Quote for the Day

First Line Fridays

I was browsing through books online the other day, and I came across this story.  I have a few of Colleen Coble's books that are on my never ending to-be-read list.  :)  Recently, I told someone--I wish I could just stop and read for hours everyday.  Wouldn't that be lovely?! 

Did you get any snow where you live?  It was so nice to see, since I seldom see snow where I live, but it was so cold!  Since February will be our next First Line Friday, I wanted to say happy January!  I hope all of you are having a lovely start to the new year.  Happy reading! 

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  To Love a Stranger

by Colleen Coble 

And the first line is...

Boston, Massachusetts, 1868

"What are you doing in my room, Bessie?" 

Happy reading and happy Friday!  

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 

The Lacemaker - My Review

As I was reading The Lacemaker, my thoughts drifted back to my time in Williamsburg, Virginia.  When I was in graduate school at Liberty University, I visited this small historic town, and after entering each unique building, I was momentarily transported back to another time period.  I remember visiting a bookbinder shop, which Frantz mentions in this novel, and I it was so amazing to hear how delicate a process this was.  These men cared for books in such a gentle and precious way because to own a book was quite priceless.  Not everyone could hold or purchase such a luxury.  Knowing this about history reminds me how grateful I am to own such a book collection.

Frantz’ story takes place in Williamsburg, Virginia during a time of much strife.  There are opposing thoughts and beliefs on every side, because so many individuals want to separate from England.  However, there is another side that wants to stay true to the Crown of England.  As she tries to discern the motives of those around her, Lady Elisabeth finds herself in the middle of this conflict.  Trusting people does not seem to come easy and her feelings of constantly missing her mother makes life even more difficult.  Even though she is supposed to marry, the days leading to the blessed event fill her with confusion and fear.  Why would those closest to her leave her side without a word? 

It is also interesting to read the conversations among the male characters in this novel, because they are discussing well-known individuals who are living among them.  Patrick Henry and George Washington are a just a few of the names mentioned during their meetings.  For the reader, learning about how certain characters view the world around them at this time makes for a better understanding concerning this climax in history.  

If you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend checking this novel out.  I love the question on the back of this book: “It is the eve of a new age of freedom in the colonies.  But can a proper English lady dare hope for her own independence?”  What a great question to ask and answer!  Happy reading!    

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy.

When colonial Williamsburg explodes like a powder keg on the eve of the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson is abandoned by her fiancé and suspected of being a spy for the hated British. No one comes to her aid save the Patriot Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Liberty is left with a terrible choice. Will the Virginia belle turned lacemaker side with the radical revolutionaries, or stay true to her English roots? And at what cost?

Historical romance favorite Laura Frantz is back with a suspenseful story of love, betrayal, and new beginnings. With her meticulous eye for detail and her knack for creating living, breathing characters, Frantz continues to enchant historical fiction readers who long to feel they are a part of the story.

Amazon / Goodreads

Award-winning, bestselling author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

Readers can find Laura Frantz at: www.laurafrantz.net 

Leanna Crawford - Crazy Beautiful You

First Line Fridays

Everyone knows I love mysteries, so I am excited to highlight a new book by Ellery Adams this week.  :)  I've read several of her books, and they are always very good.  My favorite series of books from Adams would have to be The Book Retreat Mysteries.  The title alone is wonderful!  The setting takes place at Storyton Hall--where book lovers come to read and relax--what could be more perfect?!    

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  The Secret, Book, and Scone Society

by Ellery Adams 

And the first line is...

A book must be an ice-axe to break the seas frozen inside our soul.  ~Franz Kafka  

"The man on the park bench stared at the empty space above the knuckle of Nora Pennington's pinkie finger." 

Happy reading and happy Friday!  

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 

Quote for the Day

First Line Fridays

I am very excited to announce today's featured book for First Line Fridays, because it's the first line from my published story!  :)  I had the honor of submitting a piece that was picked and published in People Are Good, and I still cannot believe my story was chosen.  The word amazing is such an understatement!  Yet I am so thrilled to be part of this incredible book along with all the other wonderful authors who contributed to this work.

You can find my story in the section People Are Good...Even When Our Health Isn't, and the title of my story is Strawberries.

I pray that my story is encouraging to your heart, because that is its ultimate purpose.  The event I wrote about is special to me, and I hope it helps you find hope in world that can be quite bleak.  Ultimately, the Lord is my encourager, but I know He can use my life experiences to help others.

Thank you so much for all of your support!  

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  People Are Good: 100 True Stories to Restore Your Faith in Humanity

by AnnaMarie McHargue 

And the first line--from my story--is...

Strawberries 

"In 2006, my thoughts were focused on waiting for a liver and kidney transplant."  

Happy reading and happy Friday!  

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 

Victoria & Albert - The Love Story

Peter Pan - You Can Fly!

First Line Fridays

I keep seeing the My Heart Belongs series, so I thought I would feature one of their books this week.  :)  There are several I would like to read, but the novel by Erica Vetsch is on my Kindle, so I will highlight that one right now.  Happily, I will be reading and reviewing My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York, so make sure to visit my blog again soon in order to see my thoughts on this novel.  :) 

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas

by Erica Vetsch

And the first line is...

Trans-Pecos Territory of West Texas, 1874

"Only the army would think a place like this worth defending.  Priscilla Hutchens clamped her teeth together to keep them from rattling right out of her head.  Grabbing the wagon bow, she sought to find an anchor as the converted military ambulance jounced up a slight rise."  

Happy reading, happy Friday, and Happy New Year!  

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating!