An author that is very dear to me, not only because I enjoy her books, but because she also has a baby born a few months older than my AppleBlossom is Amber Stockton, also published previously as Amber Miller. (Her DH is also an author in speculative fiction, while she claims the historical fiction realm). I was blessed and fully entertained in the past to have read her first series, republished as Liberty's Promise (Promises Promises, Quills & Promises, and Deceptive Promises). I now have in my possession *thanks to Tiff (Amber Miller Stockton) for a copy for review* of the first book in her latest series Copper and Candles and I cannot wait until AppleBlossom gives me a few spare hours to read it. *wink* I already know it will be great!
In March 2010, the first series will be republished as an omnibus Liberty's Promise, part of the Romancing America Series from Barbour Books.
Relive the birth of a new country as three women battle to know who they can entrust their hearts. Raelene is all alone, but is there peace in following the wishes of her dead father? Elanna is intelligent for her young age, but will her love for an older man turn into passing fancy when his integrity is questioned? Margret’s loyalties are torn when the colonists rebel, for how can a relationship with a British soldier built on deceptions survive? Will each woman find her place of freedom to embrace her faith and trust her heart to love?I'm so excited about her new series, I cannot wait until one day it's republished too all-in-one! I'm not sure I'll be able to wait... I do love omnibus books though, and I'm such a bigger fan of trade paperback as opposed to mass market (like the original Heartsong Presents books).
To read excerpts or see the cover image of the third in the Michigan Historical Series out this December go check out the author's website.
And now for some enticement... here are my reviews of the books from the first Delaware Dawning Historical series that makes up Liberty's Promise...
Promises, Promises
Amber Miller has a great work in this book. The story is just what it needs to be. Starting out with a tragedy that allows one to get their back up and spout all their reasons for not trusting in the Lord and to go through a process of healing and really seeing what the Lord is trying to do for them is so hard to put into words, and she did it. Reading this story of Raelene makes you take the time to look at what is going on in your own life. For me it makes me think about the comparison to English life of Jane Austen-types and the farmers in the early colonies. So many times I gripe about what strife I have, but in the end really none of it does compare to what God provides. Like Gustaf, God sits by silently waiting for us to open our eyes while we continually break his heart over and over again. This story had everything that it needed, and I'm so glad that I crossed over it in my life.
Quills & Promises
*sigh* Is it not fabulous when as a reader, you turn the last page of a book and the first thing you do is sigh in complete contentment. Well that is my reaction and I am certain many others experience with the second Promises book from Amber Miller "Quills & Promises". It tells the story of the daughter of the characters from the first book, "Promises, Promises" and is complete on it's own as a stand alone as well. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
The story took me into the time of the French & Indiana war, and I was able to meet people and learn personalities and experiences that I have not had before. It was great. One of my favorite movies is "The Patriot" and even though that was the Revolutionary War, this story reminded me of it, but it was better. In this story we have to characters that write letters through out the course of war and you find out things about the war as well as personalities. The best part that makes the story in the book better than that movie, is the devotion to God and even though the desire for retaliation is there, the act is not. That is something that is so hard, but so full of Christ's love as an example.
I highly recommend the stories from Amber Miller to anyone craving a little romance in a historical setting.
Deceptive Promises
Deceptive Promises is probably my favorite of the three Delaware Brides Series. Maybe it because authors get better with time or just deeper into you heart. Maybe it is because the Revolutionary War is my favorite period of American history. Maybe it is because I cannot imagine falling in love and then being separated for months on end and want to know how the characters can possibly survive it! Either way, this book is fabulous and I loved it.
Margret is not a half bad character name either, if you know what I mean. *grin* The only negative thing I have to say at all is that I do not like the cover. Their position seems so unnatural and she almost looks uncomfortable and as if she wants to run. Yet again, maybe that is just me. Plus I am not a fan of mass markets, but anything from this author Amber Miller, soon to be published as Amber Stockton is worth it.
This is a story that delves into history and tells details of some of my favorite historical players. This is almost a history lesson with some romance thrown in. To really understand some of the other characters I would suggest reading the entire trilogy, but it is very capable of being read alone as well, and highly recommended as a novel as well
2 comments and creative thoughts:
Wow! Even reading them for the second time, your reviews are fantastic. :) I especially love your honesty in not preferring mass markets but still reading each book in its entirety.
I can't tell you how often readers have requested my books or even purchased them only to find out they're mass market. They "review" it with a short note saying they don't have a review because they don't like mass markets and my books didn't stand a chance.
My question is why did they not read it if the story intrigued them? Mass market or not. Obviously, the story piqued an interest. And it's a fast read. *shrugs* I don't know. Just seemed odd to me. I'd never before encountered or heard of people so adamantly against mass markets.
So, all that to say thank you for your candid reviews. :)
If I've already got my hands on a book that is MMP I'll read it, but if I know it's MMP before, it's doubtful I'll buy it. That's why I'm so ecstatic about Barbour reprinting in trade.
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