Christian Historical Fiction

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Where Treetops Glisten review

Where Treetops Glisten imageWhat could be better than a unique, heartwarming, old-fashioned Christmas story carefully crafted by a talented author, filled with Christian values and sweet surprises (and un-surprises!), then polished to near perfection? The answer is THREE such stories melded together into one book – each a delightful story of its own, yet interrelated with the other two. Where Treetops Glisten is a new, 2014 release from WaterBrook Multnomah that successfully brings each of these elements to life, in the voices of three acclaimed authors – Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin and Tricia Goyer. Stepping away from typical holiday novella collections filled with several unrelated short stories, Where Treetops Glisten focuses on one family. As each story-within-the-story singles out a different sibling and shares his or her Christmas love story, the overarching tale is revealed piece by piece.

So many elements of this book are artfully intertwined and corresponding, beginning with the three inner-story titles based on classic Christmas songs – White Christmas by Cara Putman, I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Tricia Goyer. With World War II as a backdrop, Continue reading →

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Playing By Heart review

Playing By Heart imageWhat happens when circumstances force an ambitious young woman pursuing her post-graduate degree in mathematics to abandon her scholarship, move to her pregnant, newly-widowed sister’s home, and begin teaching music lessons? And what would she do if the only way to obtain the desperately needed job was to also coach girls’ basketball – a game she knows nothing about? Well, if you are curious to discover the answers to these questions, you will need to find a copy of Anne Mateer’s newest 2014 release by Bethany House – Playing by Heart.

Likely the most unusual aspect of this book will jump out at readers as they begin Chapter 2… Continue reading →

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A Light in the Wilderness review

A Light in the WildernessA Light in the Wilderness is an historical novel based on the true-life story of Letitia Carson, a former slave who made a new life for herself in Oregon. Known for fact-based historical novels from a Christian perspective, author Jane Kirkpatrick has continued her tradition with this newest title, published by Revell in the summer of 2014. Filled with details of both true and speculated events, this book would appeal to readers who love history, but are not necessarily looking for a riveting story.

The year is 1844 in Platte County, Missouri. Letitia is a freed slave, but her life is not much better than when she was ‘owned’.   The trials facing a person of color seem unimaginable in this generation, but are described in detail as readers watch Letitia search for true freedom.   As she wonders if life in Oregon Continue reading →

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The Heart’s Pursuit review

The Heart's Pursuit imagePack your saddlebags, mount your trusty horse, and get ready for a westbound journey spanning hundreds of miles and a lifetime of emotions. In the new Christian Historical Fiction novel entitled ‘The Heart’s Pursuit’, author Robin Lee Hatcher takes readers on an old-fashioned adventure overflowing with uncertainty and danger, secrets and sacrifices, and maybe even love.

From the opening chapter, the story jumps into action when Jared Newman, a bounty hunter leading his current captive to justice, witnesses a young woman dressed in a satin wedding gown rushing from her own ceremony. Silvana ‘Silver’ Matlock was jilted at the altar, and not only did her fiancé skip town, but he took the savings and valuables of Silver’s father and stepmother with him. Without the money to pay back a debt, the Matlocks stand to lose their home, business, and way of life. In a moment of desperation and guilt, Silver resolves to bring justice to her family in anyway she can… Continue reading →

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The Butterfly and the Violin review

The Butterfly and the Violin image“She told herself that to have something of worth in a world full of chaos was the very definition of beauty. It felt like a spiritual liberation that couldn’t be silenced. These prisoners, the ones who painted or wrote poetry or played in the orchestra – they refused to let that spirit die. And this, she decided, is why the heart creates.

God plants the talent and it grows, sustained by a spirit giving strength to endure, even in the midst of darkness. It thrives in the valleys of life and ignores the peaks. It blooms like a flower when cradled by the warmth of the sun. It remains in a hidden stairwell in a concentration camp. It grows, fed in secret, in the heart of every artist.

The God-worship of every life – this was the art of Auschwitz.”

Excerpt from The Butterfly and the Violin pp. 277-278

In the summer of 2014, a new author named Kristy Cambron emerged from Thomas Nelson publishers with her debut novel – The Butterfly and the Violin. This story of incredible courage Continue reading →

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Truth Be Told review

Truth Be Told imageAfter reading Carol Cox’s new releases from the past two summers, I was excited to read her 2014 publication from Bethany House, entitled Truth Be Told.  Similarly set in Arizona in the late 1800s, Ms. Cox’s newest novel revolves around the interesting – and clearly very accurate to history – elements of small-town newspaper publication.  Although the story begins at a leisurely pace, it continues to pick up speed until the climax when, well, let’s just say I do not recommend reading this portion just before turning out the lights and going to sleep… Continue reading →

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Full Steam Ahead review

Full Steam Ahead pictureAre you looking for an adventure that is noteworthy and unique, filled with peculiar plot lines and out-of-the-ordinary characters? Or perhaps you most enjoy humorous interactions between hero and heroine, mixed in with story suspense and perhaps a little mystery. In either case, I know just the book for you…

Although it’s highly combustible, a little on the ‘unlikely’ side of believable, and may cause you to be late if you start reading before an appointment, Full Steam Ahead is a story certain to capture your imagination and hold it tight – from beginning to end. With this novel as her 6th full-length book, Karen Witemeyer adds to her repertoire of comedic, western adventures filled with unconventional characters who seem to emerge from the pages into real life.

Nicole Renard, the only child of a wealthy shipping magnate, and Darius Thornton, self-proclaimed scientist of steamship boilers, find themselves thrust into each other’s paths after a trail of events involving a jeweled pirate dagger and a jealous shipping competitor. As they work together to realize a dream of inventing a safer boiler system for river travel, Nicole and Darius face increasing dangers from outside threats – and impossible decisions for an uncertain future as they begin to care for each other.

Full Steam Ahead is an enjoyable, lighthearted novel filled with comedic escapades and thoughtful insight into the importance of letting go of your past, while trusting God with the future. On the downside of the story, the same issue occurs as with many of Ms. Witemeyer’s works – occasional scenes between Nicole and Darius border on inappropriate for conservative readers, and several descriptions are mildly uncomfortable to think about. Overall, however, Full Steam Ahead is a story with good intentions, and a fun adventure to enjoy during an afternoon of relaxation. From pirate daggers to boiler explosions, you won’t be able to stop once you get moving… full steam ahead!

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.

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While Love Stirs review

While Love Stirs image

 

“Well, you’d better get used to things getting messy, because when I’m cooking something up, that’s bound to happen.”

So says Charlotte Gregory, second eldest Gregory sister, graduate of Fanny Farmer’s School of Cookery, and heroine of ‘While Love Stirs’ – a new novel written by Lorna Seilstad and published by Revell in the spring of 2014. As the second book in Ms. Seilstad’s ‘The Gregory Sisters’ series, ‘While Love Stirs’ is like a cool cream-puff desert – light and airy, sweet and creamy, a delightful treat for a summer afternoon.

From cooking contests to twisting tornadoes, ‘While Love Stirs’ is filled with surprises and excitement, not to mention more than a few deliciously detailed foods. The novel’s other specialties include:

– Humour, and lots of it!

Many of the characters from ‘When Love Calls’ (Book #1 of ‘The Gregory Sisters’), make regular appearances, gifting readers with ‘what happened next’ scenarios.

Entertaining allusions to the art of cookery are ‘peppered’ throughout the book, and then ‘stirred until blended’… : )

Quirky characters abound, and many personalities combine together to create an interesting collage of human nature.

By acknowledging the novel’s many strong points, it is necessary to note a few of the downfalls, as well. In Charlotte’s disasters and dilemmas, readers will NOT discover many challenging insights or thought-provoking issues, and the light-hearted tone continuously prevails – even in situations that have the potential to probe deeper. In addition, the slight ‘mystery’ of the story is resolved quickly and unsatisfactorily, leaving readers with more questions than answers. Finally, although the characters have unique personalities, they sometimes appear flat and lackluster by using stilted dialogue and over-the-top gestures.

Overall, ‘While Love Stirs’ resembles a cream-puff in multiple ways… While it offers light and creamy entertainment, readers will not receive much nourishment for the mind or soul before reaching ‘The End’. Like any desert, a story such as this one is enjoyable once in a while, but probably should not comprise a reader’s primary diet!

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group”.

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A Beauty So Rare review

A Beauty So Rare imageAfter two and a half years of waiting, the release date finally arrived… A Beauty So Rare, book number two in Tamera Alexander’s Belmont Mansion series, was released in the spring of 2014 by Bethany House. Was it worth the wait? Without question, the answer is yes! Although set in the same Nashville location as the preceding story (A Lasting Impression), this novel depicts a separate storyline and unique host of characters, while offering glimpses of real historical events and people. Interestingly, the gap between three views of Nashville society are bridged within the story, including the elite and wealthy, the underprivileged and downtrodden, and the almost-separate world of a mental health asylum. With humour, insight, and the rare ability to hold interest over nearly 500 pages, A Beauty So Rare is a not-to-be-missed treasure for any reader of Inspirational Historical Fiction.

Likely the most enjoyable aspects of the newest addition to the Belmont Mansion series are the two primary characters, and the gradual, beautifully developed journey in wisdom and faith we are privileged to share with them. Eleanor Braddock is plain and practical – a woman who, at age 29, has resigned herself to a life of singleness and is prepared to make the best of it by realizing goals and serving others. But Marcus Geoffrey, passionate botanist, brilliant architect, and secretly the Archduke of Austria second in line for the throne, is about to change her mind – and her heart. As time goes on, events and characters threaten to shatter the delicate relationship growing between the two, leaving the question of a future together hanging in the balance.

Numerous life themes and challenging truths are woven carefully into the tapestry of the storyline constructing A Beauty So Rare. At the same time, characters mirror many of the struggles facing real people of today. Questions about inner and outer beauty, struggles with living out dreams, puzzles of hidden identity, and the reality of trusting God enough to live in the present are just a few of the ingrained truths adding to the overall value of the rare beauty found in this special story.

A Beauty So Rare truly has something for everyone… Beautiful word-illustrations of gardens, flowers, and plants will delight lovers of nature. History buffs will enjoy the accuracy of real-life details added to the fictitious plot. Volunteers with a desire to help the less-fortunate will be inspired by Eleanor’s dedication to a hope-filled cause. Clearly, I could continue listing reasons to read this heartfelt tale filled with treasures and wisdom, characters and love, but the rare beauty, the meaningful truths, may represent something entirely different to you. You may perceive truth, even rare beauty, intended only for you. Naturally, there is only one way to find out…

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group”

 

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Where Courage Calls review

Where Courage CallsJanette Oke, famous Canadian author and the ‘pioneer of inspirational fiction’ has returned from retirement with a brand new Historical Fiction novel, co-written with her daughter Laurel Oke Logan.  Fans of Janette’s dozens of award-winning stories of simplicity, love, and faith will be delighted with her newest release, Where Courage Calls, published by Bethany House in January of 2014.  Although this novel is clearly written in Janette’s heartfelt and simplistic style, the background leading up to the writing and subsequent publication of the book is almost as interesting as the story itself…

The Hallmark Channel production company recently released a movie based on Ms. Oke’s Canadian West book series, entitled When Calls the Heart.  A television series by the same name soon followed the movie, and is currently airing in the United States.  (Ironically, this Canadian-based series has not made it to Canadian television just yet!)  As stated by Ms. Oke, the producers of the movie and television series contacted her to inquire about her interest in writing a new novel as a companion story to their films.  She agreed – on the condition that the book could be co-authored with her daughter Laurel, also a published writer.  The result of this unusual circumstance is Where Courage Calls – a touching story of a cultured, well-to-do young woman, Beth Thatcher, who leaves her luxurious Toronto home to accept a teaching position in a coal-mining town in western Canada.

Although I can’t say whether or not the story correlates closely with the companion television series – because I have not yet viewed any episodes – the book brings to life an endearing tale all on its own.  With lovable characters, emotional issues, and a realistic setting, Where Courage Calls is built around the theme of Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’  Beth Thatcher relies on the truth of this verse to help her through the most difficult, and adventurous, stage of her life.  Following in the footsteps of her cousin, also named Elizabeth (from the Canadian West book series), Beth strives to bring the gift of knowledge to the tragedy-stricken town of Coal Valley.   As time goes on, however, she finds that the community has taught her just as much as she taught the children in her school.  As the end of the term draws near, Beth questions her desire to return back east, even as she realizes that Coal Valley has become her true home.

All things considered, Where Courage Calls is a sweet story that is sure to be enjoyed by many people, for many different reasons.  Where Courage Calls is sure to speak to your heart if you:

– Are a fan of Janette Oke

– Enjoy Historical Fiction, especially pioneer-era

– Have watched the When Calls the Heart movie or television series

– Love the Canadian West book series

– Are looking for a wholesome, simple story of faith

– Live in western Canada and enjoy stories from your region

Obviously the list could go on, but hopefully I have made it clear that Janette Oke’s newest release is a wonderful story you will not want to miss.  And, although it is not confirmed yet, we may be able to look forward to a sequel sometime in the future!  For now though, we can be content savoring the story held in the pages of Where Courage Calls, a delightful product of an amazing author’s return from retirement.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.   Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group”