5 Minute High Five 5 with author Gina J. Bentley

Hello Bookworms!!

          Today’s post is going to be lots of fun! It has been a while since I have had an author interview, but today I have one for you! A couple of weeks ago, I reviewed Flowers Darkly by author Gina J. Bentley. Today, Gina is going to give you some insight into her world and the world of  Flowers Darkly. Enjoy!

1. Let’s start with a fun question, how amazing does it feel to have released your first novel?

It feels wonderful! I began writing Flowers Darkly almost three years ago. At first, I didn't tell anyone I was writing a novel because I knew it'd be a long process. It ended up taking even longer than I'd anticipated. I eventually had to let go of a timeline, and be content with whenever I finished it. I wanted it done right! It's awesome now because readers tell me how characters, plot elements, or lines impacted them. I lived alone with these things for years, so to be able to finally share them in the book is truly an amazing privilege.

 

2. Where did you find the inspiration for Flowers Darkly?

 

I found inspiration for the novel in many places: British television, classic literature, dreams, music, and even sermons. Someone said "good artists borrow; great artists steal." I definitely stole some inspiration! As an example, I based aspects of Nicholas Graham on Robert Hardy's portrayal of Siegfried Farnon in the BBC series, All Creatures Great and Small. I studied Hardy's facial expressions as to get the subtleties right in my descriptions of Nicholas. Since the novel took three years to write, I had time to pool lots of ideas and incorporate them into the story.

 

3. Who was your favorite character to write?

 

My absolute favorite character to write was Nicholas Graham. He has a presence that transcends the page, causing me to think I may find him in line at the grocery store or sitting next to me on a flight. It's difficult for me to believe I created him: he always gently told me what he would say and do. Of all the characters, I've probably gotten the most feedback from readers on Nicholas. One reader described him as "perfect," and I couldn't agree more. I think as he impacts the characters in the story, he impacts us as well.

 

4. Given the opportunity, would you move to a new country like Miri? If so, where?

 

It's funny you should ask this question because I allowed Miri to experience my own dream of moving to England. I've been in love my entire adult life with England and British culture, primarily through its television and literature. Like Miri, I worked for a division of a British company, where I met Brits whose friendliness, character, and manner only increased my admiration for their culture. I got to travel with Miri to England in Flowers Darkly, and I hope my readers do as well.

 

5. Are there plans for more novels from Author Gina J. Bentley in the future?

Yes! Another novel is brewing in my heart and begging to be written. This one will likely stay state-side, but I expect it to have just as much romance, humor, and biblical truth as Flowers Darkly.

I would like to thank Gina J. Bentley for giving See Lizzie Read this interview!!

For more information about Gina J. Bentley’s works, both present and future, visit her website!

To purchase your copy of Flowers Darkly click here!!

Until next time,

          Lizzie <3

Flowers Darkly by Gina J. Bentley

Hello Bookworms,

            Today, I will be bringing you a review of the debut novel Flowers Darkly by Gina J. Bentley! This novel was released June 5^th, 2015 and I think all you romantic globe trotters out there are going to want to take this book with you on your summer vacation! Here’s why…

Summary

            Miri Lewis has a husband, two young daughters, and a demanding career. She’s a good wife, a good mother, and good at her job. But sometimes, Miri isn’t sure if she keeps her priorities straight, especially when it comes to her handsome, British boss, Andrew Kent. When a death occurs in her immediately family on the heels of being offered the career and personal opportunity of a lifetime in Bristol, England, Miri’s world seems to come crashing in around her, What Miri is about to discover is that sometimes tragedy is the catalyst that can bring more than sorrow and that comfort can be found in the unlikeliest of places.

Review

            Flowers Darkly was an initially mysterious and ultimately heart-warming story. With Austenian and Dickensian influences, Mrs. Bentley weaves a tale of love, sorrow, discovery, and dreams. And for all you British obsessed bookworms out there, over half the story takes place in England!!! You’ll just die for the descriptions of the people, the buildings, the places, and the good old English weather!

            Nicholas and Simon were by far my most favorite characters in the book. Nicholas in every ounce the kind, loving English gentleman we’ve all dreamed about. You can practically hear the kindness in his voice and feel the warmth of his embrace as you read. A vicar, Simon reminds me very much of Sidney Chambers of James Runcie and PBS’s Grantchester mystery series. And since I like Sidney Chambers so much, I couldn’t help but love Simon as well. Simon provides smiles and laughter and heartwarming support that will leave you wishing you had a Simon in your life too.

            Flowers Darkly is the perfect story to read on vacation. It takes you around the world and shows you the best side of people while entertaining you all along the way. I highly recommend you read it!

Buy Flowers Darkly

Follow Gina J Bentley on Twitter at @ginajbentley!

Until next time,

        Lizzie <3

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson

Hello Bookworms!
          I have a new review today! I recently won Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson in a Goodreads Giveaway ( if you don't have a Goodreads account and you love to read, consider getting a Goodreads account. Its free, there are quizzes, polls, you can track your reading and set goals, book recommendations, and LOADS of easy entry giveaways!!) I read Chateau of Secrets and now I'd like to discuss it with you! Here we go!


Summary
        a young woman is hurtling down a path that she isn't entirely sure about. She is engaged to a man who she thinks loves her, though he seems to be having trouble showing that love lately, and she is about to leave a career she loves to follow her soon-to-be husband down the campaign trail. She could be the wife of the city's youngest mayor soon. But when an invitation to return to her family's old Chateau in France and do an interview comes, all of her plans may change.


1940's France
         Gisele is a well born French woman who loves her life at the Chateau. She lives with her father and brother (who is supposed to be with the military preparing to fight Hitler and his army). She is constantly fending off marriage proposals from her devious cousin, but all in all she cannot complain. Except that she is hiding a secret.
           Life gets much more complicated when the Nazi's take over her hometown and eventually, her home. Hiding a jewish child in plain sight is much harder when the Nazi's are under your roof. It is a dangerous time for Gisele and everyone she had held dear all these years. No one knows who will survive and who will not. How will Gisele ever survive the Nazi occupation with her life, her safety, and her sanity in tact? Can she?


           Read as these two women's journeys run side by side and both of them find strength they didn't know they had.


Review
        Readers, I am in love with Chateau of Secrets! My only regret was that I didn't read it sooner. But even that wasn't so much of a regret as I ended up reading it in time for the 70th anniversary of VE Day when the Germans were officially defeated in World War II. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the anniversary of such a historical and life changing event.
          Chateau of Secrets is a thrill ride from start to finish. I confess that I was so engrossed in the novel it only took me 3-4 days to finish it. I was sad to see it come to an end. Chateau of Secrets is going to be one of those books that will always put a smile on my face when I see it on a shelf because of the pleasant memories of reading such an amazing journey.
           The imagery is beautiful, the story is faced paced and the suspense at times is heart-stopping. The love stories included are beautiful. There's something for everyone. The characters are so real I felt like I was reading a real life account rather than a historical fiction novel. I HIGHLY recommend that as many as will read Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson and recommend it to your friends. It would make a great gift for history buffs and the reading obsessed alike.


Buy Chateau of Secrets


Until next time,
               Lizzie <3

Mistaken by Karen Barnett

Hello Bookworms,

            I have a new book review for you today! I recently read Mistaken by Karen Barnett. This is Karen’s debut novel published in 2013. I can’t wait to share my thoughts!

Summary

            Laurie Burke has always been failed by the men in her life. They always make bad choices that throw her life into turmoil and then they leave her to pick up the pieces. Living with the reality that her dad is a drunk in a town with a growing rum-running industry is hard and Laurie’s been praying for just one man in her life she can trust.

            Daniel Shepherd had no plans of coming back to Port Angeles from Seattle. But when Daniel receives a letter from his aging grandfather asking for help, Daniel comes anyway. Maybe Port Angeles won’t be so bad. It’s a way to escape from his past.

            Samuel Brown works for the treasury department. He has come to Port Angeles to stop the rum-running ring and he’s good at his job.  He may be a bit smug but what else is new?

            Laurie’s prayers are about to be answered, but not at all in the way she expected. One thing’s for sure, in Port Angeles, first impressions are not what they seem…

Review

            Mistaken was so much fun to read. My best friend and I both read it and had so much fun discussing the details and our reactions to the shockers in the book!  This book would make a great easy read for a summer vacation. It’s also a great read for a book club! I think you and your friends will have a great time laughing, gasping, and discussing Mistaken.

     Mistaken is a good clean read that is action packed and keeps you guessing. There were points where I was completely shocked because I didn’t see it coming! At one point all I could do was sit there with my mouth hanging open and keep reading! I really think that you will enjoy this book and I greatly recommend it! If you’re looking for a great story to take on vacation with you this year, this is the one!

            I can’t wait to read more of Karen’s work and fortunately she is releasing her second novel “Out of the Ruins” this year!! (Woohoo!)

 

Buy Mistaken Here!

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble

Hello Bookworms,

        I have a review of a wonderful piece of inspirational historical fiction for you today. It is a work that I very much enjoyed reading and I cannot wait to read more by this author. Today’s review is of The Lightkeeper’s Daughter (A Mercy Falls Novel) by Colleen Coble!

 

Summary:

          Addie Sullivan grew up living and working at her parents’ lighthouse. When her father passed away of consumption, life got significantly harder. Addie’s mother, Josephine Sullivan, is much too hard on now 25 year old Addie. However, the faith that Addie’s father passed on to her keeps her strong. When a strange man is hurt and nursed back to health at the lighthouse, he delivers life changing news: Addie’s father and mother are not her real father and mother and Addie is actually the daughter of a very rich man. As Addie learns more about her real family, things aren’t adding up. Who can she trust? And who is in on a plot to stop her happy reunion with her father?  Things are taking a violent turn and Addie must find the truth before it is too late.

 

Review:

        I had seen and heard of Colleen Coble and her writing but I had never read any of it. So when I found one of her books in a local dollar store (I’m all about supplying myself with good books at the cheapest possible prices) I couldn’t pass it up. I’m glad I didn’t pass it up! Mrs. Coble’s story was fast paced, interesting, suspenseful, and fun. Every character is a wonderful addition to the plot of the story even Addie’s dear, gifted dog, Gideon. After reading this book by Colleen Coble, I am ready to get my hands on more of her books. There are at least two other books that revolve around lighthouses ( a personal favorite setting for me) but for those who enjoy different setting, Mrs. Coble has written books set in other places including her Rock Harbor series, Aloha Reef Series, and books set in Alaska, the Lonestar state (Texas area), and more. I think Mrs. Coble has something more almost everyone! I highly recommend “The Lightkeeper’s Daughter” by Colleen Coble! I also recommend everyone to check out Mrs. Coble’s other works as well! J

 

Links To Buy:

http://www.amazon.com/Lightkeepers-Daughter-Mercy-Falls-Series/dp/1595542671/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382383842&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Lightkeepers+Daughter+Colleen+Coble

 

Already read “The Lightkeeper’s Daughter”? Interested in Checking out author Colleen Coble’s other works? Here are some links to other books by Colleen Coble!

Links to More Colleen Coble Books:
The Lightkeeper’s Bride:

http://www.amazon.com/Lightkeepers-Bride-Mercy-Falls-Series/dp/1595542663/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382384576&sr=8-1&keywords=Mercy+Falls+Colleen+Coble

The Lightkeeper’s Ball:

http://www.amazon.com/Lightkeepers-Ball-Mercy-Falls-Novel/dp/159554268X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382384762&sr=8-2&keywords=Mercy+Falls+Colleen+Coble

The Mercy Falls Collection: 3 in 1 Volume:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mercy-Falls-Collection-Lightkeepers/dp/1401689493/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1382384834&sr=8-4&keywords=Mercy+Falls+Colleen+Coble

The Aloha Reef  Series:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Aloha+Reef+Series+Colleen+Coble&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AThe+Aloha+Reef+Series+Colleen+Coble

Until Next Time,
                   Lizzie <3