Review of Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie

Lady Outlaw

By Stacy Henrie

Love, Inspired

September 4, 2012

ISBN: 978-0373829347

$5.75 Print

$3.82 Kindle

 

Buy on Amazon

 

 

About the Book:

No one would ever imagine a fresh-faced young woman could be robbing stage bandits of their ill-gotten fortunes. But Jennie Jones is desperate to save her family's ranch from foreclosure. And the risks seem worth it, until her upright new ranch hand offers a glimpse of how much is really at stake.

Former bounty hunter Caleb Johnson is ready for a new, clean start. With a woman like Jennie, he could build a future there in Utah territory. But only if his gentle faith can guide her in a choice between the land she's fought so hard to save and a future by his side.

 

About the Author:

Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. While she had a goal to write and publish a book one day, she turned her attentions first to graduating with a bachelor's degree in public relations. Not long after, she switched from writing press releases and newsletters to writing inspirational historical romances as a stay-at-home mom. Stacy loves reading, interior decorating, romantic movies, and most of all, laughing with her husband and three kids. She appreciates the chance to live out history through her characters, while enjoying all the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century.

 

My review:

What does “desperate” justify?

A young woman left orphaned on a cattle ranch in the Wild West of the 1870s is determined not to make the same mistakes her mother did. She will not abandon her heritage or run away from a few difficulties when her younger brother and her grandmother need her. Her cattle rustled from under her nose and wearing her clothes to bare threads make tough, straight-shooting Jennie fearful of nothing – except the bank manager calling her father’s loan in early, and maybe falling love with the hired hand. Oh—and church. Those people whispered and made her feel terrible after her mother left, and she never went back. But no matter what else is plaguing her, her underlying determination all comes down to this: how can she save the ranch?

A new twist of robbing the guilty instead of the rich, Lady Outlaw is an enjoyable read from author Stacy Henrie. Her characters are fresh, the plot just wiggly enough to keep the reader wondering. How much does Jennie want to stay out of trouble, and how much fretting the gentle, faithful Caleb who agrees to work for her, will put up with, especially when he realizes the awful truth. Henrie writes with maturity, and her public relations background has obviously suited her well in her debut efforts. The dialogue is never clumsy and the action riveting. A few more historical issues could have been cleaned up, but for the most part, Henrie’s fiction reads clean and well.

 

This sweet tale of renewed conviction, vengeance served warm, and sweet romance will keep you turning pages as you spend some quality time in the Wild West with Jennie and Caleb in Lady Outlaw.

New Book from Rita Gerlach: Daughters of the Potomac Series

 

               

BESIDE TWO RIVERS by Rita Gerlach 

Book 2 in the ‘Daughters of the Potomac Series’ published by Abingdon Press, October 2012.

  The sequel to Before the Scarlet Dawn.

 

From the banks of the Potomac to the misty moors of England, comes a tale of love won and love lost, and the faith to find it again.

Vaguely can Darcy Morgan recall the day her father returned home from fighting in the American Revolution.  When he discovers his unfaithful wife had borne a child in his absence, the marriage is broken, and Darcy’s quiet childhood along the two rivers was changed forever. She grows up believing her mother dead and that her father journeyed west to the lands beyond the Blue Ridge. Her indulging Uncle Will, excitable Aunt Mari, and her five female cousins, cannot shield her from thinking of the mother she loved and the father she barely knew, nor can she escape the fleeting images in her memory of the babe Ilene and Ilene’s surrogate mother, Sarah, or the grandmotherly servant, Fiona Goodall.

In this dramatic saga that began with Before the Scarlet Dawn, Darcy seeks to unravel a lifetime of memories unaware that the young Englishman who loves her holds the answers. Her search takes her far from her beloved home along the Potomac, to a manor house in faraway England. Soon the secrets of the past slowly rise to the surface. Will she be reunited with the most important people in her life? Will Hayward and Eliza find peace and reconciliation? Will Darcy's faith sustain her to make the difficult choices, and will the love she and Ethan share endure?

Reviews

"Beside Two Rivers is much more than the sequel to Rita Gerlach’s popular Before the Scarlet Dawn. It’s the heart-rending story of true love threatened by secrets and deceit, of family torn apart by tragedy, and most of all, of the redeeming power of love and faith. Filled with vivid descriptions of life along the Potomac and rural England during the late 18th century, this is a story that will linger in readers’ memories." - Amanda Cabot, author of Summer of Promise and Christmas Roses

"Beside Two Rivers stirred me like no other book has. Rita Gerlach has an epic style to her writing that is guaranteed to sweep you away to another place and time. With a deeply emotional storyline, characters of uncommon depth, heart-throbbing romance, and the boundless love of family lost and regained, this is truly a magnificent novel!" - MaryLu Tyndall, author of the Surrender to Destiny Series and Veil of Pearls

"This is the epitome of romance with a flavor of Persuasion. I definitely had a flavor of regency in the wilderness that touched me like no other. Bring in a mix of Jane Austen with a kick of Laura Frantz and I'm on every page. Goodness, just looking back at my thoughts I feel like Rita Gerlach is presenting the best of all my favorite authors on the page! That and with Darcy's wit she even gives me a humor worthy of Mary Connealy. Could it get any better?” - Margaret Chind, CreativeMadnessMama.com

"What do you get when you combine authentic history, picturesque settings, dynamic characters and a feels-like-you're-there storyline? You get a Rita Gerlach novel, and in Beside Two Rivers, book two in her Daughters of the Potomac series, she delivers all that and more. My advice to readers: Make room for this one on your "keepers shelf." My advice to Rita: save space on your "awards wall," because this tale is sure to earn a bunch!" - Loree Lough, best-selling author of more than 85 award-winning books, including Honor Redeemed, book two in the First Responders series

  

Beside Two Rivers is available in both ebook and paperback in bookstores everywhere.

For purchase online.

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble

Christianbooks

In Christianbooks.com buy books 1 & 2 in a set

 

Book 3 in the series, Beyond the Valley, will be released February, 2013, and is available for preorder.


















Rita Gerlach lives with her husband and two sons in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.

Rita’s Website

Christmas in October is Coming

Stay tuned for the big event! Here's a preview:

“Christmas In October”

 

It’s true!  Your Christmas shopping can be done before the hustle and bustle even starts.  Or you can just keep all the good stuff for yourself!  But the good news is….

It could all be FREE!

 

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, throughout the entire month of October, over 40 authors will be showcasing the covers of their books, along with a short synopsis, and what they will be offering up as their giveaway!

 

All you need to do is comment.  That’s it!  Stop by www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and leave a comment.  However many times you comment, your name is put in a drawing.

 

Below are just a few of the fabulous authors that are joining in and what type of books they write:

 

Tierney O’Malley – Paranormal Romance   

Heather Haven – Humorous Mystery

Juls Duncan – YA/teen Urban Fantasy

Kathy Rygg – Magical Realism

Meredith Houston – YA Paranormal 

Gail Picado – Contemporary Fiction

James Hatch – Paranormal Comedy

Billi Wagner – Romantic Comedy/Mystery

Madeleine McLaughlin – Horror/Dark Fiction

Jane Richardson – Scottish Contemporary

Lisa Lickel – Cozy Inspirational Mysteries

 

Many more authors and genres will be announced! 

Watch for more information on….”Christmas in October”

 

Book Review: A Bride Opens Shop... by Keli Gwyn

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California

By Keli Gwyn

Barbour Books

c. 2012

$12.99 pbook and $9.99 ebook - Barbour-really? Try $4.99

ISBN: 9781616265830

Christian Romance

 

Gwyn’s charming story takes a delightful path to a wedding.

 

I do remember volunteering to read and review. But I thought I’d had enough of prairie romances for awhile, and honestly let Keli’s heroine look at me for a couple of weeks after I received the book, while I tended to other business.

 

Romances work because they’re formulaic. The reader knows what’s going to happen; the pleasure is how the couple gets there. Gwyn’s story had a lot of fun elements, including the age of the characters: thirties; the fact that both were widowed and had a child; and the hero’s mom was a stitch.

 

Gwyn’s heroine, Mrs. Watkins, isn’t always likeable. She’s feisty to the point of illogic sometimes, competitive to a fault, but teachable. Her daughter, Tildy, is a delight and creates for some hysterical moments, especially when she’s wondering out loud when she can call our hero, Mr. Rutledge, “papa.” Mr. Rutledge is a self-admitted dandy, but generous to a fault, if not always kind. I found these characters refreshing, nicely different from the same-old damsel in distress and the perfect hero riding in to rescue her.

 

Mrs. Watkins has been offered a junior partnership in a mercantile business. Taking her nine-year-old daughter away from a difficult family situation and starting over in California seems like a good idea. Until she meets her partner, Mr. Rutledge, who’s been misinformed by his mother about the gender of his new partner, and the deal is off. She sets up shop across the street from him, and the battle is enjoined. The elderly Mrs. Rutledge and Tildy work both sides of the street with delight and excitement.

Told from both points of view with period-excellent details, readers of historical romance will find much to enjoy in this adorable romance. That is, if you don’t mind a little blood, heat exhaustion, and snakes.

Why Bold is Better by Diane Markins

Why Bold is Better

by Diane Markins

 

“Your dress has really bold colors.” Does that sound like an insult in any way? How about this one: “That was a really bold choice.” Would you consider this criticism?

 

I hope not! I’d never wear something that would melt into the background of a beige room. I’d hate it if someone said, “You made a very safe, easy choice.”

 

Being bold means taking risks, not fearing failure or rejection and requires intentional thinking. When we live boldly for God we have empowerment and passion to make our boldness meaningful.

 

Settling for mediocrity in marriage, as parents, in careers, friendship, faith or ministry is not bold. God wants us to pursue everything we do with intensity and decisiveness. This means we are frequently checking the pulse of our pursuits and rapidly responding when we get a distress signal.

 

Is your marriage (especially in bed) ho-hum? Find some bold ways to rev it back up. Are your kids struggling? Don’t just shrug and follow the “traditional wisdom,” think creatively about taking brave actions no one else would.

 

Do your prayers feel more like talking to the ceiling fan than conversations with a wise, cherished friend? Do something wild and new to transform.

 

Don’t confuse boldness with arrogance or recklessness. When your bold actions are paired with love, respect and clarity the results will translate as conviction with complete humility.

 

Jesus has a bold message and He is asking you to not only share it, but live it! Bold is truly better.

---

Comment to win:

"Going Boldly" Blog Tour Grand Prize

– Retail Value: $70

• Book (Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)
• Bright and Vibrant Earrings
• Sparkling Cider (to celebrate life)
• Sumatra Coffee (Bold, Earthy Flavor)
• Into the Wild body wash and spray fragrance from Bath and Body Works
• Custom coffee mug: Women in High Def (front), BE YOUR BOLD SELF! (back)

Leave a comment about the book or author on the blog post during the blog tour.     
Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by September 21.

Women in Hi Def

 

Women in High Def will remind you that when God writes your story, you are in for the adventure of a lifetime! Diane Markins has written a book addressing topics women deal with on a day-to-day basis. If you are looking for a contemporary, captivating read filled with practical advice that will give you insight and wisdom for daily decisions, this is it!”

~ Carol Kent, Speaker and Author

Between a Rock and a Grace Place (Zondervan)

 

 

ISBN: 978-0-9854172-0-8

Paperback: 163 pages

Retail: $12.99

Release: April 20, 2012

Publisher: Words in High Def

Kindle: $6.95

SPECIAL TREAT ALERT: To celebrate the “Going Boldly” Blog Tour Women in High Def is available for free from September 10-September 14 on Kindle at: http://amzn.to/Oey7Sa
 

About the Book:

Women are as unique as snowflakes or butterflies, but after surveying hundreds of them, writer and radio host Diane Markins learned that the top needs they feel are the same. She also began hearing a recurring theme: I want more! I want to be better! I want to be bold!

Women in High Def aims to propel women out of a low-def, foggy life of going through the motions in a blur. The profound stories, intercessory prayer prompts and coaching elements work together to catapult women into living fearlessly for God…being bolder moms, having purposeful passions, pursuing marriage excellence, loving themselves with gusto, laughing with abandon, transforming mistakes into blasts of blessings and bravely seeking the Lord in all His majestic glory. The bonus Bible study at the back of the book points them to scripture to gain Biblical insight and direction for each need and role they play. It can be used alone or in a group.

 

Women in High Def is not passive reading. It cries out to the spirit of readers to be unafraid as they actively reach for clarity, vibrancy and intensity in all the meaningful areas of their lives.

About the Author:

Diane Markins has always aspired to live in High Def. She uses her radio show, writing and speaking to inspire women to transform their lives from mediocre and complacent to bold and vibrant. She settles for nothing less in her own life as a wife, mom, grandmother, friend and colleague. Diane writes two blogs, WomenInHighDef.com and WordsInHighDef.com, is a regular contributor to the Presidential Prayer Team website and CBN.com. She and her husband of 33 years work and live close to their children in Arizona.

---

 

Falling Down Gorgeous

(Excerpt from Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)

Time takes its toll on all of us. Parts of me that were once up here are now down there. My face, once smooth and fresh was becoming a bit weathered and wrinkled. Other areas that used to be firm are now wiggly. As I turned fifty I began to notice that I was becoming invisible, based on my appearance. That’s a big fat horse pill to swallow for my ego. But that’s okay. The good news is that when people start to see less of me, they see more of Jesus. He’s much more appealing and has no hidden agenda.

I hate to admit it, but I still enjoy being noticed on occasion. My husband and I went on a date to a very fancy mountaintop restaurant overlooking the city. I dressed for the occasion in my fitted black slacks, silky blouse and high heels.

I followed the maitre de to our table, my husband right behind me. I was feeling pretty good about myself and strutted a bit as we crossed a large open expanse of the room. As my stilettos went from carpet to wood floor something strange happened…I began to skate, stumble and flail about, for what felt like ten excruciating minutes, before finally landing flat on my keister. For endless moments all sound ceased except the quiet music in the background. Diners, servers and kitchen staff gaped at me, frozen in mid-action.

Graciously, I was helped up, escorted to and seated at our table, where they elevated and iced my swollen ankle. Then—to my horror—the paramedics arrived, causing an even bigger stir. Servers and managers came by frequently to check on me. Finally, our fellow diners made their way to our table as they departed to share their own “fall down” tales.

Earlier that evening, I had hoped for a little extra attention. But this wasn’t what I had in mind. Now I was just grateful I hadn’t chosen the skirt I had considered that was still hanging on my closet door. My experience that night was a great reminder that the only beauty that matters is what the Lord puts in our hearts. Everything else “falls” short in the end.

 

Comment to win:

"Going Boldly" Blog Tour Grand Prize

– Retail Value: $70

• Book (Women in High Def: Boldly Living Your Purposes with Vibrant Clarity)
• Bright and Vibrant Earrings
• Sparkling Cider (to celebrate life)
• Sumatra Coffee (Bold, Earthy Flavor)
• Into the Wild body wash and spray fragrance from Bath and Body Works
• Custom coffee mug: Women in High Def (front), BE YOUR BOLD SELF! (back)

Leave a comment about the book or author on the blog post during the blog tour.     

Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by September 21.

Book Review: The Reunion by Dan Walsh

The Reunion, By Dan Walsh

Revell Books

Romantic Fiction
ISBN:  978-0-8007-2121-3
$14.99
September 2012

 

Putting the puzzle pieces of life together is necessary work, one that is joyful for some and a challenge for others, full of heartache and despair and discovery about the choices and events that created the current situation. In his latest novel, The Reunion, Walsh explores these challenges from the perspective of a man who’s learned to appreciate a second chance at life.

 

Told from several viewpoints, the novel slowly pulls together a mosaic of lives affected by the Vietnam War era. Aaron Miller, a decorated vet who hit rock bottom before realizing he needed a bigger Influence to help piece his life together, works at a Florida residence campground, performing maintenance not only on the physical trailers and sites, but subtly on the people who come and go. Through his faith-filled eyes, he is able to see the challenges others face, and uses his practical experience to not only listen, offer advice where warranted, but also to subtly repair breeches in their lives. Now if only he could find the last pieces of the picture of his own life, the children he left so long ago, he could receive the forgiveness he longs for.

 

Miller’s life picture is filled in through his encounters with a teenager in need of help, another Nam vet ready to check out of life, his children who don’t know him, and a man who needs to find him. Dave Russo, the reporter-turned writer who is struggling as a single parent with a dream, is challenged to find the hero who saved the lives of his fellow platoon survivors so he can be thanked properly. Russo has only a name as a lead: Aaron Miller.

 

The Reunion reads a bit like a plate of spaghetti, many noodles combining to create a satisfying dish. Walsh peels away at his story line and characters through the thoughts of others. While sometimes I felt the story was watered down by leaping into another character, I appreciated each challenge and the amount of research Walsh did to develop a lovely novel of happily ever after.

 

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”