Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. Each week gives the opportunity to spotlight an up-and-coming release you are excited about.

Waiting On:
Title: Rebels
Author: Jill Williamson
Publisher: Blink
Publication Date: August 26th, 2014

Synopsis:
From GoodReads

In this third book in the series of fantasy/dystopian novels from award-winning author Jill Williamson, three teens must try to hold on to their values amidst the subjugation and lies of the government.

In this final novel of the Safe Lands series by Jill Williamson, Mason and Omar discover the true meaning of Liberation-a secret the Safe Lands have long kept from their people-but find they are trapped in the low lands with this crucial information. Meanwhile, Levi is forced to turn his attention elsewhere when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and becomes the Safe Land's new queen. His only choice to save her may be to take up the role of undercover vigilante that Omar began, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will that be enough to expose the Safe Land's lies and bring freedom to the people? And will they even want it if it comes?

Why I'm Waiting:
The first two books of this series held me captive. I'm ready to find out the outcomes of these characters. I can't wait to see how it will all end!

Title: The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn
Author: Lori Benton
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Pages: 400
ISBN: 978-0-307-73149-4
Publication Date: April 15th, 2014

Synopsis:

Frontier dangers cannot hold a candle to the risks one woman takes by falling in love

In an act of brave defiance, Tamsen Littlejohn escapes the life her harsh stepfather has forced upon her. Forsaking security and an arranged marriage, she enlists frontiersman Jesse Bird to guide her to the Watauga settlement in western North Carolina. But shedding her old life doesn’t come without cost. As the two cross a vast mountain wilderness, Tamsen faces hardships that test the limits of her faith and endurance.

Convinced that Tamsen has been kidnapped, wealthy suitor Ambrose Kincaid follows after her, in company with her equally determined stepfather. With trouble in pursuit, Tamsen and Jesse find themselves thrust into the conflict of a divided community of Overmountain settlers. The State of Franklin has been declared, but many remain loyal to North Carolina. With one life left behind and chaos on the horizon, Tamsen struggles to adapt to a life for which she was never prepared. But could this challenging frontier life be what her soul has longed for, what God has been leading her toward? As pursuit draws ever nearer, will her faith see her through the greatest danger of all—loving a man who has risked everything for her?

Review:
Lori Benton's sophomore book, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, was a thrilling story that kept me turning pages into the night, well, I should say, early morning hours. I honestly could not put down this book. Chases through the mountains on horseback, mystery, some not so well known history, and a bit of romance. The perfect combination for a book!

Tamsen Littlejohn is a young woman, who has been preened by her stepfather, to prepare her for a life as a planters wife so she can be an anchor to a wealthy family, and bring her stepfather's standings up. However, that is not the life Tamsen wants, she doesn't want be thrown into a cage for her stepfather's happiness, but what can she do when her mother takes the brunt of her stepfather's displeasure. She is trapped, or so she thinks. When her stepfather's brutality forces Tamsen's hand, she runs as fast and as hard as she can.

As Tamsen runs from the life her stepfather is forcing on her, she is able to discover secrets about herself and her family that have been hidden from her, her whole life. With these new revelations, she can't help but hope. Tamsen also finds out on her journey that all men aren't harsh like her stepfather, with the help of Jesse Bird, the man who helped her escape.

Jesse isn't your typical overmountain man. He is a man of compassion and has a strong desire to follow the Lord's lead. He is knowledgeable of all the land surrounding the area and he has made friends with the local Indian tribes, but he doesn't know much about his early childhood, other then what has been told to him by his adopted pa. His past is a mystery and no matter how he tries, he can't remember.

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn was a thrilling story! There was adventure and new discoveries to be had. At the end, I wondered what would now happen to one character, I will not say who, I'll leave that for you to discover, but I wonder how things will go for this person after the twist and turns and discoveries. Could there be more from this character? Those are just some thoughts I had when I turned the last page. It's always a good sign when a you want the story to keep going, and I did with this one.

Too Read
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God's transforming grace. When she isn’t writing, Lori enjoys exploring beautiful Oregon with her husband.




Thank you to the author, I received copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel
Author: Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1231-4
Publication Date: February 4th, 2014

Synopsis:

Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected . . .

Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men---both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.

Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?

Review:
Janette Oke's books hold a special place in my heart. Her books introduced me to Christian historical fiction. I have read all of her previous books and I still look forward to her new books. So, it was safe to say I was thrilled when I saw Janette Oke and her daughter Laurel Oke Logan were releasing a new novel, Where Courage Calls, part of When Calls the Heart.

It was enjoyable to dive back into the When Calls the Heart stories. Instead of continuing with the original characters, we are introduced to newer characters. We did see Beth briefly in the original series, but as a little girl. Here, Beth has grown and made it through college and is ready to put her knowledge to use, just like her aunt, in the wilds of the Canadian frontier.

It was a delight experiencing the quiet, but busy life Beth had as a teacher in a small coal mining town. Beth faces many challenges, but she does her best to push through with her intelligence and with her faith. She is also quick to make friends and as she becomes accustomed to the town, this small town starts to become her home.
 
There is a small romance that buds in these pages, but it isn't the main focus of the story. I saw this story as Beth finding out who she is and who God wants her to be. She has been led by her mother to be certain ways, but here in Coal Valley away from her mother's nudging, Beth is able to discover what her own strengths are. I liked how Beth was finding out who she was before pursuing a relationship. That shows a wonderful strength in her.

The story was left open to possibly continue, I hope it does, I would like to see where Beth's story takes her.

Too Read
4 out of 5


About the Author:
Janette Oke Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada.

Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of "Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie," as well as the novel "Dana's Valley," which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Giveaway:
Janette Oke's newest book, Where Courage Calls (co-written with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan), is receiving rave reviews. It is the companion story to Hallmark Channel's TV series When Calls the Heart, set in the Canadian west.

Janette and Laurel are celebrating with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on March 4th.
One winner will receive:

• iPad Mini
• Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
• When Calls the Heart DVD

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the Where Courage Calls Facebook Party on March 4th. Connect with Janette and Laurel for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more!

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Each week offers an opportunity to spotlight the books you either received for review, bought, borrowed, or won.

Review:

Bought:

What did you get this week?