I just pre-ordered three books. This is a rare thing for me to do, but these upcoming historical novels have, for various reasons, caught my eye and I just can’t wait my usual few weeks or months after a book debuts to finally get around to ordering a copy.
The first book is Love’s Reckoning, by Laura Frantz, first in the Ballantyne Legacy, her new series (release date September 1, 2012). There’s still no cover available, though I know for a fact that Laura at least has seen it, and is very happy with it. I am getting quite impatient for Revell to release the cover image to the world at large, having been privileged to read a first draft of the story. I can’t wait to see what this new (to Laura) cover designer has come up with. I’ll be sure to point the way to it whenever it makes its appearance. O frabjous day!
The second book is Lisa Norato’s Prize of My Heart (release date March 1, 2012). I’ve never read Lisa Norato’s writing before. What captured me about this one is the story situation. Here’s a blurb:
An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son–his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child’s whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder’s daughter, Lorena Huntley.
Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own–until the day another’s evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.
As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all–love.
Since one of my recent historical manuscripts was set during the 1790s, not too far off the time period of this novel, I’m looking forward to soaking up the setting as well as the story.
The third book, Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond (release date July 3, 2012), had me at hello. By that I mean the cover. Just. Look. At. It. Then click on it for a larger view. Breathtaking!
After I got over staring at this marvelous cover, I read the story blurb on Casey Herringshaw‘s site.
I like this book even better now. I’ve never read Richmond. I hope to fall in love.
But isn’t that how it always is with a new author, or a new book?
What books do you see on the horizon (releasing later this year) that you think might have that love affair potential? Any books you’ve lately fallen in love with? New authors? Tell me about them in the comments!
I still remember how it felt the first time I read Charles Martin’s The Mountain Between Us. Sigh. Love at first page, that was.
I can't wait for Love's Reckoning either. Laura Frantz is an amazing author who excels at story, prose, & character.
And that cover on Cathy Richmond's book has to be one of my favorites on a historical novel. It tells me that it's not going to be your typical historical.
Have you read other Charles Martin novels? Love his work! His next release, Thunder and Rain, comes out in April. I can't wait.
Brenda, I have read more of Martin's books. I think I've read them all now except the first two, but Mountain was my first, and is my favorite. His next is about a cowboy, isn't it? 🙂
It is about a cowboy, a Texas Ranger to be precise. It sounds very different from what Martin's written so far so I'm very eager to read it.
When you have time, you'll have to read his first two. The Dead Don't Dance is one of my all-time favorite novels–it's the one that introduced me to Charles Martin.
Brenda, I see there's a hardback version with TDDD and the sequel, Maggie, in one binding. That's in my cart for a future order!
Lori, A million thanks for the mention here. And Brenda! So thankful for your gracious words!! I haven't read a Martin book but now I must. One book I'm looking forward to is A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs. I may not have the title right but think it's releasing this fall. A Scottish historical.
I have long loved Cathy's new title and cover. It's incredibly well done. I have this one on my list as well. And, of course, Lisa's!! God is so good to give us so much to choose from…wow!
Laura, I hadn't heard a title for Liz's new book, or a release date,so that's all news to me. Good news. Thanks for sharing. I must look into that further.
Thanks for the heads up. I have a daily planner I use to log in book releases I don't want to miss. I'm looking forward to Laura's next one too! Sigh — I like to clear my calendar so I can lose myself in her magic!
Recently discovered Rosslyn Elliott. Just finished Sweet as Birdsong and it's captivating. The historical detail makes it such a rich read. And Elizabeth Camden — love her two books.
I haven't read Rosslyn's books yet, nor Elizabeth's. Just saw hers mentioned on another blog. Thanks, Kav!