Catch a Falling Star -- A Review

Dr. Kendall Haynes wants it all. A career, friends, family, and a dog. As she realizes the only thing eluding her to make her dreams come true is finding Mr. Right, she wonders, “Was there any way to have it all—and be happy?” (See chapter four, page 62.) When she crosses paths with Lieutenant Colonel Griffin Walker, a grounded Air Force pilot who can’t seem to agree with her on anything, she begins to think Mr. Right might not even exist. With one of her friends planning a wedding, Kendall can’t help but wish upon a star for her own happily-ever-after fairy tale ending. But when life doesn’t go as she planned it, will her dreams come true or crash down around her?

When I read Beth K. Vogt’s debut novel, Wish You Were Here, I knew she was planning on sticking around the fiction side of writing (previously, she had only written nonfiction.) What I didn’t know was that, on her second time around, she would weave an even more intricate story with extraordinary supporting characters enhancing an already dynamic pair of leading characters. With all the individuals dealing with their own why-didn’t-life-go-as-planned issues, Catch a Falling Star was an intriguing novel that I didn’t want to put down. Beth has a lighthearted style of writing that flows well for an easy read that I breezed right through. It seemed like it wasn’t long enough, though it was chock-full of drama and angst, with a healthy dose of quick wit mixed in. Hopefully this author has decided to keep to the “dark side” of writing, as she is often quoted as calling her fiction ventures.

The theme of life not going according to plan was an interesting choice. At first glance, it would appear too simple, like it wouldn’t hold up to an entire novel’s worth of challenges and difficulties. But, as the story progresses—and the stakes are drastically raised on multiple levels—you realize that it perfectly reflects reality. As Kendall says in chapter eight (page 121), “A lot of us make plans, Griffin. And then life changes.” I find that to be true in my own life, as I’m sure you have, as well. Nothing stays the same. Hardly anything goes according to plan. I can’t say I always handle life’s abrupt alterations with a patient, optimistic mind frame. But I can tell you I always learn something from each new adjustment to my calendar of events. Since we’re going to be thrown curveballs in life, should we give up on catching falling stars and making our wishes? I don’t think so. God gives us dreams, hopes and goals in order to direct our footsteps to the things He wants to give us. Sometimes those “things” aren’t what we first thought they were. They’re better.

Now it’s your turn to chime in. When life doesn’t go according to plan, how do YOU handle it? Do you get frustrated and feel like screaming? Or do you calmly accept the turn of events without so much as a double take? Or does your reaction lie somewhere in between?

Please visit my friend Beth K. Vogt at her website, www.bethvogt.com. Find her also on Facebook and Twitter. Remember to pick up your copy of Catch a Falling Star, which came out to bookstores (online and brick-and-mortar) on May 7^th.

Thank you to Chris McCarthy and Howard Books for my copy of Catch a Falling Star to review.

And a big thanks to Beth for including me on her list of those to consider for the honor of receiving an advanced reader copy of her second novel. I appreciate you, Beth!

WINNERS from last week’s giveaway:

Rhonda, you won the notecards.

Susan, Rhonda, Darlene, and Janet, you won a copy of Carrie’s novella.

You should receive an email from Carrie soon, if you haven’t already. Thank you to all those who participated!

Carrie Fancett Pagels Guest Posts -- GIVEAWAY!!!

Recently, I had the privilege of reading Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance, the debut release of my new friend, Carrie Fancett Pagels. Today’s blog post is authored by Carrie, so please make her feel welcome!

What Surprised Me About My Debut Publication

That was one of the topics Andrea gave me and a pretty easy one to answer.  If anyone had told me a year ago or even at Christmastime that a Civil War novella would be my debut release I would have laughed and told them they were crazy.  You see in all my submissions out there (two-three book proposals, a stand alone full-length novel, and a colonial novella that I put on hold and another colonial project that got canceled because of the publishing house’s changes and another novella as part of a package out for two years now) I had only ONE Civil War blurb.  Not even a manuscript. But I’d had the idea in my head for a while and had percolated it.  And I have another Civil War story I’d like to do but it was not historical romance but a women’s fiction, so… 

Also if you’d told me I could finish the research, write the story, and have it published in under six weeks I’d also have thought you needed therapy.  And as a former psychologist (for twenty-five years) I might have offered it to you!  But God really provided!  I’d just pulled one three-book submission back to offer one of the stories to a publisher who requires exclusive consideration.  That left two orphan stories.  One was my Civil War story set at Shirley Plantation, a place I love to visit—the staff there is amazing!

I was surprised at how Julian Charity’s book “Courage at Home and Abroad” (which is a military history of Shirley Planation) helped me frame the backdrop for my story and how this young historian’s knowledge and helpfulness gave me the confidence that what I had was historically accurate.  I include information in the Editorial Notes about this process and some deviation in history.  This was, after all, a fiction. But I have been to Shirley so frequently that I feel I “know” these people who are long gone to be with the Lord—like Mary B. Carter, who really sounds like one of the godliest women and a mother with a burden for the Lord. 

I write mostly colonial fiction, have a blog “Colonial Quills” and founded the Colonial American Christian Writers group several years ago.  I live in the historic triangle of Virginia, known for its colonial and American revolutionary war history.  I can drive mere miles and be at many historic sites.  Most, however, were also the places where the Civil War took place.  So perhaps I shouldn’t be too surprised after all….

Carrie Fancett Pagels writes “romantic” historical fiction. Her debut, Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance, is a Kindle Civil War best seller. She and her family live in Virignia.

Please visit Carrie at her website: www.carriefancettpagels.com

GIVEAWAY: Carrie will be giving ONE person (chosen at random) a packet of beautiful Shirley Plantation notecards by artist Clark Goff. In order to be eligible to win, you must “Like” Carrie’s Facebook Author Page AND leave a comment here on this blog.

(Due to postage costs, this giveaway is open only to U.S. residents.)

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carrie-Fancett-Pagels/317053071710640?fref=ts

YOUR TURN: What is something that surprised YOU about the job you currently have?

Civil War Romance

Matthew Scott is a theater owner conscripted into the Confederate army against his will. Angelina Rose is a former slave with skin as white as that of the mistress of Shirley Plantation. Both Matt and Angie seek God’s plan for their lives but find it difficult to discern in the turmoil of the Civil War. When their paths collide, will their patience and trust in God keep them safe from harm? Will Matt’s mysterious past hinder them from tasting the blossoms of love?

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance provides a fresh, sweet voice to a period of American history remembered for its blood-soaked battlefields. Author Carrie Fancett Pagels shares her love of the past in a magnificent tale of mystery and forbidden love. Her talent and passion will ensure that future generations will glimpse the places their ancestors lived and died. This novella is a window into the pages of time. It’s a debut not to be missed!

As I read this eBook, the words transported me to a different time and place. The writing style appealed to each of my senses. In addition, the scenes, wardrobe and characters were so flawlessly expressed that their portraits were painted across my mind. This is one kind of writing I love to read because it left me breathless in admiration. God has given Carrie a gift that she gladly shares with the world.

A big THANK YOU to Carrie Fancett Pagels for my copy of her debut novella to review. My first professional request because of the writing talent God has given me . . . I’m flattered and very humbled.

 

Please visit Carrie at any of the following places:

http://carriefancettpagels.blogspot.com/

http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/

http://cfpagels.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Carrie-Fancett-Pagels/317053071710640?fref=ts

Her eBook Return to Shirley Plantation is currently available at:

http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Puras-Cry-Freedom-ebook/dp/B00C2EZ5L6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366659367&sr=8-1&keywords=return+to+shirley+plantation

Now it's your turn to tell your story. Can YOU trace your heritage back to the Civil War? Were you surprised at which side your ancestors chose to fight for?

Be sure to tune in next week. Carrie Fancett Pagels guest posts!

Hope Among Shadows

While reading Joanne Bischof’s debut novel, Be Still My Soul, I held my breath as Lonnie Sawyer struggled to earn Gideon O’Riley’s love. By the end of the book, I realized the difficult journey had been worth it. Lonnie had found her joy.

What I didn’t expect to discover in the second Cadence of Grace story, THOUGH MY HEART IS TORN, was that Cassie Allen (a mysterious minor character from book one) would try to spoil every happiness the O’Rileys had found by claiming she was Gideon’s rightful wife. Naturally, her claim caused heartache and sorrow for both Lonnie and Gideon, as evidenced in chapter 10, page 64: “The thought of losing Gideon struck Lonnie’s heart like a stone.” The world collapsed around them, and they wondered if they’d ever know joy again. Did they discover the true Source of peaceful joy? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

With Lonnie and Gideon struggling to overcome their heartache, my thoughts drifted to a similar track. How do we overcome sorrow? Author Joanne Bischof hinted at the answer in chapter 18, when Gideon said, “Lonnie, I would do anything to earn your forgiveness.” Though forgiveness is not earned but freely given, seeking the precious treasure from God is the first step to our joy returning.

THOUGH MY HEART IS TORN is a beautifully written struggle to unearth joy in the midst of shattered dreams. Joanne paints a stunningly sorrowful tale infused with a sparkling streak of hope that satisfies the reader’s heart. This book will leave you anxiously awaiting the third installment in Joanne Bischof’s Cadence of Grace series.

You may order THOUGH MY HEART IS TORN from Joanne Bischof’s website: http://www.joannebischof.com/

The author may also be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/joannebischof?fref=ts

How have YOU overcome heartache and sorrow?

Thank you to WaterBrook Multnomah for my copy of Though My Heart Is Torn for this review.

Construction Zone!

The challenges of writing are many. From unplanned plumbing problems and hand cramps to illnesses and rejection letters, the odds certainly stack up against an aspiring writer. So, what’s a person to do when a brick wall looms overhead, effectively blocking the path to wherever the writing journey may lead?

Build a ladder!

I’m not talking about an ordinary ladder. No, that wouldn’t do the trick in the least. The ladder I speak of is more a collection of people and items that, once stacked perfectly together, will allow the novelist to scale that impregnable wall and step into the future.

As with most things, it’s wise to begin by laying a firm foundation. What better way than devoting time to God? As Christian authors, our help, inspiration and words come from the Lord. If we don’t spend quality quiet time with our Savior, our ladder will wobble, shake and fall.

Once the foundation’s set, it’s time to set the rungs in place. The first few are formed by carving out writing time. If you’re anything like me, your life is packed with events, appointments and everyday living that instigates unpredictability. Squeezing in time to pen chapters on your latest work in progress may be the biggest challenge of the day. Whether it’s a couple hours here or a few minutes there, be sure to unearth moments to focus your efforts on jotting down your story.

The next several handholds consist of your core support group. A spouse, parent, friend or critique partner may be these essential people. This small flock of folks believes in your ability and dreams. They become your personal cheering squad long before you think you’ll ever see your name in print.

Research tools provide the next steady grips. Books are handy forms of research because you can mark pages with sticky notes for easy reference. The internet and personal interviews are also invaluable resources available when you’re preparing to dive deeper into the details that make your stories come alive. Experience may be the best tool of all since it brings a sense of reality to your writing. Whatever you do, don’t stop collecting research tools. They’ll come into play often on your writing journey.

Your ladder wouldn’t be complete without relaxation time. This time is crucial, in my opinion. You may spend it alone or with family or friends. The key is that it allows you to unwind from the craziness you’ve created in the land of fiction and get out of your own head for a while. When you’re focused on relaxing, the time away from your story should broaden your mind and enhance your writing the next time you sit down and ‘play’ with your imaginary friends.

Now that you’ve finished building your ladder, lean it up against that mountainous wall of roadblocks and climb. I think you’ll be surprised to see what’s waiting for you!

Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Top photo courtesy of Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

An Alaskan Love Story . . . Or Two

Have you ever received advice that completely changed your point of view? Your life?

Little does singer Ginny Marshall know that when she sets out on a journey to Glacier Bay, Alaska, the advice that changes her life forever will come from a love story chronicled in letters written over 80 years ago. Ellie's story, captured in hand-written letters, brings flashes of hope and a fresh outlook on life to a confused and heartsore Ginny. Can Ginny learn from Ellie's experiences how to trust God to heal the pain born from her broken past? Will she allow God to help her choose which path she should take in her life's journey? Will she sort out all her problems too late for a second chance with the man she loves?

Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss masterfully co-wrote a beautiful story of history, experience, advice, a love lost and rediscovered. The authors' hearts are very evident in every piece of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Most likely, that's the reason I feel this novel is an emotional roller coaster well worth riding. Plus, it's a story within a story, which is an intriguing style the authors perfectly captured, if you ask me.

One of my favorite characters in Glacier Bay, Alaska is Grandma Ethel. With her spunk, advice and overt matchmaking attempts, she adds a spicy flavor that kept me flipping pages -- and sometimes laughing until my stomach ached! Something she told Ginny on page 157 really leapt off the page at me. "I want to be around to discover God's good plan for sending you up here. That's more exciting than any novel." As a writer, this comment of Grandma Ethel's made me giggle. As a tutor who has seen God's good plan taking form in many young lives, it had me nodding with a knowing smile upon my lips.

The Lord's magnificent plan comes alive all around us. I believe Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, reveals this in its setting, history and people. I wouldn't mind journeying to Glacier Bay, Alaska sometime in the future to experience the community and heart that defines the tiny town of Gustavus, the entryway into Glacier Bay.

I hope you get a chance to read the sweet adventure that is Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Perhaps, some far-off day in your future -- or nearer to now -- you'll make plans of your own to visit Gustavus.

Here's where you may visit the authors and order your copy of their co-written novel:

Tricia Goyer: http://triciagoyer.com

Ocieanna Fleiss: http://ocieanna.com

You may find them both on Facebook as well.

Was your own love story an easy journey on paved roads or filled with the potholes of adventure? Did you receive good or bad (or a little of both) advice along the way? Please share your story in the comment section below.

Be Still My Soul

Recently I met Joanne Bischof via e-mail and discovered a sweet, caring and thoughtful personality. Eager as I was to purchase and read her novels, my book budget had already been met for the month of March. So, imagine my surprise and elation when I realized her title BE STILL MY SOUL was available to review at Blogging for Books. I swiftly snatched at the opportunity presented and began reading the electronic version on my Kindle.

When Lonnie Sawyer's pa forces her to marry a man she doesn't love, she's grateful to escape her father's abusive hand. She hopes for a bright future, but it's evident from the beginning that her marriage will require heaps of work and patience, not to mention sacrifice. Before long, her new husband, Gideon O'Riley, reveals his resentment to being tied down by a bride, with little money and no land to his name capping off his frustration. Will Lonnie find in her heart the capacity to love this unlearned, impatient man she's avowed to? Will she discover that God has prepared enough strength and long-suffering for such devastating circumstances? Or will she become bitter before time can unveil a chance at happily ever after?

With a timeless quality and an entire cast of unforgettable characters that will steal your heart, BE STILL MY SOUL is bound to capture you immediately. It'll take you on a journey fraught with snares, difficult decisions and new-found freedom. You might find it hard to decide which character to root for. Whichever you choose, this book may shed new light on who you are as a person. You'll soon find yourself asking: Do I have the courage it takes to become the person God intended me to be?

Joanne Bischof began her debut novel with a simple, inspiring verse, Psalm 30:5.

"Weeping may endure for a night,

but joy cometh in the morning."

The story that followed was anything but simple. From the setting to plot to characterization, it oozed complexity but not in an overwhelming way. The author's heart is visible in every aspect of creativity and style, especially in the heartbreaking scenes. Her passion is present in each word on every page. It's obvious that Joanne has been given the talent of storytelling. The proof is in her knack for bringing modern-day issues to historical fiction in an incredibly seamless fashion. Keep your eyes out for this lady. She's certainly on the rise!

Visit www.joannebischof.com to learn more about Joanne Bischof, discover fun facts about BE STILL MY SOUL and reserve your copy of the novel.

How have you found Psalm 30:5 applies to your life?

This e-book was given to me by WaterBrook Multnomah for this review.