counterfeiting to the theft of a mysterious plant that may possess healing powers that some want to prevent from going public, Blind Trust continues to develop the many layers of intrigue like a Polaroid picture slowly coming into focus.

Botanist Kate Adams is caught up in the web with Detective Tom Parker as her ally and romantic on again off again love interest. He's a good guy and I hope it works out for them, but danger takes on so many forms it's not going to be easy and we'll have to wait to find out...cliff hanger warning!

Without a doubt, Sandra Orchard is a gifted writer--I liked this book, but would recommend reading Book One first.

Please read on for more about Blind Trust and the Port Aster Secrets.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Blind Trust

Revell (June 17, 2014)

by

Sandra Orchard

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Sandra Orchard is a multi-award-winning author of mysteries and romantic suspense with Revell Publishing and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time . . . when not doting on her young grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can't believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Blind Trust, go HERE. 

  

Soul Painter by Cara Luecht

I was intrigued when I received Soul Painter by Cara Luecht. Set in Chicago, circa 1891, the opening scene has a gothic, almost ghostly feel. A woman in a cape watches as the fog encloses the area down by the docks near a cathedral where a statue of the Virgin Mary stands cracked and alone-- like the other wanderers in the night.

Well, in spite of the ominous beginning, and like the darkness and fog, all it takes is some light and some faith to release the grace that is waiting for those who will dare to step out and see what the darkness is trying to hide. 

Miriam has spent her young life painting portraits of people as she imagines them to be in truth. When she steps out of the shadows of her self-induced cloistered existence to help a woman in need-- a victim of the night's evil side-- a chain reaction occurs. A kindly deacon, her own attorney, and a host of others become involved in each other's lives. Relationships form like constellations and the light starts to shine. The question is, can the evil that has flourished be uprooted or will it be allowed to continue it's path of destruction?

I really liked this book. It was fresh, original, and cleanly written. Cara Luecht is a name that I wasn't familiar with, but I am so glad to have the opportunity to discover this new talented writer, and I am looking forward to more.

Please read on for more about Soul Painter and Cara Luecht!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Soul Painter

WhiteFire Publishing (March 15, 2014)

by

Cara Luecht


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:
I never planned to be a writer. In fact, it took me a while to finish college. But I did, and here I am. And I now I can’t imagine not being a writer.


By day, I am an English Instructor at MATC, Marketing Manager for Degnan Design Builders, Inc., mother to four amazing children, wife to an eternally patient and supportive husband, and Worship Leader for Living Hope Fellowship in Sun Prairie, WI. In the evening, when I can squirrel away some quiet time, I read and write historical fiction.


I have a B.A. in English Lit. from UW Whitewater and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.


If you have a question for me, or if you are local and would like me to stop by your book club or writer’s group, please drop me a line via the “Ask the Author” tab. I always love the opportunity to meet with others who share my love of books.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Miriam paints the future…but can she change it?


Chicago – 1890


Miriam watches the people jostle their way below the windows of her warehouse home, never thinking to look up at her as she paints their faces. But Miriam's gift as an artist goes beyond a mere recording of what is: Miriam paints their futures. Only once was she wrong. One woman doesn't match the future Miriam saw. The bright girl was supposed to grow into a respected businesswoman. Instead, Ione disappears nightly into the shadowed alley next to the cathedral with the other prostitutes. Then one night, while walking through the city fog, Miriam finds Ione broken and beaten. Miriam is forced to open her home to the stranger whose face she knows so well and open her life to change she never could have foretold. Women are missing—some found floating in the river, some never seen again. The deacon from the cathedral is the first to help. Soon Miriam’s solicitor, Michael, aids her in rejoining society so they might uncover the evil at work in the corrupt city...and awakens feelings she had never considered before. Finally engaged with the world she has so long observed, finally stirred by love and friendship, Miriam realizes the responsibility of her gifting. No longer can she just paint what will be. She must now help Ione find the future she is meant to have...and find her own along with it.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Soul Painter, go HERE.