by Crystal Caudill | Dec 26, 2017 | Book Reviews
Long Time Gone
by Mary Connealy
As usual, I enjoyed another one of Mary Connealy’s stories. One word of warning about this book though, don’t try to read it before reading No Way Up. While Mary does a good job of filling in details you would have missed, the very first sentence picks up where the last book ended. Immediately where it left off.
I enjoyed getting to know Justin a little more – especially the rivalry between him and Cole. The love he showed for his annoying big brother, the rest of his family, and Angie makes him a hero in my book. He is a hard-working man that any woman could swoon over.
Angie was a heroine that grew on me. I never disliked her, but she took some getting used to. I loved watching her grow to become an independent woman capable of taming the West. She moves forward from her past to become a woman I cheer for and envy.
The Cimarron Ranch is still in trouble throughout the book, and the mystery behind what is really going on begins to unravel.
I am looking forward to reading the third and finding out what the real story behind the trouble is. Not to mention Cole and Mel are the hero and heroine – Squee!!!
“The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts. And it doesn’t help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.
With her and the doc’s timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. It’s clear now that everything that’s occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret. Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?”
– Blurb from Amazon.com
Purchase Links:
BarnesandNoble.com ChristianBook.com Amazon.com
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 6, 2017 | Book Reviews
See below for the winner of an e-book copy of both Lucette Nel’s books.
A Match of Sorts by Lucette Nel
Christmas is a time of year when I love to grab quick, sweet reads. There isn’t a whole lot of time to indulge in more than an hour or two of reading and A Match of Sorts satisfied my need to read in a short amount of free time.
Reverend Caleb Brennan isn’t exactly your typical pastor. He does have a caring heart and a sweet way about him, but he isn’t a Bible thumper or a force scripture down your throat kind of man. He was human with downfalls and “normal” people struggles. When the impending visit from his father-in-law threatens to take his girls from him, Caleb is willing to do whatever it takes-including marrying a mail-order-bride. But it will be a marriage in name only.
His love for his children and his sacrificial heart in caring for an injured “boy” in the snow reels you in from the beginning.
Grace is a woman who has been on her own for far too long. Living a lonely, dangerous life catches up with her in a way that leaves her at the mercy of Reverend Brennan. Penniless, defenseless, and needing time to recover, she accepts the hairbrained idea of posing as his mail-order-bride.
The antics and hilarious situations that occur from the moment Caleb discovers the boy in the snow drift is really a woman all the way to the end make me laugh out loud.
I definitely recommend this book for a short evening of curling up by the fire.
Check out my interview with Lucy here. And check out her Facebook Page here.
“As Christmas approaches, widowed Reverend Caleb Brennan needs a wife, or his vengeful father-in-law will take his young daughters. When his mail-order bride jilts him, Caleb grows desperate. During a storm, he finds an unconscious boy outside his home with signs of foul play. Despite his previous misfortune, obligation compels Caleb to lug the stranger inside. But as he provides first aid, he discovers more than he expected.Bounty hunter Grace Blackwell refuses to owe a debt to any man, especially one as charming as Reverend Brennan. To repay him for saving her life, Grace agrees to pose as his mail-order bride. If their ploy is discovered, Caleb could lose his daughters. But in their pretense, the reverend and the bounty hunter might just both lose their hearts.”
– Blurb from Amazon.com
Interested in purchasing your own copy? Both of her books are on sale for the entire month of December for $0.99 each.
Purchasing Links:
A Match of Sorts
BarnesandNoble.com Amazon.com
The Widow’s Captive
BarnesandNoble.com Amazon.com
Congratulations to the winner of the Lucette Nel Book Package, Nicki Bishop!!! Be on the lookout for an email!
by Crystal Caudill | Nov 29, 2017 | Author Interviews
I have fallen behind on my interviews, but I am back on track, and just in time for Christmas, I am here to introduce to you Lucette Nel, fabulous author of Historical Romances.
Lucy Nel is a coffee addicted work-in-progress daughter of the Lord Almighty. She’s a mommy to a rambunctious toddler and wife to her best friend and real-life hero. Along with three spoiled Pugs, they make their home in Gauteng, the smallest of nine provinces in South Africa.
She works as a bookkeeper and uses every available second to create interesting characters in historical settings.
She’s a member of American Christian Fiction and her dream came true when she signed a contract with Pelican Book Group for her Christmas themed novella, The Widow’s Captive and now her upcoming release, A Match of Sorts.
Thank you so much for consenting to do this interview, Lucy. I know it is an incredibly busy time of year.
WC: So let’s get down to business. What is the hardest part about being an author?
LN: Oh wow. Finding time to write will be top of my list. Secondly, not to compare myself to another author. I’ve learned that there will always be someone more talented, funnier, with a story that readers will enjoy more.
WC: When it is time to sit down and write, what are your must haves?
LN: Coffee! I’m one of those people that drink coffee no matter the time of day or season!
WC: What are you reading now (or just finished)?
LN: I just finished rereading my all-time favorite Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I actually reread it once a year.
WC: What is your favorite Bible verse?
LN: Philippians 4: 13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
WC: Just for fun, if you you could be any animal, which animal would you be? Why?
LN: Do bears really hibernate for three months? I’m sleep deprived.
WC: Lucy, thank you so much for spending time with us today. Readers, I have an awesome opportunity for you to get introduced to Lucette Nel’s writing. Below is a giveaway link of her currently published books. If you can’t wait or don’t win, Pelican Book Group is offering her e-books for $0.99 for the month of December. So there really is no excuse not to check her out.
You can follow Lucy on her author Facebook page, here.
Lucy has two books available for purchase with Pelican Group at the moment:
The Widow’s Captive and A Match of Sorts
Todays Comment Question: What is your favorite Christmas present you ever recieved?
As a Christmas present, I am offering a double #bookgiveaway. Use the rafflecopter link below for your entries to win an e-copy of BOTH books.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Legal: This #giveaway is open to all residents of Earth and those who are 18 years and older, except where prohibited. It is a random drawing and the winner will be selected by Rafflecopter on December 5th and the winner announced on the December 6th Book Review post of A Match of Sorts.
The Widow’s Captive
On the run with two small children and a third due within weeks, Adeline Spencer fears the approaching blizzard will seal their fate. An abandoned cabin is an answer to her prayers. She hopes it will shield them from both the storm and the enraged brother-in-law hot on her tail. But when a stranger knocks at the door, she is convinced they have been found by one of Ward’s lackeys.Blamed for the death of his friend, Sheriff Jonah Hale is determined to prove himself worthy of his badge, even if it means riding into a blizzard to check on a crazy miner. When Jonah reaches the cabin, he’s caught off guard by a pretty and very pregnant young woman wielding a skillet. Bound to a chair while the storm rages, and as Christmas settles in around them, he must find a way to earn Adeline’s trust…and perhaps her heart.
A Match of Sorts
As Christmas approaches, widowed Reverend Caleb Brennan needs a wife, or his vengeful father-in-law will take his young daughters. When his mail-order bride jilts him, Caleb grows desperate. During a storm, he finds an unconscious boy outside his home with signs of foul play. Despite his previous misfortune, obligation compels Caleb to lug the stranger inside. But as he provides first aid, he discovers more than he expected.Bounty hunter Grace Blackwell refuses to owe a debt to any man, especially one as charming as Reverend Brennan. To repay him for saving her life, Grace agrees to pose as his mail-order bride. If their ploy is discovered, Caleb could lose his daughters. But in their pretense, the reverend and the bounty hunter might just both lose their hearts.
by Crystal Caudill | Nov 20, 2017 | Book Reviews
Under this Same Sky by Cynthia Roemer
Under this Same Sky was a sweet romance that will forever stand out to me for it strong, real-life spiritual thread. Cynthia has done a masterful job in taking us through the faith struggle of Becky Hollister as she deals with the tragic loss of her Mother, Sister, and her Pa’s vision.
God has not promised a life without struggles, but He has promised to be with us as we face them. This story is so real to the emotions and struggles we face as Christians dealing with a tragedy that it strengthens your own faith.
Becky is a heroine who matures from a youth into a woman with a deep love for others. Pastor Matthew Brody is a hero whose strong faith but real struggles make you want to kiss him. His strength and compassion will melt your heart. The supporting cast of characters, especially those of the Blind School, swell your heart. I loved Jimmy, Roy, and Emily.
With the help of the hero, Jimmy, and Aunt Ellen, Becky’s faith strengthens in a way that is so relatable and heart wrenching that you can’t help but be carried through the pages.
I highly recommend this story for anyone who has struggled with a loss or question of “why did God let this happen?” The romance was mostly long distance, but so sweet. It is not your typical romance but will leave you satisfied.
Interested in more? Check out the blurb below and the purchase links.
~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most. ~
Illinois ~ 1854
Becky Hollister wants nothing more than to live out her days on the prairie, building a life for herself alongside her future husband. But when a tornado rips through her parents’ farm, killing her mother and sister, she must leave the only home she’s ever known and the man she’s begun to love to accompany her injured father to St. Louis.
Catapulted into a world of unknowns, Becky struggles to make sense of the path the Lord has placed her on and finds solace in corresponding with Matthew Brody, the handsome pastor back home. But when word comes that he is all but engaged to someone else, she must call upon her faith to decipher her future.
– Blurb from Amazon
Purchase Links:
BarnesandNoble.com Amazon.com
Check back in January when I will be doing an author interview with Cynthia AND will have a copy of this book up for grabs.
by Crystal Caudill | Nov 9, 2017 | Book Reviews
See the bottom for a quick announcement my writing journey.
This was a great break from the chaos of life and, for me, was easily read in a night, but I tend to binge read.
As you may guess, I have a weak spot for stories with Pinkertons, Secret Service Operatives, U.S. Marshalls, Texas Rangers… you get the pictures, so it was a no-brainer for me to pick this story up.
I really loved how all the aspects of the story tied together. From the beginning, every detail had meaning. My little brain loved connecting the dots as the story progressed.
The hero, William, was a strong and focused agent, but really fumbled with his responsibilities for his sudden family. Elsie really does become a necessary part of their family. I love the inner struggles to try and stay aloof from the trio living under his borrowed roof.
Elise was a great teacher with a heart for children, which leads to the predicament of being almost forced into caring for William’s niece and nephew. I love how her relationship with the children grow and how she helps provide healing for two very hurt children
While it was mostly a predictable story, it was the relaxing read I needed to escape from the world.
When schoolteacher Elsie Mitchell meets rugged William Benton on a train platform in Albany, it appears they have nothing in common. He isn’t the sort of fellow a proper young woman of the 1890s would ever speak to, much less become involved with. But when she arrives at her small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Elsie is offered a job as caregiver for this mysterious out-of-towner’s niece and nephew, who’ve been tragically orphaned. Heartbroken for them, she accepts.
Unknown to her, William is an undercover Pinkerton agent posing as a lumber-company foreman. He’s never wanted family—his work is too dangerous. Yet as Elsie transforms his house into a home and he spends time with the children, he feels drawn to family life—and to Elsie.
As a good Christian, Elsie is troubled by William’s secrets…though she does find him intriguing. And when a sinister figure from her past arrives, Elsie and William will have to trust in faith and newfound love to protect their unlikely family from danger.
– Blurb from Amazon.com
You can purchase the book from the links below.
Amazon.com BarnesandNoble.com ChristianBook.com
You can connect with Tracey on her website, on Facebook, and on Pinterest.
Writing News
Just a quick note to share that the first 15 pages of my Work in Progress finaled in the ACFW Virginia Crown Awards. While I did not “win”, it was an honor to be a finalist. Curious to know what the entry is? Only my November newsletter subscribers will get a sneak peek. So if you are interested, sign up for newsletter above or by clicking this link: Newsletter Sign-Up.
