Blog tour stop for No Greater Love by Kathi Macias here with bonus review!

About the book:



Forbidden romance, an unlikely martyr and an even more unlikely hero. Orphaned four years earlier when their parents, active in the African National Congress ANC movement against apartheid, were murdered16-year-old Chioma and her 15-year-old brother Masozi now live and work on an Afrikaner family's farm. When Chioma and Andrew, the farm owners son, find themselves attracted to one another, tragedy revisits their lives. Chioma escapes to join an ANC rebel band in her effort to survive and gain revenge for her family and culture. When cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, Chioma must choose between violence and revenge or forgiveness and selfless love. Loosely based on historical events and set near Pretoria, South Africa, in the violent upheaval prior to ANC leader Nelson Mandelas release from prison in 1990 and his ascendance to the presidency of South Africa, this story of forbidden romance produces an unlikely martyr who is replaced by one even more unlikely.

My review:

No Greater Love is an amazing tale about the troubled heart of a young South African woman who learns the meaning of sacrificial love from people she least expected. This story is similar to Scared by Tom Davis, which I adored, except that No Great Love deals with Apartheid and true Christian faith as opposed to the AIDS epidemic. This story begins in a powerful way and I was enthralled with the storyline. Then I read in disbelief as the world around this young woman crumbled. I wasn't sure how the author would be able to keep me reading after the devastation that occurred. But I was curious and kept reading only to discover that the story continued just as powerfully even with an entirely different set of circumstances. I could not stop reading this story and was emotionally moved by the plot and the amazing characterization. The pacing was excellent and the spiritual thread was strong. This is a novel that is life-giving and inspiring. Just how willing are we to be used of God despite the potentially negative consequences that might occur from our obedience? This wonderful story makes you think hard on that subject. I highly recommended it!

No Greater Love was published by New Hope and released in April 2010.

Final final cover for Never Without Hope (my July 2010 release)

Isn't it beautiful???

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers blog tour stop here with bonus review!

About the book:

The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Marta’s experiences convince her that only the strong survive. Hildie, Marta’s oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her vow. Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.

My review:

I've been waiting for years to read a new release by Francine Rivers and this book went beyond my expectations. It left me breathless. The thing I love so much about Francine's storytelling is that her characters are so realistic and three dimensional that you can't help but care about them even when they are stubborn and difficult and make bad decisions.

Her Mother's Hope is a story of joy and heartache, of lessons learned as well as regrets that can't be changed, but most of all it's a novel of faith and the legacy that is passed on to children. It's so cool how the characters in this story experienced faith journeys in different ways. Some had no faith at all and some were angry with God. Others remain faithful and ministered to an entire community by offering love to them through acts of grace and service. I got choked up so many times I lost count. It started with the teacher overhearing Hildie telling her sister they needed to pray for her because she was hurting. I'd say my eyes leaked tears five or six times, at least. And all for different reasons.

The author really knows how to get you to feel for her characters. I read the last four hundred pages straight through in one day. I was 100% invested in the characters' fictional lives. I cheered for them and grieved with them. This is a powerful story that has it's heart-tugging moments that are as unforgettable as the beautiful romances within the pages. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series!

Though it was a bit long for a novel (over 500 pages) it didn't drag at all and in my opinion it was the perfect length because I really got to know the characters over the course of the four generations that transpired. That is a very effective technique in helping me to better understand a family's dysfunction then just showing everything in the present day and talking about the past. Now I'm just itching for more. One year seems awfully far away!

Her Mother's Hope was published by Tyndale and released in March 2010.

* A copy of this book was provided by Tyndale publishers for this blogger to review.

Now I'm giving away The Spoils of Eden by Linda Lee Chaikin!

To enter this weeks chance to win this book, simply post a comment. I will select the winner next Sunday using the Randomizer program. Please read the description below and answer this question...

What do you think about that law on the books in Hawaii. If your job required you to remove a child from their adoptive family for a reason you didn't agree with, what would you do? I've had to do this a time or two myself when I worked for CPS. I would encourage the parents to exercise their right to a fair hearing within five days of removal if I thought they had a chance of winning. Usually when I did this, they were able to get their children back. Sometimes the laws aren't fair. That's why we have courts, to fight it when the system doesn't work right. Now what do you think?

About the book:

Amid the looming spiritual and political crisis in Hawaii, Eden Derrington and Rafe Easton are  thrust into a conflict that will forever change their beloved Hawaii and threaten to derail their future marriage. When Eden, representing the Hawaiian Board of Health at Kalihi Leper Hospital is sent to Rafe’s plantation to take baby Kip  to Kalihi to quarantine him  indefinitely, an emotional volcano of  suspected betrayal threatens to turn their love relationship to ashes.

Someone has alerted  the Board that the baby Rafe saved and brought to Honolulu came from the Kalawao leper colony.Since the law strictly forbids children born of lepers from being adopted  Kip’s future seems destined toward tragedy. And what of  Eden and Rafe after their engagement is broken? When Eden’s father, Dr. Jerome, returns to open a  clinic at Kalawao, she joins her father, leaving Rafe to run for the legislature and attempt to change the children’s law.

My thoughts:

I don't have this book so I can't review it for this promo. I have not read any of the author's books either.

Did you love the book Demon; A Memoir by Tosca Lee?

Ever wonder what happened to Clay at the end of the book? Here is what Tosca has to say about it...

What happened to Clay at the end of Demon? (SPOILER ALERT) from dfacto media on Vimeo.

Blog tour stop for A Distant Melody (hosted by Litfuse) with review!

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.


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 England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel.

For more info please visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com!

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 and for Litfuse including me in their tour as well!

The Sword by Bryan M. Litfin is up on CFBA, with bonus review!

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


The SwordCrossway Books (April 30, 2010)by


Bryan M. Litfin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bryan Litfin was born in Dallas, but lived in Memphis, Tennessee and Oxford, England, where he discovered that the house of his favorite author, J.R.R. Tolkien, was only five doors down from his own. Bryan still enjoys epic adventure stories, as well as historical fiction. However, most of his reading these days is taken up by academia.

After marrying his high school sweetheart, Carolyn (a true Southern belle), he went on to study for a master’s degree in historical theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. From there he went to the University of Virginia, taking a PhD in the field of ancient church history. He is the author of Getting to Know the Church Fathers: An Evangelical Introduction (Brazos, 2007), as well as several scholarly articles and essays.

In 2002, Bryan took a position on the faculty at Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago, where he is a professor in the Theology Department. He teaches courses in theology, church history, and Western civilization from the ancient and medieval periods.

On the morning of January 6, 2007, Bryan woke up with an epiphany. Having finished writing his primer on the ancient church, he had the idea of trying his hand at fiction. The thought occurred to him that the writer of speculative fiction typically has two options. He can create an imaginary land like Middle Earth (which offers great creative freedom but is unrealistic), or he can delve into genuine history (which is realistic, yet limted to what ‘actually occurred.’) However, if a writer were to create a future world as in the Chiveis trilogy, it could be both realistic and creatively unlimited.

This little dream stayed in Bryan’s mind while he researched how to write fiction, and also researched the European landscape where the novel would be set. He planned a trip to the story locations, then went there in the summer with a buddy from grad school. Bryan and Jeff rented a Beemer and drove all over Europe from the Alps to the Black Forest with a video camera in hand. With that epic setting fresh in his mind, Bryan returned home and began to write.

Today Bryan lives in downtown Wheaton in a Victorian house built in 1887. He is blessed by God to be married to Carolyn, and to be the father of two amazing children, William, 11, and Anna, 9. For recreation Bryan enjoys basketball, traveling, and hiking anywhere there are mountains (which means getting far away from the Midwest – preferably to his beloved Smokies).


ABOUT THE BOOK

This novel of page-turning action and adventure poses the question, "If a society had no knowledge of Christianity, and then a Bible were discovered, what would happen?"

Four hundred years after a deadly virus and nuclear war destroyed the modern world, a new and noble civilization emerges. In this kingdom, called Chiveis, snowcapped mountains provide protection, and fields and livestock provide food. The people live medieval-style lives, with almost no knowledge of the "ancient" world. Safe in their natural stronghold, the Chiveisi have everything they need, even their own religion. Christianity has been forgotten—until a young army scout comes across a strange book.

With that discovery, this work of speculative fiction takes readers on a journey that encompasses adventure, romance, and the revelation of the one true God. Through compelling narrative and powerful character development, The Sword speaks to God's goodness, his refusal to tolerate sin, man's need to bow before him, and the eternality and power of his Word. Fantasy and adventure readers will be hooked by this first book in a forthcoming trilogy.

Visit the book website at The Sword to see amazing videos and a wealth of information about the trilogy!


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Sword, go to HERE


My review:

Similar in theme to the first novel, The Paradise War, in a trilogy by Stephen Lawhead titled The Song of Albion trilogy, The Sword by Bryan M. Litfin was incredibly addictive reading. It has been years since I pushed through a 400+ page novel until I finished because I didn't want to stop reading.

Part fantasy, and part medieval setting, The Sword transported me to another realm where it was the future, yet the story read like an Arthurian tale, only better. It felt more like historical fiction than the Planet of the Apes futuristic, because the setting resembled the dark ages with its swords and horses and general mayhem. In this story our modern culture/people were known as the ancients. I found The Sword to be compelling and emotionally gripping. It had non-stop action and intrigue as well.

The spiritual richness and analogies in this tale were powerful, too. It reminded me a lot of the first century church where believers had to deny their faith or be tortured and die. And the most amazing thing of all about this debut novel was that it read like it was written by an experienced, multi-published novelist. The plotting was superb, the setting believable, and the romance compelling. There was nothing weak about this novel. It was creative as well as insightful and theologically deep.

I highly recommend this book. The Sword the kind of story that really makes you think and it's a terrific beginning to a fantastic series. Novels that I can't get out of my head are the types of books I enjoy most (regardless of their genre), so that is one of the reasons it's making my best fiction of 2010 list. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in the series when it releases next year.

The Sword was published by Crossway books and released in April 2010.

Now I'm giving away Eye of the God by Ariel Allison

This week will be a fun question. To enter for a chance to win this book simply post a comment about your favorite Smithsonian museum and why you like it best. I will have the Randomizer program select a winner from all of the entrants next Sunday. My favorite Smithsonian is the one for American history (not natural history) because I enjoyed viewing all of the artifacts they had from famous people, presidents, etc. on display.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eye of the god takes the fascinating history surrounding the Hope Diamond and weaves it together with a present-day plot to steal the jewel from the Smithsonian Institute.

We follow Alex and Isaac Weld, the most lucrative jewel thieves in the world, in their quest to steal the gem, which according to legend was once the eye of a Hindu idol named Rama Sita. When it was stolen in the 17th century, it is said that the idol cursed all those who would possess it. That won’t stop the brilliant and ruthless Weld brothers.

However, they are not prepared for Dr. Abigail Mitchell, the beautiful Smithsonian Director, who has her own connection to the Hope Diamond and a deadly secret to keep. Abby committed long ago that she would not serve a god made with human hands, and the “eye of the god” is no exception. Her desire is not for wealth, but for wisdom. She seeks not power, but restoration.

When the dust settles over the last great adventure of the Hope Diamond, readers will understand the “curse” that has haunted its legacy is nothing more than the greed of evil men who bring destruction upon themselves. No god chiseled from stone can direct the fates of humankind, nor can it change the course of God’s story.

My thoughts:

I have not read this book yet but I had an extra ARC that I gave to a friend who isn't not a church-going person. She loved this book. I plan to read it myself one of these days so I'm holding on to the other ARC. The reader I gave the other copy to is picky and she loved it and gave it to one of her friends to read. That's spreading the word among the masses.

My review of Queen of Hearts by K. Dawn Byrd.

About the book:

Daphne Dean is proud to be serving her country stateside during WWII as a reporter and an Office of Strategic Services operative. When the photograph she takes of the crowd at a murder scene places her on the mob's hit list, she's forced into hiding in a vacant mental asylum in the middle of nowhere with terrifying secrets of its own.

Daphne believed herself to still be in love with her ex-fiancée, Kenneth, until she spends several days locked away in the asylum with Vito, the mob boss' son. Can she put the terrifying events that occurred there behind her and allow herself to pursue a relationship with Vito? Or, will she return to Kenneth who has turned his back on his country by becoming a draft dodger and a black market racketeer? One thing's for sure, it won't matter if she can't escape the mental institution alive.

My review:

Queen of Hearts is a blend of so many things that it really held my interest. It had elements of Dick Tracy, Psycho, The Godfather, and more recently, Shutter Island. If you enjoy suspenseful stories set during WWII (stateside) that have moments where you'll feel like you're as scared as the heroine is, then you'll love this story. I personally prefer romantic elements in romantic suspense, and this story had a lot of that, too. It was tasty enough to keep me reading.

I was seriously torn and unsure for quite a while about who the bad guy was. At different times I liked them both. The author did a fabulous job of making you want her to run from both of them on occasion since each man told her the other guy was dangerous. It wasn't super-obvious who the real enemy was, and I loved that. It had me guessing for most of the story and I was terrified along with her.

Those elements in this novel that reminded me of Shutter Island were eerie, but so well done that I couldn't stop reading. It is obvious that the author understands mental institutions and their histories. That made the setting even more authentic to me. Did I mention the mob involvement and dead bodies? Oy, this story had it all. It was a great read and highly entertaining, but also contained a faith element that was impossible to miss. I highly recommend this story. It's a terrific debut.

Queen of Hearts is an e-book and was released in April 2010 by Desert Breeze Publishing.

Blog Tour Spot tour stop for Love Mercy by Lisa Samson and Ty Samson

Love Mercy: A Mother and Daughter's Journey from the American Dream to the Kingdom of God by Lisa Samson


My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
I am not much of a non-fiction reader, however, there were parts of this novel that read like fiction, so they interested me the most. I also loved the illustrations and spiritual lessons that the authors applied to their lives. Lisa has a cute way of saying things at times that really speaks to my heart. I thought this was a good effort on both mother and daughter's part to show the world what they learned from their experiences as they followed the Scriptures about true religion, which is taking care of the orphans and the widows. A few spots in this book were slow and dragged a bit so I skimmed them. The font was a bit hard on my eyes as it was small and the cursive was a bit difficult to read at times as well. Overall, this was a good effort for communicating putting love into action. I also learned something from this book that made me think more about what is important. I also thought it was neat that Tom Davis was part of this book as well as Claudia Mair Burney. I really, really, really loved Tom Davis's novel, Scared. There were some illustrations in this book that were familiar already because I recalled reading them in Scared. The poverty in Swaziland is horrific, and thankfully Children's Hope Chest is an organization that is doing something about it.

View all my reviews >>

Kathi Macias is doing a writer's workshop!

 

Click here for more information

Contest to win free books April 14-30th. Let's celebrate!

Desert Breeze is celebrating their 1 year birthday this month and we have a fun contest for everyone to participate in on the blog.

The Contest starts on this Weds, April 14th and will run through Sun, April, 18th.  I'll announce the winner on Monday, April 19th.

Bookmark the Desert Breeze Blog because that's where the contest will be. Here's a link:

http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com

The contest will ask FIVE questions about Desert Breeze books and authors.  Post Your answers to the blog anytime while the contest is OPEN.  You can find the answers on the Desert Breeze Publishing site. (http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com)

You have to get all FIVE questions right to get your name put in the "hat."  I'll draw a name out of a hat to be the prize winner.

The Prize:

A set of autographed postcards

A gift certificate to the Desert Breeze store

A mousepad of a Desert Breeze Cover of your choice

Magnets of "Be Mused" and "The Hungarian."

Remember the contest starts on Weds, 14 APRIL at the DB Blog.

The final cover for book 2 in the series, Their Separate Ways.

Here is the final cover. I love it!!!

Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer is up on CFBA with bonus review!

This week, the


Christian Fiction Blog Alliance


is introducing


Wildflowers of TerezinAbingdon Press (April 2010)by


Robert Elmer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Elmer is a former pastor, reporter and as copywriter who now writes from he home he shares with his wife Ronda in northern Idaho. He is the author of over fifty books, including eight contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience and several series for younger readers. Combined, his books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Like his popular "Young Underground" youth series, Wildflowers of Terezin was inspired by stories Robert heard from his Denmark-born parents and family. When he's not sailing or enjoying the outdoors, Robert often travels the country speaking to school and writers groups.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When nurse Hanne Abrahamsen impulsively shields Steffen Petersen from a nosy Gestapo agent, she’s convinced the Lutheran pastor is involved in the Danish Underground. Nothing could be further from the truth.

But truth is hard to come by in the fall of 1943, when Copenhagen is placed under Martial Law and Denmark’s Jews—including Hanne—suddenly face deportation to the Nazi prison camp at Terezin, Czechoslovakia. Days darken and danger mounts. Steffen’s faith deepens as he takes greater risks to protect Hanne. But are either of them willing to pay the ultimate price for their love?

To read the first chapter of Wildflowers of Terezin, go HERE.



My review:

I read Wildflowers of Terezin quickly and enjoyed the story a lot. I am always inspired by novels set during the WWII era because of the many tales of courageous acts by citizens that can be found in their pages. So many valiant attempts to save targeted peoples such as the Jews are a rich part of that history. Some -- like Schindler -- were fairly successful, and many others died as a result of their passion to help others survive. The people who tried to help their fellow man at all costs are to be commended.

This story reminded me a bit of the story written about Corrie Ten Boom titled The Hiding Place, mainly because of their family's initial attempts to save their Jewish neighbors by hiding them in their home. And like Corrie's family, some of them ended up in camps themselves. I remember reading about Nazi propaganda in other novels and it never ceased to amaze me that the Third Reich went to such great lengths to deceive people. A lot of these stories can be found in the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC.


Wildflowers of Terezin moved at a brisk pace and contained enough realism and peril that it held my attention. It also had a nice underlying love story that kept me reading. There aren't many novels about Pastors set during WWII that show what they did to try and motivate parishioners to resist the Nazi influence, and that showed those activities that placed them at great risk. I'd recommend this story to people who enjoy historical fiction set in this era and like to read about people who try to do their part. There is a strong message about not sitting by and just letting bad things happen. I enjoyed that aspect of the story most.

Interview on video with Shawneda Marks - talking about good books online!

The interview begins with Shawneda and I discussing It's Not about Him, then breaks and goes into In Plain Sight and Never Without Hope, then ends with It's Not About Me. Fun video!


Watch the interview HERE

Now I'm giving away So Long Status Quo by Susy Flory

To enter for a chance to win this book simply post a comment that answers this question... Is there a woman in history who has inspired you to want to more to improve the world you live in? If so, who is this woman, and why does she inspire you? I'll pick a winner through the Randomizer program next Sunday.

About the book:

Susy Flory's life was a lot like her couch--comfy, slumberous, and safe. She was a happy suburban wife and mom who enjoyed her couch-like cocoon and avoided suffering and uncomfortable situations at all costs. Then she met Rosie... Eleanor...Elizabeth...and Jane. Now, her life will never be the same.

So Long, Status Quo is the powerful story of how nine amazing historical women inspired a suburban mom to abandon her safe, sheltered, vanilla existence for a life of passion, service, and significance. With challenging insight and honesty, Susy Flory shares about her struggles with selfishness and complacency and tells how the lives of these fascinating women challenged her to get up off her couch and embark on a quest for something more. Venturing into unusual and even dangerous places, she followed their example and found herself working alongside local immigrant farm workers, serving needy children on a secret humanitarian mission to Cuba, feeding homeless people at midnight, helping to reach out to sexually trafficked teens, and selling her jewelry to fund freshwater wells in Darfur, Sudan.

Inspiring, convicting, and transformational, So Long, Status Quo challenges women to examine their lives and answer this question: what are you doing to get God's work done in the world? Whether it's by sharing your faith like Perpetua or getting your hands dirty like Rosie the Riveter, Susy's story invites women of all ages to say goodbye to their old, couch-comfy lives and become women who make a difference in their world.

Comparing and contrasting. Narrowed down cover options.

Here is the deal. There are some themes and there are different effects. This top book is decided on. It WILL be the first cover for the first book. The second book deals with their lives as they leave the affair and return to their families and that is why it's titled Their Separate Ways. Now it's not a glorification of sin, but rather a look at the consequences of sin even when you repent and turn away from it. That said, these two covers below are consistent in theme for the books. The next two books are split covers to show them individually and how they are dealing with things emotionally. That's why the guy looks sad and the girl looks happy. One knows the Lord and the other does not. So the bottom two pics are the other options, however the pics for the first one (guy on top) cost five times more for the photos than the second one (guy on bottom). So this is it. It's either going to be one of the beds to go with the first book, or the split cover showing them separately. If we use the one with the people on the cover it needs to feel closest to the first book so people see that it is a series. Okay, now comments are appreciated. Even if the cover you like isn't picked, I hope you would still consider reading the novels in order, unless you are under 18. These stories contain adult situations and therefore and not appropriate for teens. I would rather not have a cover that teens would be attracted to for that reason. That's why the first cover has a bed on it. Thanks!

And the second set here...

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell is up on CFBA, plus bonus review!

This week, the





Christian Fiction Blog Alliance




is introducing




She Walks in BeautyBethany House (April 2010)by




Siri Mitchell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.


ABOUT THE BOOK

For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city's most eligible bachelor.

Debuting means plenty of work--there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity's spotlight turns Clara into a society-page darling.

Yet Clara soon wonders if this is the life she really wants. Especially when she learns her best friend has also set her sights on Franklin De Vries.

When a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is and gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it's not just her marriage at stake--the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.


If you would like to read the first chapter of She Walks in Beauty, go HERE.

My review:

I have been a fan of Siri Mitchell's since she wrote her first book. I've read every novel she has written since. Though I've loved many, I'm exceptionally attached to this one. The Gilded Age is something I've read about but never enjoyed in a novel. Siri brought this portion of history to life. She did an awesome job at showing the way high class society (at the time) viewed a woman's role, and the suffering that went into what was perceived as beautiful at that time.

I loved how the author made me experience the pain and discomfort of the corset. I always thought it barbaric and sheer torture like foot binding, but I never realized that women had to actually keep them on all the time. I couldn't imagine! I also loved how she brought faith into this novel in a completely authentic manner. It was a core part of Clara's search for meaning and I loved how this came out in the story. I also loved how Clara was an idealist despite her father's crooked ways. I found it believable how much Clara deplored her father's business practices and because of that, she determined to live an honest life.

Every time I read a book Siri has written I learn something new. This story was no exception. I found it to be very romantic and satisfying. I was firmly entrenched in the culture the entire time that I read this book. I adored the way the story ended as well. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone, but especially to teen girls dealing with issues of vanity and fashion as part of their age group's norms. Young ladies today aren't that much different than Clara, except that in Clara's case, the pressure came from the family and the culture. Modern young ladies put the pressure on themselves. The parallels are still impressive and that makes this book an excellent tool for inspiring young women. I loved, loved, loved it!

American Idol for covers here! Which cover sings the most. Please vote!

Think of this as American Idol for book covers. We're eliminating all but the best covers that fit the theme of the book. So which is your favorite of these and then the winner goes head to head with the favorite in the first series of five. Please explain why you love (or don't love) a cover. You guys are the best! Oh, and here is the revised description. PLEASE read first as it has altered slightly. Thanks!!!


Forgiveness is a beautiful thing when you experience it in marriage... But what if you don't?

What happened in the hearts of Tony Perotta and Hope Williams after the affair was exposed and they went their separate ways? Did they ever struggle with memories from their past relationship, or with wishing things would've turned out differently? Was trust ever restored in their homes after their lives crashed and burned around them? Did they ever heal enough to enjoy their marriages as before, or were they even worse off after their sin was revealed?

Their Separate Ways continues the saga the year after the exposure of Tony and Hope's extramarital affair. It's an honest and close-up look at the inner workings of each of their hearts as they reflect on the painful memories resulting from that devastating choice. Experience with them the vast difference between couples who know true forgiveness and who have hope, and those who don't.
       
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We're talking 'bout Revell fiction authors and books here...

Shawneda Marks and I do a monthly video review of several books at a time. In this edition we're discussing Dreams that Won't Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams and the other is about Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson. We're so crazy it's downright amusing... Check it out.

activistauthortv on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

Like recipes? Here is a cookbook that helps improve your health.

$1 of each cookbook sale goes to the Jadyn Fred Foundation to help support children in need of financial assistance for medical costs outside insurance coverage.

It's available for purchase at: http://www.mygemofwisdom.com/products-page/books/creative-cooking-for-colitis-e-cookbook/  or off the accompanying blog at: http://ColitisCooking.blogspot.com

Summary:

Simple to simply elaborate recipes sure to thrill you and your family. 25 Tips and Recipes on how to start living and eating confidently again! Full color photos for every recipe. Insider tips on cooking, eating with families, colitis, and shopping. Lovely recipes for elegant parties and holiday treats.

Bio:

Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, author of Creative Cooking for Colitis, works with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries, the American Heart Association, and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one in courageous confidence, personal growth, and powerful living. She’s certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and Assisting Minister. She serves as the American Christian Fiction Writer's Publicity Officer and is a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and author. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom's brain, but she is also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital. She is married, has a combined family of six grown children, one grandson. 

You can interact or learn more about Angela Breidenbach online:

http://www.MyGemofWisdom.com

http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

http://GodUsesBrokenVessels.blogspot.com

http://ColitisCooking.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/AngBreidenbach

http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBreidenbach

http://WritingByFaith.blogspot.com on Wednesdays each week.

Comments about covers and story...PLEASE READ and comment.

Here is the deal. These comments have been great because they tell me what most of you perceive. This book is NOT the first book, which is Never Without Hope. This book is the sequel. The title will stay Their Separate Ways because it's the only title with that name if you look for it on Amazon. If you remove Their then you get bunches of books on Amazon.

As far as the contrasting pictures goes, Hope is the woman and she has experienced forgiveness and renewal in her marriage to her husband after the affair, so she is joyful because she has been forgiven despite the painful betrayal in the past. He is the man she was cheating with. He does not know forgiveness and his wife is hateful and won't let him forget what he's done so he is despondent and hopeless. So their emotional portrayal has nothing to do with each other and everything to do with their marriage situations. That said, how do you feel now about the pictures... PLEASE comment as this helps a lot!

Please vote! Now have 5 covers to choose from!

We used some of the comments to improve your options. Here is the book description again...

What happened in the hearts of Tony Perotta and Hope Williams after they went their separate ways? Did they ever struggle with memories from their past relationship, or with wishing things would've turned out differently? Did they have regrets and as the result have dreams for their lives that went unfulfilled? Was trust ever restored in their homes after their lives crashed and burned around them? Did they ever heal enough to enjoy their marriages as before, or were they even worse off after their sin was exposed? Did each experience true remorse and repentance because of their sin, or was it just the shame of being caught that made them hang their heads?

Their Separate Ways is the story about the year following the exposure of Tony and Hope's extramarital affair. It's an honest and close-up look at the inner workings of each of their hearts as they reflect on their short-lived affair and the painful memories. Experience with them the vast difference between couples who know true forgiveness and who have hope, and those who don't.

Remember to consider the description. Now for those cover options...

Cover 1

Cover 2

Cover 3

Cover 4

Cover 5

Vote on a cover, please. Your input is needed!

These are just two possible mockups for the sequel to Never Without Hope. The sequel is called Their Separate Ways and these are the possible covers. Does one in particular appeal to you and why? Which would you be more likely to pick up and buy?



Here is the book description...

What happened in the hearts of Tony Perotta and Hope Williams after they went their separate ways? Did they ever struggle with memories from their past relationship, or with wishing things would've turned out differently? Did they have regrets and as the result have dreams for their lives that went unfulfilled? Was trust ever restored in their homes after their lives crashed and burned around them? Did they ever heal enough to enjoy their marriages as before, or were they even worse off after their sin was exposed? Did each experience true remorse and repentance because of their sin, or was it just the shame of being caught that made them hang their heads?

Their Separate Ways is the story about the year following the exposure of Tony and Hope's extramarital affair. It's an honest and close-up look at the inner workings of each of their hearts as they reflect on their short-lived affair and the painful memories. Experience with them the vast difference between couples who know true forgiveness and who have hope, and those who don't.

Now for the two cover options...

                                   Cover 1                                              Cover 2

New video for my romance novels with new covers added. You like?

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson is up on CFBA!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Sixteen Brides

Bethany House (April 2010)

by

Stephanie Grace Whitson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.


She was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.


Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends.

Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community."


Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival! Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them.

These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixteen Brides, go HERE.

My thoughts:

Haven't finished this book yet but so far I love it!

A few reviews/comments are in from proofreaders about Never Without Hope

Here you go! Two proofreaders commented after they zipped through the book checking for typos. The first said this as a comment... (I don't know this person so she isn't trying to flatter me).

"I feel that it hit close to home and made it  easier for me to relate now to the friend going through this.  I feel  it helped me understand the situation better and I thank you and your  book for that."

The second came from my cover artist, Tina Stephens. I dropped the book off this morning at 7 AM and she read it straight through and sent me this e-mail tonight...

"Clear the calendar and grab the Kleenex, because you won't be able to  put this book down. This is the most "real" work of fiction I've ever  read. Written in the style of a memoir, Never Without Hope offers  insight, wisdom, and hope relevant to any stage of marriage. Whether  you are suffering for the despair of an affair, or, like Hope, feel  yourself above such temptation there is something to be gleaned from  this novel. It serves as a warning to guard your heart and mind against  the wiles of the enemy. It reminds us that our behavior toward our  spouse can leave them susceptible to temptation. It also teaches us the  importance of welcoming those among us that have fallen prey to an  affair with compassion and offer them a forgiveness and hope beyond  earthly comprehension. This book is must have resource for pastors and  marriage counselors. I highly recommend it to anyone who feels or has  felt that their marriage is "without hope". Two thumbs way up!"

(a secondary note was added but not part of the review itself...see below.)

I loved it Michelle! Why do I have a feeling that this book is going to  the top! Move over 'Shack-Man'... Michelle Sutton is 'in the house'!! :)

From your lips to God's ears, Tina!

Now I'm giving away Love Finds you in Pendleton, Oregon by Melanie Carlson

To be entered into the contest for a chance to win this book simply post a content answering the following question. I'll select a winner next Sunday using the Randomizer program. Best wishes to you and have a great week!

Here is the question: Is there any Native American blood in you... if yes, what tribe?

My answer: My grandmother was born on the Osage reservation in 1898 and at the time both Cherokee and Osage people lives in Hominy, Oklahoma where she was born. I've looked at the Dawes roll that the Cherokee tribe uses and there a ton of Peeks on the roll, which was my great-grandma's last name. So that's my story. You?

About the book:

Sunshine Westcott's past is buried on Oregon's Cayuse reservation, where she's never stepped foot---until her boss, Leanne Lowenstein, insists on taking her to the annual rock-and-rodeo Pendleton roundup. Does the town hold the answers to Sunshine's family secrets? And what will happen when cowboy-to-the-core Max Lowenstein falls for Sunshine, the Native American princess?

My thoughts:

I was supposed to get this book to review but it hasn't arrived yet. Bottom line is some of Melody's books I enjoy and others....not so much. This does sound great, though.

An interview with cover designer Tina Stephens, the lady who created my new book cover!

Stop by and check out my awesome interview. Tina is a sweetheart and a very talented designer. Boy has she got a great deal for you. If you are an author and lacking in the talent department, Tina is willing to design postcards, ads, bookmarks and book covers for smoking hot prices. Read the interview to find out more by clicking on the following link, which takes you to the blog about my book she designed the cover for.

Interview with Tina Stephens and more...