Litfuse Blog Tour: Safe In His Arms by Colleen Coble

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

From the author of the best-selling Blue Moon Promise . . . an exciting tale of danger, romance, and faith played out under Texas stars.

I have to confess that this tour crept up on me and I haven't finished reading the book yet. You will note that I have been posting intermittently of late and that is a result of a few personal projects that have been taking my time and that I can share with you later.

I can tell you that devoted readers of Colleen Coble's work ( and there are many ) will feel at home in this world.   Readers who are looking for their next Western romance and adventure have also come to the right party.  I have yet to read the first in the series Blue Moon Promise and while I am aware of over-lapping characters, I have caught on rather quickly ---such is the gift of an author who is able to work on stringing threads from previous novels together while making them work as stand-alones.

Coble has a wide historical and contemporary range and her storytelling ability and light characterization easily sweep all eras.

While, unfortunately, I am not able to infuse more of my personal opinions of the story so early in my reading of it, I can say whole-heartedly that Coble knows her marketplace and writes for the enjoyment of her readers.   I hope you've found your next read! 

I received this copy through the Publisher 

Here's the Litfuse Landing Page

A few Thomas Nelson titles read recently....

I[I received both review copies through Netgalley]

Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond: I was phenomenally impressed with the literary competence displayed by Catherine Richmond in the first title I have read by this author.  If you, like, me are driven deep into a novel by well-realized characterization; then you have come to the right party.  Sophia Manikoff is certain that her beau will not only become a US Congressman; but also propose.  Her future seems safe and secure until the unthinkable happens and she is brushed aside for another woman.

Sophia acts rashly and registers for the Board of Foreign Missions, certain she’ll be spirited off to the Far East and not to the Ponca Indian Agency in Dakota Territory.  Nonetheless, it is here she lands and is thrust into a world completely devoid of anything familiar.  She befriends the locals, sets long-standing customs on their ear and dapples in a budding romance with the local carpenter, Willoughby Dunn.   I was not only impressed by the descriptive flare of Richmond’s prose;  but also her meticulously-researched yarn.  Moreover, I enjoyed Sophia’s intelligence and her grasp of numerous languages. Learning more about her unique Russian heritage was welcome. Will was a welcome suitor; mentally-matched to the spirited Sophia and the harsh winter, difficult situations and violent surroundings of this Territory are well met by Richmond’s competent pen.

This Scarlet Cord by Joan Wolf comes after the success of her re-telling of the Esther story.  Here, she re-imagines Rahab’s life in Jericho from the time of her youth:  a young Canaanite woman of unique beauty who nearly escapes a life of slavery by the help of prominent Sala ( the Biblical Salmon ) and his father. Time moves forward and Rahab is pitted against the well-known historical events in the Bible: including her hiding of two Israeli spies from Joshua’s army.  Sala’s military connections are also explored.  I must confess that this is not the most accurate representation of the Bible story; infused with a rather fictional realization and colouring of events that stray from the original text.  What Wolf excels in, however, is her grasp of the political and cultural climate of Rahab’s age: she does well at painting the pagan rituals as well as the star-crossed love of Canaanite girl Rahab and Israeli boy Sala.  The issue of women being used as commodities to secure financially-appropriate marriages is also explored.  This book is exceptionally readable.    

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A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolf

Hello friends! Happy Easter Monday! 

I read this book over the weekend and I found it ridiculously empowering---with the same empowerment I am always surged with when I retreat into one of the tales of the many, many amazingly strong women of the Old Testament.

The story of Esther and her marriage to King Ahasuerus is a popular and well-loved tale from the pages of Scripture: the love story of a beguilingly beautiful Jewish woman who hides her heritage in order to win the King's hand and his ear as she attempts to quell the plots of the King's grand vizier, Haman, who wants to initiate one of history's first genocides.  

From the beginning pages when we read of Esther's quiet life with her kind and wise kinsmen Mordecai to her unwilling renouncement of her Jewish faith in order to live by the King's Persian rules in hopes of being chosen as queen from his large Harem, this ancient world is filled with rich-tapered threads and the palpable scent of spices and mysticism.   Biblical fiction when done poorly can be ripe with redundancy; but Joan Wolf has a talented knack for creating a world and fleshing out characters often marginalized by the confines of their ancient text.  I was riveted from the moment Esther hears of Queen Vashti's untimely fate and through her first meeting with the King ( with whom she develops a completely unexpected rapport).  

Like the Book of Ruth, Esther is one of the Bible's Cinderella stories: it rewards a strong and innovative and resourceful woman and commends her for the risks she takes to save her people.  The King she is initially warned about melts into a kindly figure who shows unanticipated compassion; the villain is given just reward, and Esther and her Uncle are given the satisfaction of knowing that their Jewish relatives are saved from an awful fate.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Bible is how God used unexpected people: beautiful women, prostitutes, Moabite strangers, warriors and Queens to solidify his master plan. Esther is a strong and good-natured woman with a succinct devotion and unwavering loyalty to the right.  She deserves the sweet and slow romance which blossoms between her and the King.  She deserves the happy end to a troubled fate. 

I have already pre-ordered Wolf's retelling of the Rahab story and cannot wait to sink my teeth into more of her well-researched description.

For those who are not convicted by a religious sense, you can easily seep into this story regarding it as a powerful and well-penned chapter of political history. Wolf paints well Esther and Ahasurerus; but also Haman, the court Eunichs and servants who serve the Queen and the financially-sound Mordecai whose conviction propels Esther into the fate which secures her people and inspirationally launches the well-loved and still-practiced celebration of Purim.

Read this book!  Romantic! Historical! Colourful!  and a serene portrait of one of history's most memorable royals!

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

Cowboy Christian Chicklit? Does the genre even exist? Well, it does now thanks to Denise Hunter’s Accidental Bride: a whip-smart and sassy tale of Shay Brandenberger, a Montana rancher who is raising her daughter alone and Travis McCoy who left her high-and-dry at the altar when she was barely more than a teenager to earn fame and fortune on the Texan rodeo circuit.

In dire straits and threatened with the impending loss of her farm,  Shay begs God for a miracle--- what she didn’t bank on is Travis, a would-be guardian angel who steps in to ranch alongside her in the nick-of-time.

Hunter’s an extremely fresh and confident voice in the Christian contemporary romance genre. She has a knack for describing every day ranch life: from founder’s picnics to bull-wrangling and square dancing to little wood churches with age-old hymns drifting to the rafters.  Into this alluring canvas, she peppers her plot with two independently strong and striking people who are bound to be together; but just need a shove in the right direction.

When Travis and Shay learn that they are, indeed, and quite ironically ( and more than a little accidentally) legally married, they try to live in the same house without acting on their growing rekindled attraction.  But, soon, this marriage of convenience leads the way for accidental midnight-run-ins, sweet faithful gestures, stolen kisses and a whole lot of spice.

If you are looking for a summery light fiction read then I definitely recommend this thoroughly unique addition to the genre. I especially liked any scene where Shay’s delightfully brash friend Abigail showed up with her knowing sarcasm and winsome words: some in good advice, some just in healthy attraction for Shay’s new helpmate.

Buy the book on Amazon

Visit Denise Hunter on the web

Follow Denise on twitter: @deniseahunter

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Happy New Year, one and all.  As many remember, I spent the latter part of 2011 unable to read due to recovery, focus-blocks borne of illness and a mental listlessness that preyed on the part of my mind usually reserved for gulping large chunks of book at record speed.

Fortunately, over the past two weeks, I have been blessed to fully regain these faculties and I have been reading, reading, reading like it was oxygen and I couldn't factor without it.

Save the Date  is a spirited and charming romantic comedy expertly penned by a strong author who knows exactly how to work into putty the wants of her light-fare-required readership. Lucy Wiltshire runs a home for girls who are out of the foster system, yet not old enough (or loved enough) to start making it on their own. Saving Grace has recently lost one its biggest financial supporters and Lucy is afeared that the calling she has in beautiful Charleston is slipping through her fingers. At a black tie benefit, she begs numerous wealthy families, congressmen and celebrities at a last ditch effort to save the thirteen girls living in the home she considers her family. Alex Sinclair, former football star, all-around Playboy and congress-hopeful is the last person she expects to find a reprieve from. After all, he was terrible to her in high school and is the exact opposite of the stable Christian man she has dreamed off.

Ironically, Alex has a solution. Knowing that the polls show sliding ratings when he is caught in his usual romantically-haphazard style, he proposes that Lucy pose as his girlfriend and eventual fiancee until he gets a more stable footing and wins the election. In return, he will provide her with all the money she needs to save her girls. Two people who cannot stand each other are suddenly forced to act head-over-heels in love. It's rather funny and cute and surprising how in love they finally find themselves.

While on the surface this is a predictable romantic comedy, with spurts of originality ( I liked Lucy's Hobbits group ---dedicated to all things Sci Fi and wont to spend marathons of Battlestar Galactic-y goodness as well as Lucy's rekindling a relationship with a long, lost Grandmother and her flamboyant secretary, Julian), the themes of acceptance and self-image away from the destructive hatred and lies of Satan and borne of God's grace is poignantly woven and sternly spoken.  I couldn't help but think back to Perfecting Kate: a novel which sent mixed-signals about self-accptance while promoting change and image-obsession in its wayward heroine.  Lucy's experience is borne of the same afflicting helplessness and feelings of worthlessness; but treated in a much stronger manner and resisting the temptation to turn into a make-over novel.  With God's help, Lucy and Alex's relationship becomes perfect and whole within its frailty and emptiness. It is the parts lacking in both that meld the perfect sum.

Using the spirited youth pastor, Chuck, as a vessel, Jones does well in exploiting the scripture in a meaningful and powerful way.  As the girls in Saving Grace must learn that their lives are worthy of God's love, away from the rejection and helplessness of the past, so Lucy must learn that she is worthy of love and Alex that the guilt he has long held can be dissolved at the foot of the cross.

This is a surprisingly Christian novel: Christian in the sense that Jones does not shy away from preaching what readers need to hear.  Indeed, her demographic of young women (not unlike myself) who struggle with the easy rejection and worthlessness our society and media tries so hard to make us feel,  will find a deeper experience lies beyond the cute romantic story that scrapes the surface.

I was quite impressed by this novel and was delighted that it went deeper than my little romantic-loving heart projected at the first.  I needed to hear that I was worthy. I needed to be reminded that darker forces would have me buy into the lies I hear as I step in front of the mirror, or assess other prettier girls at a party, or as I look over my face in the mirror of the elliptical at the gym and pit myself against the other individuals who seem stronger, fitter, prettier, more put together.

If you need reminding that God's love makes you perfect and that all He sees in you is the light He put there, then look no further than this deceptively sweet novel.  It has a stronger message we could all use as we sally forth into a new year.

In fact, let's take a page from Jones' book and try to leave all of our feelings of  worthlessness where Lucy leaves hers: at the foot of a makeshift cross in a youth group service.

Note: this is the first novel by Jenny B. Jones I have read; although I have followed her blog for a long time. Visit her there

Purchase Save the Date on amazon

I know the cover photo-shopping is awful; but see through it's cover--- the story is a real gem!

Live Loved: Experiencing God's Presence in Everyday Life

You know those points in life when Christians wish they had a really, really special gift book? Water Baptisms,  Missions Trips, hardships or illness, a young member of the congregation stepping out of the nest and moving to a new town or city for school...

Live Loved is basically the answer to a myriad of these situations.  Superficially, its presentation: (hardcover, complete with ribboned bookmark and page to denote who the gift is for) supplies it the touches needed to sign, with love and share...

On the inside, the book is rapt with the gentle, scripture-based guidance and wisdom we love from Max Lucado and which I also speak to here.

Relevant and amusing anecdotes precede each kernel of love-empowered wisdom ensuring that the reader has the small challenge, mantra or encouragement needed while wrapped in a snuggly cup of hot chocolate or a warm embrace to urge them on.  Insert Lucado's flashes of downright humour (i.e., on Gomer: "She had the fidelity code of a prairie jackrabbit") and your short, devotional-sized readings are complete with the pick-me-up, or jolt of caffeine needed to see you through bleak days.

I cannot think of a person, Christian or not, coming from a wide spectrum of circumstances  who would evade a chance of a daily reminders of unconditional love.  Lucado has a subtle and grace-filled way of presenting the Gospel that makes it easy, accessible, and medicinally just like a spoon-full-of-sugar.

Whether you decide to look this up to give as a gift (really. it makes a good one) or you selfishly (maybe not so selfishly) decide that this would best suit your bookshelf...  fans of Max Lucado and devotees of Devotionals will not be disappointed.

My sincere thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this book.

You can find it on amazon ( in hardcover or for your kindle!) or chapters.ca

Make sure to visit Max Lucado's website

Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin

publisher: Thomas Nelson
rating: ***


When I first opened Chasing Fireflies by the obviously gifted storyteller Charles Martin, I was blown away. The writing was gorgeous. I knew I had found a kindred soul to W.Dale Cramer. As far as Southern fiction goes---Christian or non---this is one of the strongest contenders in years.

The prose is achingly beautiful, the plot intricate enough you can sink in, turn your brain on and wile away days---rather than speedy minutes--- unravelling the story.

There are some very re-affirming themes to the novel: love, family, the simplicity of a life scorned by mankind and ordained by God, destiny, miracles-in-ordinary and the need to find yourself through the concept of name.


For fans of well-written faith fiction, you will find a new favourite in Charles Martin's gorgeously spun Southern tale.


In some of the freshest and most scintillating prose in this genre, Martin tells us of history, secrets, family, love and the small joys that piece together the framework of warmth and humanity.

From fireflies in a mason jar to fishing and time on a lifeboat, journalist Chase Walker chases his past to better carve and understand a troubled kid's future.


This book comes highly recommend to readers of inspirational fiction who love a well-written character piece which is light on the preachy evangelism and heavy on the thematic symbolism.



I think Charles Martin integrates well into the secular and Christian markets. His Christianity is subtle: implied rather than stated.

I might like to see him preach a little more loudly in future novels.

That being said, there is deep meaning and heart in his work.


This novel rolled around in my head for days after I read it ----perhaps why it took so long for me to post about it.

In conclusion, I liked 80% of the novel---the other 20%---still rolling in my brain ---seem too melodramatic or in the vein of Nicholas Sparks.

But, praise to Martin for writing a novel so compelling it has taken me weeks to shake it out of my system.




more Charles Martin? go here


p.s. something to think about: I should probably chalk this up to the first person narrative of a young, brash journalist, but there is something almost cocky in Martin's prose. Can't quite put a finger on it....

hmm..... think I will have to read a little more before I can state this for sure. It could, indeed, be a well-played character trait in his p.o.v.

the upper room

A while back, Canada's most prominent Christian bookchain, Mitchell's, went bankrupt. With its departure, my vast metropolis was surprisingly stripped of a Christian book hub. Sure, there are the seminary bookstores and the theological bookstores but nothing quite like Mitchell's: a favourite escape laden with wingback chairs and a chance for a snuggle with a good book and a cup of coffee; friendly staff and a welcoming ambience.


Because I love to support "brick and mortar" franchises, I try hard to purchase as many books as possible at bookstores. Mitchells' demise has left me bereft somewhat and I have had to resort to online purchasing....

Luckily, I find myself in London, Ontario occasionally and a guest at The Upper Room: a midsized bookstore with friendly staff and a glance of what is new and hot in the fiction world.

Sure, they capitalize on the popularity of whatever is the latest buzz with large pyramids of "The Shack", but it is nice to walk into a bookstore wholly devoted to Christian books.

I went yesterday and was lucky to strike up a conversation with a salesperson whose tastes were very similar to my own.

We talked Cramer and Austin and when she told me about Charles Martin I was immediately intrigued. I had read in an interview that Dale Cramer reads Martin and thought he might be worth a peek ---- I am always looking for great fiction in the contemporary vein.

Unfortunately, due to some poor marketing which drills out his books looking like they stepped out of the Nicholas Sparks' cover factory, I had skipped him. Sometimes a savvy reader DOES judge a book by its cover: if the cover clearly defines the author as a comparative style to another ( like that guy whose books look like Tuesdays with Morrie .... cannot remember his name...another Christian....Dinner with a Perfect Stranger... or something like that).



I mentioned this to salesperson who assured me that Martin has scintillating prose. I purchased Chasing Fireflies and am about two-hundred pages and my whole heart and soul in. The writing is gorgeous! the characters are leaping off the page and each chapter- end wedges a lump in my throat.


You cannot always trust a bookseller: some will lead you off on mazes and trajectories that in no way, shape or form bear resemblance to what you crave.... but when you find a good one, strike up a conversation! --- make sure they know your likes and dislikes and allow them the credit of narrowing down a large and harrowing field to find your next favourite author.


p.s. I checked out Charles Martin and fortunately for my burgeoning infatuation, he has a wide backlist!

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

rating:**
publisher: Thomas Nelson

I initially wanted to write a scathing review of this book because it was certainly not my style and certainly not( as far as I could tell having read all of Alexander's other work) Alexander's style either. I almost want to go out on a limb and think that Alexander revised the initial form of this novel in order to have something to publish at Thomas Nelson for Women of Faith, but that is not a fair assessment since we cannot judge an author's intentions.

An author's note at the end of the book tells us that it was a revised story developed from one of her first attempts at writing. Oft rejected and having found success with her other series, Alexander shelved it... but the characters kept coming back to her.


I can easily say that the ingredients were there to make a escapist piece of romantic fiction, but they seemed to have been jumbled up somehow. So much so that I almost closed the book numerous times. It was, in my opinion, a step away from a Harlequin novel.

This, of course, was not appealing to me and I found some of the romantic strains woven into the narrative were less about love than physical lust.... not a bad thing, mind, if you are not working in the Christian field. So much was spent on the difficult passion ignited between Marshall Caradon and McKenna, that the characters did not express their views of the other's hearts.


As I thought more and more about this novel and how I found little enjoyment in it ( especially because I really liked Alexander's Remembered, Rekindled, etc., series and From A Distance--so much so I pre-ordered this month's ago), I realized that I am not the intended reader of this book.

This is a historical romance. I often tag Christian novels set in historical framework as "romances", merely because it always factors into the plot.... even if it is not the central theme. This book, however, is a romance novel..... a romance novel in the ilk of the Harlequin genre.


The more I thought about how it plays into its intended role, the more I found my initial distaste for the book mellowing.


If you are a romance reader you are going to love this novel. It has all of the formulaic elements needed to give you the satisfaction you search for. The characters are initially drawn to each other, have numerous obstacles to overcome and a bumpy ride toward happiness. Marshall Caradon is one-sexy-cop and if your pension for rugged terrain and men on horses informs your reading decisions then this is the book for you.


I thought Alexander could have followed up with her mention that McKenna's previous love had died in the line of duty....especially because widows and widowers and past loves and second chances are at the core of every one of her novels.


The theme of inheritance is interspersed throughout the novel ... in an unexpected way. It is not so much about the inheritance of money or property ( although that does factor ) as much as the inheritance of giftings and values.

I applaud Alexander for her knowledge of saddle-making. McKenna excels at it and this was a very "cool" job worthy of a tough woman!

For its intended audience, this is a sure-fire hit.

For those of you, like me, who like a little bit more quiet in your romance and passion, I highly recommend From a Distance: the first Alexander book I read and my favourite so far. The second in the series from which this book is derived will be published next month. I have pre-ordered it as well.



Happy Reading.