"Losing Lincoln" by Stephenia McGee

Book Info" :The time has come when I must change my plan...."  

She thought she'd saved them all, but now a more nefarious plot emerges, increasing the stakes and threatening to bring a nation to its knees. 

Displaced, rejected, forsaken… 
Annabelle finds herself pulled farther from home and ever closer to the malicious repercussions of war. Elmira prison is filled beyond its capacity, and starving men are left shivering in threadbare clothing beneath paltry shelters. Among the thousands of captured and hopeless Confederates, she searches to find the one man who could be the key to saving her inheritance. 

Wounded, desperate, defeated… 
Matthew yearns for peace away from Washington. Yet, he can never seem to escape his ties to a frantic madman seeking vengeance. Lurking in the shadows at every turn, the cycle of retribution continually brings yet another danger, and Matthew will do everything in his power to protect the woman he loves – even if it means keeping her from the truth. 

In the final dark day days of war, Matthew sets his hopes on Annabelle. She could be the lighthouse that guides him out of the ever encroaching sea of chaos – if only they can allow love and trust to overcome their prideful hearts. 

Part two of The Liberator Series, a trilogy following the adventures and romance of Annabelle Ross and Matthew Daniels as they play a part in the dramatic conclusion of Abraham Lincoln's life. 
Book One - November 2015 
Book Two - April 2016 
Book Three – Summer/Fall 2016 

Author Info: Author Stephenia McGee is a wife, mother of two very active little boys, author, and lover of all things historical. Stephenia currently lives in Mississippi with her husband and sons where she writes stories of faith, redemption and life steeped in southern culture.

My Review: "Losing Lincoln" by Stephenia McGee is book 2 of (The Liberator Series) and just as exciting as the first book " Leveraging Lincoln" and the (Ironwood Plantation Series). I am anxiously waiting the next book in this series.

"Losing Lincoln" picks up where "Leveraging Lincoln" ends. I really recommend reading "Leveraging Lincoln" first to get the full impact of this series.

"Losing Lincoln" is based on history with a little fiction involved. The reader is reintroduced to old favorites from "Leveraging Lincoln" and introduced to new favorites. 

Not only is a new plot planned to kidnap Lincoln but the plot involves others and not only is kidnapping in the works but something much more dangerous.

I really like the way Stephenia McGee tells the story of the Civil War and involves the romance between Matthew and Annabelle and in "Losing Lincoln" we are introduced to maybe a new romance, at least this reader hopes so, maybe in the next book it will be continued. 

If you like Civil War stories and romances then you will like "The Liberator Series". 

I am so glad that Stephenia McGee gave me an arc copy of "Losing Lincoln" for my honest review and these opinions are my own.

I am giving "Losing Lincoln" 5 stars.

"Cleansed by Death" by Catherine Finger

Book Info  Christian Mystery / Thriller / Suspense. 

A KILLER IN HER BACKYARD. 

For four years, Josie Oliver has been Chief of Police of the quiet village of Haversport, Illinois. She’s kept her husband’s abuse a secret, until today. Adding to the chaos of her personal life, her old flame drags her into the FBI’s investigation of the Mentor Sister Serial Killer. 

As the Christmas holiday approaches, the serial killer escalates. And so does her husband, leaving Jo fighting for her marriage, faith, and fate. 

Cleansed by Death seamlessly weaves gritty, imperfect characters, faith, and white-knuckle suspense that will leave readers breathless and guessing until the end. 

Author Info: Dr. Catherine Finger is in her eleventh year of grateful service as superintendent of Grayslake Community High School District 127, a public suburban high school district serving over 3,000 students in northern Lake County, Illinois. Catherine sits on a number of leadership boards at the local, state, and national level, and is a frequent speaker in education and leadership circles. In addition to her ‘day job,’ she serves as an adjunct professor at Concordia University, working primarily with aspiring school superintendents. She has earned numerous awards for her service and leadership, including recently being named an Illinois Superintendent of Distinction in 2015, as well as Lake County Superintendent of the Year in 2014.

Catherine delights in her church family of New Hope Christian Community, where she hosts a Saturday morning women’s bible study, in addition to volunteering for a number of community service groups and projects. One of her passions outside of the superintendent’s office is writing Christian thrillers. The award-winning Shattered by Death is from her Jo Oliver Thriller series, and she is working on the third book of the series, Sacrificed by Death. Catherine’s first book in the series, Cleansed by Death, was releases in April, 2016, and Shattered by Death will be released in June 2016. In addition to her fiction work, Dr. Catherine Finger is also writing The Women Before Me, a leadership book featuring prominent educational and political leaders at the local, county, state, and national levels.

Learn more at CatherineFinger.com
Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CatherineFingerAuthor/

Review:

"Cleansed by Death" by Catherine Finger is a mystery but I found it to be more of a story about a marriage in trouble. Josie Oliver has been Chief of Police in Haversport, Illinois and is called  in to help hunt for a serial killer. The serial killer part is mention at the beginning but It doesn't really get into the story till the middle of it, when it gets personal to Josie. This story is told by Josie speaking.

This book is Christian fiction so I had a little trouble  accepting the old boyfriend flirting with her all through the book even though she was married. The first time God is really mention is in Chapter 16 except for the sentence "as if You are there" and then a little girl named Samantha believing in Him.

Ok I must mention that in one scene the main character Josie almost shoots herself in the mouth to kill herself.  Yes, I know that depression is real and even police suffer from it but I am just warning readers to be aware it is the book. Along with this, there is spousal abuse as well.

Ok. There are positive and beautiful things in this story as well. I love this scene in Chapter 18 "The dark pictures faded away, replaced by a sweet-smelling field of prairie flowers in a sunny valley, housed between lush mountains, on a beautiful day. A magnificent being stepped out from behind one of the mountains and revealed Himself to me. Somehow I knew it was God. He was glorious and beautiful beyond description. In His arms, He tenderly carried a little girl. He held her as if she were His child. It was me in His arms-a little girl girl version of me. He wrapped His strong arms around my little-girl self, overwhelming me with feeling of warmth and safety, peace and power. I closed my eyes for a moment, leaning into His pure warmth."  

I appreciate that the author has made these characters human with all the traits and faults that humans has but I would have liked a little more of the serial killer story and less of the marriage, especially  since the book is classified as a thriller but before I give the impression that I didn't like this book, that isn't the case I am giving it 4 stars. 

I will be watching for more books by Catherine Finger.

I was given a copy by the publisher  Hope Springs Books for my honest review and these opinions are mine own.

"The Imposter" by Suzanne Woods Foster Book Tour and Kindle Fire Give Away

Book Info 

A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . .

Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.

What she doesn’t need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow’s farm just when help is most needed–and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real or too good to be true? She’s been deceived once before, and she isn’t planning on experiencing it again.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author whose most recent novels include Anna’s Crossing and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Guest  Post from Suzanne Woods Fisher

If you think you have a pretty clear idea of what an Amish bishop is like—stern, authoritative, patriarchal?—have another think. David Stoltzfus in The Imposter is warm, kindhearted, a reluctant farmer, and quite attractive!

Sound like an unlikely character for an Amish novel? Maybe so, but David Stoltzfus is modeled after a bishop I met, years ago. This real-life bishop might be the most intelligent, thoughtful, spiritually sensitive, and well-read man I’ve ever met. We spent a morning talking Bonhoeffer in his Spartan living room, warmed by his woodstove.

I wanted to present the character of a bishop that best represented this man I’d grown to admire. So when it was time to create a proposal for a new series, I suggested ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ starring David Stoltzfus who was loosely based on this particular bishop.

Very loosely.

David Stoltzfus is a handsome, widowed father of six who runs a local bulk food store. His children are surprisingly nonconforming, outspoken, and fiercely protective of their clan. The real-life bishop is a farmer, happily married with four independently minded children, and looks…well, to be candid, he looks a little like Benjamin Franklin.

But here’s what they have in common: they both love to read, they love their families, and they love the work God has given them of tending a flock.

The Imposter begins as David Stoltzfus moves his family to Stoney Ridge for a fresh start, a new beginning. Things don’t start off well: his eldest daughter, Katrina, faces a crushing disappointment, his prodigal son Jesse has a bent for troublemaking, and then David realizes something fishy is going on in the little church.

A new life awaits the Stoltzfus family, but not the one they expected. Or wanted. But they are needed in Stoney Ridge, each one of them. Even Jesse. J

I hope you’ll feel as though you’ve made some new friends as you get to know David and his children. One thing I can promise: this bishop’s family will surprise you.

Happy Reading!

Warmly, Suzanne

www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

My Review: 
My first thought after reading "The Imposter" is I am never going to be able to write a review that is going to really say what I think about this book so I will just say "It is wunderbaar," which means wonderful in Amish terms. 
 
"The Imposter" by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first book of the series ( The Bishop's Family ). I cannot wait to read the second book "The Quieting". There is an excerpt from "The Quieting" at the end of "The Imposter" but no I didn't read this excerpt because it would make the waiting so much more harder. 

"The Imposter" is an Amish novel but I believed any reader of Christian fiction would enjoy it and learn new insights on the Christian life or at the very least hear truths they might have forgotten. That is why I read and I imagined that is why most readers read as well as to be entertained. 

"The Imposter"is a novel filled with most things that aren't in the average Amish novel, though that is changing along with everything else in the world but God's love, like a pregnancy out of wedlock and gambling and betrayal. All these things make the novel believable.If you read the "Stoney Ridge Seasons " series by Suzanne Woods Fisher you will recognize some of the characters from that series in "The Imposter" but you didn't have to nor do you need to read that series to get the full story from "The Imposter" as '" The Bishop's Family" series is a completely new series, it just takes place in Stoney Ridge.

Here are a few quotes that are from the book 1."But love can't find a way when hate has a hold on your heart." 2. "One thing I've learned in life, we're all just a few choices away from becoming just about any kind of person. Good or bad."  
3 . "But I've learned that there's far more to the Christian life than getting it right. There's living it right. Living it means working through the ordinary stuff." 4. "Why is it that here, coming to church,is where I feel such shame?" "Maybe that's what's supposed to happen," Andy said thoughtfully. "A few weeks ago your father said that part of coming to worship is to bring our shame to the altar." 

I hope I have persuaded you to read "The Imposter" by Suzanne Woods Fisher and if you aren't already a fan of Amish genre, this book just might turn that around! Suzanne Woods Fisher is a great author to try if you are looking for a new to you author and what is a better way to try a new author than with a new series.

I am giving "The Imposter" five star (I am sure you already knew that right).

I was given a copy of the book by Celebrate Lit and the author for an honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review, these opinions are mine

Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/1S8oHok
Suzanne is graciously giving away a Kindle Fire 7! 
Click to enter giveaway : https://promosimple.com/ps/941f

Tour Dates:

March 22: Quiet Quilter

March 23: Singing Librarian Books

March 23: Heidi Reads...

March 24: Splashes of Joy

March 24: Mimi Minutes

March 24: Mary Hake

March 25: cherylbbookblog

March 25: The Power of Words

March 26: Reading Is My SuperPower

March 26: Just Commonly

March 27: Giveaway Lady

March 27: D'S QUILTS & BOOKS

March 27: Cassandra M's Place

March 28: Through The Open Window

March 28: Lane Hill House

March 28: Marilyn Ridgeway (Guest blog)

March 29: Daysong Reflections

March 29: Rhonda's Doings

March 29: Debbie Dusty Deliberatons

March 30: A Greater Yes

March 30: Diana's Tea Time Reviews

March 30: Simple Harvest Reads

March 31: Texas Book-aholic

March 31: Griperang's Bookmarks

April 1: Blessed and Bewildered

April 1: Bukwurmzzz

April 2: Southern Gal Loves to Read

April 2: For The Love of Books

April 3: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

April 3: Blossoms and Blessings

April 4: Books! Books! Books!

"The Prophetess: Deborah's Story" (Daughters of the Promised Land Book 2 ) by Jill Eileen Smith

Book Info: Outspoken and fearless, Deborah has faith in God but struggles to see the potential her own life holds. As an Israelite woman, she'll marry, have a family, and seek to teach her children about Adonai--and those tasks seem to be more than enough to occupy her time. But God has another plan for her. Israel has been under the near constant terror of Canaan's armies for twenty years, and now God has called Deborah to deliver her people from this oppression. Will her family understand? Will her people even believe God's calling on her life? And can the menace of Canaan be stopped?

With her trademark impeccable research and her imaginative storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the story of Israel's most powerful woman in a novel that is both intriguing and inspiring.

Author Info: Jill Eileen Smith is the author of Desert Princess (ebook short) #1 Loves of King Solomon series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, the upcoming Daughters of the Promised Land series, and the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series. When she isn't writing, she can often be found reading, biking, traveling, spending time with friends, or snugging her feline writing buddy Tiger. She especially enjoys spending time with her family. 

To learn more about Jill or for more information about her books, visit her website at www.jilleileensmith.com. You can also contact Jill at jill@jilleileensmith.com. She loves hearing from her readers.

My Review:"The Prophetess: Deborah's Story" (Daughters of the Promised Land Book 2 ) by Jill Eileen Smith is a perfect example of why I read Biblical Christian. This book and every one of them ( I have all of her books but 2 and they are the Ebook Shorts "The Loves of King Solomon" and they are on my to be read list") have made the people of the Bible more real to me. 

"The Prophetess: Deborah's Story" (Daughters of the Promised Land Book 2 ) by Jill Eileen Smith is about Deborah ( the prophetess and judge in Judges 4 and 5 of the Bible. Through little is told in the Bible about Deborah, Jill Eileen Smith has written a true page turning novel beginning with when Deborah was a teenager and before she was a prophetess. 

This story is true to the Biblical account but of course since it is fictional as well,it has other characters that isn't in the true account. I really appreciate that the author has made Deborah a woman that has fears and she has doubts like we all do.  In this novel Deborah is a wife and mother as well as  woman of God. 

This novel doesn't read like the other novels written by Jill Eileen Smith but I think that is because of the subject matter, war and terrorism, a subject that isn't my cup of tea, but I am glad I read the book and I can honestly say Jill Eileen Smith has done it again! 

I am anxiously awaiting the next book by Jill Eileen Smith. I am giving "The Prophetess: Deborah's Story" (Daughters of the Promised Land Book 2 ) by Jill Eileen Smith five stars!

I was given a copy of "The Prophetess: Deborah's Story" (Daughters of the Promised Land Book 2 ) by the author for an honest review. I was not required to give an favorable one and these opinions are mine own. 

"Playing The Part" by Jen Turano Book Tour And A GiveAway

Book: Playing the Part

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan’s interest turns threatening. Lucinda’s widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta’s life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson’s estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there’s much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail’s matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can’t ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it’ll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

Author Information

Jen Turano is the best-selling, critically acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers.  Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist.  It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award.  Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013.  Her seventh book, Playing the Part, will release in the spring of 2016, followed by a new four-book series, The Wallflowers.  When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life.  She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by Susan Brower of the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. Her books may be found in most fine bookstores, or follow the Baker House Publishing link to find additional places to purchase her work.

My Review: 
"Playing The Part" by Jen Turano is the third book in the (A Class of Their Own) series. "Playing The Part" was a joy to read!

It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the other two first because It mentions characters from the other two and I think it enriched the story knowing how the characters all related to this story. But it is still a complete story if you don't read the other two.

This story has a little comedy and mystery and yes there is violence, but the violence isn't in great detail.

"Playing The Part" even has some Spiritual truths written within it's pages. I am including one of those truths in this review, "he believes God puts people on certain paths. And when you cross paths with a person who is in need, and you have the solution to that need, well, God expects you to put that solution to use."

While reading "Playing The Part" I could actually see the scenes happening.

I loved the ending but it left me wanting more books in this series.

I have to be honest and say that even though I liked this book and I am giving it five stars, a few times I though this is a little too much repeating of the same action (like shooting the cannons).

This story has a character that is a mysterious author, and dysfunctional families and a matchmaker.

The title really fits the story because the main character Lucetta Plum is an actor and must perform her best to save her life.

I was given a copy of "Playing The Part" by the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review. These opinions are my own.


Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/224mbnF
Link to giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/937b

Tour Dates: 

March 16: cherylbbookblog

March 16: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

March 17: Singing Librarian Books

March 17: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

March 18: Bookworm Mama

March 19: Reading Is My SuperPower

March 19: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

March 20: Faith * Love * Books

March 21: A Greater Yes

March 21: Southern Chelle

March 22: Splashes of Joy

March 22: Daysong Reflections

March 23: Bigreadersite

March 23: Texas Book-aholic

March 24: 100 pages per hour

March 25: simpleharvestreads

March 25: Karen Krayons

March 26: Buwurmzzz

March 26: Cassandra M’s Place

March 27: Jeanette’s Thoughts

March 27: The Power of Words

March 28: Two Girls and a Book

"Dancing Up A Storm": 9 Christian Short Stories

Book Description: A boxed set / anthology featuring the winners of the 2015 "Storming the Short Story - Dance Edition" contest, which was hosted by The Woodlands (Texas) chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). 

Table of Contents: 

“When I'm Gone” by Angela K. Couch 
First Place Romance 
Summer 1942. Just before the competition that could launch their careers as professional ballroom dancers, Elaine Mathews’s partner, James Larson, gets drafted into the army. Now, with her dreams and the man she loves hanging in the balance, Elaine must acknowledge what she’s most afraid to lose. 

“Dancing in the Rain” by Marion Ueckermann 
Honorable Mention Romance 
Their outdoor wedding planned for the middle of Africa’s rainy summer, chances are it’ll pour on Mirabelle Kelly’s bridal parade—after all, she is marrying Noah Raines. To make matters worse, the African Rain Queen, Modjadji, is invited to the wedding. Mirabelle must shun her superstitions and place her faith in the One who really controls the weather. 

“Dancing Hands” by Derinda Babcock 
First Place Contemporary 
Morgan hears, Toby doesn't. Their two worlds intersect and expand when the language of the hands allows them to sing, dance, and heal. 

“Teething Troubles” by Elizabeth Pina 
Honorable Mention Contemporary 
When dancing is replaced by diaper changes, Todd's life becomes one problem after another. Is it the beginning of the end for him and Maria, or just the teething troubles of a young marriage? 

“Fred & Ginger” by Steve Hooley 
Honorable Mention Contemporary 
When a new dance studio opens in his small town, Fred's boring life is totally disrupted. And even worse, the new owner, Ginger, reminds him of his late wife. When Ginger asks Fred for help, can he move out of his comfort zone and onto the dance floor of a new life? 

“Last Waltz” by Toby Quirk 
Honorable Mention Contemporary 
In the summer of 1969, the backlash from the war in Vietnam spread through cities and campuses all over America. The homecoming ball at West Point was about to become engulfed in the violence. 

"The Confession” by Kathrese McKee 
First Place Speculative 
Christine accepts one last assignment on Earth with her news crew to revisit treasured memories. Arrested as a spy, she has the option of dancing to her captors' tune or deciding what her confession will be. 

“Night Dance” by Gretchen E. K. Engel 
Honorable Mention Speculative.  
Kati is hired by a wealthy woman to find the cause of her son's illness. Lonan believes his parents want his younger brother to be their heir apparent and begins a search for his birth parents. The quest forces him to reconcile his past with his present. 

“The Dance of the Light Brigade” by Steve Hooley 
Honorable Mention Speculative 
Penult 666 has nearly destroyed the Earth and is moving in for the kill shot. David Benjamin's brigade of six hundred is chosen to lead the counter attack, a suicide mission. Can Benjamin set aside his personal pride in the brigade's performance and make the ultimate sacrifice to save the Earth? 

Proceeds from the sale of the anthology will be donated to the Scholarship Fund of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

My Review:"Dancing Up A Storm": 9 Christian Short Stories is a collection on nine short stories that are about dancing. I really enjoyed reading these stories.  I hope this isn't a spoiler alert but all the stories end on a happy note, yes the pun is intended. At first some of the stories don't seem to be happy stories at all but I really encourage you to keep reading.

There was one story "Night Dance" that I am not sure should have been included in a Christian collection, I say this because it was about elves and gnomes. But it was a good story. The other eight stories all quoted Scripture and mentioned the Bible.

This is a collection of different genres, so I am sure everyone could find one or more of the nine stories to enjoy.

The one I could most identify with is the "Teething Troubles". Teething Troubles is something that all of us experience in one way or another. To find out what I say that read "Dancing Up A Storm"

I am giving "Dancing Up A Storm" five stars and I was given a arc pdf file by the publisher Chalfont House for my honest review. These opinions are mine own.

"The Steeplechase" by Carrie Fancett Pagels with Character Interview and Review and A GiveAway

Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian 
Book Description :Martha Osborne fears for her six-year-old brother, who was shuffled off to boarding school when his British mother departed to England. 
Set in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in the build-up to the War of 1812, expert rider Martha plans to substitute for her older brother in a “race to the steeple” to win the prize—and a bet with Phillip Paulson, equestrian trainer at Yorkview Academy, to help have her little brother returned home. When Phillip stumbles upon the real reasons behind the secret race he finds he may not be able to keep his end of the bargain. Can he save Martha and her brother? And will his heart be lost in the process? 


Author Bio: Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of

Christian historical romance.  Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com

Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills

Facebook Author Page

Facebook Personal Page

Twitter 

Carrie Fancett Pagels, the author, interviews Phillip Lucien Paulson, hero of The Steeplechase, a book where “Early American meets Regency!” 

CFP: Phillip, you seem to be a confirmed bachelor.

“No madam, I am a confirmed bachelor, there is no “seem” about it, I fear!”

CFP: Why is that?

As the second son on the Paulson Estate, let us say that the young ladies of Tidewater found my older brother much more alluring.

CFP: (Interviewer coughs and blushes.) I find it hard to imagine a more handsome young man than you, Mr. Paulson.

“Why thank you. Please call me Phillip. Still, having had my heart stomped upon by a young woman who intended only to catch my brother has left me feeling quite justified in remaining a bachelor.”

CFP: I see. But there is a young lady I see you visiting when I go to Williamsburg.

“Ah, yes, Miss Osborne. She’s all goodness and light, is she not?”

CFP: Um, I think I’ll take the Fifth on that.

“The fifth? Is this some strange treatment using whiskey?”

CFP: No, no, excuse me, I merely meant that Martha Osborne isn’t exactly an angel.

(Phillip laughs.) “Yet she believes me to be angelic, which I have found rather sweet and amusing.”

CFP: Did you worry that she might be a little unbalanced, with this assertion of hers?

“No, I believe she’s a deeply religious young woman whose emotional distress caused her to overlook my very obviously unangelic behavior.”

CFP: Such as?

“I seriously doubt angels admire young ladies as I did when I met her in the bakery shop. But perhaps she didn’t notice. I’m sure that when I assaulted that rogue in her father’s chapel, that she clearly understood I was a man – and a very angry one!”

CFP: Johnny Osborne, Martha’s little brother, is one of the youngest students at the academy where you help with equestrian training. Is he a good rider?

“He’s a fair rider but much too young to be sent off to boarding school.”

CFP: Do you know why the academy accepted young Johnny then?

(He clears his throat.) “Yes, madam, but I am not at liberty to say why.”

CFP: But Miss Osbourne told me you were in agreement that he should be sent home to Williamsburg from Yorktown.

“Yes, it is true I agreed with her and even agreed to a challenge. However, I have certain reliable information that now calls that judgement into question.”

CFP: Hmmm. 

“I believe that shall be her reaction as well, upon learning of my change of heart.”

CFP: Your mother is French. Has that influenced you?

“Certainement. I’ve certainly been taught that every country, every culture, has it differences and its own ways of looking at things. And my mother had a difficult past in France that has affected my upbringing. I’ve been taught to be very appreciative of the freedoms I have as an American.”

CFP: Your father was an American patriot and served during the Revolutionary War. How has this impacted you?
(Long silence, scratches chin, looks around the room.) “When my father speaks, it is with a gravity, a certainty, of what is right. He does not waste time in idle chatter. So when I see him continuing to meet with his old comrades from war, I have been, of course, concerned.”

CFP: I see. This sounds serious.

“I assure you, madam, that with the prominent planters and elder statesmen of the Tidewater gathering together to consider the abduction of our young men by the British navy, it is indeed a serious concern.”

CFP: Is that why so many of our young Tidewater gentlemen (and a certain young gentlewoman!) plan to practice their equestrian skills in the race to the steeple at Grace Episcopal Church?

(Phillips makes a motion as though he is taking a key and locking his lips.)

CFP: Well, I thank you, Phillip, for taking time with us today.

(He rises, bows low, takes my hand and kisses it. If it weren’t for my husband nearby I might feel a little giddy!) “The pleasure is all mine, madam. Give my felicitations to all of your readers.”

My Review: "The SteepleChase" by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a simple novella of a time when the people in America was worried that Britain wanted control again. But is also a romance. This story has many plots between the pages, the most being a little six year old being sent to a boarding school because( almost a fairytale content, to me) a wicked stepmother and a father who is more interested in his own affairs.

This book has a few tense moments and I wasn't sure what the outcome would be. I really liked this novella but to be fair to my review readers I have to warn that there is a scene where a gun could have done damage to a person, ( I know some readers don't like to read this,) but to be fair, real life must be included into the books we read especially if we are reading Historical Fiction. 

I am giving "The Steepchase" by Carrie Fancett Pagels 5 stars. 

There is a little mystery left in the novella at the end because I am left hanging on what happened to the stepmother although to be fair that plot line is secondary to the race to bringing the child home from the boarding school. I wonder if maybe a sequel is in the future ?

I will be reading more of Carrie Fancett Pagels stories because each of her stories that I have read has drawn me into the pages and made me believe I am actually watching the scenes unfold as I turn the pages. 

Links to buy: 

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance (2^nd edition, January 2016)

The Steeplechase (Forget-Me-Not Romances, February 2016)

Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (White Rose/Pelican Book Group, June 2016)

Requilted with Love, in Blue Ribbon Brides collection (Barbour Publishing, November 2016)

The Substitute Bride: A Novella (October 2015)

The Christy Lumber Camp Series: Selah Award finalist The Fruitcake Challenge (2014), The Lumberjacks’ Ball (April, 2015), Lilacs for Juliana (August, 2016) (ALL three Family Fiction Book of the Year finalists)

“Snowed In”, in A Cup of Christmas Cheer, Guidepost Books (2013)

God’s Provision in Tough Times Lighthouse of the Carolinas (2013) 

Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a paperback copy (USA only) or ebook if preferred, of The Steeplechase.