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Tag Archives: Christian Historical Fiction

Lady of a Thousand Treasures

13 Tuesday Nov 2018

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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Book Review, Christian Historical Fiction, Lady of a Thousand Treasures, Sandra Byrd

Lady of a Thousand Treasures

 

Reading Sandra Byrd’s A Lady of a Thousand Treasures was a much needed change of pace for me. It is a lovely Victorian Age historical filled with mystery, treasure, interesting history, and love. Many years ago I was an avid reader of all things Victoria Holt. Byrd’s novel reminds me so much of those lovely historical fiction books I read as teenager.

Both young and older readers will enjoy A Lady of a Thousand Treasures.  If I had to give it a rating for appropriateness for a younger audience, I would fall somewhere between G and PG. While there is a love story in to book, it’s mild and respectful. This lovely story is about an equally intelligent and beautiful Eleanor Sheffield. She is unique in that while she is associated with the upper crust of society, she is a woman who earns a living by evaluating antiquities. She learned her trade from her father and uncle. Early in the book, we learn that Eleanor must evaluate the worthiness of her former love interest, a baron’s son named Harry. Harry stands to inherit his father’s fortune of treasure if Eleanor finds him to be honorable and true.

While I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction, there were a few chapters where I definitely had to push through. I would have enjoyed more page time spent with Eleanor and Harry together. However, I did enjoy getting to see a peak at their past as Eleanor flashed back throughout the story. I requested a copy of this book from its publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. This is the first time I have read a book by Sandra Byrd and I am happy to say I am excited to read her other titles.

To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

24 Monday Jul 2017

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Recently Read

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Best of 2017, Christian Historical Fiction, New Historical Fiction, Tamera Alexander, To Wager Her Hear

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.)

Book Review: A Flight of Arrows

08 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

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A Flight of Arrows, Book Review, Christian Historical Fiction, historical fiction, Lori Benton

A Flight of Arrows

 

I am happy to say I have discovered another intensely talented historical fiction author. Lori Benton is a master at her craft and talented beyond words. She has the ability of including detail and characters with depth without boredom. A Flight of Arrows is a beautiful story about two families who were brought together in a tragic way. Standing in the wake of decisions made, Two Hawks and Anna must overcome many obstacles to find their way to each other.

At 378 pages, this novel is not for the eager reader who craves instant gratification and predicability. This book is full of action and subplots. There are many characters, all well developed, but much to keep up with. While this is a love story of sorts, it is not entirely about one couples love story. A Flight of Arrows is about family, friendship, lost and found relationships, and a coming together of people.

My only wish for this particular book is that I would have like to read the first book in the series. Lori Benton does a nice job of bringing you in to the story, but I always like to know the back story. Other than that, this book is marvelous. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BloggingforBooks in exchange for an honest review. All options are my own and I have not been compensated.

The BEST of 2015

07 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

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Book Review, Christian Historical Fiction, Favorite Fiction, Favorite Reads of 2015, Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, Tamera Alexander, The Mistress of Tall Acre, The Painter's Daugher, To Win Her Favor

I spend so much time reading!  I love getting lost in a book. This year I have lost count of exactly how many I have read. However, I recall three books that I will never forget. These books are guaranteed good reads if you love historical fiction. I whole-heartedly recommend these novels. I will read them over and over again.

The Mistress of Tall Acre

 by: Laura Franz

The Mistress of Tall Acre

To Win Her Favor

By: Tamera Alexander

To Win Her Favor

The Painter’s Daughter

by: Julie Klassen

The Painters Daugher

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

25 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books

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Christian Historical Fiction, Favorite Fiction, Laura Frantz, The Mistress of Tall Acre

The Mistress of Tall Acre

By the time she crossed the threshold and beheld his broad back, a dozen things she’d missed about him were satisfied. Unaware of her, he placed his cocked hat atop a settee and straightened to look into the mantel mirror and smooth his cravat. As if he cared how he looked for her. As if she were special…beloved. In that instant, his gaze met hers in the cracked glass. She nearly forgot to breathe.

In The Mistress of Tall Acre, Sophia Menzies is left without family, connection, and hope of a future at the end of the revolutionary war. Her neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy returns home a hero, but a widower with a daughter to care for on his own. General Ogilvy soon finds benefit for all in a marriage of convenience with Sophia. She agrees knowing that he asks not because he loves her, but because he needs her. Sophia agrees, only to find herself in the middle of an unexpected crisis where she stands to lose everything…including her heart.

The Mistress of Tall Acre is my favorite kind of historical fiction. I read so many books  hoping to discover a story written so well that it becomes unforgettable. This book is captivating, riveting, and memorable in every way. Like the quote above, there were so many pages I wanted to rewind and enjoy again for the simple pleasure of reliving the moment like I might in a favorite movie. Laura Frantz writes in such a way, I never remember turning the pages. Her stories come to life and always become cherished books.

I promise, if you read this book, you will not stop until you have finished. It is my favorite fiction read of this year! I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. However, it is important to note that I was DYING to read Laura Frantz’s new book and I knew I could not wait until it released. I would have been the first in line to buy it! Bravo and Encore!

Book Review: A Stranger’s Secret

29 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

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A Stranger's Secret, Book Review, Christian Historical Fiction, Laurie Alice Eakes

A Stranger's Secret

ABOUT THE BOOK 

As a grieving widow, Morwenna only wants to make a life for herself and her young son at her murdered husband’s estate. Until an unconscious man washes up on her shore, entangling her in a web of mysteries that threatens everything she holds dear.

Still grieving the loss of her husband, Morwenna Penvenan fills her days preserving her son’s heritage: the dilapidated estate his father left them. But all attempts at restoration are thwarted when she is accused of deliberately causing ships to crash on her shore in order to steal their cargo. While seeking clues to the true culprits, she finds an unconscious man wearing a medallion with the Penvenan crest enameled upon it.

Upon learning of his father’s death, David pursues answers to the many questions left in his father’s wake: Why was his father in Cornwall when he said he would be in Scotland? Why did he die in possession of a medallion belonging to a prominent Cornwall family? Why did his father take money from the family’s ship-building business? And why did someone kill him? Only after waking up at the Penvenan estate under Morwenna’s care do the pieces start falling together.

As David recovers in Morwenna’s house, they grow to care about one another, while knowing each have reasons to distrust the other. The closer they work together, the more they learn how their lives—and mysteries—are entwined. As the past continues to intrude on their lives, they must learn to ask the Lord and others for help or risk losing each other and maybe even losing their lives.

MY REVIEW 

Laurie Alice Eakes has written herself into my favorite historical fiction reads of 2015 with this love story and mystery by the sea. A Stranger’s Secret is riveting and full of suspense. I stayed up late last night to finish it because I could not put it down. For me, that is a mark of a great read. If a book is easily put down, than it is easily forgotten. I found A Stranger’s Secret to be unforgettable.

This title is second in Eakes’ Cliffs of Cornwall series. I did not read the first book and was able to pick up right where the book began without feeling like I was missing pieces. However, now that I am loving Eakes writing style and gift of dialogue, I am anxious to read her other books. Historical fiction has long been my favorite genre to read, but the addition of mystery really kicks it up a notch.

I love this book for many reasons, but mostly for the love story between Lady Morwenna and David Chastain. I revealed in the idea that Morwenna saw strength in David even when he was weak. I found the chemistry between them subtle at first, but then it grew naturally as I turned the pages. The tug of war of trust between them is well-played and kept me guessing even in the final chapters.

I so enjoyed reading A Stranger’s Secret. Books like this one are why I read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Recipient of the National Readers Choice Award, Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of nine books and a novella, with four more books and two novellas scheduled for release. She is a writing teacher and speaker and has her master’s degree in creative writing. She also writes articles on writing, including “Writing from the Heart While Writing for the Market” for The ACFW Journal. Visit her website at Facebook: authorlauriealiceeakes Twitter: @LaurieAEakes

My Favorite Fiction Read for 2015!

19 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

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Best Fiction of 2015, Book Review, Christian Historical Fiction, NetGalley, Tamera Alexander, To Win Her Favor

To Win Her Favor

This sigh worthy book has been my favorite read so far in the genre of historical fiction for this year. I could not put it down and I became obsessed with reading it!! I read as I dried my hair in the mornings, in the pick up line at school, and by lamp at night long after my family had turned in for the evening. I have read all of Tamera Alexander’s books and this one might just be my new favorite.

To Win Her Favor is 5 stars for its beautiful telling of a marriage of convenience. Chemistry between characters Maggie and Cullen is tangible! It is Far and Away (with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman) meets Gone With the Wind, except Cullen (the hero) is a more mature and much taller man.  Tamera Alexander gives plenty of page time to Margaret and Cullen which leads to a believable and wonderful ending.

I will read To Win Her Favor again as it has won a place on my shelf of cherished books. Like a new favorite movie, it will be enjoyed by me over and over. Really, I could go on and on. I loved it!

I sought out my copy of To Win Her Favor on NetGalley. (Because I read everything Tamera Alexander writes!) I have not been compensated for my review and all opinions are my own.

My Other Favorites by Tamera Alexander

To Whisper Her Name

A Lasting Impression

Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

12 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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Christian Historical Fiction, Julie Lessman, Reviewed, Surprised by Love

Suprised by Love

Somehow, someway, I missed Julie Lessman. How have I never read one of her titles? She writes what I like to read and she does it so well. The only disappointment I felt in reading this book was that it was book three. I so wish I had read one and two, and not because I needed them to enjoy Surprised by Love. This book stands alone, but you will want to get to know the stories of the other characters in this title.

In Surprised by Love, Megan McClare is returning home after spending a year in Paris. She has changed so much in her time away from San Fransico. All grown up and gorgeous, Meg reunites with her long time and dear friend Bram. Bram is taken aback when he feels attracted to the girl who he often thought of as a sister. As a bonus, Lessman includes a second love story in Megan’s mother Caitlyn and her Uncle Logan. It sounds kind of odd, but Logan was her father’s brother and her father is no longer living. The arrangement made for a page turner. I was excited to see to relationships develop between characters and in a wholesome way. I loved it!

If you are a long time fan of Julie Lessman or a lover of Christian Historical Fiction, I know you will enjoy Surprised by Love. I am excited to discover another fabulous author in this genre. I received a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

22 Saturday Mar 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Recently Read, Reviewed Books

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A Beauty So Rare, Christian Historical Fiction, Tamera Alexander

A Beauty So RareI have anticipated reading A Beauty So Rare for some time. Having read all but one of Tamera Alexander’s titles, I knew it was going to be fantastic. She is gifted at painting a picture with words, so much so that I can’t remember turning the pages.

In A Beauty So Rare, we meet Eleanor Braddock who is sensible, plain, and determined. Her life has not been easy as she has known loss and the terrible feeling of being alone. Eleanor is put in the position of making a difficult decision regarding her father’s health. She finds herself at the mercy of her wealthy Aunt Adelicia of Nashville. Her first day on her Aunt’s Belmont Estate, Eleanor encounters Marcus whom she believes to be the under gardener.  However, Marcus becomes so much more to Eleanor.  Throughout the story, Tamera Alexander gently weaves together not only a love story, but a tale of two people ending up exactly where they belong, doing precisely what God intended them to do.

I love the meatiness of this book. Like my Southern Aunt’s Apple Stack Cake, A Beauty So Rare is delicately layered for maximum enjoyment. There are many story lines, but they are all essential to the plot. Up until the final chapters, I wasn’t sure how the story would end.  I recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic historical fiction with substance.

I was given a complimentary copy of A Beauty So Rare from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Girl in the Gatehouse

23 Thursday May 2013

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Recently Read

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Christian Historical Fiction, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Julie Klassen, The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

ImageHistorical fiction is my vice. I am a busy mom of boys who truly does not have much time for anything extra. However, when i find a good read, I make the time to enjoy it.  The Girl in the Gatehouse was a fantastic book and was totally worth my time.  It takes place in the Jane Austen era, a personal favorite of mine. Once I find an author whose style I enjoy, I read all of their books. It appears I am now working my way through Julie Klassen’s titles!

The heroine of the Girl in the Gatehouse is Mariah Aubrey who is like so many girls in that she makes a mistake she can’t outrun. Her father is less than forgiving and sends her away with little money and her childhood governess. Mariah struggles to overcome her past while dealing with her present. On a stormy night, Mariah meets Captain Matthew Bryant who is headed down a very different path. Author Julie Klassen does a beautiful job of bringing these two characters together in such a way that insures I will be reading this lovely novel again.

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