Diana Reviews 'Carry Me Home' By Dorothy Adamek

Carry Me Home (Blue Wren Shallows #1) By Dorothy Adamek
Crabapple House Publishing, Dec. 1, 2015

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

Romance Down Under

In her debut novel Carry Me Home, Dorothy Adamek pens a poignant, heartrending novel of a young woman's quest for love—a journey that transports her to a land both fearsome and beauteous with its raw terrain of red mud, heat, and incessant rain—contrasting with gorgeous blue wrens, purple-petaled Little Noonflowers, wild roses, and the glorious shell-covered beaches of the land down under...Australia.

Finella Mayfield travels from England to Phillips Island, Australia, anticipating her future as a preacher's bride in an prearranged marriage. Instead Finella is met by Shadrach Jones, a poor farmer whose only desire is to grow chicory, mustard, and care for his simple minded sister, Molly. Unbeknownst to Finella, Shad has made a promise to a dying friend to marry her, but how will he ever accomplish that feat? When all that greets Finella when she arrives at his dwelling is a crude mud hut surrounded by red mud and puddles, with no oven and nothing but filth inside. She is used to fancy things and her destiny is to be the wife of a preacher...or is it?

In her lovely lyrical prose, Dorothy Adamek has written a stunning debut novel that nearly took my breath away! Have you ever finished a book and couldn't stop thinking about it for hours? This unforgettable story truly had that affect on me! I'm astounded that this is Ms. Adamek's first novel as her impeccable and descriptive phraseology is that of a much more seasoned author. Not only is it a treasure trove of Australian info for all of you "land down under" fans like me, but also a compelling, angst-filled, tender love story with plenty of romantic tension! Sweet Molly will undoubtedly steal your heart as she did Finella's...and mine. And there's nothing quite as captivating as a complex hero who will do anything for the woman he loves. With an inspirational thread of forgiveness and redemption certain to bring tears to your eyes...be sure to put Carry Me Home on your Christmas "hint" list this year!

Little Noonflowers in Australia



Australian Blue Wren



Introducing Dorothy Adamek!

This book may be purchased through Amazon.

GIVEAWAY: Dorothy Adamek has generously offered to give away a paperback copy of Carry Me Home to one blessed commenter! To be eligible for the drawing, please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect you from spammers.



Teresa Mathews Reviews 'THE PROMISE OF DEER RUN' by Elaine Cooper

The Promise of Deer Run

The Promise of Deer Run

by Elaine Marie Cooper

iUniverse Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa S Mathews

5 Stars*****

In this stirring story set in 1790 America, we meet Nathaniel Stearns, a young man of nineteen. Nathaniel has seen way too much horror in the three years since he left home to join the fight against England. When the cheer goes up that the war is over, instead of being relieved or elated Nathaniel stops to think about some of the horrors he has seen. The most shocking is the death of his best friend, who one minute was alive and well then the next taken down by the enemy's fire. The sight of that still haunts him in his dreams some nights. When his father Sergeant Benjamin Stearns asks him to leave immediately for home, Nathaniel is more than excited to do so. His Father promises to follow as soon as possible.

When Nathaniel arrives back in Deer Run, he is shocked to find his mother and siblings are not there to greet him. It seems while he and his father were fighting a war his mother was home fighting to keep the farm going but after losing that battle and Nathaniel's younger brother she gives up and moves to Boston to live with her sister. After a quick visit to see his mother, Nathaniel goes home to Deer Run to await his Father's return; which seems is never going to happen.

For eight long years Nathaniel struggles to keep the faith that his Father will one day come home. During those years he has learned it is better to stay to himself than face the people that think he is mad to still hold onto the hope that his Father will return. Not Sarah Thomsen, she tells him it is important for one to hold onto faith. Will Sarah be the one to help bring Nathaniel out of his self imposed exile?

If you are looking for a beautiful tale that will touch your heart as you read it, this is for you. Elaine Cooper knows how to use her pen as a tool to draw you into the story and keep you engaged until the end. She has taken a time in the history of America that was pivotal to our obtaining freedom from England and painted a moving story of what our forefathers had to endure for us to possess our freedom today. 

You can find this book at Amazon, and Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million

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GIVEAWAY: This week, Elaine will be giving away one each of the Deer Run Saga books to three winning recipients from the reviews featured this week. (Limited to USA winners) Overcoming With God will also be giving away a copy of winner's choice of Elaine's books in e-book format. (Open to International winners)

Noela Nancarrow reviews 'THE ROAD TO DEER RUN' by Elaine Marie Cooper

The Road to Deer Run

The Road To Deer Run

By Elaine MarieCooper

iUniverse (April 5, 2010)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A Classic Story!

The Road to Deer Run, I believe, is destined to become a classic – it is a charming and exciting tale of the highest quality and with timeless appeal, and displays a gentle but passionate expression of life, love, and truth! This is an incredibly beautiful love story inspired by the true events of a young British soldier’s escape during the Revolutionary War and of the young woman who brought him back from the brink of death.  

It’s 1777 and the young British lieutenant Daniel Lowe is in a long line of starving, wounded and exhausted POW’s marching to Boston, which was still a patriot stronghold. It was when they were on the road to Deer Run that Daniel sees his chance to make his escape.  Shouts of ‘prisoner escaping’ and the sound of musket fire and whistling of lead following him, Daniel sprints for his life, but with an appalling and badly infected wound in his thigh, the lieutenant’s leg finally gives way.

Mary Thomsen, a young farmwoman barely nineteen, comes across the nearly dead body of Daniel Lowe while out gathering leaves and sticks. She is shocked to see that this haggard and terribly injured body belonged to a Redcoat soldier, albeit minus his redcoat. Ever since she’d heard her beloved younger brother Asa had been killed in battle Mary has been despondent and upset. She is now confronted with a soldier of the enemy that took her brother’s life. Feeling torn, she needs to make a choice of whether she is able to help this wounded man.

This vividly written journey of Daniel and Mary is one of courage, hardship and endurance.  Daniel Lowe, a man on enemy soil, experiences frequent fear, difficult conflicts and uncertainty about his future, but the only thing Daniel discovers he really needs, is to be with the woman that saved his life. But will Widow Thomsen, Mary’s mother, accept the man that represents the people who killed her 16 year old son into her home or into her daughter’s life? Not to mention the great danger he would put them all in should the villagers find out he was a King’s soldier?

The fascinating and compelling history that flows throughout this novel has stayed true to the times and lends an aura of authenticity in the story as you read about colonial medical practices, clothes, food, homes and farming of the 18th century. Some things have never changed through the times however and these elements of life and human nature such as trauma, sickness and disease, fear, longing and love, will always be present.

The Road to Deer Run is sweet and tender, yet filled with passion. It’s also exciting and fast-paced, brimming with drama and danger. The characters are realistic with many working their way into your heart with their charming and delightful personalities. This memorable story has surprises around every corner but flows smoothly throughout, drawing you in from the beginning and not letting you go until long after you’ve finished.

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore.

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GIVEAWAYS: This week, Elaine will be giving away one each of the Deer Run Saga to three recipients from the reviews featured this week. (Limited to USA winners.)

Overcoming With God will also be giving away a copy of winner's choice of Elaine's books in e-book format. (Open to International winners.)

Other novels by Michelle Griep

This week we are featuring Michelle Griep. In May I have read Michelle's latest release A Heart Deceived, which I have reviewed earlier this week. After reading that awesome book I just HAD to get her other two novels. I didn't have the time to read or review them yet, but they are on top of my TBR stack! 

The books I'm talking about are Undercurrent and Gallimore. Today I'd like to share the book covers and blurbs with you.

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UNDERCURRENT 

(Risen Books 2011)

Professor Cassie Larson leads a life her undergrad students hope to attain, until she tumbles into the North Sea and is sucked down into a swirling vortex…and a different century.

Alarik, son of a Viking chieftain, is blamed for a murder he didn’t commit—or did he? He can’t remember. On the run, saving a half-drowned foreign woman wasn’t in his plan.

Ragnar is a converted pagan shunned by many but determined to prove his Cousin Alarik’s innocence. He didn’t count on falling in love with Cassie or the deadly presence of evil that threatens his village in  Alarik’s absence.

Undercurrent is a timeless tale of honor and sacrifice.

GALLIMORE

(Black Lyon Publishing 2008)

Jessica Neale turns her back on everyone the day her husband dies. After conceding to a vacation in England, a bizarre storm and near-fatal accident alters her reality.

Colwyn Haukswyrth, as cold and unfeeling as the armor he wears, is a knight who has one focus in life-himself. The product of a family rooted in hatred andgreed, he never understood the significance of forgiveness. Until he meets Jessica Neale. More vexing and irksome than any wench he’s ever encountered, this provoking bit of a woman teaches him what genuine love is—a lesson he’ll take with him to the grave.ality, and she finds herself in the past. When confronted by a knight bearing the mirror-image of her apathetic heart, it’s a rude awakening to what she’s allowed herself to become.

GIVEAWAY: A book by Michelle Griep of your choice, and format—international winners ebook only.

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

It Happened At the Fair
by Deeanne Gist

Howard Publishing

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews

5 Stars*****

In this exciting novel Deeane Gist takes us back in time to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair where history is being made. There we get to see the sights, the sounds and the heavenly smells of the various foods being prepared and sold. Amidst this setting we are introduced to unknown inventor Mr. Cullen McNamara and the beautiful Miss Della Wentworth a teacher with the School for the Deaf.

Cullen McNamara from Charlotte, NC is the son of a farmer and even though he is highly allergic to most of the crops they raise, he is for all intents and purposes, a farmer too. Cullen has always had a special talent for repairing broken objects, and inventing various things to help out with the chores on the farm. But by far the most important thing he has invented came out of the pain of watching a building burn down and knowing his mother was inside and he could do nothing to save her. His father feels Cullen deserves a chance for the world to see his invention so he pays for everything Cullen will need to stay in Chicago for the six months of the fair. Cullen tries to back out because of his insecurity of a physical handicap and because he knows his father cannot afford the money but his Father insists he should go.

Della Wentworth is a beautiful young lady bent on helping unfortunate youngsters that have been born unable to hear. The School for the Deaf has come to the fair to be on display to show the visitors that lip reading is the way for all deaf children to be taught; no one is to be taught signing. Della has serious doubts that this is completely correct. While at the opening ceremony Della is trapped by the rushing crowd and almost crushed had it not be for a wonderfully handsome man that saw her dilemma and rescued her. Della desperately wants to believe the man is completely trustworthy but her father has drilled into her mind about the dangers of young men that are not trustworthy and how Della should not trust any man she meets in Chicago. So the first chance she gets she flees the scene as fast as she can.

Cullen’s booth is set up near some very loud printing presses so he is having difficulty explaining his invention to anyone that stops by so he takes the advice of a gentleman that stops to chat and searches out the School for the Deaf to see if anyone there would teach him to lip read. When he arrives to find the beautiful young lady he rescued he is delighted. When Della realizes who he is she is still very frightened of Cullen and thinks perhaps he is lying about needing the lip reading lessons because he has evil thoughts in mind for her. Will Della ever be able to let God relieve her of her fears? Is there more to this man than Della could ever dream possible?

I have read all of Deeanne’s books and this one could very well be my favorite. I love all the details that went into this, Deeanne makes you feel as though you are right there in the middle of an exciting time in the history of the US. The characters will tug at your heart and their stories will pull you in. The way the deaf were treated during this time was unfathomable; I love how Deeanne shows Della’s passion to help these kids. I could go on and on shouting the praises of this novel but I must stop, but I assure you I will be thinking about this for a very long time to come. Thank you Deeanne for this absolutely charming story.

You can find this great book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of this or any of Deeanne's books, winners choice of format. (International winners e-book only.)

DeeAnne Gist's "It Happened at the Fair" Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist

I ordered this book as an audiobook download through audible.com--I have a membership.  I would also like to thank NetGalley and Howard Publishing for making this book available to readers.  I did not read my NG copy however but listened to Deeanne's book instead.  Still, I appreciate that it was made available to me as a reviewer. Disclosure: I was not influenced by the free NG download in my review.

Narrator for Audiobook. Lovely narrator although she mispronounced a couple of words.  It wasn't distracting.  She had the perfect voice for the heroine.

He's losing his hearing and she's a teacher for the deaf.

My Thoughts:
Our farm boy hero is somewhat of an antihero at first because he asks another young woman to marry him at the beginning of the book.  This has to get processed through.  The country bumpkin girlfriend is so abrasive that it is somewhat difficult to see why he would continue to invest time with her.  Wanda is  annoying and pulls a stunt later in the book that was somewhat surprising.  I was really expecting the author to pull another twist out her her hat to deal with Wanda.  I'll leave that for you to find out if she does or not. (Having grown up in a totally rural area I hope you will forgive my use of bumpkin.  I am after all a former bumpkin myself and I don't mind saying so! I do think Deeanne overplayed that a little in this book, however.)

Editorial notes section from Dee!  Loved, loved, loved all the historical tidbits and that Deeanne included them in Editorial notes at the end of the book.  I totally get what she is talking about--it is hard to leave a story world that you love.  She takes the reader there beautifully.

Summary: Great voice as usual, fascinating characterization, unique storyline, bibliotherapy elements, and on audio--what more could I ask for?


Bibliotherapy: Deafness, controversy between lip-reading and signing, honesty, PTSD. Death of a parent by a fire traumatized our hero and influenced his decision to become an inventor of a fire-sprinkler device.  

Giveaway: A copy of this or any of Deeanne's books, choice of format (International winners-ebook only.)

Diana's Review Of High Desert Haven by Lynnette Bonner

High Desert Haven

High Desert Haven 
by Lynnette Bonner

5 stars~*****
Review by Diana L. Flowers

Riveting Historical Read!

In High Desert Haven, Book Two in The Shepherd's Heart series, Lynnette Bonner sweeps us away to Shiloh, Oregon; a rancher's paradise with it's beautiful, evergreen filled countryside, wild stallions, and verdant meadows--an untamed land full of promise.

Our beautiful heroine, Nicki, has left her family in Mexico and entered into a marriage of convenience to John Trent, owner of a vast ranch nestled in a lovely valley in Oregon. Even though Nicki doesn't love John, she is heartbroken when he is killed in an accident, and she is left all alone to care for their little son, Sawyer. Her neighbor and John's friend, William, proposes to her to help save her ranch, but Nicki refuses to wed for convenience sake ever again.

Jason, a handsome trail boss, answers an ad Nicki places for help, and an instant attraction occurs between the two. But can Nicki learn to trust this man she barely knows?...and is it possible that she might grow to love William as time goes on? What evil is lurking in the vast beautiful valley, and who is trying to scare people off their ranches and why?...including Nicki. Can Jason find a way for her to pay off her ranch, before it's too late? And was Nicki's husband's death really an accident?

This is my first book by Lynnette Bonner and wow!--can this woman write! Her characters are well rounded and realistic, and Nicki is not afraid to show her femininity by shedding a few tears occasionally. The storyline itself was extremely credible as Ms. Bonner depicts the harsh realities that new settlers often faced. With a smattering of humor, alot of suspense, romance, a strong spiritual thread throughout, and a conclusion that made me cry, this is an absolute must read!

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

Diana Flowers Reviews Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

Blue Moon Promise

by Colleen Coble

5 stars~*****

Deep In The Heart Of Texas!

Colleen Coble has crafted a wonderfully romantic, suspense filled historical set in Texas; a beautiful land filled with wildflowers, horse ranches and grazing cattle, but also fraught with the threat of Indians, rattlesnakes, and unscrupulous money hungry villains. Our lovely heroine, Lucy Marsh, finds herself in dire straights when she is left to care for her two siblings and loses her job in Indiana. She also finds herself in danger when a man begins to stalk her for reasons unbeknownst to her. When a friend of her late father shows up and offers her a marriage by proxy to his son, Nate, she has no choice but to take him up on it.

Along with his father, Nate Stanton runs the Stars Above Ranch, and is incensed when his father brings home a puny, (albeit beautiful), unsuitable wife for him-surely incapable of helping him run a ranch. Lucy is determined to carry her weight on the ranch and show Nate he is wrong about her, and finds herself attracted to the handsome, kind cowboy. When the man who stalked her in Indiana turns up again, and problems arise with a neighbor he and his father have had a longtime feud with, Nate unexpectedly finds he will go to any length to protect Lucy and her siblings.

Will Lucy quit trying to control things to prove her worth, and will Nate learn to love her as the Bible says a man must love his wife? Can Lucy help mend the breach between the Stantons and the man they have been feuding with for years?...and why is she being stalked? What surprise twist occurs in the conclusion?...revealing a betrayal that nearly breaks Nate's heart?

I have read many of Ms. Coble's books and have yet to read one I didn't like. She is a master storyteller that combines suspense, romance, and weaves a strong spiritual thread of forgiveness and second chances within the pages of her books. Her stories are action-packed and compelling, and I could not put this one down. Nicely done, Colleen Coble!


*I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review. 

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

Diana Flowers Reviews Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

Glamorous Illusions 
by Lisa T. Bergren
(David C. Cook, 2011)

5 stars~ *****

Glamorous Indeed!

In Glamorous Illusions, Lisa T. Bergren sweeps the reader away on a journey that begins on a struggling farm, to the copper mines of Montana; to the gorgeous cathedrals, chateaus, and palaces of the very wealthy in England and Paris. Our heroine, Cora Diehl, has come home to her farm in Montana to visit her parents after attending college, only to have her father suffer a stroke and is now unable to work the farm. Then a stranger arrives on her doorstep with a shocking secret and a proposition...one that she realizes she cannot refuse.

Cora finds herself on a fabulous journey of self discovery and adventure with her siblings--siblings she never even knew existed, in a world quite different than her own. With much trepidation and anticipation, Cora joins them on The Grand Tour of Europe led by tour guides, Will McCabe and his uncle. Suddenly thrust into a world of masked balls, gorgeous gowns, art museums, and magnificent palaces, Cora begins to question who she is and where she really belongs. And two very different men are falling for her; one an extremely wealthy, French Prince Charming, and her tour guide, Will. Where does Cora's path to self discovery lead her, and will she ever feel comfortable in this opulent lifestyle, and with her haughty siblings? Is she a Kensington or a Diehl?

Lisa T. Bergren takes us on a wonderful journey to places most of us only dream of visiting! Her use of imagery, and firsthand knowledge of Europe will fascinate and draw the reader in with a novel that is nigh unto impossible to put down. I loved the unpredictability and excitement of this book--one never knows what is going to happen next--not even which honorable character our heroine is going to end up with. With a wonderful cliff-hanger of a conclusion (to be continued in next book of series), and a spiritual thread throughout...this is an absolute must read! Nicely done, Lisa Bergren!


I received a copy of this novel from Net Galley and was not required to write a positive review.

Diana Flowers Reviews Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall

Veil of Pearls 
by MaryLu Tyndall
Barbour Publishing (July, 2012)

A Gem Of A Novel!

From the pen of MaryLu Tyndall comes a sweeping saga set in the early 1800s in Charleston, South Carolina; a bustling seaport city, plenteous in ships, beautiful, lush plantations, aristocrats in their gorgeous silk gowns, lavish soirees, and the sweet smell of yellow jessamine permeating the air. But underneath the social season and affluence, and the guise of gaiety, laughter, and parties, lies another world...the dark world of slavery, malice, and deceit.

At the passing of Adalia Winston's parents at the age of twelve, she becomes a slave to Sir Walter Miles at his sugar plantation in Barbados. Adalia soon realizes she has not only lost her parents, but her innocence as well. Although Adalia is only one quarter black, she is still considered a slave, and Sir Walter uses and abuses her as such. After many years of careful planning, Adalia escapes to Charleston, South Carolina, with nothing much--save her mother's black pearls, and another item that ends up becoming a terrible mistake to have brought with her. She secures a position with a kindly doctor, and since she appears white, she captures the eye of the heir of Rutledge Plantation, Morgan, who loves her for her beauty, honesty, and plucky spirit.

Morgan Rutledge, in spite of his vast wealth, is discontented and bored with his life; the soirees, the shallow women, and doing what society expects of him. His longing is to sail the wild seas into faraway lands. He realizes Adalia is more than just a passing fancy, but is also aware of the fact that his father will never approve of him marrying a commoner.

Adalia, in spite of herself, loves the attention of this handsome man and slave owner; the parties, the plays, etc., and feeling a part of the social crowd for the first time in her life. There are those, however, who are jealous of her, and will stop at nothing to bring her down. Will Morgan find out the truth...that she is naught but a runaway slave? If so, will he still want to marry her? What did she bring along with her from Barbados, that could be her total undoing, and who wants to see her destroyed and why? Will Morgan and Adalia learn to commit their ways to the Lord?...and find healing for their wounded hearts?

In my opinion, this book shows MaryLu's versatility as an author, and is her best book to date! This is a lovely, haunting, romantic story, and I ran the whole gamut of emotions while reading it; joy, fear, heartbreak---you name it. 


I'm proud at how far America has come since those horrible days of slavery, and saddened for those who had to endure it. With a strong spiritual thread throughout, many twists and turns (and wondering how things could EVER work out), this is a book I will not soon forget. What a masterpiece, MaryLu Tyndall!

I received this ARC from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.


Here is the link to the CBD page for more info about this book and for ordering: Click here.  Here is the Amazon order page for VoP Click here.


Giveaway:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of MaryLu's upcoming release.

Diana Flowers Reviews Maggie's Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley

Maggie's Journey 
by Lena Nelson Dooley

(Realms/Charisma House, 2011)

5 stars~*****

Simply A Lovely Story!

Lena Nelson Dooley takes us on a journey laden with beauty, love, deceit, and forgiveness---from Seattle, Washington, to Little Rock, Arkansas, as a beautiful, young woman, coming of age, sets out to find herself. Near the advent of her eighteenth birthday, Maggie Lenora Caine, happens upon a chest in the attic that turns her life as she knows it, upside down. For in the chest she finds proof that she was adopted, and no longer knows who she really is. She feels betrayed by the parents who gave her away, and the deceit of her adoptive parents, and wonders why she can never quite fit the mold set by her critical mother. Didn't her real mother love her enough to keep her?...and where does she really belong?

Maggie longs to be a dress designer, and with the permission of her parents, she sets off on a train trip to visit her grandmother in Arkansas, owner of a dress designing shop, accompanied by her longtime friend, and her father's business partner, Charles Stanton, and her young, widowed Aunt Georgia. Charles and Georgia immediately appear to be drawn to one another, much to Maggie's chagrin, for she has hidden feelings for Charles herself.

As she draws close to her grandmother will she find the answers she seeks? Will she accept her grandmother's offer to help her start her own dress company in Arkansas? What guilt has her adoptive mother been carrying inside for years, that has caused her to treat Maggie as she has?...and while missing her daughter so far away, will she be able to release it to her Heavenly Father? Can forgiveness and restoration come to mother and daughter after years of deceit and criticism, and will Maggie discover who she really is...and find romance as well?

This is a beautiful story of ultimate love and forgiveness as only Lena Nelson Dooley can write them. It was a relaxing read...not mad dashing excitement page after page, and I loved that for a nice change. Ms. Dooley actually takes us from state to state, and her use of imagery is so impeccable, the reader will feel as though they have been on a trek themselves. I learned so much about the first trains and railroads that were built...who knew that could be so interesting? Her characters were so endearing, especially our young heroine, and wrapped themselves around my heart. And as always in Lena's books, there is a strong spiritual thread throughout, and a satisfying (lump in the throat, tears in your eyes) conclusion. Very well written, Lena N. Dooley!


Lena Nelson Dooley books are available through CBD, Christian book stores, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Lena’s books, choice of format.

Diana Flowers Reviews Arms of Love by Kelly Long

Arms of Love 

by Kelly Long

(Thomas Nelson, 2012)

Check out (click on the following hotlink) Diana's review on Colonial Quills this week!  Colonial Quills is giving away a copy of Arms of Love this week so leave a comment there!


We are giving away a copy of any of Kelly Long's books this week.  Come back and leave a comment if you want. Otherwise we'll see you tomorrow!

Diana Flowers Reviews The Irish Healer by Nancy Herriman

The Irish Healer 
by Nancy Herriman
(Worthy Publishing, 2012)


4.5 stars~
Heartwarming Romance!


In The Irish Healer, Nancy Herriman has crafted a tender tale that takes our lovely young heroine, Rachel Dunne, from the lush blue-green, heather-filled hills of Ireland, to the sooty gray, crowded streets of 1830s London. Rachel is known as a healer in her native Ireland, but after being accused of murdering a patient under her care, Rachel flees to London. She secures employment with a wealthy physician, James Edmunds, but only to help him pack and organize his belongings, vowing never to be a healer ever again.


Dr. Edmunds, is hiding his own secret demons, and is in the process of closing down his practice and retiring on his country estate. Upon visiting, Finchingfield, as James's estate is called, Rachel falls in love with the emerald covered hills, his charming reddish brick home, and lovely fenced garden, and James Edmunds. However she knows a discredited Irish healer would never make an appropriate mistress there, and keeps her feelings towards the good doctor hidden.


As secrets begin to unfurl, will their budding love for one another turn into mutual contempt? Will Rachel learn to forgive herself for the death that occurred under her care?.. and more importantly, forgive God for allowing it to happen? When cholera strikes will she rescind her vow never to be a healer again?


The further I got into this book, the more I loved it! It is truly a heartwarming, romantic tale of forgiveness and redemption. The main characters were very realistic, struggling with an undeserved lack of self worth and unforgiveness. The spiritual thread is strong, and with a satisfying conclusion, I believe we have alot to look forward to in the future by Nancy Herriman. Very nicely written!

*I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and was not  
  required to write a positive review.



The Irish Healer is available for purchase on Amazon, as well as on Christian Book Distributors,  and on Barnes and Noble as well as in other fine book stores.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of Nancy Herriman’s books, choice of format.

Diana's Corner: Prize of My Heart review

Prize of My Heart 
by Lisa Norato
(Bethany House, 2012)

4 stars ****

A Heartwarming Historical!

In Prize of My Heart, Lisa Norato has penned a heartwarming tale in the aftermath of the War of 1812; a tale of deceit, betrayal, honor, and love. After searching relentlessly, Captain Brogan Talvis, one of the bravest privateer captains during the war has his heart set on but one goal; to retrieve the son his late wife abandoned several years before. He discovers that his son was adopted by a wealthy shipbuilder, and is being lovingly taken care of by the man and his lovely daughter, Lorena Huntley, and intends to spirit his son away from them no matter what the cost.

Lorena finds herself intensely drawn to Brogan, quite unaware of what he is after and that he is also a man of many dark secrets. Brogan, in return, is oblivious of the fact that Lorena fosters her own deep, dark secret, and finds himself falling for this sweet, Godly, young woman. Will their secrets destroy the sparks of love igniting the two of them?...and when Lorena is in danger will Brogan choose to save her in exchange for the son he has so longed for, all these many years? Will he ever submit his tormented soul to the loving God Lorena serves? 

This was truly a lovely story of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances; with characters who wrapped themselves around my heart from pg. one! Lisa is a marvelous writer, and her research for the setting in this novel was impeccable. I love that there was a deep spiritual thread throughout, and though the conclusion was somewhat predictable, I enjoyed the journey there. Very nicely written, Lisa, and I am expecting great things from this author in the future!


Prize of My Heart is available for purchase on Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and other book stores.


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest to win a copy of Lisa's novel.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of format.

Diana Flowers' Review of Sanctuary for a Lady by Naomi Rawlings

Sanctuary for a Lady
by Naomi Rawlings
4.5 stars~


Review by Diana Flowers


Gripping Historical Fiction!


Naomi Rawlings sweeps us away to eighteenth century France; a beautiful land with lush forests, streams, and rolling green hills, but it is only an illusion, for the bloody French Revolution has caused an oppressive wave of darkness to encompass the land. No one is safe during this Reign of Terror, where masses were executed, and portable guillotines were often carried from village to village.


After her family is executed, the duke's daughter, Isabelle, flees for her life, hoping to make it to England to ensure her safety, for surely an aristocrat stands no chance of survival in France. While she is hiding in the forest, French soldiers happen upon her and beat her unmercifully, leaving her for dead. Michel Belanger and his mother nurse the young woman back to health on their farm, knowing not her identity, but only that she is an aristocrat, and the penalty for harboring her would surely mean the guillotine. Michel is worried about losing much more than his life, for he is also losing his heart to the beautiful Isabelle.


Will Isabelle make it to England and to safety?...and what horrifying discovery does she make concerning Michel's family...a secret that turns her world upside down? And will Michel lose his feelings for Isabelle when he learns of her identity?


Naomi Rawlings has written a heartrending, romantic, gripping tale that caused my heart to literally race erratically at the climactic conclusion! Written with historical accuracy and detail, Naomi's book is sure to draw the reader in and not let go until the very end! I'm amazed that this is Ms. Rawlings debut novel and can't wait to see what she has in store for us in the future! Fine writing indeed!

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of format.

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

A Whisper of Peace
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
(Bethany House, 2011)

(Please note the hot links are in dark red for this post!)

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

Adventure In Alaska!

In A Whisper of Peace, we are swept away to beautiful 1800s Alaska, "The Land of the Midnight Sun", a primitive land with it's lovely snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and salmon filled rivers; yet fraught with danger, uncivilized Indians, prejudice, and unforgiveness.


Our beautiful heroine, Lizzie, has been ostracized by her tribe, the Athabascans, because of her white father, and it is her dying mother's request for her to make peace with her Indian grandparents. Lizzie, also known as White Feather, has but one desire...to fulfill her mother's request, and leave her lonely little cabin in the wilderness and be reunited with her white father in California. She has no one for company except her dogs, until one day she meets Clay Selby and his sister, Vivian.


Clay is driven to build a mission and bring salvation to the natives in the very village Lizzie has been ostracized by; following in his father's footsteps. Vivian desires to accompany him in his ministry, hoping that by doing something good for others, it will erase the deep burden of guilt she still carries from her past. In exchange for Lizzie's help in culinary skills, Vivian seeks to help Lizzie learn how to become like the white woman, in order that she will be accepted in her father's world.


Clay is met by much opposition in the village, but is allowed to stay on the condition that he and Vivian separate company with Lizzie. Will they be able to do so, and will the stubborn Athabascans ever accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, or will Clay's endeavors be fruitless? Will Vivian ever find the peace she so deeply craves and be able to forgive herself? And will Lizzie ever be accepted by her grandparents, and finally find a place to belong with them and her father? And what of her growing attraction to Clay?


Kim Vogel Sawyer's versatility as an author truly shines in this heartwarming novel! There is just not anything she seemingly can't write about, and her research into the history of Alaska, and its customs and people is remarkable; and truly captures the reader's interest as not many novels are set in that beautiful land. Her characters were realistic, and though strong, they lacked confidence as well because of their upbringings. Her secondary characters were endearing, and there was a very strong spiritual thread throughout. A true story of love and forgiveness not to be missed!


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’s books, choice of format.