My review of Skizzer: A Novel, by A.J. Kiesling

About the book:

When her sister Becca disappears, Claire returns to an abandoned estate where they played as children. There she finds a curious note: "Something terrible and wonderful has happened." A desperate chase begins, taking Claire from a haunted North Carolina inn to a rectory in Yorkshire, England. Can she solve the mystery---and save Becca?

My review:

Skizzer is an interesting book, yet I'm not sure how I feel about it. The fact that I actually finished the story shows it's compelling enough for me to keep on reading, but I didn't perceive much of a spiritual journey for the main character until the very end, and even that was minor. There was not much of an emotional pull for me in this book, either. I guess I kept waiting for that to happen and then the story ended. I did find the sister dynamics interesting as well as the notion that sometimes history repeats itself with sudden disappearances of loved ones. The sense of distress I caught from Rainey was well-done in that I understood his bewilderment, but I was hoping for more of an emotional investment on my end.

So while this story didn't choke me up or keep me on the edge of my seat, it was a nice, cozy read sort of like Robin Gunn's Finding Father Christmas. I enjoyed that story, too, but it had a similar pacing, plot and theme that brought me along but never took my breath away. Maybe it's the English mystery thing that doesn't yank my chain. But I did enjoy some of the backstory in the book, especially the part where Aunt Jess tells about the family history. That said, I did enjoy this book, but something was missing...I'm just not sure what that something was.

Skizzer was published by Revell and released in January 2008.

Now I'm giving away Playing God by Michelle McKinney Hammond

To enter to win a copy of this book simply post a comment. I will pick a winner on Wednesday. Don't forget to give me a way to contact you if you win. If I don't see an address or you don't have an e-mail on your blogger profile, I won't put your name in the hat, so don't forget!



About the book:

Once-idealistic counselor Tamara is consumed with her clients' heartaches. Minister's wife Corinne is devastated by her husband's unfaithfulness. Compassionate Jamilah feels helpless as a mother neglects her daughter. When four good women facing bad situations take matters into their own hands, will they learn that Playing God is a game that nobody can win?

Cover models for my next book...It's Not About Him!

My book It's Not About Me will be releasing soon (Sept 2008) so I'd like to introduce the minor characters in book 1 that become the main characters in book 2. Meet my fictional characters, Susie and Jeff. Susie looks happy in the top picture because she is happy, and thus the happy shot goes on the back of the book. The second picture of her with Jeff is more in tune with the story theme. Susie is confused and a bit sad. Jeff is in love and wants her so badly, but she doesn't know what to do. So what do you think??? Remember, It's Not About Him. :)

Author photo shoot pictures.

Well, I had my very first photo shoot for myself as an author yesterday. So what do you think? Do you have a preference for one particular photo? These came out the best, I thought, even though I have a bunch more. :)

Sweet Caroline blog tour...plus my review, a recipe, a contest and more!

Contest: The Sweet Life contest! Enter to win a Scrumptious Baking Basket from Rachel. The basket contains a Super Cool Apron, a Low country cook book signed by PAT CONROY, rolling pin, and a pie plate!

All you have to do to enter is sign up for Rachel's newsletter here: http://rachelhauck.com/newsletter.htm

**Picture of apron: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pm2sSmf7L._SL160_AA160_.jpg

And BONUS here's a recipe for Bubba's Buttery Biscuits!

3 cups self-rising flour 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled, plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing the tops 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Place the flour and chilled butter in a medium mixing bowl. Work the butter into the flour with a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingertips until the butter pieces are a little larger than an English pea, but not larger than a lima bean. If you are using your fingers, work quickly so that the heat of your hands won't melt the butter.

Pour in all of the buttermilk and, using light pressure, fold the mixture a few times with a plastic spatula until it holds together. Do not over mix. In order to make light biscuits, it is important to work the dough as little as possible.

Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead it quickly and gently 6 to 10 times or until it begins to be almost homogenized. There will be large pieces of butter throughout. Sprinkle a little flour under the dough so that it won't stick to the board and lightly dust the top of the dough so that it won't stick to the board and lightly dust the top of the dough so that it won't stick to the rolling pin. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thickness.

Cut the dough into 2-inch rounds, place on an ungreased baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. I like the biscuits to be crispy and brown on the top and bottom, but not dry in the middle. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the tops of the biscuits with the melted butter. Serve right away. (recipe from Louis Osteen)

About the book:

Caroline Sweeney has always done the right thing--the responsible, dependable thing--unlike her mother who abandoned her family. But when her best friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Barcelona, Spain, Caroline says "yes" to destiny.

Then, without warning, ownership of the run-down cafe where she's been waitressing falls right into Caroline's lap. While she's trying to determine the cafe's future, handsome Deputy Sherriff J.D. Rand captures Caroline's heart.

But when her first love, Mitch O'Neal, comes back to town, fresh from the heat of his newly-found fame as a country music singer in Nashville, Caroline must make some hard choices about love and the pursuit of the sweet life.

My review:

I wasn't sure what to expect with this story. At first I thought it would be a straight chick lit, and in some ways it was. However, Sweet Caroline touched me in a deeper place than most lits do. I actually got choked up a few times. I rarely do these days. There were some very funny moments, some truly enjoyable girl times, and some romantic interludes that sizzled and popped. Best of all, though, was a spiritual awakening and a discovery of one's place in this world that was breathtaking and yes, sweet.

I loved this story. It was hard to put down once I got past the first few chapters. I loved the old folks, the lowcountry charm, and the author's voice. The honesty and self-examination Caroline had to deal with in order to grow was truly inspirational. She was strong, yet totally emotionally vulnerable, and for good reason. I loved how Caroline was so perceptive of other people's needs. She was also brave and willing to tackle her issues.

When she helped her brother tackle his bitterness there was a genuine God moment that was unforgettable. I am rarely as moved as I was during that pivotal point in the story. Of course I'm being vague so as not to spoil the surprise. At any rate, this story is probably my favorite story penned by Hauck. Does it get any better than this??? Seriously.

About Rachel:

I'm a forty-something, a child of the '60's, '70's, '80's, '90's and '00's.

I roller skated through the '70's into the '80's with Farrah Fawcet hair and a three-speed orange Camero.

Born in Ohio, I lived several years in Oklahoma and Kentucky before my parents moved the family to Florida.

I graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism. As a member of Phi Mu sorority, I partied my way though the last few years of college.

But, the truth is, and always will be, I belong to Jesus. At the age of six, I knelt at the altar of a Tulsa Methodist church and gave my life to the One who loves me.

After graduation, hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. And I did it without a laptop, a cell phone, an IPod or portable DVD player. Those were hard times.

But, I traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine. But, life on the road is difficult. Working twelve to fourteen hour days, one doesn't get to see many of the sites. In Ireland, our company's distributor drove me around at night so I could see something of Dublin.

I met Tony, my husband, in '87, at church, of all places. We got married in '92. Tony has been a pastor for twenty years. I've worked with him in eighteen of those twenty. Our heart is to see teens and adults passionate, radical and whole hearted for Jesus.

Tony and I don't have any children of our own, lots of kids-in-the-Lord and we love them all. However, we do have a very spoiled dog, and an even more spoiled cat.

I've always wanted to be a writer. My dad used to tell me, "You're a writer." I have letters he wrote me post college, exhorting me to write. In this, I believe he had the heart of God.

In '93, I started an epic WW2 novel with two plots. It was well rejected. After that ordeal, I took a break and put efforts into my job as a software project manager. But, I missed writing and in late ' 99, I took up the craft again.

With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ' 04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. I love writing chick lit and romance. I love writing. What an honor.

Links:

Rachel's website: http://www.rachelhauck.com/

Rachel's My Book Therapy ( a writing craft blog for writers): http://www.mybooktherapy.com/

Lastly, here is a list of all of the blog tour stops for the Sweet Caroline tour!

http://www.rachelhauck.com/2008/05/welcome-to-sweet-life-blog-tour.html

Now I'm giving away By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer

To enter to win a copy of By Reason of Insanity simply post a comment about what intrigues you about this book. I haven't had a chance to read it yet but it sounds great, doesn't it? Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win.



About the book:

High-priced attorney Quinn Newberg and multiple homicide defendant Catherine O'Rourke both have problems, but not quite on the same scale. The savvy Las Vegas lawyer realizes that this case will require all his skills as an insanity defense specialist. For Catherine, things are even more complicated. She knows that she's neither guilty nor crazy; but she also realizes that nobody will believe her claim that her intimate knowledge of the crimes derives from paranormal dream. Soulful fiction.

Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer is up on CFBA with my crazy review at the end!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Broken Angel
(WaterBrook Press (May 20, 2008)
by
Sigmund Brouwer


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sigmund Brouwer is the author of eighteen best-selling novels for children and adults. His newest book is Fuse of Armageddon and his novel The Last Disciple was featured in Time magazine and on ABC’s Good Morning America. A champion of literacy, he teaches writing workshops for students in schools from the Arctic Circle to inner city Los Angeles. Sigmund is married to Christian recording artist Cindy Morgan, and they and their two daughters divide their time between homes in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada and Nashville, Tennessee.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Her birth was shrouded in mystery and tragedy.
Her destiny is beyond comprehension.
Her pursuers long to see her broken.
She fights to soar.

A father's love for his daughter…a decision that would change both their lives forever. But who is she really─and why must she now run for her life?

Caitlin's body has made her an outcast, a freak, and the target of vicious bounty hunters. As she begins a perilous journey, she is forced to seek answers for her father's betrayal in the only things she can carry with her─a letter he passes her before forcing her to run, and their shared memories together.

Being hunted forces Caitlyn to partner with two equally lonely companions, one longing to escape the horror of factory life in Appalachia and the others, an unexpected fugitive. Together the three will fight to reach a mysterious group that might be friend or foe, where Caitlyn hopes to uncover the secrets of her past...and the destiny she must fulfill.

In the rough, shadowy hills of Appalachia, a nation carved from the United States following years of government infighting, Caitlyn and her companions are the prey in a terrifying hunt. They must outwit the relentless bounty hunters, skirt an oppressive, ever-watchful society, and find passage over the walls of Appalachia to reveal the dark secrets behind Caitlyn’s existence–and understand her father’s betrayal.

Prepare yourself to experience a chilling America of the very near future, as you discover the unforgettable secret of the Broken Angel.

In this engrossing, lightning-paced story with a post-apocalyptic edge, best-selling author Sigmund Brouwer weaves a heroic, harrowing journey through the path of a treacherous culture only one or two steps removed from our own.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

My review:

Broken Angel was... interesting. The author is... imaginative. Okay, it was a strange book. Really strange. But it had a good message despite the weirdness and occasionally sick-o scenes. What I gleaned from Broken Angel is that if you take your eyes off Christ and get so wrapped up in the culture that you forget grace, then you can be led away to the point where you've forgotten what it really means to be a Christian. Oh, and when legalism abounds we are not far from the Nazis and the control they had over their society.

Extremist? Perhaps. But I see no harm in Brouwer creating a story to bring those points out if we want to avoid repeating history. And the ending was...interesting. I almost get the impression there could be a sequel to this bizarre tale. And honestly, the book was compulsively readable and though several times Broken Angel was graphic and descriptive enough to make me shudder, I'd read the next book in the series if there is one. Why? Because good does eventually overcome evil, and because God is good.

Broken Angel was published by Waterbrook Press and released for sale yesterday, so I'm sure there are still plenty in stock.

Embrace Me by Lisa Samson is up on CFBA.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Embrace Me
(Thomas Nelson March 4, 2008)
by
Lisa Samson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Samson is a Christy Award-winning author of 19 books, including the Women of the Faith Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer. Lisa has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks."


In Embrace Me, the latest novel by acclaimed author Lisa Samson, readers are privy to the realization that regardless of outward appearances…hideous, attractive, or even ordinary…persons are all looking for the same things: love, forgiveness, and redemption.

This story explores a world that is neither comfortable nor safe, a world that people like Valentine know all too well. Masterfully crafted by Samson and populated by her most compelling cast of characters yet. It is a tale of forgiveness that extends into all spheres of life: forgiving others, forgiving oneself, forgiving the past.

She lives in Lexinton, Kentucky, with her husband and three kids.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Biting and gentle, hard-edged and hopeful...a beautiful fable of love and power, hiding and seeking, woundedness and redemption.

When a "lizard woman," a self-mutilating preacher, a tattooed monk, and a sleazy lobbyist find themselves in the same North Carolina town one winter, their lives are edging precariously close to disaster...and improbably close to grace.

Valentine, due to her own drastic self-disfigurement, ahs very few friends in this world and, it appears as if she may be destined to spend the rest of her life practically alone. But life gives her one good friend, Lella, whose own handicap puts her in the same freakish category as Valentine. As part of Roland's Wayfaring Marvel and Oddities Show, a traveling band of misfits, they seem to have found their niches in an often curiously cruel world.

Residing in a world where masks are mandatory, Valentine has a hard time removing hers, because of her disfigured face but more so because of her damaged soul. It is much easier for her to listen endlessly to different versions of a favorite song, Embraceable You, and escape reality. Yet, life has more in store for her when she meets Augustine, replete with the tattoos, dreadlocks, and his own secrets. With his arrival, Valentine's soul takes a turn.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

My thoughts:

I like just about everything Lisa writes. This book is harder for me to get into than any of her others, but I like the edginess. I've been told that this story is incredible so I'm taking another crack at it and hope to post a review soon. :)

My review of Healing Promises by Amy Wallace

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Facing a new threat.

When FBI Agent Clint Rollins takes a bullet during a standoff, it might just save his life. But not even the ugly things he’s seen during his years working in the Crimes Against Children Unit could prepare him for the overwhelming powerlessness of hospital tests revealing an unexpected diagnosis. If only Sara weren’t retreating into doctor mode…he needs his wife now more than ever.

Frozen in fear.

Sara Rollins is an oncologist with a mission–beating cancer when she can, easing her patients’ suffering at the very least. Now the life of her tall Texan husband is at stake. She never let the odds steal her hope before, but in this case, the question of God’s healing promises is personal. Can she hold on to the truth she claimed to believe?

Faith under fire.

As Clint continues to track down a serial kidnapper despite his illness, former investigations haunt his nightmares, pushing him beyond solving the case into risking his life and career. Clint struggles to believe God is still the God of miracles. Especially when he needs not one, but two. Everything in his life is reduced to one all-important question: Can God be trusted?


My review:

Amy Wallace can write a gripping tale of romantic suspense like none other. And Healing Promises was so riveting I finished it quickly despite my busy schedule. The characters were all very well developed and felt so real. I loved how romantic many of the scenes were, especially with Clint and Sara. Yet, they had their marital challenges, too. There were never pat answers to the trials they went through but true emotion and spiritual struggles abounded. I loved the honesty and the detail regarding Clint's struggle with his health. The research was very well done. I also loved how the author got me hooked in advance on the characters of Michael and Hanna. It's a no brainer that I am going to want to read the next installment in this series. I loved these secondary characters and the issues they struggled with. Very well done. This story had so many touching scenes and emotionally gripping conflicts that I can't pick one to discuss without spoiling the story. So I'll refrain. I have to say, however, that the POV of the killer was pretty creepy but very realistic. The psychology of the man was right on target and the hunt for the man who killed children was well paced enough to keep you on your seat and holding your breath. Sometimes when I read a book I find myself wanting to skip over some points of view to get to others but this story was well balanced in that respect. I'm just so impressed with this story. I loved it even more than the first book. It can only keep getting better. Highly recommended. This book is a winner!

Healing Promises is published by Multnomah and was released in April 2008.

I'm giving away a copy of Winds of Sonoma by Nikki Arana

To enter the drawing for this book just enter a comment and I will put your name in the hat. I will pick a winner on Wednesday. Make sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win!



About the book:

Angelica Amante is facing the toughest decision of her life. Should she accept a promotion at a prominent New York law firm or follow her heart and risk her entire career?

Angelica Amante is the only daughter of a wealthy horse-ranching family and a rising legal star of a prominent New York law firm. But when shes offered a promotion, she finds herself facing one of the toughest decisions of her life. Should she continue to work for a company that profits by taking advantage of the poor, or take a stand against injustice and risk her career? Then Angelica meets Antonio Perez, the oldest son of a poverty-stricken family in Guadalajara, Mexico, and her compassion for the poor is reawakened. When Angelica and Antonios worlds collide, they find themselves at a crossroad of faith, love, and selfless commitment that will forever alter their lives. The Winds of Sonoma, book 1 in the Regalo Grande series, is a must-read for anyone whose heart is captivated by selfless love, compassion, and truth.


My review:

I read this book back in Sept 2005 and here is my review from way back then...

I read many books that I never post, but this one is a must read for romance lovers. The author did an amazing job at making the reader fall in love with the hero and empathize with his plight. The conflict was excellent and I couldn't stop reading this story until I found out how they made it past all of the cultural barriers to find true love. Since it is based on a true story, you can feel the author's passion about the subject matter, but not in a preachy way. I laughed and I cried. I saw everything through the perspective of the characters, who were realistic, and very well developed. The symbolism throughout the story is also wonderful. I literally felt the hero's love pouring from his eyes whenever he looked at Angelica. Well done!

My review of Over the Waters by Deborah Raney

Synopsis

In her most transcendent novel to date, RITA Award-winning author Deborah Raney depicts a driven, ambitious man shaken into a journey of self-discovery by the death of his son.

As "Dr. Botox" to the bored, rich women of Chicago, plastic surgeon Max Jordan was shocked by the decision of his son, Joshua, to focus his medical talent on Haitian orphans. Embittered by Joshua's death, Max searched for resolution in the very place his son called home. The selfless labor of Joshua's co-workers stunned Max, and he was particularly taken by American volunteer Valerie Austin, whose view of his son's sacrifice, and her own, challenged Max's values and assumptions. Transformed by his visit to Haiti, and especially by his encounters with Valerie, Max wondered if he could ever return to his "Max-a-Million" lifestyle, or if the doors to his gilded cage had finally opened.

My review:

Over the Waters is one of those rare books that is good enough to read twice. The emotion is deep,the romance is beatiful, and the selfless love of the characters is admirable. Neither main character started out giving of themselves with full abandon to God and His service, but as they grow in Him and listen to His voice they are pulled by His love in that direction. I adore love stories written by Deb Raney and this is no exception. In fact, it's one of my favorites. What thrills me most, however, about the re-release of this book, is that the epilogue includes some yummy kisses. Yahoo! What a fabulous way to end a beautiful romance story. If you haven't experienced the emotional and spiritual rush from reading the first release of Over the Waters, then you MUST check out this version (the mass market paperback) with the brand new epilogue!

Over the Waters was published by Steeple Hill and released in Oct. 2005, then re-released in 2008.

I'm giving away Tartarus by Jack Cavanaugh!

To enter your name in the contest to win this book simply enter a comment about what appeals to you about the cover or the description of the story or both. Make sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win! I will announce a winner Sunday!

About the book:

In the wake of a discovery of alien-written documents from the first century claiming that the life of Christ was a hoax, fallen angel descendant Grant Austin endeavors to prove that the documents are an attempt by Satan to discredit the true historical Jesus.

Healing Promises is up on

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Healing Promises

(Multnomah Publishers - April 15, 2008)

by

Amy Wallace

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams, a homeschool mom, and a self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books, including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Facing a new threat.

When FBI Agent Clint Rollins takes a bullet during a standoff, it might just save his life. But not even the ugly things he’s seen during his years working in the Crimes Against Children Unit could prepare him for the overwhelming powerlessness of hospital tests revealing an unexpected diagnosis. If only Sara weren’t retreating into doctor mode…he needs his wife now more than ever.

Frozen in fear.

Sara Rollins is an oncologist with a mission–beating cancer when she can, easing her patients’ suffering at the very least. Now the life of her tall Texan husband is at stake. She never let the odds steal her hope before, but in this case, the question of God’s healing promises is personal. Can she hold on to the truth she claimed to believe?

Faith under fire.

As Clint continues to track down a serial kidnapper despite his illness, former investigations haunt his nightmares, pushing him beyond solving the case into risking his life and career. Clint struggles to believe God is still the God of miracles. Especially when he needs not one, but two. Everything in his life is reduced to one all-important question: Can God be trusted?


If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

My thoughts:

This book is powerful and amazing. It's emotionally compelling, honest, and hard to put down. Honestly, if I didn't have to work I would've finished it by now. But I also have a deadline with final edits for my own book that is cutting into my reading pleasure as well. Anyway, I'm on chapter 11 and I love it! If you loved Ransomed Dreams, you are REALLY going to love Healing Promises, because I think its even better than the first book. I literally have trouble putting it down and want to drag it with me everywhere to get in little snatches of reading wherever I can.

My review of The Bride Wore Coveralls by Debra Ullrick

About the book:

Can bitter rivals come to love each other? Fighting deep prejudice against her femininity, her choice of vehicle, and even her heritage, Camara Cole is determined to win the mud-bog racing championship this year. Her biggest competition seems also to be her worst enemy. Chase Lamar has been racing mud-boggers as long as Camara, and he grudgingly admits she's the best driver-mechanic he knows. Their rivalry has been long and bitter. But Chase is a new Christian. As he begins to change, he finds his relationship with Camara changing, too. When Camara's vehicle is sabotaged, she naturally blames Chase, despite a growing attraction. Chase must prove his innocence, but evidence points his way. When the smoke clears and the truth is known, will each be able to extend forgiveness, maybe even love?

My review:

One of the most unique and delightful Heartsong Presents stories I've read thusfar, The Bride Wore Coveralls is a fun, guy-friendly read, and is incredibly romantic. I especially loved the Chevy and Ford rivalries between Camara and Chase. Anyone who knows men and cars knows that teasing about the make and model of race cars (or any cars for that matter) is standard guy-speak and since Camara is a tomboy, it makes sense for her to be besting with them. The story behind the Lamar family's rivalry with the Coles is also compelling, especially when the truth finally comes out. I love it when God takes a situation where hate runs a muck and uses the dire circumstances to change hearts and lives. In that respect, The Bride Wore Coveralls is heads above most Heartsongs, and I applaud the author for her intense redemptive theme. Plus, that first kiss...wow! Makes you just want to keep reading to find out how Chase wins her over. Not just a romance, this story has the power of forgiveness within its pages, so it massages the spirit as well as the heart! Oh, and I adored the epilogue. It's the best one I've ever read. Awesome book!

The Bride Wore Coveralls was published by Heartsong Presents and released in April 2008.

Sincerely, Mayla by Virginia Smith Blog Tour stop here!!!

Buy Sincerely, Mayla by clicking on this link


Just as life is beginning to come together for spunky, purple-haired Mayla Strong, she loses her job and her boyfriend. When she escapes to sunny Florida, her problems only tag along. In this heartwarming sequel to Just As I Am, Mayla learns how to balance friends, family, and faith while living in a messed-up world.

My review:

Sincerely, Mayla is probably Smith's best book yet. Mayla is a flawed, yet loveable character because she is genuine, especially when it comes to her relationship with God. Much of the time she is too distracted by life to pray, so she starts doing things on her own and then realizes she forgot to include God.

A self-declared control freak, Mayla gains insight into her family's dysfunction and learns that sometimes for their own good, people need to hear what they are doing to hurt others. Mayla’s life demonstrates that love wants to see relationships healed. Love wants to see people set free.

While written in the first person point of view, it's not at all obvious. I love when an author can do that. Smith's writing is flawless and smooth-flowing. Her character's inner voice was so realistically done, you’ll feel like you are in Mayla's head. And I totally loved how Mayla was passive aggressive and talked to herself while she read e-mails from Pastor Paul. What a scream!

I also was very touched by the subplot with Lindsey. The truths that came out through her story were so well done I wish every teen in trouble would read this book...just for the message alone. And you’ve gotta love Stuart. Smith illustrated through Mayla's relationship with him that being salt and light to the unsaved really does make them thirst. But the most important thing is to love them as Christ loves us. The message to Stuart about how Jesus perceived him when he asked Mayla the tough questions was so beautifully done that it made me tear up. I dare say I've not seen this type of scenario written in a more honest and loving way anywhere.

Yeah, Mayla was real, but Sincerely, Mayla shows that you don't have to be perfect to show people Jesus through your life. You just have to live sincerely and let Him abide in you so people will see Him in your eyes. What a beautiful illustration of an eternal truth.

Sincerely, Mayla was published by Kregel and released in March 2008.

Now I'm giving away a copy of Death, Deceit & Some Smooth Jazz by Claudia Mair Burney

To enter your name into the contest to win this book merely post a comment. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win!



Product Description:
Amanda Bell Brown is a woman on the edge. Between ignoring an insistent biological clock and nursing a broken heart, she's met her quota of problems. But life takes a turn for the better when former boyfriend, Lieutenant Jazz Brown shows up unannounced at her door. Jazz wants to reconnect and make their relationship work. There's just one tiny, potential problem; he's accused of murdering his ex-wife.

My Review:
I thought there was no way the ragamuffin diva, Claudia Mair Burney, could top her first story, Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man. But she did it with Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz. Totally amazing. The storyline was complex and well-thought-out. She had me really going there. The sugar glider just took the cake. I loved every scene and chapter. The usual tension between hero and heroine was present, but this time it culminated.

The author is a master at the "think of the worst thing that could happen, and make it happen" concept. Man, she had my head turning so often I got whiplash! I have to say, though, that more than once I wanted to slap Bell for messing with Jazz's head. Then again, I totally understood her "issues" that prevented her from accepting love from anyone, and her doubting something that seemed too good to be true. I was with Bell all the way and felt her confusion as well.

Being a social worker and having done counseling with many hurting people for years, I have to say that the author had the criminal psychology portion of the story perfected. The insight into Kate's messed-up past was flawless. Either the author did a lot of research, or she is really gifted with wisdom and insight into human character and dysfunction. Every scene was highly believable and amazing. Tension building all the way, but with interjected humor so hilarious that I laughed out loud more than once! Great way to keep the story moving along. Also, the sensual humor totally captivated me. Not to overuse the term, but that was also hilarious, and very honest, IMHO.

The biggest thrill in this story came when I figured out who killed Kate, and I WAS SO RIGHT! The author left just enough clues to point in the direction of the killer, but did so very slowly, and with absolute perfection. Also, the niggling perception that Jazz might have done it was tremendously applied. Wowsa! So does that make me smart, or the author a genuis at making me feel smart. :) You figure that one out.

Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz is masterful writing and highly entertaining. This probably ranks as my favorite sistah lit title thusfar. If you read it, I'm sure you'll agree that this is some serious entertainment with a powerful message. The takeaway value of this story is what made me love it so much. Plus, the mystery was compelling and complex. Man, the details involved in the plot were plentiful and so well-done it had me reeling. But I loved every minute of it. Oh, and the forensics were perfect. Excellent crime writing. Bravo! Get this one.