The Parting Gift

This book was a delighful Christmas Novella. A father looses the love of his life, and his son all in one day. One to death, the other to his own grief.  Stubborn hard hearts turn colder as time progresses till not even the shell of a father and son relationship remain.  Years later a dying wish brings hope to a forsaken home, and a nurse is determined to make that wish come true. You gotta love a book historically based after the World Wars and so full of that spunk that was true to the era!  The nurse edge completed that "feel" for me. 

I really enjoyed this book! by the end I was in tears, not because it was so sad, but because the ending was so emotionally satisfying and beautiful! While addressing issues of betrayal, unforgiveness and destroyed relationships, the authors brought the entire book full circle redeeming everything that was broken.  This is not easily done, especially in such a eloquent manner without a hint of being trite. The romance is braided with interwoven strands of hope and grace.  While having a strong Christian theme, the book is not preachy, rather the Christian themes in the book are what make the book so emotionally captivating and heartfelt.

I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Rachel Van Dyken's books.  If you haven't checked out her other titles, I'll post those links as well as the link to purchase "The Parting Gift." 

The Parting Gift   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006DTZ28C/ref=cm_cr_error
The Ugly Duckling Debutaunte  http://www.amazon.com/The-Ugly-Duckling-Debutante-ebook/dp/B005PTY15G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1322290207&sr=8-2
Every Girl Does It  http://www.amazon.com/Every-Girl-Does-It-ebook/dp/B0052FZVS4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1322290207&sr=8-4

Snow and a Good Book

What is it about snow that makes you want to curl up with a good book, a hot cup of tea/coffee/cocoa and snuggle under a quilt while watching the snow fall?  That was me today.  We had our first real snow.  "Real" meaning we got an inch rather than a few flurries.  I picked up an old Zebra romance I picked up at a used bookstore and lost myself in the simple story with a cup of hot cider.  While reading I was stuck with the idea that reading is a comfort, like chicken soup is a comfort food when your sick.  Reading is a comfort food for my soul.  As I read my imagination takes off and I can stay in my snug house surrounded by those I love, and have an adventure, or "watch" someone fall in love for the first time.  The snow outside magnified that comfort feeling because of the great feeling of, "it's freezing outside and I'm snug inside."  You know that feeling.  Its the same one you get when the wind is howling outside your window and you hear the rain pelt the glass and you squirm under the covers of your bed and revel in the warmth and comfort of your bed.  I love that feeling.  Today I was reminded just how great book can be on a cold, blustery, snowy day.  What is your favorite thing to do inside on a "snow"day? 

Review on "Double Crossing" by Meg Mims

Reading "Double Crossing" by Meg Mims was quite an adventure.  Being a fan of " Reilly's Luck" by L'amore, I was really looking forward to another adventure in the wild west. Meg did a wonderful job of including historical towns, stations and protocol that were very accurate to the time period.  Her "hint of romance" truely was that, a hint.  The main story was based on the desperate attempt to not only find the deed to the mine, but find her father's killer while remaining alive herself.  A compliment to Meg Mims and her editor, there weren't any distracting editing issues, the format was clean.  I don't want to put to much of the story in the review, I want others to find out for themselves, but know this, I never knew riding a train could be so dangerous, or thrilling.  "Double Crossing" was full of life, a spunky heroine, filthy villans and a lot of adventure. 

"Double Crossing" by Meg Mims

This week we're visiting with Astraea Author, Meg Mims! Her new release, "Double Crossing," is fantastic, I can say this because I've read it.  I'll post a review later this week, but for now, here's a blurb from Meg on this thrilling western:

DOUBLE CROSSING

 A murder arranged as a suicide … a missing deed  … and a bereft daughter whose sheltered world is shattered.

August, 1869: Lily Granville is stunned by her father’s murder. Only one other person knows about a valuable California gold mine deed — both are
now missing. Lily heads west on the newly opened transcontinental railroad, determined to track the killer. She soon realizes she is no longer the
hunter but the prey.

As things progress from bad to worse, Lily is uncertain who to trust—the China-bound missionary who wants to marry her, or the wandering Texan who
offers to protect her … for a price. Will Lily survive the journey and unexpected betrayal?

Please leave Meg a comment if you have any questions about her new book or questions from our interview!