Review: SIXTY ACRES AND A BRIDE

I'm posting a review of a book by one of our local members, Regina Jennings. If you like historical romance (Tracie Peterson, Kim Vogel Sawyer, etc.), this is a new author you need to check out!

And if you live in Oklahoma City, stop by to see Regina and buy one of her books on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 from 11-1 at Mardel in Edmond.


SIXTY ACRES AND A BRIDE
BY REGINA JENNINGS

Reviewed by Lacy Williams

In this Western version of the Ruth and Boaz story, Rosa Garner plays the dutiful daughter-in-law who returns to a foreign land—Texas. Some folks think Rosa is real nice and has done a kind thing, taking care of her mother-in-law, but most don’t understand her and she feels pretty out-of-place.

Weston Garner is a relation of Rosa’s mother-in-law, and he meets Rosa at a family sheep shearing. He’s instantly attracted to the dark-haired beauty with the fiery spirit, but ghosts from his past make him keep her at arms-distance.

Until Rosa sneaks into his barn, looking for help, and finds a husband—Weston—instead.

Jennings writes a heroine readers will love. Rosa is strong enough to survive a harsh Texas prairie, and tender-hearted enough to dream of a love of her own.

Filled with vivid descriptions, a rich historical setting, and memorable characters, this is a book you won’t want to miss! Highly recommended!

Reviews of Darlene's books

I'm delighted to post reviews for books by one of our own members, Darlene Franklin. Here are my thoughts on two of her books:

Plainsong

By Darlene Franklin

Review by Lacy Williams

Joe Knight meets Michelle Morris outside a major league baseball game and impulsively asks her out. Michelle is attracted to the intriguing man, but impulsive seems to be his middle name, and she needs a little more security in her life. Can Joe convince her to give their relationship a chance?

Darlene Franklin draws you into the characters’ lives and immediately begins unfolding a sweet romance with real, relatable characters. The “castle” theme throughout is charming. The characters face real conflict that is handled well.

A fun read and one I recommend!

Knight Music

By Darlene Franklin

Review by Lacy Williams

Sonia Oliveira arrives in Ulysses, Colorado, knowing she needs to find her the inspiration she’s lost so she can continue in her art career. When she meets Ty Knight, instant attraction sparks. But Ty’s got a secret and it could destroy not only him, but Sonia as well.

Franklin’s characters are well-rounded and deep, giving them both backgrounds that really flesh them out and provide valid reasons for their storylines. The continuation of the “castle” theme from the previous Plainsong is again charming and well-done. Another charming read and recommended!

September meeting cancelled

OCFW's September meeting has been cancelled due to speaker conflicts and a conflict with ACFW's national conference. If you have questions, please email Lacy at ljyw (at) cox (dot) net .

Book review: Anne Mateer's WINGS OF A DREAM

WINGS OF A DREAM
by Anne Mateer

Reviewed by Regina Jennings

When Rebekah Hendricks' suitor leaves Oklahoma for aviator training in Dallas, the months ahead of her look bleak. Struggling against the uncertainties of World War I, Rebekah dreams of the day when Arthur will return and she can start her real life with him. In the meantime, she goes to help her widowed aunt in Texas with the hope that her sweetheart will visit from his training base nearby.


Rebekah arrives at her aunt's to find the town devastated by the Spanish flu epidemic. Not only is Aunt Adabelle deathly ill, but Rebekah discovers that Aunt Adabelle is the sole caregiver of four motherless children and until their father returns from the war Rebekah is the only one able to care for them.


Frustrated at times by her inability to escape, Rebekah shoulders the burden and waits for Arthur to make good on his promises to whisk her away, but the longer he delays the more she feels bound to remain with the children until their father comes home.


This story has a gentle pace that contrasts with the hardship and desperation that Rebekah faces. Mateer's description of a town under the ravages of the Flu Epidemic of 1918 is chilling, but tempered by warm neighbors and the bonds that grow between Rebekah and the children. Isolated by fear and a scarcity of healthy adults, readers will sympathize with Rebekah's difficulties and cheer her determination. And even after the passing of the epidemic and the end of the war, Mateer doesn't let the story sag, but introduces the best complication in the form of a war-weary father who isn't sure what to do with the young woman who has earned his children's love.


Excellent read. I highly recommend it.

Mini-conference registration open

OCFW is excited to announce registration is open for our first mini-conference on October 22, 2011.

For details, check out the MINI-CONFERENCE page on this site.

August meeting

OCFW is excited to host a Q&A/Conference Preparation workshop on August 27, 2011 at the Mardel Christian Store in Edmond OK from 1-3 pm.

We will be doing questions with multi-pubbed author Janet Lee Barton, as well as our members who have attended conferences before, as well as sharing information about the upcoming ACFW National conference in St. Louis, MO.

We hope you can join us for this informative and fun workshop and for a time of fellowship.

Book Review: Marrying Miss Marshal

Marrying Miss Marshal

By Lacy Williams

Reviewed by Regina Jennings

Danna Carpenter doesn’t understand why the town council of Calvin, Wyoming, elected her Marshal after her lawman husband died. They show her no respect and don’t support her efforts to catch a gang of rustlers. To make matters worse, city-boy Chas O’Grady arrives in Calvin and Danna has her hands full keeping him from getting hurt in his attempt to hunt down a murderer. Just when she’s getting used to O’Grady being her deputy, their relationship becomes more complicated and much more personal.

Marrying Miss Marshal is chockfull of excitement. From the opening scene of a life-threatening stampede to the last outlaw apprehended Lacy brings the action. And just when you think it’s safe to relax, she introduces complications between the Marshal and her Deputy like a forced marriage of convenience and a mysterious journal from someone in Miss Marshal’s past.

Lacy has gifted us with two intriguing protagonists and a lively town full of interesting characters. I hope to spend more time in Calvin, Wyoming, soon.