Monthly Archives: July 2017

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

24 Monday Jul 2017

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to wager her heart

 

Tamera Alexander is by far one of the best story tellers in historical fiction. Her attention to detail, realistic characters, and ability to convey genuine emotion make every novel she pens one that I will read over and over again. To Wager Her Heart is no exception. Like the two books that precede it, To Whisper Her Name and To Win Her Favor, I was captivated from the first chapter. I quickly became invested in the story of Alexandra Jamison and Sylas Rutledge.

Alexandra Jamison is a young woman who has known tragedy and loss. Looking for purpose, Alexandra takes on a teaching position at Fisk University and loses what is left of her family. She meets an undignified Sylas Rutledge who becomes an important friend despite her first impressions. I love the way this story unfolds! I so appreciate the way the relationship between Alexandra and Sylas develops.  I also enjoyed the history Tamera Alexander included regarding Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers. There is a moment in the beginning of the novel where Alexandra mistakes a generous colleague for a maid.  It was in that part of the story, that I began to appreciate how well Tamera Alexander creates flawed characters that we can fall in love with! I was literally embarrassed for the main character…I felt what she felt. This is the mark of a great novel.

If you love historical fiction, To Wager Her Heart is a must read!  I am admittedly a huge Tamera Alexander fan and I am always aware of when she has a new release coming out. I have read every single novel she has written and they are all fantastic. However, I must say, the Belle Meade Plantation Novels have been my favorite. You do not have to read them in sequential order as they easily stand alone. But you should definitely read the entire series! I was given an Advanced Reader’s Copy by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. ( I would have purchased this book anyway…it was on my MUST READ list.)

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Book Review: Heart on the Line

08 Saturday Jul 2017

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Heart on the line

 

I never miss a new Karen Witemeyer novel! I really enjoy the way she writes historical fiction. Heart on the Line is another well written story by one of my favorite authors. It contains all the essentials for a good read: a strong woman, a hero in the making, and a few twists and turns to keep things interesting.

Heart on the Line is the second full novel in the Ladies of Harper’s Station series. This story continues the story line of the women who have come to call Harper’s Station home. These ladies have created a community where women live independently and provide for themselves. They own stores, run the school, and farm all on their own. Grace Mallory is the town telegraph operator who came to Harper’s Station after witnessing her father’s murder. She has made this town her home, but longs to stop looking over her shoulder. Grace meets another telegraph operator who shows up to help just in time.

There are some really interesting twists in this fun story.  I found the love story in this book refreshing. Grace’s love interest isn’t a perfectly handsome and wealthyman in a tailored suit.  Heart on the Line makes for great summer reading and should definitely make your short list. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher. I was not required to give it a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated. To find more books by Karen Witemeyer check out her website at KarenWitemeyer.com.

Fantastic Retelling of Sense and Sensibility!

01 Saturday Jul 2017

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Jane of Austen

 

This my friends is a Jane Austen retelling done well! One of my all time favorite Jane Austen novels is Sense and Sensibility.   Jane of Austin is a funny, interesting, and lovely rewrite by author Hillary Manton Lodge. Lodge does a masterful job weaving in the original story to her current day rendition. It is was so fun to catch all the moments that were from the original.  I think the best thing about this book, is that while it echoes the Jane Austen original, it has its own authentic wonderfulness.

I think sometimes when authors attempt to do a retelling, it goes south fast because they either missed what was great in the original, or they fail to make it their own in fear of butchering a classic.   Jane of Austin is none of the above. Author Hillary Manton Lodge tells the story of three sisters who lose everything and must leave their family home in San Francisco. Celia, Jane, and Margot Woodward move to Austin when a kind but exuberant relative offers them housing and a chance to start over.  In Austin, Jane meets the oh so handsome Sean Willis (see John Willoughby) who whisks her off her feet. We all know where relationships with a John Willoughby will take you. Even though I knew what was coming, I read late into the night just to be certain.

I really do hope that this novel makes its way into becoming a movie. I loved it and I can’t wait to pass my copy to a fellow Jane Austen enthusiast. I received a complimentary copy of this book from BloggingforBooks. I was not required to give a positive review and I have not been compensated in any way.

About the Author

Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of Plain Jayne, a Carol Award Finalist, and Simply Sara, an ECPA bestselling book. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism, Hillary discovered the world of cuisine during her internship at Northwest Palate magazine. A storyteller at heart, in her free time she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, watching foreign films, and exploring new walking trails. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon.