Fantastic Conclusion (with GIVEAWAY and author chat) -- My Daughter's Legacy

My Daughter's Legacy is a fantastic conclusion to the Cousins of the Dove series by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould.

This book, like the first two of the series, is a beautifully told story of a family's legacy -- and family secrets -- through multiple generations.  The surface level mysteries involve a group of modern-day cousins and their traumatic childhood memories.  Important pieces needed to solve the mystery, though, are found in the story of strong ancestors which unfolds during the difficulties of the Civil War.

As I understand the process, Mindy Starns Clark was responsible for most of the modern-day story and Leslie Gould for the historical elements.  These two authors did a remarkable job of collaborating and bringing together their stories which sprang from very different beginnings.  The characters from both time periods are well developed, and their stories are compelling.  They are masterfully weaved together to form a beautiful tale of strength, conviction, and faith.

Fans of great historical and modern fiction should thoroughly enjoy My Daughter's Legacy.  I would highly recommend that for the best enjoyment you read the entire series in order.  Click on the titles for my reviews of My Brother's Crown and My Sister's Prayer.
 
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing a copy of My Daughter's Legacy.  I was happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

See what other reviewers have to say about the book here.

About the Book:

A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God’s leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last

Virginia, 1864
Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love—whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor—ever fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day
Nicole Talbot’s life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she’s finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family’s legacy, she must risk all that she’s gained—her fresh start, her family’s trust, and her growing relationship with a new man—to unlock the secrets of the past.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Meet two women in different eras but both with unfailing conviction in Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould's new book, My Daughter's Legacy. Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

Celebrate the release of Mindy and Leslie's new book by entering to win the $75 Visa Cash Card Giveaway (details below) and by attending their author chat party on August 1!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of My Daughter's Legacy

• One $75 Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 1. The winner will be announced at the My Daughter's Legacy Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Mindy, Leslie, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st! 

About the Authors:

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania. Find out more about Mindy at http://mindystarnsclark.com.

Leslie Gould, a former magazine editor, is the author of numerous novels, including "Beyond the Blue" and "Garden of Dreams." She received her master of fine arts degree from Portland State University and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children. Find out more about Leslie at http://www.lesliegould.com.

A new series, with a giveaway -- A Letter from Lancaster County

A Letter from Lancaster County is the first in a new series by Kate Lloyd.

The premise of the story -- sisters with a second chance at their relationship -- is a good one, and it does provide some interest throughout the book.  I have to say, though, that I found some problems with this book.

Reading a story told from multiple points of view is not usually a problem for me.  This story, however, was hard to follow as the view alternated between the two sisters.  The characters were not easy to "get to know" and did not draw me into their lives.  Many of the details seemed scattered and never quite pulled together, and the pace was rather sluggish.  And the element of faith, while hinted at on the back cover and briefly within the story, was almost non-existent.

There were some touching moments, especially involving Aunt Silvia, which helped keep me interested in finishing the story.  And the epilogue was a nice touch to finish up the book.  The book is set in Amish country and does have strong Amish/Mennonite elements, but it is not typical Amish fiction. 

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of the book.  The views expressed in this review are all my own.

See what other reviewers say about the book here.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Book:

Two sisters get a second chance at life and love

Angela—Her mother’s untimely death, a struggling marriage, a strained relationship with her sister, Rose, and regrets over what might have been haunt her. Despite being a wife and mother, she feels she has little to show for her life.
Rose—Still single, she longs for a husband and children. But Angela has all that and still isn’t happy. Rose wants to be closer to her older sister, but she and Angela couldn’t be more different. Both strong women, will their sibling rivalry ever end?


Will their sibling rivalry get in the way of these two sisters' chances at life and love? Find out in Kate Lloyd's new book, A Letter from Lancaster County. When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Angela and Rose decide to visit their mother's Mennonite sister in the heart of Amish country. Angela and Rose discover surprising family secrets that add to their strife and threaten Rose's romance with a new beau. Through it all, the two sisters must find the faith necessary to face their personal problems and allow God to restore hope and healing to their hearts and relationship as only He can.

Celebrate the release of Kate's new book by entering to win her Two Sisters, Two Winners Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Letter from Lancaster County
• A Kindle Fire

Another grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Letter from Lancaster County
• A queen-size Amish quilt

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 27. The winner will be announced July 28 on the Litfuse blog.

About the Author:

Kate Lloyd is a bestselling novelist whose books include "A Portrait of Marguerite" and the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy.  A native of Baltimore, she enjoys spending time with friends and family in rural Pennsylvania and is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society.  She now resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.

Find out more about Kate at http://katelloyd.com.

Another touch of Amish mystery -- His Guilt

In His Guilt Shelley Shepard Gray continues her Amish of Hart County series.  Just like the first book in the series, Her Secret, this one contains many elements of typical Amish romance, with a touch of mystery thrown into the story as well.

The story deals with real-life issues that fit well into the book's Amish setting but which those of us outside that culture can identify with as well.  Most of the difficulties and challenges in the story have their root in problems such as lack of forgiveness, gossip, and unsubstantiated presumptions.  The fears and accusations cross over between the Amish and English characters and cause emotional and physical harm for both.  Shelley's characters behave in believable ways that makes relating to them easy for the reader.

Fans of good Amish fiction should enjoy this book.  Even though it is part of a series, each of the installments is a stand-alone story; so you will be fine if you pick this book up first. I would, however, recommend the first as a good read also.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing a copy of His Guilt.  I was happy to share my personal thoughts in this review.

See what other readers have to say about His Guilt here.

About the Book: 

A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves 

Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay… Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn’t believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.

Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta’s is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta’s sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:
 
Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.