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31 October 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews 'Annie's Christmas Wish' By Barbara Cameron


Annie's Christmas Wish

Abingdon Press, Oct. 2103

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
4.5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)

It's Christmas Time In The City...

In Annie's Christmas Wish, the reader visualizes the bustling city of New York through a vacationing Amish family's eyes...the diverse shops and restaurants, beautifully lit holiday decor, the Rockefeller Center skating rink, the Empire State Building, and plenty of glistening snow!

Ever since Annie was a child and received a snow globe of New York City from her stepmother, Jenny, she has dreamed of going there. Annie is filled with a vivid imagination and dreams of being a writer like her step-mom and wishes to visit the New York Times building. Jenny is to receive a prestigious award for her writing and the whole family goes with her to New York, accompanied by Annie's boyfriend, Aaron. Awed by the sights and sounds of a magical Christmas in New York, Annie's excitement is marred only by the fact that her father and Aaron are afraid she will stay in the city and no longer be content to live in her Amish community of Paradise. And then Annie receives two tempting offers that could forever change her destiny...which one will she accept?

Barbara Cameron is such a great storyteller that although I have never been to New York, I feel as though I have just visited there! Her descriptive imagery will finely tune all of your five senses and some tough issues such as a homeless, pregnant teenager, and the plight of the homeless in rescue missions were touched on--all with compassion and finesse. I feel as though her portrayal of the Amish was very realistic (although this sect didn't seem to be as strict as some) and her characters very endearing. So put another log on the fire, grab a cup of hot chocolate...and snuggle up with this magical, heartwarming holiday novel! It's Christmas time in the city! 

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I received this book from Abingdon in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Walmart.com and your local bookstore.

Giveaway: I am giving away a paperback copy of Annie's Christmas Wish to one blessed commenter. Please be sure to leave an email address!

Question: Have you ever gone on an exciting vacation at Christmas time or have you always celebrated the holidays at home?


29 October 2013

Marian Baay reviews PROMISE TO RETURN by Elizabeth Byler Younts


Promise to Return


Reviewed by Marian Baay
~5 stars~*****

1943
Miriam Coblentz is a young Amish woman who wants nothing more than to be obedient to her church, get married to the love of her life, Henry Mast, and to become a mother. However, shortly before their marriage, Henry is drafted and everything becomes complicated.

At first Henry is serving as a conscientious objector at a Civilian Public Service camp, but during this time there he learns how bad the war in Europe really is and he feels God’s call to enlist. Before his training starts, he comes home on leave and tells his family and Miriam that he’s going to fight in the war. His family is hurt and doesn’t want him to stay under their roof anymore. Miriam doesn’t understand why Henry made this decision. His attitude towards God seems to be changing as well—he so easily talks about praying to God and hearing His voice.

Miriam is so confused—is she going to wait for Henry’s return? And when he comes back, will he confess to the church he was wrong? He seems to be so sure he was right to enlist and go to war.
Her childhood friend, Eli, is trying to win her hand while Henry is away. Although Miriam likes him, she doesn’t love him, but he can offer her the life she has always wanted. Is she going to wait for Henry, or does she give in to her longing to get married in the church; to become a wife and mother, like she has always dreamed?

Against her parents’ wishes, Miriam frequently writes to Henry and she anticipates his return letters, but then months go by without a word from him… Is he still alive? Then one day Henry’s mother and sister visit with news from Europe…

One of the best books I have read this year! This author knows how to keep the suspense high and keep the reader guessing. Miriam’s struggle was well done and I really felt for her. I have shed several tears while reading this fantastic book, so I advise keeping the tissues handy. I’m going to keep my eye on this author and I’m surely going to read the next book in this series.

*Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.*
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GIVEAWAYS: This week Elizabeth will give away a SIGNED copy of her new book and we at OWG are giving away ebook or paperback of either of her books—choice by winner. (Note: International readers ebook only.) 

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS FOR CONTACT PURPOSES

27 October 2013

Elizabeth Byler Younts Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels: Overcoming Post-Partum Depression With God's Help

Elizabeth Byler Younts

Elizabeth Byler Younts is the author of Promise to Return, the first book in the new Amish Historical series The Promise of Sunrise.

Elizabeth, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 
Thank you so much for having me. What an amazing journey it has been to get to this point with book 1 releasing. God has been so faithful in providing wisdom and strength and I pray that this series blesses many lives. 
Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God's help? (transparency appreciated!)
I don’t often talk about it on a public forum such as this, but I struggled greatly with Post Partum Depression after my second child was born. When my baby was about three months old I starting noticing the overall darkness I was feeling. My personality isn’t the kind of where I ignore a problem, so I acted fast and got my midwife on board to help direct me. I took some supplements and vitamins and lots of wonderful sunlight. I also decided to talk to a therapist for several months.
That time in my life was extremely difficult but rewarding. I thought dealing with infertility was difficult, but, in a different way, this was by far more of a struggle. I guess that’s why I haven’t talked much about it publicly. I think it boiled down to finding that my strength could not get me through this, only God’s. The old phrase often used in Christian circles “God won’t give you more than you can handle”…I realized, it’s just not true. He does give us more than we can handle…He doesn’t give us more than HE can handle! Trust Him in all ways. 
(CFP: Post-Partum Depression is a fairly common condition and many women suffer with it. You did the right thing by not ignoring the symptoms. Thank you for sharing, Elizabeth.)
Promise to Return

Disability friendliness: Is Promise to Return available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 
At this point I don’t believe it’s releasing in audio, but I sure hope it will in the future! What a joy that would be for so many readers and for myself. With my own busy-ness I often listen to books.
Seasons does have the text-to-speech capability. I do not see that Promise to Return is enabled, but I will check with my publisher.
I do not have large print in paperback at this time. I’m sorry! However, if you read on an e-reader you should be able to adjust the text size. 
Does this novel have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
Promise to Return specifically deals with depending on the Lord when everything else seems to be falling apart when the man she loves is in the midst of war-torn Europe during WW2. Miriam has always stood on the laurels of her church standards and suddenly that doesn’t seem to be enough to comfort her wounded heart. She must seek the wisdom from God through His whispers in her life.
As a military wife I come in contact with so many women who deal with deployment after deployment, not to mention, just the rigors of military life. This can breed a sense of “I must be everything to everyone” or “I must do it all” in so many beautiful, unselfish women as they support their husbands. No one can do it all or be it all to everyone…we must depend on His wisdom and strength. Miriam must travel a difficult journey to learn this…I hope her journey touches many readers.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Bio:
Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.

Social Media: Elizabeth is has a Facebook Author Page and is on Twitter and Pinterest!

Seasons by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Giveaways: This week Elizabeth will give away a SIGNED copy of her new book (love that--thanks, Elizabeth!) and we at OWG are giving away ebook or paperback of either of her books, choice by winner. (Note: International readers ebook only.) Question: Have you or a loved one suffered from post-partum depression and how did you cope?


23 October 2013

Noela Nancarrow reviews 'GUNPOWDER TEA' by Margaret Brownley

Gunpowder Tea

By Margaret Brownley
ThomasNelson, 2013

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 Stars~ *****

 A Dynamic Historical Romance

Plan to put your feet up for a while when reading ‘Gunpowder Tea’, for Margaret Brownley brews a refreshing and completely captivating historical romance that’s infused with an abundance of clever wit and entertaining humor, stirring romance, and masked dangers. From the moment I began consuming this story, I was immediately arrested by the intrigue and completely ensnared by the prolific enjoyment that this story is steeped in!

Top Pinkerton detective Miranda Hunt goes undercover at the Last Chance Ranch as Annie Beckman to track down the notorious Phantom who has terrorized the county for over a year. This master criminal that has eluded the law for so long is believed to be working either from the ranch or nearby. Miss Eleanor Walker, the headstrong and formidable owner of the ranch, has advertised again for an heiress that is willing to learn the ranching business. This provides Miranda with the perfect guise for her undercover operation.

Jeremy Taggert, aka David Branch is a Wells Fargo Detective and is also on the hunt for the Phantom, with his undercover work leading him right to Eleanor’s ranch. Taggert is just as determined to capture the Phantom as Miranda. Although neither Miranda nor Taggert are aware that each other is a detective and to complicate matters, each suspects the other as working for the Phantom! The situation becomes even more complicated when they find themselves drawn to each other, finding each other irresistible. The sparks that fly between them practically sets the pages alight, with every interaction executed with romantic perfection!

The secondary characters in Gunpowder Tea are all dynamic in personality and thoroughly unique, with each providing their own vibrant depth to this story. From the obstinate ranch owner Eleanor Walker to the sweet but nutty Bessie Adams who runs the battery-operated switchboard in her home, along with being the town’s self-appointed matchmaker. And the mystery in this book had me positively intrigued. The question as to who the Phantom completely baffled me!

There are so many great elements to this book it’s difficult not to mention every one of them, but I will say that the information in the story on the various teas, along with the additional author notes on the curious ‘gunpowder tea’, was truly fascinating. In reference to the spiritual and bibliotherapy aspects of the story, ‘Gunpowder Tea’ delivers an insightful message about God’s plan for you; wise words on forgiveness; and reflective examples of relationship difficulties and rewarding outcomes.

A well-known quote of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency is “We never sleep.” Needless to say, I never sustained much sleep while reading this exceptional story! Thank you Margaret Brownley!
This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Deeper Shopping, Barnes & Noble, BooksAMillion, or your local bookstore.

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GIVEAWAY: An E-book of Gunpowder Tea will go to someone that leaves a comment below! If you are a tea-drinker, perhaps you'd like to share your favourite tea? Make sure you leave your e-mail so that we can contact you if you are the winner! :)

We also have a pink giveaway this week with a little pink box and pink goodies in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Followers: Put OWG on your comment to enter.


22 October 2013

Review of Tamera Kraft's Debut Release "Soldier's Heart" by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Soldier's Heart by Tamera Lynn Kraft


Blurb: Noah Andrews, a soldier with the Ohio Seventh Regiment can’t wait to get home now that his three year enlistment is coming to an end. He plans to start a new life with his young wife. Molly was only sixteen when she married her hero husband. She prayed every day for him to return home safe and take over the burden of running a farm. 
But they can’t keep the war from following Noah home. Can they build a life together when his soldier’s heart comes between them? 
150 years ago the history of America changed forever. Live 1863 through the stories of some of our finest writers – the passion, the romance, the tragedy, and the triumph.

My review: Parents should be aware that this would be more of a PG rating or even a PG-13 dependent upon how conservative a parent you are.  However, that being said, this is a realistic look at how Post Traumatic Stress disorder can affect someone.  In this case, Tamera Lynn Kraft is addressing specifically "Soldier's Heart" or PTSD caused by military service and surviving terrible combat situations. This is a historical not a historical romance as Noah and Molly were married when she was only 16 and he 20.  Now three years later, he has finished his commission as Sargent  and returned home to Ohio.  

The young couple tries to begin their lives together while he is overcoming the terror brought on by losing his men in an ambush. This is a fairly quick read--I read it in one night.  But it is not a light read. This is a 25,000 word novella but the reader can quickly lose herself in the read--like I did!

Scriptural elements are brought in about a quarter of the way into the story and I think that was a good strategy because we are at first immersed into Noah's reaction to being home from war. And his spiritual arc requires him recapturing, and growing in, his faith.

Lots of nice historical details or "jewels" we history geeks like to say! You'll be nicely grounded into Noah's and Molly's world in Civil War era Ohio.  

Bibliotherapy: This story could be used for bibliotherapy for family members of soldiers who've seen combat duty or for the military members themselves.  This is one of the most thorough coverages I've seen in fiction.

Giveaway: Kindle copy of Tammy's novella to one of our commenters.  Do you have a loved one who has seen combat?

20 October 2013

Tamera Lynn Kraft Interview

Tamera Lynn Kraft
Tamera Lynn Kraft is the author of two Christian historical fiction novellas.  Tammy is also administrator of Word Sharpeners Blog, REVIVAL FIRE FOR KIDS BLOG , and ADVENTURES IN AMERICAN HISTORY BLOG . She also is a monthly contributor to JEWELS OF ENCOURAGEMENT BLOG. She writes Christian historical fiction focusing on American history and children’s ministry materials and is a member of ACFW and a moderator on CHRISTIANWRITERS.COM.

TAMERA, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? 
Wow, you’re asking a difficult question. So many things ran through my mind like being abused as a child, feeling rejected by my father, a marriage that almost feel apart, or when my daughter was raped her first semester at a Christian college. All of these were difficult things to overcome, but with God’s help I did.

If you don’t mind, I’ll talk about something a little less personal but still very difficult to overcome. I was on staff as a children’s pastor for sixteen years at a church I loved. The children’s ministry was growing in many ways. Many children had been saved and discipled under my ministry and, as teens and young adults, were serving God in various ministries. I knew God wanted me to minister to children’s leaders, to teach at children’s ministry conferences, and to touch the lives of many more children, but I had convinced myself He would do it through my church that I loved.

When a new pastor came to the church, it became obvious his vision for the church was different than mine, but I didn’t want to leave. God was moving in the lives of children, and I had a great team that worked under me. Besides my children were raised in that church, my husband had been saved there, and I felt such a connection to the people.

Through a dramatic set of circumstances, God showed me and my husband it was time to leave. But before I could find a way to tell the pastor, he fired me. I was devastated. I felt betrayed by my church and my pastor.

Another church hired me as their children’s pastor, but after four years, God told us it was time to leave that church as well. We left there on good terms and with the pastor’s blessing.
I was confused and wasn’t sure what to do. God didn’t give me the next step, but He did lead us to a larger church where we are now. I started doing a few kid’s crusades and some teacher training and figured it would only be a matter of time before a ministry position opened up. I also started writing, something I never had time or energy to do when I was on staff.

Finally the day came. The pastor of my new church asked if I was interested in interviewing for the children’s pastor position that opened up. My heart leapt within me as I started to say yes. But then something happened. God spoke loudly in my spirit, loudly enough to be almost audible. He said “NO!” I barely said the word, “no” to my new pastor.

I didn’t understand. I knew it was God, but I cried when the new children’s pastor was hired. And I cried when she did the children’s Christmas play. And I cried when the children’s choir sang. It took a long time to accept it.

Now that I look in the rear view mirror, it all makes sense. But it didn’t then. Now I have a ministry called REVIVAL FIRE FOR KIDS where I mentor children’s leaders by teaching at national conferences and holding teacher training and children’s ministry consultations at local churches. And I touch the lives of more children than I ever could at a local church through the kids’ crusades and revivals I do. I also write curriculum and articles.

The cool thing is I also have time to write. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and I’ve always loved history, so now I write historical fiction. I have an agent, Linda Glaz at Hartline, and expect to be published soon. That would have never happened if God hadn’t moved me.

Another thing I love to do is travel. Now I have time to travel with my husband who has retired early. And the when I minister in churches, I get to travel for free and get paid for doing what I love.

I can’t say I don’t miss being involved in a local children’s ministry. I do. But my life is so good now that I wouldn’t give up what I’ve gained for what I’ve lost.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
Isaiah 43:1-3a  But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
This is what I call my life verse. Through every difficulty of life, God has reassured me through this verse not to be afraid. I am His, and He will rescue me through every trial. Even when I seem like I’m drowning in my despair or feel like I’m walking through fires of difficulty, He is there and will see me through.
Soldier's Heart by Tamera Lynn Kraft

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and your blogs and why?


I’d say different things from different blogs. My WORD SHARPENERS BLOG encourages writers and readers and hopefully informs and entertains them while offering advice to sharpen their writing and their lives.
REVIVAL FIRE FOR KIDS BLOG offers help and encouragement to children’s ministry leaders.
ADVENTURES IN AMERICAN HISTORY has changed its focus. I’m hoping it will educate Americans about our country’s history and connect it to the struggles our nation is going through today.

As you researched your manuscripts, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

I learned that people throughout history have had to sacrifice much to stand up for God and against evil, yet they were willing to do it. I remember one journal entry about a man who preached abolition at a church in Kentucky. The pastor and most of the congregation owned slaves, and the pastor had children by one of his slaves. The man who wrote the journal didn’t hold back and by the time he was finished, a member of the congregation pointed a gun at him. The rest of the congregation joined the man with the gun, and the young evangelist feared for his life. The man was about to pull the trigger when he dropped the gun as if it had burned his hand. I included that scene in my novel, RED SKY OVER AMERICA.

In this latest work, do you have any topics that will be useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

In Soldier’s Heart, a Civil War Novella that recently released, Noah Andrews comes home from the war suffering from PTSD. Throughout the novella, he learns how to take his thoughts captive and trust God to heal his wounded heart. Molly, his wife, learns to be compassionate and patient when her husband has difficulties. She learns how to support him.

The novel I’m currently writing is called LOST IN THE STORM and is set during the Civil War. Captain Macajah Jones is struggling not only with the struggles of war, but he has done something wrong, something that torments him. He knows the only way he can handle his guilt is to confess his sin to God and to others, but he can’t bring himself to do it. He tries to handle the guilt on his own, but that only makes it worse.
A Christmas Promise by Tamera Lynn Kraft

My historical Christmas novella, about a woman who lost her oldest child in an accident, releases December 1st through Pelican. In A Christmas Promise, the woman and her husband are Moravians and have settled in a Moravian village in the wilderness of Ohio to be missionaries to Delaware Indians. Her grief has turned into fear and anxiety, and she sees danger even when there is none.

Thank you TAMERA for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Giveaway:  We are giving away either of Tammy's novella's this week--either Soldier's Heart or A Christmas Promise.  We're also giving away a little pink goody box for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Leave your email address and comment to enter for the giveaways.



18 October 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews 'The Governess of Highland Hall' by Carrie Turansky

The Governess of Highland Hall
The Governess of Highland Hall
Multnomah Publishing, Oct. 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars*****

Historical Romance At Its Finest!

In The Governess of Highland Hall, author Carrie Turansky has crafted a wonderful Edwardian era novel set in England; replete with dashing lords and ladies and opulent mansions with magnificent décor…nonetheless behind those ornate doors also lurk secrets, pain, and hidden passions.

A missionary in India, Julia Foster has returned to England because of her father's illness and procures a position as governess of Highland Hall, a wealthy estate owned by the handsome, brooding widower, Sir William Ramsey. Julia's job is to care for William's children and his deceased cousin's two teenage girls. Doing so is quite a challenge as the baronet seems to be cold and withdrawn towards his own children and distrusts women, and the girls are openly rebellious towards her.

As Julia befriends William's lovely but crippled sister, Sarah, who is keeping a deep secret from her brother, she also begins to endear herself to the children. But what dark secret is William carrying inside and how can he save Highland Hall from financial ruin? Although his fondness towards Julia begins to turn to love…will he marry another with wealth to save not only Highland Hall but his reputation as well?…for to marry a governess is quite unacceptable for a man of his social standing.

This heartwarming novel, reminiscent of a cross between Jane Eyre and Jane Austen, will grab the reader from page one and not let go until the satisfying conclusion. This is one of those books where one falls so in love with the characters that it is extremely difficult to let them go! And this novel not only has one romantic plot, but two more romantic subplots which will break and also delight the reader's heart and cause several sighs (and tears!) to escape while reading. William is perfect as the brooding hero, but I couldn't stand this stuffed shirt at first until I got a chance to see his heart underneath of it!  Beautifully written and well researched, I highly recommend this wonderful novel!!



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This book may be purchased through CBD, Amazon, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month we are giving away this mini pink teapot, which we think Carrie Turansky's governess might have enjoyed! Put OWG on your comment--this giveaway for OWG followers.  Put CT if you have bought any of Carrie's previous books and we'll give you an extra entry!
Must be an OWG Follower--notate OWG on your comment to enter!


 
*Please be sure to leave your email addy for contact purposes should your name be drawn.*




16 October 2013

THE GOVERNESS OF HIGHLAND HALL by Carrie Turansky ~ Reviewed by Marian Baay


The Governess of Highland Hall


Reviewed by Marian Bay
~5 stars~*****

Carrie Turansky takes her readers back to 1911, England, where we will meet some fascinating characters between the walls of Highland Hall.

Julia Foster spent twelve years in India, helping her parents with missionary work among young girls. Her father’s health declined and they had to return to England. Now it is Julia’s task to financially care for her parents. She finds a job as governess at Highland Hall—a beautiful estate with Sir William Ramsey as the new master.

Sir William is a widower with two young children. He inherited Highland Hall from his cousin who has left the estate in a very difficult financial situation. Besides the estate, his cousin also left two teenage girls in William’s care. William is intrigued by the new governess, but after his deceased wife’s betrayal he has decided not to trust women anymore.

Julia has her hands full with Sir William’s children, but soon enough she starts to care for them. The teenage girls are not happy with Julia—or with a governess in general. They think they don’t need a governess, but the oldest, Katherine, will turn 18 soon and she must be prepared for her first season in London.

Money is a big issue for William. Besides the difficult financial situation his deceased cousin left him in, he must also pay death duties for inheriting the estate. It seems to be impossible to get the money in time…unless he marries someone with big money. Then Lady Gatewood—Katherine’s aunt—takes a wealthy American young lady to Highland Hall. She hopes William and Alice will marry to solve William’s financial problems.

Julia wonders why Sir William is always brooding and one day she asks him what troubles him. He decides to take her in his confidence and tells her about the financial situation. Julia has a good idea to save some money by changing the menus. It will not be enough to pay the death duties, but it should help a bit. Julia’s wisdom will bring more changes to Highland Hall. Some servants do not understand nor like the changes, but they also do not know about the financial difficulties.

The longer Julia works at Highland Hall the more her feelings grow for Sir William. William returns those feelings, but he cannot possibly marry the governess. Obviously the wealthy American is a better choice to save Highland Hall.
What choice will William make? Will he choose for wealth or rather for love?

I really enjoyed this new book by Carrie Turansky. The characters are very enjoyable and easy to love. There are also some very interesting secondary characters in this novel, which I didn’t mention in my review, but I loved them all! This book is certainly worth the read if you love historical novels. I’m already looking forward to Carrie’s next book!


This book may be purchased through CBD, Amazon, BAM, and your local bookstore.
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GIVEAWAY: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month we are giving away this lovely pink water bottle (stainless steel, from Dick's Sporting goods, retail value $10.) Leave a comment on this review or on Diana's review of The Governess of Highland Hall (Diana's on Friday).

15 October 2013

Noela Nancarrow reviews A LADY IN DEFIANCE by Heather Blanton


A Lady in Defiance
A Lady in Defiance (Romance in the Rockies - Book 1)
Rivulet Publishing (February 27, 2013)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 STARS *****


Compelling Historical Romance

In ‘A Lady in Defiance’, Heather Blanton has composed and fascinating and compelling story. It is gritty, bold, and at times breathtakingly dramatic. Engrossing from the onset to the finish, this Historical Romance set in a Colorado mining town, seizes you within its pages and doesn’t release you until the thrilling conclusion.

In the shockingly lawless and godless town of Defiance, Naomi and her two sisters arrive with the intent to bring God to the people of this town. Led by the Lord to this place after the tragic death of her husband on the trail, Naomi is shocked to discover the town’s name fits it only too well. Still reeling from the recent loss of her husband, and burdened with looking out for her sisters, the tenacious Naomi proves she is not one to trifle with. Naomi battles to accept God’s supposed will for this sinful place, and to control her temper when situations continue to get out of her control. The inner struggles she faces are refreshingly and realistically portrayed in this story.

Charles McIntyre owns and runs Defiance, but he knows he needs to try and clean it up some in order to persuade the railroad people to build their railroads through his town. McIntyre sees God-fearing Naomi and her sisters becoming part of that solution. The trouble is, he also sees the beautiful and genteel but also headstrong Naomi as something to conquer. At some stage that seems to change for him, but Naomi detests him, seeing him as dishonest, a cad, and worst of all, a man who has prostitutes working for him above his saloon.
What was it that drove Charles McIntyre to shake his fist in God’s face and name his town Defiance, and why of all places did God bring the sisters to McIntyre’s depraved town?

This riveting story illustrates challenging messages of reaching the lost with forgiveness, tolerance, love, and endurance. It also testifies to the grace of God and of what he can do within anyone. Based on and inspired by true events, ‘A lady in Defiance’ rings with an undeniable authenticity that envelops the characters, and delivers an entertaining and engaging story!  


This book may be purchased through Amazon.
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GIVEAWAY: Two copies are up for a giveaway, one is being given by Heather and one by OWG.
PLEASE ANSWER WITH A COMMENT TO ENTER: Share a positive scripture or comment to encourage others that may be having difficult inner struggles. (And make sure you also leave your email so we can contact you if you're the winner!)

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