Noela Nancarrow reviews UNDER A BLACKBERRY MOON by Serena B. Miller

Under a Blackberry Moon

Under A Blackberry Moon

by Serena B. Miller

Revell (October 15, 2013)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A Perilous Journey of the Wilderness and the Heart 

What an intriguing story! This is one that captures your attention right from the outset. RITA Award winner Serena B. Miller, has produced yet another stunning story of heart-warming romance, gripping adventure, and evolving faith, with ‘Under A Blackberry Moon’.

Within the first few pages, the reader will be absorbed immediately into the reality of the delightful Moon Song, a young Indian Chippewa widow, and her experiences in a town of white people, which unfortunately also included many roughened and immoral loggers. It becomes clear to those close to her that it is too dangerous for her to stay. Moon Song longs to return to her tribe with her baby anyway, and so the plan is set in place for her to travel back with Skypilot, a lumberjack friend of hers that she once nursed back to health.

Isaac Ross, aka Skypilot, a large and ruggedly handsome man who has been a lumberjack and also a minister, willingly takes this long journey with his valued friend, Moon Song. He’s been restless lately concerning his future and this trip seemed like a good idea… at first. However, his attitude changed after tragedy caused Skypilot and Moon Song to fight for their lives and work together to survive the dangerous and unforgiving wilderness of the Northwoods. Seeing his beautiful Indian friend work so capably in the untamed wilderness, compelled Skypilot to see her in a whole new light. As they are drawn to each other, it opens up the dilemmas of culture problems and whether either of them can walk away from their own world to join the other.

Under the Blackberry Moon was a genuinely memorable story… one that is articulated by an accomplished and skillful story-teller. Serena Miller brings to life the real Moon Song in a fictional story that’s interspersed with heart-rending yet true events of history, along with the phenomenal courage and strength of a brave Indian woman during a time when the Indians were being displaced and looked down upon as less than human. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read of an unusual love story between two unlikely people; full of surprises and surprising twists and turns, and one that will take a hold of your heart and thoughts!

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD and other bookstores.

Outside of the USA check out Book Depository for free postage!

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TWO GIVEAWAYS: A paperback copy of 'Under a Blackberry Moon' +  Winner's choice of ebook or paperback of the same!

QUESTION:  How do you think you'd go trekking through the wilderness for a week? Do you think you'd survive? 

*Please leave your email address for contact purposes*

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Serena Miller's "Under a Blackberry Moon" Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Under a Blackberry Moon

By Serena Miller

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

~5 stars~*****

Serena Miller told me at the 2013 ACFW conference that she had a story set in Michigan's Upper Peninsular, where I grew up.  My OWG "Angels" also told me there was a sequel book out to The Measure of Katie Calloway, which I loved.

Moon Song is a young metisse woman, half Anglo and half Chippewa, but she identifies herself as being of the Chippewa tribe. She has a baby and had spent the winter working at a lumber camp where she also nursed an axeman (who'd been a preacher) nicknamed "Skypilot" back to health. Moon Song has good reason to believe that a white man won't stay with a native woman long term--this was especially true in earlier times among the soldiers who came and went from the forts.

Enroute, via ship, to Lake Superior, tragedy strikes. Skypilot, Moon Song, her son, and an officer's wife, Isabella, end up stuck at what I believe is meant to be "Pictured Rocks" although it is referred to as Painted Rocks in the book.  Pictured Rocks are fabulous and are near modern day Munising. I've had many a wonderful trip there and my father enjoyed having picnics up at the top, where there is a park.  But I can't imagine trying to get to the top from the beach below!

Moon Song has been coached in the old ways by her grandmother. These methods assist the foursome as they make their way to Marquette.  I loved how Serena included a priest inspired by our own precious Bishop Baraga!  The love story is very sweet and beautifully portrayed.

I have relatives of Chippewa and other native American descent and I felt Serena was thoughtful in her depiction and probably pretty accurate. And it never dawned on me, what she has happen at the end, that this could have happened to any of my relatives' grandparents or great-grandparents. Nice twist.

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*

Find Serena's books at Amazon, CBD, and other bookstores.

Giveaway: We have a paperback copy of "Under A Blackberry Moon" 

to give away this week and one option of either ebook/paperback of the same (so TWO chances to win this week!)

To enter you must "LIKE" Serena's Amazon page (click here), tell us you did, and tell us if you have EVER visited Michigan's beautiful upper peninsula!

Marian Baay reviews Under a Blackberry Moon by Serena Miller

Under a Blackberry Moon

By Serena Miller

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~*****

When I heard that Serena Miller had written a story about the heroic character from The Measure of Katie Calloway – Skypilot – I knew I had to read this book. 

I loved Skypilot; his character, his hard-working nature, and how he was willing to sacrifice himself to save the life of Robert’s young daughter.

In Under a Blackberry Moon, Skypilot accompanies the native young woman, Moon Song, and her eight month old son from Jack’s lumber camp back to her tribe.

We were introduced to Moon Song in The Measure of Katie Calloway where she stumbled into Robert’s lumber camp. She was also the person who nursed Skypilot back to health. They developed a friendship during that time, but feelings are running a bit deeper than a mere friendship for Moon Song. She is trying to keep them under control, because she doesn’t believe that a white man will stay with a native woman over the long haul. She has seen that happen often enough in the tribes.

During their travel, tragedy strikes and lives are lost. Thankfully Skypilot, Moon Song, her son, and a white woman named Isabella survive. Stranded on a sandbank with no way to get off, Moon Song’s survival instinct kicks in. She leads Skypilot and Isabella to a safer place, meanwhile searching  and preparing food.

Skypilot—big and strong as he is—has to rely on Moon Song to survive their trek through the wilderness of Michigan. His admiration for the woman grows into something more, but Moon Song doesn’t hesitate to turn him down. Will Skypilot find a way to win her heart?

What a wonderful story! I really enjoyed reading Moon Song and Skypilot’s adventure. Moon Song turned out to be an interesting woman; sensitive but tough. She knows what she wants and what needs to be done. Skypilot already stole my heart in The Measure of Katie Calloway and it was a delight to get to know him better and see how he held onto his faith and believes.

To make the story even more interesting, there were some unexpected twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages. The unforeseen surprise at the end kept me smiling long after I finished the book.

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*

Find Serena's books at Amazon, CBD, and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: A copy of Under a Blackberry Moon--winners choice of paperback or Kindle copy..

* Please leave your email address for contact purposes. *

Marian's Favorites of 2013

Favorite Novels

Whispers from the Shadows

by Roseanna M. White

Murder, spies, secrets, war, love, grief, forgiveness, faith... There’s so much to enjoy in this story. The characters and plot were very well developed and the writing is clear and exciting. 

The Heiress of Winterwood

by Sarah E. Ladd

I immediately fell in love with Amelia and Graham. Both are strong characters with flaws—which they must overcome. The storyline is strong and believable. The characters are real and likable. There was never a good time to stop reading—I kept turning the pages and the ending was satisfactory. I’m looking forward to Sarah Ladd’s next book!

The Rose of Lancaster County

by Murray Pura

A fantastic story with great characters and…oh, the romance!! Mr. Pura knows what a woman wants in a romance story and he happily pens it down for us all to enjoy.

Under a Blackberry Moon
by Serena B. Miller

Awesome story about two characters from Serena Miller's The Measure of Katie Calloway—Skypilot and Moon Song.

An interesting story with unexpected twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages.

When the Clouds Roll By
by Myra Johnson

The writing style is excellent! After having read the first pages, I was so drawn into the story that I knew this was going to be a great read…and I wasn’t disappointed! This book has an original storyline and kept me guessing till the end. Highly recommended!

Widow of Gettysburg 
by Jocelyn Green

A well written, heart wrenching story set during the Civil War. Very well done!

Promise to Return
by Elizabeth Byler Younts

This author knows how to keep the suspense high and keep the reader guessing. I have shed several tears while reading this fantastic book, so I advise keeping the tissues handy. I’m going to keep my eye on this author and I’m surely going to read the next book in this series.

Misery Loves Company

by Rene Gutteridge

As a blogger and reviewer I was drawn like a magnet to the storyline in this book. What more fun can there be than to read about the main character being a blogger and reviewer, and who is being kidnapped by her favorite author? :-)

Ashton Park 
by Murray Pura

A wonderful first book in a trilogy about the Danforths of Lancashire. I've read the complete series and loved all the books. If you like to read books with many characters and various plots, then this series is for you.

The Well

by Stephanie Landsem

I enjoyed this book immensely! The writing is excellent; the author has a pleasant voice, the plot is very well done, the characters are so real, easy to love, and easy to identify with. From the first till the last page this book is a pure delight. 

A Heart Deceived

by Michelle Griep

This author really can write!! She has an unique way with words that drew me into the story right away. The descriptions are so rich and full, I could almost feel, hear, smell, and touch them. The emotions splattered from the pages—fear, despair, unfairness, hope, love, romance! Extremely well written, excellent research, and a brilliant plot!! 

Stealing the Preacher
by Karen Witemeyer

Not only a lovely cover, but an enjoyable story as well. This was such a treat!

Forsaken Dreams
by MaryLu Tyndall

A wonderful first book in a new series—I enjoyed this book very much. I love the author's rich descriptions and she always creates the best characters!

Favorite novellas & short stories:

Return to Shirley Plantation

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Our very own Carrie surprised me with her wonderful debut novella. I loved reading about Angelina and Matthew—how they met at Shirley Plantation and how the first sparks of chemistry filled the air. But this is not only a love story—it is war and there are secrets and a mystery to unravel.

Bachelor Buttons
by Kathleen L. Maher

Another wonderful novella by a debut author. This is a sweet love story set during the Civil War. Bachelor Buttons is a lovely story about regular people's lives during the Civil War. Kathleen Maher has a fresh and pleasant writing-style which makes this story an enjoyable read.

All the Pretty Little Ponies

by Murray Pura

This is one of the sweetest short stories I have read in a long time. It tugged at my heartstrings and I sniffled through the whole story. It's so touching, so warm, so sweet, and awesome.

The Painted Sky

by Murray Pura

Make sure to check out this  wonderful series with great characters based on your OWG friends! :-) In this series Mr. Pura has given us an unforgettable adventure in the eight volumes of The Painted Sky!

A cup of Christmas Cheer
by various authors, including our own CARRIE!

I haven't read all the stories in this volume yet, but I enjoyed Carrie's story so much, that I can honestly say it is one of my favorite Christmas stories I've read this year!!—and I've read plenty!

Favorite devotional:

Majestic and Wild

by Murray Pura

Our friend Murray has published many books this year and I loved them all—fiction and non-fiction as well. All his books are among my favorites this year, but his devotional Majestic and Wild has blessed me the most of all the books I've read in 2013! 

Diana Flowers Reviews An Uncommon Grace by Serena Miller



An Uncommon Grace

An Uncommon Grace - Serena B. Miller
Howard Books, 2012

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

WUNDERBAR!

Serena Miller takes the reader from the hot, dusty, war torn Afghanistan desert; laden with military helicopters and Taliban mines, to beautiful Holmes County, Ohio, where the scent of apple blossoms, honeysuckle, and homemade pies permeate the air!

Grace Connor, a military nurse in Afghanistan, is summoned to her grandmother's farm in Ohio, by her seventeen yr. old sister, Becky, to help her convalesce after heart surgery. Grace has never seen a more beautiful, peaceful place until tragedy strikes her grandma's kind Amish neighbors. Levi Troyer's pregnant mother is wounded and his stepfather murdered by an unknown intruder, and as Grace steps in to help, a forbidden attraction develops between the two of them.

Levi, a member of the strictest Amish sect, the Swartzentrubers, where no indoor plumbing is allowed, no orange reflector lights on the back of their buggies, and no books or phones are allowed, has begun to question their teachings. His thirst for knowledge must go unfulfilled, as also his attraction for Grace, for to disobey the orders of the Bishop will cause him to be shunned by his people. When thrust together with the bishop's vengeful, but beautiful daughter, Zillah, Levi's rejection of her causes false accusations to rise against him, and he is put under the ban.

Will the truth come out, and will Levi be exonerated, or will he be forced to marry Zillah? Will Grace reenlist and go back to Afganistan, knowing that nothing can ever come of her feelings for Levi? And who is stealing antiques out of her grandma's garage and why?...and how is her sister, Becky, involved? Is the murderer still in town putting all of their lives in jeopardy, or has he moved on?

I literally had a hard time putting this one down! Serena Miller has fast become one of my favorite authors of Christian fiction. Her excellent use of imagery and endearing characters drew me in and I loved the homey atmosphere of Holmes County, OH. With an element of suspense and a unique, unpredictable Amish storyline, I literally did not see how ANYTHING was going to work out...even when I was 80% into the book! Serena threw in her wonderful sense of humor that I so loved in her first book, and if you want to read about the billy goat prancing around wearing an old woman's underwear on his horns, you will have to order the book! :) Wunderbar (wonderful) job, Serena Miller!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

You can get Serena's books through Amazon, CBD and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday, your choice of author's books and choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.

Diana Reviews A Promise To Love by Serena Miller

A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller

A Promise To Love by Serena B. Miller

Revell, 2012

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

Truly A Heartwarming Story!

In A Promise To Love, Serena Miller sweeps us away to the wilds of Michigan in the late 1800s; a savage land both bold and beautiful--filled with majestic, white pine forests, the scent of cherry blossoms permeating the air, vast lumber camps, and the threat of horrific forest fires.

The Swedish born, Ingrid Larsen, arrives in Michigan to search for her brother, Hans, who has disappeared into the dangerous lumber camps, with nothing save the clothes on her back. In her desperation she proposes to Joshua Hunter, a newly widowed cherry farmer with five rambunctious children.

Joshua is determined to establish a lucrative cherry orchard, and after losing his wife under strange circumstances, agrees to marry Ingrid to help out with the farm and his motherless children. Ingrid finds herself in for the biggest battle of her life as she struggles to be a good mother to five needy children, and must also fight the ghost of her husband's dead wife as well.

Soon terrible secrets are unearthed concerning the death of Joshua's wife, and Ingrid is faced with some challenging decisions. Can she continue to be Joshua's wife in name only?...and how can she endure the many hardships that face her without his love? Where is Hans and is he dead or alive? And it's only as she seeks the face of the Lord for guidance and help that the answers to her angst-filled questions are ultimately revealed to her.

Serena Miller has fast become one of my favorite authors! This compelling, heartwarming fiction based on fact story, grabbed me from the first chapter and did not let go until the last! I loved her realistic main characters (Ingrid never lost her Swedish accent throughout the whole book):), and her irresistable secondary characters just as much. Never boring with a fast-paced, exciting conclusion, this is an absolute must read! Nicely done, Serena Miller!

You can get Serena's books through Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, Lifeway,  and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saterday, your choice of author's books and choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.

Question:  Do you have a family member who served in the lumber industry?

Diana Flowers' Summer Reading List!

This week our format is different.  Carrie is the ACFW BookClub Discussion Facilitator for MaryLu Tyndall's Surrender the Dawn. Are you a member?  Put "BC" on your comment AND send a comment to the ACFW

Book Club to get counted 5 times for the drawing!  Comment here and on the Bookclub posting for the rest of the week and that gives you, well.... you do the math, lol -- lots of chances!!!

Summer Reads – Consensus

Carrie and Diana both were privileged to read advance copies of Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall (July 1, 2012) and Marian and Teresa are also reading!!!

DIANA's list: By order of release!

An Uncommon Grace by Serena Miller      (April)

Mary's Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley is on both Carrie’s and Diana’s lists. Diana will have a review up soon.                    (May, 2012)

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren      (June 1)

The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie             (July 1)

These are Diana’s reads and Carrie’s “eye” reads.  Will post my audiobook listens later in the week. 

We’re not sure if we will receive this for summer but all four of us will read Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz (September 1, 2012 – CBD says they have it available 8-15, though.)

Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one MaryLu Tyndall’s books! Are any of your summer reads on Diana's list?   

Best of 2011 – Carrie’s Fiction List 2011 Releases

Laura Frantz’s The Colonel’s Lady, Revell (historical romance, colonial) Laura is a favorite of all four of us who contribute to this blog. Three of us have read TCL. We all wait with bated breath each year for her new release.  So I'll tag this one "To Sigh For"

MaryLu Tyndall’s Surrender the Dawn (historical romance)

and Surrender the Night  (I am counting these two as one). Diana and Marian and I all included MaryLu on our lists - officially a triple threat! Consistent excellence in writing.

Melanie Dickerson,The Merchant’s Daughter, Zondervan (YA, historical romance) I read this through in one day - she just grips your heart and won't let you go till you are done reading!!!

Now for my count! (Yes, I am cheating! I removed the ones that we all voted for already!)  Oh, and I am another Julie Lessman fan but did not get her 2011 release read yet.  

Laurie Alice Eakes' Lady in the Mist (Revell), a lovely historical romantic suspense read.  One of the best heroes of the year. 

CJ Chase, Redeeming the Rogue, Love Inspired Historical (Regency romantic suspense). Amazing!!! 

Roseanna White's Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, Summerside. Roseanna is on Diana's list, too.

Serena Miller, The Legend of Katie Calloway. Best Heroine and we love Serena and Katie!!! She'd on Teresa's list, too!

The Treasure Trove historical book for me:

Susan Craft’s, The Chamomile, Ingalls (historical, colonial)

Top bibliotherapy pick:
Jennifer Hudson Taylor - Highland Sanctuary, Abingdon  (Scottish historical romance). Wow!  She's also on Teresa's list as is the book.

Available on Audio (My preference!)

In a class all her own – Liz Curtis Higgs’ Mine is the Night, audible.com download (historical)  It would not be fair to even count this audiobook in my top ten because it is in a class all by itself – a fantastic audiobook NARRATED by the author HERSELF!!!!  You cannot beat this for really getting the story, the characterization, and of course that FABULOUS voice of Liz Curtis Higgs!!! 

Julie Klassen’s Girl in the Gatehouse, Bethany (historical romance, Regency). LOVE Julie Klassen's writing.  She has it ALL - unique storylines, amazing characters, fantastic writing, and beautiful voice!  AND it is on audio!!!

Best romance!!!

Kelly Marie Long,  Lilly's Wedding Quilt Thomas Nelson (Amish, romance).  Hunkiest hero and he is Amish!  Great use of bibliotherapy in this book.  Lovely voice and taut storyline.  She is one of my new favorite authors. And on audio and you have me sighing in gratitude!  Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishers for making this wonderful book available in that format!

Released on audio in 2011 - Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist (originally published in pb in 2010 by Bethany House). Also on Teresa's list. 

Vannetta Chapman, Falling to Pieces (Amish suspense murder-mystery).  This is like inviting your BFF over to visit and she is sharing the story.  


Also on Marian Baay's list: Waterfall by Lisa Bergren (YA, speculative, romance) Only one of the trio available in audio at this point in time. This is one of those gripping listens - you pretty much have to stop what you are doing to listen to it.  She reaches many different types of readers.


Happy listening and reading in 2012!!!


GIVEAWAY: A Kindle copy of Melanie Dickerson's new release The Merchant's Daughter and a paperback copy of Julie Klassen's The Girl in the Gatehouse.  Winners announced on Marian's birthday (January 4th) and on my birthday (January 5th) so come back for the parties!

Introducing: Reviews by Teresa Mathews - Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena B. Miller

Love Finds You In Sugarcreek, Ohio

By Serena B. Miller

5 Stars *****

Beautiful Amish Story With A Twist!

Review by Teresa Mathews

Serena weaves a beautiful story of Rachel Troyer, a policewoman and Joe Matthews, a mysterious drifter. Joe arrives in town with his young son Bobby after his van breaks down. Not having enough money for the repair since someone has stolen his wallet, he needs to find a job and a place to stay. Joe is led to a small Inn that is run by Rachel’s three elderly aunts, who happen to be Amish. Rachel has her suspicions that Joe is running from something, and she wants to find out what before her trusting aunts are possibly harmed.

 Rachel’s aunts feel God has led Joe and Bobby to them for a reason, so they offer Joe a job as handyman to help fix up the Inn. The longer Joe stays the more he begins to love the peaceful and quiet life of the Amish, going so far as to think he might make his stay permanent. Rachel slowly warms up to Joe, seeing what her aunts have seen in Joe all along. Although she still has some doubts, when she finally figures out about his past, she understands the reason behind his secretive ways.

 When someone finds out about Joe’s secret and betrays him, he knows he has to leave but before he does he severs ties with Rachel, thinking she is the betrayer. But in spite of that, she helps him leave town by giving him her car and some money. After much prayer he realizes he must face his past and go back and claim his future with Rachel and her Amish family. But there is someone who doesn’t want that to happen. When terrible things start to happen to the people he cares for, he knows his past has caught up him.

 This is a wonderful story that blends the lives of the Amish and “Englishers” and keeps you turning the pages in anticipation. I truly did not want to put it down. I have always loved a good Amish read and this one did not disappoint. Serena did a marvelous job, this is one is definitely a must-read for all.

Bio: Teresa Mathews is a Christian mom from South Carolina who loves to read Christian books. We are so pleased that she has decided to join us as a contributor on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help after the new year.  Welcome, Teresa, from Diana and Carrie!!!

GIVEAWAY:  We are giving away two of Serena's books this week.  Reader's choice and format.  Leave a comment and your email address.  Thanks for stopping by!