Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson ~ Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson ~ Reviews

Queen of the Waves...

I don’t believe I have read a novel set aboard the Titanic…and if I have I know I haven’t read one written in such a dramatic fashion.

            There were twists and turns to this novel, deception and fear, faith and despair that kept emotions at riveting heights. The voice behind this story was engaging at the core and the character’s struggles constantly kept the story moving forward.

             The first hundred or so pages I wondered what was bringing these multitude of characters from so many walks of life together on one ship, but read far enough and you’ll find that each one has a careful place to play in the story.

            For anyone with any knowledge of American/British history, it was hard to read the scenes aboard the Titanic, knowing that the ship was not long for the high seas. The final scenes as the ship was going down were difficult to read, hoping that the characters I’d spent over three hundred pages with were among those going to make it.

            I thought that the offerings of this novel were epic, well written and tasteful. I had a sense of being on the ship with the characters, a sense of being there as the ship went down. All in all a very enjoyable read.

         

  This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

More about the novel...

When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Where the Trail Ends...
Being an Oregonian since the age of two, I’m always eager to find a book set in Oregon or on the Oregon Trail since I’m a historical junkie. The latest novel set on the path walked by hundreds of pioneers couldn’t exactly be classified as a romance, as the reader doesn’t meet the hero until a hundred pages from the end, but it certainly is a journey for a heroine that is determined and strong!

          

  I think more than anything, the style of this novel wasn’t my perfect fit. Probably because we don’t meet the love part of the story until almost at the end and then it felt a bit rushed for me personally.

         

   Taking the journey across the Oregon Trail has never been something that has been portrayed as easy and I have to feel for the people who walked so many miles and had to give up so much along the way. It tears at the heart a little bit and yet gives great respect to the dream of so many.

            

“Where the Trail Ends” wasn’t exactly my favorite, but what respect I have for the characters and the journey they took across such a harsh landscape.

           

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*            

More about the novel...

A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?

For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.

Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? 

Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Contest Info!

Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!