Lessons on Love New Book Release!!!

It's Launch Week for the Lessons on Love collection from Barbour Publishing! I'm so delighted to be in this collection with fellow author friends, Kathleen L. Maher, Susanne Dietze, and Rita Gerlach. We've got a lovely fun Rafflecopter giveaway and we hope you'll enter!


Lessons on Love collection

4 Teachers Find More Than They Bargained for in Their Contracts

Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L. Maher
New York, 1840s
Her father’s sudden death makes Gilda Jacobs the new schoolmaster, but to teach Christian curriculum she partners with fire-and-brimstone revivalist Joshua Blake, who learns a lesson in love.

Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietze
Kansas, 1870
Mary Clarence teaches English to the children of Swedish immigrants, but when her favorite students’ widowed father, Kristofer Nilsson, is accused of robbery, she’s determined to clear his name.

In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Mackinac Island, Michigan, 1894
Desperate for work, Margaret Hadley dresses as a young man to secure a dray driver’s position. When soldiers at the fort threaten her, Mackinac Island’s newest teacher, Jesse Huntington, intervenes.

A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach
Virginia, 1904
Karin Wiles longs to share the uplifting power of music with children. But when she seeks to improve a poorly run school and include orphans, Nathaniel Archer delivers harsh words of opposition from the school board.

Links to purchase Lessons on Love collection:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book Distributors

Barbour Publishing

Giveaway: Box of books! Extra 5 points if you've already purchased a copy of Lessons on Love (put "bought" in your comment)! Extra 3 points if you've left a review (put "reviewed" in your comment)! Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Christian Fiction books. 

Victorian Christmas Brides Review by Andrea Stephens

Christmas came a little early for me when I opened this brightly wrapped, autographed book! 

Review of The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection by Andrea Stephens

 I met a couple new to me authors on this journey back to a different time. Nothing is perfect and there are many twists, mysteries, and surprises along the way but each of the 9 novellas has a happy ending. I highly recommend this book for all historical Christian fiction fans especially those that love unique Christmas love stories. This book makes a perfect gift for yourself or your favorite book lover.

Some feelings on each novella. 

~One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase 

Good story! It is clear that Marianna and Tristam belong together. Miss Nowell seemed to know it too. ~Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze Much mystery involving the stolen diamond necklace. I loved the children being seen and heard, not stuck in a nursery with a nanny. I loved how Bennet and Celeste became more than friends despite their desire not to wed. Love finds a way! 

~The Holly and The Ivy by Rita Gerlach 

A very sweet Christmas love story. Lily and Andrew have been writing each other for a year. In the beginning, was about some old letters but as time went on, things became more personal but she only signed her letters with an L. He comes to lecture at the Smithsonian Institute where Lily faints. He sees that she gets home and after much discussion, he realizes who she is. I loved Lily's parents. The secret is very touching and Lily gets her longtime wish. 

~Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher 

Misunderstandings and other confusions keep Rufus and SarahAnn apart. Love, however, does find its way. I can't imagine bringing a house in pieces from England to New York. Rufus will do anything to make sure his ailing mother is happy. SarahAnn goes above and beyond in caring for her too. A very nice story with a bit of mystery regarding the elder Mr. Sedgewick too. 

~A Christmas Promise by Gabrielle Meyer 

Their late mother's agreement forces Christopher and Ashleigh to be in the same place at the same time. Neither one wants to marry. But...The child she disliked most in the world had somehow become the man she adored. A sweet story! 

~The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels 

A wonderful story! I loved how Percy and Eugenie meet then meet again. I loved the work Eugenie does with the war widows. With the help of Eugenie and her Sugarplum Ladies catering, what was going to be a lonely Christmas turned into a wonderful family & friends reunion. The ending was perfect! 

~Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley 

A dare. A kiss. A separation of hearts. Years later will the two hearts find forgiveness and love again? This was a bit heart wrenching to see a mother forced by her late husband's will to give up her son. I enjoyed this story. I loved what the Paper Snowflakes were made of, you will too. 

~Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad 

I really liked this story. I did not like Fern Kent at all! She was a controlling, shrew of a mother-in-law. Blaming Beatrix for her death the death of her son and more. UGH! I loved little Clara and her father Hugh. He was such a sweet gentle, man. He did so much to help Beatrix. How she helped him pick out a doll for his daughter's Christmas gift was so sweet. Mean old Fern stirs up trouble. Will the truth bring healing and love? I loved the Christmas in this story. 

~A Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch 

This truly was a perfect Christmas! I love how the author used Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" in Melisande's window design and in Gray's heart. I was happy with the ending but would love to read more of Melisande and Gray's story as well as see what becomes of Vonetta in the future. 

As you can see, I really do love this collection!

GIVEAWAY: A copy of the paperback of  The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection autographed by Carrie (and maybe even a couple more authors!) Answer this question to enter: What's your favorite thing about Victorian era Christmases that you've read about?

Giveaway and Endorsement by Author Rita Gerlach of The Steeplechase by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Review/Endorsement by Author Rita Gerlach, Dusk to Dawn Inspirational Fiction, :

The Steeple Chase (Forget Me Not Romances) by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a heartwarming story that takes readers on a 19th century ride through 1810 Virginia. The characters are examples of the Virginians of their day, with one adventurous heroine--- the brave and determined Martha Osborne. Martha disguises herself as a man in order to 'race to the steeple' in hopes of winning so she can to bring her young brother Johnny back to her. Who doesn't love a heroine willing to put everything on the line for another? The romance and plot twists, the fleshed out characters, horses and races, will truly satisfy readers. 

About Rita - Rita Gerlach is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian fiction. She is a breast cancer survivor who incorporates her overcoming journey into her newer fiction. Her new release, After the Rain, is a beautiful Edwardian story but you'll find many of her books are set in the colonial era. 

CFP: THANK you so much, Rita, for this lovely endorsement!

GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of The Steeplechase (USA only, ebook option open to all.) Have you read a story set in the early 1800s in Virginia? Get extra entry points by signing up for my newsletter (if you are already a newsletter subscriber put "newsy" in your comment!)

Diana's Review Of AFTER THE RAIN By Rita Gerlach

After The Rain By Rita Gerlach
Sept. 30, 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)

Such An Alluring Fragrance 'Tis After The Rain...

 

In After the Rain, author Rita Gerlach pens an unforgettable Edwardian era novel that sweeps the reader from the opulent busyness of Chevy Chase, Maryland—where past and future intertwine with the invention of motorcars and telephones—to the vast, quiet beauty of the small hamlet of Chestnut Creek, Virginia, where one can hear the whispers of the winds through the pines and the water tumbling over the rocks in the creek.

Although Louisa Borden lives in a gorgeous mansion in Chevy Chase, she feels suffocated by her overbearing and ofttimes cruel grandmother, Beatrice, who insists upon her marrying Rupert Eastcott—a wealthy man she doesn't love. The stubborn Louisa definitely has no desire to marry the stuffy Rupert and live in a huge lonely mansion in England. When she is thrown from the saddle by her high spirited horse above the creek, she is rescued by Jackson O'Neil, a handsome stranger who carries her up the slippery bank—muddy and totally humiliated. Intrigued by this rugged country man, Louisa finds herself falling for him until Rupert reveals an unforgivable secret concerning the enigmatic Mr. O'Neil. Love-sick, crushed by another shocking revelation from Beatrice, and a terrible tragedy befalling her as well, Louisa pays a visit to her fun loving, widowed aunts in Chestnut Creek. After the rain, will the sweet fragrance of new blossoms spring forth with healing for her broken heart...and perhaps love?

One of the reigning queens of descriptive imagery and masterful storytelling, Rita Gerlach, has set the bar high with her newest release, After the Rain! The sights, sounds, and scents of this wonderful book permeate the readers' senses as this amazing tale of love and forgiveness unfolds. I instantly fell in love with the strong, yet vulnerable, Louisa, and the charming, compassionate man of her dreams as well. I cried along with them in their trials, and chuckled at her enthusiastic, wise aunts and their optimistic zest for life! With three romances for the price of one, After the Rain is a memorable novel and one I highly recommend!

~*~ Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. ~*~

Mark Twain

 

 

This book may be purchased through Amazon.

 

 

GIVEAWAY: Rita is generously giving away a copy of After the Rain in winner's choice of format -- ebook or paperback which will be releasing very soon! To be eligible, please leave an email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.



Diana's 2013 Favorites!

 Here's a list of my favorite 2013 books in no particular order! It was very difficult to choose as you authors totally outdid yourselves this year!

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Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz 

A beautifully written novel laden with secrecy, deceit, betrayal, and hidden passions. Laura Frantz is a master storyteller!

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Return To Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 This is a riveting, historical read you won't want to miss. Truly a memorable story of hope and obedience!

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Captured By Moonlight By Christine Lindsay

Christine Lindsay sweeps us away to the exotic, hauntingly beautiful land of India in this exciting story of romance, faith, and intrigue!  

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Forsaken Dreams By MaryLu Tyndall

A riveting novel that sweeps us away on a riveting, seafaring journey -- beginning in the ravaged, post civil war torn South to the lush beauty of Brazil!

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The Governess Of Highland Hall By Carrie Turansky

A wonderful Edwardian era novel set in England; replete with dashing lords and ladies, secrets, pain, and hidden passions! A must read!

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Heaven Is Not Far By Marian Baay

An emotive, soul-stirring short story of a love that transcends time, distance, and even the Civil War! Heartwarming debut!

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Love At Any Cost By Julie Lessman

A passion-filled, heartwarming journey to beautiful San Francisco...with its lush lawns of the very wealthy on Nob Hill to the poverty stricken streets of the Barbary Coast! One not to miss!

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Beyond The Valley By Rita Gerlach

A powerful, heartrending historical read, full of excitement and romance! You simply must put this one at the top of your TBR stack!

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Whispers Of A New Dawn By Murray Pura

A powerful story of love and healing on the turbulent road to the bombing of Pearl Harbor!

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My Hope Is Found By Joanne Bischof

A lovely, heartrending tale of sin's consequences, redemption, and unrequited love, that will keep you flipping those pages well into the night! I loved this entire series!

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Burning Sky By Lori Benton

A hauntingly beautiful, heartrending tale of a kidnapped white woman caught not only between two very different worlds, but also two handsome men from diverse cultures!





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            Unforeseeable and Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

Exciting, suspense-filled sequels to Inescapable---set in the quaint, homey Mennonite town of Kingdom!  

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The Captive Maiden By Melanie Dickerson

An enchanting, captivating story of knights, castles, and romance; reminscent of the classic tale, Cinderella!

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The Painted Sky Volumes 1-8 by Murray Pura 

 An exciting story of adventure and romance on the sweltering, rugged plains of New Mexico! Will be released as a paperback soon and you may recognize some of the characters from OWG!

 

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A Highlander For Christmas by Jamie Carie

 

I loved this breathtaking Christmas novella set in the beautiful Scottish highlands...of castles set against the backdrop of misty, verdant hills---of kilts and colorful tartans, and the seemingly ill-fated romance between a brave clan chieftain and an English lady!



**Thank you to all of the wonderful Christian authors who provided me and so many others with hours of reading pleasure in 2013! See you next year!**

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Click on to book title to purchase any of these great novels!

 

Name a couple of your favorite books from 2013! Have you read any of the books on my list?

Teresa Mathews’ Recommended Summer Reading List

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Here are some greats reads that I know you will enjoy this summer.

These are in no particular order.

You may click on the book title to be taken to Amazon where you may purchase these great reads.

Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels
March 26, 2013

This debut book by Carrie is beyond wonderful!! 
Your summer won't be complete until you read it!
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Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall

This is a new series for MaryLu and it does not disappoint.           

It is riveting from the very first page. 

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A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund. April 1, 2013

A terrific story of a love that knows no boundaries.

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Key Witness by Christy Barritt February 5, 2013

This Love Inspired by Christy Barritt was fantastic!!
Christy is another brilliant writer of suspense! 
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Strand of Deception by Robin Caroll March 1, 2013

Robin Caroll at her finest. A suspenseful read that will
keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman April 15, 2013

Another lovely read by the Queen of Passion.
Another endearing family to fall in love with.
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Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer July 1, 2013

My favorite Karen Witemeyer ever!! A gang of retired train robbers steal a preacher.
What could possibly go wrong with that?
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Vanished by Irene Hannon January 1, 2013

If you need a little excitement in your life,

grab this chilling book by Irene Hannon.

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A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano June 1, 2013

This adorable read by Jen will make you laugh, gasp and  maybe even giggle. 

It's the perfect lighthearted summer read.

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 The Wells Fargo Express Series Volume 1 Remington Colt

The Desperate Road by Murray Pura April 24, 2013

If you love the Wild West then you will love this. There's a shoot-out, outlaws, romance 

and of course handsome Wells Fargo Agents. 

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The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson 1-22-2013

If you love Fairy Tales you will absolutely love this book. 

Melanie's version of Snow White is Fairy tale perfection! 

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Beyond the Valley Daughters of the Potomac Series

Book 3 by Rita Gerlach 2-1-2013

Enduring love that overcomes insurmountable circumstances.

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I hope you will enjoy these wonderful reads as much as I have.

Have a fun summer and happy reading!!

Teresa Mathews Reviews Beyond the Valley by Rita Gerlach

Beyond The Valley by Rita Gerlach
Book Three of the Daughters of the Potomac

Abingdon Press

5 Stars*****

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews

Once again Rita Gerlach takes us on an intriguing journey that starts in 1778 Cornwall, England and ends in a place we fell in love with in the past two books of this series, the wild but wonderfully picturesque Potomac Valley. Here we are given the complete story of a beautiful young widow longing for the love of a family but it seems she will never have it. 

Since losing her husband Jamie, Sarah Carr has no family left so she does what Jamie would have wanted and turns to Jamie’s sister Mary and her notorious smuggler husband, Lem Locke for help. But sadly they would not provide what Sarah needed, instead they arrange for her to be kidnapped and placed upon a ship bound for a country that is at war. Once Sarah arrives in America she cannot believe that she is being sold on the auction block like an animal to the highest bidder, how much more can she endure?

Sarah’s new owners The Woodhouse’s treat her well and during her time with them she meets a young army doctor and hope begins to spring up in her heart that maybe one day she could be free to fall in love. Dr. Alex Hutton is smitten with Sarah from the first moment he meets her, he will do anything to rescue her from the hard life she has had to endure. But before he is able to convince Mr. Woodhouse to let him buy Sarah's freedom, she is sold to a foul smelling trader and whisked away deep into the wilderness and thus starts the horrendous chain of events that will separate them, possibly forever. 

During the time Sarah and Alex are separated she has to endure being held captive by Indians and wandering barefoot through the wilderness trying to avoid being retaken by the same Indians she escaped from. Then just when things seem at the lowest, Sarah finds sanctuary at River Run in the wilderness of the Potomac. Eliza Morgan and Sarah become like sisters and their love for each so strong that Sarah will do anything to protect Eliza. Will Sarah finally have peace in her life or will she have to endure even more lies, deception and sorrows before that comes? Will Alex be able to follow the winding trail of Sarah’s life so they can finally be together?

With this book Rita has taken me on the adventure of a lifetime in the wilds of the Potomac. Sarah’s story was one that deeply touched my heart, it had me wanting to reach out to this beautiful young woman that had endured more things than ten women could handle and yet she never wavered in her faith that God would bring her Beyond the Valley. Rita has a talent for details that will blow your mind, once you pick this up you will not want to put it down until the last page is turned, then you will find these characters have a place in your heart forever. For those who haven’t read Beyond The Scarlet Dawn and Beside Two Rivers you will be able to read this as a stand alone but I do suggest you read those also because you do not want to miss Eliza’s story. For the ones that had the pleasure of reading the first two you will find yourself once again enthralled by Rita’s captivating writing but then again I think you already know that.

You can find this book and others by Rita at Amazon, CBD, B&N, and BAM.

QUESTION: Despite all the bad things Sarah had to endure she never gave up on God, she relied on prayer and scripture to sustain her. What is your favorite scripture when things are going bad for you?

PLEASE REMEMBER TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE OUR WINNER!!

Diana Flowers Reviews Beyond the Valley by Rita Gerlach

Beyond the Valley

 

 

 

Beyond the Valley by Rita Gerlach

Abingdon Fiction, 2013

 

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars*****

Enthralling Historical Fiction!

In Beyond the Valley, author Rita Gerlach has penned another heartpounding, highly emotive, literary masterpiece set against the backdrop of the beautiful Potomac River. The majestic river is surrounded by beautiful, lush forests, a vast array of wildflowers, and colorful mallards skimming along its surface -- but underneath the guise of such peace and beauty lies the threat of dangerous Indians, secret passions, deceit, and treachery.
 

 

Our lovely heroine, Sarah Carr, is devastated to learn her young husband has drowned, leaving her with child and no place to turn. Possessing no family of her own she reaches out to her brother in law and his wife for help -- only to be caught up in a web of deceit and lies that turn her life upside down and threaten to destroy her very soul. Unaware of the evil plans devised against her, Sarah goes willingly with a stranger who promises her work, only to find herself kidnapped and taken to the colonies; forced into a life of servitude.
 

 

Forced to endure the debasement of the slave auction and hardships of every manner, Sarah meets a handsome young doctor, Alex Hutton -- her only bright spot in life. Because she is a lowly indentured servant, however, her love for him must remain unspoken as Alex's attempt to buy her freedom prove fruitless. Although Sarah's life seems heartbreakingly futile as she moves from one owner to another and a new family's secrets threaten to engulf and destroy her, she still manages to hold on to her unwavering faith in God.


When she is kidnapped by savage Indians and there is no trail left behind for Alex to follow...will his love for Sarah be powerful enough to search for her indefinitely? Or will she be lost to him forever? Will Sarah ever see "beyond the valley" to freedom...and love?

 

This book was absolutely amazing! I felt myself torn between wanting to read it slowly and savor it, and then not being able to put it down until the heart pounding conclusion! I sound like a broken record, but Ms. Gerlach's use of imagery is second to none and I feel as though I have actually been to the beautiful Potomac through her novels.


Although this is Book 3 in The Daughters of the Potomac series, it can be read as a stand alone, but I would strongly encourage everyone to read all three books in this awesome series. Diverse and courageous, fleshed out characters, an exciting storyline, romance, and a spiritual thread throughout...this book has it all!! And yes, as with all the others I shed a few tears with this one, too. In my opinion, Rita Gerlach is one of the strongest voices in Christian fiction today!

 

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

Giveaways: We are giving away a copy of Beyond the Valley by Rita Gerlach PLUS an extra copy of any one of MaryLu's releases including her latest, "Forsaken Dreams", which will also be reviewed this week! 

Question: Sarah seemingly endured one heartbreaking trial after another with no break in between. Has this ever happened to you and how did you withstand it? 

Our Week Ahead March 10-17th on OWG

A Vow Fulfilled

We have a busy week ahead!  Two years ago I joined in a serial writing group that was a lot of fun.  It is set in 1800 in Charleston, both downtown and then in the countryside.  On March 11th, MaryLu Tyndall will be featured on OWG for the very beginning of the story, entitled "A Vow Fulfilled."  For this event we are giving away an extra copy of any one of MaryLu's releases including her latest, "Forsaken Dreams", which will also be reviewed this week!  So there are TWO opportunities to win MaryLu's books here this week.

A Vow Fulfilled Serial Schedule

3/11         Overcoming With God      MaryLu Tyndall
3/12         Laurie Alice Eakes        Roseanna White

3/13         MaryLu Tyndall             Debbie Lynne Costello

3/14         Patty Smith Hall    Gina Welborn

3/15         Roseanna  White       Carrie Fancett Pagels

3/18         Gina Welborn                 Patty Smith Hall

3/19         Debbie Lynne Costello Laurie Alice Eakes

March 15th, Carrie's section of the serial will post on Roseanna White's blog.  Carrie is offering a giveaway of a nonfiction book she contributed to that releases in May: 

God's Provision in Tough Times

"God's Provision in Tough Times" by Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy, with 25 stories of overcoming. 

The giveaways for the serial will not be closed out until all of the serials have finished posting. ALSO, there will be a HUGE grand prize package for one respondent who has commented on EVERY one of the Serial posts!  COOL!!! I'll be contributing a Shirley Plantation (site of my upcoming Civil War ebook novella release in April) goody basket to that Grand Prize.

Goodies:
Gina- Designer bookmark
www.inkwellinspirations.com

Laurie Alice- Choices of the Heart and Wilderness Road: Music of the Backcountry CDwww.lauriealiceeakes.com/blog

MaryLu- The Charleston Chef's Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the Heart of the Old South
www.crossandcutlass.blogspot.com

Carrie- Civil War ebook novella plus a little basket of goodies from Shirley Plantation--e.g., notecards, jam, etc.
www.OvercomingWithGod.com

Roseanna- Quill and ink http://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-vow-fulfilled-giveaway-chapter-five.html

Patty- $10 Amazon card www.patty-smith-hall.blogspot.com/

Debbie Lynne- antique bracelet (gorgeous!!!)
www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com


This week we also have reviews of Rita Gerlach's new release, "Beyond the Valley".  And a giveaway of any of Rita's book, reader's choice, from Abingdon Press.

I've turned off the comments--just come by all week and enjoy!  And make sure you come by all the serial stories and leave a comment there!  Blessings!