Burning Sky by Lori Benton

Burning Sky: A Novel of the American Frontier is Lori Beton's debut novel.  This novel is about a young girl named Willa Obenchain who was kidnapped by Mohawk Indians when she was only 14 years old.  After 12 years of being away with the Mohawks, Willa makes a return to the land she grew up on hoping to be reunited with her family.  Not too far from where she grew up, Will finds an unconscious man and takes pity on him.  Willa pulls him on a travios the rest of the way home only to find her home abandoned and run down.  Now, she must nurse a stranger back to health and uncover the mystery of where her parents and grandmother have gone.

Lori Benton has a done a great job of weaving this story together.  I haven't read too much about the Indians' part in the American Revolution.  I think the emotions were written well and helped to stir up the strong feelings that would of been present during that time.  So much was unknown about the Indians and would of caused a lot of fear among the settlers.  The storyline was strong and kept me wondering throughout what would happen in the end to Willa's land.  I think that Lori has a done a great job with her first novel and I look forward to reading the next one, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn  coming April 15, 2014.

Lori Benton has made a pinterest board of what she envisioned in writing this book.  She has pictures of  Willa Obenchain, Neil MacGregor and others.  So head over to pinterest and see Burning Sky in pictures.  Lori also has a page on her blog that has lots of extras about Burning Sky.  You can find that page here.

If you are interested in learning more about the American Frontier along the New York/Canadian border, pick up this book and enjoy a story that is filled with mystery, suspense and American history.

More Information:
Click here to learn more about the author and here to read the author spotlight.

Buy the book.

Click here to read the first chapter to Burning Sky.


***I received this book free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Nancy Moser’s The Journey of Josephine Cain 5 book giveaway!

Welcome to the blog tour for Nancy Moser's newest book The Journey of Josephine Caine.  This book is part of the An American Tapestry series.  The other books are: Where the Trail Ends: The Oregon Trail by Melanie Dobson, Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson, Always Remembered by Janelle Mowery, A Lady's Choice by Sandra Robbins, and the Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson. Below you'll find information about the book, my review, about the author and how to enter the 5 book giveaway!

About the book: When a socialite from the nation's capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.

A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.


My Review:
Josephine Caine is quite a character who has definitely had everything handed to her.  She starts off as a woman who is quite selfish and used to getting her own way.  I liked the way the author took Josephine from a life ruled by selfishness to one that was passionate about others.  Her transformation throughout the book was fun to see. The story will definitely take you on a wild ride as you encounter twisters, Indians and all that the Wild West has to offer.  The Wild West is quite a lifestyle, and this story will help you to imagine a little of what the pioneers heading West had to endure.  It must of been quite a sight to see these two grand railroads unit the East and the West.  What an amazing period in our nation's history!  So grab your cup of coffee or hot chocolate and pick up this fun read to enjoy.
You can read more reviews from the blog tour by clicking here.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pq47s


Meet Nancy: Nancy Moser is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist's "Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011." Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest.

Learn more at Nancy at: http://nancymoser.com/.

Five Book Giveaway Info:

The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy's fun Pinterest board for the book!

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 26th. All winners will be announced October 28th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won one of the books! 

 

***I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Peace on Earth by Mary Engelbreit

It is always fun to review children's books, and this book is just in time to buy for a Christmas gift.  Mary Engelbreit's Peace on Earth is a Christmas Collection of poems, songs, stories and Scripture that is filled with color and will be a keepsake for years to come.  This book would be appropriate for children 4-8 years old.

I thought that Mary Engelbreit did a great job with the illustrations.  The colors are bright and attractive, and the art is fun to look at.  This book definitely puts you in the festive Christmas spirit!  Each Christmas we wrap 25 books from the library and unwrap one book each night.  I'm excited to include this book in our 25 book countdown this year.  I'm looking forward to reading through it with my 5 year and singing the Christmas carols that are in the book too.  Also, I love that one of my favorite hymns All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil Alexander is included in the collection. As you read through the book, you will notice all those familiar tunes, poems, and stories you might remember from childhood.  I can see how this book would be one that is passed down and enjoyed for years to come.
So pick up this delightful Christmas collection by Mary Engelbreit and enjoy it this Christmas Season!

***I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Nancy Moser’s The Journey of Josephine Cain 5 book giveaway!

Nancy Moser has released her newest novel which is part of the American Tapestry series.  The blog tour runs from October 8-26th and ends with a 5 book giveaway!  So, head over and enter for the contest and then join me back here on October 23rd when I post my review of this book!

The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser follows the adventures of a D.C. socialite as she gets involved with the building of the Transcontinental Railroad right after the Civil War. Be sure to check out Nancy's fun Pinterest board for the book!

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 26th. All winners will be announced October 28th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 28th to see if you won one of the books!

Lynn Austin’s “Return To Me” Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Party | Enter and RSVP today!

Welcome to the blog tour for Lynn Austin's newest book Return to Me.  This is her first book in The Restoration Chronicles series.  Below you will find information about the book, my review, info about the author and how to enter the giveaway for a Kindle HDX!  Thanks for stopping by!

About the book: From the Acclaimed Author of Chronicles of the Kings

After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true---King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God's renewed favor. For too long they've remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo's sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return---return to their home and their God.

Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo's beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God's leading. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah---and history---forever.

Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Me tells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

My Review:

What  a great book!  Lynn Austin has quickly become one of my favorite authors.  I love how she can interest me in the story right from the start.  The feeling and emotion she writes into her characters really makes you connect with them.  This series is unique in that it fictionalizes the biblical account of the return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem.  I love how it helps me to identify with the human side of the characters from the Bible.  They were people just like us with fears, worries, and dreams for the future.  It was great to revisit this time of biblical history as I don't really read these portions of Scripture often.  This book has made me anxious to get out my Bible and re-read these passages of Scripture.  Lynn Austin has done a fabulous job with inspiring the reader to be in the Word and to remember the great truths of our God.  If you're looking for a great series to start, then make sure to pick up this book!

You can visit the rest of the blog tour by clicking here and read what others thought about this book!

Click here to purchase your own copy of the book.

 
About Lynn: Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

You can find out more about Lynn at http://www.lynnaustin.org/.






GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Lynn Austin is celebrating the release of Return to Me, the first book in her new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat party.

 
  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Return to Me by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Return To Me" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 22nd. Connect with Lynn and friends for an evening of book chat, biblical trivia, prizes, and get an exclusive look at the next book in Lynn's Restoration Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Return to Me and join Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

 ***I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. 

Melanie Dobson Book Giveaway!

I was privileged to be on the book tour for Melanie Dobson's newest book, The Courier of Caswell Hall.  It is part of the American Tapestry series by Summerside Press.  Below you will find a description of the book, my review and information about the author.  Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this review.  Five copies of this book are being given away!

About the book: An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women's families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.

One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages---a network that may be the Patriots' only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family's protection and her own heart's desires.

As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.

Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1aLxC9s

My Review:
I loved this book!  I love it when a story reaches out and grabs my attention from the very first pages! The Prologue sets the scene and makes you want to know the whole story.  I really enjoyed the history that filled the story.  This story was set in 1781 during the American Revolutionary War.  I guess I never thought about those living in the colonies that were loyal to the King, and how they would of felt about the Rebels.  Being an American and proud of our independence, I only ever thought about all that the Rebels went through to throw off the bondage of Great Britain.  It's always interesting to read a story set during a familiar time in history as it makes that time period come alive.  So if you're looking for a great historical fiction book that is filled with excitement, mystery and a little romance, then this is the book for you! 

You can read more reviews of this book by clicking here.

About the author:
Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.

Connect with Melanie at: http://melaniedobson.com

Melanie Dobson's latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall, is a riveting story you won't want to miss. The newest offering in the American Tapestries™ series, it follows an unlikely spy who discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

Giveaway:
Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

  Five winners will receive:

• The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books! 

**I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Win the All-New Paperwhite Kindle from Guideposts Books in the Home to Heather Creek Giveaway!

I'm so excited to be apart of this blog tour for the Home to Heather Creek series by Kathleen Bauer.  And have you heard that Kathleen Bauer is actually a pen name used for a group of writers for this series?  You can read below about the first two books in the series and find out who the first two authors are!

About the Series:

 The first book in the series is Before the Dawn, and it was written by Carolyne Aarsen.  This story begins with a heartbreaking tragedy in the Steveson family.  Charlotte and Bob have learned that their daughter, Denise, has been killed in a car accident.  And now, Charlotte and Bob need to take in her three children that they barely know.  Denise ran away from home when she was a teen and has communicated very little with her parents since.   This will be a huge change for everyone in the family.  The kids have been living in California and what a shock it will be for them to move to the farmlands of Nebraska.  Charlotte and Bob have been doing things a certain way for a long period of time and many of those traditions will be challenged.  Charlotte is also questioning her parenting skills and does not want to make the same mistakes she made with her daughter, Denise.  Can people change or will history repeat itself? 

The second book in the series is Sweet September, and it was written by Tricia Goyer.  This second book picks up soon after the first one left off as everyone on the farm is getting ready for harvest time. Bob and his son, Pete, are two very stubborn men and seem to continually be at odds with each other.  The kids are having their difficulties--Sam with failing English and History classes, Emily with living on a rural farm and Christopher playing by himself often.  So many things for Charlotte to try and fix, but she is quickly realizing that she is only one person and that prayer must be an important part of her life.  When Christopher finds a "treasure" buried in the yard, he unlocks a great piece of family history that touches all of their lives.  There is also quite a mystery going on as food keeps disappearing off of the farm.  Will the kids be able to solve the mystery?

My Thoughts:
 I thought the first book was a little slow, of course it is building the background for the series.  The second book picked up the pace a little and threw in a mystery and a great family story.  I thought that those aspects added to the story line to make it interesting.  I really did enjoy the character, Charlotte.  I thought that her character was very transparent and well written.  The author did a great job conveying the feelings and thoughts Charlotte was facing as everything around her changed.  In Before the Dawn  chapter 4, Charlotte is showing the kids the school they will be attending in the small town of Bedford.  As she pulls open the door to the high school, she begins to remember things about her own children.  "As she drove home she would listen to their stories with one ear, her mind already leaping ahead to the work waiting.  Always in a hurry, she remembered, stepping into the building.  Rushing my children through life as I split myself in two--one part with them, the other moving, hurrying to the next chore, the next job, the next event." (pg. 39)  How easy is it for us to do the same thing?  We rush from one thing to the next while missing the important parts.  I like how Charlotte is now thinking about things differently this second time around.  She realizes that what is most important is her relationship with the grandchildren.
While the story line can move a little slowly, it is a good series that may make you think about life with your own family.  And whether you should re-think some of the things you're doing too.  Pick up this series at your local bookstore or library, and enjoy a heartfelt story about change.

You can read other bloggers reviews for the Home to Heather Creek Tour by clicking here.
You can purchase these books here.

Giveaway Details:
Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, launch this month and Guideposts Books is celebrating with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle
• Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won! (Or better yet, subscribe to their blog [enter your email in the blog sidebar] and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

***I received these books free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.