Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories by Tamera Alexander, Dorothy Love, Shelley Gray, Elizabeth Musser

Book Description:  In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women--destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war--face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love.  

  

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray

When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he's determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother's homestead, he discovers she's very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

My Thoughts:  Four wonderful short stories by four great authors in one book.  

I love novellas.  Because sometimes I just want to read a short story.  This is a great book for that very occasion when I want to read by my favorite authors but just don't have the time to read a novel.

To Mend A Dream by Tamera Alexander is a funny story.  I loved how Savannah Darby wanted to visit her old home so when Aidan Bedforsd seeks a decorator, Savannah gets the job.  Savannah finds herself in somewhat of jam when she runs out of time but still needs to find the box her dad hid during the war.  

Then Shelley Gray pens An Outlaw's Heart about Russell Stark the renegade returns home to find that his mother is quite ill but that the woman he left behind is o.so.beautiful but he is running (literally) out of time.  A sweet read.

In A Heart So True Dorothy Love tells of Abby who loves another even though sh is suppose to marry a distant cousin (ugh!).  But the a horrible incident forces Abby to chose.  An interesting story.

Then in the last novella, Elizabeth Musser writes about Emily in Love Beyond Limits.  This was a great read about secrets and romance.  And which secrets need to be kept and which should be told. 

A great asset to any reader's fall TBR pile!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 14, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401690734
• ISBN-13: 978-1401690731

Some books . . .

Step by Step by Candace Calvert

Book Description:  Three years after a tragic accident left her a widow, ER nurse Taylor Cabot is determined to move on, checking off one item after another on her survival list. Her relationship with a handsome plastic surgeon even gives her hope for the last point―“fall in love again.” At least until crisis chaplain Seth Donovan steps back into her life, reawakening unanswered questions about her husband’s death.

While in San Diego to train community volunteers, Seth hopes to learn why Taylor is backing away from the crisis team and from their friendship. But nothing prepares him for the feelings that arise when he sees Taylor again . . . and sees her moving on with another man.

When a community crisis hits home and puts lives at risk, emotions run high and buried truths are unearthed. Will hope make the survival list?

My Thoughts:  The first novel I read my Candace Calvert was By your Side.  I enjoyed the read so much that I was thrilled to receive Step by Step the next book in the Crisis Team "series."  Don't worry these books don't have to be read in order.  

Step by Step is about ER nurse Taylor Cabot (Candace is an ER nurse so the scenarios are first hand knowledge).  Since her husband was tragically killed she is trying to get on with her life.  And the handsome plastic surgeon makes her think that maybe she can move on.  And then, the crisis chaplain, Seth Donovan, reappears in her life.

Seth has feelings for Taylor but Taylor seems to want nothing to do with Seth or the Crisis Team....she has a new man and wants to move on.

But then a crisis hits their community and Taylor and Seth must work together.  With emotions running on nerve endings it seems that no one is getting anywhere fast in the love lane. 

And interesting and fast reads.  The medical books are my favorite reads lately because they deal with "things" I know nothing about.

Loved this read!

*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*

Author Q & A Candace Calvert │Step by Step

1. This is the second installment in your latest trilogy, the Crisis Team series. What is the background on this series?
   The Crisis Team series, set in my native California, offers exciting medical scenarios within the fictional Hope medical system, and features the selfless and compassionate work of volunteer community chaplains—true heroes.
2. How do you expect this series to resonate with your audience? What are you most excited for your readers to experience through reading these novels?
   I have found, almost universally, that most of my readers weren’t aware of the vital work done by crisis responders (chaplains). It’s an honor to feature these dedicated volunteers and puts an intriguing new slant on my exciting and highly emotional medical fiction. I also think it adds to the element of hope for my readers, to know that these teams are “out there” in real life.
3. Crisis teams are becoming increasingly vital and active in the world today. How would you describe their role, and how can we learn more?
   Crisis responders are volunteers from all walks of life, trained to assist survivors of tragedy, whether it be from a major disaster (weather related catastrophes, fires, bombings, mass shootings, etc.) or of a more personal nature like the sudden death of a loved one from a heart attack, accident, suicide, homicide, sudden infant death, or other unexpected cause. These volunteers work alongside other rescue personnel (fire, police, rescue) offering support, a compassionate ear, and resources to folks trying to cope in the wake of an incident that will forever change their lives. Crisis responders have been referred to as “emotional paramedics,” and I think that says it well.
   In creating my stories, I’m grateful for the assistance of U.S. Crisis Care. Here is a link:
   U.S. Crisis Care
4. As a former ER nurse who has had crisis chaplain training, what has been your most rewarding or memorable experience in the field?

In my role as a CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) peer counselor, I was part of team that ministered to fellow medical team members affected by work-related tragedy. We responded to (and conducted debriefings for) hospital staff after situations involving infant and child death, mass casualties, personal assaults, and accidental death (or suicide) of fellow team members. As often seen in my stories, medical (rescue, fire, law enforcement, and chaplaincy) workers are not immune to the heartbreak of tragedy. The cliché of a self-protective, indifferent, “professionally distant” service provider couldn’t be further from the truth. We cry, too.

5. What was your inspiration for this particular book and the main characters, Taylor and Seth?
   Nurse Taylor Cabot and Chaplain Seth Donovan were secondary characters, friends and volunteer team mates, in By Your Side. In this new story readers have the opportunity to learn more about them and follow their heart tugging journey. The setting is beautiful San Diego, California where, in opening scene, a small plane crashes onto the beach. The continuing story offers exciting medical drama, an in depth look a crisis chaplaincy, warm humor, romance . . . and a few tears (Kleenex advised).
6. What lessons or truths will your readers find in the pages of this novel?
   The unifying message in Step by Step is one of forgiveness and healing, by allowing God’s loving plan to guide the way instead of stubbornly insisting on personal control.
7. As an author, what did you particularly enjoy about crafting this story?
   Readers have come to expect animals in my stories, and in Step by Step the relationship between Taylor and her aging Golden Retriever, Hooper, was particularly poignant for me. I also got a kick out of showing Taylor’s (controlling) tendency toward checklists, calorie counting, and tracking her exercise by logging every “step”—I have a Fitbit bracelet, too!
8. What are some of the unique challenges of writing contemporary romance in a medical setting?
   I think the challenge of the medical aspect is to provide realistic (and accurate) medical detail without talking over the heads of readers, but not talking down to them either. Because of the popularity of medical TV drama and the opportunity for people to “Google” their way into medical jargon, symptomology, and treatment adjuncts, readers are far more savvy these days. I try my best to sort of parachute my readers into the medical scenes, allowing them feel as if they are part of the team.

  

As far as the romance aspect goes, while it’s true that team mates working in life-and-death situations often develop strong (and sometimes romantic) bonds, I can guarantee there is no TV-type trysts going on in hospital storage rooms!

9. Have you received any feedback from your fans on the Crisis Team series? How are they responding?
   The response (I’m grateful) has been very positive; readers love these compassionate crisis responders. And, of course, I’m so honored that Booklist chose this series’ first story, By Your Side, as a Top 10 Inspirational Book of 2015.
   
   
10. What is the best advice or encouragement you have received either personally or professionally?
    
    
    I would have to say the best advice I’ve received both professionally and personally is also a tenet of crisis chaplaincy: to simply listen.
    We all (especially service providers) have a great need to “do and fix.”
    And certainly talk, advise . . . sometimes lecture.
    
    
    
    One of the biggest blessings, gifts, we can give another person is to listen, really hear them. It also speaks, of course, to one of my favorite verses:
    Psalm 46:10
    
    
    “. . . Be still, and know that I am God . . . ”

11. What are you most proud of in your writing career?

I’m not sure “proud” is the word, but I think I’m most pleased (still pinching myself) that readers say my stories have touched their hearts, encouraged them at a time of despair-- even changed their lives. It’s powerful, humbling, amazing.

I’m definitely proud of my publishing team—Tyndale House is beyond awesome.

12. What are some future projects you’re working on?

At this moment, I’m preparing for the redline edits on Maybe It’s You, the third Crisis Team story, scheduled for release in early 2017. 

• Series: Crisis Team
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414390343
• ISBN-13: 978-1414390345

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

I love Gooseberry Patch and here's a favorite recipe from Gooseberry Patch Recipes:

Sweet & Easy Iced Coffee....So easy. O!So!Good!

From Jen at Gooseberry Patch, this recipe is a year 'round favorite and appears in 101 Breakfast & Brunch Recipes. Stir in a little chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra-special treat:

1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk, divided
4 c. strong brewed coffee, cooled and divided
ice cubes

Place 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into each of 4 tall glasses. Pour one cup of cooled coffee into each glass; stir to combine. Fill glasses with ice; stir to chill. Serves 4.

Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold {Harriet Beamer Series} by Joyce Magnin

Book Description:  After a whirlwind cross-country move, Harriet and her donut-loving basset hound, Humphrey, have settled into a new life in Grass Valley, California. When Harriet learns that she's going to be a grandma for the first time and get a new suite with room for her salt-and-pepper shaker collection, she can't wait for her best friend, Martha, to come visit so she can share her good news. But adventure is never far away when Harriet is around. After listening to the pleas of a desperate teen whose daddy needs money right away---and happens to have a gold mine to lease---Harriet falls hook, line, and sinker into the venture. Although she's nervous about her investment, Harriet chooses to keep it a secret from her son, Henry, and his wife. She can only imagine what she'll do if this turns out to be her ticket to a golden windfall. When suspicions arise, though, it becomes clear that Harriet may never see an ounce of gold. But will she continue to trust and risk losing everything? The fate of the young teen and a family emergency show Harriet where her true treasure lies.

My Thoughts:  I absolutely Loved the first book in the Harriet Beamer Series, Harriet Beamer Rides the Bus!

So, I waited and snatched up this book, Harriet Beamer Strikes Gold, as soon as it was available, because I knew that I would not be disappointed. 

Oh!My!  Joyce Magnin writes with a humorous flair that had me laughing out loud!  Harriet Beamer is a force to be reckoned with, for sure!

Harriet has a heart as big as Texas so when a "desperate" teen talks Harriet into leasing a gold mine her daddy has for lease....well, Harriet secretly makes her investment. Harriet just knows that this will be the best investment for her and help others too.  

Then there's Harriet's unbelievable salt and pepper shaker collection.  She collects the most unique salt and pepper shakers.  I think her collection shows her love for people who are most unusual.  She sees the heart.

Then the fun begins!  

Never try to cross a woman, especially an older woman who is quite determined.  Just when things begin to go sour, Harriet (and the teen) learn where "real gold" lies.

This read was beyond my expectations!  Loved, loved it!

*This book was provided for review by BookSneeze*

GO HERE to visit Joyce Magnin's blog!

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (August 6, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031033358X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310333586

COTT {Clash of the Titles} Under Fire by Linda Shenton Matchett

When You're at Odds with God

Have you ever found yourself at odds with God? Let’s face it, in any real relationship there are disagreements, and if we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll admit we occasionally have a falling out with God. Times when we’re disappointed about an answer He’s given us or angry about something we think He’s allowed and we can’t fathom why.

God understands when we get upset with him, and I think He welcomes our sincere questioning, not flippant or disrespectful, but genuine inquiries that come from our hearts. Ruth Brown, the protagonist in my upcoming novel Under Fire, is furious with God for allowing Pearl Harbor and personal tragedies in her life. Throughout the story, she questions Him about incidents that occur. Because she seeks answers, He provides them. Some of the answers are not ones she wants, but He gives her peace to deal with those.

My protagonist, Ruth, is no different than the biblical characters who also struggled with hurt, loss, and injustice. Consider Job who loses everything and asks God what He did to deserve such treatment. How about Gideon? In Judges 6:13, he asks God if He’s with them: “How could this have befallen us?” Both the prophet Jeremiah and Habakkuk questioned God about how He could let things happen to His people. And we can’t forget Moses who quizzed God constantly about what He was thinking. In each of these cases, God responded in love and gave the individual peace about the situation.

Authors are encouraged to write what they know. In order to craft Ruth’s journey from anger to acceptance, I examined my own relationship with God and realized I had unresolved issues about times I felt He had let me down and answers I was upset about. It took a lot of prayer, prayer that involved listening to God’s side. That was the difficult part. I realized that a lot of my conversations with God were actually monologues—me doing most of the talking and very little listening. I came out on the other side with some bumps and bruises (remember Joseph’s wrestling match with the angel of God?). But as a result I have a deeper relationship with God and a fuller understanding of His work in my life. 

Are you upset with God? Are you hanging on to past hurts? Are you struggling to understand how He could let something happen that caused you or your loved ones grief? I pray you’ll approach Him with honesty and an open heart, so He can give you the peace he wants you to have.

“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me.” Psalm 30:2

About Under Fire:

Ruth Brown is a small-town journalist whose sister Jane, is pronounced dead after a boating accident in April 1942. Because Jane’s body is missing, Ruth is convinced her sister is still alive. A series of events and discoveries raise Ruth’s suspicions about Jane’s work at the local manufacturing plant. Eventually Ruth follows clues to war-torn London. By the time she manages to uncover the truth about Jane’s disappearance, Ruth has stumbled on black marketers, resistance fighters and the IRA—all of whom may want her dead for what she has uncovered.

About the Author:

Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, and author. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the lightbulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A freelance writer for over ten years, her articles and devotionals have appeared in numerous print and online publications. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader.

Purchase Under Fire

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