Interview with Mesu Andrews!

Hey all! Today I got the chance to interview Mesu Andrews, author of Love Amid the Ashes, Love's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel! :-D

Welcome, Mesu, to Writings of Rosie! Tell us about yourself, for those who don’t know.

I’ve always called myself a “spiritual mutt” because of my variegated theological background. My mom is Charismatic; Dad was Quaker; grandparents Pilgrim Holiness turned Nazarene and then Wesleyan. Whew! Heated dinner debates all my life! I turned my back on that confusing God and was an alcoholic by age nineteen, when an old high school friend introduced me to a personal relationship with Jesus. I married that friend, and we’ve raised two daughters, who are now married and have given us four adorable grandchildren. As a teenager, all I ever wanted to be was a wife and mom. My teachers were appalled that their 4.0 valedictorian would “settle” for such a mundane dream, but I’ve worked part-time jobs—mostly as an optometric or ophthalmic technician—while our girls were growing up. My passion became studying God’s Word and teaching Bible studies and women’s groups. When my health limited my travel, I began writing. That seems to be where the Lord has opened doors, so I’m walking through them! It’s a joy and privilege—and a new adventure with each new book I research and write. My hubby is a college professor, and we’re entering those “old fart” years, when we get to sit in front of a fire together with our Rottweiler-pitbull, Bouzer, and enjoy quiet evenings—when I’m not on deadline, that is.

Wow, what a testimony! It's amazing what God has done and is doing in your life. How were you inspired to write Hosea and Gomer’s story?

Francine Rivers’ book, Redeeming Love, was the first Christian fiction I ever read, and it’s still my favorite. For those of your readers not familiar with her novel, it’s the story of Hosea and Gomer, but it’s set in the 1850’s Gold Rush. I wanted to tell the story of Hosea and Gomer in the true biblical setting. So much fascinated me about the circumstances surrounding their relationship. Neither Gomer, nor her father Diblaim, is mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, so why did God choose her for Hosea? The prophets have always confused me. I read some of those Old Testament prophecies and scratch my head, thinking…huh? I can’t stand it! I NEED to understand God’s Word! It’s a compulsion. So, I dig in and find out which other prophets were alive at the same time. What nations were warring with Israel? What was trade like, and what other challenges nudged Israel toward idolatry? The people in Scripture were flesh and blood like you and me. They made choices based on fear, jealousy, joy, pride, etc. When I discover the context of the folks that wrote the Scripture, that lived in that time period, I find the Bible much more relevant in my own life. When I did the research on Hosea and Gomer, I was inspired to write their story because I AM A BROKEN VESSEL.

Well let me just say, I really appreciate your books. You bring the Bible to life and bring up questions in me that I eagerly study in the Word. :-) Is there anything unique or quirky that you do while you write?

I drink a whole lot of coffee with creamer! Is that quirky? Actually, I don’t know if this is quirky, but it’s a technique I learned from expert, Jeff Gerke, at a writers’ conference. I try to give all my main characters a personality type, a primary love language, an annoying habit, etc. before I begin writing the manuscript. I search for a picture (gettyimages.com or google images) that closely resembles how my character looks in my imagination, and then I refer to that photo/character qualities throughout the book as I write their descriptions and dialogue. It helps keep the characters sharp, distinct, and unique.


I do that for my own stories, it really is helpful! Where is your favorite place to write?

Don’t tell my chiropractor, but I love to write in my “pac-man” chair. My son-in-love gave the chair that name because the pattern of the upholstery looks like the path of the pac-man video game. I know I’m supposed to sit in an ergonomically correct office chair with my shoulders back and feet flat on the floor—but seriously… I sometimes write 12-18 hours a day. I want to sit in front of my nice, warm fireplace with my dog beside me. I want to sit in my recliner, laptop in one hand, coffee in the other, listening to the rain pitter-patter on the sliding glass door. Doesn’t that sound like a little slice of heaven? Ahhhhhh… It is for me.

It does! Oh, and don't worry, your secret's safe with me! Lastly, where can readers find you on the web?

Please stop by my website and order free bookmarks, or download group discussion or Bible study questions for all three of my books: http://www.mesuandrews.com/

Or visit me on Facebook: Mesu Andrews

Twitter: MesuAndrews

Pinterest: MesuAndrews

Blog posts on Fridays (inside scoop on characters, plots, and new releases!): http://www.mesuandrews.com/blog/

Thanks again for stopping by! :-)

Love in a Broken Vessel by Mesu Andrews (Revell Blog Tour)

Back Cover:
While unfaithful Israel breaks God’s heart, Gomer’s broken spirit tests Hosea’s faith—an epic journey of intimacy, rejection, and betrayal

Deserted by those who love her and betrayed by the gods she once worshiped, Gomer lives a bitter existence…until one day her childhood friend reappears—Hosea. But is it too late for Gomer? Is her heart too broken to capture even a drop of love? While unfaithful Israel breaks God’s heart, Gomer’s broken spirit tests Hosea’s faith. Can the two find faith in Yahweh’s power to love?

My Review:
A fantastic, heartbreaking, fictional account of Hosea and Gomer's story!

Mesu Andrews does it again in Love in a Broken Vessel! Having studied the book of Hosea late last year, I was so excited for Mesu's latest! I just adore how she weaves scripture into the story seamlessly. She does not disappoint and I can honestly say I really liked this book. :-)

Gomer is an emotionally broken girl. Her father sold her to a brothel at the young age of twelve and she has never known a love like Yahweh's for his people. Her character and personality felt real on the page. Her internal struggles, her tangled heart, and feelings of abandonment make me pity her. Watching her change throughout the novel was both heart-wrenching and encouraging. She certainly has a few ups and downs.

Hosea has been called to represent Yahweh's love for prostitute Israel, so the Lord sends him to Samaria to marry a harlot. He never expected the harlot he meets to be his childhood friend, Gomer. Reluctantly, she marries him. Hosea's care and love for Gomer goes beyond what he could ever imagine. Through this marriage he finally understands how Yahweh aches for His people to return to Him. It's so powerful to read.

If you like Biblical fiction then this one is for you. I highly recommend this book! ;-)

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About Mesu:
Mesu Andrews is the author of Love Amid the Ashes and Love's Sacred Song. She is an active speaker who has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture. Harnessing her deep understanding and love for God's Word, Andrews brings the biblical world vividly alive for her readers. She lives in Washington.

Psst! Check back on Friday for an interview with Mesu! ;-) 

Book Review: The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

Back Cover (from Amazon):
Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?
 
My Review:
A sweet Amish tale!

After reading The Fiddler a few months back, I was eager to read Joanna's story. I'm sure you've heard the saying, "Always a bridesmaid never a bride." Sadly, this saying appears true for Joanna and her sister, Cora Jane, won't let her forget it.

Joanna has such a sweet spirit and kind heart. I think I like her better than I did Amelia in the first book. Though Cora Jane, did some cruel things to her, I loved how Joanna brushed herself off and forgave. That is not an easy thing to do so I applaud her for that.

Eben, Joanna's beau, is faced with a lot of obstacles and I liked how he handled them with a level head, though his heart ached. He's an honorable man, strong in his faith. And best of all, he's a great match for Joanna.

For a girl who isn't an avid reader of Amish fiction, this book is very much to my liking. Beverly Lewis is an excellent author and I can't help but adore her characters.

I checked this book out at my local library, no review required. All opinions stated are my own.

Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell (Revell Blog Tour)

Back Cover (from Revell):
Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are the cat or the mouse.

Lady Céline Wexham seems the model British subject. French by birth but enjoying life in 1813 as a widowed English countess, she is in the unique position of being able to help those in need-or to spy for the notorious Napoleon Bonaparte.

When Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to pose as the countess’s butler and discover where her true loyalties lie, he is confident he will uncover the truth. But the longer he is in her fashionable townhouse in London’s West End, the more his staunch loyalty to the Crown begins to waver as he falls under Lady Wexham’s spell.

Will he find the proof he needs? And if she is a spy after all, what then will he do? 

My Review:
A mysterious regency romance!

The title very well suits this novel, and not just literally. We are taken back through time to 1813 London with Napoleon Bonaparte at large in France. I confess, I'm very partial to Julie Klassen's regency novels so I set my expectations high and for the most part Miss Axtell came through. :-)

On the very first page I was intrigued and drawn to have my questions answered. Rees is a great gentleman with a strong faith in God and a love for his country. When he's sent on assignment from the Foreign Office to spy on Lady Wexham he's ready to ferret her out. What he didn't expect was for her to be so... charming.

The writing is well done. The setting shows Miss Axtell did her research. And her characters are lovable, except perhaps Valentine... but that's okay. Hehehe! Near the closing of the book it appeared Miss Axtell was building an epic end to the book. However it did not go as I thought it would and seemed to drag out.

To conclude, I did enjoy Moonlight Masquerade and look forward to what Miss Axtell comes out with in the future. If you're a fan of a light mystery or of regency era novels this book may be for you.

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About Ruth (from Revell):
Ruth Axtell is the author of thirteen novels, including Wild Rose, one of Booklist's Top Ten in Christian Fiction. Currently a resident of Downeast Maine, Axtell has lived in the Canary Islands, Miami, and the Netherlands.

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Book Blurb (from Bethany House):
When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step. 

My Review: 
You don't want to miss this one!

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Shattered since I read Submerged last year. Reconnecting with the McKennas is such a delight! I fell in love with Piper and Landon from the beginning and I'm so happy their story came next.

Picking a favorite McKenna is like picking a favorite book or child, you just shouldn't do it. I love them all! Granted, I don't know too much about Reef yet so it's hard to tell if I like him as much as the others. That being said, Piper's story is just as exciting, if not more so, than Cole's.

Shattered has a slightly different feel to it than the first in the Alaskan Courage series; probably because I am familiar with the characters and their dynamics. Nonetheless, it's a good different. I loved watching the early signs of romance between Gage and Darcy. I loved watching Piper and Landon interact. And I loved seeing Bailey and Cole so in love.

As a big fan of romantic suspense and mystery, I thoroughly loved this one and I cannot wait for Stranded to come out later this year! (Also, as a quick minor note I would not recommend this series to a younger audience but rather to older teens and adults. ;D)

I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thank you, Dani!

Interested? You can get your own copy here. ;-)

About Dani:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com. 

Book Review: A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

My Review:
A Distant Melody transports you back to the 1940s for an exciting story!

After reading With Every Letter, I picked up a copy of Miss Sundin's first series to read while I wait for On Distant Shores to come out. I truly enjoyed this one. For some reason, my current favorite time-period to read about is the 1940s, America. I find myself loving the simple things back then as well as the gentlemen. Society is so much different today than it was then.

Allie is a girl who has never been told she's pretty. In fact, she's been told she's homely and should jump at whatever suitor wants her. In her case, the suitor is Baxter, her father's business partner. To Allie's dismay, Baxter does not love her. It's an arranged marriage in the 1940s and there's nothing she can do about it. I really liked how Miss Sundin progressively changed Allie into the woman God made her to be. The change wasn't too fast nor too slow.

Walter is also a character who hasn't always fit the image his parents have for him. While his brothers joined the church, he prefers engineering and flying. Also unlike his brothers, he cannot seem to talk to single women. Miss Sundin did excellently portraying and growing his character throughout the book.

You can't go wrong with great characters, a good setting, and strong faith. :-)

I purchased this book, no review required.

Back Cover (from Goodreads):

Will a chance meeting in a time of war change her life forever?

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval - even marry a man she doesn't love. While Allie has nearly resigned herself to that fate, Lt. Walter Novak - fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women - takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas.

Walt and Allie meet and begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

When the Heart Heals by Ann Shorey (Revell Blog Tour)

Back Cover (from Revell):

In a country healing from war, can a young woman find healing for her heart?

Courageous and unconventional, Rosemary Saxon served as a nurse during the Civil War, a service that has caused most women in town to regard her as unfeminine and even downright vulgar. Although she would like to put that part of her life behind her, she needs to support herself. She takes a nursing position with Dr. Elijah Stewart, but whenever they are together they always seem to do or say the wrong things. When someone threatens Rosemary, will she find the courage to stand, or will she leave town-and Elijah-forever?

With tenderness and grace, Ann Shorey invites you back to the town of Noble Springs, Missouri, for an engrossing story of love’s tentative first steps and fragile future in the face of opposition.

My Review:
An interesting post-Civil War romance!

This is, I believe, the first novel I've read set in the mid to late 1800s, a few years after the Civil War, in the town of Noble Springs, Missouri. The writing is smooth and I became very fond of the characters. I have not read the first in this series, but like I said in a previous review, that didn't take away from the story at all.

Rosemary Saxon was a nurse in the war. But now that the conflict is over, she tries to find a way to continue treating patients. To her chagrin, however women nurses are not accepted. She is a very headstrong character and at first, upon reading the back cover I was concerned this would be another "first female doctor" novel but it really isn't. Instead, Rosemary merely helps out with the female patients and administers-on occasion-some herbal remedies.

Elijah Stewart is the new doctor in Noble Springs. He takes on Rosemary primarily for her help keeping the ledger not necessarily her nursing skills. There were times I wondered if he could be even more bullheaded than Rosemary, and I suppose he might if he stopped giving in to Rosemary. I found him a strong male lead.

All in all, When a Heart Heals is a nice read for an overcast/rainy day. Miss Shorey has a knack for resolving things on the last few pages and once you hit the middle it's hard to set the book down.

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, thanks!

Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

About Ann (from Revell):
Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom, The Edge of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The Dawn of a Dream. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon.

Damascus Countdown by Joel C. Rosenburg (Tyndale)

My Review:
Oh. My. Word.

I am saddened at how long it took me to read one of Joel's books! This was a fantastic read! As a big thriller/suspense fan, Damascus Countdown is perfect for me. My mom has always told me how good his books were, but I always shrugged it off because of other priorities. I should have listened sooner, for sure!

While this is the last in this series and I have not read the first two, I did not feel like I was missing anything or confused at all. This book is so well written that I'm taking notes for myself as a writer! An admirable trait in any book, Rosenburg thickens the plot and raises the stakes to unimaginable heights. Right when you think things can't get worse, they do. It's classic and awesome.

The main hero in this trilogy to my knowledge is David Shirazi, alias Reza Tabrizi. He's a CIA deep undercover agent in Iran trying to prevent a war... until, that is, the Israelis start one barely a chapter into the novel. Then his new mission is to find the two nukes that the Israelis didn't get in their attack and deactivate them. I found him to be very likable and very real to me.

Rosenburg takes a serious look at prophesies in the Old Testament and applies them to his fictional today. I cannot fathom the research that has gone into this but it is all worth it. I won't drag out this review too much farther, but I will say that I wouldn't recommend this to younger teens or anyone who doesn't love a good thriller. But if you do, I'd recommend you check out this series. I know I'll be reading The Twelfth Imam and The Tehran Initiative in the next few weeks. :-)

I received this book from Tyndale in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

Back Cover (from Tyndale):
All eyes are on the Middle East. Israel has successfully launched a first strike on Iran, taking out all of their nuclear sites and six of their nuclear warheads—and causing The Twelfth Imam to order a full-scale retaliation. US President William Jackson threatens to support a UN Security Council resolution condemning the Jewish State for unprovoked and unwarranted acts of aggression.

Meanwhile, CIA operative David Shirazi has infiltrated the Iranian regime and intercepted information indicating that two Iranian nuclear warheads survived the attack and have been moved to a secure and undisclosed location. In danger not only from the ongoing missile strikes on Iran but also from the increasingly hostile and suspicious governments of multiple countries, David and his team are in a race against time to find the remaining nuclear warheads before disaster strikes.

Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson (Revell Blog Tour)

Back Cover (from Revell):

She’s trying to focus on her future. How can one man make everything feel so . . . fuzzy?

Hannah McDermott has a successful photography studio. She’ll soon be featured in Texas Bride magazine. And she has a celebrity client whose Galveston ceremony will be her ticket to the top spot on wedding coordinator Bella Neeley’s list of recommended photographers. But it could all come crashing down around her because of one man: archrival and photographer extraordinaire Drew Kincaid.

As the competition between Hannah and Drew heats up, Hannah is surprised to find that it’s not the only thing getting more intense. She can’t get the handsome man out of her thoughts-or even out of her line of sight-and the job of her dreams is turning into a nightmare. Will everything she’s worked for slip out of her hands? And can she see past her pride to find a picture-perfect love?

My Review:
I ADORED this book!

I couldn't set it down after I started reading! I truthfully don't know why I haven't read any of Miss Thompson's work until yesterday. Her wonderful writing combined with her humor and relatable characters made for such a great afternoon read. Yes, I did read Picture Perfect in an afternoon. No regrets.

In Picture Perfect we are in the head of the lovely Hannah McDermott. All her life she's believed she's come up second and she's ready to be first. The only negative thing I can think to say about Hannah is that she isn't very close to God yet, however, she is on the right track. We get so up-close and personal with Hannah's thoughts that it really made me feel like I could relate to her and understand her better.

Before I close this review there's a peeve I had that I would like to mention. I did not like how the married women made dreamy/infatuated comments about an actor right in front of their husbands. I mean, how disrespectful is that? But like I said, it was my only big peeve with Picture Perfect and it did not occur often enough to take away from my reading experience.

If you like a good romance tale with some humor, this is the book for you. :-)

Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!

About Janice (from Revell):
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner.

Liebster Award

This post is very late in coming, but it's here now! ;D I have been nominated for the lovely Liebster award by several awesome people: Leah, Tori, and Bethany- thank you!

So, because I have been nominated three times I shall answer all 33 questions but I doubt I'll be able to come up with 11. We shall see. Moving forward!

Here are the rules:
1. List 11 facts about yourself
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger who nominated you left
3. Ask 11 new questions for those you nominate
4. Choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate
5. Go to each blogger's page and let them know about the award
6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog

 OK, so 11 facts about me:
1. I love sweet tea.
2. I have a love for old movies and TV shows. Particularly The Princess Bride, and Audrey Hepburn movies.
3. I like baking cookies.
4. I like organized things.
5. I am a college sophomore.
6. I plan to become a published author someday.
7. I can randomly quote Disney movies as well as Lord of the Rings.
8. Disney World is my third home-away-from-home.
9. I love to dance before the Lord.
10. I drove through a snow fall for the first time this past week- Hey, I survived!
11. I have a not-so-secret love for LEGO Wii games.

Now for the 33 questions!

1. Would you rather be respected, or loved?: I can't have both? *sigh* Respect. :)

2. What is a favorite quote of yours?: "Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart." -Psalms 37:4

3. List 3 of your favorite songs at the moment?: Oh my. a) Night of my Life by Group 1 Crew b) You Are My Hope by Skillet c) Fearless by Group 1 Crew

4. Cows or peacocks?: ... Cows, I think.

5. Describe your style/taste in art, design, fashion?: Hm... Art? Abstract. Design? Organized. Fashion? Modest.

6. What place would you travel to if you could?: Probably Paris, France.

7. Coffee or tea?: Tea!

8. Introvert or extrovert?: Introvert.

9. What do you hope to do with your life?: Share Christ through my writing.

10. What's your favorite entree?: Steak and a baked potato.

11. If you could be granted 1 wish, what would it be?: I'd make Florida and Ohio closer together.

(11 down, 22 to go!)

1. What's your favorite TV series?: Ahh! Such a hard question! I'll pick Once Upon a Time.

2. Favorite superhero?: Captain America, hands down.

3. If you could have any pet whether it is mythical or real, what would it be?: I'd keep my current dog, Joy.

4. If you could live in the world of a book or movie, which one?: Not sure... Probably a book.

5. Favorite music artist?: Gah. Another hard one. I'll pick Kari Jobe.

6. What is your favorite scent?: Vanilla.

7. Hunger Games or Twilight?: Out of those two? Hunger Games! I heavily dislike Twilight.

8. Motorcycle or car?: Car.

9. Favorite cookie?: Chocolate Chip!

10. What is a quirk about yourself?: I tap my fingers on everything. lol

11. Do you have a favorite blog?: Go Teen Writers!

(22 down, 11 to go!)

 1. Do you have siblings? How many? 2

 2. Checkered or plaid?: Plaid.

 3. Favorite food?: Rice

 4. How much wood did the woodchuck chuck?: None. The woodchuck can't chuck wood. ;p

 5. Favorite fantasy world?: Middle Earth!

 6. Hot chocolate or coffee?: Hot Chocolate!

 7. What is your favorite musical?: Les Miserables

 8. Would you rather eat a raw squirrel, or moldy doughnuts? :P: First of all, EW! I think I'll take the third door and starve. lol

 9. On a scale of 1-10 how much do you enjoy reading?: 9.5

 10. Favorite book?: A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

 11. Cold weather or hot weather?: Cold, though I'm sick of snow.

Whew! There's all 33 questions and answers. I'm just going to tag all of you, whoever is reading this. Hope you learned a bit more about me! :-) Thanks for coming by!

To Honor and Trust by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

Back Cover (from Goodreads):

Callie DeBoyer is unsettled as she arrives at Bridal Veil Island with the Bridgeport family. She's just received a letter from her parents, missionaries in coastal Africa, stating they are in dire need of more personnel. Should Callie give up her governess job and join her parents in their important work? Is God calling her to the mission field, or does she just want to escape the emotional scars of being jilted by her former beau? 

When she enrolls young Thomas Bridgeport in golf lessons, Callie meets Wesley Townsend, who urges Callie to take lessons, as well. During their time at the golf course, Callie comes to care for Wesley--until she discovers hidden secrets about his past. 

Then expensive jewels go missing from various homes on the island, and suspicion is aimed in Callie's direction. As the investigation continues, Callie wonders if she should escape it all by going to Africa. After the secrets he kept about his past, will Wesley ever be a man she can honor and trust for the rest of her life?

My Review:
A fascinating historical romantic tale!

I regret to say I have not a chance to read the previous two books in this series. I do not think that took anything away from To Honor and Trust, I found it can easily be read as a stand-alone. ;) That being said, I overall thought the book was a decent read. Despite two authors, the writing flows and centers in the heads of Wes and Callie.

Moving forward, it took me several chapters to really get into this one. It seemed slow at the start but it did pick up around the middle and hooked me in until the last page. I liked the mystery and intrigue with the robberies and the twist at the end.

Callie is an interesting character. Her faith in God is strong, as she prays over every thing, big or small. She loves her charges, Thomas, Daisy, and Lottie and works as their tutor. I admired her good nature towards them and applauded her for putting Mr. Perriman in his place. (Those who have read the book will understand what I mean. ;D )

While this book is not a favorite, it still was a nice little read. Those who have read Love Finds You on Mackinac Island will like this one.

I received this book from Bethany House in return for an honest review of my opinions, thanks!

Rebekah by Jill Eileen Smith (Revell Blog Tour)

Back Cover (from Revell):

Can love heal the rift between two souls?

When her beloved father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Though she should be married by now, it’s clear that Laban is dragging his feet, waiting for a higher bride-price to line his pockets. But then Rebekah is given a chance to leave her home to marry Isaac, a cousin she has never even seen, and her hope for the future is restored. Little does she know what a wondrous and heart-wrenching journey she is beginning.

As Rebekah experiences the joy of young love and the bitterness of misunderstanding and betrayal, her resolve is tested. When the rift between Isaac and her grows so wide it is surely too great to be mended, can she trust the God of Isaac’s father Abraham to bridge the gap?

Join bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith as she fills in the blanks around the life of the enigmatic Rebekah.

My Review:
Jill Eileen Smith returns with the Biblical tale of Isaac and Rebekah. :-)

I was first entranced by Miss Smith's writing with the first book in this series, Sarai. If I liked Sarai then I loved Rebekah. I read pretty much the whole book in one day. For me, Rebekah totally surpassed Sarai. Sticking close to what is in the Biblical account; Miss Smith leads us through Isaac and Rebekah's early marriage all the way to the infamous impersonation of Esau by Jacob.

Rebekah came right off the page! I connected with her in a way I didn't expect to and thus had a really hard time setting the book down. The writing flowed, the characters felt real, and the ending already makes me excited for Rachel!

I never felt like I understood Isaac until I read this. He went through a tragic yet amazing event as a child and I never thought about how almost being sacrificed would affect him. He was a great husband and father… Well, at least to Esau.

In sum, if you like Biblical fiction you'll love this one! I also highly suggest you read the chapters in Genesis either before or after reading Rebekah. You'll be amazed and how well Miss Smith stuck to the Biblical account. ;-)

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, thanks!

Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
 

 © Amanda Matilla Photography

About Jill: 
Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series, and of Sarai, book 1 in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. Her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.





Join Jill Tuesday, February 19th, from 7-8pm EST for an interactive video chat book tour! Click on the picture to RSVP!

Book Review: A Love Surrenderred by Julie Lessman

Back Cover (from Goodreads):
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?


My Review:
OK, last Julie Lessman book review until Love at Any Cost comes out in a few months.. hehehe. :-D

I don't know if it was the shortness of this last installment of the Winds of Change series or if it was the wonderful Annie Kennedy, but I extremely liked this one! Kind of like A Heart Revealed, we get a new look on the O'Connor family and a bit more of what was going on outside the O'Connor's kitchen.

Aside from Faith, I believe Annie is my second favorite heroine in the whole series. Her ideals reminded me of Faith, her stubbornness reminded me of Charity, and she kind of reminded me of, well, me. Haha! She really did phenomenal in staying strong in her purity and her faith. I also loved her relationship with Glory-- that was too cute. :-)

In A Hope Undaunted, we saw Steven change his life for the better. In A Love Surrendered, it really shows how he's changed and how he struggles to trust himself. Since we saw so little of him in previous books I liked finally having a chance to read his story, get to know him a little better, and most of all see him patch his relationship with God.

In sum, this one kept me reading until the very end. I will miss the O'Connors SO much, but I know they were happy. :-)

I won this book in a giveaway, no review required.

Book Review: A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

Back Cover (from Goodreads):
Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston as a battered woman, escaping the husband who scarred her beautiful face. The physical and emotional wounds have faded with time, and her life is finally full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known? 

My Review:
Another good one from Miss Lessman!

I am/was super excited to finally read Sean's story! Goodness, he's the oldest shouldn't his story been sooner? Nonetheless, this one was very interesting to read. As a quick side note, it is definitely apparent that Miss Lessman has raised the "passion/romance" bar. I truly love Emma and Sean, but there were several issues that came up in the story that I had to skip. :-(

On a more positive note, I found Charity's sisterly affection for Emma so, so, sweet. Reading A Heart Revealed really opened up the doors for us to see Charity's better, softer, side. For once, I actually liked Charity! Emma's motherly care for her neighbor, Casey, was very endearing as well.

It was really different for me to read about Emma, though not in a bad sense. To me it was just weird for her not to be an O'Connor sister! Haha! The tables are really turned from any of the previous books to this one. Overlooking the extra doses of passion, I did like this one. Emma and Sean are such sweet characters and I'm happy they've both found happiness and love in each other. :-)

I bought this book, no review required.

Book Review: A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

Back Cover (from Goodreads): 
The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face-to-face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

My Review:
I must give a fair warning of possible spoilers in this review... I'll do my best!

I was so, so, SO excited to read Katie's story after reading about her antics as a child. Going into the book I thought I knew how things would play out. Keyword being: thought. If one thing hasn't changed from the Daughters of Boston series to the Winds of Change series it's this: Julie Lessman knows how to incorporate twists like no other. Haha! She not only shredded my hopes for a happy ending but then she ripped out my heart...only to patch everything back together before "the end".

I kid you not.

Katie O'Connor has been the object of most of my laughs throughout Faith, Charity, and Lizzie's stories and I am glad to say she still is in A Hope Undaunted. Armed with spunk, attitude, and a strong will, Katie does not live an angelic lifestyle... Until her father goes to extreme measures to rein her in. But, despite her flaws, I still love Katie. And Luke, for that matter. However, they still remain the two most frustrating beings next to Charity and Mitch.

I'm going to put an end to my review here, because I'd hate to spoil anything for you. But, in sum, this was a fun book to read. Sadly for me, there are several romantic scenes I had to skim over and some all together skip, just like the previous books. :-( Because of this, I recommend this series to mature older teens/adults.

I purchased this book, no review required.

The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport {Revell Blog Tour!}

Back Cover (from Goodreads):
Charlotte Farrow, maid in the wealthy Banning household on Chicago's opulent Prairie Avenue, has kept her baby boy a secret from her employers for nearly a year. But when the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child's fate. Can she face the truth of her own past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life's tragedies determine the future for her?

This compelling story set against the glittering backdrop of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition captures the tension between the wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable. Author Olivia Newport expertly portays social classes while creating a story of courage, strength, and tender romance.

My Review:
This is a book you won't want to put down!

I blew through this in a day. It was so easy to read and slip back into the setting from The Pursuit of Lucy Banning. I have been waiting for The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow for a long time and I am pleased to report my expectations were reached! A very good friend of mine compared it to Downton Abbey, and I have to agree. It really held that separation of social classes that we're so familiar with in Downton.

I think my favorite character was Charlotte. (No surprise there!) I really liked Charlotte in the first book and was simply ecstatic to find out the next book in the series would be about her. Charlotte is such a sweet person, and she's a great mother to her son Henry, who stays with a woman while Charlotte works for the Bannings.

Another thing I liked is that we really get to know Archie, my second favorite character, in this novel. He is head over heels in love with Charlotte though she puts him off at every turn. I loved his persistence. There were quite a few times I thought, "Okay, this is it. He'll be done with her now." But I was wrong. 

There were one or two things I didn't like, very minor things. For one, it felt like a character had a too sudden change of heart. The other thing I didn't like, as a writer not a reader, was a moment in the book where it felt like Miss Newport gave Charlotte an easy-out. That's just a personal opinion. But aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, thanks!

About Olivia:
Olivia Newport is the author of　The Pursuit of Lucy Banning. Her novels twist through time to discover where faith and passions meet. Her husband and two adult children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Book Review: The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

About the Book:

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.

When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame... and which brother to trust with her heart?

My Review:
Another great regency novel from Miss Klassen!!

I was, and still am, pretty excited about this novel. I am a huge fan of Miss Klassen's novels, mainly because she writes so elegantly and in a way that subtlety reminds me of Jane Austen. The Tutor's Daughter really fought for my favorite spot of all Klassen's novels, and it succeeded. It beat The Maid of Fairbourne Hall ever so slightly.

The Tutor's daughter's name is Emma Smallwood. She helps her father with his pupils and keeps their books. She likes things to be tidy and in order, a quirk I can very much relate to but not to the extreme Emma goes to sometimes. An unusual component in this novel is that Emma is the one to have turned her back on God, not Henry. Typically in novels I've read the roles are reversed and it's up to the woman to convert the man. Seeing Miss Klassen do the opposite was refreshing and different.

Henry Weston is the son and heir to Sir Giles, baronet. He studied under Emma's father, John Smallwood several years past and was notoriously known for tormenting Emma during his stay. Now that they meet again, things have changed. He is older, more mature, and holds firm belief in God.

I was truly baffled by the mysteries woven into the tale, and I don't say that often. I won't say much more because I would hate to spoil this fantastic book for you. :-) I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves Regency novels or Jane Austen. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I purchased this book, no review required.

And the Winners Are...

Thank you all for entering! This has been really fun, I can't wait to do it again. ;-D OK, now to the part you all are itching to get to!

And the winner of Vanished is... 

Merry! 

Congrats! Keep a sharp eye on your email inbox, I'll be sending you an email shortly.

And now for the winner of The Fairest Beauty!

Rissi! 

Congrats, girl! I'll be popping you an email in a bit, kay?

Big thank you to everyone who tweeted, blogged, and entered!

Waiting for Spring by Amanda Cabot {Revell Blog Tour}

Back Cover (from Revell):

Amanda Cabot explores themes of love, courage and sacrifice in the second book of the Westward Winds series. With an authentic backdrop of 1880s Wyoming, Cabot creates characters whose struggle to forge a life in the old West ultimately win your heart.

After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker's shop to lie low and make a living. When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer Miriam, Charlotte feels drawn to him.

If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.

Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett's plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness? 

My Review:
Waiting for Spring has just a dabble of mystery, a wink of romance, and a touch of faith within its pages.

From page one I grew fond of Charlotte, a widow and mother of a blind year old son named David. Charlotte does what she deems best for her son at every turn, going as far as changing her identity to protect them. Her strength despite her fear is so honorable. She tends to David and protects him like a mother bear over her cub.

It took a few chapters but I did grow to like the male lead, Barrett Landry. His mother taught him to be a gentleman, though they were never rich, which made him honorable, respectable, and loyal. Over the course of the book he discovers what's really important to him and what isn't, a realization that saves him from a lot of heartbreak.

Amanda Cabot incorporates the right amount of mystery and romance for a good blend. Her main characters are strong, as is her villain. In some ways, I wish she had not revealed the villain as soon as she did but it worked out, in a sense, knowing as long as I-the reader-did. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read. :-)

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions, thanks!

About Amanda: 
Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses, Scattered Petals, Tomorrow's Garden, and Summer of Promise, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the cofounder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler. She lives in Wyoming.

Les Misérables (Tyndale)

My Review: 
In light of the new Les Mis movie, I jumped at the chance to review this Audio drama from Tyndale.

Focus on the Family takes the book written by Victor Hugo and turns it into a marvelous story you can listen to with the whole family. (It recommends ages 12+.) I loved the cast, they were wisely chosen and well suited to their roles.

Les Miserables is a moving story of redemption, forgiveness, and doing the right thing even when you don't want to. Jean Valjean, convicted for stealing some bread, served nineteen years for his crime. Now back out in the world, no one will accept him. He gets set back on the straight and narrow by a kind priest. Jean then goes out to change his life, hoping to leave the name Jean Valjean behind forever.

Having never read the book, it was fascinating to see what parts of Les Mis were not included in the musical. I was glad to see there wasn't much cut for the musical, and that what was cut or changed wasn't crucial to the story.

All in all, this was a great listen! If you have older children, this might be a fun thing to play for the family before you go see the movie. It's about three hours total. (Great for car rides!)

I received this audio drama from Tyndale in return for an honest review of my opinions.

Vanished by Irene Hannon (Revell Blog Tour) {Giveaway!}

Back Cover (From Revell):

A tenacious reporter. A skeptical PI. And a secret that will shatter lives.

Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes-but it’s too late. She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road.

A man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then the world fades to black. When she comes to, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person. But she can’t forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away. And she can’t get anyone to believe her story-except maybe a handsome ex–homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case.

As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn’t want this mystery solved-and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret.

 

My Review:
Words cannot fully express my excitement to read Vanished!

After a tear-ridden goodbye to the Taylor family, I felt ready to embrace the new characters Irene introduces us to. In Vanished, we now take a look at Private Investigators. Specifically, Phoenix Inc. and the three men who work there: Cal, Dev, and Connor.

Moira Harrison comes to them with a case she's convinced needs attention, though the police disagree. I really liked Moira. She's a woman scorned once and has learned from said mistake. She has spunk and humor and a faith akin to Cal's. That makes her, in my eyes, a great heroine.

Cal, who is at center stage in Vanished, is man still aching from a loss long ago. His heart has hardened with bitterness and hate. He continually asks God the wrong questions and soon finds himself falling for the redheaded beauty. Can he overcome his anger and seek forgiveness?

Overall, this book was fantastic. While I really, really, enjoyed it, it didn't have the same feel to it as the Guardians of Justice or even the Heroes of Quantico did. Despite that, Irene doesn't fail to keep you reading until everything is set right. I can't wait to see who will be the star of the next installment of this series!

I'd recommend this book to older teens and adults. :-)

I received this book from Revell in return for an honest review of my opinions. Thanks!

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About Irene:
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 40 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in Missouri. For more information about her and her books, visit her web site at www.irenehannon.com and follow her on Twitter at @IreneHannon.

Now for the giveaway! (Giveaway is only open to US residents, sorry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Melanie Dickerson! {Giveaway!}

Today I have a special treat! An interview with Melanie Dickerson! :-D If you recall, I reviewed her latest The Fairest Beauty a few weeks ago. Enjoy the interview, because I have another surprise at the end!

Welcome, Melanie, to Writings of Rosie! Tell us about yourself, for those who don’t know. :-)
Hi, Rosie! Thanks so much for having me on your blog! I am a mom, wife, and writer living in north Alabama. I love chocolate and hanging out with my family. I was once a special education teacher with a degree in special ed. of the hearing impaired from The University of Alabama. I have taught in Georgia and Tennessee, as well as Ukraine and Germany. Now I make paper beads and necklaces with said beads in my spare time, when I’m not writing. And my husband and two daughters keep me grounded and busy.

 
How were you inspired for The Fairest Beauty?
I knew I wanted to write a Snow White story, and I started coming up with the idea about 4 or 5 years ago. While I was working out the plot details a couple of years ago, I would listen to Taylor Swift’s songs, “Love Story” and “Enchanted,” which inspired me a lot.

Will we get to see Duke Wilhelm’s family again?
Yes! You will see Duke Wilhelm and Rose and their children in The Fairest Beauty and in my next book, a Cinderella story called The Captive Maiden. Their second son, Gabe, is the hero in The Fairest Beauty, and their oldest son, Valten, gets his own story when he rescues Cinderella. :)

What movie/TV actors or actresses would you choose to play Sophie and Gabe, if there were to be a movie?
The person who looks the most like Gabe, and of whom I am a big fan, is Dez Duron, who was on the most recent season of The Voice. Dez would be a perfect Gabe! As for Sophie, I really couldn’t find anyone who fit her perfectly, but I guess the closest is Zooey Deschanel.

Gabe (via)

Is there anything unique or quirky that you do while you write?
When I write, I like to listen to Andrea Bocelli. His songs and his voice sound so romantic, and he sings in Italian, so it doesn’t distract me.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I like to write on my couch at home, but when I’m having a hard time getting the words down, I like to go to a public place like a restaurant or coffee house (even though I don’t drink coffee, only hot tea). For some reason, going to a public place with my laptop forces me to get the words down.


And lastly, where can readers find you on the web?
You can keep up with all my book news on my facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/MelanieDickersonBooks and on my website, www.MelanieDickerson.com
 

Sophie (via)

Thank you so much for stopping by, Melanie! I’ve loved interviewing you.
Thanks so much for having me on your blog! :)

And now for the second big surprise! I am giving away a copy of The Fairest Beauty! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway  
*   Copy is provided by DJC Communications, thanks!