Book Review – “Mona Lisa: The Carlingford Chronicles, Part I”

A great review of Mona Lisa by John Mark Miller.

johnmarkmiller's avatarThe Artistic Christian

Mona Lisa - Carlingford Chronicles 1

 

 

I really don’t consider myself to be a huge fan of romance novels, so when I was first approached about writing this review I’ll admit I had my hesitations. But in the end I rolled the literary dice and took a chance on this Christian novel, and I’m glad I did.

Mona Lisa, by Whitney L. Schwartz, is a truly heartwarming story of love and second chances, set against the charming backdrop of Old Ireland. As you encounter the first few pages you may feel slightly bogged down by the old Irish jargon, but once the colorful characters and their fiery Irish spirit steal your heart you’ll be grateful for the wit and subtle sarcasm of their daily banter.

The story introduces readers to Mona Lisa McLeod, a spunky Irish beauty who turns the head of nearly every man in town with her quick wit and hot temper…

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Especially Now

nativity scene 2“She’s a pretty little thing,” Eve said as she watched the young woman.

 

“She looks so tired,” Sarah commented.

 

The girl’s pale face and heavy-lidded eyes undershadowed by dark circles clearly reinforced the statement. Continue reading “Especially Now”

Prodigal Christmas

lightstock_104801_medium_peripheral_imagesDoug made his way through the crowded corridors of O’Hare. His bag hung over his shoulder and the pain in his back letting him know that his body didn’t appreciate the long flight. He wasn’t so young anymore, but the sleepless nights had taken their toll and left him feeling far older than his sixty-two years. He trudged outside through the doors and a rush of cold air blasted him in the face. He pulled the collar of his coat tighter and glanced around. The sun had long-since set and the city was lit by street lamps and neon signs. Cold flakes of snow were just beginning to fall from the black night sky.

Doug waited for a cab, trying several times unsuccessfully to get one to stop. When he finally he got one, he slipped into the backseat and set his bag down beside him.

The young driver glanced at him in the rearview mirror. “Hey, where you goin’, pops?” Continue reading “Prodigal Christmas”

New Release!

mona lisa amazon twit picMy #Christian #romance novella has just been released and is now available for sale on Amazon.

Mona Lisa: Carlingford Chronicles Book 1

A feud. A freak accident. A forbidden love.

The sparks are going to fly.

Mona Lisa McLeod and Brogan Shay live on opposite sides of a hundred year feud. The sides are clearly defined and Mona and Brogan are content to leave it that way.

Whenever they meet, the sparks fly between them like a striker on flint. They’re constantly butting heads. However, chance seems determined to throw them together. They’ve always gone together like matches and dynamite yet romance brews between them as they are forced to remain in each other’s presence through an intense situation. Before they know it, they’ve fallen in love and they cross the line into a secret romance, but will it survive? Will the feud between their families kill their love? Or will outside forces kill them?

Set in 1800, Carlingford, Ireland, this novella brings a tale interwoven with faith, drama, humor, and passionate romance.

Fall in love with Mona and Brogan’s story set against the vibrant culture and countryside of historical Ireland.

 

Order Mona Lisa now: http://www.amazon.com/Mona-Lisa-Carlingford-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00OH1V65Q/

 

Fount of Every Blessing

lightstock_170293_medium_peripheral_images“I never really knew what rock bottom felt like before…but now I do.”

“That bad?”

Michaela shook her head. “You have no idea.”

“Well, tell me about it, honey.”

Michaela looked up at the red-haired waitress.

The name tag on the pink apron said Eileen and the pot of coffee in her hand sent up hazy tendrils.

Michaela forced a smile of thanks. “You wouldn’t want to hear it.”

“Sure, I would.” Eileen sat down in the booth across the table, Continue reading “Fount of Every Blessing”

The Cliffs of Roan

the cliffs of roan pic 2Eowyn’s heart beat in rhythm with the cadence of Marachar’s hooves as they kicked up dirt beneath them.

Her breath came quick and hard and hazy in the cold evening air.

Her flaxen curls flew out wildly behind her and the hem of her dress whipped around her ankles.

The pounding hooves behind her sounded like thunder in her Elven ears.

She glanced over her shoulder and saw the Tachat warrior close behind her, Continue reading “The Cliffs of Roan”

Between the Lines: Mona & Brogan’s Wedding

mona and brogan blog picCan you believe it? In just ten days, on December 1st, my novella Mona Lisa is being released. In honor of the occasion here’s a sneak peek into the wedding of my main characters Mona and Brogan.

What She Wore:

Mona wore a pale blue dress for her wedding. Traditional Irish wedding dresses were blue rather than white. Blue represented purity. Possibly because blue is the color associated with the virgin Mary. So before white came to be the go-to wedding hue, blue was the color that Irish brides wore. Continue reading “Between the Lines: Mona & Brogan’s Wedding”

5 Things Writers Can Learn from Hallmark Christmas Movies

5 Things Writers Can Learn from Hallmark Christmas Movies pic

Cue a jingly Christmas tune. Close-up shots of Christmas ornaments. Fade in and out actors credits followed by a Christmas-y, possibly clever, potentially cheesy title. Now enter the main players, they aren’t in love, then they are, then they aren’t, and then they are again. Yet more often than not we’ll tune in to watch them or record them on our DVR and walk away with satisfaction. So, the question is…why? And what can we, as writers, learn from them? Continue reading “5 Things Writers Can Learn from Hallmark Christmas Movies”