Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

I absolutely love it when an author so richly describes a novel, especially one that cross back the historical timeline in such detail, that you aren't reading a book, but you are really there as part of the story, merely watching it unfold before your eyes. Melanie Dobson is one such talented author. In her latest novel, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, the reader is taken between two generations of family members as it toggles back and forth from present day to 1954 in England to uncover a long buried mystery from the past that is now unfolding the answers in present day.

In 1954, we are thrust back in time to the life of Maggie Emerson who sits waiting to the man she loves and who has promised to marry her once he returns from the sea just in time for Christmas. Only this time, she has to make some important decisions. She has found herself pregnant and with not only her reputation on the line, but those of her foster family. She finds Walter Doyle, on the eve of planning to throw herself and her unborn child into the sea, a man who has proposed many times to her with a regrettable no each time. She realizes that if she plays it right, she might just have the answer to her problem if she can keep it a secret. But like all great secrets, some day they find their way to the light and in the process ruin the lives of those they promised to keep safe.

Present day, moves us through Heather Toulson who is returning to her father's cottage in England in hopes of settling his belongings after his death. Along with her daughter Ella, she is reminded of a childhood and love she once hoped would offer something more, but now it something she wants to keep buried. As fate would have it however, Heather runs into her old love, Christopher and discovers that the family she once thought she knew was far from what they seem. This may be the one thing that time won't be able to mend and at the heart of this lies the murder of a young boy from the past.

I received Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor by Melanie Dobson compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions contained here are strictly my own. Sometimes the best part about novels like this is the ability to weave together to very different stories from two time periods and be able to blend them so well, you forget that they are so different. They work so well that it appears seamless as they begin to merge almost like ghosts from the past. For fans of a great mystery and a love of historical England complete with old wealthy manors complete with secret gardens, thatched cottages and cobblestone paths, will absolutely be drawn to this novel. Well worth a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, Melanie Dobson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

You can find Melanie Dobson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

Chateau of Secrets

Lately it seems I've been coming across a lot of really exceptional novels involving true stories based on the lives of people who lived during World War II in France. It shows that we don't always know everything about what went on, until these stories make their way to the light and we find ourselves completely captivated by their words as we sit back as silent observers as they take us back in time.

In her latest novel, Melanie Dobson, shares the story of one such remarkable woman, Gisèle Duchant, who found herself dealing with the occupation of German soldiers as they invaded her childhood home in France just as World War II was taking place. She had never dreamed that this could happen because of the secrets that lay buried in the tunnels below her home Chateau d'Epines. All she knew is that whatever happened, she would need to do all she could to ensure the survival of her brother Michel who was part of the resistance fighters assembling in France, while Germany continued to claim more land in Europe.

Fearing that Hitler would crush any type of rebellion on France's behalf, Paris willingly gave up instead of resisting his advances. Those Jewish people living among the French were being deported to camps outside the city as Hitler's demands continued to grow. Gisèle soon discovered that even her friends couldn't hide from the soldiers and when she discovered they had left their infant daughter hidden behind, she vowed she would take care of her until they were reunited as her own.

In Chateau of Secrets, the novel alternates chapters between the present day and 1940 as Gisèle fights to keep her secrets hidden despite being surrounded quite literally by German soldiers living in her home. She only prays that each day, the Allies will arrive and set her free. In the present day chapters, Chloe Sauver is asked by her father to go back to France to the family's chateau to aid a reporter, Riley Holtz with his research of Jews that were forced into Hilter's army as a way of protecting those they loved that were Jewish from being sent away to deportation camps. Chloe is in the process of planning her wedding to an upcoming soon to be youngest governor in Virginia, but soon discovers a few secrets of her own that force her to return to France as she uncovers her grandmother Gisèle role in saving lives during the war.

I received Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such a phenomenal novel in how well it was woven together, past and present into one captivating story of survival, sacrifice and love. It's what happens to those willing to risk their life to rescue others and what happens to those who betray innocent people in an attempt to save themselves. The Bible says, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." and that is just what you will discover by the conclusion of this novel. Easily worth every bit of 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to add this novel to its permanent home in my personal library. Being a huge fan of WWII history, I absolutely fell in love with this one!

For more information about Chateau of Secrets, Melanie Dobson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel, please click on the links below:

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson

You can also find Melanie Dobson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Chateau of Secrets, please visit Howard Book's website. 

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (May 13, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1476746117
• ISBN-13: 978-1476746111
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches

Where the Trail Ends

I remember reading about the Oregon Trail in my history classes in high school, but I never really gave them much thought outside of knowing what it was, how they arrived and why most people came west along with some relevant dates, but until I read, Melanie Dobson's fictional novel, Where the Trail Ends it really shined a whole new meaning to what life was like to those who made the journey west.

This historical fictional novel introduces us to Samantha Waldron and her family, her father and brother Micah who have become one of many families who are moving west along the Oregon Trail before winter settles in. They had hoped to take her mother as well but she died shortly before the trip. All of the duties of cooking, cleaning and taking care of her younger brother, fall on Samantha's shoulders as they make their way west. They have to endure nights without water when no streams or rivers can be found. If they don't make sure their water barrels are full before leaving, they might not have enough to get them from campsite to campsite. The family has to endure a stampede caused when a families dog spooks the oxen killing several members of the wagon train, damaging several wagon and results in the decision of the leader of group, Captain Lowe to kill the remaining dogs to prevent that from occurring again. This means Samantha's beloved dog Boaz is at risk and she will stand up to anyone who wants to kill her dog. Even if that means it puts her at odds with Jack Doyle, a man she has grown quite fond of along the journey and hopes will marry her when they arrive in the Willamette Valley.

Samatha is a strong female who has to face the odds when her father grows ill and she is left behind as she seeks help for him while the others move ahead in their journey. She faces Indians, wild grizzly bears and extreme weather conditions just to make sure her brother is well cared for. When she has to face off against a fierce Wolverine, she is forced into the icy rivers of the Columbia River as they flees for safety in a canoe. Yet when it overturns, will Samantha be able to save her family just as they are about to make the final leg of the journey?

I received Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson compliments of Summerside Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. Being a huge fan of American History I could really relate to the struggles Samantha had to endure just to bring her family through the Oregon trail. She longs for someone to care for her and hopes that love awaits her on the other end. It is through those struggles with hardship that character is defined and truly makes us stronger than we might have ever thought we could be. Samantha has to grow up faster than she would have liked and she is often reminded that she still has a lot to learn about trust along the way. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for more in the American Tapestries series!!!

For more information about Where the Trail Ends, Melanie Dobson, and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson

You can find Melanie Dobson on Facebook by clicking here. 

To read more great reviews from this book tour on Litfuse, please click here. 

Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson


• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!






So grab your copy of Where the Trail Ends and  Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)




Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Refuge on Crescent Hill

In today's economic downturn it's easy to find yourself working one day and the next you're not. Camden Bristow returns home from Indonesia after the floods only to find her current office of employment vacant. No one is there. Her phone calls to her boss only return with a disconnected recording. With her credit cards maxed out, and her landlord threatening to toss her out by 5pm tonight, Camden has no choice but to head back to her grandmother's home on Crescent Hill in hopes she provide her a place to stay until she can get back on her feet again.

What she finds at her grandmother's is her worst nightmare. Her grandmother has passed away 5 days before she arrives and the once beautiful and magnificent mansion on Crescent Hill is about to be condemned by the city for being to unsafe to live in. If she only had the money to fix it, she would have a home to stay in. When Camden learns her grandmother, Rosalie has left the home to her, she now has to decide what is best for her and her families history. Can she bear to sell her families home that was once a station for the Underground Railroad some 150 years ago?

I received The House on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson, compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and can honestly rate this book 10 out of 10. It's a definite must read and the characters are true to life and completely believable. I can definitely see this book as having a sequel and hope that Melanie Dobson decides to continue the story. I truly believe that any book that has Melanie Dobson's name as the author is bound to be a winner in my opinion. This book is available in paperback or EBook formats from your local retailer. For more information on the book including a first chapter preview, the wonderful and talented author, and more see the links below:

Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson

You can also find Melanie Dobson on Facebook by clicking here.

Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa

In Amana, Iowa in 1863, there waits a man by the name of Friedrich Vinzenz. He's been working as a clockmaker in the Kolonie as his beloved, Amalie Wiese who is headed by wagon train to make a new life together after being separated for almost a year. In order for any of the Inspirationalists men to marry, they have to wait until they are twenty-four and then be separated for a year before they can marry. Just knowing that Amalie will soon be here and has waited for him since he had left, is more than he can bare.

While they are working on the final harvest a Union General arrives bearing letters for Friedrich and Matthias Roemig to be conscripted in the Union Army. Fortunately for them the elders of the town will pay their commutation fees so that they won't have to serve after all. They are told the reasons for this war is to free the slaves from the South since they don't have anyone to fight for them. When Friedrich meets Joseph, a former slave, who shows him the scars of what he had to endure as a slave, Friedrich believes God is calling him to serve. Fearing his friend Matthias will only succeeding in talking him out of joining, he leaves while it is still dark outside and leaves to where he believes God is calling him. He only hopes the letters he leaves behind for his family, Matthias and Amalie will explain it for him.

While Amalie is riding with her best friend Karoline in the wagon train headed towards Amana, they are faced with the horror of meeting the up with the Confederates and Rebels as they are battling in the town of Lisbon. The Rebels have burned the bridge leading to Amana and have burned the buildings in town leaving no where for them to rest before their final leg on the journey. When the are confronted by soldiers when their guide, Mr. Faust leaves, Karoline falls and hits her head. With no doctor aboard, Amalie does what she can to care for Karoline but isn't sure she will make it without a doctor.

While she heads into town with Karoline and Mr. Faust in search of a doctor, Amalie learns that just because their Kolonie keeps to themselves, it won't prevent the war from coming to her town in Amana. When Amalie arrives in Amana, she learns from the men, that Friedrich has joined the war. Now she isn't sure if he will be the same man when he returns if he returns at all.

In the newest novel Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa by Melanie Dobson, the readers become a silent character in seeing both sides of the Civil War. We get to see the struggle Friedrich faces when he believes God has called him to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. We also see the struggle of the worried wife to be, with Amalie's fears of trusting God enough to take care of Friedrich even though she fears she may never see him again. She learns that God will never allow her to be alone and though she may have questions that can never be answered, she learns that you can't be angry at God.

I received this book compliments of Christian Blog Alliance for my honest review and have been a huge fan of the Love Finds You Series of books for many months now. This one defines the power of learning to trust God's will for you in your life, even if the path you wanted isn't the one He has in store for you. I highly recommend this book with a 5 out of 5 star rating. It will captivate you and capture your heart!

Here's even more great information about the book, the author and where to get a sneak peek into the book.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa Summerside Press (June 1, 2011) by Melanie Dobson



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of The Black Cloister; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana; and Together for Good, and she has now authored nine contemporary and historical novels including Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania which releases in November 2011.



Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.



Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.



Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.





ABOUT THE BOOK

With a backdrop of the community of The Amana Colonies, the Civil War, and a great love story, Melanie Dobson’s new historical fiction title LOVE FINDS YOU IN AMANA, IOWA both enlightening and entertaining.



The novel is set in the United States during the turmoil of the 1860s. As the rest of the nation is embroiled in the Civil War, the Amana Colonies have remained at peace with a strong faith in God and pursuit of community, intertwined with hard work, family life and the building of their colony.



Amalie Wiese is travelling to the newly built village of Amana in 1863. When she arrives in the colonies she finds that her fiancée, Friedrich has left to fight with the Union Army. Amalie fears for his safety as she also struggles with his decision to abandon the colony’s beliefs. Matthias, Frederick’s friend, stays back in Amana to work in the colonies. But there is something wrong with Matthias; he always seems angry at Amalie when there is no simple explanation for him to act that way.



The goods that colonies manufacture are much needed supplies for the war effort and Matthias decides to deliver the goods to the soldiers. When he leaves, Amalie realizes that her fear for Matthias’s safety is equally as strong. What will become of Friedrich, will Matthias return safely, and will Amalie marry Friedrich? LOVE FINDS YOU IN AMANA, IOWA is a richly told story of life in the Amana Society and the people who live and love there.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You in Amana, Iowa, go HERE.

The Silent Order

What happens when you mix a story of mystery and crime alongside a bit of Amish romance?

You have the perfect ingredients for a new novel, The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson!!!

In this action packed thriller, you are taken back to the late 1920's at a time when the Prohibition period was going on. Italian mobster families were in competition to see who could make the most money selling corn sugar to make alcohol. Only like all good old fashion mob style books, one family will always be trying to take out the other.

It's been Rollin Wells, a detective for the Cleveland police force whose primary goal has been to eliminate both the Cardano's and the Puglisi's and once again make the streets of Cleveland safe once more. However when the love of his life, Liz Cardano is murdered, revenge seems to be his motive now over justice.

Katie Lehman and her 9 year old son, Henry have loved living in the quiet Amish town of Sugarcreek for quite some time. Her latest problem has been dealing with Jonas Miller and his recent proposal of marriage. She isn't quite sure that marrying him is the ideal reason for someone to get married but thinks he would make a great father for Henry.

However one day when visiting her friend Ruth, they discover something in Ruth's barn that will weave the lives of Katie and Rollin together and uncover some secrets in both of their lives that have remained hidden for too long.

I received this wonderful novel compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is a first for me blending a Mafia crime scenario along side your traditional Amish romance but it worked out very well. With Melanie Dobson doing such an extensive bit of research into both of this storylines, you have a well mixed masterpiece and one that anyone would love to read. This one is a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information on this book, the author and even a first chapter peek, then you will want to read on!!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Silent Order Summerside Press (November 1, 2010)by Melanie Dobson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of The Black Cloister; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana; and Together for Good.

Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.

Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rural America - 1928. After the murder of his partner, Detective Rollin Wells hides away in an Amish home near Sugarcreek, Ohio, to find out who in the police force is

collaborating with Cleveland’s notorious mob. While Rollin searches for answers to his partner’s death, he befriends an elusive young Amish woman named Katie and her young son. As Rollin learns about Katie’s past, he’s shocked at the secret Katie is hiding - a secret that has haunted Rollin for eight years.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Silent Order, go HERE.

Refuge on Crescent Hill

My Review:

In today's economic downturn it's easy to find yourself working one day and the next you're not. Camden Bristow returns home from Indonesia after the floods only to find her current office of employment vacant. No one is there. Her phone calls to her boss only return with a disconnected recording. With her credit cards maxed out, and her landlord threatening to toss her out by 5pm tonight, Camden has no choice but to head back to her grandmother's home on Crescent Hill in hopes she provide her a place to stay until she can get back on her feet again.

What she finds at her grandmother's is her worst nightmare. Her grandmother has passed away 5 days before she arrives and the once beautiful and magnificent mansion on Crescent Hill is about to be condemned by the city for being to unsafe to live in. If she only had the money to fix it, she would have a home to stay in. When Camden learns her grandmother, Rosalie has left the home to her, she now has to decide what is best for her and her families history. Can she bear to sell her families home that was once a station for the Underground Railroad some 150 years ago?

I received The House on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and can honestly rate this book 10 out of 10. It's a definite must read and the characters are true to life and completely believable. I can definitely see this book as having a sequel and hope that Melanie Dobson decides to continue the story. For more information on the book including a first chapter preview, the wonderful and talented author, and more see the links below:

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Refuge on Crescent Hill

Kregel Publications (March 11, 2010)

by

Melanie Dobson





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Dobson is the award-winning author of The Black Cloister; Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana; and Together for Good.



Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.



Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.



Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.







ABOUT THE BOOK

THE HOMECOMING WASN’T WHAT SHE EXPECTED…

Jobless, homeless, and broke, Camden Bristow decides to visit the grandmother she hasn’t seen in years. But when Camden arrives in Etherton, Ohio, she discovers that her grandmother has passed away, leaving her the 150-year-old mansion on Crescent Hill. The site of her happiest summers as a child, the run-down mansion is now her only refuge.



When Camden finds evidence that she may not be the mansion’s only occupant, memories of Grandma Rosalie’s bedtime stories about secret passageways and runaway slaves fuel her imagination. What really happened at Crescent Hill? Who can she turn to for answers in this town full of strangers? And what motivates the handsome local Alex Yates to offer his help? As she works to uncover the past and present mysteries harbored in her home, Camdem uncovers deep family secrets within the mansion’s walls that could change her life─and the entire town─forever.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Refuge on Crescent Hill, go HERE.