Category: Books

Books

Governess’s Courage Prevails Over the Civil War in Tamera Alexander’s ‘With This Pledge’ [REVIEW]

Carnton at Dusk
Inside the walls of Carnton Plantation, a governess does what she can to face down slavery. (Photo by Rob Shenk, Flickr)

As if being a Southern woman with views of her own weren’t difficult enough, a young governess is forced to take a stand when the Civil War comes knocking at her employer’s doorstep. But will her strength and determination be enough to carry her through the most difficult time of her life? Find out in Tamera Alexander’s breathtaking new historical novel, With this Pledge.  Continue reading “Governess’s Courage Prevails Over the Civil War in Tamera Alexander’s ‘With This Pledge’ [REVIEW]”

Unknown's avatarJathan Fink2 Comments
Books

‘The Hollow Middle’ Captures An Educator in the Midst of an Existential Crisis [REVIEW]

Man looking to sea
An educator ponders his existence in John Popielaski’s debut novel, The Hollow Middle. (Photo by doublecompile, Flickr)

An educator in the midst of a midlife crisis suddenly receives an unexpected windfall of cash and the opportunity to make some major changes in his life. But as he ponders his existence to date, will he find his way toward self actualization or will he get mired down in the ambiguity of what could have been? Find out in John Popielaski’s The Hollow Middle.  Continue reading “‘The Hollow Middle’ Captures An Educator in the Midst of an Existential Crisis [REVIEW]”

Unknown's avatarJathan Fink2 Comments
Books

‘The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl’ [EXCERPT]

beige analog gauge
An adventurer and a writer learn a lesson in love in Victoria Alexander’s third Lady Travelers novel. (Photo by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels.com)

You could call me a sucker for romantic comedy. I know, I know, it’s not the manliest thing to admit to, but there it is. And few writers can knock it out of the park like Victoria Alexander. She has a knack for throwing men and women together who are looking for anything but love, pitting them against a wild adventure, and spinning hilarious banter between everyone involved. The result is comic genius along the lines of Romancing the Stone, except placed in a historical setting. Read the following excerpt from Alexander’s latest novel, The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl, and you’ll see what I mean. Enjoy! —J.R. 
Continue reading “‘The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl’ [EXCERPT]”

Unknown's avatarJ.R. Wallace3 Comments
Books

Love Is In Bloom ‘On Magnolia Lane’ [REVIEW]

Flower box
He may drop in to order one of her gorgeous bouquets from time to time, but the thing that keeps him coming back is the florist herself. (Photo by Joe Giordano, Flickr)

It wasn’t hard to fall in love with the young florist who is just as beautiful as the bouquets she puts together. But confessing his undying love for her could prove problematic, especially since she’s only seen him professionally for the past two years. How does a man summon up the courage to overcome his fears? Find out in Denise Hunter’s delightful final installment of the Blue Ridge series, On Magnolia Lane.  Continue reading “Love Is In Bloom ‘On Magnolia Lane’ [REVIEW]”

Unknown's avatarJathan Fink3 Comments
Books

Some Friendships Are Stronger Than War, Just Ask ‘Bess and Frima’ [REVIEW]

Bess and Frima
Theirs is a friendship that would endure politics, marriage, and even war. (Photo courtesy Julie Metz)

Two girls on the cusp of womanhood. Two lives irrevocably intertwined. In the face of World War II, each must make decisions that will shape their destinies and alter the course of their lives forever. But which dreams will they pursue and will fate ultimately tear them apart? Find out in Alice Rosenthal’s new historical novel, Bess and Frima, a coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and daring to be different. Continue reading “Some Friendships Are Stronger Than War, Just Ask ‘Bess and Frima’ [REVIEW]”

Unknown's avatarJathan Fink2 Comments