BOOK REVIEW: "A Moment in Time" by Tracie Peterson

BOOK REVIEW: "A Moment in Time" by Tracie Peterson

I've only read one Tracie Peterson book before this, and I want to thank Bethany House for allowing me a free copy of A MOMENT IN TIME in exchange for my honest review.

The premise for the story was wonderful. Tracie Peterson creates characters with deep thoughts and a strong desire to do good before God and do goodwill to others. I appreciate and admire that. Christians are supposed to desire these things. There are many faith-based books on the market where "Christians" act the same way as the rest of the world. Please understand me: I recognize that we all fall short, and no one is perfect. But if we look exactly like the world, do we really look like Christ? So, thank you, Tracie Peterson, for your godly characters' examples.

So, the premise and characters' faith were good; however, I didn't feel the premise was fully successful in its actual execution. I explain in the paragraphs below.

This book started strong, with suspense in the first chapter. I was immediately drawn in by the mystery of Mr. Smith and the heroine's impending danger. This structure led me to believe the entire book's tension would build from that point; however, it tapered off for a few chapters, while we were given several pages of backstory and inactivity. I found this section hard to slog through. I understand that the backstory we were given was very important to setting up the story (especially the information about how she got her scar and what happened with her mother) . . . the problem is that, in the current fiction market, the pace/tension needs to continue to build. I feel the backstory in A MOMENT IN TIME would've been better received if it was given in snippets rather than several paragraphs, in conversation rather than author intrusion.

And due to the back cover copy, I assumed this was a romance. And it was . . . though it started quite late. Again, my expectations are set by other inspirational fiction currently on the market. A story isn't a romance until the hero and heroine meet, and these two didn't meet until several chapters in. I confess I felt disappointed each time a new chapter began and the heroine hadn't headed to Texas yet to meet the hero.

So, all in all, I think the book was fine--though not my particular preference. I tend to lean toward books that build their tension from the first chapter. But if you like a calmer pace, strong faith messages, and tender romance, you will probably enjoy this book. I know Tracie Peterson has been a well-received author for many years and undoubtedly has a faithful fan base. They will probably enjoy this story!

BOOK REVIEW MONDAY: Here to Stay

Here we are, Book Review Monday. And have I got a treat for you this time!

 

Melissa Tagg's

 

HERE TO STAY



HERE TO STAY is seriously one of the best books I've read this year. Simply lovely. If you like Christian contemporary romance--with some laugh-out-loud moments along the way--you'll love this book as much as I did.

This book receives:

5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis from Back of the Book

After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what receptions he'll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he's stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events . . .

If there's one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it's Whisper Shore. For years, she's been stuck running her family's inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job over in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn's the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade--she'll help with the festival and he'll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who's done running away joins forces with the girl who can't wait to leave.


My Expectations as a Reader (and if They Were Met)

I've read this author's debut novel, MADE TO LAST, which I also loved, but this book blew me out of the water. I know I sound a bit over-dramatic, but it seriously met all my expectations . . . hilarious moments, toe-curling romance (while still acceptable to recommend to conservative readers), realistic characters, and a perfectly-orchestrated plot.


My Expectations as a Writer (and if They Were Met)

Melissa Tagg's writing is strong and witty. Her voice is excellent for contemporary romance. Her characters deal with real issues and real pain. Not everything is wrapped up in a neat bow at the end, but enough is to make this hopeless-romantic reader sigh with content.

Trust me, you won't want to miss HERE TO LAST, and I am SO looking forward to Book #3!


** This book was given to me by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and comments are my own. **

History Thursday: What the Cowboy Wore - Introduction

I thought I'd take a break from Spearfish history to fill you in on the proper attire of a cowboy.

For the next several History Thursday blog posts, we will sift through a western cowboy's wardrobe. Not only will we look at each piece individually, but we'll talk about the function.

I mean, do you think they just walked around in chaps because they looked cool?

Don't get me wrong. Of course, they looked cool, too. But they wore their particular garb for a reason. We'll get into that.

Introduction

To start us out, I wanted to post a couple of paragraphs from a great book called The Cowboy: His Characteristics, His Equipment, and His Part in the Development of the West. It has a mouthful of a name, but it's a great resource!

Ahem! . . . 

~

"The clothing worn by members of the trade was distinctive. Although picturesque,

it was worn not for the production of this effect, but solely because it was the dress best suited

to the work in hand. Inasmuch as it was selected with view only to comfort and convenience, it knew

nothing of variable fashion and suffered from no change in style.

It, however, was subject, as were many of the cowboy's customs, to differences in form according

as the locality involved was the Northwest or the Southwest. The line of demarcation between

these sections, though never very clearly defined, was in effect an imaginary westward extension

of Mason and Dixon's Line, this extension zigzagging a bit in some places."

~

So, there you have it. They wore the clothes because of function, and because function was the only main issue, the cowboy look really doesn't "suffer... from... change in style."

What Cowboys Wore (Overview)

Like I said, we'll go into more detail in the following weeks, but here is a basic rundown of the cowboy look.

The Hat

That's Wild Bill Hickok, by the way.

He's from Deadwood--just a skip, hop, and a jump from Spearfish.

The Handkerchief

The Shirt, Vest, and Trousers, and the Belt (the lack thereof!)

The Overcoat and Gloves

The Boots

The Spurs

The Chaps

The Horsehair Chain

Are you a sucker for the cowboy look?

What article of a cowboy's clothing really gets your heart pumping?

Endangered Words Tuesday: Pluviose

Endangered Words

A Collection of Rare Gems for Book Lovers

"Pluviose"

{PLOO-vee-ohs or PLOO-vee-ohz. Adjective}

Late 19th century

Very rare

I love this word. Something about it makes it fun to say. 

~

According to the book Endangered Words by Simon Hertnon, pluviosity is the noun. 

And what does it mean?

"Of, relating to, or characterized by rain; rainy."

Lovely!

~

In a Sentence . . .

Has your town seen pluviose weather lately?

Readers: Your turn. How would YOU use it in a sentence?

Good-Read Monday: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

Another historical romance for you hopeless romantics out there (I also speak to myself). For this week's Good-Read Monday, we'll head back in time to rugged 1880's Texas for Karen Witemeyer's fourth book, Short-Straw Bride.

Historical Romance

Bethany House Publishers

368 pages

About the Story

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

About the Author

Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

She also writes for blogs Petticoats & Pistols and Writes of Passage. 

About My Reaction

This selection received 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, but I would personally give it 5 out of 5. 

. . . As a matter of fact, is 6 out of 5 possible?

The characters are endearing. The growing love story between Meredith and Travis was good. Really good. She handles the physical attraction between husband and wife in a very touching way: while it upholds Christian-fiction standards, it gives my heart the good ol' heated pumping that a romance should. Crockett, a secondary character, was just as strong as the leads (without stealing the show). Needless to say, I was intrigued when I discovered that her latest book Stealing the Preacher focuses on his love story. Yay!

Where to Buy

This wonderful book can be purchased at Bethany House Publisher's website, Baker Retail, Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, and at many of your local bookstores. By the way, if your local store doesn't have Short-Straw Bride on its shelf, ask for the bookstore to order it for you!

Shadow Hand Cover Reveal - Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Friends, if you adore fairy tales like I do, you will absolutely LOVE this cover 

for inspirational fantasy author Anne Elisabeth Stengl's brand-new novel SHADOW HAND!

I tell ya, even the novel's NAME gives me goosebumps. I'm so excited about this one!

"She Will Take Your Own Two Hands

To Save Your Ancient, Sorrowing Lands."

By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. 

Not the prince she loves, handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, 

the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. Unable to bear the future she sees as her wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire 

to vanish from living memory.

But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a 

new world of magic and peril, a world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, 

a world invaded by a lethal fey parasite . . .

A world that is hauntingly familiar.

COMING SPRING 2014

For more fun information, you can check out the new book page for SHADOW HAND: www.shadowhandnovel.blogspot.com. There you’ll find a Characters You Will Meet Page along with some other fun extras.

You can also check out Anne Elisabeth's page for Tales of Goldstone Wood for more information about the entire series!

And to celebrate this exciting occasion, Anne Elisabeth Stengl is offering a giveaway! One wonderful winner will be selected to receive a beautiful Tales of Goldstone Wood coffee mug with this banner on it:

Be sure to enter, friends! This is such a beautiful cover to add to the already stunning collection of Tales of Goldstone Wood covers.

Just click on the link below to enter.

AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK OF THE COVER!

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History Thursday: Map of My Setting ~ Spearfish, Dakota

MAP OF SPEARFISH

If you've read sections of BENEATH THE COTTONWOODS, or you are at least the curious sort, you might find this map of Spearfish to be quite interesting.

I must say, I was delighted to find it in a gallery on the Spearfish Area Historical Society website. These folks are fabulous people, willing to share a wealth of knowledge. 

Do you want to see where BENEATH THE COTTONWOODS takes place? Well! I'm so glad you asked!

Allow me to give you a tour . . .

Remember my post about Decoration Day last Thursday? In the background of that photo stands the Bank of Spearfish. Here, you'll see it circled in red! That corner it sits on is Sixth and H, where a great amount of excitement in BENEATH THE COTTONWOODS happens.

Hazel, our heroine, lives in that yellow house--just a couple of blocks from the bank, where her father works (under false pretenses, but that's another post).

Then you'll see a row of trees. This is where you'll go if you plan to dip your feet in Spearfish Creek. Beyond the trees, our hero lives. Widower Lee Cranston's house and barn are within the blue rectangle. 

Not too far of a walk between the two, is it? . . . Which is good because Hazel travels the road daily to pick up Lee's five-year-old son for tutoring lessons.

By the way, if a storm comes up--as it tends to do in the summer--you'll see the clouds rising over Crow Peak, the mountain just beyond Lee's place.

Do you like when authors set their stories in real places?

How does history make a story better? 

What are some drawbacks to tying a story so closely to history?

Let me know in the comments!