Teresa S. Mathews Reviews "BEHIND THE SCENES" by Jen Turano

BEHIND THE SCENES 

By Jen Turano

Bethany House  

Review by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Once again Jen Turano has penned a tale guaranteed to entertain and delight and I will go so far as to say, tickle your funny bone. This is book one in a new series titled Apart From the Crowd and it was filled with many interesting characters of whom are a part of New York's High Society. Our lovely main character Permilia Griswold had her debut later in life than most young ladies and the only place there seemed to be for her was with the wallflowers, and so the fun begins!

“Wallflower,” most young ladies born into wealth would rue being called that but not strong-willed, independent Permilia. In fact it fit her purposes quite well, no one would ever think she was taking notes at all the balls and publishing them in the local paper under the pen-name Miss Quill. So, Permilia trying her best not to be noticed while taking notes, sees a terrible accident in the making, rushes to help and being the epitome of her usual gracefulness, is almost flattened by a falling object until she is rescued by Asher Rutherford.

Asher Rutherford, a well standing member of society despite being the owner of a department store. Most of his influential peers think it odd that a man of his family's wealth would stoop to running a business, thankfully no one knows the real reason and he would like to keep it that way. As Asher is making his way through the crowd at the latest ball his attention is caught by none other than the feisty, beautiful but somewhat awkward Permilia Griswold. That was the beginning of an interesting evening filled with all types of adventure, intrigue, and even an overheard murder plot. And if you were to believe the report published in the paper the next morning, Permilia and Asher were the talk of the ball, but not necessarily in a good way! 

If you haven't read one of Jen's books yet, let me encourage you to do so. From start to finish you will be thoroughly engrossed with her lively characters and their even livelier antics, and I promise you will find yourself laughing out loud on more than one occassion! I always finish up Jen's books feeling like I was a part of a grand adventure! 

***Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion***

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email address and you could be the blessed winner of a signed copy of this exciting book that Ms. Turano has graciously offered. US RESIDENTS ONLY. 

***For those of you who have never read one of Jen Turano's books here is the links on Amazon to two of her free e-book novellas. ***

AT YOUR REQUEST

GENTLEMAN OF HER DREAMS

Teresa S Mathews reviews The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn

By Lori Benton

Waterbrook Press 2014

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

Lori Benton has once again woven a hauntingly beautiful love story that drew me in from the very beginning.Tamsen Littlejohn is not happy with the fact her cruel stepfather is pushing her into a marriage with a man she knows little about but for her mother's sake she agrees to meet the man.

Ambrose Kincaid was not at all what Tamsen was expecting; he was handsome, even if he did have fiery red hair, quite charming with his Virginia accent and he was completely smitten by Tamsen's exquisite beauty. Perhaps this arrangement could have worked out until Tamsen sees what she thinks is Mr. Kincaid's cruelty to his slaves. Thinking he must be made of the same cloth as her abusive step-father she abruptly leaves him in the restaurant and rushes back home.

Jesse Bird has heard the story of how he became part of the Shawnee tribe as a small boy but as hard as he tries he cannot remember what happened the day his parents were killed. After losing his adoptive Indian parents at the age of ten, Jesse Bird is taken in by Cade; a man with the blood of two completely different worlds flowing through his veins. Cade has loved Jesse like a son and shared a lot about his past but there is one secret he hasn't shared with Jesse, a secret that will change both of their lives should it come to light.

When Tamsen has a deadly altercation with her stepfather she runs to the stable in search of her mother's servants hoping they can help her escape only to run into Jesse Bird. When Tamsen explains what has happened Jesse makes a life changing decision; somehow he knows that God wants him to help this beautiful young woman. Too bad before this is all said and done he will be a man wanted for kidnapping and murder!!

Jesse and Tamsen head for his home in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina only to be pursued by her stepfather and Amboise. It is during that journey Jesse and Tamsen realize that God has planned their destiny and if they keep the faith He will work everything out for their good; but oh the things they will have to endure before they get to live happily ever after!!

Last year when I read Lori's debut novel Burning Sky I was impressed with the beauty of her writing and I couldn't believe there was any way she could improve upon it. But when I started reading this latest treasure I was awestruck by the fact that what seemed impossible had happened. This book blew me away with how fast I was pulled into it; it was so engrossing I found I had read 63 pages before I even realized it. It has been quite a while since I read a book of this length in less than two days! Oh the emotions that were stirred while I was reading this; there was joy and amazement all the way to horror and unbelief and back again to laughter and satisfaction at the most enthralling ending! This should be at the top of everyone's wish list for 2014; I promise you will not be disappointed. Thanks Lori for a story that has forever found a special place in my heart.

UPDATE: Please congratulate Lori on being a finalist for two Christy Awards for her first book Burning Sky! Congrats Lori, excellent job!! 

You can purchase this treasure by Lori at Amazon, CBD, and Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: This week we will be giving away two copies of this wonderful book and a $10 Starbucks card! International Winners Ebook Only! Please like or follow Lori's Facebook Author Page and leave your email address in your comments. 

Teresa Mathews Reviews Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Song of My Heart

By Kim Vogel Sawyer

(Bethany House, 2012)

Review by Teresa Mathews

Sadie Wagner is a sweet girl with a beautiful singing voice who would do anything for her family. Especially now that her step-father, who is the only father Sadie has known, was hurt in an accident and cannot work Sadie knows someone has to get a job soon, so when she receives a letter from her favorite cousin Sid telling her he has a job for her in Goldtree, Kansas working as a clerk in Baxter’s Mercantile and also maybe as a singer in the local opera house; she sees this as a blessing from the Lord. After Sadie’s mama and papa pray about it they give her permission to go.

When Sadie arrives in Goldtree, she is greeted by Sid who is really excited to see her, for reasons Sadie will soon be shocked to find out. When Sadie is introduced to the tall, matronly identical twin sisters, Shelva and Melva, that own the mercantile, she is not sure she will be able to get used to their loud obnoxious ways but she knows she has to try.

Sadie feels so blest when Asa Baxter, short, soft spoken younger brother of Shelva and Melva, tells her she has the job singing in his unconventional “opera house”. She cannot believe the amount of money he is going to pay her for using her God given talent. When Asa asks Sadie to do things that go against her Christian upbringing, will she be able to resist?

The one bright spot in Sadie’s lonely life away from her family is Thaddeus “Thad” McKane the new Sheriff of Goldtree. Thad has been hired because there are rumors of bootleggers being in the area. Thad’s abuse by his father as a child because of alcoholism makes him more determined than most would be to find the person responsible for the bootlegging. Will Thad and Sadie’s friendship develop into something more or will Sadie be persuaded to do things that might destroy their love and worse yet land her in jail?!

This was a very enjoyable read by Kim Vogel Sawyer; she does a wonderful job weaving a story that holds your attention to the very end. I promise you will love every word of it, I know I did.


Kim Vogel Sawyer books are available through Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, 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 Kim Vogel Sawyer's books, in paperback or ebook.

Diana's Corner - The Blessed by Ann H. Gabhart

The Blessed 

by Ann H. Gabhart

Book Review by Diana Flowers

4 1/2 stars~

Fascinating Read!

Ann H. Gabhart takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of the Shakers, a religious sect in the 1800s, who believed in a utopian type of life-style, communal living, visitations from angelic beings, and no marriage or family ties. Lacey Bishop agrees to marry her widowed preacher, almost twice her age, to help her take care of Rachel, a child who was left on her porch as a baby, but one Lacey loves as much as if she had given birth to her. Immediately, Lacey realizes her mistake, but knows she must keep her vows to the elderly man, even if those vows take her to a nearby Shaker village. There Lacey encounters a strange, but hardworking group of people, with stringent rules and ritualistic type worship. Rachel is immediately taken from her, and she is separated from her husband also, as Shakers did not believe in family ties, and regarded marriage as a sin.

Isaac Kingston, a widower and a victim of circumstance as well, finds himself in the Shaker village also, but only to put food in his stomach and a roof over his head. Isaac carries around a burden of guilt over the death of his young wife, and only when he meets the lovely Lacey, does the sun begin to shine in his life again. But for him, it is a futile attraction, for not only is Lacey married, but all interaction between the Shaker men and women are strictly forbidden. 

As Lacey and Isaac live amongst the Shakers, dark, hidden secrets begin to unfurl, and they both must find their way to the one true God, a God of grace and not of rules, a loving God who ordained the sanctity of marriage and family. Who is Sister Aurelia, who supposedly receives visitations from the angels, and what does she have against Lacey? What dark secrets are exposed in this seemingly peaceful, loving community? What does the future hold for Isaac and the very married Lacey, when to leave the Shaker village behind means leaving her beloved little Rachel?

I was totally fascinated with this book...the 4th Shaker novel written by Ann Gabhart. It is not a series and can be read as a stand alone novel without reading the first three, although I highly recommend those as well. Ann stayed true to the reality of a Shaker's life and therefore the romance was downplayed between Lacey and Isaac, and centered more on the drama of living in a Shaker's world. Beautifully and realistically written, Ann has given us a fair look at the Shaker lifestyle, the good and the bad. 


Beautifully done, Ann!


Giveaway: Leave a comment either here on Diana's review or on Carrie's interview with Ann (previous post) for a chance to win a copy of one of Ann's books (your choice in either Kindle or paperback!)  

Book Review - Dance of the Dandelion by Dina Sleiman

Dance of the Dandelion

By Dina Sleiman


Published by White Fire  whose motto is "Where the Spirit Meets the Page."

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

*****








I gave this Five Stars – I hesitated, almost giving it four because of some of the elements, but the story was so compelling and so well done that I could not.  And the elements that disturbed me were not at all gratuitous elements but intrinsic to the plot.  I could not stop reading Dandelion’s story, she was such an intriguing and different character. 

This is a debut book for Ms. Sleiman,  published by White Fire.  Out now in e-book format, it is available on Kindle as a download, which is how I read it.  The book will be out in print this fall.  I was privileged to critique part of this book this past winter but my comments to Dina, along with Narielle Living another writer friend, we both agreed that “What could we tell her about this book?”  We could not see from looking through the first chapters where we would edit anything.  It is a very well-written book and unique, unusual, in how it addresses the subject of seeking after God’s deepest love.

This is not a typical Christian fiction book and was not picked up by the mainstream CBA market yet it is an inspirational work, with a strong literary element (though not the bummer ending like so many literary books have).  Dance of the Dandelion has violence and lots of sensuality/sexuality in there although it is not erotica, but is meant to show the struggle and journey of Dandelion.  This is a "seekers" book, about a young peasant girl’s path to a deep relationship with God. Young women today could relate to the relationship issues that Dandelion has to process and go through to ultimately know herself and enter into a right relationship with God before being part of a complete marital union on earth.


Dance of the Dandelion is a page turner and a compelling read.  You will find yourself having to find out what happens to Dandelion and being up half the night!  Congratulations, Dina, and thanks for giving us this fresh new work!

Bibliotherapy: Poverty, abusive relationships, obsession, forgiveness, and healing. This would be a wonderful resource for therapists to use with young women struggling with relationships.




Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win either the e-book (available now) or a paperback copy when it releases next month!  And leave your email addy, too! 

Book Review of The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Colonel’s Lady

By Laura Frantz 

Revell  (August, 2011)


Five Stars *****

Laura Frantz http://laurafrantz.net

Roxanna, at almost nine and twenty, is a full grown woman and the oldest of Laura’s heroines thus far. She sees through a woman’s eyes and as someone who has experienced loss but can still reach out to love others, included a little girl who has lost her voice. This mute child, similar to the daughter in the movie “The Patriot” is believably continually mute for she experiences one horror after another.

Roxanna’s father was a scrivener for the colonel but she must take his place after he is killed.  Laura does a nice job of incorporating her work into the storyline and of explaining what is involved without fussing over it (no easy feat).

While Christian readers who do not partake of alcohol may be surprised at finding this included in The Colonel’s Lady, this was a very real problem in Kentucky, especially, through the 19^th century. I cannot address beyond that as I have not read, but quite likely given the history of turning to spirits for many reasons including difficulty at times with ensuring drinkable water.  And imbibing is not glamorized nor sugar coated in this book.  Similarly, Ms. Frantz introduces some of the more tragic ladies of the time, many of whom experience devastating outcomes for their immoral behavior. And while it is not “on the page”, some of the severe punishments given to soldiers are also mentioned. So, gentle reader be advised that this is not a “glossification” (my word) of the times nor does TCL whack you over the head with the gory details such as some recent Christian fictions I have read. 

Biggest complaint: Must wait another year for another Laura Frantz book!!!  Second biggest complaint: Not available on audio and if it was I would listen to this and her other books over and over again!!

This review by Carrie Fancett Pagels was initially posted on Colonial Quills (http://colonialquills.blogspot.com)  I received a copy of The Colonel’s Lady from the publisher however I have already pre-ordered a half dozen copies for giveaways.  My opinions are my own. 

Giveaway:  Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a copy of TCL!

Interview and reviews of "Night of the Cossack" with Tom Blubaugh

Tom Blubaugh is the author of Night of the Cossack and a co-author of The Great Outdoors.

Tom, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?

The most difficult thing I had to overcome was being homeless in 1998. I have a website, that came from that period in my life. I am very transparent.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Proverbs 16:9 and 19:21.  I spent a lot of time trying to figure out God’s will for my life by reading books and listening to tapes. These two verses simplified my life.

Disability friendliness:

My book is available for Kindle/PC Kindle on amazon.com and for Nook on barnesandnoble.com. At this time it is not available on audio or in large print.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

Several things, but the two most important are: That the reader connects with Jesus Christ and readers will make a strong connection with their ancestors, especially those still living and find out as much about them as they can so there is a strong legacy to pass down.  It’s sad that I don’t have any more information than I have about mine. I know the name of my grandfather and his brother and that’s it. I don’t even know the name of my great grandfather or grandmother. I’m finding this is common among Jewish families due to the fears of those who immigrated. My grandparents spoke nine languages between them.  Whenever they spoke of the old country they didn’t speak in English so my mother, aunts, and uncles knew very little. They wanted their children to be Americans. They didn’t realize they were taking our heritage away from us.

 As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

Definitely—the plight of the Jewish people in Russia and Europe in the early 1900s.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

I don’t want to give away the story line, but one can read the first couple of chapters on amazon.com. It’s an intense book filled with drama, fear, emotions, action, faith, betrayal, moral decisions and much more. Readers from 8 to 80 have read it and the feedback is very good.

Book review by 
Dr. Michael Murrell

Tom Blubaugh has brought to life a piece of history that is remote in several aspects. I was vaguely aware of the Russian-Japanese War of 1905 and very much aware of the repression of the Russian Empire under communism but I did not realize the extent of Anti-Semitism that was prominent before the Bulshovek Revolution. I remember that the theme from "Fiddler on the Roof" was Anti-Semitic and that this was under the Russian czar; what the author did was weave together a fascinating, but often cruel, series of dramatic moments in the life of a young man to demonstrate the turbulent history of that time and place. It is fascinating reading and obviously well researched. I enjoyed the historical perspective as well as the action and adventure of the main character.

Book Review
by Mary Ann Lengyel

The title caught my attention and I had to buy this book! Russian heritage is near to my heart. My father in law has told many stories of his early childhood and how his parents lived in the 'old' country. I was quickly enthralled with the main character, Nathan Hertzfield, as he stuggles with an abrupt change in his life after being kidnapped at the hands of a Cossack soldier. And that's just the first few pages! I was intriqued with the connection between Nathan Hertzfield and Tom Blubaugh. I hope there is a sequel!  

Tom Blubaugh, Author of Night of the Cossack--Read the first chapter get a signed copy by ordering here. FREE shipping. Published by Bound by Faith Publishers. Ebook for Kindle available at Amazon.com. Be sure to like my page and do a review when you finish, if you like my book.

Ebook for Nook available at Barnes & Noble

Night of the Cossack Facebook page. Be sure to like my page while you're there please.

Visit My Blog. Be sure to sign up as a follower. Co-author of The Great Adventure published by Barbour Publishing. (out of print). Genesis Project
Jericho Commission, Inc.

Thank you Tom for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Interview Lena Nelson Dooley

The Will Rogers Medallion was recently awarded to Lena Nelson Dooley who has over 650,000 books in print, too!  Congrats, Lena!!!
Read more about this at: http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com/2011/07/lena-nelson-dooley-wins-award.html?spref=fb


Lena is the author of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, and of the upcoming new release Maggie’s Journey, book one in the McKenna’s Daughters series. Lena has published many other books, as well, some reviewed here on OTT.

I met Lena through ACFW, participating in some of the same online classes with her.  When I saw the opportunity to have her critique my manuscript at the conference in Indianapolis last year, I was thrilled and jumped right on it.  Lena is just as warm, encouraging, and witty in person as she is online.  She has been a Mentor of the Year through ACFW for good reason and has been the President of the Dallas Fort Worth Ready Writers group for some time. 

Lena, thank you for this interview and welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past? 

My mother died when I was seven years old. That affected me for many, many years. I had a hard time understanding why a loving God could take a woman who was so loved by everyone and who had small children who needed her. I was in my thirties before I came to understand that God really does love, no matter what happened in my life that I didn’t understand at the time.

How has this affected your writing?

Two of the stronger themes that runs through many of my novels is forgiveness of others and of God and learning to trust God in everything.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Philippians 3:10

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

KJV

Disability friendliness:

Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? I believe many of your books are available as e-books with audio capability, is that correct (on Kindle)?

Yes, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, is available in Kindle format with audio capability. So will the McKenna’s Daughters series be.

The only other book I have in audio format is Pirate’s Prize.

How many of your books are out in large print?  (Thank you – we offer this information to our readers with difficulty reading books in regular print format.)

I have had three books release in Large Print:

A Daughter’s Quest, Can You Help Me? And Caught Red Handed, The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

Bad things happen, but God is good.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

I become fully immersed in the time periods and the characters. I’ve run into many interesting things in my forays into research. In Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, I found many interesting things in the town that thrived in 1890, but is a ghost town today. One of the buildings from 1836 is still standing and restored.

Thank you Lena for agreeing to answer these questions.  And readers, Lena shared with me that she had a wonderful stepmother!  God is so good. 

Thank you, Carrie. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and your blog readers.




Giveaway: Readers - leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win a copy of Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico.  We will have a review up on Wednesday, too, by Diana Flowers and there will be a second entry chance.  Drawing will be done next weekend!

Friend on Friday - Review of The Newcomer by Laurie Alice Eakes

Review by: Katie McCurdy
www.katieslegacy.blogspot.com

The Newcomer - 4 Stars

Only a few pages into The Newcomer and I knew that Laurie Eakes had crafted together another one of her unique and wonderful stories. The last in her little New Jersey series, The Newcomer is a nice conclusion from these fun characters. Though I admit it wasn’t my favorite in the series, it was still a very enjoyable read.


All of the characters, including the main characters Gordon and Marigold, were fairly well developed. The love story between them seemed a bit rushed. I didn’t feel like I really knew them very well by the time the book came to a close. But taking into consideration that it is a small book, I can understand that.

I loved watching Marigold deal with the two girls, Beryl and Ruby. Both of the girls lost parents dear to them, and both had very different ways of showing their sorrow. As the reader, my heart went out to these orphan girls who suddenly found their lives entrusted to an Uncle that they had never met and didn’t even 
come to them until months after their parent’s death.

The tension between Marigold and Gordon was great and I enjoyed watching them work through their differences—especially where the children were concerned. All in all, I’ve enjoyed yet another of Laurie Alice Eakes' works and look forward to reading many more of her books in the future!






CFP Note: This book comes out in large print in September, 2011, also.


Here is a link to the Heartsong website that also includes a blurb of the book and a sample scene:
http://heartsong-authors.blogspot.com/2010/08/newcomer-by-laurie-alice-eakes.html  

Historical Christian Book Review of The Healer's Apprentice

Book Review by Carrie Pagels



The Healer’s Apprentice

Zondervan  (October 2010)

By Melanie Dickerson

Book Review by Carrie Pagels

I loved this book!  I read it on my Kindle. Melanie Dickerson has a lovely voice.  The story and characterization was gripping.   Ms. Dickerson acknowledges that she parallels another popular fairy tale, being inspired by time spent in a medieval German town but her “take” is original and compelling. The inspirational theme was strong. The romance was something that will keep teens through grandmothers happy!  

Obviously those involved with the Christy awards nominations recognized the power in this story, too.  Melanie’s debut novel was nominated for a Christy this year! 

Rose is a sweet young lady, daughter of a woodcutter, who apprentices with Frau Gerushka, the village healer, in 14^th century Saxony.  Two royal brothers pursue her but only one will win her heart. One has pure attention but is betrothed to the mysterious Princess Salomea, whom the chivalrous Wilhelm seeks to find and protect.  

A very satisfying read and a lovely ending to this book.

Well done, Melanie! I gave it five stars. That was pretty cool having my Kindle review automatically go through when I was done reading the book.

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

Carrie Fancett Pagels Reviews "The Preacher's Bride" by Jody Hedlund

The Preacher's Bride

The Preacher’s Bride

by Jody Hedlund 
(Bethany House, October 2010)

I give this novel four stars. A very good book.

Why I listened to this: Another writer friend, Gina Wellborn, a preacher’s wife, highly recommended this book and gave it a glowing review.  This book is also set during a time period that I enjoy.

Formats: I listened to this as an audiobook that I downloaded through www.audible.com  and it was a fairly long book.  Also available as a softcover, a hardcover large print book, and in CDs! 

Caution: Violence, including a whipping scene with so many lashes that most people would have died from the injuries. Unfortunately, on audio one cannot just skip over the scene.  Some may object to some of the sensuality, but it is appropriate to the story line.

Genre: Historical Inspirational Fiction, (debut novel), with romantic elements.

Bibliotherapy aspects: Feelings of unworthiness, persecution, trauma, and grief.

The hero’s daughter is blind.

Other themes: Stepparenting, being obedient to God’s will in one’s life.

This book is available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Preachers-Bride-Jody-Hedlund/dp/0764208322

This book is set in the late 1600’s during the transitional time after Cromwell’s “reign” in England. Puritans’ lives are disrupted by the change in political power.  This is a dark story but with hope shining through. It is based loosely on the story of John Bunyan’s second marriage.  There are few stories set during this time as inspirational fiction and for that reason alone was worth listening to. One senses that this author’s voice will continue to grow even stronger in her subsequent works. Quite an accomplishment in this debut novel! 

Audio comments: The narrator sounded very fatigued throughout much of the narration, which was somewhat off-putting.  

Diana's Corner - Book Review by Diana Flowers

A fun, relaxing read!

Courting Miss Amsel, by Kim Vogel Sawyer 

www.kimvogelsawyer.com

takes us to Walnut Hill, Nebraska, in the late 1800s, when women still didn't have the right to vote or own property, and Susan B. Anthony is just coming on the scene, speaking on the women's suffrage amendment. However, they ARE allowed to teach, and that is just what the new schoolmarm, Edythe Amsel does best. Instead of just teaching her pupils "the three Rs", Miss Amsel uses unconventional methods to enhance her students' learning pleasure, and quickly arouses the ire of the townsfolk.

When Joel Townsend comes to pick up his two nephews from school, who have been left in his charge, romantic sparks quickly begin to fly between the handsome farmer and the pretty new schoolteacher. Joel wants to provide a mother for his nephews, and falls quickly in love with Edythe. However, too many obstacles stand in their way.

Miss Amsel does not share Joel Townsend's faith in God, and wishes only to teach and not be saddled down with an instant family. Soon Miss Amsel's very existence begins to crumble; Joel becomes engaged to someone else and the townsfolk are discussing removing her from her position. When a disaster occurs will Edythe change her priorities and acknowledge her need for God in her life? Will she give up teaching to follow the women's suffrage movement, and can she stay in the same town near Joel and his new wife?

This book was not one of suspense or hidden secrets, or even unending excitement. What it was, however, was a wonderful story, with a strong, moral, spiritual thread throughout. When I ended up with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes at the conclusion, I knew that I had just finished a rich, satisfying read.

Courting Miss Amsel  from CBD

Description:
Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a strong believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?

Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council hired a female teacher to replace the ruthless man who terrorized his nephews for the past two years. Having raised the boys on his own since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel believes they will benefit from a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods, which include collecting leaves, catching bugs, making snow angels, and stringing ropes in strange patterns all over the schoolyard. Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty with her rosy lips, fashionable clothes, and fancy way of speaking.

http://www.christianbook.com

CFP's comments:
Formats:  Book is available in multiple formats, including hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and on CD!  I love audio books, so of course I am thrilled to hear it is available as a listen option.

Giveaway by Diana:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a gently used copy of CMA from Diana.  Don't forget to leave your email address.   

Book Review – Head in the Clouds

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels






By: Karen Witemeyer

Published by: Bethany House, October, 2010

Review by Diana Flowers top and by Carrie Pagels bottom


DF:  A highly entertaining read!!
Quality: 5 out of 5 .Value: 5 out of 5
This book far exceeded my expectations!


I read some great books in February, with alot of substance, so I thought I would pick something out that would be light, relaxing, and fun to read for a change. I saw the title "Head in the Clouds" and looked at the front and back cover (which was amusing) and I decided to read it. I felt like it would be your typical young lady becomes governess to ranch owner's child, she bumbles her way through, alot of laughs...and they lived happily ever after after! Was I ever wrong! Adelaide, the main character, finds herself in a shameful situation, so she quickly answers an ad to become a governess to the child of a sheep rancher. Typical storyline, right? Not quite... Adelaide finds out that her new little charge has not spoken since she witnessed the unspeakable murders of her mother and father. My eyes teared up continually with pity for this child and the first time she laughed I smiled. The author has a way of making this story so realistic you can't keep yourself from turning page after page, and not wanting to put the book down. 


There are some amusing things in the book that made me smile, and when a near sexual assault occurs my heart was pounding. The author was descriptive, but not offensive in this part of the book, and I could feel this woman's pain. My eyes teared up when a near fatal injury occurs, and does this child ever speak again?...you'll have to read this book and find out. There is alot of intense action at the end when an unscrupulous relative comes to kidnap the little girl. 


This book embodied real life...joy, grief... laughter, tears... fear, courage. This is not the typical type of book I normally read, but then again, I guess it was! Fantastic job, Karen Witemeyer! 



CFP: I would give it four and a half stars.
Disclaimer: I received my copy from the publisher. There is no requirement to post a favorable review. I met Karen online in a historical Christian writers group.

Link to Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Head-Clouds-Karen-Witemeyer/dp/0764207563/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1

Link to CBD:
http://www.christianbook.com/head-in-the-clouds/karen-witemeyer/9780764207563/pd/207563


Bibliotherapy aspect: Mute child due to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Karen’s profile shows her have a B.A. and a Master’s degree in Psychology. Having done therapy with children left mute from tragedies, I was somewhat surprised at the longevity of the child’s silence. Of course the child character did not have a therapist, either! This is Karen’s second published book, the first being the delightful A Tailor-Made Bride, which I loved. This current book is getting rave reviews from readers on both CBD and on Amazon and quickly went to multiple formats (see the following).

Disability Friendliness: The book is available in audio CD (which I wish I had) but I read it in the paperback version. This is also available as an e-book with Kindle having it in text-to-speech format enabled. Large print, hardcover also available at Amazon. I would recommend it in audio because there are few current Christian historical audiobooks out there at any time.  This would have been a great listen. 

Head in the Clouds had an unusual hero – an Englishman who raises sheep in Texas. Ms. Witemeyer’s heroine was most sympathetic in the beginning as a young woman being strung along by a traveling (married! Interesting twist!) salesman. She did a good set up on the romance between the hero and heroine. I found the characterization and storyline gripped me better as A Tailor-Made Bride did but it was still a very good book.

As a psychologist with over twenty-five years experience working with children and adolescents, I found the mute child storyline to not be as realistic as it could have been. However, the average reader would not be a psychologist and as mentioned, this book has been receiving very good reviews. I would have enjoyed this better as an audio listen as it was a tad slower than the first, particularly in the middle, which is not an issue for me with audio listens. I am going over to see if her newest release is available on audio!


Giveaway:  Leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win my gently used copy of this book.