 |
| Captured by Moonlight |
WhiteFire Publishing, 2013
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars~*****
Absolutely Captivating!
In Captured by Moonlight,
Christine Lindsay sweeps us away to the exotic, hauntingly beautiful land of
India – of women in colorful saris, mango, coconut, and banana groves, plantations
where elephants, tigers, and leopards roam in the nearby jungles – and the
scent of spices, jasmine, and mimosa permeating the air. Amidst all of the
majestic beauty, however, lie many dangers…of religious and political unrest,
life threatening storms, a wounded tigress stalking in the nearby jungle, and the dreaded cholera.
Eshana, a beautiful, young
widow, only wishes to serve the Lord and the needy women in the mission house,
and her best friend, Laine, an English nurse, is masking her broken heart by
administering healing to others. Laine is caught disobeying the rules and is
sent to a plantation in Madras to work with a missionary doctor and his sister
who treat cholera victims. Madras, where her heart had been shattered to pieces
after the war by her first love – Madras, a place she has no desire to return
to – ever. Once there she encounters many dangers, not the least of which
include dangers of the heart as two men vie for her love, a cholera outbreak,
and a life threatening storm.
And in the beautiful, romantic
setting of white sand-filled beaches and moonlit nights, is it even possible
that Laine's heart might be captured by love once again? What secrets is the
owner of the plantation hiding in the surrounding outbuildings…and what of
Eshana, who has fallen into sinister hands? Will Laine and the handsome Sikh
doctor who has fallen in love with Eshana find her before it's too late?
I have ten authors who are my
favs...with Shadowed in Silk—Book One and Captured by Moonlight—Book Two,
Christine Lindsay has made it into my top five! I was captivated from the very
first chapter of this exciting sequel with its unpredictable storyline which
may easily be read as a stand alone. I loved the courageous characters—especially
their dedication to put others first, and oh, the romance made my toes curl, my
eyes fill with tears, and left me with the goose bumps! The author's use of
imagery was second to none, and I could see the beauty of India in her
descriptive prose. On my fav list of 2013 goes Captured by Moonlight! Very
nicely done, Ms. Lindsay!
This book may be purchased
through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
GIVEAWAY: Christine has
graciously offered to give away a copy of winner's choice of one of her books—choice
of format. Answer the question and leave your email to be entered in the contest.
Question: I was absolutely captivated by the
exotic setting in this novel! Where is your favorite
"exotic" setting for a book?
Great review, Diana. Sounds like a wonderful book!
ReplyDelete"the romance made my toes curl" brought a big smile to my face. :D
And that really happened, MAID MARIAN! lol A really great book! Thank you, my dear. ;)
DeleteHi Marian, thank you for the encouragement. I have to admit that writing the romantic bits in the book made my toes curl too.
DeleteLOL, CHRISTINE!
DeleteJust a piece of interesting trivia---the cover model on Captured by Moonlight is Christine Lindsay's lovely daughter, and the model on her first book, Shadowed in Silk, is her other daughter!
ReplyDeleteWow - two beautiful daughters! :)
DeleteDefinitely gorgeous daughters! I'd like to see a photo of who she based the hero after :)
DeleteThe hero looks pretty good on that trailer -- if I must say so myself! :) Agree about the lovely daughters!
DeleteThank you Diana for being so kind. I'm thrilled to pieces that you like Captured by Moonlight so much. You really make my year. :o) Because I know you read a lot of really great books. Thank you for the honor of being on this site.
DeleteI really loved it! CHRISTINE, I love books that are unpredictable and I don't know what is going to happen next. When one reads as many books as I have, the same ole same ole gets tiresome!
DeleteI love the book cover and your daughters very pretty, i would love to win one of your books, thanks for the chance
ReplyDeleteShirley, jcisforme@aol.com
Welcome, SHIRLEY! What exotic location do you enjoy reading books set in?
DeleteHi Shirley. yes the daughters are very pretty. They both take after their fathers. LOL Honestly, they didn't get their good looks from me. But it's been a joy to have their participation in the front covers.
DeleteCHRISTINE, you are quite a lovely lady yourself, so I imagine the girls get it from both sides! :)
DeleteExcellent review! I haven't read Christine's books. Guess I need to remedy that, huh? I think the cover model looks like a younger Elizabeth McGovern in Downton Abbey!
ReplyDeleteHer books are the bomb, ANNE. Knowing how fast you read a good book I could actually see you reading this in one sitting! LOL It is that good!
DeleteI don't watch tv (once in a blue moon), so would you believe I have never seen D A? :/
Well I have to agree with Anne. I think the front model on Captured by Moonlight is very much like a younger Elizabeth McGovern who happens to be a favorite of mine. And I admit that I am a DA fan. LOL
DeleteI too love DA, Anne. Hope you get a chance to read Captured by Moonlight some time. I had a blast writing it. I think Laine is a total hoot. But I also believe it has a deep spiritual thread. Lots of adventure too.
DeleteExotic sounds like everything possible and I enjoyed with laughter at your toes curling, Diana. Do you think it might uncurl my gouty toes? LOL Sorry that sounds gross - but Christine's book sounds like a wonderful read. I've been wanting to read her writings and if I win her book, I'll be grateful for the chance. India is one of the exotic places I think about and am fascinated by. Many places mentioned in the Bible are quite exotic to me and I enjoy stories based around them. Thanks for this thoughtful giveaway and the chance to win a great read.
ReplyDeleteIn Christian Joy,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
Barbara, you will love this awesome book! My toes really did curl and I got the goosebumps during one of the most romantic conclusions I have read in a long time! lol Christine is very descriptive of her Indian setting, which I loved!
DeleteI used to work with a woman who would go back and forth to India to help care for her father. She was a beautiful woman so I think India would be a wonderful exotic location to read about. Thank you cscrawf@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteCAROL, I'm so convinced everyone will love this marvelous book! The setting just mesmerized me. Thank you for coming by!
DeleteI so agree with you Carol. I've also got friends and family members who are often in India for various types of missionary work. While India does have its problems, it is a beautiful country. But before you go there on holiday, definately read up on what to expect. India is not Hawaii for sure. There's always a sense of danger there.
DeleteI think the moonlight of Hawaii would be nice and captivating.
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
That sounds wonderful, APPLEBLOSSOM! Let's go! ;)
DeleteI love Hawaii. My husband and I went there for ur 25th wedding anniversary. We're going on 32 years married, so I think it's long overdue for a return to that paradise.
DeleteWish hubby and I could have gone there for our 40th. When they build a freeway to Hawaii is when I'll get to go...he won't fly ever again and after the experience he had on his first flight I don't blame him!
DeleteOh I so want to read this book.... saw the cover few weeks back and It sounds so good. Thank you for making it available in a giveaway ! Loved the review ! Thank you Diana. Thank you Marian.
ReplyDeleteLinda Finn
faithfulacres7@gmail.com
LINDA, it is awesome! Do you have a favorite exotic setting for a book?
DeleteHi Linda Marie, the front cover is very pretty, but don't let the prettiness fool you. There's lots of action, danger, and a bit of mystery in this story. A deep spiritual thread as well as romance. The kind of romance I like to read. LOL
DeleteThe toe curling kind. lol
DeleteDiana as always great review. I would love to read this. Just give me a nice beach!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Thanks, DIANA! This book has a beautiful beach with white sands in the moonlight. I got so lost in the moment...in every moment of this book! :)
DeleteHi Diana, I sure hope you get a chance to read this Book 2 in my series Twilight of the British Raj.
DeleteI agree with the girls previously. The regions of India are one of the areas that captivate me. The method of dress and difference in customs are so interesting. I can''t wait to read the book. Thanks for the great review, Diana!
ReplyDeleteWith CHRISTINE'S descriptive imagery, LORI, you will see alot of the beauty of India in this novel! Good luck to you!
DeleteSo true Lori. It's the dress of the women that is so fascinating. Those sari in every color under the sun is breathtaking. In the villages, they are such sweet people. I had the joy of visiting many villages in the south of India on a missions trip. One of the highlites of my life.
DeleteGood afternoon, everyone! :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure that once my reply posts, surely more than 11 will have commented, as I was going to leave a comment earlier today, but didn't feel up to it until now! A bit under the weather, but doing fine! :) My initial answer was going to be: Mexico {as I have been there!}, Guatemala, Eucador, or Peru, as I am captivated by the cultural heritage, foods, and essence of these lovely Latin or South American countries,... however, India has always fascinated me on many levels, as has most of the South Pacific and Pacific Rim countries,... I still think I'd be rapt with awe standing beneath the base of a giant Buddha statue that kisses the sun as it stretches past the upper canopies! Tigers stalking and living free just behind the treelines, and elephants who help you transport yourself to or from a location,... not to mention the spices! I regularly cook with coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam marsala, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamon, and curry powder,... to have that infused into the air,... ooh boy! What a drinkable palatte of literary adventure, you've given us in your review! I hope they speak about the types of foods they make as well!? My favourite Indian Chef is: Madhur Jaffrey!! I'd love to become more proficient in the recipes that she writes into her cookbooks!!
I have seen this book mentioned on several blogs of late, and was hoping to get the chance to read it at some point! :) Either through winning a bookaway OR finding it at my local library, if perchance I couldn't purchase it straight-away! :) I love writers who can envelope our world by their words, and take us to far off places that enchant our minds and give us a story to chew on that laments about not only the human condition, but that of love, and strife.
Ooh before I go, I wanted to say that Indian fashion and clothes are absolutely beautiful! I am not sure if your familiar with Bollywood, but I adore their dream-dance sequences that are both eloquently constructed and musefully enchanting,... their films are lively, full of emotion, engaging imagery and songs; they tell beautiful stories in such a unique way! :)
Thank you for such a lovely post!
And, thank you for the chance to win this book!
Blessings to all.
Jorie
inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
RSS feed subscriber, OWG
*NOTE: I previously had a typo, where I put "OMG not OWG",...
JORIE, WOW, what pleasure to read your lovely comment! I do believe you could write a book set in India as well. You will certainly get your senses tickled with this one, so be sure to put it on the top of your wishlist!
DeleteMs. Flowers,
DeleteThank you for your lovely compliment! Your quite right, I nearly could, eh!? :) There are certain places that speak to my heart, and India, is one of them! I think sometimes that by which speaks through our heart comes back into our life in a way we might not expect, so I will not be a bit surprised if I pen a story of India! :) OOh, I am ahead of you -- it's on the list, for sure! Happy to make you smile! I have a hankering for a mango lassi and rose water sweets now! Smiles.
You are such a dear! :) Mango lassi, huh?
DeleteI agree Jori, I too love a book that talks about the food of that country. I did somewhat. Most of the food research I did for Book 1 in this series. But in Captured by Moonlight, Laine and Adam do visit an Indian prince in his palace and partake of authentic South India cuisine. And of course on Adam's plantation there are all of bananas coconuts and mangoes. Did you know the mango is the national fruit of India?
DeleteLOL Jorie, you know about the Rosewater sweets. How wonderful. They were a special treat in Shadowed in Silk. In Book 2 Captured by Moonlight, Eshana talks about coconut burfi as her favorite. But Abby in Shadowed in Silk sure did love her jalabis.
DeleteHallo Ms. Flowers, Ms. Lindsay,
DeleteI didn't get the see your lovely replies until now, I'm suffering through a horrid migraine, and to be honest, all the lovely delicate Indian foods your mentioning is making my mouth water! :) I wish I had a local Indian restaurant! I'd order takeaway! :) :) Actually, to answer your question(s),... no I didn't know Mango was the National Fruit of India! How thankful I am, that I love their signature drink AND fruit! :) Wicked keen! I haven't yet read your first book or this one, but I've earmarked it to read... I checked on Powells, and they have your first book, so I will pick it up there, if my library doesn't have it, as I truly want to get wrapped up in the stories! :)
I keep forgetting that I think it is South Indian foods that I tend to gravitate towards more than North Indian, which I always find interesting!! I could seriously live off: bananas, coconuts, and mangos! I use coconut water to re-hydrate, the milk to cook/bake with, and the flakes to a sweet addition to cookies, brownies, or breads! :) Love the diversity of the ingredient! :)
Ooh, the rosewater sweets!! Those are my absolute favourite desert when I dine out -- not ever Indian restaurant serves them, and it's quite the special treat when I do have them! I couldn't remember their proper name, so forgive me on that, but I knew if you had enjoyed your research, perhaps you had the pleasure of eating them too!?
Thanks for cheering me up with your notes!! :)
Have a wonderful book tour and blessings to you always!
PS: I think the jalabis would be a favourite of mine too! I googled them, and ooh, I devoured funnel cakes as a child at a carnival! And, the coconut burfi -- I think I'd devour that right now! Yum! Thanks for mentioning those! :) I will look forward to seeing how they come to play in the book(s)!
Ohh! I forgot the main use for 'coconuts' in my cooking: I use the coconut oil to saute or bake, because of the high heat point! Extra Virgin Olive Oil doesn't have it which surprised me when I learnt that, and so, shifting over to coconut oil took a bit, as three brands I loved ended up being discontinued! :( I'm hopeful that Kelapo lasts a lifetime! It's seriously the best that I've come across as once its heated on your cooktop, it melts into 'water!' :) :) What bliss!
DeleteSilly migraine made me forget! :/ Shrugs.
OH MY GOODNESS DIANA!!! I loved, loved, loved, your review of Captured By Moonlight! And I can hardly wait to read this after your beautiful review but also after reading Book One - Shadowed in Silk which was such a treat to read itself as!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting to read these beautiful ladies on the covers are your daughters CHRISTINE!! And I have to say, I'm rather looking forward to my toes curling like Diana's and yours, lol! :)
Oh no, everyone is going to be looking at their toes at the end of the book! I'm just weird, NOELA. LOL You will really enjoy this one -- never ending excitement, romance, and no boredom here. Also loved, loved, loved your review of Shadowed in Silk, my friend! Thank you so much!
DeleteLOL. If your toes curl reading this book, then I know I will have succeeded. Please let me know if that happens. LOL
DeleteSounds like a great book! I love the setting of India, as my favorite series for years was Chaikin's "Heart of India". Thanks for the review, Diana!
ReplyDeleteSo do I, GWEN! Especially in this particular book---it's wonderful! I felt like I was watching a movie most of the time.
DeleteGwendolyn, I too really enjoyed Linda Chaikin's books on India. I've only been there once, but I'd go again in a flash if the opportunity arose.
DeleteDIANA, you do such an awesome job on your reviews! And you sure can pick a winner! I am expecting more great books from Christine in the future! My BIL is from India. Many blessings, Christine, and congrats on your new release!!! Glad to have you on OWG!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Carrie. And a huge congratulations on the release of your debut novel. What a rush eh?
DeleteThank you, MISS CARRIE! Christine's books are the cream of the crop, for sure!
DeleteMy favorite exotic setting for a book would be the Islands of Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteI hope to go back for a visit one day.
Thanks for entering me in the giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Me too, can't say it too many times. Love Hawaii.
DeleteJANET, it seems as though the whole world has been to Hawaii except me. :( It's been my dream ever since I was a child--maybe someday! I HAVE been to Canada, though. lol
DeleteHave not read this author before, so would enjoy getting to know her writing. Sounds like mystery and romance!
ReplyDeleteHi Martha, if you like historicals with lots of action, adventure, a touch of mystery, a realistic but romantic romance, and a strong spiritual thread with a real sense of 'being there', then I think you would like my novels. Hope so anyway.
DeleteDo put this one at the top of your wishlist, MARTHA. You'll love it--I'm convinced!
Delete
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana for the great review. And, thanks to Christine for the give-away. Sounds like an interesting story. I think kit is neat you could use your two daughters on your books. The cover is very pretty. I think Australia would make a lovely location for a story. But, if I were going somewhere, I would choose Colorado or Wyoming. In WY. around the beautiful Tetons would be a beautiful place. I lived there, so I know first hand. And, Colorado has grat beauty too. Please put my name in. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
I also love books set in Australia, MAXIE. I have never been to WY or CO but I know by pics I have seen that they are beautiful states -- albeit too freezing cold for me in the winter. {{shiver}}
DeleteOh Maxie, I have always considered Australia to be one of the most fascinating places for novels. In fact many of my favorites are set in Australia. Of course the classic A Town Called Alice is in my top 5 of favorite books.
DeleteBeautiful cover..and a fantastic review...really excited to read this one
ReplyDeleteThank you, JEWELS! Hoping for a win for you here!
DeleteYep, me too, hoping you all win. Drat, I wish I could give away more books.
DeleteDIANA wonderful review of a beautiful story. Great Job CHRISTINE!!
ReplyDeleteI love to read about a lot of different places but I guess anything from "The Wild West" would be my favorite. :)
LOL Teresa, yes the Wild West is fascinating. But as a Brit, I think that the British Raj in India had as much adventure, swashbuckling romance, and epic romance as the Wild West has for America. Now don't get me wrong, I live in Western Canada, we've got cowboys all over the place, especially in the middle of my province and in the areas my husband comes from. My hubby used to wear a cowboy hat, and still wears cowboy boots as his dress shoes. But I also swoon over the British cavalry officer and his stiff upper lip that hides a multitude of tumultous emotions such as Major Geoff Richards in Shadowed in Silk, and Adam the plantation owner in Captured by Moonlight. Take the test---see if British Raj ranks anywhere near the Wild West for adventure. LOL
DeleteThank you, T! Remember that tv show with that good looking actor? The Wild Wild West? Robert Conrad I think was his name. You had to have watched that one! ;) BTW there are no pirates in the Wild West books, TERESA. lol
ReplyDeleteBOY DID I EVER!!! Still watch it every chance I get!! :D James West ~sigh~ I'm sure my daddy had no clue how much I enjoyed watching that show with him! lol No pirates but COWBOYS are a close second!! lol
DeleteYou got that right! :P
DeleteGreat review! Certainly makes me want to read Christine's book:) Her historical novels all sound good!
ReplyDeleteAs for the exotic location...I don't think Ireland is considered exotic, but it is to me and I would love to go there:)
barbaraellenbrink(at)yahoo(dot)com
BARBARA, Ireland sounds exotic enough for me! Such a wonderful setting for movies and books to be sure. Beautiful country! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteWell Barbara, I have to agree with you 100%. I was born in Ireland, and it truly is a beautiful place. So untouched from industry. It really does look like the poscards. So yes, go to Ireland when you get the opportunity. And I have every intention of writing novels set in my beloved birthplace.
DeleteYou are Irish then, lassie! I had no idea you were born in Ireland...how cool is that? How long did you live there?
DeleteLovely review, Diana. You really captured the book. I've been telling people for months that, unbelievably, I think this book is even better than the first. Don't enter me, I had the pleasure of editing this one ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, DINA. I told my friend that recently, which truly is remarkable b/c SiS was unbelievably good as well!
DeleteYes, Diana, I was born in Northern Ireland which is the 6 counties in the northeast of the island. These 6 counties still belong to England because the majority of the citizens wanted to remain as British subjects when Ireland got it's independence I think in 1920. Unfortunately, this is also created the problems in the north which we still see signs of today, but not as bad as in the '70s when those times were called the Troubles. We immigrated to Canada long before that though. I was only 5 when we came to Canada, and have been in Canada 50 years. You do the math. :o)
DeleteMy family went on a vacay to Canada when I was 5 yrs old, but since I'm older than you, we weren't there at the same time. lol Canada is so breathtakingly beautiful.
DeleteExotic settings, hmmmm... I've always liked novels about missionary heroes, especially in places like Brazil, Australia, and India. I have no idea bu these countries just have a huge draw for me, I just can't read enough about them!
ReplyDeletecrazi.swans at gmail dot com
Those are the exact countries that draw me the most, too, FAYE. And Africa as well. Hoping for a win for you, gf! If you love India settings you are sure to love this one!
DeleteMe too, Faye, but India was always the biggest exotic draw for me. However, I also though stories set in old Shanghai (also during British Colonial times) was very interesting.
DeleteI'm excited about reading this book. Hope I can win one. Shirley Culpepper
ReplyDeletebluebell5071@yahoo.com
Hi Shirley, I'd like you to win too. I'd like everyone to win. Blessings on you.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI actually consider any setting away from where I am living to be rather exotic.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
LOL, MARY! I hear you on that one! Too cute.
DeleteGreat review. I love the cover of this book...the ocean, the moonlight. My favorite setting is on the deck of a tall ship, looking out over the water at sunset..cool breeze blowing..
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com
I love the cover too, DEBBIE. It's rather innocent looking, but don't let that fool you! Plenty of excitement between the pages! A book that was very hard to put down.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful book to read! I would love to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteMelissa B
Battles2001@hotmail.com
MELISSA, lots of luck to you!!!
DeleteI'm so excited to read this! I"m not sure what exotic locale would be my favorite. Maybe Italy but I'm interested in reading about a lot of different places. shopgirl152nykiki@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete