CFBA: Gathered Waters by Cara Luecht

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Gathered Waters WhiteFire Publishing (April 15, 2015) by Cara Luecht

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:

I never planned to be a writer. In fact, it took me a while to finish college. But I did, and here I am. And I now I can’t imagine not being a writer.

By day, I am an English Instructor for a local college, Marketing Manager for Degnan Design Builders, Inc., mother to four amazing children, and wife to an eternally patient and supportive husband.

In the evening, when I can squirrel away some quiet time, I read and write historical fiction.

I have a B.A. in English Lit. from UW Whitewater and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.



ABOUT THE BOOK

They want to worship as their hearts demand...but is it something they can give up everything for?

Brianna has only ever been what her life demanded. A wife, a hostess, a mother. But when a stand her husband takes ostracizes them from the Lutheran church that controls so much of life in Sweden, Brianna finds herself needing to find a strength beyond her station...a strength that will see her through prejudice and persecution and to a home she never dreamed she would find.

Based on the true story of the author s family s journey from Sweden to America, this sweeping saga paints the brilliance of new faith, the bravery of a new land...and the beauty of plunging beneath the waters and emerging a new person, capable of what one never thought one could do.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Gathered Waters, go HERE.

Review: Soul Painter by Cara Luecht

Soul Painter by Cara Luecht
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm probably going to be digesting this book for awhile!!! It's one of those that will stick with you for awhile.

We first meet Miriam, a very intriguing character, who hides behind the inner walls of her warehouse. She only comes out at night, in the fog. Everyone points and stares when they see her. She is also an accomplished painter and spends her time (when not wandering in the fog) painting faces. Her paintings are as mysterious as she is. She also never seems to finish a painting.

John is set to take his holy vows in the next few weeks. There is something about "Mary" (his name for Miriam until he learns otherwise) that draws him to look for her. What is it that she is lacking in her life that he may be able to help fulfill? She never comes to church but seems to be always looking for something.

Ione is a bright, young girl who is working hard to provide for her family. She would do anything for them! She makes some choices that lead her to being in need of Miriam and John's help. Will she ever be able to forgive herself and make things right again?

Michael, Miriam's solicitor, also finds that he has a need for John, Ione, and Miriam as well. They will all work together to solve a series of crimes in the town that are occurring that the police want to overlook. What will the paintings reveal in the end?

I do want to caution parents that this book would be more suitable for very mature readers. There are some very dark scenes/story lines that some might find offensive. The writer has created a very realistic story that could take place in any location, not just Chicago in 1891!

Many thanks to the publisher, White Fire Publishing, the author, Cara Luecht, and the Christian Fiction Book Alliance for providing a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

View all my reviews

CFBA: Soul Painter by Cara Luecht

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Soul Painter WhiteFire Publishing (March 15, 2014) by Cara Luecht

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:
I never planned to be a writer. In fact, it took me a while to finish college. But I did, and here I am. And I now I can’t imagine not being a writer.

By day, I am an English Instructor at MATC, Marketing Manager for Degnan Design Builders, Inc., mother to four amazing children, wife to an eternally patient and supportive husband, and Worship Leader for Living Hope Fellowship in Sun Prairie, WI. In the evening, when I can squirrel away some quiet time, I read and write historical fiction.

I have a B.A. in English Lit. from UW Whitewater and an M.F.A in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ.

If you have a question for me, or if you are local and would like me to stop by your book club or writer’s group, please drop me a line via the “Ask the Author” tab. I always love the opportunity to meet with others who share my love of books.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miriam paints the future…but can she change it?

Chicago – 1890

Miriam watches the people jostle their way below the windows of her warehouse home, never thinking to look up at her as she paints their faces. But Miriam's gift as an artist goes beyond a mere recording of what is: Miriam paints their futures. Only once was she wrong. One woman doesn't match the future Miriam saw. The bright girl was supposed to grow into a respected businesswoman. Instead, Ione disappears nightly into the shadowed alley next to the cathedral with the other prostitutes. Then one night, while walking through the city fog, Miriam finds Ione broken and beaten. Miriam is forced to open her home to the stranger whose face she knows so well and open her life to change she never could have foretold. Women are missing—some found floating in the river, some never seen again. The deacon from the cathedral is the first to help. Soon Miriam’s solicitor, Michael, aids her in rejoining society so they might uncover the evil at work in the corrupt city...and awakens feelings she had never considered before. Finally engaged with the world she has so long observed, finally stirred by love and friendship, Miriam realizes the responsibility of her gifting. No longer can she just paint what will be. She must now help Ione find the future she is meant to have...and find her own along with it.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Soul Painter, go HERE.

I hope to have my personal review up by the weekend!! Be sure to check back!