Diana Reviews "A Beauty So Rare" By Tamera Alexander

A Beauty So Rare

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

Bethany House, 2014

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 stars*****

Historical Fiction At Its Finest!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The Civil War had finally come to an end—leaving in its wake the wealthy still pursuing their opulent lifestyles in their beauteous plantations with lush, manicured lawns and tea parties—and on the opposite end of the spectrum, the destitute war widows with starving families and a city in the midst of rebuilding.

Eleanor Braddock is plain and well past the years most women marry and resigns herself to the fact that she never will. Her father, once one of the most revered attorneys in Tennessee has taken ill, leaving Eleanor with no choice but to live with her wealthy Aunt Adelicia in her exquisite estate, Belmont. Aunt Adelicia soon endeavors to introduce Eleanor into high society and picks out a rich beau for her, neither of which holds any interest to Eleanor. Knowing her aunt will never approve, Eleanor's compassionate heart leans in another direction…building a home for the destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War.

It is here where she works closely with the handsome architect, Marcus Gottfried of Austria, who stirs her heart as no one ever has. However, Marcus harbors a deep secret which he refrains from telling Eleanor and the townsfolk of Nashville. Though his passionate kiss tells her otherwise, Marcus is hopelessly unavailable to Eleanor. Will her work with the war widows and a new man in her life be enough to sustain her while she suffers yet another heartbreaking loss in her life?

Tamera Alexander's books never disappoint and this one is no exception! While reading it I kept thinking "wow" and although not a very profound statement, this book totally "wowed" me! Rich in historical detail, this fascinating storyline depicts real life events and characters, and Tamera's research is impeccable. I really enjoy intriguing historical moments, but would much rather read about them in fiction form—thank you. J I absolutely fell in love with the realistic, fleshed out hero (he was one class act!) and heroine, and their humorous, playful, and flirtatious interactions one with another. If you treasure an awesome historical romance, A Beauty So Rare is a definite must read for you!



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

GIVEAWAYS: This week we are giving away a paperback and ebook copy of A Beauty So Rare, a Starbucks $10 card, a pink surprise giveaway, AND Tamera is offering a signed copy, too!!

*Please leave a comment and don't forget your email addy! 

Overcoming in the Desert Seasons by Tamera Alexander

Author Tamera Alexander

Overcoming in the Desert Seasons

by Tamera Alexander

Do you like deserts? Not desserts, mind you, those are much easier to love. But deserts. Specifically, the desert times of life. Those seasons in our earthly journey when our hearts feel dry and empty, purposeless. When our spirit can grow weary due, perhaps in part, to a prolonged illness or injury, to trials or troubled relationships, or maybe disappointment in a career. Those times when there seems to be no end in sight to the "soul drought."

I’ve experienced those seasons in my life. I think we all have. There’s a verse I came across years ago during one of these times, and since then, God has engraved it on my heart:

"When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness..."

                                                                                                            (Exodus 13:17-18a)

Did the same phrase jump out at you that jumped out at me that day? "God did not lead them along the main road…even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land."

Why on earth would God purposefully make the Israelites go the longer, harder route? Why would he keep his chosen people wandering in the desert? When we travel, don’t we typically opt for the shortest route? Why wouldn’t God do that too?

Because He knows something we don’t. About us. And about the journey.

In the past, when I’ve been in those desert seasons, I’ve asked God why I'm there. Rarely have I gotten an immediate response, mind you, if I get one at all. So I push on, just like you do, through the responsibilities and obligations of life, seeking God’s face, listening for his voice.

One such desert time for me was watching my mom suffer from metastatic gallbladder cancer. Her journey from diagnosis to stepping into Jesus’s arms was brief. Only six months. And traveling that road with her was one of the most agonizing––yet most precious and beautiful––times in my life. Odd how often the most beautiful experiences also involve moments of excruciating pain.

In writing A Beauty So Rare I drew upon many of my own desert seasons, specifically when writing about Eleanor Braddock and her relationship with her father. God showed me yet again (with the benefit of distance and perspective), how faithful He is. How intentional his love is. And how he always has our best at heart, even when our hearts are breaking.

I’ve learned we ought not let our circumstances teach us theology. God is faithful. He’s sovereign. Always. And if we’re in the desert, we’re there because he’s either allowed it, or designed it. It’s not pleasant, the desert. It’s prickly, irritatingly sandy, and it burns. But God has proven over and over to me that I’ll be better for the experience in the end. My own heart grows more pliant in those times, and I become more like clay in the Potter’s hands, which I so long to be on a daily basis.

So when you’re empty inside and feel your loneliest, remember you’re never alone. God sees you. He loves you. These desert seasons are training grounds. They’re heavenly-orchestrated detours intended for our eternal good. And even though it may not feel like it, God is still guiding each and every step, because we’re on our way to the Promised Land!

A Beauty So Rare trailer

The Inspiration Behind A Beauty So Rare

Continued Blessings!  Tamera

www.TameraAlexander.com

Thank you Tamera for sharing with us on OWG!  Readers we have lots of giveaways this week. We were all waiting so patiently for Tamera's new release and "A Beauty So Rare" was worth it! This lovely Christian historical romance will be on my best of 2014 reads.   

Giveaway: (This week, we have a paperback and ebook copy of A Beauty So Rare, a Starbucks $10 card, a pink surprise giveaway and Tamera is offering a signed copy, too!) Answer the Q--What has helped you during a season of soul drought? For extra entry entry "Like" Tamera's FB page and put FB on your comment. Leave your email address so we can contact you.

Connie Almony's "At the Edge of a Dark Forest"--Will be on Carrie's 2014 Best Bibliotherapy Books List!

At the Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony 

At the Edge of a Dark Forest (Fairwilde Reflections)

By Connie Almony

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pages

5 Stars *****

Cole Harrison is a veteran amputee with severe PTSD and is a full blown alcoholic.  Who would have thought that Connie Almony could get the reader to care for a hero who will eventually suffer Delirium Tremens (also known as the DTs)? 

Carly Rose is trying to save her father's company. He makes prosthetic limbs and early in the story Cole has an encounter with Mr. Rose that is very important to the story. Their romance blossoms when Carly moves into Cole's mansion to work with him on rehab and on fitting him.

Connie's  Beauty and the Beast story was unique despite it being a twist on this plot.  At the Edge of a Dark Forest is especially authentic because of Connie's background working in mental health.

This compelling novella by Connie Almony is my top candidate for Best Bibliotherapy Book for 2014 on my blog. I am not a big contemporary romance reader but her story was so well written and so unique that I couldn't stop reading the story until I was done! Strong characterization and a nicely layered storyline. Will be looking for more from this talented author!

Highly recommend, particularly for those dealing with PTSD, alcoholism, coping with amputation and rehabilitation, and for their loved ones! 

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

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GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week (choice of format), a Starbuck's $10 Gift Card Giveaway AND also a a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller. Please "like" Connie's FB author page and put FB on your comment. Leave your e-mail so that we may contact you if you win!

Diana's Review of 'At The Edge Of A Dark Forest' By Connie Almony

At The Edge Of A Dark Forest

At The Edge Of A Dark Forest by Connie Almony

CreateSpace Independent Publishing (February 17, 2014)

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 stars*****

Beauty…and the Beast

In At The Edge Of A Dark Forest, Connie Almony has written a haunting but breathtakingly beautiful story reminiscent of the classic tale; The Beauty and the Beast. Set amongst the alluring beauty of a lush, green pine forest sits a huge mansion that wreaks of wealth, wherein a lonely man resides—scarred both inside and out—an ugly, disfigured "beast" unworthy of love and acceptance, at least in his own mind.

An IED in Iraq has cost Cole Harrison the loss of an arm and a leg and numerous scars, not to mention his self respect. Immersed in guilt over a long buried secret and shame of his ghastly appearance, Cole drowns himself in alcohol and self-pity. His "beastly" behavior extends to all those around him, including Carly Rose who contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs; a new prototype prosthetic which she invented herself. As Carly (who he has nicknamed Beauty) and Cole begin to draw closer, she sees beyond his outward appearance—to the nightmares and mental anguish the war has inflicted upon this man's spirit. She can help him use his new limbs, but must she walk away from Cole permanently…and leave his inner healing to the One who knows all? Will a mysterious package from the past help hold the key to Cole's healing as well? 

Connie Almony is a new author to me and what an awesome talent she is! I was drawn into this emotive, powerful story from page one and I quickly devoured it. My emotions were all over the page (literally) and ranged from compassion towards Cole, to anger, to frustration, to deep sorrow…as I know Carly's were as well. What an amazingly tough and realistic heroine she is! This story is such a beautiful tribute and "thank you" to all of our wounded warriors and members of the military who sacrifice their lives daily for our freedom—and to those who help them to heal. I highly applaud you, Connie Almony, for such a compassionate portrayal of one such warrior and one such lady.

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

GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week, a Starbuck's Gift Card Giveaway AND also a Giveaway from Connie this week -- a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller such as Barnes & Noble or Amazon! **Please leave a comment and an email address in order to qualify.** 

 

 

Noela Nancarrow reviews 'AT THE EDGE OF A DARK FOREST' by Connie Almony

At the Edge of a Dark Forest (Fairwilde Reflections)

By Connie Almony

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 17, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast

This deeply compelling, raw, and insightful story of Connie Almony's, inserts the reader into Cole Harrison’s intensely troubled life… A life that’s filled with self-loathing, self-absorption, and alcohol abuse. Cole Harrison was only half a man. Ugly on the outside, and ugly on the inside. At least, that is what he thought of himself. A war veteran amputee that suffers from PTSD, he frequently has visions and nightmares of the worse kind, carries an ever-present peace-consuming guilt, and exudes a surliness that he uses along with his disfigurements to keep everyone at a distance.

Cole makes a somewhat hesitant agreement with a man he recently comes across, to try out and potentially invest in the prototype prosthetic's that this man’s daughter Carly Rose has developed. Carly, upon Cole’s insistence, moves into his mansion and life to help train Cole with his new limbs. But Carly soon realizes that Cole’s brokenness isn't just physical and that she’s unable to help this terribly damaged man.

Can Cole become a whole person again – even though he’ll always be missing limbs? As Carly draws closer to him and begins to see Cole may actually contain a heart - a package from his past arrives for him and everything begins to fall apart for Cole. Carly has to leave and now alone, Cole now faces an even greater battle than he did while on active duty. Can he battle his demons enough to let in the only one that can help? And could the contents of the package that broke his resolve, possibly be also what’s needed to pull him back together again?

This modern-day retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story was intensely heart-stirring and inspiring! Barely able to pause from reading, I was surely a captive of this heart-rending though heart-warming novella, as Cole Harrison was of his precarious mental prison. 'At the Edge of a Dark Forest' is immensely well-written, but what I found particularly engaging, were the conversations and thoughts of the characters… They were exceptionally realistic and captivating throughout the entire story! The romance was also tender, sweet, and credible, and brought an overall sheen to this uplifting tale. It is a story that discerningly demonstrates that it is only God that can renew our spirit and fulfill our deepest needs. Thank you Connie Almony for this remarkable story, that is both a tribute to the brave men who risk life and limb to fight for our freedom, as well as those who work tirelessly to help those brave men recover from the ravages of war with the assistance of prosthetic limbs. Highly recommended!! 

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

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GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week, a Starbuck's Gift Card Giveaway AND also a Giveaway from Connie this week -- a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller such as Barnes & Noble! Please "like" Connie's FB author page and let me know you did in order to qualify. Remember to leave your e-mail so that we may contact you if you win!

Connie Almony's Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author Connie Almony

Connie, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. I have so enjoyed the privilege of getting to know you and becoming friends through our ACFW MidAtlantic Zone! You are such a sweetheart and have a heart of gold!

Thanks for having me.

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? (transparency appreciated!)

I’d have to say the most striking thing He did was to prepare me to be the mother of a special-needs child. When I was in grad school, He gave me a dog with a major skin disorder that required I use natural therapies I would later need for my son. I remember saying this dog was an angel from God to teach me how to be a good mother, and then joke, “I guess He’s going to give me a high-maintenance child.” I didn’t realize how true that statement would become.

The other thing God did to prepare me was to show me a novel, Sir Gibbie, by George MacDonald, about a wonderful, compassionate mute boy who wordlessly changed lots of lives. Little did I know then He’d give me a son much like the Gibbie of the book. This helped me to appreciate my son for who he is rather than what he isn’t.

Lastly, He drew me to my current job, at a Christian counseling office, where my faith would be tried and strengthened in order to weather the coming storm. Being there, I had a group of solid Christians who would love, support and pray for me as I journey the challenges of motherhood.

Thank you, Jesus!

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 

Yes, At the Edge of a Dark Forest is currently available in Large Print. I am looking into having an audio version done eventually.

At the Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony

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

This novella deals with many issues surrounding the homecoming of a disabled veteran: Adjusting to life without limbs, alcoholism, dealing with flashbacks due to PTSD, and the pride that gets in the way of accepting the help one needs. It is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. However, I’ve always been uncomfortable with the idea of a woman setting out to change a man with her love. Having counseled many abused women who dated projects rather than soul mates, I worry some could take this story as an encouragement to find a beast of a man and hope to change him. Because of my experience, I felt I needed to adjust the story, just a little bit, so now it’s not her love that makes him whole. I’d love to see a book club expound on that idea after reading this story!

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

Book Blurb:

At the Edge of a Dark Forest

Cole Harrison, a war veteran, wears his disfigurement like a barrier to those who might love him, shielding them from the ugliness inside. He agrees to try and potentially invest in, a prototype prosthetic with the goal of saving a hopeless man’s dreams.

Carly Rose contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs, only to discover the darkness that wars against the man he could become.

At the Edge of a Dark Forest is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Only it is not her love that will make him whole.

Author Bio:

Connie Almony is trained as a mental health therapist and likes to mix a little fun with the serious stuff of life. She was a 2012 semi-finalist in the Genesis Contest for Women’s Fiction and was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Winter 2012 WOW Flash Fiction Contest. Her newest release, At the Edge of a Dark Forest, is a modern-day re-telling of Beauty and the Beast about a war-vet, amputee struggling with PTSD.

You can find Connie on the web, writing book reviews for Jesus Freak Hideout, and hosting the following blogs: InfiniteCharacters.com and LivingtheBodyofChrist.Blogspot.com.

You can also meet her on the following social media outlets:

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

Giveaway:  We are giving away two copies of Connie's book this week and a $10.00 Starbucks gift card.  We also have a giveaway from Connie, this week, of a $10 gift card to an online book seller such as Barnes and Noble. Follow Connie on Twitter/Pinterest/or Facebook and leave a comment or answer my Q to enter (and your email address.) Put T/P/FB for wherever you followed this lovely lady!  My question: Were you aware that this is Autism Awareness month?

Teresa's Review Of THE WYOMING HEIR by Naomi Rawlings

The Wyoming Heir by Naomi Rawlings

Love Inspired 2014

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

5 Stars*****

In this heartwarming story we meet Luke Hayes, a Rancher from Teton Valley, Wyoming.  Luke has always loved the great outdoors with its clean invigorating air; even the call of the wild brings comfort to him. There is no place in the world he would rather be, but when his Grandfather passes away and names Luke as heir to his fortune he has to head to Valley Falls, New York. While in Valley Falls he has to persuade his little sister Samantha to come home without telling her the reason why. Luke is sure it won't take long to rid himself of whatever his Grandfather has left him.

When Luke swaggers into Hayes Academy looking the part of a cowboy from the boots on his feet, to the gun at his side, all the way to the hat on his head; Elizabeth Wells, Samantha's Math Teacher cannot believe her eyes. Who does this man think he is showing up in an All Girl's School? To make matters worse Samantha has jumped up and thrown herself in his arms in front of the whole class! Then it hits her, before her stands the man that can make or break Hayes Academy; The Hayes Heir.

When Luke realizes the extent of his Grandfather's vast fortune he knows he cannot get rid of it as easily as he thought; there are a lot of people that will be affected by the changes. Looks like he will have to come back after taking Samantha home but when she refuses to leave Valley Falls before she graduates Luke reluctantly agrees to a slight delay. Luke wants to tell her her the reason she is needed home so quickly but he is sworn to secrecy.

Luke is bombarded with people wondering if he will have the same heart for giving that his Grandfather did. Hayes Academy seems to be one place that truly needs that huge donation his Grandfather had been giving! Will a certain feisty Math teacher be able to persuade him that girls deserve an education too? Will Elizabeth be the lure that makes Luke want to stay in Valley Falls? 

I've always loved a good cowboy story and this one by Naomi Rawlings didn't disappoint. There are a lot of unexpected twists that will keep you flipping those pages. Don't be surprised if you will be like me and not want to put it down until the very last page has been devoured! Thanks Naomi!

You may purchase this book and others by Naomi at Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: This week we are giving away one copy of each of Naomi's new releases. (International winner ebook only.) Don't forget your EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you should you be one of our winners!