Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Eternity Between us


About the Book:

After being forced to use a pistol against invaders, Evelyn Mapleton is no longer the timid girl her extended family expects. The more her aunt and cousin resent her new independence, the more Evelyn is determined she’ll make her missing father proud by taking up his cause and aiding Confederate soldiers—even if she has to outmaneuver the Yankees guarding her home to do it.
Samuel Flynn’s life is consumed with two priorities: learning to become a proper guardian for the young orphans he’s adopted and obtaining his physicians license. When his final testing sends him to a Federal Army field hospital, the last thing he expects is to be entranced by a mysterious woman. But when Evelyn’s misguided exploits put her life in danger, will he risk everything he’s worked for to save a woman he thinks is his enemy?

My Thoughts: I never really cared for history in school. It was always so boring to me and I could never remember one battle from the next. Stephenia McGee writes in such a way you forget you're reading historical fiction. The characters leap off the page and you forget they aren't real! 
When I was reading the scene where the Yankee soldiers broke down the door to Evelyn's Aunt Mary's house I could picture it so vividly in my mind's eye. She has a way of describing people, places and events that make them stand out to you but not bore you with too many details. 
I was hooked literally from the first sentence and couldn't put it down!! The story moves along at a nice place and even though there are historical events mentioned you don't get bogged down. There is just the right amount of drama and intrigue. You never know what's going to happen next. 
Evelyn was my favorite character, probably because I relate to her the most. I tend to feel like I don't belong no matter how hard I try. I seem to be the odd duck or just blend into the back ground. Unlike me though, Evelyn doesn't let this stop her! She is determined to make a difference in the cause she believes in at any and all cost. You have to admire her gumption! It's not an easy time for a lady to make a fuss and not know her proper place but she did it anyway simply because she felt it was the right thing to do. 
I could go on and on but I want you to read Eternity Between Us for yourself. When you do come back and let me know what you think!!
About the 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.
Twitter: @StepheniaHMcGee
Pinterest: Stephenia H. McGee

Giveaway!!
Reader Giveaway: Prize package includes: 1 signed paperback of Eternity Between Us, “I love God, coffee & Christian Fiction” book cover coffee mug, 1 ebook (reader’s choice), Her Place in Time audible audiobook, $25 amazon gift card, and a few southern goodies in celebration of the release of Eternity Between Us! (US address only)


Eternity Between Us by Stephenia H. McGee releases October 9, 2018

Monday, October 1, 2018

A Wells Landing Christmas


Travel back to Wells Landing with Amy Lillard's latest novel in her Wells Landing series. If you haven't read the other books in the series, not to worry, you can start here and not be lost.

Ivy Weaver never meant to be alone. She was in love with Zeb Brenneman and thought they would be together forever. When he left her and headed for Pinecraft she was devastated, but she had her family to keep her going. That is until her mom got remarried and moved to Indiana, and her grandfather losing his grip on reality more and more each day. Ivy wishes she had friends, anyone really, to unburden herself to, but she has no one. Viscous rumors about her have spread like wildfire throughout the community and she has no one to blame but herself.

Zeb Brenneman is shocked to find himself back home. He has no idea why he felt the need to come back, but he did and he's starting to think maybe it was a mistake. It's easy to fool yourself into thinking you're over someone when you don't see them everyday but when you're back home and she is the first person you see, well things are bound to get complicated. He didn't want to go to Pincraft, FL not really but Ivy told him to go and he figured a clean break would give them both a second chance. When he gets home and finds out not only about the rumors flying around about Ivy, but also that she's left caring for her ailing grandfather, Zeb feels a little guilt and quite a bit of protectiveness. Now if he could only get Ivy to see that he wants to help maybe they can be friends and heal both their hearts.

A Wells Landing Christmas isn't your typical romantic read. Zeb and Ivy have some major baggage and while it takes a  bit for what that exact baggage is you can feel her turmoil and grief. She struggles with trying to be an adult, work and take care of her grandfather. We all know how lonely it can be when you have no one to talk to. She worries that if her secret, that her grandfather isn't quite himself, gets out her mom will force them to move to Indiana. It's not what either she nor her grandfather, Yonnie want. She's determined to make the best of a rough situation.

Zeb had no idea his leaving would cause Ivy so much pain. In typical man fashion, he assumed she was thinking just like he was and him going away would make things easier on and for the both of them. Once he comes home however, he realizes everything he thought he knew was wrong. For one, he still loves Ivy, probably always has. His leaving sent her into a tail spin and he feels a like he has to fix it somehow. But how when Ivy won't look at him let alone talk to him.

Once you start A Wells Landing Christmas you won't be able to put it down. It is well written and the characters take on a life of their own. It's guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit and make you believe in faith, hope, and love. The only downside is it makes you want Christmas cookies and it's October!!

*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.