MARTYR'S FIRE [MERLIN'S IMMORTALS #3] - Sigmund Brouwer 13.2.14

MARTYR'S FIRE [Merlin's Immortals #3]
Enter the world of Merlin’s Immortals -
 where ancient secrets and evil conspiracies take you on a breathless adventure of discovery, intrigue, and hidden knowledge. * Will this dangerous quest lead the outcast Orphan King toward an ancient secret—or to certain destruction? * 1313 AD.  Posing as a beggar, Thomas escapes Castle Magnus after fifteen men, who are calling themselves the Priests of the Holy Grail, arrive and take control of the inhabitants through conjured wonders  and seeming miracles. With the help of his longtime priest friend, Gervaise, Thomas sets out on a journey that leads him to the ancient Holy Land. Unaware that Immortals, Katherine and Hawkwood, are watching over him, Thomas is tested in his beliefs and comes face to face with the ancient power that the Merlins and Druids have long been searching for. -
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Author: Sigmund Brouwer  Length: 224 pages Publisher: Waterbrook Press Published: Oct. 15.13 ------------------------------- * --------------------------------- My thoughts?
Author Sigmund Brouwer is Canadian - my first attraction to reading this novel  as I'm always on the lookout for a new to me Canadian writer.   It's turned into a true reading find and a series I'm keen to pursue. . . * Steady pace of the story's opening soon becomes urgent as we follow the trail of this recently conquering Lord of Magnus Castle  to his now fugitive conquered state. Thomas' doubt of those who would assist him is returned as both sides try to determine where alliances lie. As readers, we have the advantage of seeing the background story,  yet without opportunity to intervene [ nor to prevent inevitable dangers!]
Having not read the preceding two books of the series I was at a disadvantage in not knowing main players in the drama, but was quick to catch up with the author's inclusion of references and descriptions of events.  Action was constant, keeping me involved rather than frustrated. Deception and intrigue weave a dark pattern enhancing colourful characters and action. Brouwer paints a bustling medieval York that included me midst each scene -  having walked through those very gates, the cobbled alleys, the broad stone walls. High sea adventures as Thomas continues his flight from the evil intentioned druids. Battles and skirmishes play out for better and for worse... Who does he trust?
I love the story.  I love the characters.  I want to know how it ends.
The cameo scenes of Robin Hood and his band add a  pleasing touch of familiarity and seemed to situate the story for me.  An ahah moment - this is where we are! Romantic attachments are a pleasing thread running throughout,  without overpowering the essential aura of mystery and suspense. Leaving this reader anticipating more...  More action, more resolution, more romance.
Book #4 next...

Released January 21st 2014 by Waterbrook Press Merlin’s Immortals is a series that takes readers to the heart of the sorcery battles that have been hidden from mankind all through the centuries,  since the first rays of sunlight at Stonehenge. Perfect series for fans of Lisa Bergren's medieval River of Time series. * Sigmund Brouwer is author of eighteen novels with nearly three million copies in print. His recent novel The Last Disciple was featured in Time magazine and on ABC's Good Morning America.  Married to songwriter recording artist Cindy Morgan. The couple and their two young daughters divide their time between Red Deer, Alberta, Canada and Nashville, Tennessee. He loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his RockandRoll Literacy Show. * Visit Brouwer's website HERE * Appreciation to Random House and Waterbrook Press for providing an ecopy for reading and review via Blogging for Books. *

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Ripples Along the Shore : Review -Author Mona Hodgson

Ripples Along the Shore Quilted Heart series book 3

Author - Mona Hodgson Publisher - Waterbrook Press released 21.5.13
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Third charming eNovella in Mona Hodgson's Quilted Hearts Series, the reader is re-introduced to recently Civil war-widowed, Caroline Milburn. Returning to her sister's home in St Charles isn't her desired choice, but serves as the catalyst to search her heart for next steps. Her brother in law's less than welcoming stance, a misguided step toward a steamboat acquaintance, and God's call to her heart propels Caroline to step toward a new future.

When those steps are stymied, Caroline refreshes her spirit with the truths learned during Thursday's Quilted Hearts group discussions. "..scraps..are like the circumstances in our lives. Remnants to be reclaimed and used by God as He stitches our hearts together.. a quilted heart is a transformed heart..that comes when we humble ourselves before the Lord." Though Caroline believes, "there were no straight lines in her life. Only jagged edges", she chooses to humble herself, believing for the rest of the scripture, "and He will lift you up."

Caroline takes initiative in pursuing a paid position with the local dry goods store with the intention of providing her own housing away from the crowded setting at her sister's. She remains undeterred from her dream of moving west, but modifies her travel date in light of the rejection from this year's wagon train captain.

The eNovella ends with the quilting sisterhood gathering for their farewell session,learning of each other's plans and provisions made for both those leaving and those remaining.

Readers are left anticipating the next part of the journey in Prairie Song, book 1 of the Hearts Seeking Home expected Aug. 6th release...

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The characters are vivid, genuine, and likeable,leaving me wanting more. More of the story, more of the people, and more goodness for each of them. I for one, am looking forward to starting the new series of their Westward Ho.

Highly recommended reading as a series for connection with the characters and continuity.

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*Appreciation to Waterbrook Press for an ecopy to read and review without obligation.

* Find more on author Mona Hodgson at her amazon.com page and further FHC author info HERE for Dandelions on the Wind - book 1 Quilted Heart Review

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