A Noble Groom ... Releasing April 1

She’s given up on fairy tales, true love, and happily-ever-after. He’s running for his life after being falsely accused of murder. She’s widowed, poor, and has no hope of freedom from the tyranny of men. He’s forced to leave his lofty station in life and live among the peasants—a prison worse than the dungeon, it seems. Together, they learn to trust those they’d been taught to disdain.

Who better to tell you their story than Annalisa and Carl—the couple who made this historical novel what it is—romantic.

I'm glad to say, they've agreed to an interview:

Me: Annalisa, Carl. Welcome and thank you for taking the time from your family and farm to share with us your journey.

Annalisa (blushing): nods and clutches Carl’s hand.

Carl (grinning at his bride): It’s a pleasure.

Me: First, how’d the two of you meet? Was it love at first sight?

Annalisa: I was widowed and my Vater (father) sent for a husband for me from the Old Country (Germany). And no. It was not love. Love was only for fairy tales, not reality.

Carl: I was sent to the Bernthal’s home (casting a glance at Annalisa) her parents to aid her with her farm while she awaited her new groom.

Me: (Surprised) But, Annalisa, you almost married him, didn’t you?

Annalisa: I did.

Me: Why?

Annalisa: Because Vater said so. It’s the way things were done. Women had no choice, no voice, no position other than that which her husband allowed her.

Me: Carl, how did you feel about being wed to a woman you didn’t know?

Carl: I wasn’t about to marry a woman I didn’t love, let alone know. And truth be told, had I been warned I might face disease, devastation, vermin infestation, and befriend a murderer, I might have run as fast and far as I could.

Me: Interesting. Why is that?

Carl: I’d witnessed enough of a loveless marriage to know I wouldn’t be trapped in one—if I could help it. Besides, I already knew Herr Bernthal would hate me if he knew who I really was, although I didn't know why until later, so marriage to Annalisa really wasn't an option.

Me: But you agreed to remain with the family and assist Annalisa?

Carl: I didn’t have much choice . . . in the beginning.

Me: In the beginning? So you’re saying after a while you wanted to be there? What changed your mind?

Carl (grinning, mischief playing in his eyes): I’m not at liberty to say. You’ll have to discover that for yourself.

Me: I see. (Looking to Annalisa) What about you? How did you feel about this man’s presence, knowing he didn’t really want to be there?

Annalisa (giggling): He knew nothing about farming. I doubt he worked much with his hands before coming to my family’s home. It was a pleasant surprise to see he’d finished the plowing . . . just in time to begin the next phase of farming.

Me: You look radiant, by the way, Annalisa. Have you always had such an easy laugh and joyful smile?

Annalisa: Oh no. I’d forgotten how good it felt to laugh. And to smile? It took the kindness of a stranger to show me how to stretch my lips in an upward curve. (She leans into Carl as his arm curls around her shoulder, holding her close.)

Me: So, Annalisa, do you still believe happily-ever-afters and true love are for books and fairy tales?

Annalisa (blushing): No, not any more. Through Carl, Gott’s changed all that. I now know that Gott cares for even the smallest details of our lives, both men and women. I am not insignificant to Gott or His plans.

Me: I’m so glad you said that. So many of us seem to think we need to earn God’s attention and affection. Yet you’ve discovered differently, haven’t you? Would you mind sharing how you came to this realization?

Annalisa (smiles): Sure, I can share. But I think you’d like the way my journey is told in the book much better.

Me:Well, thank you for that.

And I agree.

The book is fantastic, published by Bethany House. Jody Hedlund has woven historical fact with a beautiful romance that tells the true-to-life tale of how difficult it was to immigrate and settle in America—Michigan to be exact. Women had once been nothing more than a glorified servant. Chattel to many men. Some men saw past societal norms and into the beauty of God’s creation, cherishing her as a person of great strength and worthy of his love, devotion, and protection. I highly recommend you purchase this book, read it, and share with your friends. 


Learn more about Jody Hedlund at Bethany House or her website. 

Jody's books can be purchased at Baker Publishing Group, Amazon, Christian Book Distributors, or Barnes & Noble. You might also find it in your local Christian Book Store.

Remember: The book releases Monday, April 1.

(disclaimer: Jody Hedlund and Bethany House teamed up with their marketing strategy when they sent me this free copy of A Noble Groom. However, the review I have given is not based on their generosity, but on the book's merit. I'm sure when you've read it, you'll agree.)

Kaleidoscope Summer: Review

There are few things in my life that I have trouble keeping my hands off. One of those things is a book. Especially free books. I’ll peruse the Amazon freebies and download several at a time, thinking it’ll be no trouble swimming through the pages. This is a terrific way to introduce yourself to an author or style of writing you’ve never met before.

Amazon image

Recently, I downloaded Kaleidoscope Summer by Rita Garcia. This delightful book is written in first person, alternatively from the male (Logan Delatorre) and female’s (Samantha Forrester) point of view, in which they each tell their story of new beginnings, heartache, romance, and a little suspense.

Normally, I struggle with first person point of view. I can’t be sure why. But Rita’s conversational style of writing drew me in. It was as though Logan, Samantha, the other characters, and I had taken a seat around a table at the nearby coffee shop for some coffee, pastry and some story time. Each gave their input into what happened that summer and how each member of this community of Serenity Cove grew from all they experienced. Logan and Samantha shared more intimate details regarding their internal struggles. Logan had endured the deaths of his parents, and then his grandparents before his twentieth birthday. Samantha fought against feelings of rejection and un-forgiveness towards those she thought should’ve been more trustworthy.

Why would she feel that way? You’ll have to get KaleidoscopeSummer and find out.

Read more about Rita at her personal website.

Weaving words for the heart and soul.

K. A. Jacobsen
Writer
southpawscribbler@gmail.com

Polar Bear Plunge

I am excited to be part of Linda Glaz's tour, introducing her new release, Polar Bear Plunge.

 

Anguish and regret plague our lives at one time or another. Often there is nothing that can be done to ease the pain of the loss of our innocence. However, there is always One who can, and does, bring healing in unexpected ways if we’ll allow Him to.

Anger, resentment, and loss can define how we live out the rest of our days here on earth. We can either choose to cherish every breath we’re given, or we may opt for fearful, isolated, existence as our life marches forward into eternity. We can lament losses, or embrace the love experienced and except new possibilities, hope for future passions to rise. And this is where we meet Aleni Callan and Brice Taylor.

In their separate worlds, they’ve experienced loss, regret, and have no idea how to move forward without feeling guilty for the life given to them.  Aleni has fostered anger towards God for taking her beloved soldier-husband, while Brice nurses guilt and tries hopelessly to make up for perceived failure during his military tour in Afghanistan.

In an unexpected turn of events, the two are brought together. To say sparks fly would be a gross understatement. Fireworks in mid-December should be an icebreaker for any budding relationship. Not so with these two.  

Author, Linda Glaz, has taken these two personalities and created an endearing and heartwarming romance set in the southeast region of Michigan where winters are unpredictable and cold. Throughout the novella, Linda’s wit bleeds through the story as each character portrayed exhibits her sense of humor. From beginning to end, you’ll laugh, shake your head, want to smack one—or both—main characters, while never losing that silly grin that usually won’t let go in the midst of young love.

The Christmas Lodge -- Review

 Faith romance, goodwill to our neighbors, and impossibilities becoming possible, play important roles throughout the year, but seem to be magnified at Christmas time. Who knows if it’s because of the wondrous stories of Jesus coming in humility and weakness to show Himself strong to a people who were losing hope and a world that was falling into difficult days? Perhaps it is the need to hope, see miracles, or find that one “true love” that mankind is drawn with magnetic strength to those things that make the heart sing either in joyful or nostalgic tones. Films and books hit the market as Christmas draws near more than the national lover’s holiday “Valentine’s Day”. This year is no different with the release of books written by friends and films. The Christmas Lodge is one such film.

Laden with romance, nostalgia, the miraculous power of a caring friend, and an old broken cottage, this film draws its audience into a family affair with a message, “Sometimes it’s good to let go, but there are other times we need to cling to matters, especially of the heart, even when it will cost more than we have to give. It’s important to remember those who’ve invested in our lives and find a way to give back, creatively and sometimes practically.”

The story begins with Mary heading to the mountains with her boyfriend for a long weekend. He is a city boy, contrasting her outdoors-y type. When they happen upon a girl in the woods, they decide to take her home, where Mary learns is at the “Christmas Lodge” and her childhood memories come rushing back. The cottage is in serious disrepair and in desperate need of renovation. Mary takes a personal interest in the cottage. In the end, we find her overcoming a broken heart, broken cottage, and experiencing a Christmas much like the ones she remembers. 

This is a sweet story that carries the heart along on an almost fairytale hike through the mountains and into the family of the Christmas Lodge. While there were moments that the dialogue felt forced or overdone, it was apparent the sentiment was genuine. In the end, there was a sense of hope and courage to chase those things others say is a waste of time and effort, not to mention money. I would encourage anyone who enjoys a sentimental, heartwarming, Christmas tale to take home this video and snuggle with the family. A fireplace would be nice.

 You can purchase your copy at Amazon.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Thanking God everyday for you.

Anna K. Jeffrey
Writer/Editor

Sufficient Grace Writing & Editing Services
southpawscribbler@gmail.com

Out of Control: Book Review

Often, to escape the struggles life tosses into the ring, there is the desire to escape into another world, whether fictional, sports, or some other sort of addiction. For the avid reader, a good book is usually on the top of the list of avenues for getting away from reality for a time. Mary Connealy, author of several historical comedic fiction novels involving cowboys, has released her latest, Out of Control.

Having never read any of her work before, I thought this would be a fun diversion from the usual form of literature normally on my queue as of late.

This tale of a rancher who meets a young woman in a cave begins with a kiss and commences with a series of situations and conflicts the two need to resolve before the book’s end. While there were several instances in the dialogue that invites the head-shaking, giggle-inciting vision of two completely different personalities and educational backgrounds trying to understand one another; there also arise several serious issues that these characters must address. Balancing the opposing forces of serious--life-threatening--and light-hearted events is a difficult task for any writer.

There wasn’t the connection with either of the characters I’ve come to expect in a book, which saddened me, because I felt Rafe and Julia could have taken me into that place of adventure and discovery they obviously wanted to me go. I would have loved to explore their worlds a bit deeper, gone with them as they traversed the halls of their painful and lonely pasts into the corridors of wholeness. I wish they would have. Perhaps my closing the book would have felt more like saying goodbye to a dear friend or, in this case, "I'll be back for more" when book 2 is released.

This book may appeal to many readers. I have no doubt that Mary Connealy can tell a great story and I am grateful for the opportunity to read one of her books. For a light-hearted read, this is a great place to begin. However, at this stage of my life, I wish it held more depth in the characterization.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Purchase your copy at Amazon.com , CBD, or Bethany House Publishers

Thanking God every day for you.

Anna K. Jeffrey
Writer/Editor

Sufficient Grace Writing & Editing Services
southpawscribbler@gmail.com