Mistletoe Memories
by Lisa Karon Richardson, Jennifer AlLee, Carla Olson Gade, and Gina Welborn
September 2013
Barbour Publishing


This review was written by 3 members of the Inkwell Inspirations blog since 3 of the book's authors are Inky blog members. Any Treasure Hunt references are meant for the Inkwell Inspirations version.

Mistletoe Memories is a Christmas-themed book of connecting novellas set at Schooley’s Mountain, New Jersey. In yesterday’s Treasure Hunt post, Lisa Karon Richardson, author of Midnight Clear said,  “The four stories in MISTLETOE MEMORIES cover the almost 200 years after the house was built and center around a house that became a refuge that became an orphanage that became a home.”

Join us as we travel back in time to when the house was first envisioned, and then walk by our side as we step through the stories to discover interesting facets of 4 couples who dared to dream of the house as their future home.



‘Tis The Season by Carla Olson Gade
1820, Late Oct

Carla Olson Gade has used an historic figure and estate to give credence to hero Stephan Yost's reason for being on Schooley's Mountain - an actual resort area back in the day. Carla has also placed heroine Annaliese Braun in one of those resorts as the doctor’s daughter.

Annaliese loves her summers on Schooley’s Mountain and would even accept life as a spinster if it allowed her to live there year ‘round. But late fall every year her father drags her back to their ornate Manhattan apartment. This year will be different though, for her father announces that he’s hired Stephan Yost to build her the house of her dreams in time for Christmas. Annaliese wonders if perhaps a home and family at Schooley's Mountain are in God’s plan for her after all.

But remorseful Stephan curbs his attraction for her lest she guess his secret and reject him outright, believing it would be less painful for everyone if he guards his heart and leaves quietly when the job is done.

Of course, I haven’t given you all the facts in this tender love story, and neither did Carla at first. I like the way she wrote the story, dropping bits of character information here and historical info there when I needed to know. I didn't need writing gimmicks to keep reading as she'd given me enough heartfelt emotion to keep me interested. As for the ending, I’d like to say, I saw it coming, yet when it did, it was natural and right, the whole tale flowing in a surprising and satisfying conclusion. Based on this story, I can definitely say I’ll be looking for more of Carla’s stories. 

     Submitted by Anita Mae Draper



Mercy Mild by Gina Welborn
1868, December 22nd

Almost fifty years after Carla Gade’s story, can devotion and joy still fill the incredible house built for Annaliese by her handsome carpenter husband?

I will tell you this much: you will fall in love with Deputy Ezekial Norcross on Page One. Gina Welborn excels at vivid imagery, characterization and apparently emotional manipulation! Don’t read this novella in public if you don’t like sniffling back tears. Zeke is in charge of finding new homes for a passel of orphans but as a single man, he can't adopt any (he’d take them all!) unless he has a wife. And of course he has his eye on war widow Marianne Plum, wife of the man he fought with and most respected. She is kind, practical and lonely…and bears such secret pain from her childhood, the idea of parenting paralyzes her. And Zeke knows it because of what her husband shared during the war.

Did I mention Zeke’s mom harbors a big dislike of the widow? You may think her a harsh woman for this but I know you’ll be touched by Gina’s handling of it.

Gina adds the cutest little girl ever and some heart-wrenching truths about the Civil War to this thoroughly charming tale. Gina, this is my favorite of all your novellas so far.
     
     Submitted by Debra E. Marvin



Midnight Clear by Lisa Karon Richardson
1910, December 6

Orphan Olympia Paris is plenty old enough to have left behind the rambling home now known as Heath House where she and many others grew up, but she can’t part from the children who depend on her and each other as family. Yet they may not have a choice. There is no way she can pay the back taxes and the house will go to auction. With Christmas closing in, the next best thing to funding is the happy return of her dearest childhood friend, another orphan, Teddy Carstairs. 

It’s rags-to-riches for Theodore, anxious to turn his hometown into a successful tourist destination again. The friendly devotion he shared with Olympia blooms into a strong attraction for both, though he never anticipated his business plans would hurt the woman he’s always loved. 

Olympia is devastated. She thought she, of all people, knew Teddy, so how can he even consider tearing down the big house that so many generations have treasured.

Lisa Karon Richardson’s writing flows so skillfully, you’ll be surprised to find yourself at the end facing one of the sweetest closing scenes I’ve read. I loved the depth of these characters’ regrets and Lisa’s skill with real conflicts between two people who belong together. 

     submitted by Debra E. Marvin



Comfort and Joy by Jennifer AlLee
Present Day

First, the gushy part: I loved this novella, and I don’t know if Hallmark Channel has a Google alert to see what people are saying about them, but if they do, listen up. This would make a great Hallmark holiday movie.

At times poignant, at times funny, with a full serving of heart-warming, Comfort and Joy tells the story of Comfort House, a transitional home for kids who have outgrown the foster system but aren’t quite ready to support themselves on their own. Running this charity is Joy Benucci, who thinks she has enough on her plate--until she answers the door one day to find a drop-dead handsome lawyer…with an eviction notice.

That lawyer, Evan Lancaster, has an entirely different view of the foster system--and is pretty suspicious of Joy (Why? You’ll have to read it to find out. I don’t want to give away too much of the story!) But round the cast out with a news anchor with her own agenda, and a delightful group of ex-foster kids, and you end up with one enjoyable read.

But I do need to share my favorite line, the one that took my breath away. (I won’t give the context, because I don’t want to spoil the ending for anybody!

“She isn’t a show dog. Her pedigree doesn’t determine how she’ll turn out.”

What a reminder that, through God, we can be so much more than our upbringing. Such a powerful takeaway from an incredible novella! Well done, Jen!

     Submitted by Barb Early



There you have it. Four delightful romances to celebrate the Christmas season. And although falling in love doesn't happen only at Christmas, and we've only covered four such stories, people have fallen in love every day during the past two centuries and more. 

Mending the Doctor's Heart
by Tina Radcliffe
Apr 2013
Love Inspired


I really enjoyed this book.

Mending the Doctor's Heart grabbed my attention within the first few pages with one of the oldest romance conflicts - the hero and heroine were both after the same prize which in this case was a job. Both had put their lives on hold thinking they were the only candidate for the position. Both were suffering emotionally and looking for a release of their pain. Both thought their hearts had an impenetrable seal. Would they both survive? Or would their pain devour them? Who was the stronger of the two?

This well-written story flows from emotional highs to gut-wrenching lows without warning. You never know what to expect when you turn the page, but it always touches your heart. The adversarial aspect between the two main characters could have had a negative impact if the author had allowed them to spend their time together in arguments and snide remarks. Instead, their dialogue was realistic, touching, and even humorous in a natural, spontaneous fashion.

Mending the Doctor's Heart is a medical-themed read and even without being a member of the medical community, I related to the main characters, Dr. Ben Rogers and Dr. Sara Elliott, because they were people with real problems, quirks and phobias like everyone else out there. Their dreams as well as their fears play a huge role in how the story unfolds with all the complexity of today's society. I joined them for the bumpy ride, and I liked it. I may have bawled in the final chapters, but I sighed with satisfaction as I read the epilogue.

I've known the author, Tina Radcliffe, for several years and although I've bought all her books, this is the first one I grabbed from my To Be Read pile. My question now is ... why didn't I read it sooner? And I still have two of Tina's books to go. :)

Back Cover Blurb:   Rivals of the Heart - A new job in Paradise, Colorado, seems like the perfect fresh start for Dr. Ben Rogers. Only problem is, Dr. Sara Elliott has been counting on getting the same job. Once they negotiate a shared trial run, Ben expects working with Sara to be less than pleasant. Instead, he finds himself drawn to her. She's dedicated and compassionate, exactly the type of woman he used to want—when family was an option. Yet Ben is surprised to learn that Sara's life is just as emotionally complicated as his own. And if there isn't room for both of them at work, how can they make room for each other in their hearts?


Read an Excerpt

Mending the Doctor's Heart, Apr 2013, Love Inspired is available for purchase at Harlequin, Amazon, and other online sites.

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NEWS! Tina Radcliffe has sold another romantic short story to Woman's World.  Check out the August 22, 2013 issue at your favorite newsstand.

Tina's  been scribbling for years. She has sold dozens of stories to the Trues and last count: eight romantic shorts to Woman's World. In 2010 she achieved her goal of selling her novel length fiction to Harlequin Love Inspired.  Originally from Western New York, she left home for a tour with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany. 

While living in Tulsa, Oklahoma she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N.  Her next move was to Colorado, where she spent six years as a library assistant and cataloger and worked for a national mail order pharmacy.

Tina's manuscripts finaled in the Golden Heart twice and in 2012 her second release, Oklahoma Reunion, was a Carol Award Finalist.

She continues to write fiction and non-fiction from her new home in Arizona (she keeps moving west!) and hangs out in Seekerville.   

It could be the ornately detailed covers. Or it could be because I enjoy historicals in all periods. Or it could be the hint of a marriage-of-convenience story in the 1st title - admittedly one of my favorite themes. Whatever the reason, I was drawn to DeAnna Julie Dodson's medieval series, The Chastelayne Trilogy.

Admittedly I downloaded Book 1 In Honor Bound as a free download. When Book 2 in the series, By Love Redeemed, was offered as a free download last month I snapped it up right quick too. And I can honestly say that when I flip through my book carousel on my tablet, the rich covers of this series stand out from the rest of the ordinary book covers spinning past.

See what I mean. She may look like a sweet Texan who wouldn't crack a peanut, but don't let that fool you. Her skirmish and battle scenes are some of the best I've read and she doesn't hide the fact that human blood runs red. It's a wonder she can keep her vivid imagination between the covers of a book. (She does, doesn't she? I mean, what do we really know about this woman?)

I say that as a reader because In Honor Bound is a gripping tale of love won and lost in the bedroom as well as the battlefield. Tastefully and artistically written in 1997 (paperback editions displayed below), In Honor Bound is a timeless tale where events unfold in frightening detail without paying lip service to modern trends in writing. I generally don't like head-hopping but the way DeAnna writes ... coherent thoughts from different characters slip into the scene as easily as a warm spoon in ice cream.

In Honor Bound leaves the bedroom door open to the most heart-wrenching scenes that left me bawling hopelessly. Sweet scenes with soft words that caressed and soothed me with tenderness. Then without warning, curt hurting words, uttered in guilt. I cried for the person receiving it as well as the person giving it because I cared so much for both of them. That's the essence of DeAnna's three-dimensional characters - they never came out of character by jarring gesture or word or deed. They became real.

DeAnna excels at portraying deep emotions that thrum with realism. Although the situations were medieval, the relationships could and do happen every single day - then and now.

Several times I highlighted lines (on my Kindle app) which seemed particularly unforgettable:

- And every moment of closeness, every embrace, every caress was purchased at the cost of his coolness towards her the next day or, worse, his absence from her altogether.

- I did what pleased me to get the crown, thinking I could get forgiveness later. Now I've gone too far to even ask. 

- Tom took the piece of black bread he offered and wolfed it down, wincing as it scratched its way down his raw throat.

- I could have loved you.

Oh, that last one did me in and I wept for several minutes - not the first nor last time while reading this wonderful book.

Here's the back cover blurb:

You can find an excerpt of the Prologue and Chapter 1 on DeAnna's website. Check it out and see if it interests you.

As an added bonus, the host of the Novel Characters blog is an artist and animator named Monica who draws the main characters of books as she imagines them while reading. And she has posted her vision of Rosalynde & Philip from In Honor Bound by DeAnna Julie Dodson. In my opinion, Monica's portrayal of the two main characters from In Honor Bound are worthy of any Disney movie.

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Diane would love to hear from her readers.
She can be reached at diane@dianeburkeauthor.com.

You can also find Diane online at:
http://www.harlequin.com/author.html?authorid=1944
http://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomdiane_burke
https://www.facebook.com/diane.burke.754?ref=ts

Saving Hope by Margaret Daley,
Book 1: The  Men of the Texas Rangers
Abingdon Press, 2012

Because I wanted to support literacy as well  as
Margaret Daley, I bought her Saving Hope, at the Romance Writer's of America (RWA) Literacy Booksigning this past July in Anaheim. Margaret Daley is on my auto-buy list and I've enjoyed her books whether they are contemporary, suspense, or historical.

From looking at the cover, I assumed Saving  Hope was another of her forays into the historical realm. 

Was I wrong. 

Saving Hope is a contemporary suspense and about as gritty as you can get in inspirational publishing.

Was I disappointed? Not in the slightest. Margaret Daley has made the successful transition from category to trade books, bringing a new depth of characters and plot to her story. 

Sticking to her roots, Daley weaves the romance of the two main characters around, between, and into the hidden world of child prostitution and shows us enough to spike our anger without glorifying the acts of despicable  adults who prey on forgotten children. This book is not only about bringing  awareness of this hideous crime to our eyes.... it's also about the
need  to support - financial and otherwise - the people who work to help the victims  get out of that life and give them whatever they need to begin again. 

The hero is Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan, a member of the Child Rescue Task Force, and a widower with a daughter the same age as the victims he seeks to rescue. This makes his job close to his heart because any one of the girls he  finds - dead or alive - could be his daughter. It's the reason he keeps a close,  almost over-protective, watch on her. But has he constricted her movements to  the point of rebellion?

Kate Winslow is the founder and director of the  Beacon of Hope School, a place where rescued child prostitutes can recover from  their trauma in a loving environment. Kate's staff gets the girls' education  back on track while raising their self-respect and hope for a future. Although  most of the girls welcome their rescue, some can't handle it and go back. So  when a girl who's on the road to success goes missing, Kate suspects foul play.  But will anyone believe her?

The romance between Wyatt and Kate is the  perfect pace for realism, and I held my breath with each touch and through  each tender moment.

A master at characters as well as suspense, Daley  pits her characters' weaknesses against numerous suspects. Early on, she allows  us to see one villian, but keeps us guessing about his
secret partner.  And  although I'd guessed the 2nd villain correctly halfway through the book, I  wavered, not really believing my guess until proven in the end.

I admit  to liking Daley's Love Inspired Suspense books, but this longer novel of Saving Hope, rich in personality, with the right touch of excitement  and dismay, makes me tingle with anticipation of the next book in The  Men of the Texas Rangers series, Shattered
Silence.

Saving Hope was one of books under discussion for July at The  Book Club Network's ACFW on-line book club.

Did you participate  in the discussion? If the discussion is available to read, would you access it  after the fact? Do you ever discuss the questions authors provide at the back of  their books?