I don’t like to say this since I’m sure that Rita Gerlach put a lot of time, effort, and work into Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac, Book 1; but I didn’t like this book. It’s a drama that doesn’t end with happily ever after. I didn’t like the way the heroine is treated nor the way she acted through the whole book. I’m sure it’s a very real scenario that probably happened, but it’s just not my cup of tea for a story line. Books are my escape; there are plenty of sad things and drama in real life.

Most of the story takes place in America before, during, and after the Revolution against Britain, but is about life back home – not about the soldiers or war. It does cover a lot of years of the heroine’s life; the author uses the changing seasons as the clue to the passing of time. The heroine clings to her faith throughout the book, but seems unable to influence those around her. The message of forgiveness is strong towards the end of the book.

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I picked Beauty for Ashes (A Hickory Ridge Romance) because the copy sounded interesting and I like the hymn with the same title. It was interesting; not riveting, but interesting. It’s definitely written from a Southern point of view. I liked the heroine even though she goes through one bad situation after another – at least it ends at a happy time! The religious content is woven throughout in bits and pieces with the largest section being when the pastor’s wife talks to the heroine. The heroine goes through changes that are along a physical line while the hero goes through a change of heart.

To celebrate, Dorothy has teamed up with her publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a Beauty for Ashes Giveaway and Facebook Party on March 20, 2012. You can enter through Email, Facebook, or Twitter.

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Prize of My Heart was a good read – easily read in about 2 hours. [Guess what I did Sunday afternoon.] It’s the first time I’ve read anything by Lisa Norato; I’d probably pick up another of her books if I see it. I didn’t really relate to the story, but I enjoyed reading it. The plot is no surprise, but it’s one that hasn’t been done over and over. I like the characters and going between the hero and heroine’s point of view. The Biblical truths of assurance and forgiveness are presented throughout the book.

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I did not get to finish Chasing the Sun (Land of the Lone Star). I’m part way through and so far it’s typical Tracie Peterson – which is good! If you have read Christian fiction for any length of time you are familiar with Tracie’s books. If you just started reading Christian fiction you need to become familiar with Tracie’s books.

This story is set in Texas during the Civil War and Indian troubles. The characters are true to life and could easily be real people. Just in the small part I’ve already read Tracie Peterson has woven Biblical lessons and encouragement. The plot isn’t a new one, but I’m not sure which way it’s going to go. Sometimes it’s comforting to figure out the main plot while surprises happen around it.

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