A new take on the story of Esther: For Such a Time with Kate Breslin, & Giveaway

Hi, there, fortunate reader friends and fans. 

Today I offer a special new book, author, and giveaway!

Leave a comment about this post to enter a drawing on Saturday morning, April 5, for an author review copy of For Such a Time from Kate.

About the Book:
Powerful Retelling of the Story of Esther

A young, bitter, Jewess-in-hiding must send her own people to Auschwitz in order to survive, or put her trust in God by giving her heart to the man responsible for their doom.

In 1944, Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, her Aryan-like looks allow her to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, to maintain her cover as von Schmidt’s secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz. 

Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths, Stella appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's indulgence gives her hope even as she risks discovery with every attempt to help the prisoners. When her bravery brings her to the point of ultimate sacrifice, she faces an excruciating choice. God may have brought her to the camp for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she cannot save herself?

Buy the Book:

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Watch for my review coming up in a couple of weeks.

About the Author:

A Florida girl who migrated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin lives with her husband, John, and a very spoiled cat named Coco. Kate has written several travel articles, published award-winning poetry, and her first manuscript, a Scottish historical romance, was an RWA Golden Heart finalist. FOR SUCH A TIME is her debut novel. Kate’s writing journey has been one of faith as well as success; after years spent writing novels aimed at the general romance market, she finally heeded God’s call to write stories of how His love brings two hearts together. When not plotting her next novel, she loves spending time with author friends, reading from her mountain of books, or watching anything Jane Austen on BBC. Kate’s also an avid gardener and enjoys taking long walks in Washington State’s many forests. A traveler as well, she’s toured most of the country at one time or another and also been abroad–Paris, Munich, Rome, Pompeii, Athens, even a day trip to Turkey. She’d love to hear from you so please stop by www.katebreslin.com and say hello! 

Enjoy an interview with the author:

Our Interview:
Lisa, thank you so much for hosting me today. It’s an honor and pleasure to be here!
Lisa says, My pleasure!

Kate, welcome. What do you love about this book?

I love first and foremost that it’s my “coming home” story—when I got the idea to write about Queen Esther in the more modern venue of WWII, I believe God was already at work on me. As I wrote this novel and explored Stella’s journey of faith, I realized how in many ways, it resonated with my own. And in a time when I was trying to “write to the market,” For Such A Time worked to strengthen my conviction—I found the courage to start crafting stories that inspire and show how God changes our lives, teaching two hearts to love more deeply and meaningfully. I also love this story because while writing it I developed a most heartfelt compassion for those who suffered during the Holocaust, and so I became very attached to my story characters—including my hero and heroine!

Two things I learned through the writing and publishing process:

I learned that in order to write this story, it was imperative I do the research—not only on Hitler and the Nazi State, and the camp where this story takes place—but also on the subject of Judaism. I couldn’t afford to sound trite or unrealistic in my characterization, or in the magnitude of what the prisoners went through; the Holocaust remains a sensitive issue to this day, and I strove to be respectful, and as believable as I could be in writing a fictional love story involving a Jewess and an SS-officer.

As far as publishing, while my novel was finished and polished when I sold it, my publisher nonetheless did a triple-check of my grammar, use of foreign words, and some historical details, etc. to make certain we handed the reader a clean copy to enjoy. Of course, if there are still any errors lurking after all of that, it’s my fault! J

What do you hope readers will tell other readers after they finish this book?

Well, Lisa, that they simply must read it! J I do hope they’ll tell others they enjoyed the parallels between the Biblical Esther’s story and Stella’s journey, and how much more they came to understand the Holocaust of WWII. That the relationship between hero and heroine, while a bit different from Queen Esther and King Xerxes, is nonetheless fraught with uncertainty, and there are a few surprises along the way!

Where can people find you on the internet?

Either my website: www.katebreslin.com

Or Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/KateBreslinAuthor

I’m also on Pinterest and Goodreads!

Anything you’d like to add?

If you like, you can sign up on my website to become a “Kate’s Crusader” and receive information on future events, books, giveaways, and/or blurbs from me. There’s also a contact form, or you can email me direct at katebreslinauthor@hotlink.com. I’d love to hear from you!

  

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28 (NRSV)

CrossReads Book Blast: The Swaddling Clothes, Amber Schamel

The Swaddling Clothes By Amber Schamel

About the Book

Through the ages, many stories have been told about Mary, Joseph and the birth of the Messiah. Stories of shepherds and sheep, kings, angels, and stables. But there is one story that has never been told. One story that has remained hidden in the fabric of time. The story of The Swaddling Clothes. Mentioned not once, but several times in the Scriptural text, what is the significance of these special cloths? And how did they make their way into a stable in Bethlehem? From the author that brought you the Days of Messiah series comes a whole new adventure critics are calling "intriguing...thought provoking... a fresh twist on an age old story." "I get tired of Bible stories sometimes, but The Swaddling Clothes brings the story to life." "Heartwarming... truly inspired. A story you will want to read again and again. Rich details and a suspenseful plot will keep you reading while giving you a glimpse of God's wonderful power and His amazing love."

LINK to KINDLE | LINK to PAPERBACK

 

Amber Schamel is a multi-published author of Christian Historical Fiction. Her passion for history and culture has led her to travel extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Holy Land. Amber is actively involved in her church and enjoys volunteer work and music ministry. Raised in a family of twelve children and homeschooled throughout her education, she currently resides in the beautiful state of Colorado where she also serves as bookkeeper and marketing director for their family businesses. Find Amber on her blog, or on all the main social media sites.

Follow Amber Schamel Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $50 Amazon gift card, sponsored by author Amber Schamel! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Hope in My Heart review, Alexis Goring

Hope in My Heart review

Alexis Goring

 

Print: 12.99

E-book: 3.99

Sept 2013

CrossBooks Publishing

 

Amazon: 

Barnes and Noble:

About the Book:

Hope in My Heart is a collection of short, heartwarming stories with characters in need of hope. In "Love Unexpected" a car crash brings commitment-wary Sebastian and career woman Chandra together. Neither is looking for romance, but those around them see the potential, and Sebastian and Chandra discover that sometimes love shows up unexpectedly. Christmastime is the setting for the middle story, "The Best Gift" Christina desires to lose ten pounds so she can fit into her dress for her sister's wedding. Jordan wishes her mom would stop trying to marry her off. And Joshua hopes to be reunited with his ex-girlfriend but eventually learns that the best gift this Christmas will be the restoration of his relationship with God. In "Peace and Love" three characters living in a metropolitan area are desperately searching. Elle, a starving artist, aspires to become a paid professional. Eric, a divorce attorney, wants to resolve his issues concerning his parents' divorce. Kristine anticipates finding her birth mom before she marries Derek. All characters pray their searches will conclude this holiday season and fill their hearts with peace and love.

 

About the Author, Alexis Goring:

Alexis A. Goring is a college graduate with a degree in print journalism from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. Writing is her passion. She hopes that her stories will touch hearts, bring smiles to faces, and inspire minds to seek God whose love for humanity is unfailing.

Visit her Website

 

My review:

Three short stories in one book - great snippets of sweet faith-based Christmas holiday romance and new starts for those who like their reading on the dash. These nicely set tales feature characters who have room to grow; men and women who realize life is bigger than their own little orbits. From the self-centered personal trainer to the lawyer who works and plays much too hard to notice a stable relationship has her own desk right outside his office, to the young lady looking for a job and a woman looking for her mom, there's something for everyone in Hope in My Heart. Kudos to Ms. Goring. Recommended for readers of love and romance and belief in persistence.

Book Review: Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolzma

Book Review of Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma

Thomas Nelson’s WWII author

Harper Collins Christian

August 2013

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Ebook 9.99

Pbook 15.99

ISBN: 978-1401689100

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 Astranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.

The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.

When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out. As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable. She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.

MY REVIEW:

Snow on the Tulips draws the reader into the deprivation, stress and terror of everyday life under Nazi occupation. Even good people with good intentions are fearful of doing more than the bare minimum of good works; those serving the resistance are afraid but willing to sacrifice themselves to help those who cannot help themselves. When the two sides meet, the clash means uncomfortable compromise or ultimate sacrifice.

Told through the eyes of Cornelia, her sister Anki, and Gerrit, the love interest, the story unfolds toward the end of WWII in occupied Netherlands. Cornelia barely had a chance to experience adult life when she was widowed; Anki married a man of uncompromising faith which rendered him untrustworthy to those who broke the law; Gerrit’s recklessness was borne of betrayal and helplessness to protect a family member. Each has internal demons to fight, besides the enemy’s destruction of the life they knew before the war. Forgiveness is at best difficult, but it’s a joy to watch Cornelia overcome her prejudices and grow into a woman who is capable of living the life to which she’s called.

What I loved most about this story is that it comes from family history. Tolsma draws upon stories from her relatives, from the cousin whose husband went to war the day after the wedding, to the man who survived a group execution, to the copious interviews and dedicated details, Snow on the Tulips is historical dramatic romance of high caliber.

The second book in the series which releases May 2014, Daisies Are Forever, is now available for pre-order.

Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.

Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there's always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. She'd love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com or at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com.