Being different...

   Life isn't about finding yourself. 

Life is about creating yourself.

(George Bernard Shaw)

I love this quote!

The Red Scarf by Kate Furnivall, Book review

(Published as 'Under a Blood Red Sky' in the UK)

 Publisher: Berkley Trade

 ISBN-13: 978-0425221648

Synopsis:

Davinsky Labor Camp, Siberia, 1933: Only two things in this wretched place keep Sofia from giving up hope: the prospect of freedom, and the stories told by her friend and fellow prisoner Anna, of a charmed childhood in Petrograd, and her fervent girlhood love for a passionate revolutionary named Vasily.

After a perilous escape, Sofia endures months of desolation and hardship. But, clinging to a promise she made to Anna, she subsists on the belief that someday she will track down Vasily.

In a remote village, she is nursed back to health by a Gypsy family, and there she finds more than refuge. She finds Mikhail Pashin, who, her heart tells her, is Vasily in disguise. He is everything she has ever wanted but he belongs to Anna.

After coming this far, Sofia is tantalizingly close to freedom, family even a future. All that stands in her way is the secret past that could endanger everything she has come to hold dear...

My thoughts:

Some of you might remember a review of 'The White Pearl' (see here) written by the same author on this blog and I am happy to bring you another Kate Furnivall's best seller! 

Mystica introduced me to this interesting writer and I have already lined up another of her titles, 'The Russian Concubine'.

Kate Furnivall tantalizes her readers with exotic themes in which any romantic soul will immerse himself/herself. I should know as I am first and foremost a dreamer!

'The Red Scarf' is stark, vivid in its recollection of one of the harshest times in the history of Russia. Millions of souls lived and died under the often unforgivable regime betwixt the revolution and the fall of Berlin's wall. Yet their love for Mother Russia is never to be doubted.

Memories of long ago (or so it seems) includes hearing whispered stories of Russian refugees barely scraping a living in exile. Their story told sometime over dinner, often ending in tears and wails...Tangible broken hearts, hopes to return one day crushed repeatedly with time...

In this novel aficionado readers of Kate Furnivall will discover the world of Gulags, phantom towns with no names peopled by ghosts. You find yourself questioning the courage of these men and women, some demised aristocrats or intellectuals, some conscientious objectors, other mere innocents denounced often by friends, neighbours and sometime family for negative subservience. 

Sentenced, they found themselves subjected to incarceration, enduring inhuman treatment in Siberia, their lives worth less than beasts, all in the name of the new regime.

Yet despite unspeakable horrors, they lived and some even survived, their freedom earned at the highest price.

'The Red Scarf' is Sophia and Anna's story... Haunting with its stark beauty, its rawness and even crude reality. 

Kate Furnivall draws her readers in such tales of sheer audacity, it is hard to put her books down! Her protagonists live under unbelievable conditions yet yearns for a better tomorrow,  a chance to live and love once again and feel whole! 

These are real stories depicting anguish and fear, anger, love, hate and deep sorrow and yet there is laughter in this grey dull world! You cannot but feel the emotions so aptly described by this master storyteller!

As difficult as it might be for some skeptics, God is present in the Gulags just as He was in the concentration camps. Corrie Ten Boom reminded us of His presence in  her own recollection of SS guards very possibly afraid of fleas...They did not dare to enter the barracks for fear to be contaminated and for that Corrie's sister reminded her to be thankful!

This story however has a twist which I found unique personally. For centuries Gypsies have performed rituals which singularly have never been explained. To delve in these mysteries brings only confusion to outsiders, perhaps even danger.

But for Sophia, this becomes a window on survival in a cruel world, enough to afford time to buy freedom along a hand full of hidden pearls, her only foreseeable way to save Anna and even her lover. 

What would we do to save a loved one? How far would we be prepared to go to reach the unattainable?

Anyone who believes any dark force present in this novel would be right: it is one of human creation, an unforgivable cruel world where people have little more value than a potato. 

In the end, good prevails and I for one believe God is always there for those who believe!

A breathtaking story of a time where prayers and wits is the only means to survival!
For mature readers.

Worth 5 stars and then some!

About the Author:

 

'Kate Furnivall was raised in Penarth, a small seaside town in Wales. Her mother, whose own childhood was spent in Russia, China and India, discovered at an early age that the world around us is so volatile, that the only things of true value are those inside your head and your heart...'

Found out more about Kate on her website (here) . Be sure to check out the Bonus Materials!

Note to readers: I was not asked to review this title and all opinions reflected here are entirely my own!

Summer Heat, Books & Thoughts...

Summer appeared on our island with a loud 'bang'...96 degrees in the shade in fact! Outch!

Venturing outside in the wee morning is fine (Frisbee playing with MacIntosh) but in the afternoon we both take refuge inside, well hidden from the sun rays! 

Perfect reading time and there are many books to read on my shelves! In the last two years I have discovered I love to review the latest offerings and I hope to continue to do so! 

E-Books are still a strange entity for me! I like the feel of pages just waiting to be turned...

And since I get bored easily, I decided to spruce up 'Live and dream a little dream'...

Not just a new banner but (courtesy of Shabbyblogs), a new background as well! 

I love the colours and I hope readers will do too!

Enjoy the Summer...Autumn is not far!

Mindful Of Him by Hollis Hughes, Book review

Publisher: WinePress Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1414120713

Synopsis:

'Mindful of Him' is a tale of heartbreak and triumph set in the 1950s. Separated from his young wife, and with both of his parents recently deceased, Rob McLain sets off on an adventure for which he has longed since childhood.

Travel with Rob as his journey not only takes him to beautiful places, but also crosses his path with influential men who help him through his loneliness. 

Five months into the trip, Rob has a moonlight encounter that changes his life forever and overwhelmingly convinces this young skeptic that God is indeed mindful of him! Through it all, he receives answers to life's deepest questions. What does he learn? What happens to his wife? Do they get back together? Does he make it back safely?

Find the answers to these questions and others dealing with faith, creation, nature, and more in Mindful of Him, which will keep you reading long after you had planned to turn out the lights.

Mindful of Him was inspired by the writings of Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer, the giant of 20th Century Christian philosophers "Mindful of Him was inspired by the writings of Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer, the giant of 20th Century Christian philosophers."

My thoughts:

'Mindful of Him' is a spiritual journey as well as an adventure of traveling in the wilderness and experiencing deep human emotions.

Author Hollis Hughes believes God has provided each one of us with a perfect partner, our soul mate,  our equal in every way. You will find yourself drawn to this interesting storyteller as he introduces an amazing cast of characters!

Rob McLain faces trials and troubles in his young life, the first being the death of his parents. Later when he marries his dream girl, he discovers his dreams are not hers though...

When a silly argument causes an accident and they separate, Rob loses his faith and decides to pursue a childhood dream. He sells his family farm and follows the nearby river to find its actual source.

Hollis Hughes excels as he narrates Rob's journey, first by boat then hiking and richly describes the colourful beauty of Mother Nature and the amazing people who live by it. Each one brings an answer to our protagonist's many questions.

In the end, Rob travels for months following his quest ultimately to come to the the conclusion God is very much in control and very much in his life.

Beautifully written, this novel is set in the 1950's by a Master Storyteller!

Mindful of Him is a story with a message that needs to be heard!

Well worth every one of  5 stars rating and an absolute keep for your family library!

About the Author:

Hollis Hughes' personal story is as interesting as his book!

It begins like this: 'On a cold February day in 1928, Hollis Hughes was born in a ramshackle house in an isolated rural area with no insulation, plumbing, or electricity...

A retired teacher, he is an avid fly fisherman, hiker, and gardener. He is a current member of the American Camellia Society, a lifetime member of the Birmingham Botanical Society, a former member of the American Rhododendron Society, and is in the process of registering a cold-hardy hybrid camellia. Hollis and his wife, Lera, attend Mount Zion Baptist Church and make their home in Alabama on twenty-one acres of woodland where he has lived for the past 51 years.,

Be sure to read (here) the rest of the story!

As part of this BLOG TOUR I would like to invite readers to check out other reviews (see link below):

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13525526/mindfulofhim

 

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Love In Disguise by Carol Cox, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

ISBN-13: 978-0764209550

Synopsis:

Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it's the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use. Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself. Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation. When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can't figure out who's stealing his silver shipments. In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow...or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie. Ellie isn't safe no matter which character she plays! Should she give up and reveal her true identity? What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he's falling in love with doesn't really exist?

Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor, and mystery for a can't-put-down read.

My thoughts:

Since I admitted  the very first novel I read in English was a Louis L'Amour western, it will not come as a surprise I thoroughly enjoy a story about the Old West!

Author Carol Cox lures us with a fun filled plot based on one woman's survival in a rough dusty town where not everyone is as they seem.

'Love in Disguise' brings delightful entertainment in this good Summer read and proves that women can write a good old fashioned western!

This one gets my vote: with a good cast, it would be a great movie (I hope a screenwriter would deem Fatima getting 'shot' worth retaining!)

Faced with imminent starvation in the cold streets of Chicago 'Ellie' is nothing but determined and when per chance she hears a snippet of conversation alluding to a job, she grabs her chance and moves to Arizona to star as the latest Pinkerton agent! 

Her assignment: discovering who is responsible for the silver mines thefts which plagues the area!

Ellie has a trunk full of costumes left to her by her last employer and despite misgivings formulates a plan! 

Never mind the petticoats and her anxiety at this new career move! If all goes as she hopes, she will not have to worry about her future and perhaps face the ultimate choice as many women in the West had in those days.

Alternately funny, sad and with a good dose of courage, Ellie's story is one you will enjoy discovering!

With alacrity, Ellie switches her personality betwixt  Lavinia the elderly sweet tempered aunt and Jessie, the vibrant young niece who 'joins' her in the cozy little house the Agency has provided them with.

Situations arise which makes the switches hilarious at times until evidences shows Lavinia/Jessie/Ellie faces real danger.

And when she gets a chance at romance she fears her true identity once revealed will cost her the trust of the one man she loves!

Ellie struggles with the roles she plays and her growing faith particularly when faced with the charismatic mine owner's increasing attention. Her only chance to prove herself to her employers is to pursue every venue no matter the cost!

Carol Cox paints a vivid American West, where a woman has the chance to prove herself whilst retaining her femininity, using Arizona's rich historical background of mining! 

Finally, Love in Disguise brings readers not only a taste of the West with a twist but a reminder that with God, anything is possible!

I give it 4 stars!

About the Author:

 I could not resist using this photo to introduce Carol Cox! I think it reflects the very essence of this author!

As a native of Arizona, Carol Cox has a longtime interest in the Southwest and its history. Her family shares her love of the Old West as you will discover as you visit her website (here).

I received this book free from BETHANY HOUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Tidewater Inn, A Hope Beach Novel by Colleen Coble, Book review

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

ISBN-13: 978-1595547811

Synopsis:

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her new found brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes...

. Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

My thoughts:

'Tidewater Inn' has all the ingredients for the sort of book any reader will like! A great beach read, y Colleen Coble's novel enticed me to turn yet another page!

It has all the exciting elements a good writer instills in her/his storytelling and this author's imagination is fruitful! Wow! No time to get bored here!

Mysteries, kidnapping, treasures, family intrigues and a beautiful old Inn in a breathtaking setting draws you in. The colourful characters revolving around this Hope Beach novel makes this a warm story and one that makes you wish you live there.

Living myself on a tiny island accessible only by ferry, I can understand well the appeal! Hope Beach however has one on us, they have restaurants, pizza parlour, library, fire department, postal service...Need I go on? I felt a tad jealous!

It is however the references to God and His amazing work that makes this a most appealing story!  Colleen Coble's characters know God, feels His love and meets His expectations no matter how they might fail at first try. Faith is part of her intricate story and you feel His presence throughout her novel! I like this most of all!

I was intrigued at the extent to which a SAR (Search and Rescue) dog could trace a missing person. In this instance, 'Samson' follows a trace ON WATER, ocean water! Absolutely intriguing! Needless to say, I learned something yet again!

A few loose ends however puzzled me...a rope around an ankle amongst others...I must mention this!

I give it 4 stars none the less!
Watch Colleen Cobble next novel 'Rosemary Cottage' to be published in July 2013!

About the Author:

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finale in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America.

For more information visit her website (here)

And now for the GIVEAWAY....

Win a $500 Weekend Getaway Package from @ColleenCoble and Connect with her at 8/23 Facebook Party!  
Celebrate with Colleen by entering to win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com
• A copy of Tidewater Inn.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at Colleen's "Tidewater Inn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23. Colleen will be sharing the story behind the book, hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and a Book Club Prize Pack! She’ll also be giving a sneak peak of her next book too!

So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 23rd  for a chance to connect with Colleen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER about Colleen's giveaway and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

And This Afternoon...

It's absolutely lovely outside, not too warm and a little breezy...

'The human heart has hidden treasures, In secret kept, in silence sealed; 

The thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, the pleasures, Whose charms were broken if revealed.'

(C. Bronte) 

Ssht...Spending my afternoon in dreams...

 

Back to reading...

Join me...

You'll never know what you might discover betwixt pages...