Book Review Hidden Storms by Nancy Shew Bolton

May, 2015
Prism Book Group

• ISBN-13: 978-1511994897

e-book: $3.99
Print: $11.99

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From the Publisher:
Lilli Clarke. They call her the marked girl. Beginning at her left shoulder, a pink birthmark tracks up her throat just past her jaw, like a finger pointing to her brain. Abandoned by her family, she is ostracized by everyone but her grandmother and cousin Bert, Six years of dust storms have left sixteen-year-old Lilli close to death with dust pneumonia. Now she must leave the only real home she’s ever had, or risk death when the next storm hits. 

Lilli is sent to her aunt and cousins in Florida to recover. The possibility of a different life presents itself, yet circumstances snatch it away, and she flees to New York City. Unable to find a safe place, she yearns for the storm ravaged home she left. All doors appear to be closed to her, and she resigns herself to the lonely fate of a marked girl. Once again, she is close to death, this time with no one to help her. Will this storm prevail, or is there a new answer for Lilli? 

My Review:

The obvious storms of the Dust Bowl era in US history, the burden of a dysfunctional family and emotionally frail mother, topped by a prominent, distracting mark, Lilli has always believed the worst of herself and coincidental events, despite a loving grandmother and neighbor. The depths of superstition and despair brings out the depravity of people, and Bolton shows us no mercy. Lilli winds her way through too many unfortunate events starting with family members who take her in and try to help, and ending broken and living on the streets of a merciless New York City. Lilli is broken before realizing she's always been loved, most of all by the Father who never leaves us, and a neighbor who never gives up. 

Lovely tale. Deeply emotional. Satisfying.

The Last Princess of Meigen by Rachel A. James

The Last Princess of Meigen

by Rachel A. James

Inspirational Medieval Romance

Release Date: May 22, 2015

 

About the book:

A captivating tale of love and duty as the last princess of Meigen searches for her true purpose amidst conflict and betrayal.

It is 626AD, and the ancient Kingdom of Meigen is left vulnerable to neighboring Saxons. To unite the kingdoms and bring peace, Princess Alena must enter into a royal marital

alliance. But when the handsome physician, Sherwin, befalls her, matters become

complicated. Torn between obligations to her young son and country, she faces a

difficult decision. Will Alena obey the king’s orders, or choose to follow her

heart?

$3.99 ebook

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Book Teaser

https://youtu.be/_vbOzDHA9E4

About the Author:

Rachel A. James grew fascinated with the medieval time period as a child. Dubbed a bookworm from a young age, Rachel found herself surrounded by places steeped in history and adventure. She enjoyed trips with her family to visit nearby derelict castles and Roman ruins, and that coupled with a zealous imagination and love for stories, sparked her interest in knights, fortresses and ancient kingdoms. 

Born and raised in England, Rachel now writes inspirational historical romance, she is also a pastor's wife and has three beautiful little princesses. She minored in creative writing at university and strives to entertain, inspire and encourage others in their own spiritual journey. She's also insanely addicted to romantic tales... combine it with a little history and a hot cup of tea, and she's smitten! Find her at www.rachelajames.com for more information.

Connect with Rachel

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A brief Interview with the author:

Rachel, what do you love about this book?

I love Alena’s character, and her journey of discovering personal value and acceptance.  Alena is an introvert by nature, but circumstances thrown at her cause her to step out of her comfort–zone. She certainly has had a tough life, what with suffering from asthma in a world where there are no inhalers, and raising her small boy without a father. Being a peasant by birth has not made it easy for her to adapt to royal life either (she was a peasant by birth, and married the Prince of Meigen years earlier). 

Can you share what you learned during the writing/publishing process?

I had to do a lot more research for this novel, particularly on ancient herbal/medicinal practices. I thought, seeing as I had already undertaken a great deal of study for my first novel that I would not need to do quite so much this time around. Well I was wrong. I found myself re-creating historical timelines, looking into Old English language and calculating how long it would take to travel by land and sea from various different ancient kingdom borders. What I learned? One can never do enough research!

What do you hope readers will tell other readers when they've finished?

My goal is that readers will be inspired and encouraged to depend on God more in their own circumstances after reading the book, and I hope they’ll tell others how they were touched by Alena’s love story.