Friday, March 29, 2024

THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE by Best Selling and Award-Winning Author, Laura Frantz



How to begin to share such a rich story inspired by actual historical events . . .

Who could do the Acadian's justice but Laura? When you take a thriving and hardworking people whose nature is to seek peace and be left out of conflict, but toss in power-hungry people with harsh methods for obeying their commands, THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE is birthed in the mind of an accomplished, award-winning author. 

I absolutely love the short historical notation (one paragraph long) before the story. A reader may skip past it, but my natural curiosity will not allow me to ignore such a nugget applicable for a richer reading experience. That dear reader, is totally your choice. Read or pass. Also, there is an excellent prologue that I refuse to pass by and that kick-starts the story with a gripping scene! I'm ever so glad that I devour anything offered for the story set-up! Even the glossary is fun to skim over, though my excitement to delve into THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE tugs at my attention. Laura does have some French references, but she is expert at not overloading or weighing down the dialogue. She sprinkles French words like seasoning, which makes the offering perfect and alluring. Now, onto the story . . .

1754 Tensions increase between the French and English in present-day Nova Scotia, Canada

1755 The Great Upheaval

Seamstress Sylvie Galant lives with her family located between two rival forts. Neutral Arcadians are not trusted by the English. No matter their actions and obviously peaceful, diligent lives. William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger, has been extremely useful to the English in causing chaos with the French, Arcadians, and the Indian tribe, Mi'kmaq, among others. But Blackburn's heart isn't in this greedy power-grab by the English. Before he leaves, he warns Silvie. What happens next tosses the reader into a heartbreaking tale, and yes, I'll use the cliché, gripping. There is much to overcome for both Silvie and William Blackburn, and so many linked to their lives. I will not give spoilers, but this is a tale that you will not wish to pass up.

The characters' inner struggles are realistic and compelling, and I yearned for their ability to overcome despite their huge losses and difficulties. Even my beloved Colonial Williamsburg is included in this polished story of struggle, cultural differences, and the discovery of what is truly important in the face of tragic events that would utterly destroy persons without the willingness to fight and believe.

Laura, I'm thankful you discovered this facet of history that may have gotten lost in the sands of time. Your novel gives the reader much to contemplate, historically, culturally, and personally. Thank you, dear one, for continuing to write and for sharing your heart on the pages so that others can benefit from it and expand their horizons. 

I preordered not one, but three THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE novels. Every year I look for the next Laura Frantz novel! To learn more about Laura and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at . . .

https://laurafrantz.net/





 

Saturday, March 9, 2024



A race from danger. . . straight into the arms of love.

New York and New Mexico 1935

DiAnn’s story starts off with a startling tragedy. Socialite Eva Fortier sees her grandfather murdered, and the killer acts like it is an everyday occurrence. This young woman runs for her life to the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. (Actually, a real place!) Imagine leaving wealth and position behind to save your life. This story gripped me immediately. I love the location, especially knowing that it is a real place, and the character in the book, Charlotte Arnold, was created after the real-life Caroline Bishop Stanley, who actually bought her own ranch and called it Ghost Ranch.

DiAnn writes her characters with such depth and uniqueness to each personality that I feel like I’ve got boots on the ground and can see the story unfold before my eyes! I really liked Eva, the main character. There is just something about struggles and fighting to overcome that is encouraging!

This is a short review of this story that I love. Life is busy, yet I still wanted to give a shout-out to DiAnn Mills for her latest release. Please take the time to enjoy UNDER THE DESERT SKY also!
 


 

I have been enjoying this Sue Thomas F.B. Eye series, and I’m probably in the second season right now. Each episode has had different topics of genuine concern in our society. This faith-based television series is about the true-life hearing-impaired woman, Sue Thomas, and the difficulties and advantages of her handicap when she accepts a job at the F.B.I. This show is based on the true-life Sue Thomas. I love the dog she picks out in the first episode and why she picks him! No spoiler here, you must watch it for yourself! :)

I love stories like this that show how a handicap can become a real strength. I was not aware of this series when it was first released, but for now, I’m enjoying each installment of Sue Thomas F.B. Eye! I hope you will check out this humorous, serious, and clever television series! I would like to see more of this type of program! Do you agree? 

The fifth and last season was awarded the DOVE “FAMILY-APPROVED” Seal for all ages.  Here is the star lineup for those in the Sue Thomas F.B.Eye series: Deanne Bray plays Sue Thomas; Rick Peters is Bobby Manning; Yannick Bisson is Jack Hudson; Marc Gomes is Dimitrius Gans; Ted Atherton is Myles Leland III; and Tara Samuel is Tara Williams.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

HAUNTED HEMLOCK, BOOK SIX, MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH SERIES BY Award Winning Authors, Kate Jungwirth & Deborah Erdmann



MYSTERY AT POINT BEACH is a series that I've followed because of the humor and characters that keep me enjoying every conversation and challenge. Problems and puzzling, mysterious happenings kept me guessing and rewarded me with surprise. There were fun historical nuggets about the Christmas Tree Ship that had sunk many years before. Spooky happenings happened at the majestic white lighthouse where Dominic, Forest, Sailor, the Bucklyes, GB, and Windsong stayed and at other locations. Those cool and interesting historical happenings made the present-day haunting situations hold a rather fun, scary reading experience for me. I laughed at the shenanigans Dominic, Forest, and Sailor did to accomplish their amateur sleuthing.

 

HAUNTED HEMLOCK kept me guessing and worried about the characters. Unexplainable situations happened in multiple locations, making the story lively while always holding my interest. Just like classic children's books I enjoy reading, this youth book and this series equal the enjoyment and take-away those reads have provided me. Now, if I need to be critical of these books, I'm at a loss except to say that I wish there were more. Like 20 or so!  


I was given HAUNTED HEMLOCK for an honest book review, and I'm happy to report that this book--from a favorite series of mine--was funny, enjoyable, and exceeded my expectations!


You may find information on Kate Jungwirth and Deborah Ann Erdmann's books at:
https://www.facebook.com/MysteryatPointBeach


This series may be purchased through the authors or at:
The Washington House Museum  https://www.tworivers-history.org/
Schroeder's Department Store  https://www.schroederstore.com/
The Paper Crane Bookstore  https://www.papercranebookstore.com/
AmazonBooks.com  




 

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

PENS OF PRAISE JANUARY MEETING -- SEE YOU NEXT WEEK TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023


 
PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
Tuesday, JANUARY 23, 2024


1:30 – 3:00 P.M.


Faith Evangelical Free Church
2201 S 42nd St, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Extreme Discovery Room
An In-Person Meeting

Combining . . .

JITSI ONLINE MEETING for those who can't attend in person.
Let me know if you wish to attend this way!
susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

JiITSI meeting is held at your own home at
your very own couch or chair

😊

This month's topic, "FOR READERS * FOR WRITERS," will be facilitated by Deborah Ann Erdmann and Susan Marlene. For the reader who would like to promote their favorite author(s) and for the writer who wants to make promoting them easier. MORE THAN EVER, with such a tight market, the need to promote clean fiction is heightened! 
This lesson will be of special interest to readers who wish their favorite writers success and for writers to enable their readers to promote them with the easy-to-use tools that they need.
This meeting is sure to benefit those who desire to support clean fiction and for writers wishing to provide a reader-friendly launching of their book!

VIP Writers, bring your published books to hand out if you want reviews. Those to be published soon--please tell us what your new release(s) will be so that we can be ready to lend a helping hand!


PROMPT: (Not required, but surely fun!) Write what you would consider a poor review. AND write what you think might be a good review!
Remember
Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers!
We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.
 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Susan Marlene @ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

Saturday, January 6, 2024

PENS OF PRAISE, CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP MEETING -- TUESDAY, JANUARY, 9 2024

 

WARM UP JANUARY AND DREAM OF HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! 


PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
Tuesday, JANUARY 9, 2024

​1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
An In Person Meeting
Combining . . .
JITSI ONLINE MEETING for those who can't attend in person.
Let me know if you wish to attend this way!
susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com


I'll announce our in-person location this Monday as well as post the information on my FB page and website. I'll send the link to our Jutsi Meet to our Pens of Praise email list tomorrow before the meeting. (And to anyone wishing to attend with us. You are truly welcome!) All we have to do is click on the link in the Pens of Praise email, and it will be like the
meeting is held at your own home at
your very own couch or chair
😊
This month's topic, "FOR READERS * FOR WRITERS," will be facilitated by Deborah Ann Erdmann and Susan Marlene. For the reader who would like to promote their favorite author(s) and for the writer who wants to make promoting them easier. MORE THAN EVER, with such a tight market, the need to promote clean fiction is heightened! 
This lesson will be of special interest to readers who wish their favorite writers success and for writers to enable their readers to promote them with the easy-to-use tools that they need. 
Strap yourselves in to meet us in a soon-disclosed meeting place or rev up that computer for this Jitsi meeting that is sure to benefit those who desire to support clean fiction and for writers wishing to provide a reader-friendly launching of their book!

VIP Writers, bring your published books to hand out if you want reviews. Those to be published soon--please tell us what your new release(s) will be so that we can be ready to lend a helping hand!

PROMPT: (Not required, but surely fun!) Write what you would consider a poor review. AND write what you think might be a good review!
Remember
Inspired readers given excellent take-away = return readers!
We are a safe place to share, and Pens Meetings are free.
 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact Susan Marlene @ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com

SOME FAVORITE CHRISTMAS READS!

 








If you are looking for some excellent Christmas stories--here are some of my favorite rereads when I have time! I so appreciate you and I wish you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year too!