Review by Tina Rice of "Mercy in a Red Cloak"

Review by Tina Rice of Mercy in a Red Cloak 

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mercy Clarke is the daughter of a circuit-rider preacher in 1700’s Pennsylvania frontier. She is a woman of faith, hard-working, strong courageous woman and honorable. She often sacrifices much of her own interests for her father, Jonathan, and is often left alone as he performs his circuit-rider duties. I admire her strength and courage as she is often alone on the frontier; I don’t know if I would have handled it as well.

Shadrach Clark is a handsome, highly skilled colonial scout and a little confused and disappointed when he first meets Mercy and her father. Part of the confusion is that they each have the same last name but spelled a bit differently. The disappointment comes when Shadrach learns that they are not his family he has spent years searching for. I admire his courage and strength as a scout at such a young age and his dedication to finding his family.

I enjoyed watching as their friendship slowly turns to courtship and possibly more. But their sweet courtship is filled with danger and often times of separation. When Mercy’s father and Shadrach both are missing this courageous woman embarks on a long journey to Mackinac Island on the Michigan frontier. On her long arduous journey she faces many challenges, hardships, sacrifices, some unexpected surprises and dangerous situations, but nothing will stop her from searching for her loved ones. Will she find them in time before the increasingly unsettled climate escalates and she finds herself in a far more dangerous situation than she previously experienced?

Mercy in a Red Cloak is an action-packed story filled with dangerous times of a harsh frontier life, sorrows and joys, love, historical facts woven within the story-line and faith. I appreciate the spiritual elements woven throughout the story-line and the characters lives. The reader is taken on a journey from Germantown, Pennsylvania to Mackinaw Island, Michigan and to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of 1700’s frontier. The author portrays these historical locations and events with vivid detail that captures the elements of the time and this reader. A wonderful, heartwarming story. 

Giveaway: A kindle or paperback copy of Mercy in a Red Cloak will be given away to one commenter.

Tina St.Clair Rice is Colonial Quills reader/reviewer. Tina is a wife, mother, and grandmother and a former nurse. She lives on the east coast with her family and is an active supporter of Christian fiction writers. 

Tea Party for March - MaryLu Tyndall and J. M. Hochstetler

 Tea Party! 

Introducing fabulous Colonial books by J. M. Hochstetler and Bob Hostetler and MaryLu Tyndall.

Sail away to Port Royal, Jamaica, and join in the fun!

Welcome to Port Royal, Jamaica! One of the most important British Outposts during the Colonial Era.  

'Tis a bustling port town of nearly 3000 souls right in the middle of the Caribbean. Hundreds of ships sail in and out of the harbor each year, carrying precious tropical goods across the pond to England and then bringing their commodities here. By the way, you may notice a pirate or two walking about, but pay them no mind. They're only interested in gold and rum, but you might want to hide any jewelry you have on.

Mayhap you'd like to take a tour of a tall ship? Afterward, you can head on over to the Sign of the Mermaid tavern for some tropical spiced tea or fresh lemonade!

 Here's the captain's cabin on board the Vanity. Isn't it beautiful?

After you see the Vanity, sit down and enjoy a cool drink at The Sign of the Mermaid!

I know these fellows don't look too friendly but they won't bother you. I know the head pirate and he will protect us! I must tell you that the lemonade here is to die for. Besides, it's close to 90 degrees outside and rather muggy, so you will need something cool and refreshing to drink!

 

GIVEAWAYS!

Northkill, Book 1 of the Northkill Amish Series

by J. M. Hochstetler and Bob Hostetler

Drawn into the savage clashes of the French and Indian War, Jakob Hochstetler faces an impossible choice—and the irreversible consequences.

In 1738 Jakob Hochstetler and his family arrive in America, seeking sanctuary from religious persecution in Europe and the freedom to live and worship according to their Anabaptist beliefs, which include the doctrine of nonresistance. Along with other members of their church, they settle in the Northkill Amish Mennonite community on the Pennsylvania frontier between civilization and wilderness. They build a home near Northkill Creek, for which their community is named.

For eighteen years, the community lives at peace. Then, while the French and Indian War rages, the Hochstetlers’ way of life is brutally shattered. Early on the morning of September 20, 1757, their home is attacked by a party of Delaware and Shawnee warriors allied with the French. Facing certain death with his wife and children, Jakob makes a wrenching choice that will tear apart his family and change all of their lives forever.

Northkill is closely based on an inspiring true story well-known among the Amish and Mennonites. It has been documented in many publications and in contemporary accounts preserved in the Pennsylvania State Archives and in private collections. Book 2, The Return, will release in 2016.

Bob Hostetler is an award-winning writer, editor, pastor, and speaker who traces his descent from two sons of Jakob Hochstetler: Johannes and Joseph. He has co-authored eleven books with Josh McDowell and won two Gold Medallion Awards, among others. Bob is a frequent speaker at churches, conferences, and retreats.

J. M.Hochstetler is a descendant of Jakob Hochstetler’s oldest son Johannes. An author, editor, and publisher, she is the daughter of Mennonite farmers and a lifelong student of history. Her American Patriot Series is the only comprehensive historical fiction series on the American Revolution. One Holy Night, a contemporary retelling of the Christmas story, was the Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year.

Joan and Bob are offering two giveaways: a free copy of Northkill and a small box of delectable jams from Rise 'n Roll Amish Bakery in Middlebury, Indiana.

The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall

Port Royal, Jamaica 1692

Living in a city deemed the wickedest in the world is no easy task for Miss Juliana Dutton. To make matters worse, with an ailing father and a drunken fool for a brother, she is forced to take over the running of the family business in order to survive. When a meddlesome suitor threatens to discover her secret and cast them all onto the streets, she agrees to a spurious engagement with the town buffoon, Lord Munthrope. She only hopes the man is trustworthy.

The Pirate Earl, Alexander Hyde, son of the infamous Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde, is the most feared pirate in Port Royal. Disillusioned with the religion of his parents and the pleasures of the world, Alex staves off his emptiness by leading a dual life to hide his deepest secrets.

A long-time enemy is out to destroy Alex and take Juliana for his own. Struggling to maintain her faith in the Divine, Juliana faces her problems bravely, but the harder she tries, the more it seems everything is working against her. Unwittingly, she and her weak fiancé become entangled in the hostility between  the Pirate Earl and his enemy, while even more dangerous forces are rising up to destroy them all.

Bio

Acclaimed author, M.L. (MaryLu) Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. With now more than fourteen books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure.  A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and four cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.

Giveaway entry:  To enter for Joan's prizes or for a copy of MaryLu's new novel (one winner will receive an ebook and another a paperback copy), leave a comment below. Those "in character" get 3 entries. If you are a CQ Follower put CQ on one of your comments and get an extra entry.

Guest Review of Carla Olson Gade's Pattern for Romance by Teresa S. Mathews

Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade

Pattern for Romance; Quilts of Love Series  

by Carla Olson Gade

Publisher; Abingdon Press

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews 

A Very Sweet Romance.

Carla Olson Gade has crafted a beautiful story set in Boston, Massachusetts in 1769. Amid the beginnings of murmurs and complaints of the tightfisted British rule of the colonies we are introduced to a courageous young woman, Honour Metcalf.

After their parents and siblings were killed during a pirate attack on their ship, Honour and her younger sister Temperance lose everything and are left orphans. The one possession Honour misses the most is the beautiful white quilt she and her mother were working on before that fateful day. Arriving in Boston, Honour finds employment at Wadsworth Mantua Shop as a quilter. Having been taught by her mother, Honour became quite adept at quilting. 

One afternoon when Honour is headed to pick up Tempe from school, she is caught in a horrific hailstorm. Just as she is about to succumb to the hail fiercely pounding on her head she is rescued by Joshua Sutton son of the local tailor and rushed into a nearby church. During the short time they spend together before Honour passes out from her injuries, Joshua's heart is touched and intrigued by this beautiful, young woman.

One mishap after another seems to follow this dear sweet girl, and each time she handles it with grace and each time it seems Joshua is right there to rescue her.  Just when Honour starts to fall for Joshua she sees a man who she believes to be him in an alley with his former fiancé proclaiming his love her even though she is now a married woman. Will she figure out the mystery behind that encounter? Imagine Honour's horror when that same woman shows up later with a request for Honour to finish the work on a beautiful wedding quilt that turns out to be the very beloved quilt that she thought was lost at sea! Will Honour be able to keep the secret that the quilt was hers? 

I enjoyed this story immensely, the characters found their way into my heart. Especially Honour's younger sister Tempe, she is a delightful child. The story line was great with some surprising twists and turns, of course the exciting ending was superb! Great job Ms. Gade!! 

This book can be found at DeeperShopping, Amazon, CBD and other stores.

Bio: Teresa S. Mathews is a poet and also a reviewer on Overcoming With God, an international group blog. She home schooled her two sons, who are now both attending college. 

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away one copy of this wonderful book. Winners choice of Paperback or E-book, International Winners E-book Only. All you have to do to be entered is make sure to leave your email address in case you are the winner. If you would like to  subscribe to Carla's newsletter here; Carla Olson Gade's Newsletter you will get five (5) extra entries. Please put "NEWSLETTER" in your comments to let me know you subscribed. 

Guest Post - Diana Flowers Reviews Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains by Rita Gerlach

Thorns in Eden

Thorns In Eden And The Everlasting Mountains
By Rita Gerlach, 2013

~5 stars*****
Reviewed by Diana Flowers

A Historical Masterpiece!

Rita Gerlach has once again penned a riveting, powerful saga beginning in the beautiful, lush, snow laden fields of England, with its magnificent manors---to the breathtaking beauty and dangers of the raw, savage land of colonial Maryland.

Due to the death of her father, Rebecah Brent lives with her uncle in Endfield Manor in virtual isolation. Because of past secrets, Samuel Brent does not hide the fact that he despises his niece, and plans to marry her off to a wealthy landowner. However, a glorious encounter with John Nash, a colonial who comes to visit his parents in England, forever changes the course of Rebecah's life.

As she follows after John to the colonies of America (not knowing whether he will have her or not), she has no idea of the dangers that lie in wait for her; testing her very soul, mind, and body. As the fear of Indian attacks and the onset of the Revolutionary War consume her and the colonists, Rebecah is faced with an even greater danger. John's worst enemy, a man seeking vengeance who has no allegiance to any tribe or nation, will stop at nothing to have her for his own. Is Rebecah and John's love doomed from the very beginning?

I have read and loved all of Rita Gerlach's books, but this one truly reinforced what I already knew. Rita Gerlach is one of the strongest voices and greatest talents in historical fiction today. Her extensive research and knowledge of colonial life, realistic fleshed out characters, and an intriguing, emotive, intense storyline established this as one of the best books I have read this year! My heart pounded as Rebecah sought to escape her Indian captors, and soared with the beauty of her and John's love story. Guaranteed to keep you burning the midnight oil, make sure to put this one at the top of your wishlist!

This book may be purchased through Amazon and is available in paperback and ebook format.

From Rita: Comment for a chance to win a free Kindle ebook copy.
 


Roseanna White's Ring of Secrets: Guest Review by Rachel Smith

Ring of Secrets 

by Roseanna M White

review by Rachel Wilder

As always, I’m not your usual book reviewer. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Roseanna for several years now and am a huge fan of her Biblical fiction (shameless plug, buy Jewel of Persia! Her take on Esther will change how you view the Persian Empire). I have a bit of a reputation as a fashion snob, so when she asked me to read Ring of Secrets to make sure she had all her fashion details right, of course I jumped at it.

Of course she got it all right and I didn’t see anything wrong with it. So I was able to completely lose myself in the story of Winter and Bennet. Funny thing too, my critique partner is named Winter...

Anywho. I went into this book having no idea the Culpers were real. The tale Roseanna spins is so completely believable and so unique. Bennet stole my heart with his geekiness and ineptitude with the fairer sex. Yes, Bennet Lane is a geek. A chemistry geek to be specific. As a geek myself I have a real soft spot for geeky heroes.

Winter is a very unusual heroine too. She’s a spy, one of the smartest women you’ll ever meet in a book, and she puts on the persona of a complete airhead. And does it beautifully. I found myself giggling constantly at the inventive ways Roseanna found to portray this.

Being a book about spying, there’s a strong suspense thread. One I did not figure out in its entirety until a couple pages before the reveal. As it should be! I hate it when I figure everything out before the book is even half over.

Ring of Secrets is a thrilling romp through Revolutionary War New York with amazing characters who live and breathe, enough suspense to keep you madly turning pages, and a faith that is real and vivid. It is not to be missed.

~*~

Ever wonder how groups like the Culper Ring get their aliases? Come create your spy name based on  George Washington's method with the Culpers!

~*~

Giveaway!

For a chance to win a signed copy of Ring of Secrets, please leave a comment below! Entrants will also be entered into Roseanna's Box of Secrets Giveaway--for more details and more ways to enter, visit http://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/p/a-box-of-secrets-giveaway.html

Brickbat and Fairings

Hello CQ Readers,

This month marks the release of Beyond the Valley, the final book in the Daughters of the Potomac series. You may have noticed with many of the authors you have read that we writers like to share some interesting facts about the stories we write. We often include them at the end of our books. Here is the glossary I included at the end of Beyond the Valley of actual things you would have found in Colonial times. Oh, and if you have a book club, there are Discussion Questions after the Glossary page.

Can you imagine General and Mrs. Washington partaking of these at their table?

Ginger fairing:  A sweet and spicy ginger cookie.

Pasties: Chunks of beef, potato, swede (yellow turnip), and onion wrapped in pastry glazed with milk or egg white.

Molasses dumplings: A type of doughnut fried in oil and dipped in hot molasses.

Stout porter: Strong beer.

What you might walk up at a grand estate. Brickbat: an antique form of paving that made use of the inevitable accumulation of broken bricks at a colonial house. 

Can you picture a lady wearing one of these on her way to church or to tea? Bergere: (French for shepherdess) A flat-brimmed straw hat with a low crown, trimmed with ribbon and flowers.

A Book Launch Tea Party is schedule here on Colonial Quills for February 22 with Rita Gerlach and C. J. Chase. Come by for tea and scones!

Review of Rita Gerlach's Beyond the Valley!

Beyond the Valley 

Book 3 in the Daughters of the Potomac series

Review by MaryLu Tyndall
(author of the Surrender to Destiny Series and other inspirational fiction.)

The back of the book says:

When Sarah Carr's husband Jamie drowns, her young life is shattered and takes a turn that she never expected. Pregnant and now widowed, she reaches out to Jamie's family for help but they are unwilling. Instead they devise a plan to have her kidnapped and taken to the Colonies to live a life of servitude.

In the wilds of Maryland, Sarah endures the hardships of being indentured and the debasement of being a woman. In despair, she offers up faithful prayers that are answered. But Sarah's new life in the Colonies finds her surrounded by a family's whirlwind of secrets, while she hopes the young doctor she loves with will bring her freedom.

These few paragraphs do not do Beyond the Valley justice!  In my opinion, this is Rita Gerlach’s finest book and the best of the three in the series. From page one, I cared deeply for the heroine, Sarah, who not only loses her young husband and has no means of survival, but who has a deformity that makes her limp and thus makes her an outcast of society.

From the shores of Cornwall, England to the Virginian frontier and then into the deep backwoods, we follow Sarah’s heartbreaking journey of being swindled into losing her freedom, sold as an indentured servant at auction, falling in love, sold again, kidnapped by Indians. . .well, I could go on but I’d ruin the story for you.   Every time I thought Sarah would finally get a break, something tragic happened. Yet, instead of being a sad tale, the author skillfully weaves through the exquisitely written pages, the message of hope and freedom and redemption. It’s a message the world desperately needs to hear today, that despite tragedy and hard times, new life and hope are right around the corner.

If you seek a light, fluffy read, Beyond the Valley is not for you. Neither is it a true romance. In fact, the hero and heroine are not together through much of the book. But that doesn’t mean you won’t feel their love intensely.  The hero, a doctor named Alex, is so deeply in love with Sarah that he’d risk anything to find her. His journey reminded me of how much God loves each of us, so much that He pursues us, seeks us out, sacrifices everything, even His own Son, to redeem us from slavery and make us His own.

Rita’s writing flows over you like a gentle breeze. It’s beautiful, poetic, and her words have a way of transporting you back in time, making you feel as though you were there among the early colonists of our great nation. Readers will also appreciate the cross-over with other characters from the prior two novels. All in all, Beyond the Valley is a delightful escape of adventure and romance and a sweeping saga of tragedy and hope that you won’t want to miss!  

Rita's website: http://ritagerlach.blogspot.com