My Review of Heart of Gold

Here's a description of the book:

"Against Shannon's wishes, love stakes its claim in her heart. Will she discover treasure or treachery?

When Shannon Adair accompanies her minister father to the western gold rush town of Grand Coeur, she's certain she'll never be happy away from her beloved Virginia, even though the South is still gripped in civil war.

Wells Fargo driver Matthew Dubois isn't sure the lovely Shannon belongs in Idaho Territory either, but he is a desperate man. His widowed sister is dying and leaving her young son, Todd, in his care. Matthew wants to return to driving coach for the express company soon—so he'll have to find a wife to look after the boy when he's away.

Shannon is determined not to lose her heart to a man who is neither a Southerner nor a gentleman. But love stakes its claim. Now, will her heart survive learning the truth behind the courtship?"

My Rating

Spring

My Review

Hatcher's words flow sweetly in Heart of Gold. With an emphasis on dealing with the difficult changes in life - moving to a different home, losing a loved one, making sacrifices - this book is a bit more serious than her fun "Sisters of Bethlehem Springs" series, but it's still told in Hatcher's gentle and encouraging style.

The echoes of cannon fire and gunshots from the Civil War create the background noise for this story of one genteel woman out of her element in the West, one speed-hungry Wells, Fargo man out of his element with family to care for, and another courageous and loving woman and her son who bring these two together.

While there is some suspense involved, it never quite takes center stage. I would have liked some more adventure and plot twists, but I appreciated seeing the characters' growth (not perfection, but approaching maturity). If you're looking for exciting and unique historical romance, Heart of Gold doesn't really deliver in that way. However, it does offer a quick, sweet, meaningful story that takes a look at what it means to really have a heart of gold.

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing through the Booksneeze program for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

My Review of A Matter of Character

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

"Who says a woman can’t keep a secret?

It's 1918, and Daphne McKinley, heiress to a small fortune, has found contentment in the town of Bethlehem Springs. But Daphne has a secret.

A series of dime novels loosely based on local lore and featuring a nefarious villain known as Rawhide Rick has enjoyed modest popularity among readers. Nobody in Bethlehem Springs knows the man behind the stories … except Daphne.

When newspaperman Joshua Crawford comes to town searching for the man who sullied the good name of his grandfather, Daphne finds herself at a crossroads, reassessing the power of her words, re-thinking how best to honor her gifts, and reconsidering what she wants out of life."

My Rating: Spring/Summer

My Review:

A Matter of Character is a sweet, fun, and meaningful conclusion to "The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs" series. As much as I loved Fit to Be Tied (the second book in the series), I think this one just might be my favorite!

With a very relatable heroine, a conflicted hero to make your tummy flutter, and some interesting plot twists, this book turned out to be a quick and satisfying read. Hatcher is very adept at her craft, as shown by the fluidity of her words and scenes. Plus, I just love how the title was explored as a theme throughout the book, looking at what character really is and what it means to live out a godly character. As the heroine is a novelist/writer, I found that some of her internal struggles were ones I could understand, especially the question as to whether one should write for pure entertainment or to convey the truth. Very enjoyable book!

*With thanks to Pepper from The Writers Alley blog for my copy of the book, which I won during a giveaway.*

Note: Most of this review first appeared on a post for The Borrowed Book blog.

Book Trailer:

End of Summer Bash with Robin Lee Hatcher!

We're continuing the Bash with author Robin Lee Hatcher! You can find Robin at her website and at her blog.

So glad you could join us today, Robin!

Amber: What is your favorite part about late summer?

Robin: The wonderful part about living in the NW is that the nights cool off about 30 degrees from the day time highs. Beginning in late August, there is a particular "scent" in the early evening air as temps fall that tells my brain Indian summer is nearly upon me with autumn soon to follow. It makes me think of August evenings at the Western Idaho Fair, of cotton candy and carmel apples and carnival lights.

Amber: Yay for the fair! ;) If you were planning an “End of Summer” party for your family and friends, how would you envision it? Would you want a beach party, a picnic in the park, a neighborhood barbecue, or something else entirely?

Robin: On a hot Saturday afternoon, I would float the Boise River in inner tubes and rafts, ending at Ann Morrison Park where we would have a picnic and play croquet and/or volleyball.

Amber: As autumn appears on the horizon, what do you anticipate about this next season the most? Do you have any fall traditions or memories you would like to share?

Robin: Boise is The City of Trees, and there is nothing I love so much as the changing of leaves in late September and early October. I revel in the fiery reds and bright yellows as I drive to church on Sunday mornings.

Amber: Of the books you have written, do you have a favorite? If so, which one is it and why is it your favorite?

Robin: Picking a favorite book is like picking a favorite child. I just can't do it. Each book was written because there was a story I wanted to tell at that point in time. However, I do have a few favorite characters: Cleo and Sherwood from Fit To Be Tied; Miriam from Ribbon of Years; and Katie from Catching Katie.

Amber: What’s next in your writing career? We would love to hear about any upcoming releases!

Robin: I'm currently at work on my next historical romance. Title is still subject to change so I won't mention it. Readers can look for a new series and a stand-alone historical beginning in 2011 and after. Plus Zondervan will be reissuing some of my older, out of print titles, and I'm delighted that these earlier books will get a breath of new life. I don't know release dates yet or I would share those with you.

Amber: Thank you so much for joining us today, Robin, and for helping us celebrate the transitioning seasons!

Would you like a chance to win the second book in Robin's "The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs" series? I have a gently used copy of Fit to Be Tied that I'm going to offer to the first person who correctly answers all five of the following questions:

1. What was my birthday party theme?

2. What two books did we discuss in June?

3. Where was I traveling to when I posted from an airplane in July?

4. Which Food Network star showed up at the Humboldt County Fair this year (my home county's fair)?

5. What summer post/themed week did you enjoy the most?

With the exception of the last question, which is simply asking for your opinion, the answers to the other questions can be found in this blog's archives for the summer months (June, July, and August).

Again, the first person to correctly answer all 5 questions in the comment section below wins Fit to Be Tied! However, please note that you must leave your e-mail address in the comment section and you must have a U.S. mailing address. Good luck!

Also, I'd love to hear anyone's and everyone's answer to the fifth question, whether or not you are the first one to comment. And be sure to leave a comment for Robin, too!

"Sharing a Smile" Saturday 5

Happy Saturday to ya'll!

First, I want to thank my readers for making "A Week at the Movies" so fun! I loved all of the comments--it was great to hear your thoughts! Next week's theme is "Let's Go Camping!" Of course we'll have to start getting things set up on Monday, like pitching tents and building the campfire. But then get ready for some great fun in the great outdoors! Hope to see you there!

To share my excitement about Camping Week, here's a video I found on YouTube of one of the cutest commercials ever (with a camping theme!):



Bonus Review of A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher:

From the Zondervan website: "Beautiful and single, Guinevere Arlington knows her 'place' in the early twentieth century. She just refuses to stay there. Gwen loves her life in Idaho—the mountains, the town, her independence. But when she runs for mayor—and falls in love with her opponent—Gwen realizes winning may come at too high a price."

My Rating: Spring

My Review:
First, I must make a confession: I read the second book in this series (Fit to Be Tied) before I read this one (which is the first book in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series). Happily, though, I still really enjoyed A Vote of Confidence, even though I knew some parts about the story before reading it.

This book was a fun read! It was a sweet romance story that could be considered to be a bit slow-paced. However, it was great getting to know Gwen and learning with her the need for trusting God and His will, as well as the importance of relying on others. I admired Gwen's independent spirit, but I also appreciated her lesson in humility. And the romance in this story is so gentle and beautiful. Morgan (the hero) is a man one can respect and rely on, and it was great watching him fall in love. And I'll say it again--even after knowing the end result of this story, it still was a pleasure to read it!

I also highly recommend Fit to Be Tied, the second book in the series. I think I might like it better than the first (I just love Cleo's character and the unlikely romance in this story!). I hope I get a chance to read the third book coming out soon: A Matter of Character.