THE COURIER OF CASWELL HALL BY MELANIE DOBSON

About the book: 

An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women's families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.

One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages---a network that may be the Patriots' only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family's protection and her own heart's desires.

As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.

Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1aLxC9s


About the author: 

Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.

Connect with Melanie at: http://melaniedobson.com

My Thoughts 

Lydia Caswell is caught up in the goings on during the British and Continental war in 1781. While her brother and her childhood sweetheart are both off fighting in the war her father decides to  invite the son of an acquaintance  to stay at Caswell Hall.  Since the visitor is a British officer her father must accommodate not only the officer put his several other British soldiers in order to stay in the King's favor. There is another  problem, Lydia's father tries to encourage Lydia to marry the British officer. How can she stay true to her sweetheart and keep the fact that he is a Continental soldier. This would not bode well  for her family since they are expected to remain loyal to the crown. 

She is also harboring a probable spy for the Continental army.  He was found injured and she feels compelled to help him hide out while he heals so he can return to his mission.  What if she could help him in with his mission. If she were found out she would be charged as a spy.his would not only put her in danger it would also put her family in danger. 

The author writes of two women that chose to spy for the continental army during the war. Their hearts had to be strong to take such a chance.  The historical events that were provided by the author made the story even more interesting honoring the women from this historical event. So much was lost on both sides of this war but now we benefit from their great sacrifice of life and property. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Summerside Press/Litfuse Publicity Group for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

Where the Trail Ends (American Tapestries) by Melanie Dobson - A Litfuse Tour

About the Book: 

A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?

For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.

Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? 

Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.

Where to buy the book:  http://ow.ly/e0YC2 

ISBN-13: 9781609366858

Pages: 336

Published by Summerside Press

Published: October 1, 2012

Meet Melanie: 

Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).

Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.

Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.

When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.

Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.

American Tapestries Kindle Fire Giveaway 

and {10/18} Facebook Party!

Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! 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 Where the Trail Ends and  Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Tour Schedule on the Author's landing page below.

Dobson landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/american-tapestries-dobson

Thompson landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/american-tapestries-thompson 

My Thoughts

In the year 1842, Samantha Waldron could never have imagined the perils her family would face on their journey to Oregon.  She pushed herself for the sake of her little brother Micah and a new life in Oregon.  They must make it to the trails end of Williamette Valley, Oregon.  Her father has a dream that it is the Land of Milk and Honey and will where they build their home.

Samantha has crossed rivers on this the trail to Oregon but not like this last river the Columbia River which they must cross.   She just wasn't expecting to cross in a storm.  She was having a difficult time keeping the canoe on course especially with the rain filling the canoe up with water and then the canoe capsizes dumping her and Micah into the freezing cold waters of the raging river.  

Lord Alexander Clarke notices a canoe trying to cross the river from the opposite side. He can tell they are in trouble row out to them. As he nears their canoe it capsizes and he pulls a small boy out of the water then he grabs the woman by her dress and manages to get them to shore.  

Samantha takes several days to get her strength back.  During this time Micah plays with the children at the Fort under Alex's supervision.

Alex felt as if he needed to protect Samantha and Micah. When she got her strength back Alex offers her a job as a teacher for the children that live within the Fort.  Since she has lost everything she was grateful for the offer.  But she will only have this job until the next ship arrives with the new teacher.  Come to find out Alex will be leaving on that same ship to return to England.  He is promised to be married back in England due to an arranged marriage.  

Alex has fallen in love with this land and if it were not for his obligations in England he would stay and build a life in Oregon.  As he prepares to return to England young Micah sneaks out of the Fort, to find his dog,  while Samantha was sleeping and she came straight to Alex for help.  Alex promises he will not return to the Fort until he finds Micah.

Will Alex find Micah? Can Samantha make it on her own without the teaching position? How does she feel about Alex leaving for England? Will Alex really be happy living with his betrothed in England?

While reading this book you will need a supply of tissues.  Also I want to warn you that as your anxiety builds while reading this book it may cause you to snap at loved ones if they interrupt your reading.  You will not want to put this book down until the end of the trail.  I meant end of the 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 Litfuse/Summerside Press for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

Giveaway/Review - Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan by Melanie Dobson

About Melanie

Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside's Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).

Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.

Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.

When Melanie isn't writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.

For more about Melanie Dobson and her books, visit www.melaniedobson.com.

About Book

As the Gilded Age comes to a close, Elena Bissette's once-wealthy family has nearly lost its fortune. The Bissettes still own a home on fashionable Mackinac Island, where they will spend one last summer in the hope of introducing Elena to a wealthy suitor. But Elena is repulsed by the idea of marrying for money.

Quickly tiring of the extravagant balls, Elena spends most evenings escaping back into Mackinac's rugged forest. There she meets Chase, a handsome laborer who shares her love for the night sky. The two begin to meet in secret at an abandoned lighthouse, where they work together to solve a mystery buried in the pages of a tattered diary.

As Elena falls in love with Chase, her mother relentlessly contrives to introduce her to Chester Darrington, the island's most eligible bachelor. Marriage to the elusive millionaire would solve the Bissettes' financial woes, and Elena is torn between duty and love.

Where to Buy: Amazon
Check out the other Reviews from this Tour

Celebrate with Melanie by entering her Kindle Giveaway!

 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Signed copies of Melanie’s Love Find You books: Love Finds you in Nazareth,                               Pennsylvania, Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa, Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/4/12. The winner will be announced on 8/6/12 on Melanie’s blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Melanie's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

My Thoughts

1894, Elena Bissette feels obligated to marry into wealth because she knows this is what her parents expect. Well, that is what her mother expects. Her father seems to only wish his little girl be happy with the man she chooses to be her husband.

Click on image for more info
on the history of the island.

Every summer Elena and her parents go to Mackinac Island, Michigan to stay in their vacation cottage, which is really more like a mansion. Her mother is so excited for Elena to meet Chester Darrington. He is a very sought after unattached, handsome and extremely wealthy. Quite the catch. But rumors are spreading that Elena's mother is out to snag him to marry her daughter just for his wealth. Which is true. But Elena only attends all the tea parties and social gatherings to appease her mother. Elena should have been an actress because she can put on a good show of a proper lady.

Now Elena would much rather wander through the woods after dark and visit the islands old lighthouse. The lighthouse gives her more of a view of the island but most of all to the stars. One day she finds a very handsome gentleman in her lighthouse and he has found her drawings. When he sets his eyes on Elena he is mesmerized by her beauty. As they spend more time together at the lighthouse their hearts recognize feelings are strong for each other. But they did not share the truth about their identities. She had no idea he was the wealthy catch her mother was after and he had no idea she was the daughter of the woman that was out to trap him into marriage that was of no interest to him. What a mess!

There has been said that there is a ghost in the lighthouse. So much sorrow and tragedy is the tale about a woman and her two small children in the early 1800's during the British invasion. The woman's husband is missing and her cries for him can be felt by Elena each time she enters the lighthouse.

Another interesting fact that the author provided about the island was that even to this day no automobiles are allowed on the island.

Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan will be another of my favorites. The author put her talent of writing together with historical facts and wrote a wonderful novel. I must say I have never heard of Mackinac Island but after reading this book I will remember it fondly along with the characters in this book.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book for review by Litfuse/Summerside. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.