The Chapel Car Bride

I love when I pick up a novel for one reason and end up learning about the history of things I had never heard about. In the case of Judith Miller's latest novel, The Chapel Car Bride, the history of chapel cars is the setting for this historical romance novel. Pastor Layton Irvine and his 19-year-old daughter Hope journey along the railroads visiting the towns that they pass and offer a traveling church if you will to the residents of those towns known as the Herald of Hope chapel car. It is a service the railroads provide free when they can and often times requires the chapel car to stay on the spur line, until the next train can take them a bit further.

This has offered Hope the opportunity to travel with her father and minister to the children of these small towns where churches haven't even been built yet. With their final destination in the small town of Finch, Hope and Layton offer more than just spiritual teachings. They also help out the town's residents in whatever needs to be done such as repairing buildings, bringing food to those who need it and befriending those families struggling to find hope in their small town existence.

The town of Finch is a mining town that is wary of outsiders. They have had their share of people coming to town trying to take advantage of them or to steal their very livihoods while the families struggle to make ends meet while working whatever hours the Finch Mine and Company offers. Lately with a slow down in production and unsafe working conditions, the mine is struggling to make a profit. Luke Hughes is one of those men who is trying to find a way to help his family after losing his father in a mining accident he believes that the Finch Mine and Company is responsible for. It seems as if the owner of the mine have sent Kirby Finch, his son to find out what has been going on at the mine and to ensure that no one is considering forming a strike against them. Kirby is being forced into the position due to his gambling debts in Pittsburgh which his father consistently has to bail him out of.

Hope Irvine believes that if the mining company would be willing to pay for the repairs needed in the mining cabins they provide for the workers, it might just be the thing to appease the workers and create a more friendly working environment and open up negotiations between the two. Kirby sees it as advantageous to offer small concessions but his has his mind set on improving his own lot in life, even if that means making some cuts in mining safety and finding other resources to supplement his income so he can leave this small town, and Hope just might make passing the time worthwhile.

I received The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller compliments of Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers. This is such a great novel because it conveys the living conditions of those living in a small mining town and how they would find ways to make a living when faced with lay offs. Hard to believe some mining companies would take advantage of these workers and force them to take their wages in supplies provided by the mining companies stores and raise the prices to keep the workers in debt to the company so they have to find other ways to make a living if they hope to move on. I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and can't wait to read more novels from Judith Miller!

For more information about The Chapel Car Bride, Judith Miller or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller

You can find Judith Miller on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Chapel Car Bride, please visit Bethany House Publishers.

A Patchwork Christmas

Sometimes it can be hard to find the time to read a really great Christmas story because so often we are too busy that reading a large novel be difficult. In A Patchwork Christmas by Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, and Stephanie Grace Whitson, the reader will be delighted to find three beautifully written short stories that give the reader the impression of reading a full length novel. Each is different and based in the historical late 1800's. This book is perfect for those of you wanting a taste of truly something amazing and are limited on time to complete a full length novel. Each of these three Christmas romances offer the reader something beautiful to keep the warmth of finding true love at the forefront of the holiday.

Seems Like Love by Judith Miller takes us back to Amana, Iowa to a small Amish town where we find Karla Stuke is working with her family running the town's hotel. Little did she expect to find her childhood friend, Frank Lehner to show up as a guest while working as an apothecary in training before moving to his own shoppe. Karla has found that hiding away working at the hotel keeps her from finding true love, since her own opinion of herself is quite low, considering her finace' left her for another woman. Thinking it's all based on her looks, she doesn't think that every a spark with her old friend can be ignited into anything more, but could Karla be wrong? This one is truly a fun and hopeful romance to enjoy.

A Patchwork Love by Stephanie Grace Whitson takes us back in time to find love between a war-veteran Peter Gruber who becomes a savior and hero at some point when a train finds itself stuck in the snow. Peter and his mother offer a warm food until the train can continue and he finds a young girl, Molly is ill. Since his mother is familiar with healing they offer Molly and her mom, Jane shelter until the train can move again. Jane has also injured herself in a fall and between them both, need more than just physical healing. Like Karla from the first story, Peter feels that since he has been disfigured from his service in the war that his hopes of every finding love is lost forever. Will Jane seem something more in Peter that just his external scars?

Finally in The Bridal Quilt by Nancy Moser, you find the classic love story of two people, Ada and Samuel that should be together but everything in their lives is keeping them apart. While they are dating, they are not yet engaged , and every single opportunity that presents itself, seems to turn out quite differently than what either of them was planning. In one case, she was hoping he was coming to ask her to marry him and finds out he only wants her help with finding gifts for the orphans instead. Even though his family wants Samuel to give up his charity efforts, Ada is all too willing to marry him, but it soon seems Samuel may never be ready to propose until another man appears in Ada's life. Will Samuel soon realize that the gift he's been searching for he been in front of him the whole time?

I received A Patchwork Christmas by these lovely, talent authors compliments of Barbour Publishers and Net Galley for my honest opinion. In each of these stories there is a profound message of hope and acceptance to be found, no matter what the circumstances may be. Included in all of them are discussion questions and wonderful recipes that would be an added bonus to any book club. There are also some quilting patterns for Christmas Ornaments as well for those looking for something a bit more than just a Christmas romance book!!! I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and think this is the perfect book for those looking for great short stories with a Christmas theme.

For more information about A Patchwork Christmas, Judith Miller, Stephanie Grace Whitson or Nancy Moser, or where to pick up your own copy of this delightful Christmas book, please click on the links below:

A Patchwork Christmas by Judith Miller, Stephanie Grace Whitson, and Nancy Moser

You can find them all on Facebook book to stay up with their latest books, simply click on their names to go to their pages.

Judith Miller
Stephanie Grace Whitson
Nancy Moser

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (September 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616267488
• ISBN-13: 978-1616267483
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches

To Have and To Hold

My Review:

"Them there Yankee's are overrunning the island again!" shouts an elderly woman holding a loaded shotgun, while keeping an eye out over the grove of oak trees just off the porch of the house.

Not knowing what is causing the commotion, Audrey Cunningham comes running from the house only to see her elderly housekeeper, Thora, getting ready to fire again as a poor young man attempts to wave a white handkerchief from behind a tree.

Taking the shotgun away from Thora, Audrey reminds her that the war between the North and the South has been over for quite some time. Still mumbling to herself, Thora heads back into the house.

Now that Bridal Veils island is undergoing a huge renovation to complete with another renovation going on at Jekyll Island, across the river, there will be a lot of construction crews coming and going from the property her father still owns. A wealthy developer, Mr. Morley is working with other investors to build a clubhouse and hotel to rival that one being built on Jekyll Island. Audrey is hoping along with her father that this will help pay the years of back taxes her family owes on the house and 20 acres of property. Without it, they will be forced to sell the home that has been in her family for generations.

Her ailing father, Boyd is hoping to last long enough to see Audrey through the start of the process before his illness from many years of drinking takes its toll. His goal is to see her use faith in God to get her through this trying time and to hope that Marshall Graham can use his own experience in dealing with his father's death to help Audrey when the time comes.

I received, To Have and To Hold by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. Set in the late 1800's in the deep south, we get to see a struggling relationship between Audrey and her father Boyd, come to an understanding and a renewal of faith before her father's death, while he hopes that he can find a way to provide for her and save the land she has come home to save.

I would rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It took me a few chapters to get into the story before I was really hooked but once I was, I couldn't put it down. While I was reading, I was hearing the dialogue between Audrey and Marshall, like Rhett and Scarlett would have had. The relationship at the beginning has the volatility of two enemies but later you can see the softening as they learn to work out their differences and become friends.

Here is even more great information about the book, the authors, and where to get a sneak peek back into the deep south!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing To Have and to Hold Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson
and
Judith Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.

Judith Miller's first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when she was commuting sixty miles to work each day. She wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. Through a co-worker, she was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from her. Having never met Tracie, Judith was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history. Since that first encounter many years ago, Judith has been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, she and Tracie had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, they have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Audrey Cunningham's father proposes that they move to Bridal Veil Island, where he grew up, she agrees, thinking this will help keep him sober and close to God. But they arrive to find wealthy investors buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island--and they want the Cunninghams' acreage.

Contractor Marshall Graham can't imagine why the former drinking buddy of his deceased father would beckon him to Bridal Veil Island. And when Boyd Cunningham asks him to watch over Audrey, Marshall is even more confused. He has no desire to be saddled with caring for this fiery young woman who is openly hostile toward him. But when Audrey seems to be falling for another man--one who has two little girls Audrey adores--Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he realized. Which man will Audrey choose? And can she hold on to her ancestral property in the face of overwhelming odds?

If you would like to read the first chapter of To Have and to Hold, go HERE.

A Bond Never Broken

October 1917 - Amana Colonies in Iowa

Jutta Schmitt works hard with her family in Marengo, Iowa just outside the Amana colonies, a short train ride away. They have moved on to what they had hoped would be an easier life for them. As owners of a bakery that is finally paid off and now theirs, they are optimistic of their future.

Yet this time in history is about to prove a difficult one as America now enters the war. Germany is now the enemy and supporters of America believe that anyone of German heritage should be considered a spy and traitor.

The Schmitt family finds their friends and neighbors beginning to turn on them, even those they have helped with spare bread left over at the close of each business day. Now when unexpected strangers and some of the Schmitts friends show up and force the closure of the bakery, they about to give them an offer they can't refuse.

Ilsa Redlich and her family work at the hotel in the Amana colonies, where their culture has been respected for quite some time. They are hard workers and abide by the laws the elders have made, including set meal times throughout the day, and no money is required to be given to work their because all the needs are provided for my the colony.

As Ilsa sees her brother Albert off at the train station leaving to serve in the war, she has feelings that even though it's patriotic to serve in the country, it's not something the colony believes in personally. They believe nothing can be served by being at war with one another. Even though word has it that those of German heritage are being discriminated against even though serving in the war, she has to trust in God that He will return her brother back to her.

The proposal that Jutta's family is faced with in order to continue to operate the bakery is that she must move back to the colony and report to the Council of National Defense on any un-American like activities by the people living there, if she doesn't the bakery will be burned and her parents placed in jail for treason.

I received the wonderful novel, A Bond Never Broken by Judith Miller, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I loved the new storyline that wraps itself around your heart as you struggle with both Ilsa and Jutta's decisions in the war in America and doing what both believe they need to do to keep their families intact. This book rates a 5 out of 5 stars and I just know you'll love the story.

Here's even more great information about the book, the author and a first chapter glimpse that is guaranteed to have you wanting to read this amazing story.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Bond Never Broken Bethany House (March 1, 2011) by Judith Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A Word from Judith:

Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history...

With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For many years, Ilsa Redlich has helped her parents run a hotel in South Amana, but as the United States enters the Great War, she can feel her world changing. The residents of the towns surrounding the Amana Colonies used to be accepting of their quiet, peaceful neighbors, but with anti-German sentiment running high, the Amana villages are now plagued by vandalism, threats, and insults.

Things get even worse when Ilsa finds out her family won't be allowed to speak German in public--and that Garon, the childhood friend she's long been smitten with, has decided to join the army. Jutta Schmidt is shocked when several members of the Council of National Defense show up on her family's doorstep. Sure, the Schmidts once lived in the Amana Colonies, but that was years ago. She's even more surprised when the council demands that she travel to Amana and report back on any un-American activities.

Not daring to disobey the government agents, Jutta takes a job at the South Amana hotel, befriends the daughter of the owners, and begins to eavesdrop every chance she gets. When Jutta hears Ilsa making antiwar remarks and observes Garon assisting a suspicious outsider, she is torn at the prospect of betraying her new friends.

But what choice does she have? And when Garon is accused of something far worse than Jutta could imagine, can the Amana community come to his aid in time?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bond Never Broken, go HERE.

More Than Words

Gretchen Kohler lives in a traditional Amana village, similar in some ways to the Amish but there are differences in their Old Ways. Gretchen's mother has passed away for quite some time, so the responsibility for managing the home has fallen on her shoulders. Her grandmother or Oma is facing the effects of alzheimer's and at times, resorts to her child like ways of her former days when she was a young girl and can no longer remember how old she is.

To pass the time, Gretchen journals her thoughts in notebook along with stories and poems. She wishes to someday share them with somebody other than her friends and even her Vater or father knows of her writing but has never read her work. One day a salesman from Chicago comes to her family store selling the latest in lace and trim which her father is interested in purchasing, but Mr. Finley seems to have other motives on his mind besides just selling his wares.

I received this amazing new novel, More Than Words, by Judith Miller compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and was captivated by Gretchen's character. Being a writer myself I love how she uses her journal to capture her feelings and the lives of the people she is with in words. This is a great book on judging a book by it's cover too early and thus avoiding what lies beneath. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars just for the historical content contained within the pages of another unique lifestyle of the 1800's!

For more information on this book, the author and a first chapter glimpse, please read on:

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

More than WordsBethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)
by
Judith Miller
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Most readers want to know how authors 'got started' writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history....

With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series. Please check those out on the "My Books" page on my website.

God's design on the lives of His people never ceases to amaze me! Because I am eternally grateful for my own forgiveness and salvation, I strive to share God's desire to pull us from the mire of sin and set us free to live exciting lives for Him. Through His abundant grace and love, God gifts and equips each of us to share the story of salvation and eternal life. Won't you share His story using the special gifts He has given you?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Journey to the charming villages of the Amana Colonies, 1885

Gretchen Kohler is an Amana storekeeper's daughter with a secret passion for writing. But artistic pursuits are frowned upon in her conservative Amana village, so she confines her poems and stories to her journals, letting only close friends read them.

When a young reporter comes into her store, she believes she's found a kindred spirit. She shares a few of her stories with him--only to have her trust betrayed in the worst of ways, resulting in trouble for her entire community.

The scandal is made even worse by the fact that gypsies have camped nearby and seem to be preying upon the Amanans' compassionate, pacifist nature. Will Gretchen lose her job, her reputation, and the love of her childhood beau all because of one bad decision?

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.

If you would like to read the first chapter of More than Words, go HERE.