The Backcountry Brides Collection -- Review by Tina Rice & Giveaway!

The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour Books, May 2018)

The Backcountry Brides Collection: 8 Eighteenth-Century Women Seek Love on Colonial America’s Frontier

Review by Tina Rice
This is an amazing collection of novellas by eight gifted writers taking the reader “on the trail” traveling into Colonial America spanning the years of 1754-1792. We meet strong women of the backcountry who are looking for love...and hopefully husbands...strong, rugged men, with the skills and abilities to survive living in this rustic frontier land. Men who are prepared to face attacks by Indians, the fierceness and harshness of nature, unforeseen dangers and challenges or even the possibility of depleted supplies to protect their families. Can these rugged men and woman overcome the elements thrown at them and find love in the midst of it all?

The detailed descriptions of the diversity of the characters’ cultural differences and backgrounds bring to life the hardships and struggles they face. They overcome challenges and hardships, tense situations, sorrows, grief and pain and share joys and humorous moments...which had me smiling, family, hope, integrity, love and faith. I love the historical aspects of each novella and the way the authors incorporates those details within the fictional story-lines. I enjoy reading the author’s notes regarding the historical aspects of her story. This is one of the reasons I love reading Christian historical fiction, I always learn something of our history, so they are, in effect, an enjoyable “history lesson”.

1. Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754..Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
With a saddened heart Magda Sehler moves with her family to the Shenandoah Valley. The man she loves has not declared his feelings for her. What does the future hold for her without the man who holds her heart? Jacob Owens surprises them all when he leaves his prosperous business behind and moves to the Valley with them. What is the real reason for his sudden move? Is there a chance for love after all? There are some surprises, danger, joys and sorrows, decisions to be made, family strength, first love and God’s faithfulness along with historical facts woven within this heartwarming story. I was happy to see the mention of one of the Christy boys from another story.

2. Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
1757..North Carolina Colony.
Joseph Gregory is out to buy a lumber mill, but the owner will not sell. Can he convince the owner to sell to him or will he lose his heart in the bargain? Mabel Walker owns a prosperous lumber mill, which many feel is not very “womanly” even though she is capable. Will she be forced to comply with what society dictates and sell? And what of love? There are challenges and opposition Mabel faces, hard decisions to make, hope, joys and love of family at the heart and faith in this heartwarming story.

3. Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763..Fort Michilimackinac of Michigan during Pontiac’s Rebellion.
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier but trouble may be brewing and she is tucked away in her father’s cabin some distance from the fort. Henry Bedlow, an English soldier. . .hence the redcoat, is at the fort against his will. Ah, but if he had not been at the fort he would not have met the woman who captures his heart. I enjoyed the way Laurette and Henry met and how their love grew. But they come from diffident cultural backgrounds, will that difference keep them apart? Or will God answer their prayers and make a way for them when there seems to be no way? A story filled with historical facts, hope, love and faith. A heartwarming story.

4. A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764..Fort Niagara of New York.
Susannah Kimball and British Lieutenant Archibald “Arch” Walsh meet during a difficult time surrounding the fort. Susannah’s faith, attitude and caring heart soon captures Arch’s heart. With danger lurking at their door, they need to be prepared. Will their love have a chance? Historical facts bring this story to life as Susannah and Arch find themselves in the midst of an impending convergence of thousands of Native warriors. Before reading this novella, I had not heard about Sir William Johnson's Great Gathering and appreciate the historical details. Overcoming fears, prejudices and challenges, family, hope, love and faith make this a heartwarming story.

5. A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771..Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River of Tennessee.
Marcus Cowden has lived his whole life “taming” the Cowden temper simmering inside, vowing to never let it control him as it has others in his family. Can he earn his new wife’s trust, proving that he will never hurt her and thereby winning her heart? Lorinda Cowden knows all too well what can happen when tempers flare, the results inflicted upon her. But can she learn to trust Marcus, he is a Cowden after all. Will they allow God to mend their hearts? A heart-felt story about trust...learning to trust others and God’s leading, learning to control anger with God’s help, second chances, hope, family, love and faith.

6. Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780..Wilkes County, Georgia.
Jenny White is a strong, backcountry woman in every way. The local Indians call her “War Woman” and I think even admire her. She doesn’t feel pretty compared to her young sister. And she doesn’t see her worth as God sees her and a certain Scottish scout, Caylan McIntosh. Their love was slow in coming and at times seemed to stall. Tragedy, illness and death bring them closer, as it often can. I was glad to see the surprising ending.

7. The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1780..Charlotte Town, South Carolina.
This story based on historical facts bring Lizzy Cunningham and Jed Wheeler together. Jed has a job to do and as he stays at the tavern he witnesses the treatment Lizzy receives at the hands of her family. In the process he loses his heart and will protect her from those who would mistreat her. Can he do that and complete the dangerous task set before him? Encouragement, hope, new beginnings, heartbreak and joys, good verses evil, love, faith and trust in God weave a heartwarming story. I like that this story is a continuation of a previous novella, The Highwayman, though it stands alone.

8. Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792..Fur Post at Fort McCrea, on the Upper Mississippi River along Minnesota.
Abi McCrea longs to see the world outside the fort walls where she grew up. When she does, it is not what she had envisioned. However, one good thing came out of her travels. . .not saying. Englishman Henry Kingsley came to the fort on an errand and meets Abi and has to decide if the future he had planned out is really what he wants. Abi is a special, talented young woman and Henry can learn much from her. . .about life along the river certainly but of the heart as well. Everything is not smooth for them, they run into prejudices and challenges, joys, hope, love..true love, family and faith. I enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming story.

Readers, you can purchase a copy of Backcountry Brides at:

Christian Book Distributors  

Walmart 

Barnes & Noble  

Amazon 

Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of the paperback to one blessed commenter on this post!

ALSO-- Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway going on for this collection! 

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In Sheep's Clothing - a Book Review by Tina Rice

In Sheep’s Clothing by Pegg Thomas

(part of A Bouquet of Brides Collection)

1702, Milford, Connecticut...

Yarrow Fenn (I find the name “Yarrow” very interesting) is a weaver of wool and makes unique cloth with her own designs. As she waits in line at the fulling mill she hears rumors of a new journeyman fuller … a young handsome journeyman. Well, she is not there for a handsome young man, she wants her wool-cloth to be prepared as quickly as possible so she can sew garments for her family. 

Yarrow has a secret that she holds close that could very well put her in danger … as well as being "illegal.” Illegal, really?  The “illegal” part was a surprise to me, I had not heard of that until I read this novella. Besides, she ponders, what if this Peter guy is not really who he says he is but someone in disguise? She must be on her guard, especially with her heart. Can Yarrow learn to trust God in guiding her in all areas of her life or will she continue to second guess even His plans for her?

The new journeyman, Peter Maltby, has a goal ... becoming a Master Fuller as quickly as possible while he is in Milford. Then he has other plans that do not include Milford, but rather a “settling of scores”... of a sort, from his painful past. He soon finds that among the wool-cloth coming into the fulling mill, he is most impressed with the quality of wool-cloth Yarrow brings in. However, he did not plan on being impressed with Yarrow herself.  No, getting involved with any young lady would only complicate things ... yet, there is something special about Yarrow that drawls Peter to her. Will he continue down a path allowing his bitterness of past hurts to overshadow anything good that may come from knowing Yarrow? Or will he be forever blinded by his past to see God’s blessings and love?

This is my favorite story in this collection. I learned a lot of interesting information regarding caring for sheep, shearing them, carding the wool, spinning the yarn, weaving and making your own cloth, and then having to make your own clothes with that cloth. I enjoyed the descriptions of the colonial woolen fulling mill and what was involved in fulling wool. What really took me by surprise was learning of the laws limiting trade of that wool/cloth. I did not know that. I like the author's notes at the end of this story regarding some of the historical elements of the era Pegg Thomas wrote about.

This is one reason I love reading Christian historical fiction, not only are the stories fiction and entertaining but there are bits of our history woven within that fiction ... an enjoyable “history lesson”.  :-) I really enjoyed Yarrow and Peter’s story. It is a fun story filled with humor, love, hardships, learning to trust and faith, and a tense few moments with that bear - not telling any more! - a heartwarming story.

Pegg Thomas lives on a hobby farm in Northern Michigan with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. A life-long history geek, she writes “History with a Touch of Humor.” When not working or writing, Pegg can be found in her barn, her garden, her kitchen, or sitting at her spinning wheel creating yarn to turn into her signature wool shawls.

Follow me on Facebook or visit my webpage at PeggThomas.com.

Tina Rice Reviews A Heart Set Free by Janet S. Grunst

A Heart Set Free by Janet S. Grunst

A Heart Set Free 

by Janet S. Grunst

Reviewed by Tina St. Clair Rice

A Captivating Story

1770....Heather Douglas stands on the dock in Virginia of Colonial America, having left her native Scotland and the scandal surrounding her far behind. But there is more than her indentured state that holds her heart enslaved, will she ever be free?

Widowed Matthew Stewart needs someone to help him raise his two young children, could God be leading him to an indentured servant as the answer?  Taking a leap of faith, he purchases Heather's indenture, marries her and takes her and his children home to his farm miles away in the Virginia countryside.  Thus begins a new journey for Heather, one that will be far different than any she has ever faced—not only a new countryside home and all it entails but one of self-discovery and of a growing, maturing faith.

The horrific conditions of those aboard ship crossing to Colonial America is described in vivid detail, giving the reader a glimpse of what Heather and the other passengers experienced...shudder.   It is obvious Janet Grunst has done extensive research in the historical elements in this story, bringing to life an emotionally charged, heartwarming story with realistic characters who face many challenges, heartaches, joys, grief, second-chances, forgiveness, bitterness, love and enduring faith. A Heart Set Free is a captivating story.

Tina St. Clair Rice is Colonial Quills' Reader/Reviewer and an Avid Christian fiction reader. She lives in Maryland and loves spending time with her family.

Review of ECPA Bestseller The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection -- By Tina Rice

The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection: 9 Historical Women Win More Than A Blue Ribbon at the Fair

(Barbour Publishing, November 2016)

Five Stars *****

Reviewed by Tina Rice

Two members of the Colonial American Christian Writers group contributed to this December Evangelical Christian Publishers' Association (ECPA) Bestseller!!!

Requilted With Love

by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1889...North of Lansing, Michigan....Sarah Richmond is hopeful of winning a Blue Ribbon as she enters her quilt in the Michigan State Fair and knows exactly what she will do with the winnings—nothing for herself. She has suffered grief more than once in her young life and has strong feelings on certain things, like balloonists for one—I can certainly understand her feelings and fears. Even though she has decided to live a certain way, God has other plans for her. Will she trust God's guidance?

I love Sarah's spirit, courage and faith. I was hoping she would find peace from her past griefs and love—and a blue ribbon. I love Grant Bentley's integrity and determination, although he tends to be bossy at times...he means well. Like Sarah, he has suffered grief and heartache. He is hiding something from Sarah that may end a budding romance before it even begins. I like his friend, Lee Hudgins, who is a big tease with a southern drawl. Sarah's Aunt Bonnie Swanson is a “character”, and loud—Grant likens her to a “conjured hurricane images and the bane of his existence”, but she is loveable. Bonnie's little daughter, Lila, quickly captured my heart. There are a couple characters I did not like much...one man was a scoundrel and his lady friend a schemer and liar—they were perfect for each other.

This is a fun, humorous, heartwarming and romantic story. There are heartbreaks, grief—some long held grief, forgiveness, reconciliation, second chances, learning to trust and lean on God as He guides, dreams, love and faith and a surprising ending.
(I had the privilege to be one of the beta readers for this story (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review)

Altered Hearts

by Gina Welborn
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 1908 county fair...Reba Diehl creates beautiful hats and wins ribbons for them. Winning ribbons is one thing but what about her dream? Levi Webber loves horticulture but will he be forever stuck on his family farm instead of following his dream? Misunderstandings and heartbreak follow for Reba and Levi, will they find a way to overcome them? Wasn't sure I liked Levi at first as he is a bit presumptuous, but I liked him by the end of the story. I really liked Reba, her determination to make her dream come true and learn from her mistakes. Fun heartwarming story.

Available for purchase from Christian Book Distributors, Barnes & Noble, your local bookstores (call ahead and check!), and Amazon.

You can read the rest of Tina's review online (click here!)

CFP: Thank you Tina for the lovely review and thanks for being a beta reader on this project! We're delighted that this story has made the ECPA Bestseller list praise be to God!

Xanthakos Family Trilogy by Susan F. Craft, Reviewed by Tina Rice

Xanthakos Family Trilogy by Susan F. Craft

 The Chamomile book 1 Xanthakos Family Trilogy by Susan F. Craft

What does a sister do when her brother, Andrew, is captured by the British and placed aboard a notorious prison ship? There is only one answer for Lilyan Cameron, join the Patriot spies and rescue him. Having a plan is one thing, carrying out that plan is another thing all together. Nicholas Xanthakos leads the rescue mission and ultimately captures Lilyan's heart. But Lilyan's struggles and challenges don't stop there. She faces dangers that she never dreamed of and fought for her family in ways she never imagined. I loved her strong character, faith and devotion to her family and friends...even to the point of placing her own life in danger. Nicholas is another character that captured my heart. I loved his strength, moral character, faith and dedication to his beliefs...even if it leads to danger and possibly death. Angus McCallum, a hot tempered Scot and self-appointed guardian to Lilyan and Andrew after their father died, soon became a favorite too. He had a tender heart but didn't want anyone to know it.

The Chamomile is a story that I will long remember. It is filled with historical details of the British-occupied 1870's Charlestown, South Carolina in such a way that I could envision the area as if I was there among them. I got caught up in the lives of the characters, the dangers and challenges they faced which kept me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath and tears at times. There is joy, laughter and love woven through their war-torn lives that gives us a taste of all they faced. A fantastic, gripping story that is well worth staying up late into the night to see what comes next. This is now one of my favorite books.

Susan F. Craft’s novel The Chamomile won the SIBA Okra Pick and is a Christy Award nominee.

Laurel book 2 Xanthakos Family Trilogy by Susan F. Craft

Lilyan and Nicholas (Nikki) Xanthakos are desperately searching for their kidnapped—soon to be one year old—daughter, Laurel. Their search takes them hundreds of miles from their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, NC of 1783 to Baltimore, MD. They are not alone in their search, good friends search with them and at locations along the way. They do not rely solely on their own strength, their strong faith and trust in God empowers them on their quest. Each clue brings hope and then disappointments, even tragedy. While at Lilyan's old home in Charleston, she is arrested and thrown into prison for the murder of a British officer during the Revolutionary War. Now facing trial and possible hanging, Lilyan digs deeper into her faith for strength...and yes, hope.

This story captured my interest from the first page to the last. I found myself holding my breath at certain times in the story. I really liked the unique blessing/prayer Lilyan and Nikki said together before they began their search for their daughter. Even in prison, God used Lilyan as she witnessed to some of the women there. Their journey was an arduous one, full of unknown dangers, unexpected situations, tragedies, pain, heartbreak, joy, humor, a terrible storm at sea and shipwreck, forgiveness, love and strong faith. There are many of the characters that I enjoyed reading about and hope to see more about them in another book. The life-style of the 1780's was a hard one, calling for hard-working, strong, brave and God fearing people to settle the land, which is clearly shown in this story. Unexpected twists and turns in the story line that kept me guessing to the end. One line really spoke to me, “...one can survive the terrible, unspeakable pain—God will sustain us if we let Him...”  Even though I have not read the first book, Chamomile—yet, I could follow along with the characters. I do plan to read Chamomile soon.

Cassia book 3 Xanthakos Family Trilogy by Susan F. Craft

Cassia is the third book following Lilyan and Nikki Xanthakos' family. April 1799, Lilyan and Nikki have taken their family—sons, Paul and Marion and daughter, Laurel—on a voyage from their South Carolina home. Lilyan hopes this voyage is uneventful, however her hopes were dashed when they were marooned on a deserted island along North Carolina's Outer Banks. Lilyan, Paul and Laurel are captured by pirates and taken to a secret island hideout of the evil Captain Galeo (the Shark). How can she save her children? Will Nikki and Marion find them before it's too late?

This is a story full of adventure, suspenseful—tense situations, and evil pirates that keep you on the edge of your seat. I like the way Lilyan and Nikki's strong family love and devotion, along with their strong enduring faith impacts their family and those around them. One thing I love, that has been included in each book, is the unique blessing Lilyan and Nikki have. Lilyan's determination to survive is felt as she prays for guidance and forms plans to escape. There are some humorous parts of the story that had me chuckling—like when Marion said, “I am book-ended by weeping, happy women”. The budding romance is sweet to watch even in the mist of fear and possible death. Susan Craft weaves history throughout the story in great detail making this a fantastic story.

Susan F. Craft’s novel Cassia is a Christy Award nominee.

Reviewer Tina Rice is a lovely new addition to the Colonial Quills blog! She lives in historic Maryland and is an avid reader of Christian fiction. Tina is Beta reader for many Christian fiction authors and is active in social media. You can find her reviews here, monthly, on Colonial Quills blog.

After the Rain by Rita Gerlach - Review by Tina Rice

After the Rain by Rita Gerlach

After The Rain
Five Stars ***** 

by Rita Gerlach

Review by Tina Rice

Louisa Borden is from a wealthy family who make their home in 1908's Chevy Chase, Maryland. Her grandmother, Beatrice—who is not only domineering, even cruel at times—insists she marry Rupert Eastcott and live far away in a lonely castle in England. Louisa has no intentions in marrying Rupert—a man she does not love and barely tolerates. One day as she is riding she is thrown from her horse and lands along the bank of Rock Creek. Laying on the cold, wet, muddy bank Jackson O'Neil—a handsome stranger—comes along, picks her up and carries her to safety thereby changing her life in a way she never would have dreamed. Even though she finds him fascinating and charming, he is not of her class....but it doesn't seem to matter to her heart. Jackson was smitten from the moment he laid eyes on Louisa. Can there really be a future for them?

Rupert soon informs her of a shocking secret about Jackson that crushes her tender heart. Adding to her broken heart, her grandmother gives her another shock when she shares a long held secret that shatters her even more. On top of these revealed secrets, a terrible tragedy strikes—one that could forever change her life. With nowhere else to turn, she takes the train to Chestnut Creek, Virginia to visit her loving and fun-loving widowed aunts. 

After the Rain is an unforgettable story set in the Edwardian era that takes the reader back to a time where the past meets the future. The real-to-life characters experience struggles, heartaches, joys and love just as we do. I loved Louisa's strength and giving heart and Jackson's integrity, faith and compassion. Maude and Mildred, the two widowed aunts, are full of wisdom and fun—I loved their enthusiasm for life. There are humorous moments, one scene involving a mule and motorcar had me laughing out loud—I still chuckle whenever I think about it. I also cried—some sad tears and some happy tears—along with the characters and was on the edge of my seat during some suspenseful situations. There are more unexpected surprises that take the story-line in directions I had not anticipated. The descriptions of the country side, town and Edwardian era are so well written I could envision it all as I read along. I enjoyed the historical aspects in the story and how they were woven throughout the story seamlessly. Instead of one romance there are actually four. Rita Gerlach has written a remarkable story that will stay with me for a long time.

CFP: Thanks so much for coming on board with CQ as a Reader/Reviewer, Tina!!!