Beloved

I had read the first few pages of this many moons ago, and uh.... talk about a hook!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Oh man, is it possible to dislike a hero in a book? I did. At least for the first little bit, and then he changed his tune and I really liked him. LOL Seriously, he was a complete tool... and then he was awesome. And THAT my friends, is what I found so interesting about this story.

Hatcher has has some interesting plots and this was one of her most unique. I don't want to give away the beginning, but once you start you'll be all, "Whaaaaaaaa????"

You won't want to stop reading....

And then you'll be like, "Oh man, I hate that dude. LEAVE HIM DIANA!" (Diana is the heroine, btw...)

Then after a while you'll go, "Hold on a sec, Diana give this guy a chance."

And pretty soon, it'll be midnight and you won't be able to stop until it's done. Really, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I've been a Hatcher fan from day one. Not all of her stories are this great, but I must say this series is my favorite of hers by far.

Have you read this series--this book? It was awesome wasn't it?

Happy Reading!
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October's Author of the Month

Fall is finally here! 

Welcome to October's Author of the Month post! Grab yourself a mug of some delicious apple cider or hot chocolate--something fall-worthy--and get ready for fun!

I'm thrilled to be able to feature Robin Lee Hatcher, a fabulous author who has written dozens upon dozens of books, both historical and contemporary. Her latest historical romance BELOVED is out and ready to get into your pretty little hands! (I've read the first few pages, and WOW, its amazing. I can't wait to read the whole thing!)

And to whet your appetite for her latest book, Robin has offered to giveaway the first TWO books in the series, BELONGING and BETRAYAL! How fabulous is that?! To enter, you must be a follower of my blog and/or FB page and leave a comment with your email address. I will be choosing a winner one week from today!

But before I continue with the interview let me say a big THANK YOU to Melissa Jagears, who was featured last month. She is just delightful and her debut novel, A BRIDE FOR KEEPS was excellent . . .  make sure you read it-- or else! *wink*

OK! Let's get on with the interview!!


Tell us about Robin! We'd love to get to know you more. If you want, please include something silly or funny that we might not know about you. :)

I began writing my first novel in 1981, and it was published in January of 1984. Since then, I have written 71 novels and novellas. I wrote 30 books for the general mass market, and then I began writing stories that were faith-based. I served for five years on the board of directors of Romance Writers of America, including two years as their president. I have lived in Idaho all my life and have a deep love for my state and its history, which is why I set most of my books here in Idaho, whether they are contemporary or historical stories. In my non-writing world, I'm a wife, mom, and grandma.


Had you always wanted to be a writer? When was it that you really knew God was leading you to write?

Although I was always writing, no, I did not always want to be a writer. I wanted to be a movie star. Since that would have meant being on a diet for the rest of my life, I think I chose the right profession.  It was frustration with the ending of a novel that caused me to want to try to write a book. I didn't really do it with publication in mind. I just wanted to see if I could do it.


You have written so many wonderful books. Do you have a one that stands out as a favorite, or one that is extra special to you--and why?

All of my books are special to me in one way or another. The two most often named as readers' favorites are The Forgiving Hour and Ribbon of Years. The protagonist in Ribbon of Years, Miriam, was inspired by my mother, so her story is special to me. And my most fun characters to write about were Katie and Ben in Catching Katie and Cleo and Sherwood in Fit To Be Tied.


If you had three wishes (frivolous or serious...) what would they be?

I'm going to sound like a contestant in a beauty pageant, but I would have to start off with (1) world peace. It grieves my heart, the troubles in our nation and around the world. Come, Lord Jesus!

(2) To get to write fiction right up to the very end of my life.

(3) To suddenly love to cook. (There's a plaque on my refrigerator that says: "I only have this kitchen because it came with the house." Enough said.)


Lastly, what are your "top three" historical Christian romance books?

I hate this question because I have many, many author friends who have written many, many wonderful books. Thus any list of three could change (with the exception of book #1) depending upon the day and my mood and how good my memory is.

1) REDEEMING LOVE by Francine Rivers
2) A VOICE ON THE WIND by Francine Rivers
3) TO WHISPER HER NAME by Tamera Alexander


YAY! Wasn't that great? I just love getting to know these wonderful Christian ladies, who are so willing to share their gifts with us. Thanks, Robin! It's been an honor to have you. God bless you and keep writing, cuz we will certainly keep reading!! *big grin*

Now, don't forget to enter the giveaway!! This series is amazing and you won't want to miss it!


Happy Reading!

Betrayal

I must say that this book was quite a pleasant surprise.

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

It's no secret that I'm a BIG Hatcher fan. Her novels are always sweet and full of inspiration.  This novel was no different, and it got me really excited for the last book of the series which comes out in the next several months, I think. (There's a few pages of Beloved--the next book--at the back of this book, and I was SO hooked!! I have a feeling this will be my favorite of all Hatcher's series....)

The two main characters, Hugh and Julia are marvelous! Their struggles were very real, and I loved the romance. Though I have to admit--and this might just be me--but, I REALLY wanted more drama! LOL (Have you heard me say that before?) More kisses, more danger, etc. That being said, I still think you will love this!

Hugh Brennan is trying to hide a difficult past as he searches for his lost sisters. On his way to Boise he stumbles upon a young widow who needs some help on her ranch. Julia tries not to let her heart be stolen by this dashing and somewhat mysterious stranger. He is very kind and attentive, yet her previous marriage was so hard she cannot allow herself to trust another man again.

Oh, I highly, HIGHLY recommend this! The end will touch your heart, and you will be gagging for the next book, believe you me!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

A Vote of Confidence

I'll cast in my vote for this story. *teehee* (I couldn't help myself.)

Book rating: Up All Night'er

As you know, I like Hatcher's stories. They don't have the typical drama-dripping, edge-of-your-seat kind of romantic tension that I typically devour, but they have a simple charm that I enjoy.

This is one of the stories in the Sisters of Bethlehem series, and it has the least amount of "excitement" per se, however the characters were likable and the Christian message was very sweet.

Gwen Arlington is a kind, independent woman living in the quaint town of Bethlehem Springs. She teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper--and she's happy with the quiet life she leads--until she feels God calling her to...run for mayor!! And in 1915, that's going to be a challenge!

Morgan McKinley needs to finish his health spa--and he's sick of the delays! Running for mayor is sure to help him with his dilemma.

Now, can you see where the conflict is gonna come in? *wink* It's great fun and I'm sure you will like it, too. This isn't the kind of story that will absorb you shoes-and-all, but it is something you can fly through pretty quick.

Happy Reading!
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A Matter of Character

It was about time for me to sit back, relax and enjoy a Robin Lee Hatcher story. So that's just what I did! *wink* A mom's gotta look out for herself, right?

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

OK, now if you have ready most of my reviews on Hatcher's stories, you know I am a huge fan. For me, this story was almost too slow. But don't let that disway you...every Hatcher book has great romance, fun characters and a good spiritual message. This book fits the bill, but it wasn't as tension/drama filled as I would have liked to see.

Daphne McKinley is a writer (dime novels!) but she doesn't want anyone to know! She's been writing a series loosely based on local lore, and her books are fairly popular. When Joshua Crawford comes to town, searching for the "man" behind the novels that are defaming his grandfathers name, Daphne has to rethink her tactics--and what she wants out of life!

So, give it a try! You might love it!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

When Love Blooms

Every book has a twin, right?

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

WHEN LOVE BLOOMS is strikingly similar to HEART OF GOLD. I mean, so incredibly striking they could almost be twins…that is, with a few minor discrepancies.

This tender love story about Gavin Blake and Emily Harris is so sweet and…

Irrrrrrrrrk (tires screeching…)  wait, what?

"Did you say Gavin is MARRIED for HALF of the book?!"  Yes, you heard me right. The leading man is married to someone else for a major portion of the book.

Take a moment to digest that.

It took me by serious surprise as well, and made liking the book somewhat difficult. Of course, being that it’s a Christian story, one need never worry about anything untoward happening, but still. Having the leading man and leading lady begin a relationship when one of them was married did not sit well with me. Again, nothing bad happens. Keep in mind, Gavin's wife actually wanted them to eventually have a relationship, seeing as she was close to dying and wanted her children to be raised in a happy home. Gavin and Dru were not really in love...never had been. So, if you are curious...you'll want to read it.

When Dru died, the romantic tension between Gavin and Emily got pretty good and stayed very strong until the end. But, I just couldn’t get over that whole married thing. It was too weird for me.

There’s a great faith thread throughout the story, as with all of Hatcher’s novels, so you will be uplifted by that, for sure.

If you read it, please let me know what you think. I always love to hear what other readers have to say!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Wagered Heart

Wow.  This book was a breath of fresh air.

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

You can call me simple-minded all you want.  I’m totally OK with it.  I love books that are fun, chock-full of romantic tension and easy to get through in a few days.  That’s what I call a perfect recipe for an Amber-friendly HCR.  This book fit the bill!

I was hooked from the get-go and had a hard time putting it down.  Hatcher’s characters really come to life to me—and they come to life very fast, so I enjoy them all the way through the book.  That’s one of the main reasons I enjoy her stories so much.

WAGERED HEART was so dang cute.  So dang cute!!

Bethany Silverton makes a wager with her friend Ingrid—betting she can get a certain handsome cowboy to come to church.  But Bethany never expected to fall head-over-heals in love with him.

Hawk Chandler knows women are just trouble and will judge him about his heritage.  He tries to stay away from them as much as possible, but Bethany is making that impossible.    Try as he might, he can’t control his run-away feelings for her.

As much as I loved it, I must admit, this is one of those stories where I found myself shaking my book and yelling at the characters, “Communicate, you fools!  Communicate!”  All of their problems could have been easily resolved by simply telling one another how they felt.  But no.  They kept it all inside and made themselves completely miserable for almost the entire book.  *teehee *  But, that’s what makes it so stinkin’good!

Again, you could most likely finish this book in a day or two—even with several children and a husband vying for your attention at every spare moment.  I’m talking from experience, here.  *wink *

Happy Reading!
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Fit to be Tied

I was in the mood for something light and fun.  So, I picked up FIT TO BE TIED by Robin Lee Hatcher.  I’m never disappointed in her books.  They aren’t one’s that I would pick up and read over and over, but they are fun, entertaining and uplifting stories.

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

I easily finished this book in a day.  There’s nothing huge, nothing shattering that happens in the story—it’s just a simple tale of one girl’s “real life” emotions and experiences as she falls in love.

Cleo Arlington is happier in jeans and a cowboy hat, riding one horse while wrangling another, than she is wearing a nice dress and sitting in a fancy parlor.  She has a strong desire to marry and have children, but she’s afraid that maybe she’s lost her chance.

English aristocrat Sherwood Statham still suffers from the war—emotionally and physically.  He has been attempting to drown his horrors in drinks and women, but his exploits have gone too far this time and his father is sending him to American for a year.

These two characters are a very unlikely pair.  Their growth and development through the book was nice and the supporting characters are also very likable.  The romance was good as well, but I actually wasn’t very convinced that these two were well matched!  I had a hard time seeing what was so interesting about the other person and why they would be attracted—especially since they were SO different from one another.

Also, I tried, but I couldn’t like Sherwood.  There was nothing endearing about him, in my opinion.  If you are looking for a book with a dashing leading-man that leaves you drooling at the end, this one isn’t it.  Also, Cleo isn’t your regular leading lady…she may be a disappointment to you if you need a real damsel-in-distress kind of thing (which I usually go for!) where the lady is beautiful and needs to be rescued, etc.

All of that being said, I do think it’s a nice little read when you need something fast and fun.  So if you haven’t read it yet, give it a shot and let me know what you think!

(PS:  This book is the #2 book in The Sisters of Bethlehem Series...you don't have to read them in order...they are fine to read on their own.)

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Belonging

If you ever want a fabulous read--one that is low on “heavy” and high on “fabulous” pick up a Hatcher book.  Belonging is the first in a three book series (I am reading them in order this time…go figure!) and it’s a great start!

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

This lovely story takes place in a wonderful little town in Idaho.  Felicia Kristoffersen is the new school teacher, and even though she is thrilled to be there—and determined to do her very best, she knows that there are some people who aren’t thrilled about her arrival.

Colin Murphy was devastated by his wife's death five years ago.  Now, he has only one concern: his daughter Charity.  He wants her to get a good education, but he is afraid that Felicia is inexperienced, and more concerned about getting married than really being a teacher, and he knows it will break Charity’s heart.

This beautifully simple romance will sweep you away to a delightful world.  The characters seem very real to me, and I love that the spiritual message is so clear.

So, find yourself a nice little bowl of your favorite night-time treat (in my case, some homemade granola… Hey, there’s nothing boring about that, compadre!), grab this book and relax.  You deserve it!  Bon appetit!

Happy Reading!
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Loving Libby

Loving Libby:  cute, fun and totally great for an escape from the rat race.  Otherwise known as, “Mom, what’s for lunch?”  “Mom, I have to go poopy!” “Mom, where’s my barbies?!” “Mom, mom…mom…mom…mom…”  Ok, you get the idea.  (I only joke about it because, deep down you know I love my life as a mom!)

Book rating: Up All Night’er

I love these books by Hatcher where I can just jump into another place and time and feel good in the process.

Libby Blue didn’t start life as Libby Blue.  She was the daughter of a sickeningly wealthy, and horribly mean man named Northrop Vanderhoff.  And her name was Olivia.  She narrowly escapes being forced to marry a man she doesn’t love and flees to Idaho where she begins a new and happy life.

Remington Walker wants revenge on Northrop for what he did to his father.  So he takes a great deal of money from Northrop to find where his daughter has been hiding for six years.  He could never have imagined that upon finding her, he would fall in love with her.  

I thought this story was just pure, blissful entertainment.  You won’t be disappointed.

Happy reading!

Buyit!

Heart of Gold

Oh, wow.  Over Christmas I was introduced to Robin Lee Hatcher’s books and I was so hooked!  Her style is fabulous.  Her stories are so real—they feel like they could really happen to people and that’s why I find that I just can’t put them down.

Book rating:  Best of the Best

I read this book in two days.  It would have been more like one day, but I had to do laundry.  I was captivated by all the characters--I had to see what was going to happen next!  It’s a beautifully simple story about a girl from the south who’s father is a preacher and moved the two of them to Idaho for him to work there.  Shannon (the girl) is not at all excited to be there and believes that all “Northerners” are essentially enemies.  The main-man, Matthew, has a predicament of his own with his sister and nephew, and he needs Shannon’s help.  (Sorry folks, that’s all the details I’m gonna give ya!)  Can she get over her prejudices and learn to love everyone as God has asked?

Their relationship is so sweet and develops with a good amount of romantic tension.  Gotta love the tension!  And I LOVE how much mention is made of Christ and the scriptures.  I felt my love of God growing as I read and I came away feeling like I really wanted to do better-- putting more of my trust in Him.  This is another one of those books where a supporting character really impacted me.  Namely, Alice.  Her trust in God in the face of death is amazing to me.  Oh!  I'm giving too much away!  Wait, I guess that much is on the back of the book.  OK, I don't feel so bad.

The characters grow and change and, simply put, it’s beautiful.  Again, I cried.  Am I the only one who cries in books like this?  Am I weird?  (Don’t answer that.)

Happy reading!

Buy it!