SHADOWED BY GRACE

BY

CARA C. PUTMAN

WITH DETAILS ABOUT A FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY

AUTHOR CARA PUTMAN

She found peace in a time of war.

Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper’s assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. 

But Rachel’s real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.

In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined—in war, in love, and in God.

MY REVIEW

5 Stars

The morning after I finished reading Shadowed by Grace, the daily newspaper had a front page article about the movie Monument Men, and I immediately flew to my computer and wrote an excited note to Cara Putman that went something like this:

Hello Cara, Just last evening I completed reading your wonderful book Shadowed by Grace. This morning I picked up today's edition of the Ft Worth Star Telegram and my eye immediately fell to the lower left column on the first page. There was a picture of Robert Edsel above the words “Dallas man drove movie on WWII art rescue”...and went on to talk about the movie made about Monument Men, based on his book about the group’s heroic efforts. Of course, my attention was caught immediately because I had just read his name in your personal notes at the back of the book.  Just wanted to let you know....your story made quite an impression on me...imagine finding this article this morning!! Best of God's Blessings, Barb Shelton

Not only did reading this article put real faces to the imaginary names in Cara’s story, it enlightened me to the thorough research she immersed herself within to write this fascinating story. Now, I could see Lieutenant Scott Lindstrom as George Clooney (instead of Gregory Peck) and had already imaged Anne Hathaway as Captain Rachel Justice.

Cara Putman’s story is indeed based on cultural affairs….and I do not mean that word loosely regarding Rachel and Scott!  Each, the epitome of respectable ethics in an ungracious period of history. Some of the characters in the story rank as unscrupulous and conniving, while other’s exhibit bravery and faith in God to grace them with safety and daily provisions of which there was little.  It was dangerous to lose direction while traveling by jeep, especially if the driver had already lost his way spiritually

.

This is a love story surrounded by treacherous conditions of war.  Ms. Putman’s exclusive subject on saving historical art masterpieces was literally unknown to me and I reverentially appreciate learning how this world has been able to continue the study and enjoyment of historic art because of a few military men  assigned their duty as Monument Men..  God is our eternal guardian and brings about good from the worst of circumstances through his children and angels

.

If you have noticed the absence of story details in this review, that is on purpose.  You can read those in other fine reviews of Shadowed by Grace and on the back cover of the book. The uniqueness of this story is complimented by the unusual civilian career as an art museum curator held by Scott Lindstrom; and the fact that a woman photographer, Rachel Justice, assigned to the war zone during that time in history was not a common happening. Will the mystery of finding the father in Italy Rachel never knew be “wrapped up?”  Will Scott be allowed to understand why Rachel is so afraid of falling in love?  Why is Rachel’s ill mother so unwilling to offer Rachel the answers to her birth?  This story is about war, peace, love, culture, fear, bravery, searching, redemption, and God’s grace fulfilled.  Oh, by the way, Cara Putman graciously replied to my note, and my respectful regard for her as an author and friend is sincerely touched.  Her writing fulfilled my expectations because it taught me something important about history I did not know. I eagerly anticipate reading her next book.  You need to read this story!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received.

THE MOVIE - MONUMENT MEN

Having just released Shadowed By Grace, a novel about the Monuments Men, Cara Putman was eager to see the new blockbuster about this untold story. Cara shares her reactions to the movie below—will this be the perfect movie date for you this weekend? Make sure to enter for the chance to win tickets to see The Monuments Men and a copy of Shadowed By Grace! 

(details below)

WHAT CARA SAID ABOUT THE MOVIE "MONUMENT MEN"

Last night, Eric and I got a chance to watch The Monuments Men on opening night. This is a movie I have anticipated since learning George Clooney was in production in the fall of 2012. That’s a long time to anticipate the movie!

I wasn’t disappointed.

This movie captures the tone of The Monuments Men. It grasps what this small group of men was trying to do and honors their memories. It also communicates their sacrifice and devotion. It visually portrays a piece of what was at stake during WWII — and the balancing act. Yet it did this without becoming dark and maudlin. Eric and I saw the 9:15 p.m. showing — in a theater filled primarily with college students — students who laughed out loud multiple times. The humor never detracted, but in enhanced the movie because it didn’t become slap-stick.

The Monuments Men has an A cast: Matt Damon, George Clooney, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Boneville and more. They all fell into their characters and became the Monuments Men they portrayed. The movie is a war movie, but the violence is limited and at a level I can take my 13 and 10 year-olds to see. There was some language, but not heavy . . . I didn’t count, but it wasn’t a distraction.

There is also only mild innuendo and the outcome to that was PERFECT. I literally bounced in my chair because it mirrored history!

There were a couple twists to the story. Nothing major — the key one being the kid who interpreted didn’t show up as early as they portrayed, but he did play a role later in the process. This is a movie I will see again — and enjoy.

Enter to Win Movie Tickets to The Monuments Men and a Copy of Shadowed by Grace

TO ENTER GIVEAWAY VISIT THIS LINK:

https://www.facebook.com/cara.putman/app_228910107186452

ABOUT AUTHOR CARA PUTMAN.....

Ordinary Mom, Amazing God

Cara C. Putman is an award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way.

Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. An award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way, she is active in women's ministry at her church and is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

My writing journey started in 2005 when I decided to write my first novel. People say I’ve accomplished a lot and that I must have life by the proverbial tail. Hardly! I grew up as a homeschooled kid when homeschoolers were misunderstood and oddities. I struggle with balancing my writing and law career, plus being a good mom and wife. I often fear people won’t like my books. I’ve walked through the deep pain of miscarriage. Really, I’m just like you – I don’t have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I’ve discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too. In the end I’m just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I’ve been obedient to step into the calling He’s led me into.

You can connect with Cara online at her website (www.caraputman.com), Facebook, Twitter(@cara_putman), Pinterest, and Goodreads. 

Favorite BooksThe Bible
Gone with the Wind
Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
Anything by Colleen Coble, Lynette Eason, Lisa Wingate and many more great Christian fiction authors.

Today, February 1, 2014 

The Naomi Chronicles, Book One,

Beginning Anew

will release on Amazon.

***

ABOUT THE BOOK

Naomi and Chaz know that miracles really do happen for at a friend’s wedding they reaffirmed their love and are Beginning Anew!


Yet there are consequences that the couple must face. Will Chaz love and protect his wife? Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz?


Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose Michelson’s four-book saga e Naomi Chronicles.

Available at:

AMAZON | SMASHWORDS | GOODREADS

***

The Naomi Chronicles: Book One

Authored by

Paula Rose Michelson

Naomi and Chaz know that miracles really do happen, for at a friend's wedding they reaffirmed their love and are Beginning Anew! Yet there are consequences that the couple must face. Will Chaz love and protect his wife? Will Naomi learn to trust Chaz? Find out in the first novel of Paula Rose Michelson's four-book saga, The Naomi Chronicles.

Previously, in Book 2 of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing 

Naomi's journey from pain to faith where she dealt with her husband's rejection of her, and Chaz discovered that secrets were kept from him, and began his own journey of discovery that enthralled readers. While their friends planned to use Nicco and Lucinda's wedding to bring Chaz and Naomi together again, God had His hand on this star-crossed couple.

EXCERPT FROM MY REVIEW

Naomi fled, full of shame, pain and deeply confused. She huddled underneath the blankets in the backseat of her friend Alex’s car not wanting to be detected by those she felt shunned her just hours before at what should have been a surprise celebration blessing her by new husband Chaz and their friends. Her lifelong secret revealed by a vindictive girl seeking revenge for no reason but to steal the love of Naomi’s life. Naomi intended to tell Chaz herself that night,, but forced to admit her secret in front of Chaz and her friends – Chaz hollered at her “Why did you deceive me?” and walked away.

As Alex sped her away from the Barrio, she showed no curiosity of where he was taking her. He explained he was taking her to a safe place at Wawayanda State Park in New Jersey, part of the Appalachian Trail. From here on Naomi was in strange territory with people like none she had never known. Her closest friend was Ruth – can it be God’s own humor that He would put another Ruth and Naomi together? Will you see the parallels in their lives? Will Naomi believe the truth that Ruth and even Marvin; a little child will tell her when she meets him on the Blessings Rock?

Go to

www.goodreads.com/review/show/581569312

to read the rest of review

Before that, Book 1 of Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing

let readers experience Naomi's journey from adolescence to womanhood, from frightened isolation to heiress with a mission, and responsibility many would shirk placed upon her shoulders, and kept them guessing especially when they realized that Naomi guarded two secrets. When Naomi married and fell in love with Chaz, she decided to tell him about herself. Before she could, Lola, a teenager she rescued from immigration, revealed her secrets. Hearing Chaz's hate-filled words, and seeing many in Spanish Harlem turn away from her, Naomi fled.

EXCERPT FROM MY REVIEW

Paula Rose Michelson wrote with brilliance her story of Naomi. To better understand the Spanish mind-set toward those of Jewish birth and faith, I recommend emphatically the reader peruse the Preface regarding Sephardic Voices as well as Historical Notes. This stunning historical information revealed intense research and study on Ms Michelson’s part that distinguish her talent and story above some others.

Naomi, being forced to live a lie by omission of who she really is, we meet as a young teenage girl beginning a peculiar lonely life in a strange new world. Her former world in Spain created about her grievous conditions for all of Jewish heritage and faith. This cruel and fearful prejudice against their religion forcing them to join the Catholic Church or face persecution, possibly death was a historical fact unknown to me in my naiveté that I find despicable, however vital to Naomi’s story all inclusive in Spanish Harlem.

Go to

www.goodreads.com/review/show/470171183

to read the rest of review

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paula Rose Michelson is the wife of Lutheran Pastor, and Chosen People Ministries field Missionary, Ron Michelson. Paula Rose Michelson is not only an author but also a mother of two married daughters, and the grandmother of seven. She authored the Casa de Naomi Series.

This Messianic author of faith books founded LAMB Ministries in 1988, which helps women recover from trauma and abuse through the effective use of Scripture and prayer. She asked God to give her a unique work, and while praying about the lost tribes of Israel, she believed the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) called her to write about the hidden Jews. She wrote the Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing and The Naomi Chronicles Books because of her heart response to that commission. 

While awaiting the copyright for the first LAMB recovery book titled, "Why Did We Become Angry?"

She wrote a series of politically incorrect articles that will be published under the title, "The Purple Pitch Seduction of America." These will release in 2014.


Paula can be found online on:

Her site, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads

***

For this release blast Paula has decided to do a giveaway.

The prizes are:

1st:

3 sets of the previous Casa de Naomi Books (digital format)

and

2nd:

3 x Casa de Naomi: Book One (digital format)

Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW 

THE HEADMISTRESS

OF

ROSEMERE

SARAH E. LADD

AUTHOR

Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied. 

William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to byPatience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress. 

As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.

MY REVIEW

If I had been shopping in a bookstore, the beautiful enticing cover of The Headmistress of Rosemere would have caught my eye and my hand would have reached for it quickly with curiosity. Sarah E. Ladd caught my attention immediately with the vivid description of darkness and danger in the night. William Sterling sensed he was being followed. He was, and what happened from there lead the reader to the Rosemere School for Girls where we meet Patience Creighton before dawn, coming unexpectedly face to unconscious face with William Sterling to tend his wounds. There is a tinge of possible romance developing– at least from the imagination of Patience. 

Having not read Sarah Ladd’s writings previously, or realizing this book is the second in the series, “Whispers on the Moors,” The Headmistress of Rosemere stands second to none in excellent story quality and clear Christian morality. I consider it a stand-alone story. However, it is my intention to read The Heiress of Winterwood, the first novel in this series. It is not my tendency to draw out details of the events and interactions of the characters in my reviews, at the risk of spoiling the read for others. My purpose is to draw the reader’s interest as a possible read depending on their own taste and expectation.

However, I will introduce the major characters who Sarah Ladd has casted so appropriately in her story. Lovely in appearance and a credit to her name, raven haired Patience Creighton is the Headmistress of Rosemere since the passing of her beloved father, leaving her mother Margaret grief-stricken and inconsolable. Rawdon, older brother of Patience, disappeared, neglecting his inherited duties at Rosemere, abandoning his lady love, causing all the women vexation and disillusionment. Handsome William Sterling inherited Eastmore and his father’s holdings, including Rosemere. An impractical and fast living man, whose drinking and gambling are causing him insurmountable problems. William is in dire financial straits, risking the loss of everything. Raising race horses appeals to William as an answer to solving his financial difficulties, but will it? Emma Simmons, one of the little girls at Rosemere is one of Patience’s favorites. How does a child so small and innocent figure such prominence in Ms. Ladd’s plot? Cassandra, a teacher at Rosemere, is the best friend of Patience and in love with Rawdon. Who are Lydia, Isabel, George, Lewis, Captain Rafertee, Ewan O’Connell and Angus? Each character and others essential to this setting are refined to perfection and mixed well with the era to bring about Ms. Ladd’s fascinating and curious story. Enjoyment of the unexpected mysterious twists amidst this Regency romance appealed to my liking. 

The accentuated weight of surmounting strife is effectively calmed through forgiveness, redemption, Christian love and salvation, proving God works all things together for good for those that love Him. Indeed, God’s grace falls on the words originating from Sarah E. Ladd’s pen covering this wonderful story. Thank you, Ms. Ladd for giving me several hours of “getting away from it all” and finding myself in the nineteenth century.

This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Litfuse Publicity. 

5 STARS

ABOUT SARAH E. LADD

Every word has a melody.
Every sentence has a rhythm.

This truth has intrigued me since my early years. Even before I fully understood the meaning behind many of the words, I devoured literature and consumed poetry.

Austen, Alcott, Wordsworth: I left no piece of literature untouched, left no author unexamined. I continue to see magic in how a word is transformed by the word next to it and how written thoughts can incite emotion and evoke change.

In addition to a lifetime of writing and exploring fiction, I have more than ten years of strategic marketing and brand management experience, including five years of marketing non-fiction books and three years of marketing the musical arts. I live in Indiana and am blessed to share my life with my amazing husband, sweet daughter, and very lovable Golden Retriever.

Sarah’s Resources for Authors

Every author needs a marketing plan, but do you know where to begin?

Read my recent Seekerville blog post Your First Marketing Plan: Why Every New Author Needs One and How To Get Started for step-by-step instructions and download my Author Marketing Plan Worksheet to start creating your plan today! Need help with creating your Author Facebook Pages? Here are my tips!

Recognitions:

2011 Genesis Contest: Winner, Historical Romance Category
2011 Touched by Love Contest: Overall Winner
2011 Fool for Love Contest: Winner, Inspirational Category 2011 MSRW Dixie First Chapter Contest: Winner, Inspirational Category
2011 Lone Star Writing Competition: Winner, Inspirational Category
2011 Frasier Contest: Bronze Medalist 

Website: http://www.sarahladd.com

Memberships

 

PLEASE PARDON MY ABSENCE!!

Hello friends, it really is me....apologizing for my long absence from this blog.  The past few months have been a true testing of not only my life in numerous ways, but of my family, my mother, my church and my personal computer.  First of all, I turned 75 in October and am wondering if the Lord decided to test me to let me know I'm still capable of coming to the fore and meeting new challenges.

Plans had been made for my daughter and I to visit my mother during the month of November for the purpose of celebrating her 95th birthday and Thanksgiving.  We arrived in Portland, Oregon from Texas, met mama and my brother at the airport and stopped for a lovely dinner at Appleby's before going to mama's home where she and my brother live.  We settled down for the night completely unexpecting to be awakened early in the morning to mama having a stroke.  We rushed her fearfully to the emergency room at Providence Hospital in Portland beginning to realize that it truly was providential that we were there with mother.  Five days in the hospital, praying diligently for answers.  God blessed my mother with grace to continue her life, only quite different from what she was accustomed.  Her balance and ability to walk without help was drastically changed - and physical/occupational therapy began before leaving the hospital and will continue indefinitely at home.

Now...became a tougher test for me in particular.  Over the past twelve years of personally experiencing illness and physical setbacks, I became somewhat physically immobilized - enough that my husband became my caregiver, cook, housekeeper, chauffeur and encourager.  In Portland, God blessed me with a supernatural strength to nurse mama, cook, etc for the entire month of our visit.  It was difficult, to say the least - and oh, how grateful that I was able to help in this crises.  My daughter was extremely helpful during all of this time and has my loving appreciation.  And yes, we celebrated mama's 95th birthday and were very thankful at Thanksgiving.  Of course, now that I am home again, my husband is convinced that he will be the recipient of home cooked meals from his wife again.  So, Lord, hear my prayer!!

Before leaving for Portland, my personal computer gagged, hiccuped and passed out.  One of my sons is a computer specialist and lives in Illinois.  It's not possible for me to explain the logistics of how he was able to work on my computer in my absence from Texas....but I'm relieved to announce that during the coming week, my computer will show up on my desk once more.  In the meanwhile, I've been using an aged laptop, my Samsung tablet  and cell phone to communicate with the world.  Those authors who had requested my reviews kindly understood why I could not finish my work during this time.

However.....the testing isn't over yet!!  We arrived home hours before the ice age took over and we are still housebound.  But, this too shall pass and we know not what plans the Lord has in store for us - so our prayers rise to the heavens like mini-clouds of breath. Sure hope they aren't delayed by icicles hanging from their ascension.

Well friends, I can't promise a definite date when I'll be blogging, reviewing and writing again......but....I'll be back when the Lord assigns the time.  Stay safe during the rush and busyness of this season of celebrations.  Be blessed with the grace of Jesus at this festive observance of His birth.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!

Barb

.

MY REVIEW

ON

SPRINGTIME IN SAVANNAH

BY

GAIL WARNER

It seemed a normal spring morning in Savannah until Jonathan Rayburn heard an angelic voice on Monterey Square. Within moments of setting eyes upon the exceptionally beautiful Keri McGuire, he welcomed her to his beloved city and into his heart. In the days ahead, his faith is severely tested because of one homeless man and a civil lawsuit. Daniel Stanton, a busy attorney in St. Augustine, arrived at Mrs. Quinn’s home, questioning why his father’s client has requested his legal advice. One portrait upstairs caught his attention; one nearly identical portrait in the music room captured his wishful thoughts. Never in his life had he been so disappointed when he actually met the granddaughter from Milwaukee. While Laura Martin challenged his ethics, he prayed to be a man of conviction.

MY REVIEW

It was a surprise to me that more reviews hadn’t been written on this beautifully composed story about Springtime in Savannah by Gail Warner.  Truly, this story does not stand alone – but of several stories skillfully intertwined to keep the reader drawn in.  Each story has the possibility of being complete as one – but to include so many well defined characters, each with different personalities and problems, was done with proficient cleverness by Ms. Warner.

The author went deep into research on the history of Savannah, as well as interesting facts that I would never have known without reading this novel.  At times, I felt I was reading a travelogue which made the scenery in my mind vivid through the color of illustrious scripting.  The story is lengthy – and never boring.

What can I say about this story that wouldn’t add spoilers to future readers?  My heart was warmed by the conversions to faith in Jesus.  Some of the characters were idiosyncratic and unlikeable.  I fell in love with those characters that were fun in spite of themselves.  My compassion lay with the emotionally and physically abused with admiration for their passion to change their lives through Christ.  The love interests were enthralling and romantic.  Budding romance was proven unpredictable in the length of time and adversities the couples faced.  I sensed this author was emotionally involved with her characters, as I also felt.  Her characters and situations were so real that I found myself praying for those in the story that continued to sin and live evilly.  It felt silly to pray – Gail had already decided their outcome!  Will there be hope for these individuals in Gail’s story?  You’ll be amazed as you watch God working in the lives of all under the pen of Gail Warner. 

Ms Warner shows herself a person of deep faith in God; in tune with reality of our world today and historically, and that she is intelligent and capable of sculpting words with such an inspiring touch.  Gail is an accomplished author that I will follow and look forward to her future publications.  Whew, I got through this review without spoilers….so if you want to meet the characters, learn the answers, take a guided tour of Savannah – history included -  you’ll need to get you own copy!

MEET AUTHOR GAIL WARNER

Gail Warner's parents joined the family of God five years before she was born, and they faithfully attended a large rural Nazarene Church named Richfield, near Flint, Michigan. For thirty-five years, Gail's varied roles as a minister's wife brought her great fulfillment and opportunities to witness for Christ. With fond memories, she recalls the years in a parsonage setting, where she and her husband, Richard, raised three outstanding daughters. Gail finds joy in traveling with their family, singing in a quartet, working in her flower garden, participating in Beth Moore Bible studies, and connecting with friends on Facebook. Though she is a five-time cancer survivor, she thanks God for giving her good health. Gail lives with her husband in Illinois, but because of Eugenia Price's novels, she has a love for historical places.

SPRINGTIME IN SAVANNAH GROUP PAGE - https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpringtimeinSavannah/

MY REVIEW 

ON OLIVIA NEWPORT'S 

"THE INVENTION OF SARAH CUMMINGS"

Sarah Cummings has one goal in life--to break into Chicago's high society. Desperate to stop serving dinner and to start eating at society tables, Sarah alters cast-off gowns from the wealthy Banning women to create lustrous, flattering dresses of her own. On a whim at a chance meeting, she presents herself as Serena Cuthbert, weaving a fictitious past to go with her fictitious name. But as she gets closer to Simon Tewell, the director of St. Andrew's Orphanage, Sarah finds that she must choose between the life she has and the life she dreams of. Will she sacrifice love to continue her pretense? Or can Simon show her that sometimes you don't have to pretend for dreams to come true? Olivia Newport brings us back to Prairie Avenue to explore the place where class, social expectations, and romance come together. Readers will enjoy following the intrepid Sarah as she searches for true love in a world of illusions.

MY REVIEW..............

Feeling somewhat at a loss having not read the first two books in this series, I nevertheless enjoyed The Invention of Sarah Cummings as a standalone story.  Olivia Newport was unfamiliar to me as an author and I presently regard her highly as a fine writer and am excited to read her future works.  The time period of late 1800’s is a favorite of mine in this historical genre.

It was difficult at times not to be a tad judgmental of Sarah’s choices; but learning her background definitely gave me more understanding and compassion toward her as an individual.  She was impetuous, to say the least and at first, quite unlikeable.  Without that compelling characteristic, the story wouldn’t have taken hold of my interest as it did.  Ms Newport’s story is rich in history around the 1800’s time frame, including the political tensions on all sides of the presidential election between William McKinley vs. William Jennings Bryan.  The author obviously is a deep researcher into historical facts which lends completely in writing truth into fiction – a very admirable quality.

Chicago high society in that day is snobbish and discriminating – developing a wide gap in expected behavior between the rich and the poor, particularly those in service to the “polite society.”  Sarah Cummings became an orphan in her early teens through a tragic loss of both parents.  Without anyone to take guardianship over her, she was placed in St Andrews Orphanage, where she met Simon Tewell, the director of St Andrews who had a secret affinity for Sarah.  Sarah had no faith in a God that would allow such misfortune and unhappiness in her life.  She was empty and developed some vindictive conniving habits that she felt deservedly would take her where she wanted to go.  A chance meeting in a hat shop with a young lady of culture, Lillie Wagner was the beginning of Sarah Cummings new identity as Serena Cuthbert with an impressive new history of living the life of wealthy infamy.  Lillie and Serena became instant and fast friends.

So – here we go, hold onto your hat!  Lillie takes Serena in hand and introduces her to the society of Chicago and Prairie Avenue, where coincidently Sarah was in service as a maid to the Banning family.  Sarah, talented with a needle and thread and could fashion her own clothing from hand-me-downs with an aura perceived as high fashion readily disguising her as the wealthy young woman of good grace named Serena Cuthbert.  Story tension builds when Serena meets Bradley Townsend and targets him as husband material.  Bradley is involved in the political scene with a life of his own that caused the infrequent dates that was frustrating to Serena.

Serena exploited others unwisely in her endeavors to exist in her disguise.  Serena’s antics at being in two places at once, her deceptions, her unique contriving  routes of travel, and lies was dizzying.  I felt I needed to keep a score card going page after page of Sarah’s demise as Serena could head for a downfall at any time.  In my mind, I fathomed Ms Newport still held a few surprising shocks ahead, which kept me involved.  Would waiting for Serena and Sarah to meet the real Creator be fulfilled?  Candidly, there is nothing further I can share with you about this finely structured tale without ruining your own joy in reading Sarah/Serena’s story.   Olivia Newport has written a story of what can happen to anyone without proper respect and value for God’s love, grace and tender mercies.  Great lessons can be learned from this worthwhile and imaginative writing skill of Ms Olivia Newport’s Invention of Sarah Cummings.

About the Author..................

Olivia Newport is the author of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning and The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow. Her husband and two twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is. Olivia Newport's novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet.

Find out more at http://www.olivianewport.com/

Like her page at https://www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received this book through Revell's Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

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BARB'S REVIEW ON "ICING ON THE CAKE" BY JANICE THOMPSON - MOSTLY SWEET WITH A FEW NUTS!! - 5 Stars

JANICE THOMPSON

Scarlet isn't sure if she has just the right ingredients for true love--or utter disaster

Scarlet Lindsey is busy making her dreams come true. She's moved her bakery to a prime spot on Galveston's most popular street, she's planning an extravagant cake for her best friend's wedding, and she has a great relationship with Bella Neeley, the island's most popular wedding coordinator. Business is booming and Scarlet is enjoying the ride.

But when Bella's dangerously handsome brother Armando breezes into her life, Scarlet is faced with a sticky situation. Should she stay with the safe, sweet guy who's been a fixture in her life for years? Or will this brash Italian hunk melt her guarded heart?

Fan favorite Janice Thompson is back with more wit, more weddings, and more of what you love best--bridal-business drama laced with laughs.

"Not only does Janice Thompson know how to spin a delightful tale, she knows weddings and wedding cakes. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, take a big bite of this sweet, romantic story. It will leave you laughing and looking for the nearest confectionary!"--Lisa Wingate, bestselling author of Firefly Island and The Prayer Box

"Janice Thompson has done it again! From characters that will jump right off the page and into your heart to a story that had me laughing even as I cheered them on, The Icing on the Cakeis a sweet treat. I urge you to indulge--you won't be sorry!"--Kathleen Y'Barbo, bestselling author of The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series


BARB'S REVIEW.......

Before I opened “Icing on the Cake” written by Janice Thompson, I anticipated lots of fun and many surprises.  Janice’s sense of humor and tongue in cheek quotations at the beginning of each chapter were so entertaining – my favorite being “Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts.” (Author unknown)  Having read the prequel “Picture Perfect,” in this series – Weddings by Design -   many of the characters were familiar to me in the beautiful setting on Galveston Island.  Janice’s stories are written ingeniously around wedding productions created by Bella Neely and Club Wed; and the whole cast of characters from Bella’s odd family; Scarlett’s family and other familiar characters like Hannah and Drew whose wedding is being planned in this episode.  There is not a family on this Island that isn’t sweet with a few nuts!

Our main character Scarlett Lindsey had just opened her own bakery, Let Them Eat Cake, on the popular Strand.  Her friend Kenny worked in the bakery and had a crush on Scarlett, however she was a bit of two minds where romance with Kenny was concerned.  Little did Scarlett know what she was in for when her spinster Aunt Willy, an infamous first-rate chef, financed Scarlett’s venture.  Not only was Scarlett planning an elaborate wedding cake for her best friend Hannah’s wedding, she was in charge of planning the church fund raiser. 

We met Armando, Bella’s brother, in “Picture Perfect” as the problem child of the Rossi family with a reputation of being a real womanizer.  He swept in and out of the first story like a bird on the fly and had a dislike for staying on the Island.  Scarlett had issues with her self-image because of being overweight.  Many, including “moi” can relate to her inner feelings and insecurities.  Let Them Eat Cake was located next door to John’s Pizzeria where Armando worked in his family’s business.  Scarlett and Armando found themselves pushed together at a Rossi family event – not at all to Scarlett’s liking.  An indefinite relationship sets in motion…and Scarlett begins to perceive Armando differently.  He volunteers to help solve the sound problem at the church which meant more time spent in each other’s company.  When Scarlett fills in for Armando’s mother on a Food Network competition with a secret recipe for Italian Wedding Cake, she decides to drop a few pounds so she’ll look better on camera.  Now the real fun begins, so hold onto your hat!

Ms Thompson has an innate talent at developing a plot that serves the heart in hilarity to sentiment along with beautiful spirituality throughout.  What does “sticky buns” and “Lucille Ball of I Love Lucy” have to do with Scarlett’s anxiety?  It was entertaining as the author allowed the reader into Scarlett’s inner thoughts and I laughed loudly at the zany debates she argued with herself.  One never knows what to expect in the stories Janice Thompson writes.  She is perceptive in creating characters that are well rounded and real.  Her characters build as the story moves forward and can be loved in one chapter and disliked in the next.  Scarlett reminded me so much of myself that that I wondered who might have been the role model for Janice.  Honestly, I’ve never met Janice Thompson in my life….although I’d consider it an honor to do so.

MEET AUTHOR JANICE THOMPSON.......

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and the Backstage Pass series, as well as Picture Perfect. She lives in Texas. 

Visit http://www.janiceathompson.com for more.

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This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.