Now I'm giving away A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist!

To enter the contest to win this novel simply post a comment about whether or not you agree with the whole idea of mail order brides or not. Do you enjoy reading stories about people who don't know each other but have an arranged marriage anyway? Any favorite authors who write about these topics? I will pick a winner next Sunday, July 12th. I'll go first. I think with the shortage of women in the early west it made sense. I really like the mail order bride series written by Al Lacy. I've read all but two of them.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Wedding Is All Planned...
Someone Just Needs to Tell the Bride
In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.

Joe Denton doesn't have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride--one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.

Anna Ivey's journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook--not a bride. When she's handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

My review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, A Bride in the Bargain. There isn't a single book Deeanne Gist has written that I haven't totally adored. In fact, this may very well be my favorite book that she has written thusfar. It wasn't as "edgy" as several others, but was a truly fabulous love story with a deep emotion theme and powerful choices each character had to make. For me that makes any story a real page turner. I found the conflict 100% believable and I was so involved in the stories I felt the characters' emotional pain. Tears literally welled in my eyes on several occasions. The attraction between the characters sizzled, but it wasn't merely physical in this story. I think that is what I enjoyed most about A Bride in the Bargain. The hero and heroine fell in love with each other as individual people, too. My heart pounded as they discovered each other and felt a real sense of loss when things went awry. My heart also got all warm and fuzzy inside as they worked things out. Isn't that why we ladies read romances to begin with? We want to smile and feel breathless and fall in love while reading a great romance. This story delivers on all counts. I highly recommend it.

Slide show of 4th of July parade and sites in Ely

Note that the pics are not necessarily in order they happened. Enjoy!

Short video clip of Nothing, Arizona. It's a real place.

Here is a video of Nothing, Arizona. Yes, it does exist.

Pics from yesterday. Just wanted to share a few.

Rock formation between Wikieup and Wickenburg

Sahuaro cacti near Wikieup

A "mesa" in the distance (in Arizona)

Lake Mead

Hoover Dam

Man sculpture at Hoover Dam

Exposure by Brandilyn Collins is up on CFBA!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Exposure
Zondervan (June 1, 2009)
by
Brandilyn Collins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition to Exposure, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Always Watching, first in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.



ABOUT THE BOOK

When your worst fear comes true.

Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone
knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper
column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in
her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her
experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a
dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police
arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this
coming from?

Maybe she is going over the edge.

High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror,
twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee
pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.


To read the first chapter, go HERE.

“More twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster! Highly recommended.” ~CBA Retailers

“Mesmerizing mystery…authentic characters…a fast-paced, twisting tale of desperate choices.” ~TitleTrakk

“Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, and Exposure is her best book yet!” ~Dianne Burnett, Christianbook.com

My thoughts:

I was unable to read this before going on vacation. I will do a review as soon as I can. Sorry!

Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell is up on CFBA

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love's Pursuit
Bethany House (June 1, 2009)
by
Siri Mitchell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

A Constant Heart was her sixth novel. Two of her novels, Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. She has been called one of the clearest, most original voices in the CBA.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.

In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love's Pursuit, go HERE

My review:

Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish this before my vacation so I have to post later when I do finish. Sorry! I can say that I feel this serious sense of impending doom. I'm about halfway through the story. It's not one to read lightly.

Now I am giving away Certain Jeopardy by Captain Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky

To enter this giveaway simply post a comment about someone you love who is in the military. What do they do? Are they stationed overseas or here in the USA? I will pick a winner next Sunday, July 5th (I'll be on vacation in Las Vegas so hopefully I won't forget this! If I do, forgive me, please.)

I'll go first. My brother is in the Coast Guard and is stationed in Washington DC. He's a pretty high ranking officer. My nephew just joined the Air Force in the fall of 2008 and he's MP and is already TDY and stationed in Iraq. I also have many friends who have husbands who are in intelligence, special ops, or communications. I live near the training center of the USA for military intelligence. If you want to read an awesome book that portrays the area where I live check out Mark Andrew Olsen's book Ulterior Motives. It was amazing. But for now, let's focus on the book at hand, Certain Jeopardy!



About the book:

Six American men live behind a protective facade, their real work hidden from neighbors and friends. Different in countless ways, they are intimately the same in one: at any moment their lives can be altered with a phone call, and their actions may change the world. They are Special Ops. And one team's mission is about to hit certain jeopardy status when the discovery of an Al Qaeda base in Venezuela becomes secondary to thwarting the transport of a nuclear weapons expert from that training camp to Iran.

Informed by the true combat experience of Captain Jeff Struecker and finessed by award-winning novelist Alton Gansky, Certain Jeopardy is an immersing and pulsating fictional account of what really happens at every level of a stealth engagement: the physical enemy encounter, the spiritual war fought within a soldier, and the emotional battles in families back at home.

My thoughts:

I've read the first 8 chapters and can say this book is great! If you enjoy military thrillers and books that include military intelligence and war games, this is the book for you. I know I'm going to finish it for sure.

My review of Angel with a Ray Gun by Deborah Kinnard

About the book:

Matt Greenlee has managed to mix an active ministry with his secret life as a science fiction writer. When he's assigned a new -- female -- editor, Matt senses disaster. What sort of damage will she do his next bestseller? And once he sees her, he wonders what kind of damage she could do to his heart.

AJ Mercer edits books for a living, and she's good at it. But, Pastor Matt is a challenge as an author, and as a man, even more so. Her wingy, crystal-power, anything-goes mother advises her to go with the flow. AJ's offbeat upbringing has left her wary of both Christianity and men, but she's attracted to her client. The gloves are off -- his biases versus her need for success.

When these two mix it up over a book, can they find happiness, either loving or literary?

My review:

Angel with a Ray Gun is an emotionally moving novel and packed with spiritual truths. And it's all wrapped up in a delicious romance. What more could a romance-loving reader like me want? This author is one of the best "kissing scene" writers I've ever come across. Her writing makes me breathless without making me feel overly stimulated. Seriously. The tension in her multi-layered plotting is so realistic, too, that the conflict works perfectly to build the tension in the story.

I could see the congregation finding fault with the pastor for writing science fiction and worse, for being single. I could really sense his physical temptation (and hers) and understood their desire for true love. Everything about this story made it a truly compelling read. There were no meandering sections or boring chapters. Everything worked together beautifully.

It's hard to share much detail about this book because I don't want to post a spoiler. But I can honestly say that aspiring authors who want to develop believable and quirky characters, amazingly delicious romantic tension, complex internal and external plotting, and spiritual ARCs that ring true would be wise to study this novel. The only bummer is that when the story ended I could no longer hang out with Matt and AJ. They seemed so much like real people to me, and that is what makes this story superior to most romances. I really cared about both the hero and heroine's plight. Ms. Kinnard is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

Angel with a Ray Gun was published by Desert Breeze and released in April 2009.

My Air Bear is in Iraq!

When my nephew Aaron was just two years old we had a nickname for him. We called him our little Air Bear. Look at this picture. He's all geared up in the sky and serving in the US Air Force. Who'd have thought his nickname would become a reality someday? I just had to share this picture. I'm a proud auntie. Pray for his safety.

Description of Danger at the Door by Michelle Sutton

You asked for details beyond the cool cover. Here you go!

About the book:

AVAILABLE AUGUST 1, 2009

Upon her fiancé's death, Laney became a recluse who only left her home for emergencies. She managed to survive - barely - on food delivery service and her work-at-home job. When she tries to move on from her grief, the commemorative meal she orders is ruined. However, it leads to an unlikely friendship with an attractive man, Bojan, who speaks little English. As he befriends Laney he continually says the wrong things, but he doesn't give up trying to win her trust.

Meanwhile, she has this strange feeling of being watched and wonders if she's losing her mind. Complicating things further, every time she leaves her house something bad happens, confirming that she is safer at home. Can Bojan convince Laney she'll be safe with him, or will his presence put her in further danger? Will he be able to protect the woman he loves before it's too late?

My thoughts:

This story is rated warm/sweet, which means it's a cross between these two categories...

Sweet - Novels with a 'Sweet' rating will have nothing more physical than some shared kisses. They may hold hands, embrace, enjoy limited displays of affection, but it goes no further. If there is physical intimacy, it is only implied.

Warm - Novels with a 'Warm' rating take things a little further. Kisses may be more heated, embraces may be more intense. Physical intimacy may or may not occur, but it 'goes to the door' and stops. No details.

(Okay, I couldn't resist. This is MICHELLE here, people. If you don't like my style, don't read the book. If you do enjoy tense romance, then definitely check it out. And please post a review, too. When a publisher allows a yummy romance I'm SO there! It's edgy in that regard but no "sinning" takes place. Just my trademark sizzle. If you like that you will enjoy this story. It's loaded with humor and romantic tension. And yeah, there is a creepy bad guy.)

This is an e-book, which means that for 5.99 you can own it. Eventually it will be a hard cover copy (in a year or so) but why wait when you can read it now? Laptops and PCs work just as well as Kindles, Sony Readers and iPhones.

Blog tour stop for Worth a Thousand Words by Stacy Hawkins Adams here.

Worth a Thousand Words
(Jubilant Soul Series Book Two)
by Stacy Hawkins Adams

Life has always gone Indigo Burns’s way. She’s smart, pretty, and talented, and she knows exactly what she wants. A photography internship at her hometown’s local newspaper is the next step in her well-laid plans for her future. But her long-term goals are put to the test when her boyfriend Brian proposes–two years before he’s supposed to and in front of all the guests at her college graduation party.Too concerned about his feelings to say no, she heartily agrees, but inside she’s cringing. Indigo knows in her heart that she’s not prepared to sacrifice her dreams to become Brian’s wife–not before she has achieved any of them. Will she find the answers among family and friends in Jubilant, Texas? Or will the picture-perfect life she dreams of be left behind?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Hawkins Adams is a nationally-published, award-winning author and speaker. Her contemporary women’s fiction novels are filled with social themes and spiritual quests that take readers on journeys into their own souls.

She holds a degree in journalism and served as a newspaper reporter for more than a decade before turning her full attention to penning books, speaking professionally and writing freelance articles. Stacy lives in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two young children. Follow the blog tour schedule at http://bitly.com/WorthAThousandWords

For more information about Stacy, visit her at stacyhawkinsadams.com

My thoughts:

I was going to post a review here and then I accidentally left the book in another city. I found out that I will be part of the blog tour hosted by Revell in July so look for a review then. I will have read the story at that point. I know I'll love it. Stacy is an amazing author. :)

I've got my cover for Danger at the Door!!!

Isn't this the coolest cover? I love it!!! Also, to see it up close, simply click on the cover so you can see the words. :)

Shepherd's Fall by Wanda Dyson is up on CFBA with bonus review!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Shepherd's Fall
WaterBrook Press (April 14, 2009)
by
Wanda Dyson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wanda Dyson lives with her severely autistic teenager on a busy farm with horses, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, and the occasional fox, deer, groundhog, and snake. She could seriously live without the snakes, but that's life in the country.

After writing three critically acclaimed suspense novels, she was asked to write the true story of Tina Zahn (Why I Jumped), which was featured on Oprah. Readers characterize her books as "riviting" and "Packed with twists and turns."

Wanda serves on the board of several writers conferences across the country including the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

Wanda has finished the second in this series called Shepherd's Run,that will come out in 2010. And she's hard at work on the third and final installment of the Prodigal Recovery Series - Marti's story -- tentatively called Shepherd's Quest.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Bounty hunter Nick Shepherd is fearless when it comes to chasing down criminals. It's his difficult ex-wife, rebellious teenage daughter, and dysfunctional siblings that keep him awake at night. In charge of the family business, the Prodigal Recovery Agency, he thinks of himself as a shepherd of sorts. When his "flock" is out of his control, Nick's well-ordered universe falls into chaos.

Prodigal Recovery's search for Zeena, a prostitute on the run, leads to a faulty arrest, complicating Nick's business. He is thrown together with Zeena's twin, the beautiful Annie, and the two find themselves on a desperate search. The stakes significantly increase when Nick's daughter is kidnapped. Now, to save someone he loves, Nick must risk everything.but will it be enough

If you would like to read a Prologue excerpt from Shepherd's Fall, go HERE


My review:

Shepherd's Fall was one of those gripping books that holds on tight and doesn't let you go until the conclusion at the end. The author is skilled when it comes to torturing her characters. She does this just enough to make you crazy and want to keep reading. I know it sounds cliche, but it was hard to put down. Seriously.

I don't care much for supense books, but this one had my attention. I cared about the characters and the situations they found themselves in. The spiritual thread was present but not overpowering or contrived. I liked how the author brought things together in a way that made sense. And it's tough to say much without giving away anything, but things aren't always as they appear. In this case, the author made that very believable.

Most often I figure things out in advance or the twist doesn't make sense to me due to lack of foundation. But Shepherd's Fall is a complex and plausable tale that will delight male and female audiences alike. Highly suspenseful, but not highly romantic, there is just enough blood and violence to keep suspense lovers happy and enough angst to keep the story moving along. Great read. I highly recommend it.

Firstborn by Conlan Brown is up on CFBA, plus bonus review!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Firstborn
Realms (May 5, 2009)
by
Conlan Brown


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in 1984, Conlan Brown was functionally illiterate until the fifth grade, when he learned how to read and write, as well as a love of story, from his grandmother. Conlan went on to start college at the age of sixteen, and now holds a Master's degree in Communication, which taught him the academic principles needed to write Firstborn.

Conlan lives on Colorado's Front Range where he is working on his next book. He enjoys video editing, film scores, and developing high octane, thought provoking fiction that turns pages and excites the senses.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Three supernatural gifts. Two thousand years of division. One moment of truth.

Hannah's head hung, long brown hair in her eyes. Her face felt pasty with cold and fatigue and pain. Arms behind her back, she sat in a chair, wrists and ankles tied to the wooden frame, chair legs bolted to the floor. A cold car. A gun. Horror. Pain. Grief. Screaming. A windshield blistering with holes. Darkness.

It all came over her like a flood. A pouring out of pictures in her mind. But then there was one more thing. Not an image, but a feeling--that half a continent away someone else had felt it all happening too.

The Firstborn, those gifted with Foresight, Hindsight, and Insight at the time of Christ's death are divided between themselves. And when an Islamic holy man is murdered outside of his mosque it becomes apparent that one of the Firstborn was to blame. Now, with the threat of a terrorist attack on an unspeakable target the Firstborn are spiraling out of control. Leaders are dying, members are being kidnapped, and unity is being forced. Three heroes, differently gifted and divided must work together to thwart those who would go too far.

Their breakneck race against time plunges them into a world of danger and through a gauntlet across the United States. From the Riverwalk of San Antonio, where Devin Bathurst, John Temple, and Hannah Rice must protect one another from assassination, to the gritty streets of Washington DC, a paramilitary compound in Pennsylvania, and ultimately back to our nation's capital, the Firstborn must unite to prevent an impending atrocity from becoming reality.

Watch The Trailer



If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of The Firstborn, go HERE

My review:

Conlan has crafted a compelling story along the lines of such talent as Bronleewe, Dekker and Parrish. I am truly impressed. The creativity of this story combined with a believable plot that twists around world problems in existence today is profound. This story breathes life and truth rather than destruction. Seriously. Don't let the creepy cover fool you.

Yeah, there are dark people in this story, but there is also light and self-sacrifice. Serving God rather than ourselves is a major theme, and showing just how misguided people can be when they think they know best rather than consulting God can be disastrous. This novel really makes you think. It's scary, bloody and a bit gross, but not without purpose. It's a man's man book, yet this wuss enjoyed it, too. Why? Because I enjoy an intelligent book with symbolism and truth interspersed throughout the plot.

I didn't see false doctrine or new age teaching, just a storyworld with clearly fabricated spiritual gifts (this is fiction) that conveyed a real life lesson Christians need to read about and hopefully allow into their hearts. The end doesn't always justify the means, but following the God of Love is crucial. Conlan did a great job showing these things without distorting the heart of the Scriptures. Bravo!

In Iraq and having a baby...

Remember the wedding slide show I posted in February? Here is a picture of my nephew in Iraq. He was deployed last month and is in the Air Force. Isn't he handsome!? He's newly married (October 2008, but wedding held in Feb 2009) and his wife is pregnant with their first child. That's gotta be hard being away from her like that.



Here is his adorable wife. She's a great gal and a perfect match for him. Isn't her tummy cute? She's due in the late Fall of 09.

Now I'm giving away How Sweet It Is by Alice J. Wisler

To enter the contest to win this book simply post a comment about whether or not you've ever taught school (regular or Sunday Schoo) and if you have a favorite age group of kids to teach. If neither of those apply, then post a comment about whether you like to cook, and if so, what is your favorite dish to prepare. I'll start. I've been a sub for high school kids, worked as a Sunday school teacher for little kids, and my favorite thing to cook is lasagna. In fact, one is baking in the oven right now. :) I will pick a winner next Sunday, June 28th. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win! Have a great week.



About the book:

Deena Livingston leaves behind a broken romance and her chef job in Atlanta to spend time at her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. But her grandfather has an odd request: he wants Deena to teach cooking classes to the ragtag group of middle-schoolers who attend the local afterschool program, The Center. Reluctantly, Deena agrees, but how is she supposed to convince these kids that cooking at home is better than eating at McDonalds? And after all she went through in Atlanta, why is she attracted to Zack, the social worker at The Center? Can a Dr. Seuss-quoting plumber, a curly-haired basketball player, and a group of middle-schoolers change Deena's outlook on life?

My thoughts:

I read Alice's first book and I liked her quirky characters. This book sounds interesting, too. I haven't started reading it yet. I'll post a review when I do.

Today only! It's your chance to win an autographed copy of my book!

Today Only!




Win a free autographed copy of my book It’s Not About Me today at www.TheChristianPulse.com. The Great Escape Summer Reading Contest - 22 books, 22 reviews, 22 winners, weekdays during the month of June exclusively at...

www.TheChristianPulse.com.

A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist is up on CFBA! Plus, bonus review!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Bride In The Bargain
Bethany House (June 1, 2009)
by
Deeanne Gist


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deeanne Gist, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady, has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People magazine, Parents, and Parenting. With a line of parenting products called "I Did It!® Productions" and a degree from Texas A&M, she continues her writing and speaking. She and her family live in Houston, Texas.

Since the debut of those novels, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, two RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.



ABOUT THE BOOK

The Wedding Is All Planned...
Someone Just Needs to Tell the Bride
In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.

Joe Denton doesn't have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride--one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.

Anna Ivey's journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook--not a bride. When she's handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride In The Bargain, go HERE


My review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, A Bride in the Bargain. There isn't a single book Deeanne Gist has written that I haven't totally adored. In fact, this may very well be my favorite book that she has written thusfar. It wasn't as "edgy" as several others, but was a truly fabulous love story with a deep emotion theme and powerful choices each character had to make. For me that makes any story a real page turner. I found the conflict 100% believable and I was so involved in the stories I felt the characters' emotional pain. Tears literally welled in my eyes on several occasions. The attraction between the characters sizzled, but it wasn't merely physical in this story. I think that is what I enjoyed most about A Bride in the Bargain. The hero and heroine fell in love with each other as individual people, too. My heart pounded as they discovered each other and felt a real sense of loss when things went awry. My heart also got all warm and fuzzy inside as they worked things out. Isn't that why we ladies read romances to begin with? We want to smile and feel breathless and fall in love while reading a great romance. This story delivers on all counts. I highly recommend it.

Reminder about the contest. Don't miss it!

Remember to Visit http://www.thechristianpulse.com/ on June 18, 2009 for a chance to win a free autographed copy of my book It’s Not About Me. The Great Escape Summer Reading Contest - 22 books, 22 reviews, 22 winners, weekdays during the month of June exclusively at...

http://www.thechristianpulse.com/.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt with bonus book review!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
FaithWords (April 16, 2009)
by
Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

ANNE DAYTON graduated from Princeton University and is earning her master's degree in English literature at New York University. She works for a New York publishing company and lives in Brooklyn.

MAY VANDERBILT graduated from Baylor University and went on to earn a master's degree in fiction from Johns Hopkins University. She lives in San Francisco, where she writes about food, fashion, and nightlife in the Bay Area.

Together, the two women are the authors of Miracle Girls



ABOUT THE BOOK

Ana, Christine, Riley, and Zoe have grown closer than ever over the past few months, but summer is over and it's time to put their friendship to the test.
It's been a little over a year since Christine Lee's mom passed away in a tragic car accident. Now her dad is engaged to Candace--"The Bimbo"--and Christine couldn't be less thrilled. When her attitude starts to take a toll on her schoolwork, the administration forces her to attend counseling sessions. At least she gets to skip gym class!
But with her father's wedding inching closer, Christine is growing even more bitter. To make matters worse, the Miracle Girls are beginning to drift apart. Christine's anger and the pressures of high school threaten to break the girls up when they need each other the most. Will they find a way to join together to help Christine come to terms with her mother's death . . . and her father's remarriage?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, go HERE


My review:

This was a wonderful story. I actually got tears in my eyes at the ending. Any book that makes me sniffle from happy tears is a good book. That means I cared enough to feel something for the characters. These authors did a great job pulling me into Christine's world. She was very much a typical teenager so their perspective from Christine's point of view was excellently done. Those heart-engaging endings are the kinds of endings I love seeing in inspirational books. One that offers hope and healing and encourages young adults. It's so much the opposite of what teens read in secular YA fiction.

Anyway, because this story wasn't typical YA fiction I enjoyed that slight difference. There were no pat answers and healthy grieving was encouraged. The struggles the teens experienced were typical and well-done. Everything is "embarassing" at that age. Also, I didn't feel like a bunch of girls of verying ethnicities were thrown together to make a multicultural book happen. It flowed naturally and didn't seem forced. I appreciated that. I also appreciated the subplot involving Riley's brother Michael. I can't wait until that story comes out. I think it will be the best story of them all.