Carrie's Favorite Christian Fiction Reads for 2014

At the Edge of a Dark Forest
OWG Bibliotherapy Book of the Year

Surprised by Love, by Julie Lessman

While Love Stirs

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

The books are listed in no particular order but I do have a favorite novel for 2014 and that story is by Caryl McAdoo and the reason is because she's one of the few authors whose "voice" seems so very similar to my own and I really enjoyed the story and characters in Vow Unbroken. All of these novels, however, are STELLAR!!! Several, too, were strong contenders for bibliotherapy book of the year! Elizabeth Camden's and Elizabeth Byler Younts's, in particular! I haven't yet reviewed Elizabeth's on the OWG blog but hope to remedy that omission soon.


 
There were SO many WONDERFUL novellas and short stories out in 2014 and I reviewed quite a few. I didn't feel I could do them justice by pulling out individual stories but I may come back later and do a recap of my fave collections for 2014 because I loved a whole bunch of them, especially the Christmas ones! I have included one novella because it is my Bibliotherapy Book of the Year - Connie Almony's Beauty and the Beast story about PTSD and addiction as well as recovery and rehab for a wounded vet. Beautifully done and a DEBUT book!!!

I'll also be announcing the Angels' Heart winner for 2014. Last year that honor went to Julie Lessman, which disqualifies her for the next five years.  We have three nominees right now from the OWG bloggers and will be deciding soon.

Why no audiobook category? In 2014 I had surgery on my heel. I had a torn Achilles tendon and other issues that had to be repaired. I listened to some audiobooks but I also ended up reading a great many with my eyes instead of listening. Love my Kindle!!!  One audiobook I suggest you avoid is the one for Tamera Alexander's LOVELY novel A Beauty so Rare because the narrator is so poor she ruins the beautiful story. Wonderful book so just read it on your Kindle or ereader and set the font size to large. I have several audiobooks I haven't reviewed on the blog yet that I may add to the post for the novella collections. In general, though, I felt it wasn't a great year for audiobooks for Christian historical romance, which is what I primarily read (because that's what I also write.) But there were some very good ones and I'll get to those in a later post!

Question: What were some of YOUR faves for 2014?

Review of Lisa Norato's "The Promise Keeper"

The Promise Keeper by Lisa Norato

Lisa Norato’s "The Promise Keeper" is a lovely book that sweeps you away to 1825 to Duxbury, Massachusetts. You will feel as though you are there! Love Lisa’s author voice and her ability to craft memorable characters and a spell-binding story.

Sweet Iris Moon lives with her father, having lost her mother the previous year. She is said to greatly resemble her beautiful mother. The Light keeper intrigues her and Iris often goes up to the top of her house to the Captain's watch to observe the man who tries to keep the fires burning in the lighthouse. Mr. Mayne intrigues her and she sets out to visit Clark's island, where he lives. He tells her she already knows him but she doesn't remember him until later in the novel.

Determined to lead an isolated life, Johnny Mayne is drawn to Iris partially because she reminds him of her mother and because he knew her as a child. A terrible storm ends Johnny's plan to be alone in his lighthouse. Iris, housekeeper Hetty, and her father must care for him and draw him out.  There is a disabled young man, Peter, who plays into the story line as well.

Highly recommended! This is a novel to savor so take your time. The only disappointment you will have is when you are done reading the book and it is over.  Simply enchanting. This is one of my candidates for book of the year on the OWG blog.

Giveaway: This week we are giving away two copies of Lisa's novels, winners' choice of book. International winners ebook only.

Diana Reviews 'The Promise Keeper' by Lisa Norato

The Promise Keeper by Lisa Norato

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 *****
NO SPOILERS!

Intriguing Seaside Historical!

In The Promise Keeper, author Lisa Norato has created a unique, hauntingly beautiful historical set in Massachusetts; with its craggy shoreline and rocky bluffs, the roar of the surf, and the almost mystical lighthouse – rising tall and ever present, high above the forest trees. 

Iris Moon lives with her widowed father at Nook House and every morning – with her beautiful silver-blonde hair unbound and tossed by the sea wind – she appears to Keeper Mayne, the reclusive inhabitant of the lighthouse, as a beautiful apparition high above on the captain's walk. Seizing the opportunity to find out more about this mysterious keeper of Pilgrim Light, Iris volunteers to take a Christmas basket to him. She expects him to be a curmudgeon but not such a handsome one, and something vaguely familiar about him immediately draws Iris to Jonathan Mayne and will not let go. When a tragedy occurs and brings Keeper Mayne out of seclusion to Nook House, what secrets are revealed about the death of Iris's mother? … and who is the madman bent on revenge against the Moon family and why? Why did Jonathan choose an isolated life as a keeper in a lighthouse guiding ships to safety, and what is his connection to Iris and her beloved father?

The Promise Keeper is a beautifully written novel that exudes the mystery, aura, and romance reminiscent of classic novels such as Wuthering Heights. Ms. Norato's use of descriptive imagery and knowledge of the era in which this story takes place is phenomenal, and I reveled in the beauty of her prose. The main characters are exceptional and easy to love, the secondary are endearing (to say the least!), and the many twists and turns are guaranteed to sweep the reader away on a seafaring journey they will long remember! I was very impressed with everything about this book, and I highly applaud Lisa Norato for a job well done!

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 This book may be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of The Promise Keeper or Prize of my Heart - both by Lisa Norato! Leave your email or check back to look under the Winners column on the top right hand side.

Noela Nancarrow reviews THE PROMISE KEEPER by Lisa Norato

The Promise Keeper

The Promise Keeper

by Lisa Norato

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 20, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A Sea-faring Romance with Suspense and Adventure

You know those books that have the ability to sweep your imagination from its moorings and sail you away to a vastly different place and era? Lisa Norato’s ‘The Promise Keeper’ set in 1825, is one of those! Flawlessly penned with Lisa’s exceptional and unique writing voice, this story is saturated with an aura of intrigue and anticipation, leaving an enchanting and indelible impression upon the reader.

Standing upon the Captain’s walk atop Nook House, where Iris Moon lives with her father and elderly friend Hetty, Iris shifts her gaze once again across the bay to Clark’s Island where the mysterious Keeper resides in the tall lighthouse diligently keeping the light burning to protect the sea-farers. Eager to assuage her romantic curiosities about the solitary Keeper Mayne who has lived there for a year now, Iris has made plans to secretly visit the island in the small skiff that her boat-builder father, Captain Ezra Moon, had gifted to his daughter. Iris has heard many strange rumors about the Keeper, but when she finally has a breath-taking and disconcerting encounter with this tall, raven-haired man and his pet gull Salty, she concludes that he is even more of an enigma than she originally thought!

Johnny Mayne enjoys his life of solitude on Clark’s Island and prefers to keep it that way. Although, he is often drawn to look upon the ethereal figure Iris Moon makes in her billowing dressing gown across the bay, high upon the Captain’s walk of her home. She is no longer the child Johnny once knew, but he will always feel protective of this wide-eyed sea urchin, and of the secrets her father entrusts he keep hidden from his daughter. When Johnny becomes aware of a recent ship-wreck survivor bent on revenge, can he protect Iris whilst also keeping her father’s confidence?

Your senses will be tantalized with the briny breeze sweeping off the bay and the raucous sounds of gulls that envelop the close community of Duxbury, Massachusetts. Your heart beats a little faster as you encounter vicious storms, an intense and calamitous shipwreck, and a madman still living in the past. And you’ll no doubt be cheered, as you become thoroughly absorbed in this intriguing story that embraces a beautiful, blossoming love, and inspiring faith and courage. Highly recommended!

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good bookstores!

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below to be in with a chance to win a copy of The Promise Keeper or Prize of my Heart - both by Lisa Norato! Leave your email or check back to look under the Winners column on the top right hand side.

Trusting in God During Anxious Times by Lisa Norato

Author Lisa Norato

LISA Norato, welcome back to the Overcoming With God blog. Congratulations on your newest release! Would you share something in your life recently that you had to overcome, with God’s help?

Lisa says: I deal with anxiety issues. Fear, worry, discouragement. Just like many of us, I guess, living in a stress-filled world. This year brought uncertainty, challenge and an opportunity to trust God in a greater way in the form of change. Change is very unsettling and scary for an anxious person.

Just before Christmas, without advance warning, my co-workers and I learned that the law firm where we worked would soon be dissolved. Health coverage would continue for another month, and but after that, we had no idea what was to become of us in Rhode Island’s poor employment market. I had worked at this firm for nearly twenty-five years, and in all that time for the same attorney, a fellow Christian.

It was a time of trying to stay in peace and putting my trust in God, reminding myself to lean on his love, day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute…. I leaned on scripture (Have no anxiety. Pray about everything and the peace of God will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7), the encouragement of daily devotionals and other inspirational material, listened to Christian music, and found comfort in family and friends. I gave my anxiety, fear, worry and discouragement to God only to have a fearful thought creep back in and be forced to do it all over again.

My boss decided he would open his own practice and bring me with him. But with this incredible opportunity came the concern of launching a new business in a difficult economy and the challenge of a hundred and one decisions to be made. One of the many challenges was where to locate this new private practice. It had to be in a location convenient to all and offer a professional environment, yet still be affordable and provide the amenities we’d need. God answered with in an unexpected way through my sister, who saw a television news story on the opening of a local work-share office space. Whatever problem I am stuck in is not too big for Him! Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you. Psalm 50:15.

Starting a new job and saying goodbye to the familiar, most especially people who had been part of my everyday life for many years wasn’t easy. I parted ways with friends who promised to stay in touch with the best of intentions, but with everyone’s busy lives, that hasn’t happened.  But all has worked out with the new law firm and business is growing, to God be the glory!

Seems there’s always something to get me nervous. My latest stress is the release my new book. What will readers think and how will it be received? Now that my day job is secure, what does the future hold for my writing career? I may approach change, the future or a challenging task with trepidation, fully aware of my limitations, but I know I can ask for God’s help and hold on to the confidence that He will give it. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The Promise Keeper by Lisa Norato

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your book and why?
My goal, as I write, is to tell stories rich in historical detail which will hopefully enable readers to feel they have been transported back in time. More importantly, I hope to offer Christians encouragement in their faith and in finding the courage to place their trust in God…because we all need encouragement and to lift each other up.

As you researched your book, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
I believe animals are a blessing from God.  They are miraculous and precious creatures that bring love and comfort to our lives. In my historical research, I uncovered one such real-life creature that brought friendship and comfort to a lonely lighthouse keeper. I couldn’t resist portraying their relationship in The Promise Keeper. Salty, the one-legged seagull, is based on the actual companion of lighthouse keeper Harry Salter, who manned the Duxbury Pier Light Station (commonly known as "Bug Light") during the 1940s. He called the gull "Pete," short for pegged-leg Pete. Keeper Salter fed Pete raw bacon strips from the lighthouse fog bell, and they were close companions, often going fishing or clamming together.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
The Promise Keeper deals with grief after the death of loved one. Further, it deals with death itself and the hope of resurrection and eternal life we have in Jesus. Also in the story is a mentally-challenged character, a gentle, young man called Peter, who struggles for acceptance and his purpose within the community.

Connect with Lisa on her blog:

Lisa Norato                                          

Sea Heroes of Duxbury 

Seafaring Inspirational Romance

Purchase Lisa's books on Amazon.  Buy Lisa's books on Barnes and Noble.

Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

Giveaway: A copy of Lisa's newest release "The Promise Keeper" or a copy of "Prize of My Heart" which was on my Best of 2012 on this blog!

Carrie's Best of 2012

Favorites of the Year

Veil of Pearls 
by MaryLu Tyndall

July 2012

Barbour Publishing

Must be made into a movie--simply stunning, like the cover!!!

Paperback and kindle
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The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
by Julie Klassen

January 2012

Bethany House

Fascinating!

I listened to audiobook. Available in multiple formats.

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A Love Surrendered 

by Julie Lessman

October 2012 

Revell

Fabulous!

I read on Kindle, is available in paperback and on CD.

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Short-Straw Bride 

by Karen Witemeyer

June 2012 

Bethany House


I listened to this on audiobook and it is available in multiple formats.

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Prize of My Heart 

by Lisa Norato

March 2012 

Bethany House

Memorable!

Kindle/paperback read for me.

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SPECIAL CATEGORY/AUDIOBOOKs

Author I have "discovered" and devoured her audiobooks like a fiend:

Tamera Alexander

I listened to six books and have downloaded three more!!!  And I have loved them all!

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Audiobook/Novella

A Marriage of the Heart

by Kelly Long

November 2012

Thomas Nelson

Amazing! Worth the wait to listen to this newest novella in the compilation by one of my favorite authors!!!


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Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series

by Vannetta Chapman

Fabulous series with a very satisfying third installment with "Material Witness."

audiobooks

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Not technically 2012 BUT 

Cascade went to audio in 2012 as did

Torrent 

by Lisa T. Bergren

David C. Cook/Oasis Audio

Exemplary audiobooks although more violent that I would normally listen to. But Lisa T. Bergren is so talented, she can get away with it.

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Novellas

A Wreath of Snow 

by Liz Curtis Higgs

December 2012 

Waterbrook Press

Wow!
Hardcover
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A Light in the Window 

by Julie Lessman

November 2012

Sigh-worthy prequel novella!!!

Ebook only

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Carving A Future

book 1 in Colonial Courtships

by Carla Olson Gade

October 2012

Barbour Publishing
Paperback and Ebook.

Beautiful!
(I did not make it through the other novellas in this collection--yet.)

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Highland Crossings
2012
Barbour Publishing


Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Gina Welborn and Pamela Griffin and Laurie Alice Eakes all have lovely novellas in this four novella collection.

Best of 2012 – Noela's Top Ten Books

HUNTER’S PRIZE by MARCIA GRUVER

Hunter’s Prize is the 3^rd in the Backwoods Bride’s series of books (but can be read alone) and I honestly can’t recommend this exciting and engaging book, and series, enough!  Absolutely loved it!!!

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LOVE’S RECKONING by LAURA FRANTZ

My favourite couple of 2012 is Silas and Eden from Love’s Reckoning! Wheest!! Silas stole my heart as well as Eden’s in this beautiful novel!!

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VEIL OF PEARLS by MARYLU TYNDALL

Veil of Pearls was the first I’d read of MaryLu’s and was so impressed, I’ve been devouring the rest of her brilliant swashbuckling stories ever since… along with boxes of tissues!!

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TO WHISPER HER NAME by TAMERA ALEXANDER

Best cover of the year! And a brilliant story to match!!

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UNENDING DEVOTION by JODY HEDLUND

I knew Unending Devotion was going to be good but it ended up leaving a massive impression on me! The drama, history, and romance were outstanding and made the book impossible to put down!!

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A LOVE SURRENDERED by JULIE LESSMAN

This very much anticipated book didn’t disappoint in its drama, passion, and positive messages!!

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SHORT STRAW BRIDE by KAREN WITEMEYER

It is through Karen Witemeyer’s books I first grew to love Inspirational Historical Romance so I really owe her so much! Short Straw Bride was also much anticipated and very enjoyable!!

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CENTRAL PARK RENDEZVOUS by KIM VOGEL SAWYER, RONIE KENDIG, DINEEN MILLER, AND MARYLU TYNDALL

It is because of MaryLu Tyndall that I read this book because I hadn’t read anything by these other authors as of yet, but after reading this cleverly written and heartwarming story that will soon change!

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PRIZE OF MY HEART by LISA NORATO

I’d read the first chapter of Prize of My Heart online, and this story would not leave me alone until I read the rest! And I’m so glad I did… a fabulous story!!

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SIXTY ACRES AND A BRIDE by REGINA JENNINGS

A wonderfully romantic and enjoyable story that was a real treat to read!!

Guest Review of Jen Turano's by Lisa Norato

A Change of Fortune

5 out of 5 stars for this delightful, engaging novel!

A CHANGE OF FORTUNE 

by Jen Turano

(Bethany, 2012)

Reviewed by Lisa Norato

Author Jen Turano writes with sparkle and whimsy in a debut novel that had me thoroughly engaged with her characters and their very often comical exploits. Eliza Sumner has ensconced herself in the height of New York society disguised as a pudgy Victorian governess who shall go completely unnoticed…or so she believes.  Eliza is hardly unnoticeable and the confession of her true identity—that of being Lady Eliza, daughter of a late earl—is soon drawn out by one of her charges.  

A few years younger than Eliza, Agatha joins her supposed governess on the first of many zany escapades, as Eliza tries to reclaim the fortune stolen by her father’s man of affairs.  After tarnishing the Sumner name, Bartholomew Hayes fled to American to take up residence amongst New York City’s elite.  Eliza’s mission is to ferret out the villain, reclaim her stolen fortune and promptly return to England.

She quickly gets herself into a fix where she not only lands in jail but gets herself dismissed.  With no money, no employment and nowhere to go, she is rescued by a gentleman she met at a dinner party she was forced to attend.  Hamilton Beckett is the City’s most sought-after bachelor.  Well, not so much a bachelor as a widower with two small, unruly children and no intention of ever marrying again.

Hamilton takes Eliza into the shelter of his home where she promptly forms a deep and mutual affection for his children, despite the fact that they have sent each of their many nannies fleeing.  The children are precocious and adorable and had me laughing many times over.  Hamilton and Eliza join forces when it is discovered they share a common interest in Bartholomew Hayes.  He is suspected of having an unsavory connection to a man who has been trying to sabotage the Hamilton family’s railroad business.

Despite Hamilton’s disinterest in marriage and Eliza’s determination to return to England, feelings develop and sparks fly, but how can Eliza know for certain if Hamilton’s regard for her is anything more than an interest in securing a mother for his children?  Or perhaps he is simply interested in her fortune like the fiancé who jilted her back in England?

A Change of Fortune had me smiling all the way through with its large cast of animated characters.  I look forward to the next novel in Jen’s Ladies of Distinction series.

Question: It is the Friday before Christmas. What is one last minute thing you end up doing every year? 

Review by Lisa Norato, author of "Prize of My Heart" (one of Carrie Fancett Pagels' favorite books for 2012!) and other novels. Lisa blogs at Colonial Quills, also. She lives in the Northeast.