Check out all of the new releases from Desert Breeze! Sweet!
1. A Promise Forged, Heartsong Presents Historical Ohio Series by Cara C. Putman An historical from Heartsong Presents. A player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League finds challenges and love as she travels with her team.
2. Abbie Ann; Daughters of Jacob Kane, 3rd & final installment. by Sharlene MacLaren An historical romance from Whitaker House. Abbie Ann, president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in 1907, butts heads with a handsome divorcee, blindsided when she realizes her utter attraction to him.
3. Blood Ransom; Mission Hope Series, Book 1 by Lisa Harris A suspense/mystery/thriller from from Zondervan. A thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.
4. Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson A suspense/mystery/thriller from Steeple Hill. When a teacher finds on the playground a backpack belonging to her long-ago abducted sister, she turns to the principal, an ex-private detective, to stop a child-killer from targeting her daughter.
5. Chesapeake Weddings by Cecelia Dowdy A romance from Barbour. Life sends three African American women into a tailspin; Can these women let God rebuild their tattered hopes when new romances unexpectedly enter their lives?
6. Code Blue by Richard L. Mabry M.D. A suspense/mystery/thriller from Abingdon. A doctor finds that returning to her home town has put her in the midst of conflict and possibly marked her for death
7. Crossroads Bay by Kathleen Kovach A romance from Heartsong Presents. A beautiful charter boat captain searches for lost treasure while her real prize is the caterer trying to keep up with her.
8. Damages by Deborah Kinnard A romance from Desert Breeze. A story of second chances, found in an unexpected place.
9. In Plain Sight by Michelle Sutton A suspense/mystery/thriller from Desert Breeze. Abused by her gypsy ex-boyfriend and left for dead, Jovana moves to America seeking a new life; two handsome men desire her heart, but she must choose the right one or end up in a situation much worse than before.
10. Lorenzo and the Pirate by Rick and Lila Guzman An historical from Blooming Tree Press. Will Lorenzo Bannister, marooned on a deserted island with two pirates, ever get home to New Orleans?
11. Love Lessons by Margaret Daley A romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Alexa Michaels brings a breath of fresh air into Ian Ferguson's and his daughter's life, but is it enough to make Ian trust in love again?
12. Lucky Baby by Meredith Efken A women's fiction from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. Will adopting an orphan from China bring Meg and Lewis the happiness they long for?
13. Mountain Peril by Sandra Robbins A suspense/mystery/thriller from Steeple Hill, Love Inspired Suspense. A woman discovers violence has once again entered her life when a grisly website sets the stage for murder and terror on a peaceful college campus.
14. Queen of Hearts by K. Dawn Byrd A suspense/mystery/thriller from Desert Breeze. Daphne Dean never knew that serving her country as a spy during WWII would send her into hiding in an abandoned mental institution with secrets of its own.
15. Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson A suspense/mystery/thriller from Kregal. As Camden Bristow works to uncover the past and present mysteries harbored on Crescent Hill, she discovers a deep family secret hidden within the mansion's walls that could change her life˜and the entire town˜forever.
16. Rodeo Sweetheart by Betsy St.Amant A romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. She grew up with a cowboy hat and a pony; he grew up with designer duds and a silver spoon. Will this mismatched couple ever be able to lasso their differences?
17. Rooms by Jim Rubart A suspense/mystery/thriller from B&H Fiction. A young Seattle software tycoon inherits a home on the Oregon coast that turns out to be a physical manifestation of his soul.
18. Scenarios for Girls, Book 3 by Nicole O'Dell General fiction from Barbour. Molly Jacobs isn't sure what she should do: Should she follow through with stealing some clothes for her friends from Magna the trendy girls clothing store where she works? Or should she do what she knows is right, even if it means losing her newfound popularity? Scenarios for Girls are interactive books that allow the reader to choose between alternate endings to make important, moral decisions for the main characters.
19. Scenarios for Girls, Book 4 by Nicole O'Dell General fiction from Barbour. Kate Walker joins the swim team and becomes obsessed with practice and making it through the championships with flying colors. What will Kate do when she's faced with pressure from her teammates to take an illegal substance that will help her swim multiple events in their championship meet? Scenarios for Girls are interactive books that allow the reader to choose between alternate endings to make important, moral decisions for the main characters.
20. Seasons in the Mist; Seasons of Destiny Book 1 by Deborah Kinnard A romance from Sheaf House. An eager historian, a time portal, and intrigue in King Edward III's court.
21. She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell An historical from Bethany House. As Clara Carter makes her debut, she realizes it's not just her heart at stake--the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.
22. Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson An historical from Bethany House. Sixteen Civil War widows join the Ladies Emigration Society and head west to claim homesteads, only to find their organization has other plans. . . involving the word "brides.
23. Sworn to Protect by Diann Mills A suspense/mystery/thriller from Tyndale. Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales is caught up in a conspiracy and her life is at stake.
24. The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough A romance from Barbour. Three mail-order brides arrive expecting to marry the town marshal. But he didn't order a bride. A contest to discover which bride would make the best wife turns into mayhem when there is a fourth anonymous entry.
25. The Cowboy's Baby by Linda Ford A romance from Love Inspired Historical. The prodigal returns but is he too late for a second chance?
26. The Word Unleashed, Book 2 of Face in the Deep by Steve Rzasa A sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic from Marcher Lord Press. Baden Haczyk's adventure continues as he tries to keep the last Bible safe from the religious secret police.
27. Too Close to Home, Book 1 of the Women of Justice Series by Lynette Eason A suspense/mystery/thriller from Revell. An FBI agent and a detective must track down a killer of teenage girls before his next victim hits Too Close to Home.
28. Wildflower Hearts, Book 1 in Series Set in North Dakota by Vickie McDonough A romance from Barbour. Three siblings who live on a ranch face problems and romance in the North Dakota Badlands
29. Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer An historical from Abingdon Press. In Denmark's darkest days, is it duty, faith...or love?
30. No Greater Love by Kathi Macias Set in South Africa in 1989 during the violence and upheaval that preceded the overthrow of Apartheid, opens with a forbidden romance, shocks with more than one unexpected murder, and climaxes with a sacrifice too selfless to imagine.
31. More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias Revolves around a poor pastor and his family in Tijuana, Mexico, whose very lives are threatened when they seek to obey God by venturing into the superstition-steeped Mayan culture in San Juan Chamula.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tweaked full cover of Never Without Hope including back cover copy!
Isn't this the most beautiful cover ever!
(Note: this novel is recommend for mature readers - over 18)
(Note: this novel is recommend for mature readers - over 18)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
My review of The Best of Lori Wick...A Gathering of Hearts: A treasured collection from her bestselling novels.
About the book:
Harvest House celebrates Lori Wick’s 20-year milestone with a gathering of poignant excerpts from many of her novels, including some of her most popular series—Rocky Mountain Memories, A Place Called Home, The Kensington Chronicles, and the Yellow Rose Trilogy. This lovely volume includes an introduction from Lori and many short scenes that will inspire and entertain readers as they are drawn to Lori’s celebrated themes of—
My review/rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is filled with nice stories about tender moments between characters in various Lori Wick novels, but there is nothing extremely memorable about any of them. They basically highlight different themes found in her books. The scenes are sometimes focused on faith and prayer and other times on love and romance. This would make a nice gift for a young teen or someone who likes sweet romances. It actually looks like a devotional book even though it's not. Lori Wick fans will love this, especially if they have read all of her novels. It's easy to read since each scene is a few pages long, at most. In my opinion, that was the book's best feature.
View all my reviews >>
Harvest House celebrates Lori Wick’s 20-year milestone with a gathering of poignant excerpts from many of her novels, including some of her most popular series—Rocky Mountain Memories, A Place Called Home, The Kensington Chronicles, and the Yellow Rose Trilogy. This lovely volume includes an introduction from Lori and many short scenes that will inspire and entertain readers as they are drawn to Lori’s celebrated themes of—
- faith and gratitude
- love and romance
- marriage and relationships
- forgiveness and grace
- friendship and kinship
My review/rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is filled with nice stories about tender moments between characters in various Lori Wick novels, but there is nothing extremely memorable about any of them. They basically highlight different themes found in her books. The scenes are sometimes focused on faith and prayer and other times on love and romance. This would make a nice gift for a young teen or someone who likes sweet romances. It actually looks like a devotional book even though it's not. Lori Wick fans will love this, especially if they have read all of her novels. It's easy to read since each scene is a few pages long, at most. In my opinion, that was the book's best feature.
View all my reviews >>
Monday, March 29, 2010
Totally new cover for Never Without Hope! Isn't it gorgeous!!!
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa is up on CFBA. Plus bonus review!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.
Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.
Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
ABOUT THE BOOK
If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, go HERE.
My review:
I have always enjoyed Melanie Dobson's storytelling and so far I have read every book she has written. Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa was just as amazing as all of her other books. She knows how to capture my attention from the first page and her stories always have excellent pacing. While tender and sweet, this novel was still enthralling for me and compelling, probably because I learned something new as I read.
I have never heard of the Amana Colonies before reading this book, but thought they might be tied into the brand of appliances. I was surprised to discover their was a relationship between them. I loved how the author brought out information about the Amana colonies in an educational and yet entertaining manner. She did an excellent job showing their way of life and the beauty of living a simple life in harmony with others as opposed to living for your own interests.
My heart went out to Liesel because of her desire to feel loved and wanted and yet her fiance was not emotionally there for her. I also hurt for Jacob and his daughter as they tried to make it through so many difficult circumstances. I was totally immersed in this story because the plot was emotionally evocative for me. These characters could say so much with just a tender glance at each other. That's very good storytelling when I will yearn for the characters to be happy and share just one more loving gaze, or a tender embrace. This love story was more than satisfying. I can't wait to read Melanie's next book! ”
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Now I'm giving away Finding Jeena by Miralee Ferrell!
To enter for a chance to win this book simply post a comment. Here is the question... Have you ever dreamed about starting over in a new place/city? Have you done that and if so, what happened? I'll go first. My husband and I met in New York. I'd lived there over 20 years, and he lived there over ten. Neither of us liked snow. So we sold everything and moved to Arizona after we felt God calling us to move somewhere else. No jobs yet, but I was hired via telephone interview two days before we planned to hit the road. We've never regretted it. We love Arizona. Now the story description below suggests Jeena didn't have it so good. Stepping into the unknown can be scary. So what's your story? I'll pick a winner via the Randomizer program next Sunday. Best wishes Everyone!
About the book:
Jeena Gregory's new job promised big things--new clothes, new townhouse, new car, new furniture... in short, a new life. But when rumors around town cast her boss in a shady light, Jeena worries her carefully-crafted world is about to crumble. Shaken to the core as she faces financial and emotional ruin, Jeena is suddenly confronted with her prejudices--and with a God she had long forgotten.
About the book:
Jeena Gregory's new job promised big things--new clothes, new townhouse, new car, new furniture... in short, a new life. But when rumors around town cast her boss in a shady light, Jeena worries her carefully-crafted world is about to crumble. Shaken to the core as she faces financial and emotional ruin, Jeena is suddenly confronted with her prejudices--and with a God she had long forgotten.
Compare covers for me please and post your opinion...
Friday, March 26, 2010
New cover (rough draft) for my July 2010 release Never Without Hope
The font style and color may change as well as the design, but the center picture will not change. So what do you think about this potential cover?
About the book:
Hope believes she is above sexual temptation; that she would never break that commandment like her husband's previous wives had done. After all, she is a good Christian and a loving mother. She has no reason to stray . . . until her husband starts ignoring her needs and things begin to look hopeless. Though she clearly communicates her pain to her husband, he refuses to get help. She starts to wonder…Will she never have sex with her husband again? She soon learns that she, too, is capable of such betrayal when she succumbs to the unthinkable.
But things that first seemed sweet and reasonable given her painful situation soon produce a bitter taste when combined with the overwhelming guilt. No substitute will ever replace her love and desire for her husband. If only he would touch her like he used to. If only they could make love again. She misses him so much and wants to tell him the truth hoping it will propel him to do something to fix their problem, but she fears his rejection. Yet, she can't continue living such a hypocritical life. She knows it's wrong even though she continues to crave physical intimacy. Steeped in the quagmire of adultery, Hope must find her way back to solid ground to save her marriage. But will she lose everyone she loves in the process?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
My review of Becca by the Book by Laura Jensen Walker
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At twenty-five, free-spirited Becca Daniels is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. What Becca doesn’t want to be is bored. She craves the rush of a new experience, whether it’s an extreme sport, a shocking hair color, or a new guy. That’s why she quit her bookstore job, used her last bit of credit to go skydiving, and broke her leg.
And that’s why, grounded and grumpy, Becca bristles when teased by friends for being commitment-phobic. In response, Becca issues an outrageous wager—that she can sustain a three-month or twenty-five date relationship with the next guy who asks her out. When the guy turns out to be “churchy” Ben—definitely not Becca’s type—she gamely embarks on a hilarious series of dates that plunge her purple-haired, free-speaking, commitment-phobic self into the alien world of church potlucks and prayer meetings.
This irrepressible Getaway Girl will have you cheering her on as she “suffers” through her dates, gains perspective on her life’s purpose, and ultimately begins her greatest adventure of all.
My review:
This story made me a bit teary-eyed at the end. I liked Ben and his grandmother. I was surprised at the fact that it wasn't typical chick-lit, but I liked that at the same time. I also liked that the ending wasn't so predictable. Some of the Christense humor was funny (as were her definitions) and some great points were made about Christians not being perfect and how that can be a good thing when Christians show that they are fallible as long as they are sincere and not fake about it. That was a great message. I found that very real and helpful, too. Sometimes we seem to have the strongest affect on people who don't share our faith when we show them that we struggle with behaving all the time, too. I've noticed that for some people that makes Christianity more attainable in their minds because they know they aren't perfect. None of us are. That was probably my favorite implication in this book.
I also enjoyed getting to know Becca. She wasn't the most likable character, but I understood her and how she was jaded because of her mother's scamming. I liked that she started to soften but didn't do the predictable things typically seen in CBA novels. While the book was a bit snarky at times and poked fun at things that aren't very Christian about the subculture in c
hurches, I didn't find it offensive. To me it was more insightful. I think the author did a good job showing what the typical person outside of the Christian faith might observe when looking at the typical church culture.
At twenty-five, free-spirited Becca Daniels is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. What Becca doesn’t want to be is bored. She craves the rush of a new experience, whether it’s an extreme sport, a shocking hair color, or a new guy. That’s why she quit her bookstore job, used her last bit of credit to go skydiving, and broke her leg.
And that’s why, grounded and grumpy, Becca bristles when teased by friends for being commitment-phobic. In response, Becca issues an outrageous wager—that she can sustain a three-month or twenty-five date relationship with the next guy who asks her out. When the guy turns out to be “churchy” Ben—definitely not Becca’s type—she gamely embarks on a hilarious series of dates that plunge her purple-haired, free-speaking, commitment-phobic self into the alien world of church potlucks and prayer meetings.
This irrepressible Getaway Girl will have you cheering her on as she “suffers” through her dates, gains perspective on her life’s purpose, and ultimately begins her greatest adventure of all.
My review:
This story made me a bit teary-eyed at the end. I liked Ben and his grandmother. I was surprised at the fact that it wasn't typical chick-lit, but I liked that at the same time. I also liked that the ending wasn't so predictable. Some of the Christense humor was funny (as were her definitions) and some great points were made about Christians not being perfect and how that can be a good thing when Christians show that they are fallible as long as they are sincere and not fake about it. That was a great message. I found that very real and helpful, too. Sometimes we seem to have the strongest affect on people who don't share our faith when we show them that we struggle with behaving all the time, too. I've noticed that for some people that makes Christianity more attainable in their minds because they know they aren't perfect. None of us are. That was probably my favorite implication in this book.
I also enjoyed getting to know Becca. She wasn't the most likable character, but I understood her and how she was jaded because of her mother's scamming. I liked that she started to soften but didn't do the predictable things typically seen in CBA novels. While the book was a bit snarky at times and poked fun at things that aren't very Christian about the subculture in c
hurches, I didn't find it offensive. To me it was more insightful. I think the author did a good job showing what the typical person outside of the Christian faith might observe when looking at the typical church culture.
Monday, March 22, 2010
My review of Unspeakable Journey by Rinda Hahn
About the book:
It was supposed to be a quick trip to the grocery store, but it turned into an Unspeakable Journey.
On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Isabella is abducted in the parking lot of her local grocery store. Hasam, a sinister human trafficker, arranges for her to marry his longtime friend and Saudi Arabian prince, Latif.
Latif has everything—political prowess, success, and wealth—until he meets Isabella. She is beautiful, alluring, and all that he has dreamed of in a wife, and Isabella's defiant refusal makes her even more desirable.
Far from home, in a land where women are oppressed, Isabella struggles with the loss of her husband and two daughters, imprisonment, and isolation. Will God rescue her from this nightmare? Will she give in to hopeless despair?
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this book quickly. While the dialog was a bit stilted at times and the writing a bit weak, the story itself was powerful. I could not stop reading this book. Even though the premise seemed a bit unbelievable at first, I found myself wanting this woman to somehow prosper despite her circumstances. I loved that the author didn't spare her any pain. That's good story-telling. The author ran the heroine Isabella through every internal and external conflict imaginable, and I really cared about her. In fact, I cared about all of the characters...including the Saudi prince.
This story took me on an incredible ride that made me really think about how I would cope if I were in a similar situation. The spiritual impact of this story is it's strongest feature. I also loved the frankness the author often expressed in her plot. I was immersed in the culture in Saudi Arabia and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. My throat tightened on more than one occasion as I grieved with Isabella. The only distraction was the dialog. Isabella rarely used contractions in her speech so it felt stilted.
Nevertheless, this book was compelling enough to recommend. It makes you think about how Christ can shine in our lives in the darkest of places if we give our lives fully to Him. We can still grieve our losses, but ultimately our lives need to be surrendered to God's plan for our lives. So many lives were touched because of Isabella's pain. That element of the story made this novel rank higher than most. The spiritual takeaway readers will glean from this book is priceless.
View all my reviews >>
It was supposed to be a quick trip to the grocery store, but it turned into an Unspeakable Journey.
On the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Isabella is abducted in the parking lot of her local grocery store. Hasam, a sinister human trafficker, arranges for her to marry his longtime friend and Saudi Arabian prince, Latif.
Latif has everything—political prowess, success, and wealth—until he meets Isabella. She is beautiful, alluring, and all that he has dreamed of in a wife, and Isabella's defiant refusal makes her even more desirable.
Far from home, in a land where women are oppressed, Isabella struggles with the loss of her husband and two daughters, imprisonment, and isolation. Will God rescue her from this nightmare? Will she give in to hopeless despair?
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this book quickly. While the dialog was a bit stilted at times and the writing a bit weak, the story itself was powerful. I could not stop reading this book. Even though the premise seemed a bit unbelievable at first, I found myself wanting this woman to somehow prosper despite her circumstances. I loved that the author didn't spare her any pain. That's good story-telling. The author ran the heroine Isabella through every internal and external conflict imaginable, and I really cared about her. In fact, I cared about all of the characters...including the Saudi prince.
This story took me on an incredible ride that made me really think about how I would cope if I were in a similar situation. The spiritual impact of this story is it's strongest feature. I also loved the frankness the author often expressed in her plot. I was immersed in the culture in Saudi Arabia and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. My throat tightened on more than one occasion as I grieved with Isabella. The only distraction was the dialog. Isabella rarely used contractions in her speech so it felt stilted.
Nevertheless, this book was compelling enough to recommend. It makes you think about how Christ can shine in our lives in the darkest of places if we give our lives fully to Him. We can still grieve our losses, but ultimately our lives need to be surrendered to God's plan for our lives. So many lives were touched because of Isabella's pain. That element of the story made this novel rank higher than most. The spiritual takeaway readers will glean from this book is priceless.
View all my reviews >>
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Now I'm giving away Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson!
To enter your name for a chance to win this book simply post a comment that answers this question... What do you think about giving up the dream of being with the one person you've come to love in order to live in the same community with them? Would you be able to do it? I'll pick a winner with the Randomizer program next Sunday.
About the book:
Times are hard in 1894. Desperate for work, former banker Jacob Hirsch rides the rails west from Chicago with his four-year-old daughter, Cassie. When a life-threatening illness strands the pair in Homestead, Iowa, the local Amana villagers welcome the father and daughter into their peaceful society. Liesel, a young Amana woman, nurses Cassie back to health, and the Homestead elders offer Jacob work. But Jacobs growing interest in Liesel complicates his position in the Amanas. Will he fight to stay in the only place that feels like home, even if it means giving up the woman he loves? Or will Liesel leave her beloved community to face the outside world with Jacob and Cassie at her side?
My thoughts:
I'll be reading this book soon for a blog tour. I love Melanie Dobson's work. This story sounds right up my alley, too!
About the book:
Times are hard in 1894. Desperate for work, former banker Jacob Hirsch rides the rails west from Chicago with his four-year-old daughter, Cassie. When a life-threatening illness strands the pair in Homestead, Iowa, the local Amana villagers welcome the father and daughter into their peaceful society. Liesel, a young Amana woman, nurses Cassie back to health, and the Homestead elders offer Jacob work. But Jacobs growing interest in Liesel complicates his position in the Amanas. Will he fight to stay in the only place that feels like home, even if it means giving up the woman he loves? Or will Liesel leave her beloved community to face the outside world with Jacob and Cassie at her side?
My thoughts:
I'll be reading this book soon for a blog tour. I love Melanie Dobson's work. This story sounds right up my alley, too!
My review of Rooms by James L. Rubart
About the book:
On a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out. Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning brand new nine-thousand square foot house. And after meeting Sarah Sabin at a nearby ice cream shop, he has two reasons to visit the beach every weekend. When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But Rick will only say the house is spiritual. This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like the tide years ago, and he wants to keep it that way. But as he slowly discovers, the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul, which God uses to heal Micah’s darkest wounds and lead him into an astonishing new destiny.
My review:
Rooms is a tragically beautiful and deeply insightful novel about a soul's redemption. Utilizing mind-twisting conflicts and heart-wrenching loss throughout the story, the author illustrates in a profound way how often to gain what we need we must first abandon what we thought we'd always wanted. Taking it one step further, it made me think in a completely new way about how 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13 states that "without love, I am nothing" (paraphrased by me to illustrate this point).
I have to warn people who may want to read this book that it will make you uncomfortable. Like near-frostbite hurts when the flesh is being slowly restored to a living thing, the truth in the story may hurt as the author's insights massage the dead places in your heart back to life. This is a life-changing story about what it costs to follow Christ and the great lengths our Savior will go to in order to reach our hearts. I challenge everyone to read it. I know I'll be thinking about this book and its message for years to come.
This is also a perfect illustration of how fiction can be used to inspire and instruct in the same way Jesus used the parables. Through Micah's story readers are challenged to take a look inside their own soul.
Which voice are you listening to?
The advance review copy of this book for me to review was provided by B&H. Rooms releases soon with a street date of April 1, 2010.
On a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out. Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning brand new nine-thousand square foot house. And after meeting Sarah Sabin at a nearby ice cream shop, he has two reasons to visit the beach every weekend. When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But Rick will only say the house is spiritual. This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like the tide years ago, and he wants to keep it that way. But as he slowly discovers, the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul, which God uses to heal Micah’s darkest wounds and lead him into an astonishing new destiny.
My review:
Rooms is a tragically beautiful and deeply insightful novel about a soul's redemption. Utilizing mind-twisting conflicts and heart-wrenching loss throughout the story, the author illustrates in a profound way how often to gain what we need we must first abandon what we thought we'd always wanted. Taking it one step further, it made me think in a completely new way about how 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13 states that "without love, I am nothing" (paraphrased by me to illustrate this point).
I have to warn people who may want to read this book that it will make you uncomfortable. Like near-frostbite hurts when the flesh is being slowly restored to a living thing, the truth in the story may hurt as the author's insights massage the dead places in your heart back to life. This is a life-changing story about what it costs to follow Christ and the great lengths our Savior will go to in order to reach our hearts. I challenge everyone to read it. I know I'll be thinking about this book and its message for years to come.
This is also a perfect illustration of how fiction can be used to inspire and instruct in the same way Jesus used the parables. Through Micah's story readers are challenged to take a look inside their own soul.
Which voice are you listening to?
The advance review copy of this book for me to review was provided by B&H. Rooms releases soon with a street date of April 1, 2010.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Blog tour stop for A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin with bonus review!
A Distant Melody
by Sarah Sundin
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3421-3
$14.99; March 2010
About the Author: Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in
Endorsements
"Sarah Sundin is an extraordinarily gifted storyteller who puts the reader in the cockpit of B-17 bombers as easily as she crafts an achingly emotional World War II romance. This is not only the best World War II love story I've ever read, but it may be the best book I've ever read."
"Sarah Sundin is an extraordinarily gifted storyteller who puts the reader in the cockpit of B-17 bombers as easily as she crafts an achingly emotional World War II romance. This is not only the best World War II love story I've ever read, but it may be the best book I've ever read."
— Cheryl Bolen, Holt Medallion Winner, Best Historical
"I loved A Distant Melody! Sarah Sundin is a master at lyrical writing, and she has that rare talent of being able to combine humor with heart-pounding action. I couldn't stop turning the pages, and I don't think I'll ever forget Sarah's compelling characters or their poignant story about honesty, redemption, and grace."
— Melanie Dobson, author of Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana and Refuge on Crescent Hill
— Melanie Dobson, author of Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana and Refuge on Crescent Hill
For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.
About the Book:
Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love. Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart? A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.
My review:
Wow, wow, wow! As the characters in this book would say, "What a swell read!" I am a big fan of WWII fiction and could actually hear the characters talking as I read this book. It made me think of the old movies set in that era. I felt like I was living within the pages because the setting was so well done. While this was a thick novel, don't let it deceive you. I zipped right through it in a few days. I can't stand it when books drag on forever and this one didn't slow or lag at all. It was the perfect length and just the right amount of tension and action to keep the plot interesting and moving along.
The love story in this book was also highly addictive. While not edgy at all, I was desperately wanting them to kiss and be together so they could experience true love with each other. I think I was pining for them even more than they were! I loved that the author knew how to put her characters through the wringer enough where you could really empathize with them and their conflicts. And if there was ever a story that illustrated the consequences of lying--no matter how small those lies seem--this was the best example I've found with that message in years. Their love for the Lord was key to the storyline, too, and I loved how the author pulled those truths together through the plot to show how important it is to marry someone who believes in Christ when you are a Christian.
Did I mention how much I love reading WWII fiction? I had a blast flying with these flyboys and participating in their dangerous missions. I really had a keen sense of being on a bomber and all that was involved in flying during WWII. I loved how the authors showed the tragedy of combat, but also that even the enemy is human, like in the scene where the enemy read the Scripture on their damaged plane and spared them due to a mutual appreciation for Christian faith. The lesson about obedience and sacrifice was priceless, too.
This was a wonderful, wonderful story with many nuggets of truth that the reader can glean from the storyline. I can't say enough good things about this book!
Thank you Revell for sending me a copy of this book to review for the tour!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Amazing contest for bloggers only - sponsored by Tyndale!
On Monday March 22nd, I’ll be sending a follow up e-mail to remind you about the contest and let you know about a bloggers only giveaway.
The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway
Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”
Fill out a simple form, take a quick Bible clarity survey, invite your friends to join and you’ll be entered to win one of our exciting prizes.
With each fan number milestone a new prize will be given away.
Grand Prize
Apple iPad 64G and a Life Application Study BibleAwarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fifth milestoneRetail Value: $829.00
2nd Prize
32G iPod Touch and a Life Application Study Bible Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fourth milestoneRetail Value: $300.00
3rd Prize
Kindle DX and a Life Application Study BibleAwarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the third milestoneRetail Value: $489.00
4th Prize
Apple iPad 16G and a Life Application Study BibleAwarded when the New Living Translation Fan Page hits the second milestoneRetail Value: $499.00
5th Prize
Apple iPad 32G and a Life Application Study BibleAwarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the first milestoneRetail Value: $599.00
Prize Eligibility:
Only persons residing in United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter.
Sweepstakes Starts
March 17, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)
Sweepstakes Ends
April 30, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)
Wait, there’s more!
Visit http://biblecontest.newlivingtranslation.com/index.php for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii!
Here’s the details:
Choose one of six passages of Scripture from the New Living Translation and consider: How do these verses encourage you to know God better? What is God teaching you in this passage?How does this passage apply to your life?
Submit your answer and you’ll be entered to win.
Just for signing up: Everybody Wins! Win a Free .mp3 download from the NLT’s new Red Letters Project. It’s the dynamic, new presentation of the sung and narrated words of the Gospel of Matthew. You win the download just for entering! Or choose to download the NLT Philippians Bible Study, complete with the Book of Philippians in the NLT.
Every day, one person will win the best-selling Life Application Study Bible!
The grand prize: One person will win a fantastic trip for two to the crystal clear waters of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore in beautiful Hawaii.
Feel free to pass this information along on your blogs, Twitter feeds, and Facebook pages.
Have fun!
Sincerely,
Adam J. Sabados
Tynale House Publishers
Marketing Services Coordinator
Twitter: www.twitter.com/adamsab
The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway
Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”
Fill out a simple form, take a quick Bible clarity survey, invite your friends to join and you’ll be entered to win one of our exciting prizes.
With each fan number milestone a new prize will be given away.
Grand Prize
Apple iPad 64G and a Life Application Study BibleAwarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fifth milestoneRetail Value: $829.00
2nd Prize
32G iPod Touch and a Life Application Study Bible Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fourth milestoneRetail Value: $300.00
3rd Prize
Kindle DX and a Life Application Study BibleAwarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the third milestoneRetail Value: $489.00
4th Prize
Apple iPad 16G and a Life Application Study BibleAwarded when the New Living Translation Fan Page hits the second milestoneRetail Value: $499.00
5th Prize
Apple iPad 32G and a Life Application Study BibleAwarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the first milestoneRetail Value: $599.00
Prize Eligibility:
Only persons residing in United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter.
Sweepstakes Starts
March 17, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)
Sweepstakes Ends
April 30, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)
Wait, there’s more!
Visit http://biblecontest.newlivingtranslation.com/index.php for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii!
Here’s the details:
Choose one of six passages of Scripture from the New Living Translation and consider: How do these verses encourage you to know God better? What is God teaching you in this passage?How does this passage apply to your life?
Submit your answer and you’ll be entered to win.
Just for signing up: Everybody Wins! Win a Free .mp3 download from the NLT’s new Red Letters Project. It’s the dynamic, new presentation of the sung and narrated words of the Gospel of Matthew. You win the download just for entering! Or choose to download the NLT Philippians Bible Study, complete with the Book of Philippians in the NLT.
Every day, one person will win the best-selling Life Application Study Bible!
The grand prize: One person will win a fantastic trip for two to the crystal clear waters of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore in beautiful Hawaii.
Feel free to pass this information along on your blogs, Twitter feeds, and Facebook pages.
Have fun!
Sincerely,
Adam J. Sabados
Tynale House Publishers
Marketing Services Coordinator
Twitter: www.twitter.com/adamsab
There Are No Rules - The Biggest Bad Advice About Story Openings
This is an interesting article in Writer's Digest about story beginnings. It goes contrary to what some people say, which is what makes it interesting. What do you readers and writers out there think about this?
There Are No Rules - The Biggest Bad Advice About Story Openings
There Are No Rules - The Biggest Bad Advice About Story Openings
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
My review of the Big 5-Oh! by Sandra D. Bricker.
About the book:
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Olivia Wallace has a birthday curse . . . or so she thinks. It was a broken heart on her 16th, a car accident on her 21st, pneumonia on her 30th, and a fall down a flight of stairs on her 35th. There were Ohio blizzards on her 38th, 39th, and 40th; and six days before her 45th, she lost the love of her life to a heart attack. Numbing grief stole that birthday and a couple more to follow and, on the morning of her 48th birthday, she received the call she’d dreaded ever since losing her mom so many years ago…she was diagnosed with stage-3 ovarian cancer. The doctors didn’t hold out a lot of hope, but Liv survived and maintained her faith. Months of surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed.
But now, as her 50th birthday creeps up the icy Ohio path toward her, her hair has grown back, her energy level is up, and she is officially cancer free. It makes her nervous. After everything she’s gone through, Liv hates the idea of driving on icy roads and returning to work as an O.R. nurse in a local Cincinnati hospital.
Her best friend Hallie knows just the thing to break Liv out of the winter doldrums, while providing a safe haven of warmth, sunshine, and a time to regroup: a holiday in the Florida sunshine!
Her best friend Hallie knows just the thing to break Liv out of the winter doldrums, while providing a safe haven of warmth, sunshine, and a time to regroup: a holiday in the Florida sunshine!
My Review:
This was a sweet story with a lot of middle-aged and over fifty humor that was cute. I enjoyed the way each chapter started with a completely different tale that mirrored the story...about a donkey named Prudence. That was especially fun. I also enjoyed the comedy of mishaps and that the characters weren't perfect. There were a lot of great secondary characters in this story including secondary romances. They were fun, too. SO if you like a sweet, contemporary romance with cute humor and imperfect people, this story may just pick up your mood. I enjoyed it.
View all my reviews >>
Monday, March 15, 2010
My review of Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll and spotlight from B&B Media
Sometimes the person farthest away from you
is the one who’s closest to your heart.
Author Chris Coppernoll explores Broadway, Hollywood, love and online dating in his latest novel, Screen Play
Screen Play (David C. Cook 2010), the third novel from author Chris Coppernoll
At thirty, Harper fears her chances for a thriving acting career and finding true love are both fading fast. After a devastating year of unemployment and isolation in Chicago, Harper is offered an unexpected role in a Broadway play—as understudy to New York’s biggest diva––and everything in Harper's world changes.
Harper also hopes to find love in NYC, but when it doesn't happen, she reluctantly signs up to an online matchmaking site. Frustration mounts when the only match Harper is even remotely interested in lives in a remote territory on the opposite coast, thousands of miles away. A faith conversation during her year in Chicago shapes how Harper sees everything. She wants to see God at work in her life, but His ways are mysterious, and she's faced with challenges in the secular world of Broadway. Harper feels like an actress who doesn’t act and a woman in love with someone she's never even seen, but God's about to change all that.
Linked through the contemporary, text message world of internet dating, Harper learns it's possible to care for someone outside her own universe, even when that someone can't be touched, and ultimately how to love. She reaches out through the impersonal world of cyberspace and becomes more aware than ever of God reaching out to her. Sometimes the person farthest away from you, she discovers, is the one who's closest to your heart.
“Screen Play is a story about believing that God can do great things, even when we’re at our weakest,” say Coppernoll. “I hope readers will be swept up in Harper’s story instantly and that their excitement won’t let up until the very last page.”
Romantic Times Online Magazine has given Screen Play 4 ½ stars and selected the novel as a “Top Pick”.
Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll
David C Cook/January 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6482-9/342 pages/softcover/$14.99
My review:
Chris Coppernoll's contemporary romance "Screen Play" was thoroughly entertaining. And like any good romance, it made my heart pitter-patter and soar on more than one occasion. Add a little suspense, and the captivating effect was perfect.
I adored this story because I got lost in it's pages and lived in an entertaining alternate reality while I was reading. The character development was impeccable and the faith element was perfectly done. I said this before, but the romance literally took my breath away. Seriously. I can see why this novel got such a high rating from Romantic Times. It was a perfect novel in many respects. Several times I'd even forgotten it was written by a man because the author clearly understands a woman's heart. That, in and of itself, is impressive.
I also loved the setting. The various details in each portion of the book were so well developed and researched that I felt like I was in the story. I was Harper and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. She was one of the most believable and lovable modern era heroines I've found in a book in a long time. I also loved the secondary characters. Their drama gripped my heart and I loved how everything played out with it's highs and lows. Harper was such a good friend, but it went both ways. Avril was also there for Harper when she needed support. Did I mention that I was enthralled with this story?
The plot, the characters, everything about this story reeks of a novel that should be nominated for an award of some kind. If I had a chance to vote on a nomination, "Screen Play" would get mine...hands down.
Screen Play was published by Cook and release in January 2010.
***Thanks Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist at B&B Media Group for sending me the review copy of this book.
This book is making my favorite novel for 2010 list.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Now I'm giving away As Young As We Feel by Melody Carlson!
To enter your name for a chance to win simply post a comment about someone in your classroom growing up who had the same name as you and if it was an issue. If so, how did you handle it? I'll select a winner with the Randomizer program next Sunday.
For me, there weren't that many Michelle's that I can recall until I was in high school and by then it was no biggie as we changed classes so we weren't in the same class for long. I do know a girl named Jessica whose situation was that there were so many Jessica's in her class she started going by the nickname OJ (for other Jessica). Cute, eh?
About the book:
Once upon a time in the little town on the Oregon coast, there were four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever. But that was 47 years and four lives ago. Now a class reunion has brought them all—the New York lawyer, the empty nester, the frustrated artist, and the aging starlet—together again in their old hometown, at a crossroads in their lives. They’re about to explore the invigorating reality that even the most eventful life has second acts…and there’s no statute of limitations on friendship.
My thoughts:
I have this book on my TBR pile but haven't had a chance to crack it open yet. The premise sounds cute, though.
For me, there weren't that many Michelle's that I can recall until I was in high school and by then it was no biggie as we changed classes so we weren't in the same class for long. I do know a girl named Jessica whose situation was that there were so many Jessica's in her class she started going by the nickname OJ (for other Jessica). Cute, eh?
About the book:
Once upon a time in the little town on the Oregon coast, there were four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever. But that was 47 years and four lives ago. Now a class reunion has brought them all—the New York lawyer, the empty nester, the frustrated artist, and the aging starlet—together again in their old hometown, at a crossroads in their lives. They’re about to explore the invigorating reality that even the most eventful life has second acts…and there’s no statute of limitations on friendship.
My thoughts:
I have this book on my TBR pile but haven't had a chance to crack it open yet. The premise sounds cute, though.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
My review of Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan
My review:
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Walking on Broken Glass was incredible. I haven't reviewed such an honest and insightful novel in years. Having worked in several rehabs in the past I can attest to the fact that this author has done her research. She has masterfully captured the heart of someone who has had so much pain in her life that she did whatever was necessary to deaden the pain. Without the Lord, however, that usually ends up manifested in self-destructive behavior, such as addiction. I loved how the author showed clearly how families directly influence behavior. If a parent was withdrawn, people often marry a person who is equally withdrawn or passive. It's not what they want, but it's all they know.
I loved that this book gave Leah a voice and she was able to discover who she was underneath her various roles and her stuffed pain. The reader discovers her heart right along with her. And the responses she feels to those revelations is so genuine. There is no fluffy Christian-sounding denial here. While Jesus heals, this story shows that we must work at recovery (of any sort) and that faith is there to gives us legs to stand on, but we must still take each step. I loved that about this book. I also loved the issues between her and her husband. I've met so many women who have just submitted to "get it over with" and then they wonder why they despise their spouse when the layer of numbing addiction is removed.
This novel impressed me so much that it is making my best of 2010 fiction list. More Christian fiction should be this real. The faith journey was perfectly done and the ending made sense. I'd love to see a sequel to this story, but if there isn't one, I'm still satisfied. I am definitely paying attention when this author has new releases and I'm going to review each title as they come out. Walking on Broken Glass is highly recommended, especially for readers who know people who are struggling with addiction and want to understand them better.
View all my reviews >>
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Walking on Broken Glass was incredible. I haven't reviewed such an honest and insightful novel in years. Having worked in several rehabs in the past I can attest to the fact that this author has done her research. She has masterfully captured the heart of someone who has had so much pain in her life that she did whatever was necessary to deaden the pain. Without the Lord, however, that usually ends up manifested in self-destructive behavior, such as addiction. I loved how the author showed clearly how families directly influence behavior. If a parent was withdrawn, people often marry a person who is equally withdrawn or passive. It's not what they want, but it's all they know.
I loved that this book gave Leah a voice and she was able to discover who she was underneath her various roles and her stuffed pain. The reader discovers her heart right along with her. And the responses she feels to those revelations is so genuine. There is no fluffy Christian-sounding denial here. While Jesus heals, this story shows that we must work at recovery (of any sort) and that faith is there to gives us legs to stand on, but we must still take each step. I loved that about this book. I also loved the issues between her and her husband. I've met so many women who have just submitted to "get it over with" and then they wonder why they despise their spouse when the layer of numbing addiction is removed.
This novel impressed me so much that it is making my best of 2010 fiction list. More Christian fiction should be this real. The faith journey was perfectly done and the ending made sense. I'd love to see a sequel to this story, but if there isn't one, I'm still satisfied. I am definitely paying attention when this author has new releases and I'm going to review each title as they come out. Walking on Broken Glass is highly recommended, especially for readers who know people who are struggling with addiction and want to understand them better.
View all my reviews >>
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Blog tour stop for Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren - with review and contest link!
About the author:
Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep's Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.
About the book:
Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they'll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, shell learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.
My review:
Incredibly romantic, tragically beautiful, heart-wrenching, and deeply moving, Sons of Thunder swept me away. This first novel in Susan's new series pulls you into each of the characters' lives in a powerful way. The passion, the heartache, the longing for love and acceptance. It's all in this story as well as the struggle to survive, the yearning for identity, the desire for someone Who will love you and always be there for you. This passionate tale of love and betrayal brilliantly portrays how an abiding faith in God is passed on by example and illustrated through an unwavering spiritual connection to the One Who is faithful and true. It also shows how God knows are greatest need and often allows us to go through the fire to bring us to where He wants us to be. Our trials cause us to grow up and live for others and not just ourselves.
There were so many incredible lessons to be gleaned within the pages of this powerful story that I could go on and on. The bottom line is that this was, in my opinion, Susan May Warren's best novel yet because she captivated me and made me care about every character in this story in a way that rarely happens when I'm reading. I've heard it said that the best stories are ones where the author imagines the worst thing that could happen to their character in every scene, then makes that very thing happen. Susan does a perfect job at building tension and providing a realistic plot that moved me to tears several times. And talk about edgy. Wow! But so tastefully done. These characters were so real to me and I learned a lot from them. Can you tell I loved this book? Sons of Thunder is making my top fiction list for 2010.
Thank you, Litfuse, for providing this great book for me to read!
CONTEST !
Be sure to check out Susan's fun contest for the book's release: We all have past histories and thus stories from our own heritage – while they might not all be as sweeping and dramatic as that of Sons of Thunder’s Sofia and the Stravos brothers (these brothers are hot!), your family history is a treasure nonetheless.
Well – let’s hear those stories! Were your great-grandparents ‘fresh off the boat’? Was your great uncle a war hero? Did your grandmother make unbelievable sacrifices to help or protect the family? Did your father harbor a family secret until his death? Are you related to someone famous? Do you have a family treasure? Whatever it is that is unique in your family history – share your story HERE! (click on the SHARE button) One grand prize winner will receive:
• Memory Prize package containing a gift certificate to create your own hard cover photo book
• 6 month membership to Netflix (to satisfy that flick fix!)
• Signed copy of Sons of Thunder!
5 runners up will also win signed copies of Sons of Thunder!
You can also be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!
TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)
Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack!http://ow.ly/1digM
Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep's Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.
About the book:
Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they'll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, shell learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.
My review:
Incredibly romantic, tragically beautiful, heart-wrenching, and deeply moving, Sons of Thunder swept me away. This first novel in Susan's new series pulls you into each of the characters' lives in a powerful way. The passion, the heartache, the longing for love and acceptance. It's all in this story as well as the struggle to survive, the yearning for identity, the desire for someone Who will love you and always be there for you. This passionate tale of love and betrayal brilliantly portrays how an abiding faith in God is passed on by example and illustrated through an unwavering spiritual connection to the One Who is faithful and true. It also shows how God knows are greatest need and often allows us to go through the fire to bring us to where He wants us to be. Our trials cause us to grow up and live for others and not just ourselves.
There were so many incredible lessons to be gleaned within the pages of this powerful story that I could go on and on. The bottom line is that this was, in my opinion, Susan May Warren's best novel yet because she captivated me and made me care about every character in this story in a way that rarely happens when I'm reading. I've heard it said that the best stories are ones where the author imagines the worst thing that could happen to their character in every scene, then makes that very thing happen. Susan does a perfect job at building tension and providing a realistic plot that moved me to tears several times. And talk about edgy. Wow! But so tastefully done. These characters were so real to me and I learned a lot from them. Can you tell I loved this book? Sons of Thunder is making my top fiction list for 2010.
Thank you, Litfuse, for providing this great book for me to read!
CONTEST !
Be sure to check out Susan's fun contest for the book's release: We all have past histories and thus stories from our own heritage – while they might not all be as sweeping and dramatic as that of Sons of Thunder’s Sofia and the Stravos brothers (these brothers are hot!), your family history is a treasure nonetheless.
Well – let’s hear those stories! Were your great-grandparents ‘fresh off the boat’? Was your great uncle a war hero? Did your grandmother make unbelievable sacrifices to help or protect the family? Did your father harbor a family secret until his death? Are you related to someone famous? Do you have a family treasure? Whatever it is that is unique in your family history – share your story HERE! (click on the SHARE button) One grand prize winner will receive:
• Memory Prize package containing a gift certificate to create your own hard cover photo book
• 6 month membership to Netflix (to satisfy that flick fix!)
• Signed copy of Sons of Thunder!
5 runners up will also win signed copies of Sons of Thunder!
You can also be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!
TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)
Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack!http://ow.ly/1digM
Video book review of Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
Here is a new thing I'm doing with a friend of mine. We're talking books and taping it live. Our segment is about 10 minutes in to this 17 minute video. It's hilarious. If you want to see me talking with Shawneda about books then sit back and check it out. If you don't want to watch the whole thing then just slide the button until it gets to 9:59 and that is when our discussion starts.
Watch live streaming video from activistauthortv at livestream.com
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Video book review of Dreams that Won't Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams
The book discussion begins at 1:49 into the video. The first section freezes a bit and there are a few technical difficulties but overall it was fun.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Now I'm giving away Once in a Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis
Well, this is going to be a tricky one to do a question for so to enter for a chance to win this book how about you post a comment about anyone you know who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. If nothing fits this then just read the description and just say why you want to read this book. I have no comment because I haven't read it, nor do I have the book, but I have read two other books by Ellis and she is good at writing about grief and tugging on your heartstrings. I will select a winner with the Randomizer program next Sunday!
About the book:
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later—divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical—she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon.
About the book:
Bryn Seymour was nine years old when her mother died under mysterious circumstances on the same day Apollo 11 made its historic lunar landing. Forty years later—divorced, working as an obituary writer, and duly cynical—she meets Howard, a conspiracy theorist who knew her mom and believes a small Texas town may hold clues to what really fueled her demise. Seeking closure, Bryn goes along for this men-in-black ride. But upon meeting Howard’s son Sam, an outspoken Christian, she can’t decide whose beliefs are more pie-in-the-sky.The gravity of life has pulled Bryn down for decades. But a perfect love could be her first step to soaring. It only happens once in a blue moon.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Book video trailer for Never Without Hope by Michelle Sutton
Those familiar with my "temptation" story will recognize this immediately. This novel will be available for purchase in July 2010 and yes, it's a paperback.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
My review of Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren!
My review:
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Incredibly romantic, tragically beautiful, heart-wrenching, and deeply moving, Sons of Thunder swept me away. This first novel in Susan's new series pulls you into each of the characters' lives in a powerful way. The passion, the heartache, the longing for love and acceptance. It's all in this story as well as the struggle to survive, the yearning for identity, the desire for someone Who will love you and always be there for you. This passionate tale of love and betrayal brilliantly portrays how an abiding faith in God is passed on by example and illustrated through an unwavering spiritual connection to the One Who is faithful and true. It also shows how God knows are greatest need and often allows us to go through the fire to bring us to where He wants us to be. Our trials cause us to grow up and live for others and not just ourselves.
There were so many incredible lessons to be gleaned within the pages of this powerful story that I could go on and on. The bottom line is that this was, in my opinion, Susan May Warren's best novel yet because she captivated me and made me care about every character in this story in a way that rarely happens when I'm reading. I've heard it said that the best stories are ones where the author imagines the worst thing that could happen to their character in every scene, then makes that very thing happen. Susan does a perfect job at building tension and providing a realistic plot that moved me to tears several times. And talk about edgy. Wow! But so tastefully done. These characters were so real to me and I learned a lot from them. Can you tell I loved this book? Sons of Thunder is making my top fiction list for 2010.
View all my reviews >>
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Incredibly romantic, tragically beautiful, heart-wrenching, and deeply moving, Sons of Thunder swept me away. This first novel in Susan's new series pulls you into each of the characters' lives in a powerful way. The passion, the heartache, the longing for love and acceptance. It's all in this story as well as the struggle to survive, the yearning for identity, the desire for someone Who will love you and always be there for you. This passionate tale of love and betrayal brilliantly portrays how an abiding faith in God is passed on by example and illustrated through an unwavering spiritual connection to the One Who is faithful and true. It also shows how God knows are greatest need and often allows us to go through the fire to bring us to where He wants us to be. Our trials cause us to grow up and live for others and not just ourselves.
There were so many incredible lessons to be gleaned within the pages of this powerful story that I could go on and on. The bottom line is that this was, in my opinion, Susan May Warren's best novel yet because she captivated me and made me care about every character in this story in a way that rarely happens when I'm reading. I've heard it said that the best stories are ones where the author imagines the worst thing that could happen to their character in every scene, then makes that very thing happen. Susan does a perfect job at building tension and providing a realistic plot that moved me to tears several times. And talk about edgy. Wow! But so tastefully done. These characters were so real to me and I learned a lot from them. Can you tell I loved this book? Sons of Thunder is making my top fiction list for 2010.
View all my reviews >>
Monday, March 01, 2010
March 2010 new releases by ACFW authors!
1. A Distant Melody, Wings of Glory, Book One by Sarah Sundin An historical from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Allie is promised to a man she doesn't love, but a B-17 pilot captures her heart--will she honor her family's wishes or take a chance on love?
2. A Woman Called Sage by Diann Mills An historical from Zondervan. A woman bounty hunter fights bitterness and revenge to find the killers of her husband.
3. Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett Women's fiction from Tyndale. A moving story about women helping women and lives changed across continents, inspired by a non-profit organization of the same name.
4. Beguiled by Deanne Gist and J. Mark Bertranda> A suspense/mystery/thriller from Bethany House. A dog-walker and a journalist pursue a thief (and each other) in atmospheric Charleston.
5. Cowboy Protector by Margaret Daley A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. When Hannah Williams comes to help Austin Taylor with his injured daughter, she draws him into an intrigue that threatens their relationship--and their lives.
6. Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Abingdon. Trapped by a terrorist plot in Mumbai!.
7. Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Goddard A Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents. Contractor Andi Nielsen has another chance to discover what Ãs hidden inside the missile base she was hired to remodel. Is she prepared to detonate her feelings for the new owner?
8. Fatal Burn; Big Sky Secrets, Book 2 by Roxanne Rustand A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. In Montana's wide open spaces, danger and love are waiting....
9. Forget Me Not, Crossroads Crisis Center series, Book 1 by Vicki Hinze A Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook-Multnomah. Someone's robbed her of her identity and goes to great lengths to convince her she's someone else; someone who wants her dead.
10. Gold in the Fire/Light in the Storm by Margaret Daley A Romance from Love Inspired. Stories of love and loyalty
11. Groom in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin A Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired. Friends, Four-legged Friends and Love.
12. Kansas Courtship, After The Storm, No. 3 by Victoria Bylin An Historical Romance from Love Inspired. Dr. Nora Mitchell came to heal the town of High Plains. She stayed to heal Zeb Garrison's heart.
13. Katie's Redemption, The Brides of Amish Country by Patricia Davids A Romance from Love Inspired. A young woman returns to her Amish roots but can she find her way back to her faith.
14. Katy's New World, Katy Lambright Series by Kim Vogel Sawyer General Fiction from Zondervan. An Old Order Mennonite girl holds to her convictions while attending public high school.
15. Liberty's Promise by Amber Stockton An Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents. Feel the heartbeat of a chaotic new country through the lives of three Pennsylvania women who seek to know to whom they can entrust their hearts.
16. Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon by Miralee Ferrell A Romance from Summerside Press. A schoolteacher must choose between a man from her past and one who could be her future, while risking her reputation to rescue two runaway orphaned children.
17. Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson A Romance from Summerside Press. A widowed father and his young daughter find healing and hope in the communal Amana Colonies.
18. Morning's Refrain, Book 2 in Song of Alaska series by Tracie Peterson An Historical from Bethany House. Adventure and Romance in 1800's Sitka, Alaska.
19. Once in a Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis Women's Fiction from B&H Publishing. Faith is the first step to soaring.
20. Romance by the Book by Myra Johnson A Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents. A shy young woman's crush on her favorite romance author leads her to the man who will finally claim her heart.
21. Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot An Historical from Revell. Tragedy broke her spirit -- will love mend her heart?
22. The Captain's Lady by Louise M. Gouge An Historical from Steeple Hill. Torn between love and duty, American Patriot James Templeton must deny his heart to help win his country's freedom.
23. The Easter Edition by Robin Shope A romance from White Rose. Bridal shop owner Carol Horn feels she will never find a love of her own until a new pastor comes to town, turning up by accident at her mother's funeral.
24. The Family Way by Michelle Levigne A romance from Desert Breeze Publishing. Pregnancy brings their shaky marriage to the breaking point, and Lisa and Todd must rediscover their love, their faith, and what true marriage means.
25. The Mockingbird's Call by Diane Ashby and Aaron McCarver
A Romance from Barbour. Amelia Montgomery, torn between her family's traditions and her own convictions against slavery, must also choose between her duty and her heart as she works for the Underground Railroad.
26. The Promise of Morning, Book 2, At Home in Beldon Grove series by Ann Shorey An Historical from Revell. When loss drives them apart, can their faith bring them back together?.
2. A Woman Called Sage by Diann Mills An historical from Zondervan. A woman bounty hunter fights bitterness and revenge to find the killers of her husband.
3. Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett Women's fiction from Tyndale. A moving story about women helping women and lives changed across continents, inspired by a non-profit organization of the same name.
4. Beguiled by Deanne Gist and J. Mark Bertranda> A suspense/mystery/thriller from Bethany House. A dog-walker and a journalist pursue a thief (and each other) in atmospheric Charleston.
5. Cowboy Protector by Margaret Daley A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. When Hannah Williams comes to help Austin Taylor with his injured daughter, she draws him into an intrigue that threatens their relationship--and their lives.
6. Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Abingdon. Trapped by a terrorist plot in Mumbai!.
7. Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Goddard A Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents. Contractor Andi Nielsen has another chance to discover what Ãs hidden inside the missile base she was hired to remodel. Is she prepared to detonate her feelings for the new owner?
8. Fatal Burn; Big Sky Secrets, Book 2 by Roxanne Rustand A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. In Montana's wide open spaces, danger and love are waiting....
9. Forget Me Not, Crossroads Crisis Center series, Book 1 by Vicki Hinze A Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook-Multnomah. Someone's robbed her of her identity and goes to great lengths to convince her she's someone else; someone who wants her dead.
10. Gold in the Fire/Light in the Storm by Margaret Daley A Romance from Love Inspired. Stories of love and loyalty
11. Groom in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin A Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired. Friends, Four-legged Friends and Love.
12. Kansas Courtship, After The Storm, No. 3 by Victoria Bylin An Historical Romance from Love Inspired. Dr. Nora Mitchell came to heal the town of High Plains. She stayed to heal Zeb Garrison's heart.
13. Katie's Redemption, The Brides of Amish Country by Patricia Davids A Romance from Love Inspired. A young woman returns to her Amish roots but can she find her way back to her faith.
14. Katy's New World, Katy Lambright Series by Kim Vogel Sawyer General Fiction from Zondervan. An Old Order Mennonite girl holds to her convictions while attending public high school.
15. Liberty's Promise by Amber Stockton An Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents. Feel the heartbeat of a chaotic new country through the lives of three Pennsylvania women who seek to know to whom they can entrust their hearts.
16. Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon by Miralee Ferrell A Romance from Summerside Press. A schoolteacher must choose between a man from her past and one who could be her future, while risking her reputation to rescue two runaway orphaned children.
17. Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson A Romance from Summerside Press. A widowed father and his young daughter find healing and hope in the communal Amana Colonies.
18. Morning's Refrain, Book 2 in Song of Alaska series by Tracie Peterson An Historical from Bethany House. Adventure and Romance in 1800's Sitka, Alaska.
19. Once in a Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis Women's Fiction from B&H Publishing. Faith is the first step to soaring.
20. Romance by the Book by Myra Johnson A Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents. A shy young woman's crush on her favorite romance author leads her to the man who will finally claim her heart.
21. Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot An Historical from Revell. Tragedy broke her spirit -- will love mend her heart?
22. The Captain's Lady by Louise M. Gouge An Historical from Steeple Hill. Torn between love and duty, American Patriot James Templeton must deny his heart to help win his country's freedom.
23. The Easter Edition by Robin Shope A romance from White Rose. Bridal shop owner Carol Horn feels she will never find a love of her own until a new pastor comes to town, turning up by accident at her mother's funeral.
24. The Family Way by Michelle Levigne A romance from Desert Breeze Publishing. Pregnancy brings their shaky marriage to the breaking point, and Lisa and Todd must rediscover their love, their faith, and what true marriage means.
25. The Mockingbird's Call by Diane Ashby and Aaron McCarver
A Romance from Barbour. Amelia Montgomery, torn between her family's traditions and her own convictions against slavery, must also choose between her duty and her heart as she works for the Underground Railroad.
26. The Promise of Morning, Book 2, At Home in Beldon Grove series by Ann Shorey An Historical from Revell. When loss drives them apart, can their faith bring them back together?.
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