My review of Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter

About the book:

A story of love and second chances. She wished she could go back and change things . . . but life doesn't give do-overs. Could anything but good-byes be waiting on the other side of Sweetwater Gap?

Josie Mitchell's sister Laurel thinks she's come home to pitch in with the apple harvest and save the family orchard. Her brother-in-law Nate thinks she's there to talk the overworked, very pregnant Laurel into finally selling the family business. The orchard's new manager Grady Mackenzie just thinks she's trouble with a capital T. They're all right . . . and all wrong. Because no one really knows what drove Josie from home in the first place. Why she's never come home before, even for her own father's funeral. Why she pushes herself so hard... and what she's running from. And nobody, not even Josie, is prepared for the surprising new fruit she'll find on her last trip home.

My review:

My, my, Sweetwater Gap was a heartwarming romance that went well beyond my initial expectations. Denise Hunter writes great romance novels--and I expected that--but this was her best yet. Few authors do allegories well, and if you look at Sweetwater Gap and Surrender Bay from a purely allegorical point of view, it's impossible to not be impressed with the amazing job the author did with both of them.

I have never read a story with a more emotionally effective and believeable plot that exemplifies Christ's redemptive work on the cross related to our utter unworthiness of his sacrifice. Sweetwater Gap drives that point home in a fresh way and does so in a very effective and memorable manner. All I can say is...WOW. I can see why the Women of Faith picked up this book. It's perfect for that type of inspirational conference.

What amazed me most about this novel was the author's ability to take an utterly selfish and self-condemning act and make the reader totally see their own heart through the story. The character was sympathetic despite what she was doing. NOT an easy task. Ms. Hunter executed that perfectly. The story slowly revealed the conflict and at the same time revealed a little bit more and a little bit more of her heart, thus making for perfect characterization. And the slowly developing trust in their romantic relationship was so believeable and gratifying it will make you want to sigh as the hero and heroine take baby steps toward each other and risk their hearts. He had valid reasons for not trusting women, but it didn't feel contrived like it does in some romances. His issues seemed totally valid, as did hers.

In short, Sweetwater Gap was powerful, emotionally evocative, and the type of story that will not only touch your heart, but have you wanting to talk to your friends about the story because it was so incredibly well done. This is a book that I could even *gasp* read twice, and still enjoy every page. Did I mention that Denise Hunter writes amazing kissing scenes? They are always SO heart-engaging that they sweep me away EVERY time. Highly recommended.

Sweetwater Gap was published by Thomas Nelson and released in December 2008.

Sad, but is it true? What's a reader to do?

Week in Review

Bargain Hunting for Books, and Feeling Sheepish About It
By DAVID STREITFELD
Published: December 28, 2008

Book publishers and booksellers are faltering. But don’t blame the recession — it’s all the fault of the Internet used books market. WHAT?!?

To read the rest of this column go HERE

And please post a comment. I want to know what you think about this. Peace!

Win a copy of Right Livelihoods: Three novellas by Rick Moody

To enter for a chance to win this book simply post a comment and I will draw a winner's name next weekend on Saturday or Sunday. Thanks!



About the book:

At the center of The Omega Force, which opens RIGHT LIVELIHOODS, is a buffoonish former government official in rocky recovery. Dr. "Jamie" Van Deusen is determined to protect his habitat--its golf courses (and Bloody Marys), pizza places (and beers) from "dark complected" foreign nationals. His patriotism and wild imagination are mainly fueled by a fall off the wagon. The collection's second novella, K & K, concerns a lonely young office manager at an insurance agency, where the office suggestion box is yielding unpleasant messages that escalate to a scary pitch. Ellie Knight- Cameron's responses to these random diatribes illuminate the toll that a lack of self-awareness can take. The book ends with a cataclysmic vision of New York City, after the leveling of 50 square blocks of Manhattan. Four million have died. Albertine, the "street name for the buzz of a lifetime," is a mindaltering drug that sets The Albertine Notes in motion. Only Rick Moody could lead us to feel affection for the various misguided, earnestly striving characters in this alternately unsettling and warm trio of stories.

My thoughts:

I haven't received this book to review so I can't vouch for the story or the quality. I can only tell you that the publisher is Hatchette books. :)

My review of Mixed Bags by Melody Carlson

About the book:

After DJ's mom died, she had to move in with her grandmother, Katherine Carter, a retired internationally famous '60s fashion model. Now Mrs. Carter has decided to open a boarding home for girls, and DJ who would rather wear her team jersey than Gucci and Prada thinks that these girls will all be intolerable fashion snobs. One by one, the girls arrive and begin to figure out how to fit into this new lifestyle, and forming friendships. Sure, there's an aspiring prima donna or two, but before long, the Carter House girls are dating, fighting, laughing, shopping, and sharing...their deepest secrets. DJ may not turn into the young woman her grandmother intended her to be, but one thing's for sure with all these new "sisters," her life will never be the same!

My review:

This story was pretty good for YA fiction. If I could imagine being in a boarding house with a bunch of different girls it might look something like this story, even though the girls in this book are rich, or at least half of them are. I enjoyed reading about Conner and DJ's developing relationship and about DJ's innocence when it came to dating. I thought the author did a good job showing how difficult it is to understand what guys are interested in. Girls always think it's about beauty but with Conner he wanted a girl he could relate to. It's got a great message about the pressures of fitting in and provides a good platform for expressing different struggles teens deal with. The polaroid picture being taken at the hairdresser was a bit outdated, though. I don't know anyone who even has a polaroid camera these days. I ordered the next three books in the series because I am very interested in reading more about Conner and DJ and finding out who gets the guy in Stealing Bradford. Of course, I'm rooting for Rhiannon. So far I like this series.

Mixed Bags was published by Zondervan and released in May 2008.

My review of Wind Dancer by Jamie Carie

About the book:

Raised in a British-held frontier town during the American Revolution, Isabelle Renoir is not like other women around her. A free spirit, she dances in the moonlight as a praise offering to God and is more at home fearlessly taking her long rifle and knife into the woods for adventure and inspiration.

But Isabelle’s latest journey may be more than even her strength can handle when a huge storm throws the raven-haired beauty off course and into the path of rugged American spy Samuel Holt. After matching wits and denying their passion for each other, they are attacked by Indians, held prisoner, and forced to watch the horrific killing of Isabelle’s brother. Now together but in captivity, they must fight spiritual forces that no knife or rifle could ever conquer in order to be free.

My review:

Wind Dancer is a pulse-pounding, heart-engaging novel that is hard to put down. In fact, I read it in less than two days. As the reader, you are in the world the author created, and you are part of the characters' lives. You are attacked when they are attacked. You are captive and feel helpless when they are bound with seemingly no way out.

The most powerful scene is when Isabella's brother is tortured and the heroine, Isabella, has to watch. I cannot understand the intense emotions she went through, but the author did a great job at helping you see how someone could almost become crazy with grief. And forgiveness? I can't imagine a time when it would be more difficult to do.

The author sets up an incredible stage for showing the struggle this creates for someone who loves God and longs to serve him, yet comes face to face with indescribable evil and the need to survive. Wind Dancer was full of passion, just like all of Jamie Carie's novels are. I've come to expect this with her stories and thusfar I've been pleased with everything she writes. I particularly enjoyed the "pretend marriage" scenario the hero put them in and how that all played out. What fun!

Few female authors are able to describe the horrors of living in that time period as well as Carie does and it's an incredible experience to read it. You will not be able to put this book down, and the story will stick with you after you close the book. I SO love stories that make me care. And unlike many "strong heroines," Isabella was more likeable than most. The author did a great job with her characterization. I highly recommend this book.

Wind Dancer was published by Broadman and Holman and released in January of 2009.

Makes a great gift! Win it! How? Post a widget and get a chance to win the last copy of my book!

I'll even autograph it and mail it directly to the friend you want to give it to (or you can keep it for yourself. It's up to you.)

This is the very last giveaway for my debut novel It's Not About Me (that I know of anyway) and it will run through the month of December 2008. In the beginning of January (2009) I'll announce and contact the winner. All you have to do to enter for a chance to win is grab my widget code and post it on your blog, which will link to mine. The widget is on the left side below blog followers and above my Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers ning group. It's called my blog widget. Click on the little gray box that says "get widget" and paste it into your blog. It will say embed code and you need to copy that. (Or you can just get it from the widget in this post.) It should look like the widget below. Then post a comment telling me you did it and include a link to your post. Sound easy? I think so. Have fun with this one!

Faith, Fiction, Fun and Fanciful: What Makes a Christian Novel, Christian

Faith, Fiction, Fun and Fanciful: What Makes a Christian Novel, Christian

My review of Wanted by Shelley Shepard Gray

About the book:

Widower Jonathan Lundy, the man twenty-year-old Katie Brenneman has secretly always fancied, asks her to watch his two young girls while his sister pays a visit to Indiana. Katie knows this will be a trying time. Jonathan has made it clear he has no intention of starting a relationship with her. Yet Katie can't pass up the opportunity to get to know him.

Just as she's settling into her new life caring for Jonathan's children, Katie receives a threatening note from her past, someone who befriended Katie during her Rumspringa, her running around years. Those years were a dark time for Katie. She dressed English, lied to her parents, and experimented with many activities forbidden in the Amish way of life. After one tumultuous night, Katie realized how far she'd strayed from her values. Scared by the person she'd become, she ran back home and vowed to cut all ties with the outside world.

My review:

Wanted is the second book in a series and I enjoyed it even more than the first book, Hidden. Wanted was interesting and a quick read. It definitely engages the reader's heart. All Katie wanted was to be wanted. Pretty profound, eh? Not exactly, but I still loved the storyline. The subtle attraction between the main characters was sweet, too. It's not even close to edgy and is what Amish fiction tends to be, warm and fuzzy. But I did enjoy it. The conflict was believable and the author explored some issues and inner workings of the heart that many novels never touch such as motivations behind friendships and love. I enjoyed this story and plan to keep reading the series because it's not as cliche as some Amish novels can be. This author is one of the better novelists in this genre.

Wanted was published by Avon Inspire and will be released the first week in January 2009.

My review of Gallimore by Michelle Griep

This book was amazing! If you can't afford to buy another book then ask your library to order a copy and borrow it, but whatever you do...read this story ASAP! You'll be glad you did!



About the book:

Jessica Neale's faith is lost the day of her husband's death, and with it, her belief in love. In a journey to find peace, she encounters a gentle, green-eyed stranger who leads her to the ruins of the medieval castle, Gallimore.

On his way to battle, Colwyn Haukswyrth, knight of Gallimore, comes face to face with a storm the likes of which he's never seen, and a woman in the midst of it who claims to live centuries in the future. The Lady Jessica of Neale is an irksome, provoking bit of woman to be sure. And she's about to turn his beliefs on end.

The product of a family rooted in pain and evil, Colwyn has focused on naught but himself-until Jessica. To a mysterious prophecy stitched on a tapestry, through the invasion of Gallimore itself, Colwyn and Jessica are bound together by a lesson in forgiveness and love-a bond that might be strong enough to survive the grave.

My review:

WOW! Gallimore is the most amazing time travel medieval romance novel I've ever read! I read most of the story in one day. I couldn't put it down. This story is ten times better than The Time Traveler's Wife and it's comparible to the best fantasy fiction on the market today. Michelle Griep has the plotting, pacing, and heart pounding suspense wrapped up in a tale that is one of the most intense, page-turning novels I've read this year.

Griep has a gift for describing details that bring the setting to life, and she doesn't give anyone in the story a break. Not even the reader. The sites, smells, and heartache of that day were all brilliantly portrayed in Gallimore. Griep can describe the grossest things better than most male authors. I could see it all as I read. And the battle/fight scenes will blow your mind. Her skill for writing this type of story is impressive because to have a truly fabulous medieval novel there has to be conflict, terror, and impossible feats of chivalry to make the story compelling. Griep has all this perfectly crafted in Gallimore.

I'm so impressed. Truly. I was in another world the entire time I read this story and it was a fabulous experience. What an escape. I felt their emotion, all of the characters' fears, their joy, their longing for love. It was amazing. I can't say enough great things about this story. The spiritual thread was incredible, too. And the gritty themes and edgy aspects of the romance were scrumptious.

The end of the story brought it full circle and concluded in one of the most satisfying endings you can imagine. Not many books leave me smiling and sighing at the end. Gallimore was perfectly executed from start to finish. I saw no weaknesses whatsoever. This is being added to my best fiction of 2008 list.

Gallimore was published by Black Lyon Publishing and was released in December 2008.

I'm giving away a copy of "So You Don't Want to go to Church Anymore" by Jacobsen and Coleman.

To enter this giveaway simply post a comment. I will draw a winner's name on Sunday the 28th. Please leave me a way to contact you if you win. Thanks!




About the book:

Jake Colsen, an overworked and disillusioned pastor, happens into a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance (in manner) to the apostle John. A number of encounters with John as well as a family crisis lead Jake to a new understanding of what his life should be like: one filled with faith bolstered by a steady, close relationship with the God of the universe. Facing his own disappointment with Christianity, Jake must forsake the habits that have made his faith rote and rediscover the love that captured his heart when he first believed.

My thoughts:

I was never sent this book so I can't tell if it's fiction or non-fiction, but based on the name of the book and the chapter titles it looks like non-fiction to me. However, the description reads like a fiction novel, so I dunno. Since I haven't read it I can't vouch for the contents. What is posted above is the description on Barnes and Noble's site. The publisher is the same company that published The Shack, so I don't know what that means exactly, but there you have it. That's all I know. Enter if you want to read the book. :) Have a Merry Christmas.

My review of Rebel in Blue Jeans by Beverly Stowe McClure

About the book:

When her mother runs away with the drummer in a rock band, sixteen-year-old Rebel Ferguson decides to do whatever it takes to bring her home.

My review:

This was a fun story. I read it from start to finish in one sitting. It was hard to put down. The characters seemed like real people and the conflict was believeable. The only weakness was that sometimes the dialogue didn't seem to fit their ages, but it was still a great read so that didn't take away from the story. I truly enjoyed it. There was nothing in it that was off-color or offensive, either, yet it dealt with real life issues such as dealing with divorcing parents and the emotional conflict that results from that type of trauma on a teenager. The romantic element was fun, too. I'd recommend it to all young adults.

My review of Beloved Captive by Kathleen Y'Barbo

About the book:

In this sequel to Beloved Castaway, Emilie Gayarre is learning to accept her mixed race heritage while finding fulfillment in teaching children of the key. There is no denying the attraction between Emilie and the handsome young naval commander, Caleb Spencer, who is shadowed by his own flock of secrets. But if her heritage is found out, even greater things than his career are at risk.

My review:

It took me quite a while to finish Beloved Captive. Unlike Beloved Castaway, this story had some slow spots and less action. It started out strong and even made me cringe in a few places, but I always like it when characters are stuck in situations they can't control. I just never got the same sense of peril in this story as I did in the first book. I enjoyed seeing some of the same characters from the previous book, but it did drag a bit, and the ending seemed kind of choppy to me. There was also less romance than in the first book. However, I loved the part where they were both on that island and when the hero named her Miss Crusoe and when he kissed her. I also loved how the author had a twist from what you'd expect every now and then. But one of the key plot points seemed like it was resolved as an afterthought, so that was a bit of a disappointment. Overall, it was a decent read. I hate to compare books, but it is part of a series, so it's hard not to do that. I do look forward to the third book in the series.

Beloved Captive was published by Barbour and released in November 2008.

My Friend Amy: Faith 'n Fiction Saturday: Best Books of the Year

My Friend Amy: Faith 'n Fiction Saturday: Best Books of the Year

It's Faith 'n Fiction Saturday!

First, I just want to say that I am honored that Amy of My Friend Amy's blog gave my novel, It's Not About Me, and honorable mention on her top fiction for 2008 list! Whoo hoo! I like that.

Here is the deal...

Today's topic is meant to wrap up the year... What are your favorite Christian fiction books that you read this year? You can compile your list anyway you like, by genre, ranking, or a favorite book of each month. Be as creative as you like the only requirements are that you read the books this year and that they are Christian fiction.

HERE IS MY LIST!

Okay, for the year 2008 these 10 novels made me go ahhhh.... or they made me think about the story after I closed the book, or I wanted to call a friend to talk about the story after I finished reading it. (Had to add two more! I read them after I posted this!)

A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell
Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
Havah by Tosca Lee
Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner
Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky
Healing Stones by Nancy Rue
Dogwoodby Chris Fabry
When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall

Bonus books are:
Gallimore by Michelle Griep
Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter

And these are 5 stories I am pretty sure would've made me go ahhhh... if I'd had the time to read them.

The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter
The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons
Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck
The Big Picture by Jenny B. Jones

So what's your story? Give me your list by posting a comment!

The Friday 56 - wanna play?

I found this over at Write by Faith, which is Donna Moore's blog.


* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

* Turn to page 56.* Find the fifth sentence.

* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.*Post a link along with your post back to this blog.

* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST. HAPPY FRIDAY!

Here goes. This came from Rebel in Blue Jeans, by Beverly Stowe McClure, which is a YA book I got in the mail today.

He put his hand on her waist, gave her a slight push. "I'm right beside you, Rebel. I won't let you fall."

Win a copy of Before the Season Ends by Linore Burkhard

To enter for a chance to win this book simply post a comment below and tell me if you like regency era romance and Jane Austen type books. I'll draw a winner on Sunday.


About the book:

In her debut novel of what she calls "spirited romance for the Jane Austen soul," author Linore Rose Burkard tells the intriguing story of Miss Ariana Forsythe, a young woman caught between her love for a man who doesn't share her faith and her resolution to marry only a fellow believer in Christ.

Trouble at home sends the young woman to her aunt's townhome in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Ariana is soon neck-deep in high society and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London's current darling rogue. Then a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her heart, her faith, and her future are all at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent's attention.

Will Ariana's faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it's Ariana's heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to the wrong young man, how can it ever turn out right?

Jane Austen readers and fans of Regency romances everywhere will love Before the Season Ends.

My thoughts:

I'm on chapter 5. I'm not used to reading this style of writing so I am still undecided about my overall liking of the story.

Where Do I Go by Neta Jackson is up on CFBA!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Where Do I Go?
Thomas Nelson (December 9, 2008)
by
Neta Jackson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books. In addition to writing several books about Christian community, the Jacksons have coauthored numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.

Dave and Neta live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years they were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. They are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.

They're trying something new! Not just new for them, but something completely new in Christian fiction: “Parallel novels,” two stories taking place in the same time frame, same neighborhood, involving some of the same characters living through their own dramas and crises but interacting with and affecting one another … just the way it happens in real life.

It’s something that only a husband and wife writing team could pull off. While Neta has Where Do I Go?, her husband Dave has written Harry Bentley's Second Chance.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A story of seeking-and finding-God's will in unlikely places.

Gabrielle Fairbanks has nearly lost touch with the carefree, spirited young woman she was when she married her husband fifteen years ago. But when the couple moves to Chicago to accommodate Philip's business ambitions, Gabby finds the chance to make herself useful. It's there she meets the women of Manna House Women's Shelter; they need a Program Director-and she has a degree in social work. She's in her element, feeling God's call on her life at last, even though Philip doesn't like the changes he sees in her. But things get rough when Philip gives Gabby an ultimatum: quit her job at the shelter or risk divorce and losing custody of their sons. Gabby must take refuge, as in the song they sing at Sunday night worship: "Where do I go when there's no one else to turn to? . . . I go to the Rock I know that's able, I go to the Rock."

Romantic Times Book Reviews says, “Exquisite characters coupled with God's mercy and love emanate from each page.”

Publisher's Weekly adds, “Jackson's Yada Yada series has sold half a million copies, and this new offshoot series ... promises the same.... The book's dramatic ending ... leav[es] readers eager for the next installment in the series.”

To read the Prologue and first Chapter of Where Do I Go?, go HERE

My thoughts:

I read the first three chapters and my conclusion is that I am simply not Yada Yada material. I just can't seem to get in to Neta's stories. But I tried. I'm just an odd duck when it comes to fiction, I guess.

Big Holiday giveaway contest that includes CDs!

Big Holiday Giveaway!

BIG BOOK AND CHRISTMAS CD GIVEAWAY!

Tina Forker is excited that her agents have given her a whole box of amazing products to give away to one lucky person! This is a short contest, so get the word out! Leave your comments or email Tina atforkner@yahoo.com by Sunday, December 21st!

Update: Receive Five Extra Entries if you post about this contest on your own blog and leave the link here.

The Gift Package Includes:

Amy Grant CD - The Christmas Collection http://www.amygrant.com/
Travis Cottrell CD - Ring The Bells http://traviscottrell.com/
Travis Cottrell CD - Found
Point of Grace CD - Tennessee Christmas http://pointofgrace.net/
Point of Grace - How You Live Deluxe Edition
Michael W. Smith CD - It’s a Wonderful Christmas http://www.michaelwsmith.com/
Tina Ann Forkner's novel - Ruby Among Us

To post a comment follow this link and let Tina know that you heard about the contest from my blog! Thanks!

Enter Tina's Big Holiday Giveaway HERE

Now I'm giving away The Power of Praying Through the Bible by Stormie Omartian

To enter for a chance to win this book just post a comment telling me if you've ever read a book written by Stormie Omartian. It's easy. Make sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win, too. Thanks!


About the book:

Stormie Omartian, the bestselling author of the Power of a Praying series, has inspired millions of men, women, and families with her prayers and reflective writing. Now she journeys with readers from Genesis to Revelation and reveals how God designed prayer so that they can

communicate with Him

embrace the promises of Scripture

release burdens to God's care

walk with Jesus daily

listen to the Spirit's leading

Stormie brings home the truths and the wonder of God's promises. This gathering of devotions from The Power of a Praying Woman Bible shares Stormie's heart and the foundation of God's Word to provide a source of spiritual encouragement and strength for every reader.

My review of Dance Into Destiny by Sherri Lewis

About the book:

An unlikely friendship beween a purposeless socialite and a purpose-driven church mouse leads them on a passionate pursuit of God's destiny and balance for their lives. Keeva Banks is in danger of flunking out of grad school--again. She can't seem to get it together, because, honestly, she doesn't really know why she's in school.She's desperately in need of a sense of purpose to give meaning to her life. Shara Anderson has that sense of purpose through her intimate relationship with the Lord, but needs some balance in her Christian walk. Through divine orchestration, the two women meet, and their lives are changed forever.

My review:

Dance into Destiny is the kind of story that makes you think about the characters long after you close the book. While it did have a bit of a slow start, once I got pulled into the pages I felt driven to finish it. I read most of the story in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down. I especially loved Keeva’s struggle with her boyfriend and how well the author showed that she did many things just to please him even though they left her feeling empty. Once she saw godly relationships centered on Christ, she realized something was missing in her life. What a perfect illustration of how to love an unsaved friend and lead them to saving faith!

The importance of being honest with yourself and in your relationship with God is part of the spiritual thread, which is thick and strong and beautifully woven in to the lives of the characters. The author uses contrasting examples of what people think love is, and because it’s so well done, the effect on the reader is deep and profound. This story is full of examples of real life issues that will grip your heart, and it’s also about faith and friendship, and the source of real love.

Ms. Lewis knows how to create three dimensional characters like few authors can. She understands human frailty and forgiveness better than most, and it shows in the lives of her characters. Her insight is exceptional. I am thoroughly impressed with how well she paces the progression of faith in her characters’ lives. She also shows the power mentoring can have in the lives of young people.

Her hero is downright dreamy. He’s the kind of man everyone wants to have, yet he’s flawed and real and by no means perfect. But his intentions are honorable and his heart is sincere. That makes for a great hero. I especially loved how he used street slang to reach out to the local kids. The way the characters teased each other also made me smile. I could see their expressions and felt like I was right there hanging out with them. I grew with them through their struggles. Nothing in this story felt contrived, and because I read so many book, for me, that’s truly refreshing.

Dance Into Destiny was published by Urban Christian (Kensington Publishing group) and released in January 2008.

Faith 'n Fiction Saturday

Faith 'n Fiction Saturday

CHRISTMAS THEMED BOOKS is the topic

Here is the question:

It’s Christmas time and one of my favorite things to do is read Christmas themed books. Do you enjoy reading holiday themed books? Do you have any special book you read every year? Do you have a special devotional you like to use? (not fiction...I know!) Have you read any good Christmas books this year?

Here is my post:

I do enjoy a Christmas story if it feels like it flows naturally. I've read some that try too hard to make you "feel" the Christmas spirit. The best one I've read in a long time was "Engaging Father Christmas" by Robin Jones Gunn. "Finding Father Christmas" was good (read that last year) but the next one was better.)Right now I'm reading "A Cedar Cove Christmas" by Debbie Macomber and it's pretty good so far. I have a ton of "Christmas themed" Barbour books. And last, I read "White Christmas Pie" by Wanda Brunstetter which I thought was blah and seemed contrived to me. That's one that tried too hard and it was obvious to me.

My review of Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist

About the book:

A Texas-Sized Tale of Unexpected Love Essie 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.

My review:

Gist knows how to write a fun and inspiring read. I just loved quirky Essie Sprecklmeyer and the other characters in this book. She was spunky and smart, but also vulnerable and sweet when she let her guard down. The title is fitting, too, and reflects the the theme of the story well. The hero, Tony, is the kind of guy women can't help but like except for the part toward the end when he was upset, but even then it was hard to be mad at him because the author did a great job of helping you understand his hurt and how it all tied in to his other issues.

I enjoyed the prior book, Courting Trouble. Even though it had an atypical ending, I thought it fit the story well. This addition to Courting Trouble was a fabulous and satisfying way to end things. The whole scenario with the rivaling oil companies and the external and internal conflicts in this story were well thought out and made sense. The pacing was also good, especially at the end. There was a spot in the middle of the book where my interest waned and I set the book aside for several months. But when I picked it up again and started reading it wasn't long until I was back into the story full swing.

My all-time favorite character was probably Mrs. Lockheart. I totally adored her habit of quoting romance novels to solve problems and thought it was a scream how she started getting other people to read them as well for the advice she wanted to convey.

Of course, for me the most enjoyable part of all of Deeanne's novels are the stolen kisses and the tension between the hero and heroine. I love the push-pull in romances and this author is a master with showing passion between people in love and yet reigning them in before things got out of hand. Toward the end I really didn't see how they would get out of the mess they were in but Deeanne did a great job dragging out the tension just enough to make you sweat, then offering a satisfying conclusion. I really enjoyed this read. Except for the lag in the middle it was nearly perfect.

Deep in the Heart of Trouble was published by Bethany House and released in June 2008.

Readers let's bail out the bookstores and booksellers!

This is used with permission (see the end of the quote). Pass the word on!!!

"I've been talking to booksellers lately who report that times are hard. And local booksellers aren't known for vast reserves of capital, so a serious dip in sales can be devastating. Booksellers don't lose enough money, however, to receive congressional attention. A government bailout isn't in the cards.

"We don't want bookstores to die. Authors need them, and so do neighborhoods. So let's mount a book-buying splurge. Get your friends together, go to your local bookstore and have a book-buying party. Buy the rest of your Christmas presents, but that's just for starters. Clear out the mysteries, wrap up the histories, beam up the science fiction! Round up the westerns, go crazy for self-help, say yes to the university press books! Get a load of those coffee-table books, fatten up on slim volumes of verse, and take a chance on romance!

"There will be birthdays in the next twelve months; books keep well; they're easy to wrap: buy those books now. Buy replacements for any books looking raggedy on your shelves. Stockpile children's books as gifts for friends who look like they may eventually give birth. Hold off on the flat-screen TV and the GPS (they'll be cheaper after Christmas) and buy many, many books. Then tell the grateful booksellers, who by this time will be hanging onto your legs begging you to stay and live with their cat in the stockroom: "Got to move on, folks. Got some books to write now. You see...we're the Authors Guild."

"Enjoy the holidays."

Roy Blount Jr.
President
Authors Guild
*********************************
Blount then sent this "P.S." to the above:
"The Guild's staff informs me that many of you are writing to ask whether you can forward and post my holiday message encouraging orgiastic book-buying. Yes! Forward! Yes! Post! Sound the clarion call to every corner of the Internet: Hang in there, bookstores! We're coming! And we're coming to buy!..."

Win all three books in the Delaware Dawning series by Amber Miller!

You know the rules, but in case you forgot, simply post a comment stating why you want to win this series. Make sure to leave a way to contact you if you win. A winner will be drawn on Sunday and notified by me via e-mail. :)



About the book Promises, Promises:

Has God forsaken Raelene?--

What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? When Gustaf Hanssen promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word, must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?

My thoughts: This was a good read. Promise (LOL)!



About the book Quills and Promises:

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years--

With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When he is called away to fight the French and the Indians, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to one another. Elanna has never known emotions like these before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a writer for the first newspaper in the colony questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

My thoughts: Loved, loved, loved this book!!!



About the book Deceptive Promises:

Is deception fair in wartime?

Margret Scott finds she must deal with this question as she becomes attracted to the enigmatic Samuel Lowe. As the tensions grow between the colonists and the British soldiers and loyalists, Margret struggles to determine where Samuel's loyalties lie, despite his reassurances that they lie with the colonists. Samuel's duties have him working for both sides of this war, and he is often torn between what is right and what is wrong. He promises Margret she can trust him, and Margret promises him she does. But can promises born in deception be trusted? Can relationships built in uncertainty survive?

My thoughts: Haven't had a chance to read this yet but I love the title!

Hilarious! A Christmas funny from your edgy author friend...ME!

Got this funny from my dad for a Christmas smile. I love it!

It's a romantic full moon, when Pedro said, "Hey, mamacita, let's do Weeweechu."

"Oh no, not now, let's look at the moon!" said Rosita.

"Oh, c'mon baby, let's you and I do Weeweechu. I love you and it's the perfect time," Pedro begged.

"But I wanna just hold your hand and watch the moon," replied Rosita.

"Please, Rosita, just once, do Weeweechu with me."

Rosita looked at Pedro and said, "OK, one time, we'll do Weeweechu."

Pedro grabbed his guitar and they both sang.....

"Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, Weeweechu a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY !!!!!

Engaging Father Christmas is up on CFBA!

LOVED this story!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Engaging Father Christmas
FaithWords (October 30, 2008)
by
Robin Jones Gunn


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin grew up in Orange County, California and has lived in all kinds of interesting places, including Reno and Hawai’i.

She and her husband currently live near Portland, Oregon and have been married for 30 years. They spent their first 22 years of marriage working together in youth ministry, and enjoying life with their son and daughter who are now both grown.

As a frequent speaker at local and international events, one of Robin’s favorite topics is how God is the Relentless Lover and we are His first love. She delights in telling stories of how God uses fiction to change lives.

Robin is the recipient of the Christy Award, the Mt. Hermon Pacesetter Award, the Sherwood E. Wirt Award and is a Gold Medallion Finalist. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Media Associates International and the Board of Directors for Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers’ Guild.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation.

But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost.

And yet...maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Engaging Father Christmas, go HERE

My review:

This story was so touching I literally got choked up three different times. The author really knows how to engage a reader's heart. It doesn't hurt that Ian is a dreamy hero. And Miranda is a very loveable heroine. What's not to love about either of them? They are an amazing couple and a joy to read about as you get to know more about them and their desire for love. Ah....

The theme of finding your place in the world, the importance of family, and the far-reaching implications of forgiveness are strong in this story, making it a winner in my book. I really loved this novella and have to say it's the most heart-warming Christmas story I've ever read. Bravo!

Quills and Promises by Amber Miller is up on CFBA!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Quills And Promises
Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 28, 2008)
by
Amber Miller


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my 30's, married the love of my life in July 2007, and live in beautiful Colorado just east of the Front Range of the Rockies, but I love to travel and visit new places. Ultimately, my dream is to own horses and live in a one-level rancher or log cabin nestled in the foothills of the mountains. For now, I will remain where I am and do what I love—design web sites and write.

Amber's very first book, Promises, Promises, released in February 2008. It's a historical fiction set in Delaware during the Colonial period and the Great Awakening. The other 2 books in the series are this current one, Quills And Promises (July 2008) and Deceptive Promises (December 2008). In 2009, they will be repackaged for a state set entitled Delaware Brides. She has also sold another series set in historical Michigan during the Industrial Revolution. The 3 books in that series will begin releasing in May 2009 and will be repackaged in 2010 as Michigan Brides.


ABOUT THE BOOK

-- Separated from Madison when he leaves to fight the French and Indians, Elanna Hanssen must choose between her heart and her head, especially when Madison's integrity is questioned. --

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not until thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years. With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When his military duty separates them, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to each other. Elanna has never known emotions like this before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. Wh a local news reporter questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Quills And Promises, go HERE.

My review:

Quills and Promises is one of the better Heartsong historical novels I've read and truly hard to put down. The story swept me away and carried me back to a time when the French and the British were fighting over the same land before the American Revolution rocked the country. The atrocities were horrific, but thankfully weren't described in detail. The romantic elements in Quills was delightful and had the kind of emotional pull that makes you sigh as you turn the pages. The author did a masterful job with character emotion and showing the longing the hero and heroine had for each other. Their relationship developed beautifully over time and was very believable. Both characters were extremely likeable, too. The majority of their contact was through letters (hence the "quills" in the title) but that didn't take away from the story at all. In fact, I think it made me sigh more. I am definitely going to add Amber Miller to my favorites list for historical fiction Heartsong Presents titles.

Win a copy of Breaking Everyday Addictions by Dr. David Hawkins (non-fiction)

Got an addiction? Just about everyone has something they have difficulty giving up. This book may be just what you need to cross over to from helpless to hopeful. (I just made that up. Didn't it sound good?) Anyway, to win a copy of this book just post a comment. No need to name any specific addictions, but if you want to, here is mine. You don't have to twist my arm for me to confess that I'm addicted to Starbucks. (I feel better now having gotten that off my chest.)

I will pick a winner on Wednesday. Best wishes to you and have fun commenting. Just make sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you win. And please...don't send me a Starbucks gift card for Christmas. :)



About the book:

Addiction is a rapidly growing problem among Christians and non-Christians alike. Even socially acceptable behaviors, such as shopping, eating, working, playing, and exercising, can quietly take over. Clinical psychologist David Hawkins breaks the silence with this enlightening expose of the addictions that control people every day. It's loaded with practical information that will help readers...

recognize and talk about addiction in their own life or family

understand how people become addicted and what can happen when they do

break the addictive cycle of thoughts and behaviors

create a healthier lifestyle based on scriptural principles

build a community of support

Virtually everyone is addicted to something or affected by a loved one who is. Many people who appear to live freely are secretly controlled by their compulsion. Breaking Everyday Addictions provides the tools they need to allow the healing power of Christ to permeate their lives.

Bibliophile's Retreat: Faith~N~Fiction Saturday: Week 7#comment-form#comment-form#comment-form

Bibliophile's Retreat: Faith~N~Fiction Saturday: Week 7#comment-form#comment-form#comment-form

I got a "buy books for the holidays" mention. Whoo hoo!

Blessed by the Butterfly award!

My friend and former critique partner, Dawn Kinzer, nominated my blog for the Butterfly Award. Dawn is an author, a blogger, and has a wonderful singing voice. She also understands people and her heart for the Lord is inspiring. Her blog is called From Dawn Til Dusk and it's a classy blog. After all, she did interview me on it. :) Just kidding. Here is the link to her awesome blog.

http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com/

The rules of the Butterfly award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate 10 other blogs. (I'm bending this rule and only doing three.)

4. Add links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

I'm pleased to nominate these awesome blogs - in no particular order. I’m also going to tell you a little bit about them. See if you can find something that will strike a chord with you!

Urban Christian Fiction Today is a blog run by my friend and fellow social worker, Rhonda McKnight Nain. She does a fabulous job promoting Christian fiction and does a lot of author interviews. She highlights African American Christian authors. You don't want to miss her posts. Everything she writes thoroughly impresses me, including her upcoming debut novel Secrets and Lies (2009)

Bibliophiles Retreat is another favorite. Melissa Meeks, AKA ForstRose is an avid blogger and book reviewer like me and she has a lot of worthy reviews posted. Check them out. Her insight will inspire you and make you want to read more Christian fiction. Plus, we have similar tastes.

God Uses Broken Vessels is my friend Angie's blog, where I am an occasional contributor. Angie is a classy woman with elegance and style. She's a very busy woman who loves the Lord and loves people and her life shows it. Her blog is always interesting and she posts about everything under the sun that she loves. She is writing a book to which I'm a contributor and her handsome sons are on my book's front cover.

Please check out my friend's blogs and tell them you found them from reading my blog. Peace!

Dark Pursuit is up on CFBA!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dark Pursuit
Zondervan (December 1, 2008)
by
Brandilyn Collins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Brandilyn Collins is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is currently working on her 20th book. For chances to win free copies of her work, join her Fan Club on Facebook. Here’s what Brandilyn has to say about why she wrote Dark Pursuit:

In John Milton’s Paradise Lost Satan’s followers, kicked out of heaven, boast about storming the gates and reclaiming their territory. Beelzebub scoffs at their boasting as merely “hatching vain empires” and suggests a different revengeful scheme: seduce mankind away from God. So Satan visits the Garden of Eden to teach humans the very thing he and his cohorts have learned to be futile—the dark pursuit of hatching their own vain empires instead of following God. He presented man with this “gift” of death, disguised as life. And man fell for it.

Upon this theme of man’s fall and spiritual blindness, I created the characters and events in Dark Pursuit. The story clips along at a fast pace, with much symbolism running underneath.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dark Pursuit—A twisting story of murder, betrayal, and eternal choices

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, reclusive and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she’s rebuilding her life. But in Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered, and she’s about to discover a third. She’s even more shocked to realize the culprit—her boyfriend, Craig, the police chief’s son.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the elusive plot he seeks...

Read the first chapter of Dark Pursuit, HERE.

My review:

Dark Pursuit was a fast paced read with plenty of twists and turns to make the reader dizzy. I had a hard time putting the book down because it kept building and the tension increased with every chapter. But that is how good suspenses are supposed to be. Brandilyn certainly knows how to raise the reader's anxiety level. The spiritual thread seemed naturally woven in to the storyline and I enjoyed every page. The only thing is that at the end I didn't totally buy how things turned out. Call me a skeptic but the foundation for the end didn't seem strong enough to me. Up until that point I was hooked. Now don't get me wrong. It was an amazing read, but short of divulging a spoiler I can't really say what I mean. Nine out of ten people will be fine with the final chapters but it didn't work that way for me. But I tend to be a skeptic anyway and suspense isn't my favorite genre. I think the problem is also that I loved Crimson Eve so much that none of Brandilyn's other stories can top it. :) As far as suspense novelists go, however, Brandilyn is clearly one of the best there is.

Win a copy of Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler

ABOUT THE BOOK

To win a copy of this book simply post a comment telling me why you want it. I will pick a winner on Sunday. Peace!

Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his emails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does.

Mocha with Linda: Booked for the Holidays

Mocha with Linda: Booked for the Holidays

One Perfect Day is up on CFBA!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
One Perfect Day
FaithWords (October 22, 2008)
by
Lauraine Snelling


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Today, Lauraine Snelling is a member of the more than Two Million Books In Print club, but when she first began, she was a mother of three teenagers with a simple dream to write “horse books for kids.”

All told, she has over 50 books published. She thinks. She’s not sure. She’d rather write them than count them. Lauraine’s work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish and German as well as produced as books on tape.

Awards have followed her dedication to “telling a good story”: the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

Helping others reach their writing dream is the reason Lauraine teaches at writer’s conferences across the country. She mentors others through book doctoring and with her humorous and playful Writing Great Fiction tape set. Lauraine also produces material on query letters and other aspects of the writing process.

Her readers clamor for more books more often and Lauraine would like to comply, if only her ever-growing flower gardens didn’t call quite so loudly over the soothing rush of the water fountains in her back yard and if the hummingbirds weren’t quite so entertaining. Lauraine and husband Wayne have two grown sons and a cockatiel named Bidley, who loves to tease their Basset Hound named Chewy.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Two mothers end up more closely connected that they could dream...and yet they are strangers to one another.

The first has two children--twins, a boy and girl, who are seniors in high school. She wants their last Christmas as a family living in the same home to be perfect, but her husband is delayed returning from a business trip abroad. And then there's an accident--a fatal one involving a drunk driver.

Meanwhile, the other mother has a daughter who needs a new heart, and so the loss of one woman becomes the miracle the other has desperately prayed for. While one mother grieves, and pulls away from her family, the other finds that even miracles aren't always easy to receive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of One Perfect Day, go HERE

My thoughts:

Sounds like a good story. I haven't read it yet but hope to in the near future.

New releases for December 2008 from ACFW authors.

There is nothing like having the holiday season to enjoy a good story. This month we've got six new releases to choose from designed to do just that!

Also, check out Jill Eileen Smith's latest Spotlight on one of my favorite authors, Siri Mitchell.

1. A Promise for Spring by Kim Vogel Sawyer from Bethany House. Can their promise of love survive more than just years of separation?

2. Before the Season Ends by Linore Rose Burkard from Havest House Publishers. A heroine who embodies "Principles" meets the man who is all "Pride." What happens when they clash in Regency London makes adventurous innocence well worth reading!

3. Deceptive Promises, Delaware Brides, book 3 by Amber Miller from Barbour/Heartsong Presents. Living during the American Revolution, Margret Scott gets involved with a spy and a life of deception that could endanger herself, her family, and the man she loves.

4. Flashover by Dana Mentink from Steeple Hill. Ivy Beria's life explodes when arson robs her of her job and the man who set it hunts her down.

5. Missouri Brides by Mildred Colvin from Barbour Publishing. Three women tied together by family find true love on the Missouri prairie of the 1800s.

6. The Owling, Shadowside Series - Book 2 by Robert Elmer from Zondervan. Life gets even more confusing for fifteen-year-old Oriannon when her former music mentor, Jesmet, miraculously returns from the dead and promises his students a special power called Numa.

Happy reading ~