Click on the magazine cover above and it will take you right to the magazine. Enjoy!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Christian Fiction Online Magazine is now LIVE!
Click on the magazine cover above and it will take you right to the magazine. Enjoy!
Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray is on the CFBA (plus my review!)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hidden is Shelley’s first foray into inspirational fiction. Previously, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. Shelley is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and is part of the Telecare ministry, which calls homebound members on a regular basis. Shelley looks forward to the opportunity to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.ABOUT THE BOOK
Hidden is a remarkable story about the unlikely love between a modern girl on the run and an Amish boy from the family who shelters her. When Anna decides it's time to leave her abusive boyfriend, she doesn't know where to turn. Rob is a successful and respected person in her community. He has completely won over her parents with his good looks and prestigious position at a top law firm. Only Anna has seen his dark side. But when Rob hurts Anna yet again, she realizes that she must finally help herself.
Desperate, she runs to the one place she’s always felt completely safe, the Amish Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, where years ago she and her mother once stayed, and where Anna met life-long friend Katie Brenneman. When Anna shows up years later unexpectedly, the family welcomes her in, with few questions asked, and allows her to stay, dressed as the Amish in Plain clothes, and help around the inn.
But Katie’s older brother Henry doesn’t take too kindly to the intrusion. Anna wonders if it’s because he’s already had his heart broken. To Henry’s shame, from the moment he sees Anna, he feels a strong attraction. To cover his infatuation, he tries to ignore her, knowing no good would ever come from keeping an eye on a fancy woman like her. But as he sees that Anna has a good heart and is not the selfish, spoiled woman he imagined her to be, he feels his heart pointing towards her.
Anna comes to realize that she’s found a home and true love in the last place she’d expected. How can she deny the life she left behind? And will her chance for happiness be stolen away by the man who can’t seem to let her go?
If you would like to read the Prologue, go HERE
My review:
Hidden was an adventure that went beyond it's pretty cover. A cross between a movie like Sleeping with the Enemy, and a novel like Deb Raney's Remember to Forget, Hidden is somewhere in the middle in regards to tension, but with a bit of the Amish culture mixed in. I enjoyed this story and read it in just two days. I loved the premise of hiding out in the Amish community. And the hero was incredibly heroic even though he wasn't all that likeable at first. Then again, neither was the heroine. However, she changed through the course of the story and I couldn't help feeling connected to her. While my parents didn't smother and baby me like hers did, I could certainly relate to her feeling like she had to fight for her independence. The coolest part of the story was experiencing with Anna the drastic change in her life from our modern culture with all of its hassles and conveniences to the Amish life, which in many ways seemed so much better despite all she had to give up in the process of fitting in. This story almost makes you want to convert and become one of the Plain people. After all, they seemed more spiritual because they didn't have the insane busyness that we've grown accustomed to. Plus, they worked hard and labored physically, so they were strong and not soft or weak. In short, Hidden never bored me and the plot never dragged, so it was worth my while. I can't wait for the sequel.
Hidden was published by Avon Inspire and released in May 2008.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Now I'm giving away Along Came a Cowboy by Christine Lynxwiler
To enter you name to win a copy of this book, simply post a comment. I will pick a winner on Wednesday. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win.
About the book:
When Rachel Donovan, a strong—willed chiropractor with a past, meets Jack Westwood, a bull—headed cowboy looking for a future, it looks like hate at first fight. But when the dust settles, it may be love. Can the chiropractor and the cowboy bridle their growing attraction, or will love ultimately have free reign?
About the book:
When Rachel Donovan, a strong—willed chiropractor with a past, meets Jack Westwood, a bull—headed cowboy looking for a future, it looks like hate at first fight. But when the dust settles, it may be love. Can the chiropractor and the cowboy bridle their growing attraction, or will love ultimately have free reign?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Wow, this is awesome!
I've gotten some fabulous reviews for my book on Barnes and Noble.com but this one from a Youth Pastor and #1 rated author on Shoutlife takes the cake! It hasn't been published on the Barnes and Noble site yet, but I found this review on Shoutlife. I just had to share with you all.
Read the review here!
Friday, June 27, 2008
My review of Too Little, Too Late by Victoria Christopher Murray
About the Book:
Jasmine Larson Bush returns to her devious ways in this tale of two marriages -- each threatened by lies and betrayal.
She took marriage vows to be honest and true, but Jasmine's still hiding secrets to keep her husband, Minister Hosea Bush, by her side. When Hosea's ex-fiancée, Natasia, suddenly appears in New York, Jasmine knows it's not a coincidence. A former manstealer herself, Jasmine is very aware of Natasia's motives -- even if Hosea is not.
Complicating Jasmine's life is the secret she's kept from her baby's daddy. Luckily for her, Brian Lewis has problems of his own. His wife, Alexis, is convinced he's cheating on her -- but Brian's real betrayal is much worse. Revealing the truth to his wife could lead him back to the biggest mistake of his life...Jasmine.
Two marriages are in desperate jeopardy. Will Jasmine be able to scheme to save her own? Or will she have to choose between protecting her past and compromising her future? Even if Jasmine and Brian find the courage to stop the lies, it may be too little, too late....
My review:
There is an abundance of conflict and action in Too Little, Too Late. And as is typical of Ms. Murray's writing style, nothing is predictable and every chapter is eventful and tense. There are never any sagging middles or boring chapters in one of her novels. I love how the author twists things around and weaves powerful lessons into all of her stories. Lessons about love and faithfulness, trust and forgiveness.
Too Little, Too Late has an ending that will leave you breathless, yet there is also a bittersweet feeling you get by the time you reach the last page. Yes, life is messy, and temptation is everywhere. The issue of addiction is handled extremely well and is accurately portrayed.
In the midst of their struggles these believeable character discover that God is always in their midst no matter how awfully they behave. They realize that His love is unconditional and if they reach out to Him, He will meet them where they are. That is so true-to-life. What a great read. A bit on the sizzly side with some major eyebrow-raising scenes, but I like that kind of romance, and in this regard Ms. Murray never dissapoints.
Too Little, Too Late was published by Simon & Schuster (Touchstone imprint) and was released in June 2008.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Now I'm giving away I'm Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier by Charles Marshall
To enter your name in the contest to win this book, simply post a comment about what intrigues you about it. I will pick a winner on Sunday. Peace!
About the book:
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column Laughing Matters, as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.
About the book:
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column Laughing Matters, as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.
Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy is up on CFBA!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
MARY CONNEALY is an award-winning author and playwright, married to Ivan a farmer, and the mother of four beautiful daughters, Joslyn, Wendy, Shelly and Katy. They live in Decatur, Nebraska. Mary is a GED Instructor by day and an author by night. And there is always a cape involved in her transformation.
Mary has also written Petticoat Ranch, Golden Days, and her latest, Alaska Brides that will debut in August.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Let yourself be swept away by this fast-paced romance, featuring Grace Calhoun, an instructor of reading, writing, and arithmetic, who, in an attempt to escape the clutchs of a relentless pursuer, runs smack dab into even more trouble with the 6R's - widower Daniel Reeves, along with his five rowdy sons. When a marriage is forced upon this hapless pair - two people who couldn't dislike each other more - an avalanche isn't the only potential danger lurking amid the shadows of Calico Canyon. Will they make it out alive? Or end up killing each other in the process?
Running from her Abusive foster-father, a man intent on revenge, the prim and perfectly proper Grace Calhoun takes on the job of schoolmarm in Mosqueros, Texas.
As if being a wanted woman isn't bad enough, Grace has her hands full with the five rowdy and rambunctious Reeves boys─tough Texan tormenters who seem intent on making her life miserable. When, in an attempt to escape from the clutches of her pursuer, Grace is forced to marry widower Daniel Reeves, father of the miniature monsters, she thinks things couldn't get any worse. Or could they?
Daniel Reeves, happy in his all-male world, is doing the best he can, raising his five boys─rascals, each and every one. Since his wife's death in childbirth, Daniel has been determined never to risk marriage again.
When God throws Grace and Daniel together─two people who couldn't detest each other more─the trouble is only beginning.
Will this hapless pair find the courage to face life together in the isolated Calico Canyon? Or are their differences too broad a chasm to bridge?
If you would like to read the first chapter go HERE
My thoughts:
I loved Petticoat Ranch so if this is half as good it'll still be great. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to start it yet. :(
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
My review of Sir Kendrick and the Castle at Bel Lione by Chuck Black!
ABOUT THE BOOK
A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!
As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.
Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Conquistero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.
When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.
Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are...the Knights of Arrethtrae!
My review:
Sir Kendrick and the Castle at Bel Lione is thoroughly engaging. I think the author is a genius with an amazing gift of showing through fiction what the heart of man is truly like. I was enthralled with the story and am amazed that the genre is categorized as teen fiction. Adults who love Medieval stories will enjoy this, too. The only thing that tipped me off was the lack of descriptive violence. When someone got killed they "ran into the blade" but that was as descriptive as it got. Even the sickest scene in the dungeon/torture chambers was easy to stomach despite the cat o nine tails being used on someone. I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to gore, so this book was perfect for me. At any rate, I enjoyed Chuck's lyrical style of writing so much I read several portions out loud to my husband. The author has an amazing "voice" for writing medieval fiction with castles and knights and I felt as if I were watching a movie as I read.
What made this story unique was the allegory to the New Testament ministry of Paul. Sir Kendrick reminded me of Paul and Duncan was a lot like Timothy. I loved the clear parallel to scripture and the emphasis on good versus evil, minus the witches and dragons and other mystical themes that are often found in fantasy novels. The story did contain some pretty scary wolves, though. I felt the terror from the attacks of evil. The moral lessons were fabulously knitted into the fabric of the story, and I was moved to tears several times over themes of forgiveness. It really isn't about what we say we believe, but it's about how we actually apply our faith in Christ to our lives. The author demonstrates this theme with perfection. You can't help being inspired by reading this book.
Sir Kendrick and the Castle at Bel Lione was published by Multnomah and released in June 2008
A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.
Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Conquistero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.
When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.
Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are...the Knights of Arrethtrae!
My review:
Sir Kendrick and the Castle at Bel Lione is thoroughly engaging. I think the author is a genius with an amazing gift of showing through fiction what the heart of man is truly like. I was enthralled with the story and am amazed that the genre is categorized as teen fiction. Adults who love Medieval stories will enjoy this, too. The only thing that tipped me off was the lack of descriptive violence. When someone got killed they "ran into the blade" but that was as descriptive as it got. Even the sickest scene in the dungeon/torture chambers was easy to stomach despite the cat o nine tails being used on someone. I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to gore, so this book was perfect for me. At any rate, I enjoyed Chuck's lyrical style of writing so much I read several portions out loud to my husband. The author has an amazing "voice" for writing medieval fiction with castles and knights and I felt as if I were watching a movie as I read.
What made this story unique was the allegory to the New Testament ministry of Paul. Sir Kendrick reminded me of Paul and Duncan was a lot like Timothy. I loved the clear parallel to scripture and the emphasis on good versus evil, minus the witches and dragons and other mystical themes that are often found in fantasy novels. The story did contain some pretty scary wolves, though. I felt the terror from the attacks of evil. The moral lessons were fabulously knitted into the fabric of the story, and I was moved to tears several times over themes of forgiveness. It really isn't about what we say we believe, but it's about how we actually apply our faith in Christ to our lives. The author demonstrates this theme with perfection. You can't help being inspired by reading this book.
Sir Kendrick and the Castle at Bel Lione was published by Multnomah and released in June 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione by Chuck Black is up on CFBA!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chuck Black first wrote Kingdom’s Edge to inspire his children to read the Bible with renewed zeal. This captivating expanded parable led him to write the Old Testament allegories, Kingdom’s Dawn and Kingdom’s Hope. Chuck added three more titles to the series, Kingdom’s Call, Kingdom’s Quest, and Kingdom’s Reign which were released in May of 2007.Chuck is a former F-16 fighter pilot and currently works as an engineer for a firm designing plastic consumer products. He has a degree in electrical and electronic engineering and served eight years in the United States Air Force. Chuck and his wife Andrea have six children and live in North Dakota.
It is Chuck’s desire to serve the Lord through his work and to inspire people of all ages to study the scriptures in order to discover the hope and love of a truly majestic King and His Son.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.
Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Conquistero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.
When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.
Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are...the Knights of Arrethtrae!
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
My thoughts:
This book is FANTASTIC! 'Nuff said. Seriously, I will post a review tomorrow. I am too tired to do one tonight. :) Peace!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Hubby's review of The Immortal by Angela Hunt
About the book:
A man claiming to be 2000 years old says he is on a holy mission to prevent a global cataclysm. To uncover truth, heroine Claudia must re-examine her beliefs as she delves into ancient legends of the "Wandering Jew," biblical warnings about the Antichrist, and eyewitness accounts of the Crucifixion, the Inquisition, and the Holocaust.
Hubby's review:
Having never read anything by Angela Hunt, my husband didn’t know what to expect. He said the first quarter of The Immortal is spent getting to know the characters, which can make it hard to stick with the story. However, once you get past that point, the story really picks up speed and will leave you pondering your own life by books’ end. The main character is a young woman named Claudia. She is a jury consultant and through her work she becomes involved in an important trial. Claudia is approached by the spiritual leader of the Global Union, who takes her to Rome, Italy. Her job is then to give guidance on hiring people for the Global Union. Through this process she meets a man named Asher. He is either a religious man, a lunatic, or he is telling the truth. She is challenged to search her own heart and is convicted by what she finds. And the reader will experience through her life how a new believer can speak the truth into someone’s life as effectively, if not more so, than someone who has allegedly known God for many years. My husband highly recommends this story.
Hubby's review of A Wolf Story by James Byron Huggins
About the Book:
A powerful, intricately woven epic adventure for adults. Long ago, the animals of the deep woods were given a choice: either follow the Silver Wolf and his lord, the Lightmaker--a path of strength and peace often won through suffering and pain--or pursue their own passions, joining forces with Corbis and the other creatures of darkness.
Hubby's review:
A Wolf Story is an allegory. All of the characters are animals. The Silver Wolves represent those who follow the Light Maker. But they have free will, and thus can also follow the wolves of the Dark Council. The story is filled with battles. A key theme is not knowing who your true friends are until you experience conflict. In this story a young gray wolf becomes friends with a dying rabbit, then later becomes friends with another rabbit, who is quite a fighter. The wolf end up saving several lives. Each battle is a struggle between good and evil. Many times things seem hopeless. The author does a great job making you worry about this dynamic little rabbit who has guts and is willing to do anything for a friend. But the main character in the story is actually the gray Wolf, who learns that Faith in the Light Maker and clinging to the truth will carry you through to the end. This books is fun and easy to read. Highly recommended for anyone.
Now I'm giving away a copy of The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society by Beth Patillo
To be entered to win a copy of this book simply post a comment. I will pick a winner Wednesday. And PLEASE don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win!
About the book:
Sometimes life has to unravel before you can knit it together…
On the third Friday of each month, Eugenie, Ruth, Esther, Merry, and Camille meet at the Sweetgum Christian Church to enjoy the two things that connect them: a love of knitting and a passion for books. Their camaraderie remains unthreatened until Eugenie, the town librarian, introduces an angry teenager into their midst. Eugenie also gives them a new reading list: the classic novels of girlhood that young Hannah has never read. Little Women. Pollyanna. Heidi. Books that remind the women of the hopes and dreams they have lost along the way.
With each click of their needles, the ladies of the Knit Lit Society unravel their secrets: A shadow from Eugenie’s past haunts the controlled order of her life. Merry’s perfect little family is growing again–but will she continue to feel her identity slip away? Camille dreams of leaving town but is bound by ties of love. And the sisters, Ruth and Esther, must confront a lie they have lived with for over thirty years.
As Hannah is reluctantly stitched into their lives, the women discover the possibility that even in sleepy Sweetgum, Tennessee, they can still be the heroines of their own stories.
My thoughts:
Haven't read this one but it sure sounds like a great read.
About the book:
Sometimes life has to unravel before you can knit it together…
On the third Friday of each month, Eugenie, Ruth, Esther, Merry, and Camille meet at the Sweetgum Christian Church to enjoy the two things that connect them: a love of knitting and a passion for books. Their camaraderie remains unthreatened until Eugenie, the town librarian, introduces an angry teenager into their midst. Eugenie also gives them a new reading list: the classic novels of girlhood that young Hannah has never read. Little Women. Pollyanna. Heidi. Books that remind the women of the hopes and dreams they have lost along the way.
With each click of their needles, the ladies of the Knit Lit Society unravel their secrets: A shadow from Eugenie’s past haunts the controlled order of her life. Merry’s perfect little family is growing again–but will she continue to feel her identity slip away? Camille dreams of leaving town but is bound by ties of love. And the sisters, Ruth and Esther, must confront a lie they have lived with for over thirty years.
As Hannah is reluctantly stitched into their lives, the women discover the possibility that even in sleepy Sweetgum, Tennessee, they can still be the heroines of their own stories.
My thoughts:
Haven't read this one but it sure sounds like a great read.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
My review of Along Came a Cowboy by Christine Lynxwiler.
About the book:
When Rachel Donovan, a strong—willed chiropractor with a past, meets Jack Westwood, a bull—headed cowboy looking for a future, it looks like hate at first fight. But when the dust settles, it may be love. Can the chiropractor and the cowboy bridle their growing attraction, or will love ultimately have free reign?
My review:
Whenever I start a new book--especially a romance--I worry that I won't enjoy it and would've wasted my time. I don't have much time these days to spare, so that would be bad. At any rate, Along Came a Cowboy was a very good read. I love romance stories that have some depth to them and this one delivers. At first I wasn't sure how the author could keep the conflict believeable enough to carry the story, but as Dr. Rachel's issues rose to the surface, things got complicated, and complications are never boring to read about. So without giving any spoilers, I'll just tell you that when the heart is moved to change and when walls come down, it really touches my heart. In this case it had less to do with the hero and more to do with Rachel's family, but it was still beautiful to experience. If you love romance that goes easy on the physical aspects, but deep on the emotional end, you'll love this story.
Along Came a Cowboy was published by Barbour and released in May 2008.
Here is the picture of the cover of Christian Fiction Online Magazine...to debut July 1, 2008!
SO what do you think? Isn't it gorgeous? It will change every month. I just wanted you all to see it even though the site won't be revealed until it debuts!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
I'm giving away It's a Dance by Patrick Oden (non-fiction)
To enter your name to win It's a Dance simply post a comment and tell me why you would like to read this book. I will pick a winner on Sunday. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win.
It's a Dance: Moving with the Holy Spirit (2007)
Luke is a journalist at a local newspaper in Southern California doing a series of articles on churches in the area. As he interviews Nate, pastor of a nontraditional church that operates a pub, he learns more why than who, what, when, and where.
Patrick Oden, a first-time author, uses a fictitious church and fictitious people to write a nonfiction book about the Holy Spirit. Oden destroys the myth that solid Christian doctrine is only communicated in a didactic style. The personalities of the people and the conversational style turn theology into an enlightening, fascinating read.
It's a Dance: Moving with the Holy Spirit (2007)
Luke is a journalist at a local newspaper in Southern California doing a series of articles on churches in the area. As he interviews Nate, pastor of a nontraditional church that operates a pub, he learns more why than who, what, when, and where.
Patrick Oden, a first-time author, uses a fictitious church and fictitious people to write a nonfiction book about the Holy Spirit. Oden destroys the myth that solid Christian doctrine is only communicated in a didactic style. The personalities of the people and the conversational style turn theology into an enlightening, fascinating read.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Hunted by Mike Dellosso is up on CFBA! (With hubby's review.)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted. He was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years and has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets. Mike also has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters. Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer's Network, and International Thriller Writers. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master's Graduate School of Divinity.
You can read a great interview with Mike, over here on TitleTrakk
ABOUT THE BOOK
A town's deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith... After learning of the disappearance of his nephew, Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home of Dark Hills to aid in the search effort. When Caleb is found, badly mauled and clinging to life, Joe embarks on a mission to find the beast responsible. But the more Joe delves into the fabric of his old hometown, the more he realizes Dark Hills has a dark secret, shrouded for three generations in a deadly code of silence.
As Joe unravels the truth behind a series of unexplained animal attacks, murder, and corruption at the highest level of law enforcement, he is led to a final showdown where he must entrust his very life into God's hands. Will his young faith be strong ehough to battle the demonic forces of The Hunted.
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.
Mike Dellosso could very well be the next Frank Peretti-if you liked The Oath and Monster, you are going to love The Hunted.
--C.J. Darlington, Cofounder and book editor, Titletrakk.com
A spine-tingling tale of hidden secrets, buried hopes, and second chances. A story best read with all the lights on and an extra flashlight--just in case!
--Amy Wallace, author of Ransomed Dreams
Mike Dellosso's pins-and-needles thriller hurtles the reader down a dark and twisted path. I dare you to take this one home!
--Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author of the To Catch a Thief suspense series
With hints of Frank Peretti and Stephen King, The Hunted is a chilling debut."
--Creston Mapes, author of Nobody
A vicious enemy, a family secret, a thirst for revenge, and a need for reconciliation all drive The Hunted from intriguing beginning to thrilling conclusion."
--Kathryn Mackel, author of Vanished
Read this someplace safe as you experience the incredibly descriptive world of The Hunted. And sleep with the lights on.
--Austin Boyd, author of Mars Hill Classified trilogy
Hubby's review: (He snagged the book and read it almost straight through and I haven't had a chance to read it yet.)
The Hunted is about a man, Jo Saunders, who comes to town in search of his lost nephew. Filled with guilt and remorse over his brother’s death, Jo finds his nephew in an old outhouse. He’d been mauled by a large animal and is in a coma. His nephew lives in Dark Hills. The police chief of Dark Hills is Jo’s old girlfriend. The town is filled with dark secrets and cover-up runs rampant even among the residents. As the story unfolds there is conflict that appears to be of flesh and blood but is actually a spiritual battle. Jo is determined to learn the truth at all costs. For readers who love spiritual battles in fiction form, this book will totally thrill you. However, it is realistic and frighteningly real enough to warrant reading while the sun is out. A suspenseful page-turner, this book should not be read at night. But the ending will bring tears to your eyes, so it’s not all terror and angst. In fact, it reminds you of the scripture where it says that Satan prowls the earth like a roaring lion and YOU and The Hunted. (1Peter 5:8) Highly recommended.
Monday, June 16, 2008
My friend Pamela Tracy is up for the RITA. Check out her interview!
The inspirational authors who are up for the RITA award have all gotten together and are interviewing each other. If you're interesting in reading about Pam Tracy's journey, and the other 7 ladies who are up for the RITA (and their journey to publication, as related to the RITA award) then I've got a link for you. This week it's my buddy Pamela Tracy's turn to be interviewed! I'm sure she'd appreciate you dropping by :) You'll also read about Pamela's strategy for writing, so check it out!
Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist is up on CFBA!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deanne Gist has been a busy lady. She had a career in elementary education. She raised four children. In fifteen years she has: run a home accessory/antique business, member of the press, penned freelance journalism for a few well-known publications, People, Parents, Family Fun and more. She was the CFO for her husband's engineering company, she did all this in her home.She also founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products which would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.
Eight months later, she submitted A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers and they picked it up for their new "edgy inspirational" line of historical fiction. After its release in July 2005, Bride hit eight best seller lists and has sold over 100,000 copies and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2006. The Measure of a Lady was her 2006 summer release. It hit five best seller lists and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2007. Gist is contracted to have a new book come out every summer. Courting Trouble was her 2007 summer release and it hit three best seller lists.
Deeanne lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-four years. They have two kids in high school, two in college.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Texas-Sized Tale of Unexpected LoveEssie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm. Independent and outspoken, she’s known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than for catching a man’s eye.
And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer’s oil company. The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune--not lose his heart to this headstrong blonde. She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him. Sometimes he doesn’t know if she’s driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope.
That’s how life is ...Deep In The Heart Of Trouble
f you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
“Christy Award winner Gist’s historical romances have increasingly gained popularity, combining witty dialog, well-balanced plots, and fully developed characters who seem almost real. Recommended for CF and romance collections.”
-- Library Journal
"Gist does it again! Her signature prose is consistent and she delivers a thoroughly delightful and entertaining story that’s worthy of our time and attention. Not only won’t you want to put this book down, you’ll want to enjoy this story again and again."
-- JUNE TOP PICK, 4-1/2 STARS, Romantic Times, Jennifer Reyes
"Gist has once again written a delightfully humorous historical romance. After reading the first book in this series of two, I was anxious to get my hands on this one. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed ... It is a spectacular, feel-good story which I highly recommend. You will definitely be glad you read it."
-– FIVE STAR RATING, The Romance Studio, Brenda Talley
My thoughts:
I'm only on page 52 but I can tell it's going to be another fun ride. I have YET to read one of Deeanne's books that I don't love. I love them all! Expect a review in the near future from me. Oh, and my husband read this book in two sittings. Yep, he picked it up just to read the back and within two days had finished the whole book. He kept wanting to tell me about it and I said NO! I don't want any spoilers. I could tell it was killing him to keep it from me. LOL!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Read my review and enter to win a copy of Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky.
To enter you name in the giveaway for this book you must comment on the review below. Just tell me what you think. Why do you want to read this book? I will pick a winner Wednesday. But don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win!
Product Description
They say love is blind. This time they’re right…
As a woman lies unconscious in a hospital bed, her husband waits beside her, urging her to wake up and come home. Between them lies an ocean of fear and the tenuous grip of memories long past. Memories of wonder. Of love. Memories of a girl named Madison and a boy named Paul…
Madison Foster knew she was going blind. But she didn’t want pity–not from her mother, not from her roommate, and especially not from her best friend Paul–the man she secretly loved.
Paul Tilden knew a good thing when he saw it. And a good thing was his friendship with Maddie Foster. That is, until he started to fall in love.
With the music of the seventies as their soundtrack and its groovy fashions as their scenery, Maddie and Paul were drawn together and driven apart. Then one night changed everything…forever.
And only now, when life tiptoes past the edge of yesterday, along the rim of today, can they glimpse the beauty that awaits them… beyond the night.
My review:
Beyond the Night is an amazing love story that will make your heart sing. In some ways it had that sad/beautiful feel of yearning hope and unrequited love...sort of like the mood of Sparks's novel The Notebook, except this story wasn't rated R.
They beauty of the author's writing style filled me with awe, and the way she used dialogue and internal thoughts to convey deep emotion took my breath away. The interaction between Maddie and Paul was so beautiful it made you long for them to realize what they had. At times I wanted to climb through the pages and tell them to wake up and do something about the way they felt. It was awesome...and holy.
The spiritual journey was necessary and real, and didn't have a contrived element sometimes found in books where characters are angry at God for some loss they'd experienced. Everything flowed naturally. Even the scriptures.
Beyond the Night is also a fabulous illustration of the necessity of God's perfect timing. It shows how God knows our needs and understands our pain even when we don't. It brings to mine a pop song that goes... "You can't hurry love, no, you just have to wait..." You can't read this story without feel changed by story's end. I highly recommend it.
Beyond the Night was published by Multnomah and will be released June 17th!
Product Description
They say love is blind. This time they’re right…
As a woman lies unconscious in a hospital bed, her husband waits beside her, urging her to wake up and come home. Between them lies an ocean of fear and the tenuous grip of memories long past. Memories of wonder. Of love. Memories of a girl named Madison and a boy named Paul…
Madison Foster knew she was going blind. But she didn’t want pity–not from her mother, not from her roommate, and especially not from her best friend Paul–the man she secretly loved.
Paul Tilden knew a good thing when he saw it. And a good thing was his friendship with Maddie Foster. That is, until he started to fall in love.
With the music of the seventies as their soundtrack and its groovy fashions as their scenery, Maddie and Paul were drawn together and driven apart. Then one night changed everything…forever.
And only now, when life tiptoes past the edge of yesterday, along the rim of today, can they glimpse the beauty that awaits them… beyond the night.
My review:
Beyond the Night is an amazing love story that will make your heart sing. In some ways it had that sad/beautiful feel of yearning hope and unrequited love...sort of like the mood of Sparks's novel The Notebook, except this story wasn't rated R.
They beauty of the author's writing style filled me with awe, and the way she used dialogue and internal thoughts to convey deep emotion took my breath away. The interaction between Maddie and Paul was so beautiful it made you long for them to realize what they had. At times I wanted to climb through the pages and tell them to wake up and do something about the way they felt. It was awesome...and holy.
The spiritual journey was necessary and real, and didn't have a contrived element sometimes found in books where characters are angry at God for some loss they'd experienced. Everything flowed naturally. Even the scriptures.
Beyond the Night is also a fabulous illustration of the necessity of God's perfect timing. It shows how God knows our needs and understands our pain even when we don't. It brings to mine a pop song that goes... "You can't hurry love, no, you just have to wait..." You can't read this story without feel changed by story's end. I highly recommend it.
Beyond the Night was published by Multnomah and will be released June 17th!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Skizzer, by A.J. Kiesling. Blog tour stop here!
Here is the link for the blog tour schedule: http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-for-aj-kieslings-skizzer.html
Contest: Win a gift certificate for $40 to the restaurant of your choice...click over to the blog tour post (http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-for-aj-kieslings-skizzer.html) and in the comments leave your answer to this question:
What's the Most Important Thing You've Ever Lost and Then Found?
A.J. Kiesling will select the winning response based on originality and sizzle!
Buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800731409?&camp=212361&creative=383841&linkCode=wss&tag=sprightly-20
A.J. Kiesling's website: http://www.ajkiesling.com/
Contest: Win a gift certificate for $40 to the restaurant of your choice...click over to the blog tour post (http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com/2008/05/blog-tour-for-aj-kieslings-skizzer.html) and in the comments leave your answer to this question:
What's the Most Important Thing You've Ever Lost and Then Found?
A.J. Kiesling will select the winning response based on originality and sizzle!
Buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800731409?&camp=212361&creative=383841&linkCode=wss&tag=sprightly-20
A.J. Kiesling's website: http://www.ajkiesling.com/
A.J.'s bio: A.J. (Angie) Kiesling grew up loving trees and words--trees because they formed the natural backdrop and playground for her childhood years in rural North Carolina, and words because they captivated her from as far back as she can remember. When she wasn't romping through the woods with her siblings, she might be found with her nose in a book--or lost among the shelves at the local library.
She has worked in the Christian publishing industry since 1985 as an author and editor. A former religion writer for Publishers Weekly and Religion BookLine e-newsletter, she frequently reported on spirituality trends and religion book publishing. Angie is the author of numerous books, including Skizzer (a novel, Revell), Where Have All the Good Men Gone? (Harvest House), Jaded: Hope for Believers Who Have Given Up on Church but Not on God (Revell), and Soul Deep: Prayers and Promises for Cultivating Inner Beauty (Barbour). She also ghostwrote Live Like a Jesus Freak (Albury), the popular follow-up to D.C. Talk's bestseller Jesus Freaks.
Beginning her career as a staff editor for Charisma magazine, she went on to cover industry news and book trends for the award-winning trade periodical Christian Retailing, followed by an editorial position on the startup website iBelieve.com. Over the years she has worked as an independent book editor and writer for some of the leading names in book publishing: Baker Publishing Group, Jossey-Bass, Thomas Nelson, Honor Books, Harvest House, Creation House, Barbour Publishing, and Xulon Press, among others. Today she heads up the editorial department at Xulon Press, a print-on-demand publisher based in Orlando.
About Skizzer:
After receiving news of her sister Becca's abrupt disappearance, Claire Trowling must piece together the shadowy remnants of a past she's long forgotten in order to find her. A cryptic note scrawled in Becca's handwriting leaves more questions than it answers. When a stack of mysterious letters bound by a rare necklace is found, Claire races to discover the secrets that hold her family captive.
Suspenseful and full of intrigue, Skizzer takes you on a transcontinental hunt for answers, weaving seamlessly between the distant past of childhood and the urgency of the present.
"This debut novel from Kiesling is a quick and engaging read with plot revelations meted out skillfully enough to keep the pages turning.... [The book has] an adventurous story, a compelling protagonist and thoughtful musings on the real meaning of sisterhood." -Publishers Weekly
Friday, June 13, 2008
My review of Fossil Hunter by John B. Olson.
About the book:
In the desolate Iraqi desert, a lone shepherd stumbles across a whale fossil. Initial analysis indicates that it could be a new species-a discovery that could shed light on the evolution debate. Paleontologist Dr. Katie James is asked to lead an expedition to recover the rest of the fossil before her archrival, Nick Murad, can find it first.
My review:
Fossil Hunter is one of those books that not only entertains (and believe me, it does!) but it also educates. This is not a mindless story laden with drivel and rhetoric, but is an intelligent work of art, and it's full of depth and intrigue. I was impressed with how well the author developed the setting. I felt like I was on the run and hiding in the hot desert right along with Nick and Katie. And all that dust! Oy!
I'd heard the author was an expert at writing from a woman's point of view. That is definitely the case. The main character, Katie, was very believable and strong, yet enticingly vulnerable at the same time. The tension between Katie and Nick was exhilarating, too. I loved that. And unlike many high intensity novels these days, this one had a spiritual element that was subtle, yet genuine and clear.
In short, Fossil Hunter is a must-read. If you love action and adventure with subtle romantic elements you will love this story.
Fossil Hunter was published by Tyndale and released in May 2008.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Win a copy of Fossil Hunter by John Olson!
To win a copy of this fantastic book simply post a comment and I will put your name in the drawing. I will pick a winner Sunday. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win. I need an email contact! Thanks!
About the book:
In the desolate Iraqi desert, a lone shepherd stumbles across a whale fossil. Initial analysis indicates that it could be a new species-a discovery that could shed light on the evolution debate. Paleontologist Dr. Katie James is asked to lead an expedition to recover the rest of the fossil before her archrival, Nick Murad, can find it first.
My thoughts:
I love this book! I am soooo close to the end, like only 3 chapters! I wanted to post a review with this giveaway but life got in the way. I have to go to work. SO you'll have to wait until tonight. Sorry!
About the book:
In the desolate Iraqi desert, a lone shepherd stumbles across a whale fossil. Initial analysis indicates that it could be a new species-a discovery that could shed light on the evolution debate. Paleontologist Dr. Katie James is asked to lead an expedition to recover the rest of the fossil before her archrival, Nick Murad, can find it first.
My thoughts:
I love this book! I am soooo close to the end, like only 3 chapters! I wanted to post a review with this giveaway but life got in the way. I have to go to work. SO you'll have to wait until tonight. Sorry!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Dreamhouse Kings series (House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods) is up on CFBA! I've also posted a review of House of Dark Shadows!
and
Watcher In The Woods
(Books 1 and 2 in the Dreamhouse Kings Series)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert is an award-winning author of over a thousand published articles and short stories. He is currently a contributing editor for New Man magazine. His work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Travel & Leisure, Modern Bride, Consumers Digest, Chief Executive, and The Arizona Daily Star, among other publications. In addition, he previously worked as a celebrity journalist, interviewing Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Charlton Heston, and others for magazines such as Rocky Road, Preview, and L.A. Weekly.Robert is an avid scuba diver, swimmer, reader, traveler, and a law enforcement and military enthusiast. He lives in Colorado with his wife and four children.
Robert's first novel painted a scenario so frighteningly real that six Hollywood producers were bidding on movie rights before the novel was completed. His acclaimed debut novel, Comes A Horseman, is being made into a major motion picture by producer Mace Neufeld and his short story "Kill Zone" was featured in the anthology Thriller, edited by James Patterson.
Bob has sold the film rights to his second book, GERM. And he is writing the screenplay for a yet-to-be-written political thriller, which sold to Phoenix Pictures, for Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, The Guardian) to direct!
And his third book Deadfall. debuted to rave reviews!
ABOUT THE BOOKS
Dream house...or bad dream?
When the Kings move from L.A. to a secluded small town, fifteen-year-old Xander is beyond disappointed. He and his friends loved to create amateur films . . . but the tiny town of Pinedale is the last place a movie buff and future filmmaker wants to land.
But he, David, and Toria are captivated by the many rooms in the old Victorian fixer-upper they moved into--as well as the heavy woods surrounding the house.
They soon discover there's something odd about the house. Sounds come from the wrong directions. Prints of giant, bare feet appear in the dust. And when David tries to hide in the linen closet, he winds up in locker 119 at his new school.
Then the really weird stuff kicks in: they find a hidden hallway with portals leading off to far-off places--in long-ago times. Xander is starting to wonder if this kind of travel is a teen's dream come true . . . or his worst nightmare.
It's not just the house that's keeping secrets.
Pretending everything's all right is harder than it sounds. But the Kings know that even if they told the truth about the bizarre things happening in their house, no one would believe them. They're hyper-focused on rescuing their lost family member before anyone finds out what's going on.
But when a stranger shows up to take their house, their options start dwindling fast. Why would he be so interested in a run-down old place? And what secret is he hiding--just as he hides the scars that crisscross his body?
The mystery gets stranger with each passing day. Will the Kings be able to find a way to harness the house's secrets and discover who is watching their every move before another gets snatched into an unknown world?
The Dreamhouse Kings Series has three contests that you will not want to miss...Dream the Scene, a weekly "Thanks For Reading Trivia contest, and the Dreamhouse Kings Street Team contest. There are also free bookplates that you can request, and a chapter of each book that you can download!
You can get all those goodies HERE.
My review:
I haven't seen the Young Adult years in...years, but I can tell you that this series is SCARY even for adults. I finished House of Dark Shadows a little while ago and can testify that it's freakier than Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews and just about as scary as The Amityville Horror. Did I mention this book was scary, LOL? But I finished it. I just didn't read it at night. Seriously. And I'm thankful that my house has neither an attic or a basement or I wouldn't be able to sleep! I know it's just fiction, but while I was reading the story I was in it, so it seemed real to me. Too real.
So far I haven't found a spiritual element (like they didn't even pray when scared) but it's still an incredibly entertaining tale of horror. I dare say it ranks right up there with any number of scary secular novels. There is even some blood in the book. Did I mention it was scary? Bottom line...this is top notch fiction but it is tolerable even for big honking chickens like me. In fact, I want to read the next book right away...but it's dark outside, so that'll have to wait until tomorrow!
ACFW is hosting a blog tour for the upcoming ACFW conference in September. Here are the dates and links to contributing blogs...
6/11/2008 Chip MacGregor http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/11/2008 Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
6/12/2008 Pamela James http://pammer.blogspot.com/
6/12/2008 Wanda Dyson http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/13/2008 Ane Mulligan http://anemulligan.blogspot.com/
6/13/2008 Jennifer AlLee http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com/
6/16/2008 Christina Nelson http://christinanelson.blogspot.com/
6/16/2008 Robin Miller http://robinswritingworld.blogspot.com/
6/17/2008 Annette Irby http://annetteirby.blogspot.com/
6/18/2008 Sharon Hinck http://sharonwriting.blogspot.com/
6/18/2008 Martha Rogers http://marthawrogers.com/
6/19/2008 Susan May Warren http://scribbles.susanmaywarren.com/
6/20/2008 Camy Tang http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/
6/23/2008 Ronie Kendig http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/
6/23/2008 Deb Raney http://deborahraney.com/
6/24/2008 Colleen Coble http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/
6/25/2008 Rachel Hauck http://rachelhauck.com/blog.htm
6/26/2008 Brandilyn Collins http://forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/
6/26/2008 Cathy West http://writersrest.blogspot.com/
6/27/2008 Jill E. Nelson http://jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml
6/28/2008 Gail Gaymer Martin http://gailmartin.blogspot.com/
6/28/2008 Eileen Watson http://eileenastels.blogspot.com/
6/30/2008 Lynette Sowell http://lynettesowell.com/
6/30/2008 Sue Brower http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/30/2008 Julie Carobini http://juliecarobini.blogspot.com/
7/1/2008 Mary Connealy http://www.mconnealy.blogspot.com/
7/1/2008 Gina Conroy http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/
7/1/2008 Steve Laube http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
7/2/2008 Rachelle Gardner http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/
7/2/2008 Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
7/3/2008 Linda Fulkerson http://scrivenings.com/
7/4/2008 Terry Burns http://www.terryburns.net/
7/4/2008 Rebecca Yauger http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
7/7/2008 Carla Stewart http://carlastewart.blogspot.com/
7/7/2008 Susan Downs http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/9/2008 Leanna Ellis http://www.leannaellis.com/news.html
7/9/2008 Rebecca Germany http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/9/2008 Rose McCauley http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
7/10/2008 Sharon Dunn http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/faithchick/
7/11/2008 Pam Meyers http://pammeyerswrites.blogspot.com/
7/11/2008 JoAnne Simmons http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/14/2008 Celia Tomer http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/
7/14/2008 Janice Olson http://janiceolson.com/
7/15/2008 Angie Breidenbach http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/
7/15/2008 Cheryl Wyatt http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
7/16/2008 Christina Berry http://authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com/
7/17/2008 Roxanne Rustad http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/
7/18/2008 Margaret Daley http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/
7/18/2008 Margaret Daley http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
7/22/2008 Pam Hillman http://www.calicotrails.blogspot.com/
7/28/2008 Virginia Smith http://virginiasmith.org/funstuff.html
7/30/2008 Cara Putman http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
8/1/2008 Christa Allen http://cballan.wordpress.com/
8/3/2008 Deborah Vogts http://deborahvogts.com/
8/4/2008 Michelle Sutton http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/
8/6/2008 Tiff Stockton http://ambermiller.com/
6/11/2008 Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
6/12/2008 Pamela James http://pammer.blogspot.com/
6/12/2008 Wanda Dyson http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/13/2008 Ane Mulligan http://anemulligan.blogspot.com/
6/13/2008 Jennifer AlLee http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com/
6/16/2008 Christina Nelson http://christinanelson.blogspot.com/
6/16/2008 Robin Miller http://robinswritingworld.blogspot.com/
6/17/2008 Annette Irby http://annetteirby.blogspot.com/
6/18/2008 Sharon Hinck http://sharonwriting.blogspot.com/
6/18/2008 Martha Rogers http://marthawrogers.com/
6/19/2008 Susan May Warren http://scribbles.susanmaywarren.com/
6/20/2008 Camy Tang http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/
6/23/2008 Ronie Kendig http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/
6/23/2008 Deb Raney http://deborahraney.com/
6/24/2008 Colleen Coble http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/
6/25/2008 Rachel Hauck http://rachelhauck.com/blog.htm
6/26/2008 Brandilyn Collins http://forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/
6/26/2008 Cathy West http://writersrest.blogspot.com/
6/27/2008 Jill E. Nelson http://jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml
6/28/2008 Gail Gaymer Martin http://gailmartin.blogspot.com/
6/28/2008 Eileen Watson http://eileenastels.blogspot.com/
6/30/2008 Lynette Sowell http://lynettesowell.com/
6/30/2008 Sue Brower http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/30/2008 Julie Carobini http://juliecarobini.blogspot.com/
7/1/2008 Mary Connealy http://www.mconnealy.blogspot.com/
7/1/2008 Gina Conroy http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/
7/1/2008 Steve Laube http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
7/2/2008 Rachelle Gardner http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/
7/2/2008 Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
7/3/2008 Linda Fulkerson http://scrivenings.com/
7/4/2008 Terry Burns http://www.terryburns.net/
7/4/2008 Rebecca Yauger http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
7/7/2008 Carla Stewart http://carlastewart.blogspot.com/
7/7/2008 Susan Downs http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/9/2008 Leanna Ellis http://www.leannaellis.com/news.html
7/9/2008 Rebecca Germany http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/9/2008 Rose McCauley http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
7/10/2008 Sharon Dunn http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/faithchick/
7/11/2008 Pam Meyers http://pammeyerswrites.blogspot.com/
7/11/2008 JoAnne Simmons http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/14/2008 Celia Tomer http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/
7/14/2008 Janice Olson http://janiceolson.com/
7/15/2008 Angie Breidenbach http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/
7/15/2008 Cheryl Wyatt http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
7/16/2008 Christina Berry http://authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com/
7/17/2008 Roxanne Rustad http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/
7/18/2008 Margaret Daley http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/
7/18/2008 Margaret Daley http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
7/22/2008 Pam Hillman http://www.calicotrails.blogspot.com/
7/28/2008 Virginia Smith http://virginiasmith.org/funstuff.html
7/30/2008 Cara Putman http://seekerville.blogspot.com/
8/1/2008 Christa Allen http://cballan.wordpress.com/
8/3/2008 Deborah Vogts http://deborahvogts.com/
8/4/2008 Michelle Sutton http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/
8/6/2008 Tiff Stockton http://ambermiller.com/
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Now I'm giving away a copy of Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children by Allison Bottke (non-fiction)
To enter to win a copy of this book simply post a comment about why you want to read it. That's it! Easy as pie. I will pick a winner on Wednesday. And as usual, don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win!
About the book:
This important and compassionate new book from the creator of the successful God Allows U-Turns series will help parents and grandparents of the many adult children who continue to make life painful for their loved ones.
Writing from firsthand experience, Allison identifies the lies that kept her, and ultimately her son in bondage—and how she overcame them. Additional real life stories from other parents are woven through the text.
A tough–love book to help readers cope with dysfunctional adult children, Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will empower families by offering hope and healing through S.A.N.I.T.Y.—a six–step program to help parents regain control in their homes and in their lives.
S = STOP Enabling, STOP Blaming Yourself, and STOP the Flow of Money
A = Assemble a Support Group
N = Nip Excuses in the Bud
I = Implement Rules/Boundaries
T = Trust Your Instincts
Y = Yield Everything to God
My review:
There are many, many helpful non-fiction books in this world to choose from, but this is one that every parent MUST read. It's incredibly well-written and interesting, and the examples are excellent. Since I've worked with dysfunctional people and families for twenty years as a social worker, I can testify that Allison knows what she is talking about. She's obviously poured her heart and soul into this book in order to help families, and I've not found better advice out there for people who have adult children than is mentioned here. In fact, I brought it to church with me to a Bible study as I was reading it. People were checking it out because everyone knows someone who has an adult child who has torn their parents' hearts out by the way they live their lives. The awesome thing about this book is that the advice will actually work, painful as it will be. It's scripturally sound advice. Allison makes an impressive case as you'll see when you read the book.
There is even a benefit to reading this book while your kids are still young, or teenagers. They don't have to be fully grown children for you to benefit as a reader. Why? Because you can stop destructive patterns BEFORE you let them destroy your children. I've pondered some things about my own parenting style as a result of this book and it's sparked some great discussions with my husband. We are doing a lot of things right, but there are always ways to improve. Like making sure your own childhood deficits don't interfere with what God is trying to work in your child's life. My boys are 15 and 16 and Setting Boundaries for Your Adult Children has actually helped me with some decisions I need to make as they grow older. I feel so much more equipped. Bless Allison for opening her heart and making herself vulnerable for the sake of the ministry God has given her. This book is a winner!
Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children by Allison Bottke was published by Harvest House and released in Feb. 2008.
About the book:
This important and compassionate new book from the creator of the successful God Allows U-Turns series will help parents and grandparents of the many adult children who continue to make life painful for their loved ones.
Writing from firsthand experience, Allison identifies the lies that kept her, and ultimately her son in bondage—and how she overcame them. Additional real life stories from other parents are woven through the text.
A tough–love book to help readers cope with dysfunctional adult children, Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children will empower families by offering hope and healing through S.A.N.I.T.Y.—a six–step program to help parents regain control in their homes and in their lives.
S = STOP Enabling, STOP Blaming Yourself, and STOP the Flow of Money
A = Assemble a Support Group
N = Nip Excuses in the Bud
I = Implement Rules/Boundaries
T = Trust Your Instincts
Y = Yield Everything to God
My review:
There are many, many helpful non-fiction books in this world to choose from, but this is one that every parent MUST read. It's incredibly well-written and interesting, and the examples are excellent. Since I've worked with dysfunctional people and families for twenty years as a social worker, I can testify that Allison knows what she is talking about. She's obviously poured her heart and soul into this book in order to help families, and I've not found better advice out there for people who have adult children than is mentioned here. In fact, I brought it to church with me to a Bible study as I was reading it. People were checking it out because everyone knows someone who has an adult child who has torn their parents' hearts out by the way they live their lives. The awesome thing about this book is that the advice will actually work, painful as it will be. It's scripturally sound advice. Allison makes an impressive case as you'll see when you read the book.
There is even a benefit to reading this book while your kids are still young, or teenagers. They don't have to be fully grown children for you to benefit as a reader. Why? Because you can stop destructive patterns BEFORE you let them destroy your children. I've pondered some things about my own parenting style as a result of this book and it's sparked some great discussions with my husband. We are doing a lot of things right, but there are always ways to improve. Like making sure your own childhood deficits don't interfere with what God is trying to work in your child's life. My boys are 15 and 16 and Setting Boundaries for Your Adult Children has actually helped me with some decisions I need to make as they grow older. I feel so much more equipped. Bless Allison for opening her heart and making herself vulnerable for the sake of the ministry God has given her. This book is a winner!
Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children by Allison Bottke was published by Harvest House and released in Feb. 2008.
I Heart Bloomberg by Melody Carlson is up on CFBA! Plus, I added my review at the bottom of the post!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the best-selling author of more than 100 books for adults, children, and teens, including three of her latest, These Boots Weren't Made For Walking, A Mile In My Flip-Flops, and Mixed Bags. She and her husband, the parents of two grown sons, make their home near the Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon. Melody is a full-time writer as well as an avid gardener, biker, skier, and hiker.Favorite Bible verse: John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." It’s the “whosoever” part that gets me. That’s who I write for – “whosoever” and to me that means everyone and anyone.
Carlson, author of more than 100 books, begins her 86 Bloomberg Place series with I Heart Bloomberg that functions mostly to set up future storylines. Three women rent rooms at 86Bloomberg Place:
ABOUT THE BOOK
Kendall's managed to wrangle her grandmother's house-free and clear-except for the rules. No male roommates. But that's ok, with the right ad she'll pull in some girls, their rent and if she's lucky, she won't have to go to work any time soon.For their part, Anna, Lelani, and Megan all have their reasons for wanting to move in: Anna has got to get out from under her overprotective parents; Lelani can't take another day in her aunt's tiny crackerbox house overflowing with toddlers and Megan needs a place free of her current roommate from Hades.
Though they come with assorted extra baggage filled with broken hearts and dreams, they will discover they also have a vast array of hidden strengths. And they struggle to become the women they want to be, they'll find new hope and maybe even Kendall will learn a thing or two about life, love and the true meaning of friendship.
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
My review:
I've been a fan of Melody Carlson for years now and have yet to read a book she's written that I haven't enjoyed. I Heart Bloomberg was a delightful setup for the series, which has three more books to come by 2009. In this first book you spend a lot of time getting to know the individual characters. The four women each have their own point of view. There is your stereotypical spoiled but beautiful brat, your sensible and intelligent girl, the smart and wounded but beatiful girl, and the well-rounded and attractive girl who doesn't see herself that way at all. They are a delightful bunch, and so are the men in the story.
There wasn't much of a romantic element in the book, which took away some of the thrill for me as I love great romance novels. But I'm thinking there may be some touching moments in future books in this series. It appears that the author has set things up to head in that direction, which means I will HAVE to read them to find out. Overall, I'd say this was an enjoyable read. Kind of like a clean Melrose Place--minus the gay neighbor. I zipped through it in less than two days and I never got bored with the story even though there wasn't much angst or real drama in the novel. So if you like a light, feel-good story (with few tense moments) that is about four young women trying to share a house and get along, you'll like this story. Some of the ladies had issues, but I didn't feel like I got to know them well enough to feel their pain yet. I want to read the rest of the series to see how they change as they rub shoulders with each other and learn to get along.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
You've seen plenty of niece pics, so how about some nephew photos?
Here is my cute little guy...only 10 weeks old. He is the final offspring of my siblings. Doesn't he have some cute expressions?
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Now I'm giving away Wiser than Serpents by Susan May Warren
To enter the drawing for the giveaway simply post a comment about what intrigues you about the book description and I'll put your name in the hat. I will pick a winner on Sunday. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you if you win.
About the book:
Her sister had vanished, trapped in a human slavery ring. To find her, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka arranged her own kidnapping into Taiwan's sex-trafficking trade. And found herself with no way out.
Until Yanna discovered an ally deep undercover: Delta Force captain David Curtiss. He was after the kingpin of the Twin Serpents, the organized crime syndicate that had Yanna—and hundreds of others— in their clutches.
With opposite agendas, David and Yanna had to rely on each other to outwit their cold-blooded enemy.
My thoughts:
This sounds like my kind of story. Bummer is I don't have the book. But you can't go wrong with a Susie Warren title. Trust me.
About the book:
Her sister had vanished, trapped in a human slavery ring. To find her, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka arranged her own kidnapping into Taiwan's sex-trafficking trade. And found herself with no way out.
Until Yanna discovered an ally deep undercover: Delta Force captain David Curtiss. He was after the kingpin of the Twin Serpents, the organized crime syndicate that had Yanna—and hundreds of others— in their clutches.
With opposite agendas, David and Yanna had to rely on each other to outwit their cold-blooded enemy.
My thoughts:
This sounds like my kind of story. Bummer is I don't have the book. But you can't go wrong with a Susie Warren title. Trust me.
My review of The Duchess and the Dragon by Jamie Carie
About the book:The Duchess and the Dragon tells the epic story of two unlikely soulmates in the early 1800s Regency Era who live worlds apart but soon meet and turn each other's world upside down.
My review:
Jamie Carie knows how to pull a reader in to a story. The inheritance scandal and Drake flight's for his life and near-tragic sea journey really grabs you. That was all great stuff, if not too descriptive. Some details even turned my stomach. Then the romance begins, and my first thought was that it reminded me of a Harlequin historical romance. I haven't read them in years, but the attraction Serena feels toward this obviously sick man doesn't make a lot of sense because you know he had to look skinny and bedraggled, but I suppose the pull she felt was reminiscent of Florence Nightingale syndrome. I would think her desire would be more from pity that actually having the hots for him. That is just a minor issue. At any rate, the attraction between them sizzled and that was pretty exciting stuff.
I was amazed at how much was implied that goes above and beyond what you find in most inspirational historicals, but it was enjoyable and refreshing to read. Like many woman, Serena felt a strong pull toward the dangerous guy and felt mere friendship for the safe one. The fear, excitement, pangs of regret, renewed hope, and roller coaster of emotion that played out in this story all made sense to me. I especially enjoyed the faith portion and the change exhibited in Drake's heart over time. He truly was not the same man he was before. Isn't that just how it is when God uses trials and hardship to soften us and draw us close to His heart?
Overall, I'd say this book was a dynamic read. It was hard to put down and I found the story and the setting incredibly engaging, plus the emotional and physical interplay between the hero and heroine was breathtaking. If you loved A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist, you will enjoy this story.
The Duchess and the Dragon was published by Broadman and Holman and released in April 2008.
From a Distance by Tamera Alexander is up on CFBA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots and poignant prose resonate with readers. Tamera is a finalist for the 2008 Christy Award Remembered, and has been awarded the coveted RITA® from Romance Writers of America Revealed, along with Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction of 2006 Rekindled. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in the quaint town of historic Franklin, Tennessee, where they enjoy life with their two college-age children and a precious—and precocious—silky terrier named Jack.A Note from Tamera:
Stories are journeys, and each story I write is a journey for me.
Rekindled began with a dream—the image of a man returning home on horseback. He came upon a freshly dug grave and when he knelt to read the name carved into the roughhewn wooden cross, he discovered the name was…his own. The inspiration for Revealed grew from two characters in Rekindled whose stories needed to be told. But even more, whose stories I needed to tell. Writing Revealed was a very personal journey for me, and a healing one. For Remembered, I met that story’s heroine (figuratively, of course) while strolling the ancient cobblestoned pathways of a three hundred-year-old cemetery in northern Paris, France. And From A Distance came from a question I was struggling with in my own life at the time, “What happens when the dream you asked God for isn’t what you thought it would be?”
For me, the greatest thrill of these writing journeys is when Christ reveals Himself in some new way, and I take a step closer to Him. And my deepest desire is that readers of my books will do that as well—take steps closer to Him as they read. After all, it’s all about Him.
In the Potter’s Hand,
Tamera
ABOUT THE BOOK
What happens when dreams aren’t what you imagined,And secrets you’ve spent a lifetime guarding are finally laid bare?
Determined to become one of the country’s premier newspaper photographers, Elizabeth Westbrook travels to the Colorado Territory to capture the grandeur of the mountains surrounding the remote town of Timber Ridge. She hopes, too, that the cool, dry air of Colorado, and its renowned hot springs, will cure the mysterious illness that threatens her career, and her life.
Daniel Ranslett, a former Confederate sharpshooter, is a man shackled by his past, and he’ll do anything to protect his land and his solitude. When an outspoken Yankee photographer captures an image that appears key to solving a murder, putting herself in danger, Daniel is called upon to repay a debt. He’s a man of his word, but repaying that debt will bring secrets from his past to light.
Forced on a perilous journey together, Daniel and Elizabeth’s lives intertwine in ways neither could have imagined when first they met . . . from a distance.
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
“…a rich historical romance by possibly the best new writer in this subgenre.”
--Library Journal
“…a most amazing story. The characters are more than words on the page; they become real people.”
--Romantic Times
My thoughts:
This story is really easy to get into and has Ms. Alexander's signature voice and style. I like it and plan to finish it soon. I want to know what she's keeping from people. :)
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