Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Choices of the Heart

GIVEAWAY

EAKES, LAURIE ALICE
CHOICES OF THE HEART

She thought she had left her old life behind . . . 

Esther Cherrett comes from a proud line of midwives and was trained by her mother to take over the family calling. But when a terrible scandal threatens all she holds dear, Esther flees, taking a position as a teacher in the wild western mountains of Virginia. But instead of the refuge she was seeking, Esther finds herself in the midst of a deadly family feud—and courted by two men on opposite sides of the conflict. All she wants is to run away again.

But could it be that her past holds the key to reconciliation—and love?
In this gripping story of trust, deception, and bittersweet loss, you’ll discover the true meaning of choices of the heart.

My Review:

The last book in the Midwives series, Choices of the Heart delivers the same riveting historical fiction of the earlier books. This time Eakes takes up into the backwoods hill country of Virginia. I loved the setting and the way the author managed to capture the essence of it as well as the inhabitants who lived there. It kind of had a Christy feel for me.

I love the way the book unfolds -- Eakes expertly delivers tantalizing tidbits of back story in measured degrees and that kept me reading in haste to get a handle on the big picture. The scandal that Esther flees plays a big part in the way she perceives herself and in how she relates to others. I did feel a bit of a let down though when a key issue -- Esther feels the scandal is her fault -- wasn't addressed fully. She took the burden of it upon herself and nobody told her it wasn't hers to carry. Not even the hero. I kept giving her pep talks, but she paid me no mind! Very frustrating.

This is a multi-layered story with more then one mystery to solve. Even the romance is filled with suspense. Choices of the Heart is the kind of read that will quickly immerse you in another time and place. Perfect for these long, cold winter evenings.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Choices of the Heart, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January  20 2013 Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group". 


 

18 comments:

  1. Would love to win this book - have read quite a few of Laurie's books and love them. Am sending you an email as well.

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  2. I like the idea of more than one mystery to solve!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  3. Nice review! Isn't it frustrating that the characters can't hear us and take our advice?? :)

    I appreciated your comment on my review, as well - always fun discussing books with you!

    (No need to enter me, of course!)

    ~Amber

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  4. I would love to win this!

    Amada Chavez

    amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com

    Exodus 14:14

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  5. I haven't read any books in this series, but I love books set in Virginia--any time frame. This one sounds like a good read.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. There is so much happening in the story and I sense all this just from the blurb! I definitely like the idea of strong women with unique occupations. Plus add in an exciting setting and that is a great story. Thanks, Kav for the chance.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. rubynreba, Eakes does a really good job of slowly revealing all the mysteries. Makes for a complex read.

    Thanks Amber -- and yes, I don't know why all characters seem to be reader deaf. It's very annoying! :-)

    Kay, I haven't read many books set in Virginia, but I really liked this setting. Maybe because it's not that comment in historicals...at least the ones I've read.

    You're right, Na -- there's a lot going on in this story and that's what makes it such a good read.

    Good luck Amada...and everyone else!

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  8. thanks for the chance to read this story, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  9. I've been wondering about this one. It does sound very good. I love the western Virginia setting, since the part of Kentucky I'm from is nearby. Please enter me.

    mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

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  10. I read the first in this series, but think I must have missed the second one. Would love to add this to my collection.

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  11. Laurie writes great books, thank you for the chance to win one written by her.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. Would love to read this one!

    marissamehresmanATaolDOTcom

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  13. Sounds like another great book by Ms. Laurie! Thank you for the review and giveaway!!:)
    samanthakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com

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  14. I would really love to read this wonderful book. I love reading about midwives.
    godblessamerica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I've found it's hard to go wrong with a Laurie Alice Eakes book. I'd love to win this one, a good family feud never hurts =)

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  16. I haven't read any of Laurie's books, but, the review makes it sound like it will be real good, and mysteries included. I'd like to win it and put it on my shelf!
    MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  17. It sounds like a totally different kind of plot and I am ready to read! I sure hope I win.

    deamundy(at)gmail(dot)com

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