Favorite Books of Author Beth Barany + Giveaway

Some Favorite Books on My Shelf by author Beth Barany

Thanks Crystal for having me on My Reading Room.

I love to read, and was first an avid reader before dedicating myself to being a writer. And I still
read A LOT, morning, noon and night. ;-)

Most of my books on my shelf are novels: romance, science fiction, fairy tales and folk tales, science
fiction romance, paranormal romance and the occasional mystery and suspense novel. I also have
lots of nonfiction books on writing, business, and marketing; and lots of book in French, about Paris
history, and some novels and kids books in French.

I recommend all of the books below, of course! So get comfortable... By now you may find yourself
relaxing in a comfy chair, and seeing yourself reading one of these books, or not. All of these books
are my books, too. You'll feel the cozy chair under your legs, and feel the air on your cheek, and
while the sounds buzz softly around you, and while you take a deep breath while reading a book.

Here some of my favorite books in no particular order now. Except I saved the best for last. You'll
see!

1.  The Eight by Katherine Neville

A grand adventure across Europe and North Africa and across time. I've read this book at least
three times. I love the complexity and the message. Every few years I read it again!

2.  Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn

This was the first book I've read of Sharon's, and I have to say it's still my favorite. I love the strong
female lead, the unusual romance, and the grand adventure in a well-thought out fantasy land. The
rest of the books on the series are wonderful, too!

3.  Jade by Patricia Simpson

A delightful paranormal romance by an award-winning multi-published author. I love the time
travel romance, and the Seattle setting. I also love every thing she's written and feel blessed to have
her as one of my awesome critique partners.

4.  Once A Hero by Elizabeth Moon

I picked this title out of the many science fiction books Moon has written because I've reread it a
few times. I love the sensitive and strong female lead. She exhibits a strong leadership ability that
takes everyone by surprise. I love how her true self emerges in the backdrop of deep space in the
far distance future. Elizabeth Moon is a talented and compelling author; I love all the science fiction
she's done, and look forward to exploring her fantasy.

5.  A. K. A. Goddess (Silhouette Bombshell) by Evelyn Vaughn

Great adventure. Goddess protectors. A love story and romp across Europe -- what's not to love?! I'll
bet you'll enjoy this one!


6.  Henrietta The Dragon Slayer by Beth Barany
This one is my favorite. (Except for the sequel I'm working on how!) I admit I'm partial...this is
my book! I've read it at least ten times! LOL A tale of adventure, a tale of friendship, and a tale of a
strong young woman hero fighting the good fight. Enjoy!

Of your favorite books, which one have you read the most? I'd love to know!

Comment to enter to win a copy of Henrietta The Dragon Slayer. If you comment, you also enter to
the Grand Giveaway for the necklace featured on the cover of Henrietta The Dragon Slayer. 

Winners will be chosen at the end of August. Giveaway rules here: http://www.writersfunzone.com/blog/beth-barany-novelist/blog-tour/#rules

For more about Beth Barany, and her latest novel, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, go here: http://www.writersfunzone.com/blog/beth-barany-novelist/

Book Review: The Colonel's Daughter by Laura Frantz

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Publisher: Revell

Publish Date: August 1, 2011

Paperback, 408 pages
Historical Romance, Christian, Revolutionary War Period
ISBN: 978-0800733414

My Review:


Beautifully written, The Colonel's Lady is a mesmerizing tale of life in the harsh world of the Kentucky settlement during the Revolutionary War period in our country's history.  It's a tale of love, of loss, of war, fighting, duplicity and forgiveness.  So much is packed into this book and it is so hard to put down while reading it.

The Colonel's Lady is the tale of Roxanna (Roxie) and Colonel Cassius McLinn (Cass) and how they fall for each other despite the problems they face in the harsh elements and the things that stand between them both literally and in their minds.  It's also a tale of others in the fort and of the war itself as it is going on in the territory around the Ohio River.  This was an area I was completely unfamiliar with during the Revolutionary War so I found the history element fascinating. 

Roxie was a great character, she adapted easily.  Even though life was hard, and hers was even harder with the loss of her father, she kept going and started cooking in the kitchen, started working in the garden and just did whatever was needed of her.  She wasn't one to be lazy and wait for others to wait on her.  She's also a strong women, she carried on despite the pain she had in her heart.  Yet she was vulnerable to Cass' charms and she does fall for him.  I liked her soft side too.  I really thought she was a well-developed character and I liked watching her grow and change during the book.

Cass was also a great character.  From the beginning of the book we learn about him from Bella and what we learn is he is stern and one does not cross him.  He also is not one of many kind words.  But as he is around Roxie more, he starts to change.  Roxie is good for him and the whole fort too.  I loved watching him evolve as a man.  The change was wonderful even if Roxie couldn't fully see it.  Being privy to it as the reader was really interesting.  Ms. Frantz has a real way with character development that makes reading her books a real pleasure.

The plot pacing is wonderful, the characters are wonderful.  All-in-all, The Colonel's Lady is a 5-star book all the way.  I went in not knowing what to expect from this author.  I came out knowing I will grab up the next book she writes no matter what time frame or genre, Ms. Frantz has a true gift for writing and it shows in The Colonel's Lady.


My Rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:

In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own--some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him?

Readers will be enchanted by this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from reader favorite Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse readers in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the Author:
Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late eighteenth century and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.


Blog

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.***