Monday, March 25, 2013

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN, by PAMELA S MEYERS


Title: Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Author: Pamela S Meyers
Publisher: Summerside Press, an imprint of Guideposts (April 1, 2013)
Pages: 320

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN, by PAMELA S MEYERS, is a good old fashion romance with a touch of mystery, set in 1933. It’s always fun to read a story located in a familiar place, and even more so when it’s one you’ve visited. Though I must admit, my visit as a kid was nothing compared to Meg Alden’s.

Meg Alden works for the town newspaper, and is hoping to gain a spot as a reporter when in waltzes Jack Wallace, dousing any hopes she has for the position. Meg’s not about to let that deter her. When her friend speaks of an opening at a newspaper in California, Meg is willing to start at the bottom and work her way up. At least there, she has a chance of becoming a reporter … doesn’t she?

Jack Wallace’s father thinks he needs to experience a small-town paper before taking over theirs in Chicago. Jack’s immediately drawn to Meg Alden, the woman who works at the said paper his father feels he needs to experience.

Can Jack convince Meg to stay in Lake Geneva? Will Jack go back to the family business in Chicago? And what will happen the opening day of the Riviera!

You didn’t really think I’d reveal any of those answers, did you?

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN is a fun read, taking you back in time. MS MEYERS unique style of writing includes many great lines that will have you smiling. I loved the reference to the Big Bands, taking me back to my childhood, listening to my grandfather talk about the different bands as he watched The Lawrence Welk Show.

Each time I read the words, The Elgin Club, a trill came over me. I was born and raised in Elgin, I wasn’t familiar with it. After reading MS MEYERS book, I searched the internet for The Elgin Club, and was elated to find a website on it.

I just so happen to be going to Lake Geneva this April, and you can bet one of my stops will be at the Riviera. MS MEYERS has definitely captured my attention, drawing me into the era with the Big Bands and all the hoopla around the opening of the grand Riviera.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

TO WHISPER HER NAME by TAMERA ALEXANDER


Title: To Whisper Her Name (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel)
Author: Tamera Alexander
Publisher: Zondervan (October 23, 2012)
Pages: 480

Once again, I am at awe of TAMERA ALEXANDER'S writing. Don't let the number of pages intimidate you. TO WHISPER HER NAME will take you on a journey. One you will never want to end, with exquisite writing, an amazing storyline, and three-dimensional characters, both in the main as well as the secondary characters. It is packed full of great lines that won’t disappoint.

With nowhere to go, and her reputation ruined by her late husband, Olivia Aberdeen arrives at Belle Meade Plantation as a guest of her deceased mother's good friend, "Aunt" Elisabeth. If truth were told, Olivia’s Aunt's husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, is not too keen on the idea.

Ridley Cooper, a Southern man who chose to fight for the Union, finds himself at the Belle Meade Plantation, seeking knowledge of training thoroughbreds. He doesn't expect to stay long, but with encouragement from General Harding, Ridley's short stay extends to a year. Not that he minds. In fact, getting to know Olive has made his decision to leave harder then he could have imagined.

Ridley has a secret he has vowed not to reveal. Olivia has scars from an abusive marriage, and is determine to not marry again. Only time will tell if they both can overcome their past in order to have a future.
 
TO WHISPER HER NAME is filled with a touch of history, adding to the rich plot. A glimpse into what slaves endured, as well as faith, woven in a subtle, yet powerful way. Each character comes to life with their own story. How could one not fall in love with Ridley and Olivia.

 Make sure to check out the book trailer, along with a short video of MS ALEXANDER’S at Belle Meade, with a peek into the history behind the Plantation.