This week I got the best book mail:
It was a box of books from many of the authors that will be on Book Talk in the spring season. I felt like a kid at Christmas. I’ve already interviewed the Revell Authors and cannot wait for you to hear these interviews. And I’m so excited to start the next round today with… drum roll… Jerry B. Jenkins. Gulp 🙂
But look at all these lovely books and the hard work and authors they represent. It’s going to be so very much fun to talk with all of these amazing writers. Do you have any questions you’d like me to ask them? And I have a mystery author who I am still a bit agog about. It’s been so fun to see what’s happened with this little project of mine.
There are so many great books coming out, I thought I’d tell you about a couple I’ve read in the last couple weeks.
Many of you know and adore Jody Hedlund. I’ve known Jody for years, but I haven’t read as many or her books as I’d like. Then I read one like this, and I want to find a week on an isolated island and inhale them all. Calling on the Matchmaker was filled with such vibrant characters that it pulled me into the pages and only let go reluctantly.
Calling on the Matchmaker is a richly detailed historical novel that firmly deposited me in the world of 1849 St. Louis. Finola Shanahan has committed to a life in a convent, but her family is opposed. In fact her father his hired an Irish matchmaker to see her finely betrothed and married after eleven failed attempts. Riley Rafferty is a widower who is determined not to remarry until he is asked to reconsider. Reluctantly he does so, and his consistent efforts to save others plays at odds with Finola’s desperate need for a safe, ordered life. Both leading characters have a deep pain in their past that shadows their current moments and what’s possible in the future. Calling on the Matchmaker has some heat that is sweetly tempered with self-sacrifice and a commitment to what is best for the other. I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to those who love a good historical romance.
I have long adored Julie Klassen’s books. I’ll never forget reading her first, Lady of Milkweed Manor, and realizing I loved the Jane Austen timeperiod after all. Since then I think I’ve read most of her books, and look forward to diving into the worlds she creates.
While her early books were stand alones that independently told stories of the time, this series is simiar to her most recent Tales from Ivy Hill. and On Devonshire Shores. These are sweeping series that focus on one town and family. With A Winter by the Sea, Julie Klassen has created a new set of characters that are rich and will pull you in. The sisters are delightful and the interchange between them is engaging and real. These are cardboard cutout dolls, but people I could imagine in my mind’s eye. Over the course of the rich 429 pages of plot, there are so many lovely forays into characters, history, journeys, and more. It’s so engaging, sweet, and vibrant. I felt swept away each time I opened the pages.
If you enjoy historicals, and adore the Jane Austen timeperiod, then I can highly recommend A Winter by the Sea. I loved it and think you will, too.
Also if you’re looking for a Christmas read, I’d be grateful if you check out We Three Kings. You can find links to your favorite retails by clicking the link or the image. When you read this or any book, if you’d take a moment to leave a review, I’d be grateful. So much of the way that readers discover our books is through visibility — and the algorithms partly determine visibility through the number of reviews. It can be a slow process to get to the magical number of 50 and 100 on Amazon. It doesn’t have to be a full review. Even leaving stars that represent your impression of the book is helpful. Thank you! And to celebrate, I’m giving away one more copy below.
Have you read any of these Christmas books? What’s your favorite Christmas read?
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I’m so looking forward to our Book Talk, Cara. Although, I’m a little jealous. You got your print copy of If the Boot Fits before I did. Ha! I’m not surprised that your podcast has taken off. You have such a warm, welcoming way about you that naturally draws people in. Both the authors you interview and the readers who listen.
Thanks, Karen. I’m so excited to have these next round of conversations. And can’t wait for us to connect again.
Just finished Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson (all about paying it forward).
I haven’t read that one, Becky. It sounds good.
Almost all of the books pictured are on my list to read and include many of my “must read” authors. I’m reading All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon. I expected it to be a light rom-com type of book but it is so much more. The inclusion of faith is genuine as is the discussion of mental health issues (panic attacks) and social anxiety. It’s very good.