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Sunday, September 30, 2007

I'm giving away a copy of The Tendering in the Storm by Jane Kirkpatrick...

To win all you have to do is post a comment below.



From the Publisher:

Emma Giesy, a strong-willed German-American, believes her young family will thrive in the light of their newfound freedom, after she and her husband branch off from their close-knit and repressive religious community in the spring of 1856.

Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. With loss and disappointment as her fuel, she kindles a fire that soon threatens to consume her, making a series of poor choices that take her into dangerous relationships.

As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.

Based on a True Story

My review:


A Tendering in the Storm is a must-read for historical fiction lovers. If you want insight into the hardships from the 19th century pioneers who left everything to move west hoping for a better life, then you'll love this story. If you find oppressive religious groups intriguing, you'll want to check this story out. If you'd like to reflect on how few rights women had in the mid-1860s then this is the book for you! To quote a cliche, We've come a long way, baby!

After finding the author's bio and reading that she is a certified social worker, I now see where she got her insight for this book. No dysfunction is easy to understand. All people are complex. But there are certain truths that exist in human nature and the author insightfully captured them all. Her illumination of the human heart and certain domestic issues is superb. I can't say what those issues are or I'll blow part of the storyline, but I will say that the subtly of how people are lured from their good senses--because of sometimes desperate situations--is expertly shown in this novel.

I loved this story. It's real. It's deep. It's edgy...and it's not at all boring.

A Tendering in the Storm was published by Waterbrook and released in April 2007.

A cartoon your average employee can relate to...


Friday, September 28, 2007

The Begotten and The Betrayed blog tour for Lisa Tawn Bergren...

Lisa Tawn Bergren



Lisa Tawn Bergren is the author of 28 books, with over 1.3 million sold. She is a publishing consultant, writer, Bible study leader, mother and wife. Her hobbies include travel (mostly from an armchair), reading, watching movies, cooking and exploring with her family. Lisa's most recent books include The Begotten, The Betrayed, God Gave Us Heaven, What Women Want and The Busy Mom's Devotional. She resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To sign up for her monthly email (which includes a new, unpublished devotional) go to www.LisaTawnBergren.com and join her newsletter list.

Make sure to check out her website, there is a longer bio and more about her other books.
Links:

The Betrayed



Follow the blog tour the rest of the way. Click on this link for the schedule...

http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com/2007/10/welcome-to-blog-tour-for-lisa-bergren.html





Wednesday, September 26, 2007

My review of Summer by Karen Kingsbury...



From the Publisher:

Hollywood actor Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are married and living in Bloomington, Ind., where Dayne has found a solution to his on-camera love scenes-he wants Katy to star in his next film. Katy wins the part and is cast opposite her super-star husband. The story of a small town girl's dream come true is too much for the press to resist, and in an effort to appease them, the couple agrees to a 12. It seems like the perfect compromise but by the time they finish filming the movie, they feel cracks around the edges of their marriage. Now they face an uncertain future, and possibly the end of everything that truly matters to them.

The Baxter family learns that Ashley and Kari are both pregnant, but an ultrasound reveals that something is wrong with one of the babies. As the summer progresses, the sisters pray for a miracle while trying to face the unthinkable. It's in this trying season that they must all learn the lesson God has been trying to teach them-He is still in control, and He will be with them regardless of the outcome.

The Flanigans continue to draw closer to their only daughter, yet Bailey struggles to find her way amidst the turmoil of adolescence. She has always made good decisions, but she wants to experience more of life. Her friendship with Cody Coleman-the young border staying with the Flanigans-continues to blossom in this summer after his graduation. But when Cody decides to enlist in the Army, he'll have to say goodbye to the family he's come to love and the girl he'll never forget.

My review:

Karen has done it again! She's hooked me on her series. Now I've finished Summer and am awaiting the next installment in early 2008 and I'm going to be thinking about this story all the time until I find out what happens next. There are just enough loose ends to make you crave the next book and enough issues resolved that you don't want to throw the book at the wall. This story was a sad one but also very touching and healing. The author did a great job drawing me in to the story and I felt the emotion. She is truly an expert at making your heart connect with her characters. I want to be a Baxter. They have an awesome, yet realistic family with real-life problems. One of the underlying themes of this book is the importance of communication. The author shows the fallout when people close off their hearts to each other and she also shows the beauty of allowing God's will and not fighting it. This was one of the most emotionally touching stories Kingsbury has written. Highly recommended.

Summer
was published by Tyndale and released August 21, 2007.

I'm giving away a copy of Betrayed by Lisa Tawn Bergren



From the Publisher:

A religious thriller. An epic historical. An award-winning author with one million books in print. Second in the breathtaking trilogy.

The first book in Lisa T. Bergren's Gifted trilogy, The Begotten, was hailed by Library Journal as "a full-bodied, absorbing tale that combines authentic historical detail with a universally appealing and gripping story that will have readers cheering." Now the breathtaking quest of the spiritually empowered Gifted ones-prophesized in a long-lost illuminated letter from the apostle Paul-continues as the healer, the priest, and the knight gather together to fight a battle in a profound new war. For the enemies of the Gifted are gathering, led by an evil lord who will do anything to destroy their unwavering faith.

My thoughts:

I totally loved The Begotten. The Betrayed is an awesome sequel, but it can also be read as a stand alone. I'm 1/3 of the way through the book and can't wait to finish and write a review. This is one riveting series!

Remembered by Tamera Alexander is up on CFBA this week!


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing


REMEMBERED
(Fountain Creek Chronicles, Book 3)


(Bethany House, 2007)

by



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Alexander’s books have won multiple awards, including Romance Writers of America’s 2007 RITA® for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, 2007 Bookseller’s Best, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction of 2006.

Her books have received acclaim from Library Journal, True West Magazine and Historical Novels Review, and Rekindled debuted on the CBA fiction bestseller list. She has a professional background in business management and conference coordination. A leader of women's ministries for over twelve years, she is currently active in music ministry, facilitating small groups, and mentoring other women. A graduate of Harding University, Tamera lives with her husband and their two teenagers in Greeley, Colorado.

Her other two books in the Fountain Creek Chronicles are Rekindled (Book 1) and Revealed (Book 2)

To celebrate the release of Remembered, as well as the 3-volume boxed set of Fountain Creek Chronicles (Rekindled, Revealed, and Remembered), Tamera is currently giving away boxed sets in a contest on her website. Check out the contest at http://www.tameraalexander.com/ .

From a Distance, the first book in Tamera’s next historical series (Timber Ridge Reflections) releases in spring 2008.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Though loss is often marked
in a single moment,
letting go of someone you love
can take a lifetime...

The threat of war--and a final request--send Véronique Girard from France to a distant and uninviting country. In the Colorado Territory, she searches for the man who has held her heart since childhood--her father. Pierre Girard left Paris for the Americas to seek his fortune in fur trading, vowing to send for his wife and daughter. But twenty-five years have passed and his vow remains unfulfilled. Sifting through shards of broken promises, Véronique embarks on a dangerous search for a man she scarcely remembers.

His grief finally healed, Jack Brennan is moving on with life. After years of guiding families west, he is now working as a freighter to the mining towns surrounding Willow Springs. What he doesn't count on is an unexpected traveling companion on his trips up into the mountains, and how one woman's search will cause havoc with his plans... and his life.

"Alexander again delivers a most amazing story. The characters are more than words on the page; they become real people. Though there are French words sprinkled throughout the story, they enhance the emotions rather than distract the reader." --Romantic Times

"...a rich historical romance by possibly the best new writer in this subgenre." --Library Journal

"Alexander has done it again with Remembered, third in the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES. She's fashioned characters that are as rich and deep as the mountains and valleys they explore throughout the pages, coloring the story as adeptly as the heroine does her canvas. I was drawn immediately into the ages-old heartaches of both of the main characters, understanding at once Veronique's reticence to make a place for herself in the unknown wilds of America and Jack's uncompromising love for this land that he’s cut a swath through time and again. They both have a series of mountains to overcome in the search for Veronique’s father, but I enjoyed watching their faith and appreciation grow with each turn of the page. And woven adeptly through it all is the encompassing truth of the Lord's sovereignty—that sometimes He takes away, and sometimes He gives us what we need, not what we're looking for.

Anyone's who's read the other Fountain Creek books won't want to miss this one, but it easily stands alone. The characters will take you by the hand and lead you heart-first into their stories, and by the time they release you at the end, you'll feel as though you've taken up residence just across the Creek from them, as surely as they have in your heart." --Roseanna White, christianreviewofbooks.com

"Remembered, the third book in the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES, takes us back to Willow Creek and revisits beloved characters from the previous two books in the series, Rekindled and Revealed. Tamera Alexander has the remarkable ability to create places, and characters who endear themselves to us, even those just briefly mentioned. If I had lived in the late 1800s, I would love to have met these people and would surely have been inspired by the way they lived out their faith.
Remembered is a delightful read, well-researched and well-written. I expect to see great things from this author in the future." --Lindsey Freitas, bookloons.com

"Remembered is an absolutely wonderful continuation of the FOUNTAIN CREEK CHRONICLES." --Amanda Schafer, armchairinterviews.com

My thoughts:

I've read the first two books in this series and they were awesome. I just finished the first four chapters of Remembered and can tell it is also going to be a really touching story, though different somehow from the others. I am looking forward to finishing this one. I love the French phrases. I took the language in high school, plus my great-grandparents spoke only French, so the novel resonates with me that way. Watch for my review!



Monday, September 24, 2007

Let Them Eat Cake blog tour!

Begins today...

Here is the link to Amazon to buy the book!

Buy Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd!

Cover art:


Author Bio:

Sandra Byrd is a prolific writer of fiction, including the popular Friends for a Season series for teens, and the bestselling Girls Like You and Secret Sisters series for young girls. She is a regular contributor to national Christian publications. Before she began writing full time, Sandra worked in marketing, sales, and acquisitions for an educational publisher. She and her husband have two children, and make their home in Seattle, Washington.


Summary:

Lexi Stuart is at a critical crossroads. She’s done with college but still living at home, ready to launch a career but unable to find a job, and solidly stalled between boyfriends.

When a lighthearted conversation in French with the manager of her favorite bakery turns into a job offer, Lexi accepts. But the actual glamour is minimal: the pay is less than generous, her co-workers are skeptical, her bank account remains vertically-challenged, and her parents are perpetually disappointed. Her only comfort comes from the flirtatious baker she has her eye—but even may not be who he seems to be!

So when a handsome young executive dashes into the bakery to pick up his high profile company’s special order for an important meeting—an order Lexi has flubbed— she loses her compulsion to please. “What am I going to do?” he shouts. “Let them eat cake!” she fires back with equal passion and a nod to Marie Antoinette. And then, something inside Lexi clicks. Laissez la révolution commencer! Let the revolution begin! Instead of trying to fulfill everyone else’s expectations for her life, Lexi embarks on an adventure in trusting God with her future—très bon!

Lexi – and Let Them Eat Cake – will entertain readers with wit and great fun, but also explore the universal coming-of-age themes of separating from one’s family of origin, establishing self-esteem, and making healthy choices.

Dallas 2007 ACFW Conference slide show!

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Featured on the CFBA this week is Blessed Assurance by Lyn Cote.


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing


BLESSED ASSURANCE
Avon Inspire (October 1, 2007)
by


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lyn Cote's journey to becoming a published author was a long one - she started her first book when her daughter was 13 months old and her first novel was published when her daughter was about to enter high school. But Lyn was writing for a market that hadn't taken shape yet - the inspirational fiction market.

In 1996, Lyn Cote's first inspirational historical manuscript was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Contest. This became her first historical novel, Whispers Of Love, in her BLESSED ASSURANCE series.

Most recently, Chloe, the first novel in Lyn's "Women of Ivy Manor" historical series was a 2006 RWA Rita Award finalist for Best Inspirational, as well as a finalist for the Holt Medallion and the National REaders Choice Contest.

Lyn also writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She lives in the lovely northwoods of Wisconsin with her husband and three cats. Aside from writing, she also likes to knit, crochet, read, and do lunch with friends.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Now available for the first time in one edition--All three novels from Lyn Cote's beloved Blessed Assurance series

In Whispers of Love, Civil War widow Jessie Wagstaff must fend for herself and her son. When a stranger, Lee Smith, befriends Jessie's son, even though she recognizes nine-year-old Linc's need for a father figure, she's reluctant to let a new man into their life. When the Great Chicago Fire blazes, every heart is pushed to its limits.

In Lost In His Love, Jessie's son Linc, a social activist and reporter, charms his way through the upper class of San Francisco to build much-needed support for his fight against child labor. His main target is Cecilia Jackson, a beautiful heiress who doesn't recognize the crucial part she plays in this dangerous exploitation. As the secrets of her family's dark past are exposed, Cecilia must revive her own wounded spirit and find the strength to lean on the never-failing love of Christ. But when the 1906 earthquake hits, everyone's faith will be put to the test.

In Echoes of Mercy, Meg Wagstaff challenges the racial barriers of 1920s New Orleans in order to prove that her childhood friend did not commit murder. The stubborn lawyer prosecuting the case, Gabriel St. Clair, is an authentic Southern gentleman who makes the mistake of underestimating Meg, both her tenacity and her charm. Despite their many differences, sparks begin to fly. But when Meg discovers the truth, will Gabe be able to protect her from those who can't afford to have justice prevail?



"A beautiful tale of love, forgiveness, and acceptance."
~CBA Marketplace

I'm giving away a copy of Sanctuary by Molly Noble Bull.

All you have to do to enter is post a comment! I'll pick a winner on Wednesday.



Book description:

Fleeing persecution in 18th-century France, Jewish Rachel Levin and Huguenot Pierre Dupre take refuge in a church. They're safe, until the man who killed Rachel's family arrives. Captain Vallae wants her as his mistress---or dead! Rachel and Pierre's "marriage" and subsequent escape leave Vallae furious! Can they reach Scotland before the captain takes revenge?

Here are a few great pics from the ACFW Conference!

Pics from Dallas. Check us out!


ACFW Operating Board - left to right...Pam Hillman, Cara Putman, Pamela James, Michelle Sutton (me), Robin Carroll (Miller), Ane Mulligan, and Pam Meyers.



Me with Cara having dinner with the ACFW combined board



Cara, me, Allison, Gina, Tricia



Mary DeMuth and me


I won a stuffed bear in the Early Bird session!




Susan Meissner and me



Me and Tricia Goyer



My author buddy and chocolate loving friend Pamela Griffin



My many other chocolate loving friends at the party...







Stay tuned for more later!!!

I just got back from conference so I'm totally fried, however, I do plan to post a complete slide show tomorrow night with pictures of my favorite authors and friends.

Monday, September 17, 2007

ACFW rocks! I'm away at conference, so things will be quiet until 9-24-07.



That is...unless I get a few minutes to check the internet and moderate my posts! If I get a chance, I'll post my thoughts on the conference happenings. I'll also post about the chocolate party for people who are attending and need to know the location. Expect more book reviews when I get back, folks.

The Ex Files by Victoria Christopher Murray is up on CFBA this week!!!


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing


The Ex Files

(Touchstone June 19, 2007)

by





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking quite an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, New York, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating from Hampton, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.

Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she decided to test her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.

Victoria originally self published Temptation. “I wanted to write a book as entertaining and compelling as any of the books on the market, put God in the middle, and have the book still be a page-turner. I wasn’t writing to any particular genre – I didn’t even know Christian fiction existed. I just wanted to write about people I knew and characters I could relate to.”

In 2000, Time Warner published Temptation. Temptation made numerous best sellers list across the nation and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Temptation was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature.

Since Temptation, Victoria has written four other novels: JOY, Truth Be Told, Grown Folks Business, and A Sin and a Shame. All of her novels have continued to be Essence bestsellers; her last three each reaching #1. In addition, Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and in 2006, she was awarded the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being the pioneer in African American Christian Fiction.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Ex Files:

A Novel About Four Women and Faith...

There are four ways a woman can handle heartbreak. She can fall apart, seek revenge, turn cold, or move on. The Ex Files is the story of these four women:

When Kendall Stewart finds her husband and her sister in bed together, she vows to never let anyone get that close again. But when she is faced with saving the life of the woman who destroyed hers, will she be able to forgive?

When an NBA superstar tells his mistress, Asia Ingrum, that he's decided to honor his marriage vows, her shock quickly gives way to revenge...but her decision may come back to haunt their five-year-old daughter.

Every night Vanessa Martin wonders why her husband committed suicide. Even worse, she contemplates joining him in eternity. Will Vanessa be able to gather the strength to live again?

Sheridan Hart is finally finding her way after a lie destroyed her seventeen-year marriage. Her new love is ready to get married, but will she commit to this younger man or is her ex-husband taking up too much space in her heart?

When their pastor asks Kendall, Asia, Vanessa, and Sheridan to meet weekly for prayer, they can't imagine they will have anything in common. But then a devastating tragedy strikes and these strangers are forced to reexamine their choices. Will they find true friendship, or will prayer -- and their union -- fail them?


My thoughts!


Here is my review...

The uniqueness of this story really pulled me in. Each woman had their own drama and were mismatched as friends, but after some seriously hard times came upon each of them, they learned to reach out to each other and seek God for strength. The Ex Files is like a soap opera with four stories going at the same time, yet they intersect on occasion. The cool thing about the plots in this book were that they were all equally compelling. Usually I want to take one character's plot and dive ahead to the next place where they are featured in the book. But I was never tempted to do that with The Ex Files because none of the stories were dull or unlikable.

The conflict was real, the emotion went deep into the character's lives, and the best part about these four ladies lives was that none of their ultimate choices were predictable. In fact, each ending turned out differently than I had anticipated. Also, the author did an amazing job of taking an unlikeable characteristic such as selfishness and still managed to make me care about the women in the book. Each had issues that centered around their own needs and how they dealt with their problems was so realistic and well done. The faith element was perfectly incorporated as well. I just love the ingenuity and creativity in this author's novels. I'm going to have to read everything she publishes from now on. I don't want to miss a thing!

Sunday, September 16, 2007

I'm giving away a copy of Finding Marie by Susan Page Davis...

*** please note *** unlike other giveaways, this one will span the entire week as I'll be out of town at the ACFW conference from Tuesday through Sunday. I'll pick a winner late Sunday night or on Monday at the latest.

The sequel to Frasier Island, Finding Marie can also be read as a stand-alone. It's action packed and I'm loving it! I'm on chapter 12. To enter the giveaway just post a comment. Here is more about the book.


From the Publisher:

Author Susan Page Davis takes readers on an adventure across the United States in this exciting contemporary suspense novel.

Marie Belanger, a naval lieutenant's wife, unexpectedly finds a computer flash drive in her carry—on luggage at the airport. Moments later the woman she had been sitting with on the plane from Tokyo is murdered. Suddenly her journey from San Francisco to her home in Maine becomes a nightmare as Marie is forced to run for her life. Her husband, Lt. Pierre Belanger, contacts his best friend, George Hudson, and together they set out on a search for Marie that spans the country. As hard as they try, they seem to stay one step behind their enemies, who are just one step behind Marie.

Readers will find Finding Marie to be an engrossing novel of faith, honor, and courage set against a background of deceit and betrayal.

Introducing a debut author you don't want to miss...

Introducing a new Author
Miralee Ferrell
Read the opening scene for FREE!!
Introducing a new Christian Novel
The Other Daughter
A Christian women's contemporary fiction novel
Other Daughter Book Cover
Susanne Carson knows that she can trust the love of her life—her husband, David—until she discovers a strange, unkempt young girl on their doorstep, claiming to be David's daughter.

Not that their marriage has ever been perfect—David's decision to embrace the Christian faith has strained their relationship. Susanne may not agree with his beliefs, but at least she trusts him. Has David been hiding this not-so-little secret from his past? He wants Susanne to believe in God, but believing hasn't done much to keep David out of another woman's arms. What else could her husband be hiding?

As David confronts the truth of his past, Susanne must face her own moment of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one young girl is left in her hands.
Release Date: Late October 2007
~Pre-order at~
***Your credit card won't be billed
until it ships***

My review of Sushi for One? by Camy Tang...



From the Publisher:

Lex Sakai's family is big, nosy, and marriage-minded. When her cousin Mariko gets married, Lex will become the oldest single cousin in the clan. And that makes her a moving target for Grandma Sakai, who insists that Lex bring a date to her cousins wedding.

Of course, Grandma Sakai has some perfect candidates for Lex. Too bad they don't speak English! And Lex herself has used her Bible study class on Ephesians to compile a huge list of traits for the perfect man. But the one man she keeps running into doesn't seem to have a single quality on her list. Aiden Young is not her type. Hes not a jock, hes not employed, hes not a Christian. Its only when the always-in-control Lex starts to let God take over that all the pieces of this hilarious romance finally fall into place.

My review:

This was one busy story. Not a dull moment at all. In fact, I think Lex is the unluckiest and clumsiest chick lit character I've ever met, poor thing. I wanted to scream, "no, no, no" right along with her when she kept getting hurt. Like she belonged to the bad luck (rather than joy luck) club. She had a lot of spunk and determination, though, or as someone else described her...pluck! At times her thoughts seemed younger than her stated 30 years--like when she referred to guys as boys. And I think I've learned more about volleyball reading this book than I ever learned watching the sport during the Olympics.

Sushi for One? was a romp through the eyes of a character who had a lot of reasons to be angry, and that came out often in her thoughts. As with most people who love God but are feeling hurt, she closed her heart off to prayer and fellowship to protect herself. As a result, she missed sensing God's safe touch on her life, though He never left her side.

The hero in this story was truly lovable. I think the fact that the author used third person POV and slipped the reader into the mind of this man helped a lot. He seemed absent often when Lex needed him, but considering he hadn't allowed himself to get close to Lex, this made sense. She needed space and he gave it to her. What a great guy! The author's tag line fits this story to a "T".

Sushi for One? is the kind of chick lit story that demonstrates...sometimes romance needs a kick of wasabi. And the powerful, touching ending should bring tears to your eyes. It did mine. I can't wait for the next installment!

Sushi for One?
was published by Zondervan and released on September 1, 2007.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

My review of Sanctuary by Molly Noble Bull...



Book description:

Fleeing persecution in 18th-century France, Jewish Rachel Levin and Huguenot Pierre Dupre take refuge in a church. They're safe, until the man who killed Rachel's family arrives. Captain Vallae wants her as his mistress---or dead! Rachel and Pierre's "marriage" and subsequent escape leave Vallae furious! Can they reach Scotland before the captain takes revenge?


My review:

Sanctuary is a riveting historical with a twist of suspense and a tender romance born from tragedy. I love stories where someone is out to get two young people who long for love but dare not experience it due to tragic circumstances. I had no idea when I started this book that it would give me everything I love. The cover is a bit "dark" so it didn't pull me toward the story. The publication date did and my need to review it in advance. This is a great example of not being able to tell a book by it's cover. The picture is calm. The story is anything but calm. It's action, adventure, intrigue, peril, love, loss, and intense faith. See what I mean?

This story had me turning the pages as I experienced their fear as they fled from the French Captain bent on destroying them. Their slowly developing feelings brought about by hardship and the need to learn to trust each other swept me away. The story was beautiful. The almost-kisses made me a bit frantic, but I love that. This is a satisfying read about the persecution experienced by the Huguenots and the Jewish people in the mid 1700s. It will hold your attention, I promise.

Sanctuary was published by Tsaba House and released today! So hurry and get a copy while you can!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Whoo hoo! Another cover survey!

I love doing these. Check this one out.



Bethany House Publishers
Fiction Cover Survey


Join Our Mailing List
Hello Reader,

We at Bethany House Publishers appreciate our readers opinions about the books we publish. Occasionally, we seek your input about upcoming products.

Currently, we are conducting a survey about the cover image for an upcoming novel. For your time, we are offering a giveaway in conjunction with this survey. You will be able to choose from ten recent Bethany House novels, and there will be ten winners. Winners will be notified within two weeks.

Click here to take the survey, which should take about 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation, and feel free to forward this email on to your friends or link the survey on your website. The survey will be available through Monday, September 17.

You can use the following address to link to the survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?
sm=MHy2PZb91IbUYNg_2f_2fAEUvg_3d_3d
(paste into your browser all on one line)

Thanks for your time and your opinions. We value your feedback.
Sincerely,
Jim Hart
Internet Marketing Manager
Bethany House Publishers

Life, Libby, and the Pursuit of Happiness by Hope Lyda is up on CFBA...


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing


LIFE, LIBBY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

(Harvest House Publishers March 1, 2007)

by




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hope Lyda has always wanted to write. Ever since she was a young tyke with a spiral notebook in hand, she had the urge to fill it. Sadly, Peggy Meets the Midgets did not cause Hope to be deemed a child prodigy, so she continued her path of education. She was grade-obsessed but also truly enjoyed sharing laughs with her circle of creative friends.

Hope attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a double major in Journalism: Advertising and Telecommunications and Film. With aspirations to write screenplays or teleplays, she of course ended up doing public relations for non-profits until she entered the publishing field in which she has worked for 10 years.


Her passions are quiet ones—she loves a good read, an afternoon of free thinking time, writing, journaling, road trips, travel, and pondering life from her back yard pergola. She loiters in bookstores frequently, though has never been arrested for such. Her big hope is to encourage others to embrace their dreams and understand their faith journeys through the practice of journaling and the art of creative living. She hopes to also inspire such things through the themes in her fiction including Hip to Be Square and Altar Call. (There are also visions of a nice Casita with a hammock in Mexico—but one thing at a time.)


When not living in her head, she resides with her husband, Marc, in the Pacific Northwest.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Libby Hawthorne makes exotic trip itineraries but never leaves Seattle. She’d like to attend church but winds up at a bookstore. She longs for love—but who has the time? Delayed happiness has been worth it, because she’s about to get her dream promotion...

Or not.


So now what?


When a corporate merger leaves her demoted and disillusioned, Libby realizes she needs to start living authentically...and soon. But just as she tries to uncover her purposed life, her cruel and unusual boss, Cecilia, demands that Libby hide Seattle’s most famous homegrown rock star in order to keep her new, bad job. For the first time in years, Libby doesn’t have a step by step plan to guide her. She must trust her faith and her heart. But what is she supposed to do with her growing admiration for Blaine Slater, a new VP from Chicago, or the surprising kindness of the rock star living incognito in her Seattle apartment? Through the humorous twist and turns, Libby uncovers a big life truth—the detours we are afraid of might just be the perfect path to happiness.


My thoughts:

So far it's pretty good. I'm only on chapter 4. Libby has some interesting quirks, that's for sure. I was hoping to have more read by the time I posted this. You have to admit that it has a catchy title.

I'm giving away a copy of A Shadow of Treason by Tricia Goyer...

I'm a huge fan of Tricia Goyer's. The first book in the series, A Valley of Betrayal, gave me rope burns because the author left me hanging and it hurt! So now when I get this book, A Shadow of Treason, I will finally get to know what happens next. If you haven't read the first book in this series read it first, then read this one. Hopefully you'll win this copy so you can read it the moment you finish A Valley of Betrayal. :)


Product Description

Sophie discovers that nothing is as she first imagined. When Walt, the reporter who helped her over the border, shows up again after Guernica is bombed, Sophie is given an impossible mission. She must leave behind the man she has fallen in love with and return to the person who betrayed her. Another layer of the war in Spain is revealed as Sophie is drawn into the international espionage schemes that could turn the tide of the war and help protect the soldiers from the International Brigade ... she must find a way to get a critical piece of information to Walt in time.

Authors, publicists and publishers...

I have several openings in Dec. 2007 available to give away some books for promotional purposes. I'm already filling up Jan - March 2008 so if you have something coming out in December or in the spring I suggest you make arrangements to claim a spot now before they are all gone! If interested contact me at joyfulhutch [at] msn.com

Sunday, September 09, 2007

My review of The Spirit of Sweetgrass...


Publisher's Description:

Essie Mae Laveau Jenkins is a 78-year-old sweetgrass basket weaver who sits on the side of Hwy. 17 in the company of her dead husband, Daddy Jim. Inspired by her Auntie Leona, Essie Mae finally discovers her calling in life and weaves powerful "love baskets," praying fervently over them to affect the lives of those who visit her roadside stand. When she’s faced with losing her home and her stand and being put in a nursing home, Daddy Jim talks her into coming on up to Heaven to meet sweet Jesus-something she’s always wanted to do. Once there, she reunites with Gullahs and African ancestors; but soon, her heavenly peace is disrupted, for she still has work to do. Now Essie Mae, who once felt powerless and invisible, must find the strength within her to keep her South Carolina family from falling apart.

My review:

Well here is another book that makes me go hmmmm... because it's supposed to be a Christian book yet there is so much contained in this story that is simply not Biblical. However, the fictionalized character of Essie Mae is a delight to read. I think it's important to note that what the above description from the publisher doesn't mention is that the love baskets that Essie Mae "powerfully prays over" also has voodoo rituals attached, only she calls it hoodoo. Essie would weave the hair of people into the basket in hopes of matchmaking. And in this story the hoodoo techniques always worked.

While I found some of her thoughts hilarious and her culture entertaining, this story contained quite a few weird theological moments...like when Essie thought they needed to help Jesus out when they were in heaven, and some of the things they did in heaven were "way out there". But this is a fictional story. So if you don't take it seriously and read it for mere entertainment you will enjoy the book. I'd love to believe that I will look young, beautiful, and get to make love to my husband in heaven, too, but that simply isn't so. And I found it odd that her voodoo practicing aunt was in heaven along with some other folks that practiced similar things. Like somehow that was irrelevant to their faith in Jesus? Hmmmm...I dunno.

The writing and characterization of the story was excellent, however, and I commend the author for her creativity and ability to engage the reader, but I don't think it should've been marketed as Christian fiction by a Christian publisher. But I'm only one opinion. If you can get past the warped theology and you are seeking a book that is compulsively readable, you'll like this story.

The Spirit of Sweetgrass
was published by Integrity/Thomas Nelson and released in March 2007.

I'm giving away Summer by NY Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury!

To be entered into the drawing all you have to do is enter a comment!


From the Publisher:

Hollywood actor Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are married and living in Bloomington, Ind., where Dayne has found a solution to his on-camera love scenes-he wants Katy to star in his next film. Katy wins the part and is cast opposite her super-star husband. The story of a small town girl's dream come true is too much for the press to resist, and in an effort to appease them, the couple agrees to a 12. It seems like the perfect compromise but by the time they finish filming the movie, they feel cracks around the edges of their marriage. Now they face an uncertain future, and possibly the end of everything that truly matters to them.

The Baxter family learns that Ashley and Kari are both pregnant, but an ultrasound reveals that something is wrong with one of the babies. As the summer progresses, the sisters pray for a miracle while trying to face the unthinkable. It's in this trying season that they must all learn the lesson God has been trying to teach them-He is still in control, and He will be with them regardless of the outcome.

The Flanigans continue to draw closer to their only daughter, yet Bailey struggles to find her way amidst the turmoil of adolescence. She has always made good decisions, but she wants to experience more of life. Her friendship with Cody Coleman-the young border staying with the Flanigans-continues to blossom in this summer after his graduation. But when Cody decides to enlist in the Army, he'll have to say goodbye to the family he's come to love and the girl he'll never forget.

My thoughts:

I loved the first book in this series, Sunrise. This one looks like it will be even better. I've started this story and hope to have a review completed soon. The fact that this book is on the NY Times best-seller list is pretty impressive, too.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

My review of Mothering Mother and blog tour!

The author has made a generous offer. She will give away a copy of her book to any person who comments on this post. However, I can only pick one, so your name will go in a hat. I'll select a winner within the next few days. To link to her website, click here... www.mothering-mother.com


From the Publisher:

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Kunati Inc. (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160164003X
• ISBN-13: 978-1601640031


Compelling and heartrending, this personal memoir chronicles the author's decision not to put her mother, who has Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, in "one of those homes" and relays the far-reaching consequences this choice has on her entire family. Detailing the challenges of reversing roles and learning to mother one's own mother, this refreshing and entertaining autobiography will help those struggling with their own decisions on elder care in the home. It touches on the importance of relationships—such as how they impact our souls and beliefs about ourselves and the quality of life—and explores the larger questions of faith, hope, and ultimately death.

My Review:

Mothering Mother is the most open and honest memoir I’ve ever read. I do believe it captured the author’s experience in a powerful way. For the duration of the book, which is told in first person, you are living Carol’s life. You feel her joy, her stress, the love she had for her mother, and the discouragement and disillusionment she experienced as age and disease slowly ate away at the vibrant mother she once knew. Since I also lost my mother to disease over a twenty year period of time (although in my mother’s case it was MS) I could totally identify with the author and thus road along on the emotional roller coaster with her. For that reason it took me awhile longer to read this book than it normally would as it was heavy material for me to ponder even with the continually interjected humor.

In a sense I relived a bit of my own experience through this story. Unlike Carol’s experience, however, I regret that I was not present when my mother died. Thus I experienced the “going home” segment of the book in a special way as I imagined those final hours. Mothering Mother will stick with me for a long time. For me, this book is a keeper. I think it would be a fabulous resource for someone who feels like their entire life centers around taking care of someone they love, and it will encourage them despite the challenges that might make them want to give up. I found the story very inspiring and give it my highest rating.

Author Description:
Carol D. O'Dell is a teacher and author whose work has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines, including AIM—America’s Intercultural Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, MARGIN Magazine, The Pisgah Review, and Timber Creek Review. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida.



To read an excerpt of Mothering Mother
Click Here

To purchase Mothering Mother on Amazon
Click Here


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