Thanks to That Artsy Reader Girl for hosting Top Ten Tuesday! Today's theme is books I could re-read forever...I go on a lot about my top reads so I decided to include series that I WISH I had more time to read...and re-read...and re-read.....etc. etc. and so on...
The Sea Before Us - Sunrise at Normandy Book 1 - Sarah Sundin
Saturday, February 24, 2018• 5 Star, D-Day, Navy, Sarah Sundin, Sunrise at Normandy, War, WRENS, WWII
★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)
About the Book
In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.
As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.
The tense days leading up to the monumental D-Day landing blaze to life under Sarah Sundin's practiced pen with this powerful new series. (From Goodreads)
As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.
The tense days leading up to the monumental D-Day landing blaze to life under Sarah Sundin's practiced pen with this powerful new series. (From Goodreads)
My Thoughts
No matter how many books I read (Fiction and Non Fiction), there is always an aspect of WWII that I have yet to discover. The Sea Before Us is the perfect example. While I KNEW the Navy was heavily involved in D-Day, I have never thought about them doing much more than ferrying the men across the channel to Normandy. Sarah Sundin approaches D-Day from a new perspective.
It was fascinating and intense to read about this historic invasion of WWII form the sea. I stayed up waaaaay too late and at one point had to put the book down because my eyes would NOT stay open any longer...RIGHT in the middle of D-Day! I told the husband, "You KNOW I am tired when I put a book down in the middle of D-Day!"
If you have read any of Sarah's novels, you know that her research, quality, and characters are exceptional! You won't want to miss out on this brand new series centered around D-Day.
It was fascinating and intense to read about this historic invasion of WWII form the sea. I stayed up waaaaay too late and at one point had to put the book down because my eyes would NOT stay open any longer...RIGHT in the middle of D-Day! I told the husband, "You KNOW I am tired when I put a book down in the middle of D-Day!"
If you have read any of Sarah's novels, you know that her research, quality, and characters are exceptional! You won't want to miss out on this brand new series centered around D-Day.
I received a complimentary copy of The Sea Before Us from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
About the Author
Sarah Sundin is the author of Through Waters Deep and Anchor in the Storm, as well as the Wings of the Nightingale and the Wings of Glory series. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy, and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force. Sarah lives in California.
First Line Friday - Keturah
Thursday, February 22, 2018• Bethany House, First Line Fridays, Lisa T. Bergren, The Sugar Baron's Daughters
Happy Friday!
You might remember that I visited the Caribbean a couple months ago. Well, as it happens, as soon as I returned home, I had the opportunity to sign up for a book tour for Keturah - The Sugar Baron's Daughters - Book One. All I had to read was "Caribbean" and I signed up in a flash! I can't wait to dive into this book over the weekend!
Happy Reading!
Today’s first line is from...
Keturah
Lisa T. Bergren
10 June, 1773
Rivenshire, England
In the hopes that at least one would get through, their father had sent three copies of his last letter from the West Indies; as it happened, his daughters received them all.
What is a setting that you enjoy reading about?
Head over to Hoarding Books to link up with your own FLF post! (Please keep it family
friendly...Or note otherwise in the link up)
Guest Post & Giveaway - Across the Blue - Carrie Turansky On Tour with Celebrate Lit
About the Book
Title: Across the Blue
Author: Carrie Turansky
Genre: Historical romance
Release Date: February 20, 2018
Love soars to new heights in this Edwardian romance filled with adventure, faith, and inspiration, but how much will it cost Bella and James to follow their dreams?
Isabella Grayson, the eldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper magnate, longs to become a journalist, but her parents don’t approve. They want her to marry well and help them gain a higher standing in society. After she writes an anonymous letter to the editor that impresses her father, her parents reluctantly agree she can write a series of articles about aviation and the race to be the first to fly across the English Channel, but only if she promises to accept a marriage proposal within the year. When James Drake, an aspiring aviator, crashes his flying machine at the Grayson’s new estate, Bella is intrigued. James is determined to win that race across the Channel and gain the prize Mr. Grayson’s newspaper is offering. He hopes it will help him secure a government contract to build airplanes and redeem a terrible family secret. James wants to win Bella’s heart, but his background and lack of social standing make it unlikely her parents would approve. If he fails to achieve his dream, how will he win the love and respect he is seeking? Will Bella’s faith and support help him find the strength and courage he needs when unexpected events turn their world upside down?
Click HERE to purchase your copy!
Guest Post from Carrie
Following your Dreams
By Carrie Turansky
In Across the Blue, Bella Grayson and James Drake both go to great lengths to pursue their dreams. Bella longs to become a journalist and write for one of her father’s newspapers, but in 1909 England, aristocratic young women did not work as journalists. A young woman’s path was set by the unwritten rules of society. At eighteen she was presented at court, and then she took part in the London social season and hoped for a marriage proposal from a young man from a wealthy family, with an estate and title. Marriage, having children, and taking part in social and charitable events was the prescribed course for their lives.
But Bella has a different future in mind. She wants to marry for love, and she won’t settle for anything less. She also wants to write articles about the important events of the day that will inform and inspire people. She wants to be a world changer, and that is a very unique role for a woman in England in the Edwardian Era. At that time women didn’t have the right to vote yet and very few pursued any kind of career.
James is an aviation pioneer, and his dream is to build an airplane that will allow him to be the first to fly across the English Channel. This is no easy accomplishment, and he faces many challenges as he pursues his dream. Aviation is brand new. Wilbur Wright demonstrated his airplane in France the year before and stunned Europeans with his skill. With the help of his mentor, Professor Steed, James conducts experiments, refines his design, and makes countless test flights. It takes great courage and determination to overcome setbacks and make it through near fatal crash landings, but James has his heart and mind set on perfecting his airplane and reaching his goal.
What about you? What hopes and dreams do you have for your future? What goals would you like to accomplish? As you think about your dreams and future plans I hope you’ll gain some insight from James and Bella’s experiences in Across the Blue. When they considered the cost of pursuing their dreams they realized their plans and choices impacted others as well as themselves. James and Bella believed striving for their dreams is important, but they learned it must be balanced with commitments to family and friends, and most of all a commitment to following the Lord on the path He has for them.
Following our dreams and working toward accomplishing our goals, especially those the Lord puts on our heart, is important. However, sometimes we may have to put our dreams on hold and wait for the right time and season. We don’t need to be discouraged when this happens. As we listen to the Lord and ask Him to guide and direct us He will show us the right path at the right time to follow it.
Just like James and Bella I hope you’ll pursue your dreams but also hold them with an open hand, allowing the Lord to guide and direct you each step of the way. When you do I’m confident you’ll be headed toward seeing your dreams become reality in His time and in His way. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
With that wonderful promise in mind, I hope you’ll enjoy reading Across the Blue and joining Bella and James as they they pursue their dreams. You’re in for high-flying adventure, romance, and inspiration, and I can’t wait to share this new story with you. Happy reading to you!
About the Author
Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of nineteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and five grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family. She loves to connect with reading friends through her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of an autographed copy of Shine Like the Dawn and $30 gift card to Christianbooks.com!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
Bookworm Mama, February 22
Carpe Diem, February 22
Blogging With Carol, February 22
Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 23
Reading Is My SuperPower, February 23
Karen Sue Hadley, February 23
Christian Bookaholic, February 24
Mary Hake, February 24
Among the Reads, February 24
The Power of Words, February 25
History, Mystery & Faith, February 25
D'S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 25
Maureen's Musings, February 26
Rachel's Back Talk, February 26
Smiling Book Reviews, February 26
Radiant Light, February 27
Faithfully Bookish, February 27
The Fizzy Pop Collection, February 27
Bibliophile Reviews, February 28
Remembrancy, February 28
Two Points of Interest, February 28
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 1
Book by Book, March 1
Bigreadersite, March 1
proud to be an autism mom, March 1
Pause for Tales, March 2
Have A Wonderful Day, March 2
margaret kazmierczak, March 2 (Interview)
Pursuing Stacie, March 3
Neverending Stories, March 3
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, March 3
Texas Book-aholic, March 4
Janices book reviews, March 4
Jeanette's Thoughts, March 4
Simple Harvest Reads, March 4 (Guest post from Mindy)
Moments Dipped in Ink, March 5
My Writer's Life, March 5
Baker Kella, March 5
Kat's Corner Books, March 6
A Greater Yes, March 6
A Baker's Perspective, March 6
Romances of the Cross, March 7
Henry Happens, March 7
For The Love of Books, March 7
Top Ten Tuesday - Genres I Love!
Monday, February 19, 2018• Genres, Top Reads, Top Ten Tuesday
TTT is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. But today I am going rogue. I am sharing with you, genres (and sub-genres) that I have decided that I really....REALLY love to read.
I used to read quite a bit and then life, work, babies...took over my life. And, I may have been pretty adamant about not reading contemporary books and stuck to Historical Fiction (particularly Regency), SOME YA, and EVERYTHING WWII.
I am proud to say, with the encouragement of my Book Sisters and some AMAZING authors, I have learned to branch out and have actually ENJOYED other genres...*GASP* It's true lol! Scroll down to find out what 10 genres are my...current...favorties...
A Sparrow in Terezin - A Hidden Masterpiece Novel Book 2 - Kristy Cambron
Saturday, February 17, 2018• 5 Star, Hidden Masterpiece, Historical Fiction, Kristy Cambron, Romance, War, WWII
My Rating
★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)
About the Book
Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.
Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.
London, 1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.
Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the line. (From the author's website)
My Thoughts
Can you tell I love Kristy's books? And with this, I am OFFICIALLY caught up with all of her released books. (Now to sit patiently for the release of the next castle book.)
I said it in a different post, but I am apparently a glutton for punishment and decide to read all the books that will rip out my heart and stomp on it back to back. Story SHOULD move you though. As you read the words of the author's heart poured out on the page...If you finish unchanged...What was the point? These characters, these stories, may be fictional, but they represent many people who had to live through one of the darkest times in history. Ask yourself, what can we learn from them? What are they trying to tell us? Fiction CAN and WILL challenge you to grow, to learn, to thrive...
Multiple times I wanted to cry (and there were times tears escaped) while listening to this story. Knowing that the horrors depicted in this book were lived out in reality during WWII. Kristy Cambron...I tip my hat to you...You have found BEAUTY in the ashes of a history that is riddled with sorrow and death. You have brought redemption to life on the page. You have spoken TRUTH and LIFE and LOVE into the hearts of any who lay a hand on your books. But none more so than this one*. Thank you. A Sparrow in Terezin truly is a masterpiece.
*Revision: And The Lost Castle
I said it in a different post, but I am apparently a glutton for punishment and decide to read all the books that will rip out my heart and stomp on it back to back. Story SHOULD move you though. As you read the words of the author's heart poured out on the page...If you finish unchanged...What was the point? These characters, these stories, may be fictional, but they represent many people who had to live through one of the darkest times in history. Ask yourself, what can we learn from them? What are they trying to tell us? Fiction CAN and WILL challenge you to grow, to learn, to thrive...
Multiple times I wanted to cry (and there were times tears escaped) while listening to this story. Knowing that the horrors depicted in this book were lived out in reality during WWII. Kristy Cambron...I tip my hat to you...You have found BEAUTY in the ashes of a history that is riddled with sorrow and death. You have brought redemption to life on the page. You have spoken TRUTH and LIFE and LOVE into the hearts of any who lay a hand on your books. But none more so than this one*. Thank you. A Sparrow in Terezin truly is a masterpiece.
*Revision: And The Lost Castle
I won a print copy of this book from the author. This review is based on the audio version which I borrowed from my public library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
About the Author
KRISTY CAMBRON has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the bestselling author of The Ringmaster’s Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10. Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books and RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards Best lists for 2014 & 2015, and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel. The Illusionist’s Apprentice (HarperCollins, 2017) is her fourth novel. Her first Bible study DVD and study guides, The Verse Mapping series, will release in 2018.
Kristy holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University, and has 15 years experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation. She loves storytelling from the stage and travels to speak about her love for Bible Verse Mapping throughout the year. Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.
The last and most important thing? Jesus Christ is everything — let her tell you about Him sometime.
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2018
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February
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- Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Could Re-read Forever
- The Sea Before Us - Sunrise at Normandy Book 1 - S...
- First Line Friday - Keturah
- Guest Post & Giveaway - Across the Blue - Carrie T...
- Top Ten Tuesday - Genres I Love!
- A Sparrow in Terezin - A Hidden Masterpiece Novel ...
- First Line Friday - Valentine's Day Edition
- Cover Reveal & Giveaway! An Hour Unspent - Roseann...
- Top Ten Tuesday - Cover Love - Valentine's Edition
- The Lost Castle - Kristy Cambron
- First Line Fridays - Favorite Romance
- The Saturday Night Supper Club + Giveaway! - Suppe...
- Top Ten Tuesday - Books That Have Been On My TBR t...
- Guest Post + Giveaway - Five Tips for Easy Enterta...
- Heartless - Marissa Meyer
- First Line Friday - Second Impressions
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