Join nine brides of convenience on their adventures in a variety of times and settings gone by—from a ranch in California…to the rugged mountains of Colorado…to a steamship on the Mississippi…to the dangerous excitement of the Oregon Trail…into high society of New York City. No matter the time or place, the convenient brides proceed with what must be done, taking nuptials out of necessity. . .and never dreaming that God might take their feeble attempts to secure their futures and turn them into true love stories for His glory.bout
Paperback, 448 pages
Expected publication: July 1st 2015 by Barbour Books
This collection of stories is about determination and fortitude, which I found in each of these brides as they ventured into a blind agreement of marriage, most intriguing. I am not so sure I in that age or time would have found the courage to venture into such an agreement. Though most of these women did not have much of a choice for some it was a matter of life or death.
We are fortunate as women to have rights these women did not have back then.
Each story made an impression on my heart leaving me to imagine if any of the women on my family tree were put in the position to make such a choice.
Don't even ask me to pick which story was my favorite because I must say they are all top of my favorite list.
I want to thank all of these authors for combining their stories into one book for our pleasure to read and contemplate on historical times for women, which is my favorite subject.
I highly recommend this book!
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Dislosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley/BabourBooks for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
What COTT voters had to say about this month's winner:
"Reading Red Gold by Sandy Nadeau gave me a much needed 'vacation'! The faith story was heart-filling...and the adventure carried me to the mountains.
Thanks, Sandy, for sharing your talent with the rest of us!"
"Not only does Sandy Nadeau and Red Gold have a great cover, the story is realistic, inspiring and a fun thrill ride in Colorado."
Red Gold
by Sandy Nadeau
~COTT's April Champ~
"Sandy Nadeau's work was a very fun read with good moral value!"
"A shout-out to Sandy Nadeau, author of Red Gold! I have an autographed copy,
and couldn't be more delighted for your success!!"
"Red Gold sounds like a book that will keep readers turning the pages!"
"Keep writing, Sandy Nedeau! I'm in the middle of Red Gold now and love it! Blessings!"
About Red Gold:
Mandy Phillips loves life with her husband running an adventure ranch in the Colorado mountains, but when Mr. Shonee, their crotchety old neighbor, tries to stop them from building a kid-size old west town their dreams of expansion are crushed. Is Shonee just being a difficult neighbor, or is something more sinister going on? A discovery on the property of Colorado's state mineral leads to more mysteries for the ranch, and then a teenage guest finds herself thrust head first into danger. Mandy will have to rescue her, but who will rescue Mandy? Her faith in God is her only source to keep the guests safe, solve the mysteries surrounding her ranch, save her neighbor from himself, and discover the secrets of the Red Gold.
Sandy Nadeau loves to go on adventures, photograph them and equally loves to write about them. She and her husband do a lot of four-wheeling in the back country of Colorado and share those experiences with others by taking them up in the mountains. With a background in writing a column about her community for a
local newspaper, she also has had several magazine articles published. She loves to write novels about adventure, mystery, romance, but most importantly sharing God’s love. She is currently a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Vice President of the ACFW South Denver Chapter. Married for 37 years, she and her husband are loving life as grandparents to their nine month old grandson. Travel is their favorite thing to do and they don’t get to do it as often as they’d like. Adventure awaits around every corner, over every hill and mountain.
How Red Gold came about:
"This story developed out of a dream my husband and I shared of wanting to run a guest ranch as depicted in the book. We love the mountains of Colorado so much and have spent many days exploring the deep reaches of the state. We get a lot of out-of-town guests so we take them out on adventures with us. Our favorite thing to do is four-wheeling into the back country. We have ended up in a few places we never should have gone, at least not with the vehicle we drove. I wanted to share some of the adventures we have had through my book, the beauty, and the excitement of Colorado. My hubby actually came up with the title. It was so perfect for it." ~Sandy Nadeau
About Book Dessa Caldwell has a dream: to open Pierson House, a refuge for former prostitutes in Denver’s roughest neighborhood. But after exhausting all charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins National Bank.
Henry Hawkins has a secret: though he owns the most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now he’s the most eligible bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, he’s built a fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank requesting a loan.
Though he’s certain her proposal is a bad investment, Henry is drawn to Dessa’s passion. But that same passion drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her mission—but he also threatens to bring Henry’s darkest secrets to light. As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must choose between their plans and God’s, between safety and love.
Maureen Lang is the award-winning author of more than ten novels. She's always had a passion for writing, particularly stories that combine romance and history. After writing for the general market for several years, she wrote her debut inspirational novel, Pieces of Silver, which was a Christy Award finalist in the historical category. She has since written seven novels, including a recent trilogy of romances set against the dramatic backdrop of WWI—Look to the East, Whisper on the Wind, and Springtime of the Spirit. She turns to more peaceful (though no less dramatic) times in Bees in the Butterfly Garden, her upcoming release set among Fifth Avenue's finest during the Gilded Age of New York.
In addition to critical acclaim, Maureen's writing has garnered numerous industry honors. She has won the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, and a Holt Medallion, and has been a finalist for Romance Writers of America's Rita, the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol awards, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Visit her online at www.maureenlang.com.
My Thoughts
Dessa Caldwell grieves for her friend Sophia Pierson, they had planned on starting a home for women who are caught up in white slavery and prostitution. Dessa is determined to carry out this dream. She has found a house in a not so respectable area that would be perfect in every way especially the price. But she needs a loan from the bank.
Henry Hawkins owns the local bank and his Uncle has just approved a large loan to Dessa Caldwell without his final approval. When she insist on thanking him, he could not take his eyes off her. He now had no intention of cancelling the loan. He doubted she would have any success with her venture but he had to admire her determination.
A local businessman of questionable reputation becomes enamored with Dessa and her cause, or will she become a pawn in his own plans. Although he is very attractive and acts the gentleman she has her doubts about his sincerity. Henry tries to warn her to not associate herself or the Pierson House with this man. She could loose everything she has worked so hard to build. In this book the author brings to light white slavery and also of Chinese women sold into slavery. Women had few rights in 1887. Some married women were no better than slaves being forced to marry just for financial gain for their parents. In arranged and loveless marriages husbands abused their wives. In reading this story it is also very apparent employment opportunities were lacking for women, which caused some to starve or turn to prostitution. The author did her research which made for an very interesting read. I am looking forward to her next book. I highly recommend this book. I rated this book a 5 out of 5. Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network/Tyndale House for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
About Book “You were made for The River . . .” Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure. But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see. Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him. When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done. Read Chapter 1,2 & 3here
About Author Gifted writer, performer, and masterful storyteller are all phrases used to describe Michael Neale.
With the highly anticipated September 2012 release of his first novel The River, as well as a second book, Your Great Name, which releases in October 2012, Michael is finding more and more ways to share his gift of storytelling as an author.
As a Dove Award-Winning songwriter, his songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith (“Rise Above”), Natalie Grant (“Your Great Name,” Worship Song of the Year in 2012), Rebecca St. James (“In A Moment”), Todd Agnew (“I Need No Other”), and Phillips, Craig and Dean (“Saved the Day”), to name a few.
Michael divides his time among leading worship in churches, songwriting, and being a featured leader and teacher at conferences around the country. In between his travels, Michael serves on the team of Worship Leaders at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where he lives with his wife Leah, and their three children Micah, Maisie, and Wyatt.
My Thoughts
I love this quote from the book "Life is not to be merely survived--it is meant to be lived."
One of my favorite excerpts from the book is on page 272 where Gabriel is sitting outside with Ezra looking out at THE RIVER.Don't read it until you have read up to that page! It will move you beyond measure.
~ ~ ~
When Gabriel Clarke was five years old he watched THE RIVER take his father. Ever since that day Gabriel has flashback, reliving that day which causes him to to to a special place deep inside of himself. Gabriel has bad days when the memories haunt him. Even his friends are aware that Gabriel is different at times and it has something to do with THE RIVER and his father. His best friend Jimmy seems to always have his back.
Gabriel and him mom rent a place from Mister Earl and his wife on a farm in Kansas which is nothing like Colorado where he had lived with his father.
As Gabriel turns twenty he is even more restless than ever. He is working at the five and dime but he wants so much more for himself. Then one day at work he receives a call from his old friend Jimmy. Jimmy wants Gabriel to go on a trip camping and rafting with some buddies in Colorado. Gabriel was hesitant at first then decided it would be good to get away.
When they got to the campsite Gabriel meets THE RIVER that has haunted him for years.
Will Gabriel go back into that secret place deep within himself or will he face his fears and THE RIVER?
This is a beautiful heart wrenching story of loss, redemption and coming face to face with ones fears. The author shows how friends and family can be instrumental in God's plan to heal an injured lost soul. This story may even be instrumental in helping other injured lost souls. Maybe that is even you. There are many ways to become lost.
I HIGHLY recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.
About the Book: Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her. Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way. Link to buy the book:http://ow.ly/cPxuv
Meet Mary:
Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.
The entire set of Mary Connealy's The Kincaid Brides series
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Over the Edge" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/29. Meet Mary, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)! So grab your copy of Over the Edge and join Mary on the evening of the August 29th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!
Sorry I am late posting my review.
The results of the giveaway have already been released on 8/29.
My Thoughts When Seth Kincaid was a child his favorite place to play was in the caverns. He almost lost his life and thought he lost his soul due to a fire in the cave. He has been haunted by this near death experience ever since then. Now as an adult he has many scars especially after the Civil War. The most noticeable is his mental scars that cause night terrors not just about the war but from that terrible day in his childhood when he caught fire in the cavern. Callie Kincaid is in route to the Kincaid Ranch to seek what is due her sixteen month old son, Connonr's birthright. As son of Seth Kincaid, a father he has yet too meet, his Uncles can provide Connor a safe home and just maybe tell his mother where her absentee, no good skunk of a husband has got off to so she can fill him with holes. It has not been an easy haul going from Texas to Colorado with a baby in tow. When Callie finally gets connected with her husband she let's him know real quick at the end of her rifle that she wants him to pay for abandoning her and their son when they needed him the most. Seth is determined to prove to Callie he can be trusted to be there for her and his precious son. He had a very good excuse for not being there in the past. The problem is he can't really remember her but he recognized the feeling of love and concern he has for this woman that is his wife. The older two brother's definitely had there issues mentally concerning the accident in the cave. Each of the boys felt like the accident was their fault and not that of the other brothers. Then to be abandoned by the death of the frequent absences of their father and the death of their mother left them with no one to lean on other than their brothers. They definitely needed to unburden unto God their guilt and grief over that day for He is their true Father.
I hope there will be another book to this series maybe about Heath. He seems to be the most level headed of all the brothers. But he will have to get a little older before any woman decides to rope him into marriage.
I have decided Mary Conneally is currently my favorite author. She managed to put her all into what it takes to write a humorous, romantic and adventurous fun novel that kept me up laughing and crying until I finished reading the whole book. I have all daughters and love them to pieces but I fail in love with this motherless son, Seth Kincaid. My heart broke for him and all of his scars physically and mentally.
I highly recommend this book. I rated this book a 5 out of 5. Disclosure I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse/Bethany House for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
I wrote for ten years before I got my first book published. When I did get my first contract I had twenty finished books on my computer at home. I had just enough encouragement through those ten long years to keep me going.
I was a stay-at-home mom when I started but during those years my children grew up and I got a job. I've worked forty hours a week, teaching GED, for the last five years.
Somewhere in about the third year of my writing, I sent a manuscript into Silhouette Romance and they requested a full manuscript. From the time I sent the three chapters in, then their request for a whole manuscript, then finally their rejection, it took a full year. So I'm starting to see just how slow the publishing world is. I sent that book in as a result of placing third in a writer's contest and I did pretty well in them.
I learned a lot from the critiques. Also when I'd final, I got judged by editors and agents.
There came a time when I expected to final in any contest I entered. The two years before I got published I was a finalist in eleven contests with five different books. And all the while I'm entering these contests, I kept writing.
I discovered ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and entered my manuscript Petticoat Ranch in their unpublished contest. I was a double finalist in 2004, another book of mine, Montana Rose, was in the running, too. (Montana Rose released in July).
I won The Noble Theme contest and got a lot of requests to send in my book. I also got a really simple request from Cathy Marie Hake. She asked me to send her my first three chapters. Cathy read what I sent her and said she thought I was 'ready'. By this time, I had so many rejections I had a hide like a rhino, so submitting work didn't even phase me. Okay, well maybe I crawled under my computer desk and sucked my thumb for a day or two every time I got one but other than that I was fine.
Just before the next year's conference, Cathy Marie Hake told me she wanted to pitch my name to write a book as part of a three book series set in historical Alaska.
Every year at the conference the acquiring editor for Heartsong Presents gives a contract to an unpublished author. I was so hopeful! I knew there was a chance it could be me. The Heartsong editor, Tracie Peterson, said someone else's name, so okay, I've been rejected before. I kind of expect it. And then she said, 'And this year we're giving two contracts to first time authors. We're offering a contract to Mary Connealy. I get chills saying that! It was a wonderful, thrilling shocking moment. I had to go up and get the contract, in front of 350 other writers, all clapping. A great, great moment in my life.
History, Romance, Humor--and Cowboys!—from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy
In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter.
And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned.
Ethan doesn't expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he's terrified of the pain he's felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He's determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch.
Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!
What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?
My Thoughts
This is the second book in this series and is a great compliment to book one.
In 1866, Colorado Audra Gilliand agrees to marry Ethan Kincaid because she feels like she has become a burden to her newly married stepdaughter.
Ethan has become attached to Audra's two small children and is so afraid he will not be able to protect her and the children. Plus he is confused about the feelings he has developed for Audra.
Audra is not wanting to be dependent on anyone. She wants to be able to stand on her own to feet and not be treated like a fragile little china doll.
The author picks Audra up out of the rubble of her past giving her faith in God to protect her and her children. In the character Ethan shows a yearning to be a father to Audra's children. As a family unit I believe Audra and Ethan will bring out the best in each other and the children showing that God has mad a blessed union.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publisher for review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.
