We are also host a FOUR book giveaway. So head on over to enter to win and maybe learn a thing or two about blogging. You can find the post HERE.
Thank YOU for all of your support of Bookworm Mama! I wouldn't be here today without the authors who write the books I read and the readers who read whatIwrite. And thank you Seekerville for hosting us. We are all blown away by the response!
Can someone PLEASE explain how this year is going by so fast? I can not believe we are HALF WAY THROUGH 2017! This week's first line comes from a book that I will be reading VERY soon! I can't wait! Kara Isaac has produced 2 of my absolute FAVORITE Contemporary Romance books...And I can't wait to read the magic between the pages of Then There Was You. Kara recently (as in this week) won the INSPY Award for Debut Fiction for Close to You! I was honored to be one of the judges for the INSPYS this year(Literature for Young Adults). Such a wonderful opportunity! Anyhoo....on to our first line...
Paige McAllister didn't think it was possible, but there was something worse than being single and thirty at your nineteen-year-old sister's wedding.
CONFESSION: I kept reading for a few more lines...and I am already cracking up! Make sure you grab a copy now!
Now it's your turn! Post your first line below and blog hop and join in more First Line fun!
★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)
About the Book
It is 1945, and a group of American soldiers liberate a Nazi concentration camp. Helene is the abandoned wife of an SS guard who has fled to avoid arrest. Overcome by guilt, she begins to help meet the needs of survivors. Throughout the process, she finds her own liberation--from spiritual bondage, sin, and guilt. Readers will be intrigued and touched by this fascinating story of love, faithfulness, and courage amidst one of the darkest chapters of mankind's history.
My Thoughts
Do you read WWII books? They can be challenging to read, but more often than not the faith and hope that is present overshadows the horrors. I have been asked a few times WHY I choose to read books set during one of the world's darkest time. Yet, the darker it is...the brighter the light shines.(My original review written 8/2014) Europe is war torn and broken. But there is hope among the dust and ashes. Tricia Goyer approaches World War II in a new light (for me at least). Beginning with the end of the war in Europe, we see the repercussions of the last 6 years of fighting.
★★★★★- You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)
About the Book
Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.
When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.
A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he's glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can't wait to leave behind.
I grew up with a deep (DEEP) appreciation for theatre. I have been in several productions personally. And musicals are my lifeblood (my hubby and I are going to see Phantom of the Operain a couple weeks). So you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that not only is this book set in one of the most fascinating time periods, (Queen Victoria was pretty amazing! Check out the new Masterpiece Series from BBC HERE*) but that we also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the life of the theatre in 1873. An era where an occupation on the stage was heavily frowned upon. Not to mention that the operettas written by Gilbert & Sullivan** are the productions we find in The Captain's Daughter. I had the opportunity to see Pirates of Penzance, oh my lands! I adore it! By the way, for all my love of the theatre, I had NO idea why it is called "the lime light". If you don't know either, you can find out more HERE.
Falsely accused, Rosalyn finds herself in London. Without a penny to her name she makes her way to the very theatre that Nate is working at(you will understand the significance of this when you read the book). Both Nate and Rosalyn must make peace with the past in order to move on. As Nate tries to earn forgiveness for his mistakes, he learns that forgiveness can not be earned. Our Heavenly Father gives it freely. All we have to do is ask.
Swept into the sea of romance, song, lights, costumes, and scandal...I found myself dancing through the pages (or at least swaying) as the anticipation builds for the ending that I was HOPING would play out a certain way. Forgiveness, true love, and living the life that God has called you to live are the main themes that struck my heart.
I received a complimentary copy of The Captain's Daughter from Bethany House Publishers through the Litfuse Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
*Yes, I know they over dramatized some aspects in this...But it is still AMAZING...and Jenna Coleman...'nough said.
**I recently discovered that there is a Gilbert & Sullivan Society located in my state. They are preparing to perform HMS Pinafore!
For your viewing pleasure, I have included a scene from Pirates of Penzance.
Add to your TBR!
Book two in the London Beginnings Series, The Heart's Appeal, is coming March 2018! Such a LONG wait! AHHHH! BUT, you can add it to your list NOW.
Jennifer Delamere's debut Victorian romance, "An Heiress at Heart," was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, "A Lady Most Lovely," received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly" and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She's been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.
This week...I am breaking the rules...I mean HOW am I supposed to pick only TEN favorite books that I have read so far this year??? So, there are no numbers this week. I divided it up by category though, so hopefully it is a little easier to navigate. Click on the image for more information about each book. Reviews, purchase links, etc. And there are several, SEVERAL more books that I have read this year that are FABULOUS! I decided to include those books that I have rated with a 5 star (or higher).
The Broke and the Bookish hosts Top Ten Tuesday every week. Check them out if you want to be a part of this crazy fun feature!
What are (some of) your top reads of the year?
There you have it! (I realised this is going to make my end of the year post so much easier this year hehe!) Now, I want to hear from YOU! What books are you swooning over this year? Thanks for visiting!
