My review of Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn.

About the book:

In FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS, Miranda Carson's search for her father takes a turn she never expected when she finds herself in London with only a few feeble clues to who he might be. Unexpectedly welcomed into a family that doesn't recognize her, and whom she's quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision. Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can't bear to leave.

My review:

This was a nice, cup of cocoa kind of read. While it had some poignant and soul-searching moments, I didn't find it very deep or compelling. But then again, I'm not much of a warm fuzzy Christmas story kind of book reader, either. So there was not enough conflict to make my heart respond. But it was a nice story and I want to read the next book in the series. I want to know what will happen to Miranda's love life since this story had no romance in it at all. Maybe if the book had been longer than a novella the author could have probed the inner workings of her heart more. But given the limitations of the word count, the author did a good job with this novel. It was well-written, and I finished it, which is a rare occurrence these days. Need I say more?

Finding Father Christmas was published by Faith Words and released in Oct. 2007.

Love Edgy Christian Fiction??? Come join me...

To check out the group and possibly even join, scroll up to the top of this main page and click on the purple box. Then you're in! See you there!

I'm giving away a copy of Baaad Sheep...When God's People Let You Down by Ellen Gillette

All you have to do to enter is post a comment saying why you want the book. Please leave me a way to contact you if you win. I'll pick a name from the hat on Wednesday!


Baaad Sheep: When God's People Let You Down

by Ellen Gillette / 10-session book-workbook

Softcover: 8.5 x 11", spiral Page Count: 155 pp. List Price: $14.95 USD ISBN 10: 0-9792089-3-9 ISBN 13: 978-0-9792089-3-5

Excerpt:

““As a teenager, I was molested by a trusted family friend in our church. Over the years, I’ve suffered from the gossip mill that routinely operates among congregations of all shapes and sizes. I’ve sought help and counsel from pastors and left wondering why I’d bothered. I know what it’s like to have someone at church say, ‘I’ll be there for you’ and then disappear. I know what it’s like to have Christian friends forsake me based on rumor or assumption—or even based on accurate information…to walk into church and not feel safe, shadowing my husband David so that no one is able to catch me alone and inflict more pain. I know what it’s like to watch people be publicly affirmed as pillars of the congregation who have knowingly hurt me and my loved ones. It was at just such a point during a Sunday morning service that David turned to me and said simply, ‘I think we need to be somewhere else. ’Unfortunately, “somewhere else” can easily become nowhere at all....

“If you fall into the category of ‘formerly churched,’ my prayer is that this study will encourage you to make the effort to step back into the fray. Strictly speaking, church attendance is an obedience issue not to be treated lightly (see Hebrews10:25), but more than that, it’s a ‘God thing.’ Church isn’t full of perfect people, but it is full of people God wants us to learn to love. With all the potential for hurt in the church, you’ve got to admit it does make the perfect classroom!”

About the Author

A Christian since her teenaged years “a long, loooong time ago,” Ellen Gillette has been writing professionally for almost two decades, primarily as a weekly newspaper columnist, but also for both Christian and secular magazines. Raised in the mountains of North Carolina, she spent most of her life on the southeast coast of Florida. A former homeschooler, foreign missionary, and classroom teacher, Ellen serves in her local church, has a “real job” with another church, is a community theater enthusiast, and helps raise goats and grandchildren with David, her husband of thirty years, in Lillington, North Carolina.

Last chance to win Sanctuary by Molly Noble Bull

I did a giveaway in October for this awesome book. Now I'm doing another, but this is the last time, so if you want to win it now is your chance! But PLEASE leave me a way to contact you. I hate it when I have no email and have to wait for the winner to discover that they won. I'll pick a winner Sunday.

About the book:

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.

My review of The Amen Sisters by Angela Benson

About the Book:

After witnessing the suicide of a church sister, Minister Francine Amen is disgusted with herself for turning against the young woman and refusing to accept her claim of sexual abuse by their pastor. Now, after a short stay in a psychiatric hospital, Francine is trying to pull her life and her ministry back together. But first she must face all of the people she has hurt so deeply--including her younger sister, Dawn. But can Dawn trust her? Francine used to date Dawn's husband, Sly--who now seems just a little too interested in Francine's recovery. As far as Dawn is concerned, Sly would be better off spending his time making amends to her for his own sins.

My review:

The Amen Sisters has a killer beginning and moves along at a pretty fast pace for a while. There is plenty of drama to move the story forward and the tension is realistic and well done. The story slowed a bit in the middle when it got heavy on the church scenes and talking a lot about forgiveness and issues from the past. Then the action picked up again.

I prefer to be in the middle of the action and experience conflict and agony along with the characters. There was potential for emotional suffering at first, but the slower parts were hard for me to get through. That's just the way I see things.

I enjoyed the conflict between Dawn, Sly, Freddy, and Walter. However, I'm a pretty forgiving person so Dawn's ongoing anger started bugging me. I was glad when she and Sly began seeking the Lord more in their relationship, which is the best way to heal from that type of rift. The point the author made about stepping out in faith to rebuild trust and choosing to love was excellently done.

Overall I enjoyed this novel. I liked how the author tied some scenes back to Genesis House, which was from an earlier book the author wrote. But it would've been better with a little less talk and more action in the middle to keep the story from sagging. Regardless, The Amen Sisters ranks high in edgy content, so I'd recommend it to people who enjoy reading about real life issues.

The Amen Sisters was published by Warner Books/Walkworthy Press and released in 2005.

The Amen Sisters

My review of Around The World In 80 Dates - Confessions of a Christian Serial Dater by Christa Ann Banister...

About the book:

Travel writer Sydney Alexander is ready for one particular journey to end: her frustrating search for a Mr. Right. As a Christian twentysomething navigating the weird world of dating, she's encountered more than her share of frogs. From men who can't keep a job to self-centered professionals, her lackluster dates leave Sydney wondering where the good guys are hiding.

But things are looking way up. Just after landing her dream job, she meets an eligible round of bachelors, including a dashing European, a promising blind date, and a charming coffee-shop wordsmith. Now Sydney will discover just how far she's willing to compromise to land her dream guy.

Around the World in 80 Dates shares a woman's humorous take on being single. Filled with wit, real issues, and quirky characters, Sydney's story will encourage female readers to never settle for less than God's best.

My review:

Around the World in 80 Dates was a fun read. I loved the characterization and the quirky events like Rain and Stinky Nate's wedding. Truly original. I also enjoyed traveling with Sydney and eating at so many cool places. I loved not being sure of Sydney's future and who she would end up with and I felt her elation and relief when she seemed to meet the right guy (finally.)

Nothing is better than the freedom you feel when you can enjoy someone's company and be yourself at the same time. Especially when you share the same faith. That's a clear message in this story and one that singles need to read.

Many of the scenarios are pretty typical of the dating scene. (I'm so glad those days are over.) For women not married yet this is sure to be a fun ride. In fact, I'd encourage everyone to read it, married or not. The only weaknesses I saw in this book were the many points of view--some of which didn't seem necessary--and the occasional head hop within a scene. Despite those issues it was still a very enjoyable story.

I hope there is a future book in the works starring her sister Samantha or I'll be really bummed since I got to know her so well. I want to know what happened in her love life since there was no real resolution. Otherwise this chick lit novel was perfect! I truly enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. The fact that I finished it says a lot, since many of the books I begin I never complete, let alone post a review.

Around the World in 80 Dates was published by NavPress and released in October 2007.

My review of - I'm Fine with God... It's Christians I Can't Stand: Getting Past the Religious Garbage and Finding True Faith.

About the book:

Have you heard this complaint from your unsaved friends? It can be difficult to share Christ when He hasn't been represented well. With humor and insight, authors Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz take a look at some believers' behavior. Learn how to reach past the misconceptions and bad examples of a few to find authentic Christian faith. Enable yourself to communicate with non-Christians in a relevant, honest way.

My review:

In case you are wondering by the description above...I don't see this as a handbook for how to save your non-Christian friends. If you want a how-to book, this isn't it. I do see this as a book that will make you examine your heart and attitude regarding your own faith and as a result you will be more understanding of where people are coming from who can't stand Christians.

The authors have pretty hilarious comments. Want to get a belly laugh out of your teenager? I did when I read him several things out loud. The authors drive their points home with humor, and what they share is often profound. This isn't fluff reading. Like the nose on your face, the truth was always there, but you may not have noticed it before. I agreed with about 90% of their comments. The other ten percent I was more neutral on or maybe not quite as sure I felt the same way, but if you glean anything from this book that will change the way you see yourself and the world around you, then you will be glad you checked it out.

My favorite chapter was I'm Fine With God... but I can't stand Christians Who are Convinced God Wants Them Rich. I detest the "name it and claim it health and wealth false gospel" and charlatans who rob the poor and the widows through their lies and con games. So I got a real chuckle out of the witty sarcasm the authors used to drive their point home. For example:

If you give to Billy Bob's television ministry you'll receive... A swatch of fabric packaged as a Holy Spirit Prayer Cloth--actual pieces of the beach towel used by John the Baptist during his baptismal ministry on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Now that's obviously an over-exaggeration, but I found it hilarious. The other examples are even funnier. But the bottom line is the authors illustrate in every chapter why the hang-ups and weird beliefs in the modern Christian culture (often committed by people who haven't a clue) are a barriers to reaching the lost. The insight they share is amazing. And if you enjoy satire and sarcasm, you'll want to get this book.

I'm Fine with God...It's Christians I Can't Stand is published by Harvest House and will be released in January 2008.

I'm giving away two non-fiction books by Michelle Van Loon

				Uprooted: Growing a Parable Life from the inside out. (2006) Is spiritual growth really a task list or a set of formulas? Jesus described growth with stories featuring grocery store ingredients like mustard seeds and yeast. Uprooted explores 10 of the stories Jesus told by looking at the story from an unexpected angle, then watching the story unfold in the life of a contemporary person. The book offers a great way to revisit the parables - or encounter them for the first time. Michelle writes with a raw authenticity that connects with spiritual strugglers (and who among us isn't?) The book is also a great resource for pastors and church staffers involved in service planning.
				Parablelife: Living the stories Jesus told in real time. (2005) visit www.theparablelife.com to sample the book

Edgy Inspirational Author's top fiction picks for 2007!

I'm going to start a new tradition. At the end of each year I will list my favorite fiction books for that year. Now don't be offended if your book isn't listed. I can't post them all. If it's high in edgy content and romance it has a much better chance of making my list than if it's just a great book. I'm only listing the books I considered page-turners. These are books I obsessed over and wanted to read all the time. Also, if a book will be published in 2008 (Sorry, Julie!) then it doesn't count for this list. Same with books published in 2006 or earlier.

So here goes.

The Edgy Inspirational Author's top fiction titles! (Listed in no particular order.)

Splitting Harriet by Tamera Leigh


After the Leaves Fall by Nicole Baart


Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter


Informed Consent by Sandra Glahn


Summer by Karen Kingsbury


Crimson Eve by Brandilyn Collins


To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon


The Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck


Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson


These Boots Weren't Made for Walking by Melody Carlson


The Restitution by M. L. Tyndall


Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher


Wedding Bell Blues by Linda Windsor


Nefertiti by Michelle Moran


Demon by Tosca Lee


My Soul Cries Out by Sherri Lewis


Diva Nash Vegas by Rachel Hauck


As I Have Loved You by Nikki Arana


The Ex Files by Victoria Christopher Murray


Too Good to Be True by Trish Perry


Frasier Island by Susan Page Davis


Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney


Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy


Chill Out, Josey by Susan May Warren


Stop by next December to see what I select for the top fiction pics for 2008!

New blog devoted to my upcoming release It's Not About Me.

Make sure to stop by and comment if you want to see how things are progressing.

Here is the link: http://michelle-sutton-its-not-about-me.blogspot.com/

Models for my book cover. So what do you think? Comment on your preference.

This is the cover model of Annie, my main character.

The pictures (above and below) contain the two brothers with Annie. They fight over her through much of the story so this shows the conflict. Do you have a favorite picture? If so, tell me why you like it best!

My review of The Enemy Between My Legs by Stephanie L. Jones

My thoughts and review:

Before you read any further I want to share my thoughts. Don't allow yourself to pass this opportunity by just because you weren't sexually abused and so you think this book has no relevance to your life. Do you have kids? Grandkids? Nieces? Nephews? Kids in your church? Anyone who is young in your life that you care about? Then this book is for you. I promise. In fact, I'm so convinced you'll benefit from this book that I'm doing a special giveaway. The title may scare some of you off, but don't let that happen.

The Enemy Between My Legs is packed full of wisdom, encouragement, and lessons learned. You will gain insight into the mind of someone who was sexually abused and it will change the way you think. If you were a victim of incest or sexual abuse then this book will help you heal. It's well written, very interesting, practical, and encouraging. There is some graphic content, but not a lot. Frankly, I think some of it is necessary to wake up the sleeping parents out there who are too trusting and need to read about what is happening in the real world.

I've studied sexual abuse in families going back to the late 1980s and have worked with victims, perpetrators and spouses of perpetrators for about twenty years. I can assure you that Ms. Jones has done her research and as a professional I can testify that her facts are correct. I hope you will step forward and commit to learning about this scourge on our society and commit to protecting the kids in our churches, families, and neighborhoods. If you don't win the book, order it today. You'll be glad you did. To contact the author and/or order the book click this link

http://www.stephanieljones.com/

Still not sure? Then keep reading! Oh, and to enter the contest to win this book simply post a comment and make sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win. Thanks and enjoy!

Have you ever been sexually abused?

It's a simple, yet profound question. The answer is either yes or no. Unfortunately, for as many as one in three females and one in five males, the answer is yes. Sexual abuse is not bound by race, economic status, or social class. It strikes every family. Because of the hurt, shame, and embarrassment it brings to families, no one wants to talk about it. Do you think that it hasn't happened in your family? Think again!

• Have you or someone you know been sexually promiscuous?
  
• Are you feeling lonely, confused, or depressed and don't know why?
• Do you wonder if the person who abused you ever thinks about it?
  
• Do you have problems being intimate with your spouse?
• Before you send your child off to another babysitter...
  
• Before you let your child play Hide-and-Seek...
  
• Before you let your child "spend the night" anywhere else...
  
• Before you call another pregnant teen a fast little girl...
  
• Before you say, "My husband would never touch my child..."

You must read...

THE ENEMY BETWEEN MY LEGS

It will change your life, how you parent

your children, and make you think twice

about ever judging another person - including teenage
mothers, prostitutes, drug addicts, and possibly yourself!

I'm giving away a copy of Sabrina by Lori Wick!

Sabrina Matthews strolls the streets in the dusty frontier town of Denver to make her living as a young prostitute. Police officer Danny continually passes by this young girl who could not be much more than a child and his heart reaches out to her. After consulting with his wife, Callie, they decide to invite Sabrina to share their home as they share with her their love for Jesus. Slowly, Sabrina begins to trust them and make a fresh start in town, which includes attending the local church and becoming friendly with the local folk. However, she comes face-to-face with her past as pastor Rylan Jarvik starts to pay attention to Sabrina and wants to court her. What will he do when he discovers her prior occupation? Can he forgive her?

Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman is up on CFBA!

Distant Heart by Tracey Bateman

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Distant Heart
(Avon Inspire January 2, 2008)
by
Tracey Bateman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:








Tracey Bateman is the award-winning author of more than twenty-five books, including Defiant Heart, the First in the Westward Hearts series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and recently served on the board as President. She loves in Lebanon, Montana, with her husband and their four children.






ABOUT THE BOOK

In the second book in the Westward Hearts trilogy, will the promise of a new life out west heal the scars of Toni's past?

This series tells the stories of three strong women as they struggle to survive on the rough wagon train and lose their hearts to unlikely heroes along the way/ Thin Little House on the Prairie meets Francine river's Redeeming Love and you begin to get a sense of the riveting historical series that Tracey Bateman has created.

In this second installment, we follow Toni Rodden, a former prostitute who sought to escape her past and build a new life, and a new reputation, when she joined the wagon train. Despite much resentment and distrust from the other women, Toni has finally earned a place on the wagon train and found a surrogate family in Fannie Caldwell and her two siblings. For the first time in her life, Toni actually feels free.

But while Toni once harbored dreams that her new life might include a husband and family, she soon realizes the stigma that comes with her past is difficult to see beyond and that she'll never be truly loved or seen as worthy. As the trip out west begins to teach her to survive on her own, she resolves to make her own living as a seamstress when the train finally reaches Oregon.

But despite Toni's conviction that no man will be able to see beyond her marred past, Sam Two-feathers, the wagon scout and acting preacher for the train seems to know of a love that forgives sins and values much more than outward appearances. Will Sam have the confidence to declare his love? Will Toni be able to trust in a God that can forgive even the darkest past? Faith, love, and courage will be put to the test in Distant Heart.


My thoughts:

Tracey is a fabulous historical fiction author. Of all the genres she's written novels in, my opinion is that historical fiction is where she has her strongest and best voice. I started Distant Heart and can tell after reading only two chapters that I'm going to love it. It's a continuation of Defiant Heart. Same wagon train but totally different hero and heroine, so it can be read as a stand alone, too. But for excellent first hand background info on the heroine of this book you may want to buy Defiant Heart anyway.

Review of The Christmas Card. Hot, but clean kisses! This is one to watch!

I rarely watch television (almost never) but last night as I was warming by the fire my husband had the Hallmark channel on and the movie The Christmas Card was playing. I think I've just stumbled upon two of the hottest kissing scenes (in a clean film) I've ever viewed. So you have know that at least one of them will find their way into a future novel of mine. Plus, the actor who plays the soldier is so gorgeous and sexy I'd watch the movie just to gaze at him! The humor in this movie was laugh-out-loud funny, too. But best of all, the message is great! You never know where a small act of kindness will lead you and who it will touch. And maybe, just maybe, it will change your life forever.

Win a copy of Flashpoint by Frank Creed!

To win this book all you have to do is post a comment and make sure to give me a way to reach you if I pick your name. Thanks!



About the book:

FLASHPOINT: BOOK ONE OF THE UNDERGROUND (2007)
Winner of the 2006 Elfwood Award for Best Sci-Fi Novel!

When the 2036 One-State peacekeepers bust a home-church, two young people evade capture. Reluctantly, they turn to a Christian 'terrorist' cell where they adopt codenames and slip between the Underground cracks of Chicago to save their home-church before its members are brainwashed, or worse, by the One State Neros.

(The Writers Cafe Press, 978-1-934284-01-8, $9.95, softcover, 200 pages, September 2007, Christian science fiction/ cyberpunk).

New pictures of my family taken today...

We look happiest in this picture but the lighting wasn't great.

Here is a close up of me and hubby. Again, not very clear.
I like crisper pictures.

My youngest has grown to be as tall as I am in just one year. Amazing!

My youngest looks mad in this picture but he was squinting.
Maybe he wanted to look a bit stoic. I dunno. :)
But don't you just love his hair? It's gorgeous!

Christmas pics of my niece in piggy tails!

(Picture the captions as bubble thoughts.)

Come on you guys, that's enough with the camera!

I was thinking about peeking. Would that be okay?

Come on, just one little peek. I'll forget what I saw, I promise!

I was good. I left them alone. Think I should take a bow?

Ha! Fooled ya. I know one of the things you bought me. Tee hee.

Win a copy of What a Girl Wants by Kristin Billerbeck

All you have to do to win is post a comment. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. I'll pick a winner on Sunday!


Book Description:

Ashley Stockingdale has a respectable (read: boring) job in Silicon Valley as a patent attorney. Given that the single men outnumber the women 2 to 1, Ashley can't help but wonder why a cute, eligible, Christian girl sits home most weekends. So Ashley resolves to go for it! The question is, what should she go for? Ultimately, Ashley finds that what a girl wants and what a girl needs aren't always the same thing.

My review (written in 2004--I've come a long way, baby!)

NOTE: This was the 1st book review I EVER wrote.

This is one of the most hysterical and witty stories from the female perspective that I've had the pleasure of enjoying. I am now a chick lit fan (this is my first experience with the genre) so now I will have to buy and read every book about Ashley Stockingdale. I feel like I KNOW her, like she's a friend, because the author does such a good job of making her seem like a real person. The romance piece was also very enticing and I was dying to know what she planned to do. I hope this series goes on and on.

What a Girl Wants was published by Thomas Nelson and is being reissued in 2007 with a new cover!

What Lies Within by Karen Ball is up on CFBA!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
What Lies Within
Multnomah Fiction (November 20, 2007)
by
Karen Ball

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Ball , bestselling novelist, is also the editor behind several of today's bestselling Christian novels. Her love for words was passed down through her father and grandfather - both pastors who shared God's truth through sermons and storytelling. Blending humor, poignancy, and honesty, Karen's writing style is a powerful force for revealing God's truth. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, and their "kids," Bodhan, a mischief-making Siberian husky, and Dakota, an Aussie-terrier mix who should have been named "Destructo."

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nothing’s going to stop Kyla…

until the ground crumbles beneath her feet.

Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she’s called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend’s suggestion that she sell her business and marry him–and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.

Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars–and the nightmares–to prove it. Though he can’t fight overseas any longer, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.

Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won’t carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real–and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything…

My thoughts:

The prologue is killer (read it and you'll see what I mean.) The first chapter is also fast paced and interesting. If I didn't know the author was female I'd think that chapter was written by an enlisted army man. The author did a great job capturing the male POV and dialogue there. I can tell this will be a good story from the beginning. After my last experience I'm a tad leery about reading the third book in a series when I haven't read the others, but I'll let you know in my review if that mattered.

My review of A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman.

Book Description:

Refusing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship that pleases God, Faith O'Connor steels her heart against her desire for the roguish Collin McGuire. But when Collin tries to win her sister Charity's hand, Faith is not sure she can handle the jealousy she feels. To further complicate matters, Faith finds herself the object of Collin's affections, even as he is courting her sister. The Great War is raging overseas, and a smaller war is brewing in the O'Connor household.

My review:

This is moving to the top of my list of favorite books of all time. It's packed with romantic tension, and emotional and spiritual passion. It made me crazy as I wasn't sure what I wanted them to do and my feelings were all over the place. I did enjoy the ending, though. It was very satisfying and I cried through the last three chapters or so. Don't read ahead if you get this book. It'll spoil the joy and wonder of the story for you. I was tempted to do that several times (which I never do) because I so desperately wanted to know who Faith ended up with, but I was good and I'm glad I didn't peek.

What an emotional roller coaster ride! I got whiplash from the plot twists and the changing of the tides. My heart soared and plummeted along with Faith. I could not stop reading this book and hauled it with me everywhere. It's long (like 480 pages) but I wouldn't cut a thing. Everything is relevant and important to the story. I'll admit that I was extremely curious about this book after reading an article that said it was overly sensual. I disagree. Just because you are in her head and her thoughts are honest doesn't make it sensual. A lot of author's can write about kissing but most aren't daring enough to write the honest thoughts in a heroine's head. That's what this author did that was so fabulous. If she took out the internal thoughts she would remove the alleged sensuality, but then the passion is squeezed from the story and it would be a dry scene with description, but no life. I loved this story. It's daringly innovative and the most fabulous debut I've ever read. Plus, the historical portion of the novel was well done, too. I felt like I was there!

One last thought...I see this as a clearly Christian novel in that the emphasis is that having passion for God is what makes a marriage a beautiful, solid, and holy union and anything less than that is robbing you of the joy you could experience if you loved within the boundaries God set. It's a very strong message but done naturally and through the story. It feels real. I knew men like Collin who were insanely jealous of a woman's relationship with God and how they said they felt like they were competing with Him. Without the love of Christ in our hearts we are truly deprived of the most intimate love their is. This story delivers that message with such perfection I want every woman who has not married yet to read this book! It would save a lot of heartache if women trusted God in regards to their marriage partner. He wants marriage to be an example of his love for us and that cannot exist in a marriage without Him at the center.

Before you judge this book you need to read it for yourself. Initially I struggled with the number of POVs but once I got into the story I see how important that was for the author to include so many. Bravo!

A Passion Most Pure is published by Revell/Baker Publishing and will be released in January 2008.

Special contest for non-feedblitz subscribers

I thought I'd do something fun and different. My number of subscriptions on Feedblitz for this blog has hovered in the seventies for months now. I want to give a copy of any book (your choice) to my 100th subscriber via feedblitz. Doesn't that sound fun? I need 24 more subscribers to reach 100. The fun part is that you won't know if you are the 100th subscriber, but I will. Tell your friends and people who enjoy book reviews and giveaways. When I pick a winner we can discuss what book the prize will be. I'll give the winner a list of choices and the winner will pick from that list. I have over 600 titles so it will be fun! If you stop by my blog daily or weekly yet have never subscribed, what are you waiting for? :)

Oh, and the box for subscribing to feedblitz is in the top left-hand corner of this blog. Like most subscriptions, after you enter your e-mail addy you'll be asked to confirm. If you don't do that the request doesn't take, so check your junk mail folder. Best wishes to you all!

Blog tour for Angela Benson's novel The Amen Sisters

About the Book:
After witnessing the suicide of a church sister, Minister Francine Amen is disgusted with herself for turning against the young woman and refusing to accept her claim of sexual abuse by their pastor. Now, after a short stay in a psychiatric hospital, Francine is trying to pull her life and her ministry back together. But first she must face all of the people she has hurt so deeply--including her younger sister, Dawn. But can Dawn trust her? Francine used to date Dawn's husband, Sly--who now seems just a little too interested in Francine's recovery. As far as Dawn is concerned, Sly would be better off spending his time making amends to her for his own sins.

Angela's website: www.angelabenson.com

Dec 3 http://www.j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com

Dec 4 http://www.thewriterslife.blogspot.com

Dec 5 http://www.rebecca2007.wordpress.com

Dec 6 http://www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com

Dec 7 http://www.girlswriteout.blogspot.com/

Dec 10http://leicesterreviewofbooks.wordpress.com/

Dec 11 http://www.edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com

Dec 12http://storycrafters.blogspot.com/

Dec 13 http://buzzthebook.blogspot.com

Dec 14 http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/August2005/Michelle-TheAmenSisters.htm

Dec 17http://www.apooo.org/AuthorsLounge/limelight.cfm and http://www.myspace.com/apoooconnections

Dec 18 http://www.inspiredauthor.com

Dec 19 http://youdontknowjack.blogsavy.com/

Dec 20 http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Dec 21http://www.inspiredauthor.com/v3/current-events-and-your-book-promotion-0

Dec 24

Dec 26http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com

Dec 27

Dec 28http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/

Dec 31 Giveaway Day

Jan 8 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sydneymolare

Jan 9http://www.ambermiller.com/index.html

Here is a link to Barnes and Noble: After clicking on the link, select the features tab...
Click here to read an excerpt

My thoughts!

I was desperately trying to finish this awesome story before today but life got in the way. But I'm almost done with the book so a review will be coming soon. For now I can tell you that this story has a fabulous hook. I'm a fan of this author because Angela Benson always rights real-life fiction. I've read all of her books to date. This one is no except in that it's a compelling story with a lot of conflict and depth. I sense some healing coming between the sisters and other significant characters. If there is one thing Angela excels at, it's writing about relationships. This story ranks as one of her best (so far.) So expect a review soon! So sorry I didn't get it done for today.

Win a copy of As I Have Loved You by Nikki Arana!

All you have to do to win is post a comment. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win!

AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

Leigh Scott is a single mom who just wants the best for her only son, Jeff: a college degree and a good job. But when he starts seeing Jessica, a young woman with a troubled past and a questionable future, Leigh envisions all her best-laid plans going up in smoke. As Jeff spends more and more time with Jessica, Leigh sees her fears realized in Jeff’s dropping grades and bad choices. To top it off, Leigh finds her relationships with her parents, her brother, and a long-lost old flame getting more complicated. Will Leigh get through to her son in time? Or is there more to Jessica than meets the eye? This many-layered, emotional family saga will captivate readers as it shows them the peril of judgment, the need for forgiveness, and the gift of love.

Current pics of my niece. You get to see it here first!

My niece is sleeping. Awww....

She is gearing up to take a walk for the cameras...

She did it! How proud we are!!!

I've really got to stop reading books that don't interest me.

No matter how popular some books are or how much I may like the author, I really need to stop reading books that I get a sense of dread about reading and that I want to avoid opening up. Sometimes I'll rationalize and try to tell myself it will get better, but sometimes it doesn't and then I just feel cheated like I wasted time. I will not name every book this happens to me with because most authors would rather not know that I didn't like their book or have me announce that I'd rather chew glass than finish their story.

Anyway, the wildly popular Yada Yada Series is just not working for me. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out is one of those books I'll never finish, I've decided. While some things in the story were good, I can't get into the story. I think there are too many things that don't feel natural in this book. SO if people have read the series and are invested in the characters already then this story will turn their crank. For me it's just tedious reading and the main character I can't identify with at all. She also prays in her head too much. I normally love a strong faith element but in this story it didn't feel natural to me. The continual reminiscing didn't help. I haven't read any of the other books and I'm convinced that this has a lot to do with me having trouble getting into this book since it concludes the series.

So if you loved any of the other books in this series just ignore me. If, however, you are considering this book, I wouldn't recommend it unless you want to read the whole series. That's my ten cents that you never asked for.

I'm giving away a copy of Informed Consent by Sandra Glahn...

To win a copy of this book merely enter a comment telling me what intrigues you about the book (assuming you read the description and/or review that follows) and please leave me a way to contact you if you win. Thanks!



Book Description:

Jeremy Cramer, M.D. is the next Einstein of infectious disease research. While working on a way to revive water submersion victims, he makes a breakthrough discovery in AIDS research that thrusts him into the center of a media frenzy. But the publicity turns negative and his marriage reaches the breaking point when he accidentally infects a colleague and his negligence allows his son to contract a life threatening disease. The viruses test the limits of his new formula and his ethics. In his frantic efforts to save his son and his marriage, he must decide whether to allow his child to die or violate the rights of a young transplant donor. The choice forces him to stand face-to-face with the unfathomable love required to sacrifice an only son.

My review:

I almost didn't accept this book to review as I had SO many to read, but the subject matter intrigued me. Now I'm glad I took this book on. I'll tell you why...Informed Consent is one of the most emotional, suspenseful, intelligent, and exhilarating stories I've read in a long time. The up-close look into marriage issues, grief and loss, and biomedical/ethical subject matter makes me rank this amazing novel as one of the best I've read this year. It is SO obvious that the author did a lot of research and she addressed the subject with insight and compassion. This story moved me to tears numerous times.

In some ways Informed Consent--which is a perfect title for the story--reminded me of a movie I watched starring Denzel Washington. In the movie he was stuck in an impossible situation and yet found a way to fix the problem. His solution was totally insane, but it sure made you think about the desperation people feel when they long to save a loved one, but face seemingly impossible barriers along the way. Informed consent tackled some really tough issues with finesse.

I'm reluctant to share much detail regarding this awesome novel because it's very suspenseful and I don't want the reader to miss out on the anxiety-provoking twists and turns by tipping them off to some of the dilemmas and solutions. But I will say that this story not only provokes intelligent thinking, but it makes you ponder spiritual issues as well. I am thoroughly impressed by the quality of the plot, the author's incredible "voice", and the pull this story had on me. I can't say enough good things about it, but I will say that from this point forward I intend to read EVERY book Sandra Glahn writes.

Informed Consent was published by David C Cook and released in August 2007.

Bluegrass Peril by Virginia Smith is up on CFBA this week!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

Bluegrass Peril
(Steeple Hill December 4, 2007)
by
Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Virginia Smith left her job as a corporate director to become a full time writer and speaker in the summer of 2005. Since then she has contracted eight novels and numerous articles and short stories.

She writes contemporary humorous novels for the Christian market, including her debut, Just As I Am (Kregel Publications, March 2006) and her new release, Murder by Mushroom (Steeple Hill, August 2007). Her short fiction has been anthologized, and her articles have been published in a variety of Christian magazines.

An energetic speaker, Virginia loves to exemplify God’s truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, “Biblical Truths in Star Trek.”

ABOUT THE BOOK:

WHO KILLED HER BOSS?
Local police had tagged single mom Becky Dennison as their prime suspect. But she'd only been in the wrong place at the wrong time...admittedly, with her boss's lifeless body. Sure it looked bad, but Becky had no motive for killing...even if she had opportunity.

When the director of the retirement farm for thoroughbred champions is murdered, Becky Dennison teams up with the handsome manager of a neighboring horse farm, Scott Lewis, to find her boss's killer. Soon the amateur detective are hot on the trail of the murderer...even as their feelings for each other deepen.

The amateur sleuths uncover a trail of clues that lead them into the intricate society of Kentucky's elite thoroughbred breeding industry. They soon find themselves surrounded by the mint julep set - jealous southern belles and intensely competitive horse breeders - in a high-stakes game of danger, money, and that famous southern pride.

And for Becky and Scott, this race on the Kentucky tracks has the greatest stakes of all: life or death!

Romantic Times awarded Bluegrass Peril
* * * * FOUR STARS! * * * *

My thoughts:

At first I wasn't sure if I could get into the story. I have trouble with LI Suspense. Don't ask me why, but no matter who the author is it just never seems suspenseful enough to me. Anyway, by chapter 3 I decided I liked the story so I may just finish it soon. You never know.

Vote on a cover. I have a new one. Which do you like best?

Check it out! Isn't it gorgeous? I have the best friends. And so talented. I just wish this was the permanent cover but the digital imagining is too grainy for a book cover so we have to do a photo shoot with a photographer. Hopefully it will still capture what I want it to. So which picture do you like the best? The old or the new (now keep in mind the targeted audience is YA young adult.)

Here are the pics again to refresh your memory. So vote! Old or new?

Old

New

I'm giving away two books to Jane Austen fans!!!

Synopsis:

Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma...these titles conjure up a romantic world of rolling English countrysides, elegant balls, noble gentlemen, and headstrong gentlemen's daughters. But how much do we know about the woman who immortalized those times and names like Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennett? Growing up in a clergyman's home gave Jane Austen opportunities to watch human nature at its best--and worst. Drawing from historical sources as well as her own keen imagination, Christy Award-winner Nancy Moser transports readers inside the life and times of the literary world's most beloved heroine. Known for her moving and unique Mozart's Sister, Nancy Moser brings to life the mind and wit of Jane Austen--the loves, disappointments, and victories that shaped the novels that have remained popular for nearly two hundred years.

About the author:

Nancy Moser is the best-selling author of sixteen novels and three books of inspirational humor including Mozart's Sister, the Christy-award winning, Time Lottery, The Seat Beside Me, as well as the Sister Circle series coauthored with Campus Crusade co-founder, Vonette Bright.



Synopsis:

In a remote Hertfordshire village, far off the good coach roads of George III's England, a country squire of no great means must marry off his five vivacious daughters. At the heart of this all-consuming enterprise are his headstrong second daughter Elizabeth Bennet and her aristocratic suitor Fitzwilliam Darcy—two lovers whose pride must be humbled and prejudice dissolved before the novel can come to its splendid conclusion.

A tour de force of wit and sparkling dialogue, Pride and Prejudice is also a sumptuously detailed picture of contemporary society, which, in its exploration of manner and motives, has a great deal to say about the society of today. Austen's best-loved novel is a memorable story about the power of reason, and above all about the strange dynamics of human relationships and emotions.

The handsome volumes in The Collectors Library present great works of world literature in a handy hardback format. Printed on high-quality paper and bound in real cloth, each complete and unabridged volume has a specially commissioned afterword, brief biography of the author and a further-reading list. This easily accessible series offers readers the perfect opportunity to discover, or rediscover, some of the world's most endearing literary works.

At the turn of eighteenth-century England, spirited Elizabeth Bennet copes with the suit of the snobbish Mr. Darcy while trying to sort out the romantic entanglements of two of her sisters, sweet and beautiful Jane and scatterbrained Lydia.

Biography

Jane Austen's delightful, carefully wrought novels of manners remain surprisingly relevant, nearly 200 years after they were first published. Her novels -- Pride and Prejudice and Emma among them -- are those rare books that offer us a glimpse at the mores of a specific period while addressing the complexities of love, honor, and responsibility that still intrigue us today.

The Minor Protection Act by Jodi Cowles is up on FIRST!

It is December 1st, time for the FIRST Day Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and his/her latest book's FIRST chapter!

This month's feature author is:

JODI COWLES

and her book:

The Minor Protection Act
Musterion (December 1, 2005)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jodi Cowles caught the travel bug when her parents took her on her first international flight at six months of age. Since then she’s been in over 30 countries. Along the way she’s gotten locked out of her cabin on an all night train to Kiev, helped deliver a baby in Indonesia, taught English in South Korea, gone spelunking in Guam, hiked the Golan Heights and laid bricks in Zimbabwe. Her interest in politics stems from hunting Easter eggs on the south lawn of the White House as a child. For her 30th birthday she ran the LA Marathon and promised to get serious about publishing. Jodi resides in Boise, Idaho and this is her first novel.


AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

If the politically correct set was searching for a poster couple, they would need to look no further than Erik and Roselyn Jessup. In college they lit up doobies while attending passionate speeches about legalizing marijuana and freeing Tibet. Erik was even arrested once for helping break into an animal research center. Roselyn bailed him out. After five years of dating they decided to tie the knot. Seven years later, after Roselyn had enough time to get established in her career, she gave birth to their pride and joy, Jayla Lynn Jessup.

Both had satisfying full-time jobs that left them only enough time to pour themselves into Jayla. They attended every event at school, even if it meant working overtime and paying the after school program for a few extra hours. When Jayla made the principal's list or won a spelling bee, they were cheering, and filming, from the front row.

Jayla began junior high at a brand new school with a brand new curriculum. It was being called "progressive" in the papers; the first program of its kind implemented in California with plans for a nationwide rollout over the next 10 years. Praise poured in from around the country, applauding the straight talk about sexuality and focus on tolerance.

Erik and Roselyn were thrilled to have their daughter in this groundbreaking program. Granted, it took several phone calls to district authorities to accomplish the transfer and Roselyn had to drive an extra 30 minutes each morning to drop off Jayla, but it was quite a coup to brag about in their circle of friends.

Jayla turned 13 two years into junior high. For her birthday she told her parents she wanted to order pizza and hang around the house – there was something she needed to tell them. Over pepperoni and Coke, Jayla calmly informed them that she'd been discussing it with her friends and teachers and had decided she was gay.

Though she had never had a girlfriend, or a boyfriend for that matter, Erik and Roselyn were quick to affirm her decision and let her know she had their full support. Roselyn applauded her daughter's honest, courageous move and told Jayla how proud she was. Erik was also supportive and went so far as to tease Jayla about her best friend Sara.

There weren't too many lesbians in her junior high and Jayla had a pretty average experience, but she attracted attention when she entered high school wearing the rainbow buttons specially purchased by her mother. Soon she was 15 and seriously involved with Carla, the 17-year-old senior who was President of the Gay Pride Club. When Erik and Roselyn saw the relationship deepening they sat Jayla down and had a heart to heart "sex talk," encouraging her to be responsible and safe, and only to have sex if she was truly in love.

She was. However, when the year ended Carla left for college on the east coast and broke off the relationship in a letter.

Jayla was heartbroken. Erik and Roselyn were quick to comfort, as any loving parents of a shattered teenager, but their answers seemed hollow to Jayla, their comfort cold. At 16 she began dabbling in drugs - a first for her.

By the time her senior year began the family bond that was once so strong had disintegrated to the degree that she seldom spoke to her parents unless it was to strike out in anger. She had not entered into another dating relationship, as much as they encouraged her in that direction. Rather, she seemed withdrawn from the world and spent endless hours either locked in her room or suspiciously absent. Finally, Roselyn had enough and took her to a doctor who prescribed an anti-depressant for teenagers that had just been released on the market.

By Christmas the medication seemed to be working. Jayla was coming around, spending more time at home. She seemed calmer and more at peace. They were even beginning to talk about college. But New Year's morning they found her dead, her anti-depressant bottle and a quart of vodka laying empty in the trash and a mass of journals and letters scattered around her in the bed.

Erik and Roselyn were devastated. Jayla had been their whole life. They dove into the letters and journals, trying to make sense of it all. What they found only served to inflame their anger. Some boy named Nick had been telling their daughter that she was a sinner, quoting Bible verses that said her sexual preference was an abomination before God. Jayla's journal was full of self-loathing, page after page about her relationship with Carla, page after page of rambling, agonizing pain. Why was she made like this if homosexuality was a sin? Why would her parents have supported her if it were an abomination? Why had she listened to the seventh grade teacher who told her experimentation was the best way to determine her sexuality? What was wrong with her?

They could hardly stand to finish it but they read every word. In the end their grief found relief, as it so often does, in bitterness and hatred. The day after Jayla's funeral, attended by hundreds of students from Jayla’s school, Erik and Roselyn met with the District Attorney. A year later, bitterness not yet assuaged, they went to see a lawyer. In the culture of America, where there is rarely tragedy unaccompanied by litigation, they found a willing law firm. Someone would pay.

My thoughts:

This story has an intriguing theme and the writing is unique. I like her style! Having been in the courtroom many times and in trials (as a witness or juror) I can tell you that the author has the lawyer lingo perfected. I am definitely going to finish this book.