TOUCHING THE CLOUDS BY BONNIE LEON
Summary: Kate Evans is an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. When she leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of being an
Alaskan bush pilot, she knows it will be an uphill battle. But she never expected it to be quite like this. As athe lone woman in a man’s world, she finds that contending with people’s expectations is almost as treacherous as navigating the wild arctic storms.
When she crosses paths with a mysterious man living alone in the forbidding wilderness, she faces a new challenge. Can Kate break through the walls he has put up around his heart? And will fear keep her from realizing her dreams?
Author Bio: Bonnie is the bestselling author of several books of historical fiction. In addition to her work as a writer, Bonnie Leon has a passion for teaching of all kinds, especially on the art and intricacies of storytelling. She teaches at conferences and workshops and says, “There’s nothing more thrilling than to see a student’s eyes light up with understanding as she grasps the concepts of the writing craft and begins to believe she can tell stories someone else will want to read.” Bonnie is also a regular speaker at women’s church groups, writing groups, and business organizations. For more information on Bonnie’s speaking topics and schedule, visit her website at www.bonnieleon.com. Bonnie lives in Oregon.
My Review: I guess I really am taken with books about women with strong determination and character. That is the case with Kate Evans, the main character in this book. I didn’t realize how close to home this book would be until I started reading it. Kate’s hometown is the same as mine. This for me made the book take on an entirely different turn. I felt a connection with Kate in finding this detail out. Kate has chosen to be a bush pilot in Alaska, which in 1935 was very unheard of for a woman to pilot a plane let alone be a bush pilot. Kate shows her sheer determination, but also sets out on a journey she could never have expected. This was book one in the Alaskan Skies series, and I look forward to hearing more from Bonnie Leon in book two.
For more books by this publisher visit www.RevellBooks.com. For more information on this author visit her website at www.bonnieleon.com.
I received a copy of this book to read and review from the publisher. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.
THE HEALER’S APPRENTICE BY MELANIE DICKERSON
Summary: Rose has been appointed as a healer’s apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter’s daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of
blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her–a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.
When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she’s never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose’s life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.
Author Bio: Melanie Dickerson is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Her novel has been a finalist seven times in RWA-sponsored contests, including winning the 2007 Fiction from the Heartland Contest over all categories. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education of the hearing impaired from the University of Alabama and has worked as a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.
My Review: I was captivated by this book from page one. I found the entire concept to be quite interesting. The book is set in 1386. I really liked the whole tone of the book and was taken by Rose’s character right away. She just had one of those personalities that a person is drawn to. I loved Rose for her sense of determination, yet she still had an air about her of being unsure of herself at being a young woman trying to figure out who she is. Rose is taken with a man that she knows she should not be, and yet things keep happening that draw them even closer to one another. It is not very often that I read of castles, lords, and dukes, and I really actually enjoyed this setting. Throw in a little romance and you have the setting for a very enchanting story that I would definitely read again and can’t wait to hear more from Melanie Dickerson. Who would’ve thought I would love reading about medievel times so much. You will want to rush out and get a copy of this book for sure and read it over and over again.
For more books by this publisher visit www.zondervan.com. For more information about this author visit www.melaniedickerson.com.
I received a copy of this book to read and review from the publisher. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.
SEEDS OF SUMMER BY DEBORAH VOGTS
Summary: Former rodeo queen Natalie Adams has big troubles. When her father dies unexpectedly, she’s saddled with the family ranch and two half-siblings, whose mother
abandoned them years ago and is long-believed dead. A handsome young pastor, Jared Logan, repeatedly comes to her rescue. But Natalie’s strong, independent nature wants nothing to do with his help.
Jared, a city boy do-gooder, has dreams of his own. He’s ready to solve Natalie’s problems, as well as any problems in his church. But his congregation resists change, and the more deeply involved he becomes with natalie’s family, the more he questions his life as a clergyman. Jared’s enthusiasm turns to fear as he contemplates failure.
When Natalie’s stepmother unexpectedly shows up with plans of her own, Natalie must choose between the responsibilities of caring for a family or following her own desires. Love, forgiveness, and faith mingle together in the breathtaking world of the Kansas Flint Hills prairie.
Author Bio: Deborah Vogts and her husband have three daughters and make their home in southeast Kansas, where they raise and train American Quarter Horses. As a student at Emporia State University studying English and journalism, Deborah developed a love for the Flilnt Hills that has never faded. In writing this series, she hopes to share her passion for oen of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God’s great beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there.
My Review: I can’t even imagine the difficult choices Natalie Adams faced when her father died unexpectedly. Natalie had plans for herself, but when her father dies she feels responsible to take on the farm and her two half-siblings. I felt the conflicting emotions running through Natalie and understood her uncertainty of the future. But God had plans for her that she had not foreseen, and they played out so beautifully as she kept finding herself wherever Jared happened to be. Jared was unsure of what the future held for him, but thought he knew what he wanted it to be. Between the two of them, they had some things to figure out with the help of the Lord, and a journey that brought them to a place they could not have imagined. This was a good read with yet again another determined woman with strength of character. I loved it and look forward to more in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series.
For other books by this publisher visit www.zondervan.com. For more information about this author visit www.deborahvogts.com.
I received a copy of this book to read and review from the publisher. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I HONESTLY read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not give a rave review or recommend it.
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