Diana's Review Of Bride Of A Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd



Bride of a Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd
Howard Books, Mar. 2016

Reviewed By Diana Flowers

(No Spoilers!)

~5 Stars~

Riveting Historical Fiction!

With the sweep of her pen, author Sandra Byrd has written an exotic, intriguing Victorian era novel with a permeating aura of mystery—wrapping an invisible veil around the reader and ensnaring them until that last exquisite page is turned.

A school teacher for young ladies in Winchester, England, Annabel Ashton is summoned for a seemingly short visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall, near the sea. However, she finds herself at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge, and is unable to leave. Highcliffe Hall is to go up for sale, and much to Annabel's horror Edward has promised her to a evil, menacing man of means. She has little say so in the matter as she was born the half Maltese, illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, making Edward and his wife heirs to Highcliffe. But soon sinister secrets surround Annabel as she starts to exhibit disquieting behavior—and jewelry, portraits, and other items begin to mysteriously appear, suggesting that she may be the true heiress of Highcliffe after all. Can she trust the handsome Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua to help her, or is he just using her as means to an end?

Lovers of Gothic era authors such as Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Dapne du Maurier, and even Julie Klassen fans, are sure to delight in this suspenseful, well written novel—intertwining the exotic allure of the island of Malta and the beauty of the English seaside. I never knew anything about Malta and the author's amazing research of the island's people and customs totally fascinated me. There was more than one time I wanted to thump Annabel on the head and say, "Do something!" until she finally read my thoughts and DID something that knocked the props right out from under me! To say I was shocked would be an understatement! And oh, the hunky, romantic hero...be still my heart! Although the story may appear dark from the description, the playful, humorous quips between the two main characters, the balls, shipboard dinners, and fireworks (real and those between the hero and heroine!), keep it from being so. With many haunting plot twists, vivid detail, and a mesmerizing plot, this is one novel I'll long remember!

"Alla fine andrà tutto bene se non andrà bene, non e le fine".
"All will be well in the end; if it's not well, then it's not the end."
~Quote From Bride of a Distant Isle~

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Thanks to Howard Books for providing me with a copy of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

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

GIVEAWAY: Sandra Byrd is generously giving away a paperback copy of Bride of a Distant Isle to one blessed commenter AND a gorgeous cameo bookmark to another! *US entrants only.* To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Beautiful Cameo Bookmarks By Nicole Laverdure!

Noela Nancarrow reviews PROMISE TO CHERISH by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Promise to Cherish (Promise of Sunrise, Book 3)

by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Howard  Books (October 7, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 A tale that is as hard-hitting as it is gentle; a ‘Promise to Cherish’ jolts the reader with shattering and cruel realities but then carries you along on the wings of courage and hope, love, and faith in God. It is a beautiful, raw, and honest story taking place nigh the end of WW2, capturing your heart as misunderstood characters struggle with unexpected events that significantly impacts their future.

As a conscientious objector to the war, Eli Brenneman has been sent instead to work at an appalling and understaffed hospital for the insane. He is determined to make a difference and to arrive back to his Amish community with far more integrity and maturity than when he left. It is at the hospital that Eli befriends Nurse Christine Freeman, a beautiful albeit non-Amish girl, and soon finds his affection burgeoning although the outlook is grey. Christine’s feelings are directed elsewhere but when she’s assaulted and feels abandoned and unsure, he throws caution to the wind and invites her to stay with his family as his war service finishes.

Eli becomes hopelessly ensnared between his Amish community and the Englisher girl he’s fallen in love with. How can his family see that he’s any different when they look no further than the outsider he’s brought home? Or when they listen to rumors spread by an Amish girl besotted with Eli, giving credence to his previous character as one reckless with his affections? But then how can he give his all to Christine when she insists she can’t become Amish? When Christine’s former love interest arrives to take her back home, will this man be her saving grace or a nightmare come to re-visit?

‘Promise to Cherish’ delivers realistic insights into asylums of the war era, the controversies of civil public service in lieu of fighting, and an authentic depiction of the Amish. Poignantly conveyed was the tragic and traumatic experience Christine endured, but overall this gentle love story was about hope and healing, and features in my opinion, a true hero. ‘Promise to Cherish’ promises a rewarding read!

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You may purchase this book through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy! E-book for international winners!

Diana Reviews Promise To Cherish By Elizabeth Byler Younts

Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Howard Books, 2104

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars~*****

Promise to Cherish is a lovely, heartrending story of the seemingly ill-fated romance between a young couple whose lives intertwine during a raging war that threatens to tear the whole world asunder.

Christine Freeman is a nurse at Hudson River State Hospital when she meets the handsome Eli Brenneman, an Amish conscientious objector during World War II. In spite of their immense differences, Christine and Eli develop a friendship based on physical attraction and mutual respect.

Christine is flattered when an old school crush, handsome and popular Jack Delano, offers to take her riding after a New Year's Eve party. But that promising night forever changes the course of her life when a violent act occurs, leaving her with no recourse but to return with Eli to his Amish community. Both Eli and Christine are faced with tough, seemingly insurmountable challenges when their initial attraction begins to grow into love. Especially when Jack resurfaces and wants to take Christine back with him....

Elizabeth Younts has written a hauntingly beautiful love story that is not your typical Amish romance. The harsh realities of war, forbidden love, and violence perpetrated on a young woman are tough issues, but the author deals with them with finesse and dignity. Be sure to have the tissue box nearby -- you will need them! Truly a well written story of God's faithfulness, redemption, and healing, be sure to put Promise to Cherish at the top of your wishlist!

You may purchase this book through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstore.

SORRY, but comments are CLOSED on this post. Come by next week to read NOELA's review of Elizabeth's book for a chance to win a copy. Comments will be open on that review. Prayers for Diana are appreciated!

Three Reasons to Read: Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Buy this book now at CBD, B&N, or Amazon. Promise to Cherish is published by Howard Books, 2014, and is part of The Promise of Sunrise series.

Three Reasons to Read Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts:
1) This book made my list of Top 10 Books for 2014.
2) Runner up for Bibliotherapy of the Year because of the many strong therapeutic elements.
3) The author is adorable! (I had to just throw that in!) She's also very talented!!!

Elizabeth Byler Younts and Carrie Fancett Pagels ACFW 2013

Elizabeth Byler Younts is proving herself as a story teller extraordinaire. I loved her last novel, also an Amish story. Elizabeth's extended family is Amish so she has a unique and genuine perspective. As far as this novel goes, the reader should be sure to read the blurb about the book because the book includes a somewhat detailed sexual assault. However, one can infer this fact from the blurb, plus it is necessary to understand the heroine's motivations and the struggles she faces. The way the scene is written it is done well and integral to the plot.

Because my father worked in a state hospital near my home (and I spent a fair amount of time on those grounds), I was interested in Elizabeth's descriptions of the setting and the treatment in a New York state asylum just after WWII. Very disturbing. I would like to think that the mental institutions in Michigan were much better than this, at that time. Shocking.

Lovely story about forgiveness, mercy, and redemption. Beautiful love story. Just when you think you know what will happen there is a hairpin turn. Highly recommend!


Bibliotherapy: Date rape, PTSD, pregnancy, rejection, forgiveness, mental illness, and God's provision.

Giveaway: A copy of Promise to Cherish, which made my top 10 list of favorite books for 2014 and was runner up for bibliotherapy for the year.

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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