Reviews for Bella Lucia:
Reviewed by Clare Revell
Link: http://telscha.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/review-bella-lucia-by-joanne-troppello.html I couldn't put this novel down once I began it. The story, told from multiple view points, is captivating and a real page turner, as each of the characters struggle with the situation they find themselves in. The one thing binding them is their faith, even in the most dire of situations, they know God is right there with them. Gwen's anguish over being childless turns to joy at the chance of adopting, but of course its not plain sailing. With enough twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes, plenty of angst and action, this is one to curl up with and not put down. 4½ / 5
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Reviews for Mr. Shipley's Governess:
"I enjoyed your book very much. I felt like I was back a century, though. Part of its charm. Very romantic ending.
JoAnn Durgin Awakening the Spirit of Romance www.joanndurgin.com
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Reviewed by Lauren Plude from Sourcebooks, Inc.
"You have an engaging voice and an interesting concept here in your lovely novel."
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Reviewed by Leanne Morgena, Senior Editor from Wild Rose Press
"I’m intrigued by the old-fashioned feel to the story set up and their current struggles. I am a huge Jane Austen fan."
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Reviewed by Dawn R. Carrington, Editor-in-Chief from Vintage Romance Publishing
"Your story has an interesting premise."
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Reviewed by E. Keith "JB" Howick, Jr., President of Silverton House Publishing
"It is evident that you have invested a great deal of time and effort developing your story."
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Reviewed by Marianne Evans
Link: http://marianneevans.blogspot.com/2011/07/please-welcome-joanne-troppello.html
Mr. Shipley’s Governess features old-world romance told in a unique, courtly voice. The setting and circumstances surrounding the love story of Sebastian Shipley and Sophie Baird are thoroughly modern, but the author’s style of description and the evolution of the plot are very reminiscent of the classics we’ve all grown to love and treasure: Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Emma to name but a few.
Ms. Troppello packs drama and emotion into the pages of this novel, telling a captivating story of love lost and found. Sebastian Shipley is a widower. Sophie Baird lost her parents to a tragic accident. Their story begins as Sophie is hired as teacher and governess to Sebastian’s charming little girl, Anastasia.
The references to faith and God are powerful. Though circumstances conspire against them in the form of wounded hearts beginning to heal, Anastasia’s fragile health, terrifying accidents and would-be romantic entanglements from the direction of a socialite with an eye on Sebastian , the references to faith and holding fast to God’s hand are powerful for both the hero and heroine and make the book a warmhearted pleasure to read.
Mr. Shipley’s Governess is a must for fans of classic-style romance. Kudos, Ms. Troppello, on a book well written and lovingly created! Five-Stars.
The author provided this reviewer with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
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Reviewed by Clare Revell, Happily Ever After Reviews
Link:http://networkedblogs.com/cRR9D
Sophie Baird is looking for a way to escape the painful reality of her parents' deaths. Unable to live in their home any longer, she takes a job as a live-in tutor to Anastasia Shipley to remove herself from her painful memories and the feeling that God has abandoned her.
Anastasia has an illness that has prevented her from ever attending school and makes her father, Sebastian, over protective.
When Sophie first meets Sebastian, she cannot deny the intense attraction she feels toward him. When an unexpected romance begins between them, she starts to rebuild her relationship with God, with the help of a certain little girl.
Clare's Review
Sophie needs a new job, to take her mind off her parents death. Sebastian needs a tutor for his daughter Anastasia. She insists its a governess, Sebastian tries to convince her this is real life and not a Jane Austin novel, but the title governess seems to stick. The position is a live-in one and Sophie soon settles in, teaching her charge all that she can. Brought together by Anastasia's frequent bouts of ill health, things come to a head when Sebastian flies to England on a business trip.
This novel by Joanne Troppello, will have you enthralled throughout with its delightful characters and combination of humour and heart stopping moments. If you love Jane Austin, then you'll love this.
5 Tea Cups!
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Mr. Shipley’s Governess by Joanne Troppello
Reviewed by: Lindsey Yonce
http://radiantlit.com/2011/01/review-mr-shipleys-governess
Genre: A Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Wild Horse Press
Publication Date: 2010
Sophie Baird is looking for a change of pace after her parents sudden tragic death left her devastated. She decided to try answering an ad in the paper for a tutor to a child that was sickly and unable to attend school. Little did she know that the change of pace she sought was going to be the ultimate life change.
Sebastian Shipley was engrossed in work and worry for his young daughter Anastasia. After posting an ad for a tutor for his eager-to-learn little girl, Sebastian prayed that the Lord would bring the right person into their lives. After meeting Sophie, Sebastian was convinced he had found the right woman to teach his beloved daughter. Soon after Sophie’s arrival however, it becomes clear that Sophie will be much more than a teacher, but a member of their family.
This is a story of renewal, rebirth, and rediscovery of life, love, and spirituality. As Sophie enters the new world of her employers, she is swept up in a fairy tale adventure, rediscovering life and meaning. Sebastian is transported into a new frame of mind as he and Sophie discover the excitement of learning to love again. As little Anastasia gets better and readies to attend school, the question is on everyone’s mind as to what will happen to their new kind of family, and the lessons they have learned.
I read different types of books depending on the mood I’m in. Mysteries if I’m feeling confident, biographies if I’m feeling educational, romance if I’m feeling tired and in need of comfort. This is the ultimate comfort book. It is a straight forward romance with some twists and turns along the way to keep you turning pages. This is the kind of book that you curl up with after a long day of work and watching news that will be positive, uplifting, and soothing to the soul. Not only does this book offer a wonderful romance but reflection into spiritual life as well. I highly recommend this book after a hard day to go along with a hot cup of coffee.
Rated G- No inappropriate conduct here, slight racy innuendos but nothing offensive
*Review copy provided by publisher.
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Book Review for: Mr. Shipley's Governess by Joanne Troppello
Reviewed by: Celita Perillo
Link: http://daysease.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-for-mr-shipleys-governess.html
Mr. Shipley’s Governess by Joanne Troppello
Sophie Baird is an elementary school teacher faced with the challenge of moving on through life while dealing with the fresh wounds of tragedy. Deciding that she needs a change, Sophie takes a position as tutor for the Shipley family: comprised of the young widower, Sebastian Shipley, and his sickly nine-year-old daughter, Anastasia.
This story recounts Sophie’s journey back to hope, faith, and healing; as she finds that she is able, once again, to trust and to love. As the story progresses, it seems that the heart changes are occurring in others of the Shipley household as well. These changes reveal a budding love between Sophie and Mr. Shipley, and complete devotion between Sophie and Anastasia.
The first thing I noticed about the “feel” of this book is that I became very emotionally involved with the characters. They are real-to-life. It was interesting to see that I had difficulty remembering that the story is contemporary. For some reason my mind related to the story as an historical novel, and I was startled several times in the midst of reading by a phrase or exclamation that encouraged me to return, and reassured me of it being, present day. It was an intriguing sort of occurrence.
I was blessed by two incidences of miraculous intervention: once with Sophie, who was battling with doubt, fear and mistrust of God. She received confirmation of God’s passionate love for her from a very surprising and unlikely source. I related to this and was overwhelmed to tears of gratitude and amazement. (God is so good.) The other had to do with Anastasia, her faith in a good God, and God’s ability to speak to the heart of a child.
Other elements that I enjoyed were the references to Jane Austen, C. S. Lewis, and the sites around Belfast, Ireland. The details still ring longing in my heart to see what she saw in her travels.
This book can certainly be labeled a “Christian Romance Novel”. It is easy to read and flows nicely. It is not weighty or overly long–drawn-out. I believe it is perfect for busy moms or overly stressed people who long to read something sweet and something that includes many encouraging reminders, but who do not want to add any more stress to the day. I enjoyed it, and I am actually considering reading it again even though I have just completed the first run-through.
I would recommend this book to other moms or women who miss reading more often, but haven’t a lot of time, or who have become accustomed to light reading based on too much distraction in life and/or a busy and intense lifestyle. It is light reading but thoroughly enjoyable.
As it is an e-book, it was a bit more challenging for me to get to through while maintaining the needs of my home and family. That may not be problem for all, though. I would have preferred having a paperback in hand, but the story was enjoyable enough to help me forgive that point and make time in the evenings to complete it.
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Review: Mr. Shipley's Governess by Joanne Troppello
Posted by Romancing the Book Reviews
Review by Jenni.
Sebastian Shipley is a businessman, widower and an over-protective father of a young girl whose health prevents her from attending school. Seeking to find a tutor for Anastasia, Sebastian places an ad, praying that the right person will come into their lives.
Sophie Baird is still mourning the recent loss of her parents but answers a newspaper ad for a live-in tutor, hoping for a change of scenery and the time to heal. Practically hired on the spot, Sophie begins to get settled in her new home (which happens to be a huge, beautiful mansion) and finds her charge to be the perfect, proficient student. As Sophie and Ana grow closer as friends, the story gathers speed on a trek that aims to redirect Sophie’s heart toward trusting God. But while Sebastian sees Sophie as an answer to his prayers for Ana, he realizes that God may be offering him a second chance at love at the same time.
Drama begins to unfold when Ana’s health takes a turn for the worse while Sebastian is on business in Europe. But when Sebastian’s life becomes threatened as he makes his way home, will he trust God to watch over Ana and Sophie until he can make it home safely? And will Sophie find the strength to trust God to see her through the challenges she faces with caring for Ana and a growing attraction to her employer?
Mr. Shipley's Governess is a sweet and comforting contemporary story that I really enjoyed. It has a fast-paced, easy flow that keeps the pages turning with some nice twists and turns but, as a result, lacks any real depth with regard to detail. The story’s editing also lacks a spit-shine polish (i.e. pairing one character’s movement with another character’s dialogue in the same paragraph, or not designating enough dialogue) which might confuse readers a bit. Some passages I needed to reread a time or two to keep the characters straight. But all that aside, the story reads a lot like a period piece thanks to a lavish setting and travels to England and Ireland. A few mild innuendos add to the fun and romantic tension between Sebastian and Sophie as we watch their friendship build into a touching romance. Sebastian’s romantic side is sure to make readers sigh with a smile.
While definitely a romance with moderate inspirational tones, this story did not strike me as being too preachy, nor too heart-wrenchingly tragic, which is often my gripe within spirational fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it to those looking for a nice, cozy and comforting romantic read.
My rating: 8 – Definitely on my keeper shelf
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My thoughts on Mr. Shipley's Governess
Reviewed By: Nadja Notariani
Link: http://nadjanotariani.blogspot.com/2011/06/joanne-tropello-is-guest-blogging-today.html
Sophie Baird struggles with the grief of losing her parents in a tragic accident and in her ensuing distant relationship with God. But her floundering leads her to the place the Lord intended for her all along – as governess to Anastasia Shipley.
Tutoring her young charge, who also knows the sting of loss, Sophie slowly comes to terms with her pain, learning from her pupil even as she endeavors to instruct. As Sophie grows anew in her faith, love begins to bloom in her heart for Anastasia’s father, Sebastian. Afraid of her growing affection for her employer, Sophie must decide whether she will trust God with her future or continue to lock her heart away.
Mr. Shipley’s Governess is a simple story affirming the belief that faith conquers all. The hero, Sebastian, and his daughter, Anastasia, display their trust in God throughout the four hundred-eleven pages, and of course, the heroine joins them by the story’s end. Troppello’s message is conveyed clearly, sprinkled within the character’s thoughts, words, and deeds. This novel is quite sweet in that regard.
Interestingly, the most amusing character in Troppello’s novel is Sebastian’s brother, David Shipley. The author’s employment of witty and cagey dialogue with this particular character absolutely stole the scenes in which he figured, and I wonder if she may contemplate writing a story about him!
I would rate the novel three stars out of five for the following reasons. I craved more meaningful conversation between Sophie and Anastasia as well as between Sophie and Sebastian. The couple never openly discuss weight matters, for as soon as an uncomfortable topic is breached, one or the other either flees the situation or changes the subject. Anastasia, at times, came across as too ‘pollyanna-ish’. I would have also enjoyed it if the author had delved more deeply into the family relationships. Besides the wants I’ve listed, I also have praise. It was nice to read about a well-adjusted child who was respectful towards adults and who loved learning. Love between Sophie and this young girl was nicely written, and I liked the fact that the heroine fell in love with Anastasia before falling for her father. The lack of a truly nasty villain was also refreshing. Troppello writes about issues that people actually face, such as fear, loss, fear of man, bitterness, and hope. Add in a wealthy hero that jets the heroine across the pond and, voila!, we have a romance afoot.
Joanne Troppello writes an inspiring tale. The stars I would award were well earned! I would recommend this book.
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Reviews for Shadowed Remembrances:
By Nancy Jackson - Publication: Reviewer's Bookwatch; Date: Saturday, January 1, 2005; Shadowed Remembrances,
by, Joanne Kerzmann-Troppello Publish America
Shadowed Remembrances guides the reader effortlessly through suspense and human emotion, making for an exciting and satisfying read. Joanne M. Kerzmann shares with us a unique writing style with vivid imagery and impressive character development. Detective Torianna Silverman spends her days analyzing fingerprints for crime scenes. After having suffered from her own childhood trauma and losing her parents, she finds comfort in that line of work. During a visit to her old hometown in Pennsylvania, she faces old ghosts and renews a romance with Nick Keyes – the County Coroner – and someone she once had strong feelings for.
At the same time, a murder investigation is being examined more closely, thanks to an observant housekeeper who refuses to believe her employer’s wife, Sherry Wilkins, committed suicide. She hands over some sort of a computer disc to the authorities that may hold the key to the woman’s untimely death, while putting her own life at risk. With both Nick and Torianna working on the case, they become a stronger unit and many overlooked pieces of the puzzle start to come together. What is on the disc that could have been so devastating that a woman had to die over it?
The author works the scene changes well with enough tension to keep you turning the pages, and wanting to find out the truth behind all the secrets of the murder. She also blends the character’s need for spiritual balance, guidance, and peace beautifully into the story, in a very subtle and refreshing way. There is no preachy undertone, instead it allows the character to strengthen and deal with her haunting past. Shadowed Remembrances is filled with action, romance, and mystery. From the first chapter it grabbed my attention and didn’t let up. It goes by quickly yet stays with you long after you’ve finished. Joanne Kerzmann is an author to keep your eye on.
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Review by Sharon Silvas, Editor of Spinsters Ink, Inc.
"The book is amazing and fresh...Our readers found it to be compelling. The author's writing style and ability to conjure visuals are excellent and the author is very good at developing the tension to make the story move fast."
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First Lady Laura Bush received Shadowed Remembrances and wrote:
"Thank you for your kind gift and caring words of support and prayer. I am pleased that you would think of me in such a special way, and I appreciate your generosity. With warmest wishes, Laura Bush."
