Noela Nancarrow reviews FAIR PLAY by Deeanne Gist

Fair Play

Fair Play

by Deeanne Gist

Howard Books (May 2, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A Spirited Romance

I had an absolute blast reading the novel ‘Fair Play', which had me both entertained and spellbound! I went the full emotional gamut from laughing out loud at some of the funniest scenes I've ever read, to experiencing sorrow and shock at the depiction of other grimmer parts. Set in and around Chicago’s World Fair of 1893, we're treated to a photographic excursion by not only the enlightening and descriptive information about the fair, but the charming timeworn snapshots which are displayed in relation to the text.

It is at Columbus Hall we first see the forward-thinking woman doctor Billy Jack Tate being introduced to the masculine and rugged traditionalist Texas Ranger Hunter Scott, in a rather mortifying manner! The tables are soon turned however in a hilarious scene when Hunter is embarrassed beyond all measure before her. An unlikely friendship develops out of their encounters which leads Hunter to seek out Billy’s help when coming across an abandoned baby while on guard duty at the Fair. They team up to find him a place to live, but cannot bear it when his only likely home is in Chicago’s West Side and surrounded by debris and filth, no grass in sight, rats for companions, and saloons and the like being the only places of amusement. Just as troubling are the many street kids and gangs. Together they embark upon a mission to develop a type of playground, birthing America’s Playground Movement. But will the street gangs prove a greater threat than Hunter and Billy had credited them to be?

Hunter and his ‘Billy girl’ as he endearingly calls her, soon find their feelings developing and passion igniting. But with each of them staunchly dedicated to their work, do they even have a future? Billy’s desire to have a successful practice in Chicago majorly conflicts with Hunter’s plans to leave for Texas and get back to working with his fellow rangers as soon as the fair ends. And this conventional Ranger (loved his use of classic Texan catch-phrases!) is not about to let his woman be the wage-earner in 'his' home anyway!

A woman’s place in society isn't the only controversial topic of the era highlighted in 'Fair Play'. Other issues are also exposed, such as the rights of children, the underprivileged, housing conditions, immigrants, the drinking age, etc. On the lighter side, Hunter and Billy, who are both plenty stubborn, deliver an entertaining dialogue peppered with amusing arguments and sassy comebacks that are a real treat to read. The romance is written in true Deeanne Gist style-- wonderfully romantic and passionate. And while some may prefer more Christian elements to an inspirational story, 'Fair Play' is clean and there are many positive messages to take away, including learning how compromise is an essential part of a relationship. An unrushed and satisfying epilogue finishes off this extremely enjoyable book! 

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This book may be purchased from Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM etc.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away one paperback to someone who leaves a comment on the reviews of 'Fair Play' this week!! (E-book option is available. Outside US, e-book only.)

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Noela Nancarrow reviews DARE TO LOVE AGAIN by Julie Lessman

Dare to Love Again

Dare to Love Again
by Julie Lessman
Revell (January 7, 2014)

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

Brilliant right to the end!

This is one of those stories! The type of story that adheres you to its pages, shackling you as its willing captive. The type that invades your thoughts and your heart with its arresting characters, the rousing and invigorating plot, and  the faith-building, inspiring voices within. And the type that has you exclaiming upon reaching the end, “Wow, now THAT was an incredible story!”

High-spirited Allison (Alli) McClare is fighting two battles. She desperately wants her independence regardless of the neighbourhood dangers; and after having her heart utterly broken by a money-hungry fraud in the past, she’s been in a fight to guard her heart over the last two years. That is, until the handsome yet surly Nick Barone comes into her life and unintentionally into her heart. Nick has some monumental secrets however, so if Allison dares to love again, can she survive yet another heartbreak if these secrets were to unravel?

Dark-haired Nick Barone (must be said with a long 'e'!) is a grouchy detective that is holding a massive grudge for the rich socialites of the community. Allison seems to fit into this mold, so when Nick is forced to teach her self-defense and see to her safety that she may have some independence, he is furious! In time, Nick sees that there is much more to this little spit-fire than he originally thought and soon this begrudging relationship, sparks and all, grows into something much more intense. Nick has plenty to overcome for this to work. Will the secrets of this angry and vengeful detective kill their hope and future before it even begins?

This is a not-to-be missed Julie Lessman masterpiece! In this second book of the Heart of San Francisco series, the lively characters we all fell in love with in the first, are right there along with Alli and Nick, providing extra scintillating dialogue and a powerful heartfelt subplot. I’m truly in awe of the author’s ability to create not only the most engaging and animated conversations that have razor-sharp wit and discourse so raw and believable, but she also manages to generate romantic tension so passionate and spring-loaded that you’re left breathless!

My only grievance with this story was that it came to an end. I wanted more as I wasn't ready to give it up. The good news is – there'll be more coming in this amazing series. The bad news is – I will have to wait. However this highly recommended story is easily read again in the meantime and most likely will be!

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GIVEAWAY: We have a new paperback of Dare to Love Again, a gently used paperback and an e-book copy to give away this week!! 
Please include e-mail address for contact purposes.

DISCUSSION QUESTION: A lesson learned the hard way by some of the characters was that ‘fear distorts wisdom every single time’. Have you experienced this yourself and/or what are your thoughts on this phrase?

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Dare to Love Again can be purchased from Amazon, CBD, Bam, and your local bookstore.

Noela Nancarrow reviews 'LOVE'S AWAKENING' by Laura Frantz

Love's Awakening

Love’s Awakening

by Laura Frantz

Revell (September 15, 2013)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

~5 Stars~ *****

Breathtaking Historical Romance

‘Love’s Awakening’, the second in the Ballantyne Legacy series, is the beautiful, stirring tale of a gentle and blossoming love that strives to flourish against a background of grave danger, various family angsts, and difficult family and societal expectations. This exquisite novel possesses rich historical detail and a sublime visual display of the locales, and is further complimented by the deeply-layered and endearing characters!

Elinora (Ellie) Ballantyne, the youngest daughter of the respected and powerful Ballantyne family of Pittsburgh, has arrived home sooner than expected from finishing school in Philadelphia. Ellie’s unforeseen early arrival home lands her in the midst of much hustle after the recent storm, but she’s also getting the distinct impression she’s not wanted there by her siblings. With her parents Silas and Eden away on a lengthy journey, Ellie decides she needs to get out from underfoot and to make her own way in life by opening up a day school for the young ladies of Pittsburgh. When Chloe Turlock, the youngest daughter of the Turlock family who have been long-time enemies of the Ballantyne’s, asks to join the class, it sets off a sequence of events that will forever change lives.

Jack Turlock, the younger son of Henry and Isabel Turlock who are wealthy whiskey tycoons and well-known exacting slave holders, is troubled. He’s had a life-altering experience that he’s shared with no-one, and although he is still beholden to his family, he desires to separate himself from the family’s cruel legacy. It is to Silas Ballantyne that he looks up to, but figures he’ll never measure up to the noble and respected Ballantyne’s. When Jack’s feelings begin to grow for Ellie, he knows there can never be anything between them, and arranges to head out west. With the danger becoming more dire for those helping slaves, and knowing the abolitionist leanings of the Ballantyne’s, Jack can only pray they’ll be safe in his absence. With two families as different as light is to dark, can there be any hope for love to triumph against such opposing forces? Or will Ellie and Jack need to betray their feuding families to be able to grasp a chance at love?

Love’s Awakening is a beautifully written tale with impressive research into historical details, giving the reader a glimpse into life in the early 1820’s. Undeniably, author Laura Frantz also writes some of the most tangible and memorable characters ever written, and that seem to take on a life of their own. Endearing women such as Ellie that are genteel and dulcet, yet possess a hidden strength; Chloe, Jack’s young sister who’s a tomboy that lacks many social graces but owns a big heart; and heroes like Jack who are strong yet gentle, chivalrous yet vulnerable, and a man of few words… but those few words ooze an intense personality and great depth of character.

Love’s Awakening forged a path straight to my heart just as all of Laura’s sterling stories do, but then I didn't expect anything less!

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, or your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: I will be giving away an e-book copy of 'Love's Awakening' to someone who leaves a comment! Make sure you include your e-mail address for contact purposes if you're the winner!


Review of MaryLu Tyndall's Surrender the Dawn

Surrender the Dawn Surrender to Destiny Series #3. By MaryLu Tyndall  Published by Barbour Publishing Available through Christian Book Distributors   Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels Five Stars ***** What a Pleasure! Cassandra Channing has known affluence and comfort, both of which are rapidly slipping away. When she is refused the opportunity to invest in a privateer, and what she feels is her last chance to obtain a return on her money (and support for her widowed mother and her siblings) she turns to the town rake. Cassandra resists God’s pull at her heart, angry that she has been loaded with burdens that are not of her own making. Luke Heaton struggles with a desire to prove himself worthy as he also tries to kick his reliance upon alcohol to solve his troubles.  He has provided for his younger brother and refuses to give God the credit for any of his successes. But an error in judgment endangers those he holds most dear. Against the backdrop of the War of 1812, these two all-too-human characters find that they must surrender to God and His will for their lives before their love can be realized. Luke is a very appealing hero.  I loved his dry wit. This may be MaryLu’s best hero yet (once he kicked his bad habits!) We had such fun in our Colonial Quills Tea Party  recently chatting about what a great heart-throb Luke was! This is MaryLu's best book yet! It is a MUST READ!! Disability Friendliness: I read Surrender the Dawn on Kindle. It is also available in paperback. No audio version. Giveaway:  Leave your comments and email address for a chance to win a copy of MaryLu’s latest book, your choice of format. And MaryLu is having a contest with Jamie Carie, too, stop by Talk Like A Pirate Day on her blog!

Review of A Hope Undaunted

A Hope Undaunted (Revell, 2011)

By Julie Lessman

Book reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I highly recommend this novel and gave it five stars!  *****


I read this on Kindle.  It is available through Amazon and Christian Book Distributors (paperback). As Julie mentioned in her interview, it is available as a free download through many sources.

This is my first Julie Lessman book that I have read.  I bought a paperback last year but found reading print on the page rather difficult at that time.  Which is a great thing about Kindle – I read this every night until I was done and it did not bother my eyes at all. 

Well, now I know why everyone loves Julie Lessman’s writing.  I was aware that her tagline is “Passion with a Purpose” and now I know why!  She packs realistic passion in a Christian context on the pages, and boy are there pages.  I wonder how many words her books have in them as I was told 110,000 was the limit and I cannot figure out how a 500 page or so book would have that few! 

In this story we have a spoiled young woman, Katie, who was tormented when she was younger by a street urchin who had been taken into her brother’s home. Now a handsome attorney, he still annoys her, only in different ways. Luke, as he now calls himself, ends up becoming her boss when Katie’s father gives her a consequence for her constant disobedience, which usually had to do with running around with her serious (and also spoiled!) boyfriend.  Boy, oh boy, does Katie need to grow up.  And she does in this heart-warming novel that also has a sizzling romantic thread. 

Julie does a very nice job of including the storylines of the other couples that surround Katie and Luke, including Katie’s parents.  This serves to shed light on why Katie is such a strong willed and affectionate young woman and to lend sympathy to some of her behavior.  And it is nice that mom and dad are not on the page as a couple of old decrepit fogeys. There is also an entire thread about fidelity, faithfulness, trust, and death of a child with one of the couples.

Bibliotherapy: Loss, abandonment, marriage, health issues, forgiveness, finding a godly spouse, respect, and transitions in life.


Giveaway:  Leave a comment and your email address for a chance this week to win a copy of any one of Julie's books in your choice of format.

Diana's Corner - Book Review by Diana Flowers

Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico 

Summerside Press, 2010

by Lena Nelson Dooley 

http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/

4 1/2 stars

Truly A Delightful Read!

In Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, Lena takes us off on a romantic, historic, and spiritual journey between several people. It is the 1890s, and Philip Smith an elderly, sick, quite well-to-do miner instructs his young friend, Jeremiah Dennison, to put an ad in the newspaper for a bride. Philip has loved Jeremiah like his own son, and so he feels obliged to fulfill the old man's wishes, much to his dismay. Why does Philip need a young, gold-digging wife to take care of him, when Jeremiah can meet all of his needs?

Madeline Mercer of Boston, a fine, young Christian woman, finds herself in a terrible dilemma when a business partner of her recently deceased father, announces that she is penniless, and must marry him. Also a friend of Maddy's dies in childbirth and insists Maddy take care of her baby, Pearl, before she passes away. Desperate to escape the horrible Horace and have a means to take care of Pearl, Madeline answers Philip's ad and flees to New Mexico. Upon meeting him, she is shocked to see that he is so old, but soon grows fond of this kind, Godly man, who has offered to take care of her and the babe.

Jeremiah is very suspicious of the lovely Madeline, but finds himself irresistibly drawn to her as a moth to a flame, his best friend's intended. Jeremiah also believes that even though he is not a Christian, he is a good man, and doesn't need God. Soon Madeline's past and Horace's lies and accusations catch up with Maddy. Will she be able to stay in Golden, where her precious baby and Philip have grown to love one another so. And what exactly are the old miner's plans for her and Pearl? Does Jeremiah give in and let God take control of his life? And what horrible things does Horace do, all for the love of money? Has he gone too far for God's mercy and redemption?

This was a beautiful story of forgiveness, love, and redemption as only Lena Nelson Dooley can tell it! I found myself more than once with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes... what a wonderful read with a surprise twist near the end!

This book is available through CBD:  http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=lena+nelson+dooley&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1&switch_number=50  and Amazon and other retailers.

Giveaway:  Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a copy of this award winning book!