Ellie’s Haven

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: Life, adventure, romance

Series: River of Hope

Number in series: 2^nd

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 416

Time period: 1920s

My overall opinion: What a joy to return to Sharlene’s writing! I so enjoyed it in the first River of Hope book, Livvie’s Song. This book was also a delight! The girl on the front? She’s perfect. Have I mentioned that Livvie is perfect on her book? She is. And Ellie is perfect here. The hair, the face expression, it’s all exactly what is described in the book. Anyway, this book centers on something quite like a mail-order bride, only the couple knew each other even less than the average mail-ordered bride. It was an interesting concept, and certainly one that worked. This book had just a tad of humor, an exciting story, and a sweet story, all smoothly blended into one lovely book. Definitely one I’d recommend! Can’t wait to read Sofia’s Secret at some point.

Cover Focus: Livvie’s Song

Livvie’s Song by Sharlene MacLaren 

Book blurb from goodreads.com : “Life is far from a breeze for Olivia Beckman, owner of Livvie's Kitchen, a favorite of locals in Wabash, Indiana. The widowed mother of two is struggling to make ends meet–no simple feat, especially when her cook turns in his resignation. Yet she's determined to pull through on her own, just as she did when God failed to save her beloved Frank.

Newly released from a ten–year prison sentence, Will Taylor is ready for a fresh start. With harmonica in hand–the only possession he values, aside from his Bible–he makes his way to Wabash, where a late–night meal at Livvie's Kitchen turns into a job opportunity when the outgoing cook learns about his restaurant experience. What he doesn't know is that the "restaurant" was a prison cafeteria.

But Will became a new man behind bars, thanks to a Christian friend, and he credits God's providence with landing him a job he loves. Soon, he cooks and bakes his way into the stomachs of his customers–and the heart of his employer. Both are hesitant, though, still healing from past hurts. A recipe for love between them will require sharing secrets, braving dangers, and believing God for a bright future.”

Why I like this cover: I believe I’ve mentioned before that there were two books that I had in mind when creating Cover Focus. Well, this is one of the them. I absolutely adore this cover. Not to mention the story inside. First, look at the woman. She’s Livvie. For your information, she looks just like she does in the book. J I love her brown eyes. I love that hair…it’s actually strawberry blond! And I love that half-smile. It’s SO Livvie. I think the “Open” sign behind her is perfect. Looks exactly like the one hanging in “Livvie’s Café”, her restaurant. And then the red and white striped umbrellas. No, not umbrellas…you know what I mean. And that car? Wow. It all goes so perfectly in the story. And besides, even if it didn’t, wouldn’t you have to admit that car is mighty cool? The peaceful sidewalk behind…

Ummm, yeah, I love this book. And this cover. You can find an interview with the author, and my review of “Livvie’s Song,” and an extra post about “Livvie’s Song” by clicking on the Sharlene MacLaren tag below. I highly recommend this book. It’s a top favorite of mind. Definitely read it. J

Birthday Party Interview and Giveaway: Sharlene MacLaren

Welcome to this day of my birthday party!

As my faithful readers may know, Sharlene MacLaren became one of my favorite authors as soon as I read her newest book, Livvie's Song. It's still one of my favorite books…one I read aloud to myself, I liked it so much. :) So therefore, I'm very happy to be welcoming Sharlene here today! Before you continue, make sure you read my review of Livvie's Song and the companion post to get a little background. I recommend that you buy this book!

Welcome, Sharlene! Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a retired schoolteacher turned author.  My darling hubby and I have been married for almost 36 years, we have two married daughters and four beautiful grandchildren five and under.  I have always enjoyed writing but didn’t really give fiction writing a try till the summer of 2000.  It has been an exciting, God-led journey.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author? (The books below are Sharlene's. Allow me to mention…I'm jealous of whoever owns that bookshelf. :) Those are all on my to-read ASAP list!

As I said, I love to write, but I think the most enjoyable part for me is the editing process.  Just love going over a completed manuscript, tightening narrative and dialogue, and adding layers to scenes.

What inspired you to write “Livvie’s Song”?

 Livvie’s Song is the first book in my River of Hope series.  I was inspired to write this series set in Wabash, Indiana while on a business trip with my husband.  We drove through this pleasant little town with its tree-lined streets, restored buildings, and charming old houses, and I immediately sat up and asked, “What is this place?  It’s so delightful.” My husband identified it as Wabash, and immediate warmth rushed through me.  “Oh my,” I told my husband.  “I think I feel a brand new series brewing.”

How long did it take you to write “Livvie’s Song”?

I believe it took me about seven months from start to finish once I completed a good deal of research.

What is your favorite time period to read about? How about to write about? 

I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction - i.e. late 1800s to 1930s.  And since I enjoy reading it, it would stand to reason that I’d love writing it as well.

Oh, I also love that time period. :) What’s a book you recently enjoyed reading? 

The last two books I read were Jody Hedlund’s The Preacher’s Bride and The Doctor’s Lady.  I’m very much looking forward to reading more of her books.

I'll take that as a recommendation. :) What were your favorite books as a child?

I loved reading all the Bobbsey Twins books, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Boxcar Children, The Yearling, and several other titles.

What are you currently reading?

I’m between books at the moment, so I’ll just say my beloved Bible.  I rarely miss a day of reading from God’s Word.

Thanks so much for coming, Sharlene! I had a wonderful time getting to know you! How can my readers learn more about you, or contact you? 

Please feel free to check out my website at <http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com>, my blog at <http://www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com> or come on over to Facebook and find me there! <http://www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren>

Mandatory entry: you don’t have to follow Austenitis, but in order to be entered, you do need to answer this question: Have you read any of Sharlene’s books? If so, which one(s)?

You can get extra entries in this giveaway! Do one or all of the below. You don’t have to leave separate comments for each entry…whether or not you do makes no difference. But p lease mention how many entries each thing you do is worth! Thanks. J

+3 entries for blogging about this giveaway! Leave a link so I can check it out!

+1 entry for putting the Austenitis button on your blog!

+1 entry for commenting on any other post on Austenitis. If you’re a regular commentor (and I know it), just say so. J If you aren’t really, make sure you tell me which post you commented on! This entry can be used a maximum of three times.

+2 entries if you follow Austenitis!

Okay. Just read this, then you can start leaving comments! J You may leave your email address if you like. It’s not required. If you do, I will email you if you win! Also if you do, make sure you leave it like this: charityu.austenite[at]gmail[dot]com so that spammers can’t find you! I will also post the winner here. Please note that this giveaway ends on ­­­November 26. I’m sorry for my international readers, but this giveaway is USA only.

Livvie's Song

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: Romance, life

Series: River of Hope series

Number in series: 1st

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 375

Time period: 1920's

Main characters: Livvie, Will

Exciting events: Many!

My overall opinion: Firstly, I was sent this advance copy of Livvie's Song for free. The publisher does not require me to review it postiviely, or even review it! But since I review most of the books I read, this one was definitely on the list, especially since I absolutely loved it! It was a really fun and special story. Also sweet, gently romantic, and very stirring. I'm hoping to be able to interview Sharlene MacLaren soon, here on Austenitis.

(Please click here to go to a special book blurb about Livvie's Song on Austenitis!)