My review of Celebrities for Breakfast by Shelley Stout.

4 out of 5 stars for craft and 2.5 of 4 hearts for healing and spiritual themes.



About the book:

Personal shopper to the stars, Judith Collington, refuses to spend one more day in LA, answering the demands of her Hollywood clientele. To escape, Judith and her daughter give up their lucrative lifestyle to run a bed and breakfast in Illinois. Judith prepares to purchase the property, until it changes hands in a poker game. New owner: Hollywood actor and part-time egomaniac, Ren Spencer

My review:

I enjoyed this romantic story. It took me a few chapters to get to know the characters enough to be committed to the reading the book, but once I got hooked I kept wanting to read the story. There were a lot of good things to glean from this novel besides a few heart-warming, tender kisses. There was also a good message about forgiveness and the importance of good communication in relationships. There was also the theme of doing what you need to do for yourself, and not just to please another person or you'll lose respect for yourself. For some reason as I read this story I kept imagining Ren as a Brad Pitt type dreamy actor. He definitely became more heroic as time went on. I ended up really liking the teenage daughter. Judith was also a good heroine. The story was well-balanced and fun. Though not a Christian novel, I found it inspiring and would recommend it to people who enjoy a good romance and don't mind an occasional cuss word, though they are few and far between. I would definitely read a sequel (or another novel) by this author.


Celebrities for Breakfast was published by Girlebooks.com and released in August 2010. I won this book on Freado and this review is my opinion and not influenced in any way by the fact that I won the book. I've won books I haven't liked at all and have posted that opinion when it applies. Oh, and you can by this e-book on Amazon for kindle for only $2.99! It's well worth it.

Read an article by Barbara Robinson about Healing Hearts!

Barbara Robinson wrote a cool article titled Can church be delivered like Pizza?

Read it here!

Blog tour stop and review posted for The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello! Enter to win a Kindle!

About Sibella: Sibella Giorello grew up in Alaska and majored in geology at Mount Holyoke College. After riding a motorcycle across the country, she worked as a features for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her stories have won state and national awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. She now lives in Washington state with her husband and sons. Find out more about Sibella and her other books at her website. www.sibellagiorello.com

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Clouds-Roll-Away-Raleigh-Harmon/dp/1595545344/ref=sprightly-20

About The Clouds Roll Away Kindle Giveaway: Please share the contest on Facebook and twitter!

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Clouds Roll Away by giving away a KINDLE prize pack worth over $150.00!

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com

To enter simply click on one of the icons below! Then tell your friends! Winner will be announced January 3, 2011 on Sibella's blog: http://sibellagiorello.blogspot.com/.

Blog Tour Schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/sibella-giorellos-the-clouds-roll-away-blog-tour.html

About the book:

Closing her assignment with the FBI's Seattle office, forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon returns to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia, expecting a warm welcome. Instead she finds herself investigating an ugly cross burning at a celebrity's mansion and standing in the crosshairs of her boss at the Bureau. And the deeper Raleigh digs into the case, the murkier the water becomes...until she's left wondering who the real victims might be.

To make matters worse, Raleigh's personal life offers almost zero clarity. Her former confidant is suddenly remote while her former boyfriend keeps popping up wherever she goes. And then there's her mother. Raleigh's move home was supposed to improve Nadine's fragile sanity, but instead seems to be making things worse.

As the threads of the case begin crossing and double-crossing, Raleigh is forced to rely on her forensic skills, her faith, and the fervent hope that breakthrough will come, bringing with it that singular moment when the clouds roll away and everything finally makes sense.

My review:

For me this was more like 3.5 stars but closer to three than four, so that's why I gave it three. Interestingly enough, I read through chapter 7 of The Stones Cry Out and never had the desire to pick it up again, so I didn't. But then I'd read some positive things about this author's work and saw some nominations for awards and thought maybe I missed something. So I agreed to do a blog tour for this book.

I did finish The Clouds Roll Away because I agreed to post a review for the tour, or I probably wouldn't have finished this book. The writing style seemed kind of choppy to me and sometimes spiritual reflection seemed to come out of the sky. It was nice that I read it around Christmas since that was the time period for the majority of the story, but at the same time the continual references to phrases in well-known Christmas songs and hymns annoyed me. Why not just say mom was listening to Silent Night? Or O Holy Night? Most people know the lyrics anyway, so quoting partial phrases didn't make sense to me. Even non-Christians know those songs.

Anyway, I did find some aspects of the FBI theme compelling and it was kinda cool how various seemingly unrelated elements pulled together toward the end. At the same time, I found some of the details a bit gruesome (like people's faces being blown off and then described further than that) and so I got some unpleasant visuals of bloated dead bodies and such. I was scared for her when she kept dealing with the crack house. But other than that, I would have to say if I never read another book by Sibella I wouldn't be sad about it. She just doesn't write the type of stories I enjoy reading. If she had gotten a little deeper into her relationship with her mother or with Demott, then I would have enjoyed the story more. It just seemed too superficial to me and other than worrying about Raleigh on occasion, I didn't connect much with the characters in the story.

On the positive end, I did feel like I knew Raleigh better by book's end, so that was good, but if I hadn't been doing the tour I probably would've stopped reading it about halfway through when the part about finding the dead guys in the water came up, because it grossed me out so much. At that point I still felt like I barely knew Raleigh. It could be one of those situations where reading prior novels in the series would have given me an entirely different perspective.

I did find it interesting that a white author had written so many negative things into this storyline that were racial stereotypes for both white and black folks, and the author hasn't been criticized. Then again, this story was set in the old south, so racial tension has pretty much been a deep thread in Virginia history for centuries, so it fit the storyline. Did this book inspire me? Not really. But it might inspire someone else. The author definitely knows how to weave a compelling, if not a bit gruesome and complex suspense/crime mystery. That was well done.

The Clouds Roll Away was published by Thomas Nelson and released in March of 2010. This book was provided to me for review by Litfuse Publicity and did not in any way influence my opinion of the book.

My interview with Christian Loche (reprinted article from ECFL!)

To read just click on the link below.

Never Without Hope, the novel: Christain Loche interviews Michelle Sutton here (reprinted article found on ECFL)

It's Not About Me is now on Kindle for a limited time for only $2.99!

Get it while it's hot. To order just click on the picture of the cover and it will take you right to Amazon where you can get it for only $2.99 for a limited time only. Enjoy!

New giveaway! Now I'm giving away Simply Sara by Hillary Manton Lodge!

For a chance to enter to win Simply Sara, this week's question follows the book's storyline. Have you ever left the culture you grew up in and visited a different culture (even for a short term mission?) How did you feel about your experience? Would you have wanted to grow up in the other culture, or were you glad you grew up in your own? I will pick a winner using the randomizer program next Sunday. Best wishes to you.



About the book:

Following up on Plain Jayne, a fun new look at Amish life from the outside in, author Hillary Manton Lodge continues with young Sara Burkholder’s perspective on English life and romance in Simply Sara.

Sara, who left her Amish family to live with Jayne, discovers that the English world is a bit more challenging than she expected. As she finds a job, buys English clothes, wears makeup, and learns to drive, she begins a journey to becoming the person she might have been had she not been born into an Amish family. But when romance becomes complicated and school proves difficult, Sara escapes to her Amish sister’s home, wondering if she should return to the life she left. Torn, she seeks answers in prayer, but is the God she is seeking the same in both worlds? What’s a quilt-making, fashion-loving, formerly Plain girl to do when a new way of life starts to change her?

My review of What I Learned Under the Sun by Kyle L. Coon.

About the book:

People go through life and wonder, what if I had? What if I opened that door? What if I had gone right instead of left? What if I had more time? Where would my journey have taken me if I had made another decision?Is it a mystery or is our journey all part of God’s plan that will lead you to your final destination under the sun? In “What I Learned Under the Sun,” the only requirement is to have faith even against seemingly insurmountable odds.

My review:

I read this book fairly quickly. There were some great things about this memoir that I found compelling, and some things that needed major editing. If it had been edited better I could have ranked it higher. The best part was the first half of the book before the author gets into the divorce from Marlene. At that point the book takes on an entirely different tone. Also, the second half became pretty repetitious and some things were said numerous times. There were a lot of seemingly contradictory statements that editing would have caught in the second half. But I could see the author's heart for people and desire to encourage others. He was basically saying when life knocks you down, don't give up. Keep trying because everything happens for a reason. You need to look for the signs that God is showing you that he is involved in your life and hasn't let you suffer needlessly. Overall, I liked it more than I disliked it, but I think having so many errors in the book takes away from it's overall quality and therefore making it harder to enjoy.

This book was published by Xlibris and released in June 2010.

My review of So Over My Head by Jenny B. Jones!

4 of 5 stars for craft, and 3 of 4 hearts for spiritual content and healing hearts.




About the book:

Newly single, stalked by a killer, and in desperate need of some chic clown shoes--Bella is one skinny mocha frapp away from total meltdown./BpWhen the Fritz Family Carnival makes its annual appearance in Truman, Bella's keen reporter instincts tell her the bright lights hide more than they reveal. Her suspicions are confirmed when one of the stars is murdered. Though the police make an immediate arrest, Bella doubts this case is quite that simple.pShe needs her crime-solving boyfriend, Luke, more than ever. Problem is, his ex-girlfriend has moved back to town, giving Bella some murderous thoughts of her own. Then again, there's no time for a relationship crisis when Bella's doing her best to derail her father's wedding and stay one step ahead of a killer.pIs God sending her a message in all of this madness? With a murderer on the loose and her boyfriend's ex on the prowl, this undercover clown has never had more to juggle--or more to risk.

My review:


Loaded with snappy dialog and hilarious situations, So Over My Head was a good conclusion to the series. I didn't like Bella as much in this book as I did in the other two, but I was still rooting for her when she uncovered different things that needed to be exposed. That chick was still very stubborn, but always tried to do the right thing, and I had to admire that about her. She also had issues with men that made her afraid to trust. This was well done, and very realistic. I loved how she had developed a pretty strong affection for her new family throughout the series.

Luke was the perfect hero for Bella even though they were not together through the majority of the story. He had her best interests at heart, which was admirable. I loved how Bella still got all weak in the knees whenever he was around. The closer, the better. The author really knows how teens think, and it shows in her writing. She even knows how to make morbid things sound kinda funny, though a few times I found Bella's flippant inner thoughts (about the dead) a bit condescending. That inner dialog didn't bother me much until the third book for some reason. But it wasn't annoying enough to keep me from enjoying the book. Jenny is still my favorite YA author. Always will be.

So Over My Head was published by Thomas Nelson and released in May 2010.

New giveaway! Now I'm giving away Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna!

I really enjoyed this book! I know you will, too. Okay, to enter for a chance to win a copy of Love Me Tender, simply post a comment telling me what your favorite song is that Elvis sings! That was easy, right? Anyway, if you read the review and tell me why the story interests you and why you want to win it, I'll give you bonus points! I will pick a winner using the Randomizer program next Sunday.



About the book:

As "Love Me Tender" plays in the background, Debbie Carmichael determines to salvage her family's restaurant, Sweet Sal's Soda Shoppe, when her father's health fails. Teen heartthrob Bobby Conrad agrees to perform at a fundraiser concert. But just two weeks before the highly publicized event, Bobby backs out of the benefit. Enter Johnny Hartman, a young, unknown singer to take Conrad's place.

Debbie soon realizes the twists and turns leading up to the concert are divinely orchestrated. And it isn't dreamy Bobby Conrad who has stolen her heart - but the tender love of Johnny Hartman.

My review:

I read this book almost straight through, but I had to stop to go to church on Sunday or I would have finished it instead. This author has an amazing gift. She is able to deliver a clean, but very romantic story every time. Her characters are endearing, but realistic, yet her stories are soft and tender. That's the best way to describe her books. Tender romances that will make your heart pound.

I couldn't help smiling as I read this book. The chapter beginnings where they quoted the Hollywood Heartthrob magazine was cute, too. In fact, I ended up reading little snippets of the story to my husband, who found them funny, too. Like...they say that soon we'll be paying 5 cents for a gallon of gas (hehehe...my husband remembers that and yes, he was a young teen in the late 50s) and he remembered minimum wage went up to a dollar. Seriously. I found those added historical tidbits to be especially fun and felt that they really added to the setting. I felt like I was hanging out in the fifties, but without the golly gees, and the aw shucks on every page.

One secondary character I also fell in love with was the agent's son. He was so cute in his many attempts to get his dad to represent him in the biz and land him a sweet role on television or in a movie. Hilarious! Every single scene where he piped in was adorable. I also found his motivation particularly touching, especially when he shared that with Johnny.

Speaking of Johnny, he was the ultimate hero. He reminded me of the character DJ in the author's other series when it came to his love for Jesus. They were similar, yet different. Same with Bobby Conrad. I loved getting to know these characters and how the author showed they were human, too, making all the starry-eyed girls seem a bit over the top, but it fit the story. I remember seeing old television snippets where girls were crying over Elvis, The Beatles, etc. so I know they really did act that way.

Anyway, I adored this story and as is typical every time I read this author's romances, I sighed with pleasure. She has a unique voice in romance and it's one that I can't get enough of, hence the five star rating. Hey, I loved watching Happy Days when I was a kid. If you did, too, then you'll love this one!

Why do I do book reviews? Why do you?

I had someone ask me the other day why I did so many book reviews. Great question. It made me think...with all I have going on, why do I still read so many books? It's not like I have no books of my own to write. I have a full-time job, too. But if I couldn't read books, I'd shrivel up and blow away. Reading is my absolute favorite thing to do in this world. Even more than writing. And if someone is going to go through the trouble and expense to send me their book, the least I can do is post a review when I finish it, right?

I have a whole slew of people who wait to buy books until after they read my thoughts on it. I guess because we have similar tastes in fiction I'm the one who screens out the duds for them so they won't waste money on books they will end up not liking. I do that on occasion, too. I'll have someone who reads a lot (that I work with) read some books for me and if they aren't excited after reading the story, I know I won't enjoy it either.

I also have a hard time saying no, though I've gotten ten times better at it in recent years. I no longer participate in blog tours unless I am personally asked by an author or publicist. If I want to read a book really badly, I just ask the publicist/publisher for a copy (you'd be amazed at how willing publishers are to do this when they see you have a large following and readership.) I then let them know when I post the review.

I am a bit driven, and yet I still have books that get lost in the stack that is ever growing. I have others that I will start reading, but lose interest in. But I really do try to read everything I get in the mail and I do my best to be as honest as I can about my thoughts. I don't want to be a reviewer that no one takes seriously because I "love" everything. Am I right about everything I post? No way.

Reviewing books is a very subjective thing, as well as a matter of personal tastes. I can assure you, though, that I never review a book that I haven't read to the very last page. I don't skim either. I let the words sink in and for the most part what I focus on is the takeaway value of each book I read. If there is none that I can see worthwhile about the story, it won't get high points from me. If I am going to spend hours reading a book I want to care about the story, the people, the message. I want to feel something. I don't want to just be entertained. Those books do nothing for me.

That said, I hope you all have a better understanding now of what makes me tick and why I read and review so many books. Now what about you all? When you read a book and post a review, why do you bother? I'd love to hear you thoughts on my post and on your own motivations. Peace everyone!

Go ahead and rate my reviews on Blogging for Books...

Rate me high, rate me low. I don't care which one you do, but please give my reviews a rating. :) Thanks! And if I win one of these cool e-reader gadgets below, I may just turn around and offer it as a prize to you all just for voting on my reviews. Thanks! :)

Click here to go to where you can rate my reviews

New Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win I'll be Home for Christmas by Julie L. Cannon!

To enter your name for a chance to win this book simply answer this question... What is your favorite Christmas song of all time? If you just say enter me or the book sounds great you won't get your name entered. You need to answer the question AND post a way for me to contact you. I won't chase winners down. Anyway, my favorite song is probably Hark the Herald Angels Sing! So what is yours? I'll post the winner's name next Sunday.

 

About the book:


With Bing Crosby's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" playing in the background, Maggie Culpepper and William Byrd proclaim their undying love to one another. But with the U.S. at war and Maggie's personal home front under attack, the Southern belle impetuously joins the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service).

When Christmas draws near and Maggie finds herself miles and miles away from her Georgia hometown...and her beloved William...will she realize that, no matter where she spends Christmas, home is where her heart is?

My review of Someone to Blame by C. S. Lakin - this book is making the tail end of my best fiction of 2010 list!

5+ out of 5 stars for craft (impressive!), and 4 out of 4 hearts for healing and spiritual impact!

 

About the book:

When tragedy sweeps through the lives of the Moore family, each member looks for some way to cope, some means of escape, someone to blame. Desperately seeking solace, they move to a small town and are soon caught up in a string of events that forces each to face some uncomfortable truths before finding unexpected grace and healing.

My review:

Rarely do I find novels that make me want to stay up all night reading. Well, I didn't stay up all night with this book, but I did start early in the morning and read the novel through to the end. Yeah, without stopping. I couldn't put the story down, it was that good. Not just because the prose was amazing, or because the story flowed so well, but because the story had heart. That's something I miss seeing in a lot of books. It seems like a lot of authors would rather be safe and keep the message lighthearted and fun. That's no doubt a reflection of the current economy. People want an escape when times are tough like they have been lately. But not me. I like stories that make me think. Make me feel. Make me care. I love stories like this one. Ironically, the cover was a total turnoff for me, and my husband saw the book and said, "What a nice cover." So you never know. A lot of things are a matter of taste, I guess.

Anyway, I'd much rather read a meaningful "high concept" type of story like Someone to Blame. It carried so much impact as it hit my heart dead center. This story will knock you off your feet, especially if you think you stand. Think about pride coming before a fall. The message in Someone to Blame could knock the most sure footed (self-righteous) person off center. But that's a good thing when it makes you examine your own heart. I can totally see this book as a movie. One that would make it to the Academy Awards even. It had so much depth. I loved the fact that the story contained a number of points of view. It was so much more effective because of that perspective. Like God, you could see inside everyone's heart and mind. Unlike in other books I've read, this approach with multiple viewpoints didn't confuse me at all. It was clear whose head you were in with each chapter. That was so well done. I could literally hear the characters talking in my head.

As far as the story goes, it's difficult for me to tell the things that really touched my heart and made me think without giving away the story (I hate reviews that are spoilers.) So this is my pitiful attempt to reveal without revealing... Things aren't usually what they seem. It's easy to react on emotion and cause irreparable damage as a result. Don't let your heart get so hard that you stop caring about others. Reach out to those in need and don't worry about what it will cost you. That's it. So what do you think of that, eh?

Someone to Blame was published by Zondervan and released in September 2010.

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Clouds Roll Away by giving away a KINDLE prize pack worth over $150.00!

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com

To enter simply click on one of the icons below! Then tell your friends! Winner will be announced January 3, 2011 on Sibella's blog: http://sibellagiorello.blogspot.com/. 

About The Clouds Roll Away - "Beautifully written with exquisite descriptions, Giorello's mystery also features well-developed characters..."

—Booklist, starred review

Find out more here!

My review of Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul!

3 out of 5 stars for craft and 2 out of 4 hearts for spiritual impact.



About the book:

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball. Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they've decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

My review:

Well, this story was strange, but what else would I expect from an author who writes fantasy, right? The way the story was written made me think of the movie Ella Enchanted, and I could almost see a comedy of errors running through my head as I read the story. I didn't really get the extreme emotion of the characters (like Cora crying because her cat got pregnant) unless that was supposed to be part of the charm of the novel. I didn't sense any sparks flying between Cora and Simon...ever. I felt like I never really got to know the characters that well, and the sister Zee seemed very one dimensional, though ironically I had written a similar character into one of my early stories, LOL! There was some good stuff in the book (spiritually speaking,) but it came off sounding a bit stilted at times.

I have a bit of a pet peeve about people with disabilities being portrayed as children even though are are adults (Sandy was 24 in this story) but that wasn't so bad, it's just a peeve of mine. I work with people who have disabilities and everyone with Down Syndrome doesn't act the way Sandy was portrayed, but every book I've read this year has the same stereotype in it. Now it sounds like I am dissing the author, but I don't mean to. I know there are people who act the way Sandy does in this book. I guess I just didn't get the point of the story, but maybe that is part of the charm for fantasy lovers. Figuring out stuff that doesn't otherwise make sense. I must have missed the point somewhere. But the book cover is stunningly beautiful and the idea is very charming. Plus, it didn't help that I was sick in bed as I read this novella. Maybe it was just me, but I did finish the story, so I'm giving it three stars for the kudos I'm sure I missed.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball was published by Waterbrook Multnomah and released in Oct. 2010.

My review of Petra by T. L. Higley.

4 of 5 stars for craft and 3 of 4 hearts for healing, more spiritual than emotional.
 

About the book:

Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god, Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah. Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.


My review:

Petra was an engaging story, much like Guardian of the Flame (the other story I'd read by T. L. Higley.) I could tell the books were written by the same author because the "voice" was identical. Petra was packed with Scriptures and spiritual lessons the character had to work through when they dealt with trials and opposition. I loved that the Holy Spirit spoke to Julian and others in that still, small voice.

The scenarios that portrayed what it might have been like to be part of the early church was well done. I enjoyed how Julian often used Scriptures to encourage the people God had called him to lead. The culture was interesting and I enjoyed the setting. The way things turned around for Alexander and Cassia after they arrived in Petra was compelling enough to keep me turning the pages. There were multiple points of view in this story beyond the main characters. They added a bit of perspective that would have been missing otherwise.

The culmination of the story during the "festival of grain" made me think of the movie, The Ten Commandments. I could picture Julian standing like Charlton Heston with his robes whipping in the breeze as he lifted his arms to part the Red Sea. That was quite dramatic. It was almost too action packed to the point that it was confusing. But it could also be the fact that I read the second half of the story while suffering from a horrible virus, so my brain was already muddy inside. At any rate, this was an entertaining read. For people who enjoy reading about ancient history and the early church, this novel is sure to please.

Petra was published by B&H and released in Sept. 2010.

My best fiction list for 2010! I know the month isn't over yet. I'll amend it on 12/31 if needed.

The Healing Heart book review blog's best fiction titles for 2010! (Of the 123 + books I've read and reviewed in 2010, these were the best titles! I rate books based on how much they move me spiritually and emotionally. If I don't care about the story, I don't even finish the book. These titles are listed in no particular order.)


Walking on Broken Glass by Crista Allen (Abingdon Press)

Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales (Abingdon Press)

Unlocked: A Love Story by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan)

The Sword by Bryan Litfin (Crossway Books)

Swinging on a Star; a novel by Janice Thompson (Revell Books)

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press)

So Over It by Stephanie Morrill (Revell Books)

Selling My Soul by Sherri Lewis (Urban Christian)

Screen Play; a novel by Chris Coppernoll (David C. Cook)

Salvaged by Stefne Miller (Tate Publishing)

Rooms; a novel by James L. Rubart (B&H Books)

Reinventing Rachel by Alison Strobel (David C. Cook)

Priceless by Tom Davis (David C. Cook)

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar (Moody Publishers)

Out With the In Crowd by Stephanie Morrill (Revell Books)

No Other by Shawna K. Williams (Desert Breeze Publishing)

Meander Scar by Lisa Lickel (Black Lyon Publishing)

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist (Bethany House Publishers)

Loving Bella by Renee Ryan (Steeple Hill - LI Historical)

Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside)

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson)

In All Things by Shawna K. Williams (Desert Breeze Publishing)

A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman (Revell Books)

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers (Tyndale House)

Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers (Tyndale House)

The Heart's Journey Home by Jen Stephens (Sheaf House)

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)

The Gathering Storm by Bodie Thoene (Summerside Press)

Faithful by Kim Cash Tate (Thomas Nelson)

Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson)

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz (Revell Books)

Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent (Tyndale House)

Caleb + Kate by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma (Thomas Nelson)

Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith (Revell Books)

Someone to Blame by C. S. Lakin (Zondervan)

New Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe!

For a chance to win just post a comment about whether to prefer to read contemporary Christmas stories or Historical Christmas stories. Then tell me why you prefer that time period. I'll have the Randomizer program choose a winner next Sunday. Have a great week!



About the book:

Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas by Irene Brand

A promise to her dying sister compels Julia Mayfield to take her young nephew to Mistletoe, Kentucky, a tiny town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains. Sparks fly when she meets David Armstrong, a World War II veteran like herself. Even as shadows from the past weave a dangerous web around Julia and David, will their love flourish like the mistletoe that blankets the nearby hills?


Love Finds You under the Mistletoe: Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Anita Higman

Hollie Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Hollie's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes. . .until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back.


My review:

More like 4 stars for novella #1, and 4.5 stars for #2, making it average at 4.25 stars overall....

At first I thought I'd like the first book by Irene Brand best, since I'm a fan of historical fiction and have always enjoyed her Love Inspired stories. But then I decided to read Anita Higman's book and ended up loving it even more. Probably because it was deeper in regards to love, the heart, motivation, infatuation, and what it means to be committed to someone. However, I really enjoyed the first book, too.

They were both very different and spoke to different issues of the heart. What I enjoyed about the first book was the idea that if you love someone, are you willing to give up what you think you want and be open to something better? It also had to do with keeping promises and what real love is, versus a commitment made while grieving. Do you honor it even if it no longer applies?

Regarding the second story, I loved the whole "nobody wanted me then I received two marriage proposals in the same day" theme. I loved how the author had the heroine examining her heart and her motivation. Did she want what was comfortable and safe because of her abandonment issues? Did she want something new and exciting if it meant losing her best friend? How do you decide for the long haul what is best? Also, do you do what people expect, or do you risk doing the right thing when no matter what you do somebody gets hurt? Where does God fit into all of this...? :)

Great stories, both of them, but if I were to choose my favorite I'd have to say I liked the second story best. But they were both heart-warming and can be read any time of year, not just during the holidays.

Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe was published by Summerside and released in Sept 2010.

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My review of When the Heavens Fall by Gilbert Morris!

4 1/2 of 5 stars for plotting, craft, and just being a good historical, 4 of 4 stars for healing hearts and spiritual message. That is probably the book's greatest strength!

About the book:

Brandon Winslow would rather gamble and frequent taverns than attend church. So how does he find himself at the forefront of the resistance to Bloody Mary's attempt to eliminate—at sword's point, if need be—the Protestant faith?


During the reign of Mary I of England—"Bloody Mary"—young Brandon Winslow (son of Stuart, protagonist of Honor in the Dust, the first book in the Winslow Breed series) finds himself in dire straits. After being flogged and then drummed out of the military for seducing the wife of his commanding officer, he sinks into a life of gambling and petty fraud along with Lupa, the fair gypsy woman who nursed him back to health.

After Mary weds Prince Philip of Spain, she begins to work in earnest to establish Catholicism as the only faith in England—and to execute Protestants. When Brandon sees several people burned at the stake in London for their faith, the experience changes him: Even though he has been only a nominal member of the Church of England, he finds himself compelled to stop those responsible for these outrages—and to do so before his uncle Quentin, a pastor, is himself burned at the stake. Unfortunately, the only way to save Quentin and so many others is to make Princess Elizabeth (who is herself in danger of dying at Mary's hand) queen. And that, of course, would be treason. Punishable by death.

But then, Brandon has always been a gambler . . .

My review:
 

When the Heavens Fall is an enthralling fictional tale set during the reign of "bloody" Mary Tudor. I enjoyed entering the lives of the royals through the story and liked this book almost as much as the first one, Honor in the Dust. The story does a great job of taking the reader to the edge of the proverbial cliff. The author makes you hold your breath a number of times as bad things continue to get worse for the characters.

People who enjoy reading about the Tudors will enjoy this book. The author did a great job of increasing the tension and peril the characters were confronted with. Plus, everything didn't turn out rosy for people. Some died in their sin. All suffered the consequences of what they had done wrong. Some people were killed simply for refusing to deny their beliefs (as Protestants) and the author's description was downright brutal in it's realism. That made the emotional impact even more focused, and one cannot help but have a renewed appreciation for people martyred for their faith.

It's rare when I find Christian fiction that portrays a true prodigal son. Brandon Winslow was an excellent example of a man who had many reasons to believe he was too messed up to ever change. In fact, he felt he was so far gone that at times he didn't even care if he changed, and sometimes this bothered him. Most of the time it did not. That was very well done.

I found Brandon's spiritual state and self-talk fairly convincing and not at all contrived. His inability to really love others was well shown in the way he lived his life. The fact that he had good parents who loved him, and yet he still went the wrong way was powerfully written. This should give parents with prodigal children some encouragement. Maybe they will see that they were not the cause of their children straying from the faith.

I loved the way the author used Scripture in this story as well. Several times I identified with different characters and their emotions so much that I got a bit choked up. I found the story compulsively readable. I wanted to know what would happen next. There were no dry places and the scenes all built on each other. Everything moved the plot forward. I really enjoyed this book.

When the Heavens Fall was published by Howard Books and released in May 2010.

My review of I'll Be Home for Christmas by Julie L. Cannon.

3.5 out of 5 stars for craft, 3 of 4 hearts for faith and healing because there was solid doctrine, good use of Scripture, and a healing message, though too quickly resolved.

 

About the book:

With Bing Crosby's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" playing in the background, Maggie Culpepper and William Byrd proclaim their undying love to one another. But with the U.S. at war and Maggie's personal home front under attack, the Southern belle impetuously joins the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service).

When Christmas draws near and Maggie finds herself miles and miles away from her Georgia hometown...and her beloved William...will she realize that, no matter where she spends Christmas, home is where her heart is?

My review:

This is a tough one to review for me for several reasons. There was a lot to like about the story, but also some things that took away from it. The heroine, Maggie, was very difficult to like because she had so much anger in her. I tend to steer away from hostile and angry people in my own life because I have learned that only God can change that. So rather than wanting to throw a cyber arm over the heroine's shoulder and assure her that God had her best interest at heart I wanted to say, "Listen, chica, get over yourself. Stop hurting Will. He's too good for you." Not exactly a sympathetic attitude. This could have been worked through better if her anger hadn't kept coming to the forefront and she hadn't kept rejecting Will. She was over the top there, IMHO.

I enjoyed the setting, the Christmas tree farm, the WAVES job, etc. I felt my patriotism swelling here and there as the result of some of the exquisite wording regarding veteran's and dying for a good cause. We've lost site of that this day in age. Then again, some wars weren't pivotal to our future like WWII. Anyway, I grieved some similar losses with the characters. I admired their fighting through struggles with faith. I loved the candle light ceremony and what it represented. Got a tad misty there. :) There was a good message that if love is really there, it will still be there after separation. Also, never giving up hope and praying for your loved ones at war. There was a lot of good Scripture in her and sound spiritual content/doctrine, but a few times it sounded a tad preachy (I hate that word) and other times it was natural sounding. So I had mixed feelings there. I couldn't believe how hard headed Maggie was and naive when it came to Brent, but that's another story for another day. The hero and heroine spent too much time apart for my tastes. Regardless, this was a good read for people who enjoy WWII era books and stories with Christmas themes.

I'll Be Home For Christmas was published by Summerside Press and released in Sept 2010.

New December 2010 releases from ACFW authors!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW website.

1. Aloha, My Love by Deborah Kinnard -- A Romance from Desert Breeze. A second chance at love mixes with trade winds in a winter vacation.

2. An Amish Love by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long-- A Romance from Thomas Nelson. Two of today's most popular genres--Romance and Amish fiction--together in one volume.

3. Christmas Bodyguard; Gardians Series, Book 1 by Margaret Daley -- A Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Slade Caulder, a businessman, hires bodyguard, Elizabeth Walker, to protect his daughter, but can Elizabeth save both Slade and his daughter from a killer and keep herself from falling in love with him?

4. Cowboy Daddy by Carolyn Aarsen -- A Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. When a woman calling herself the aunt of his nephews comes to try to take them away, Kip learns a lesson in love and letting go.

5. Driven by Shellie Neumeier -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Risen Books. Robyn can't help but notice the new guy at school, but what she misses could cost her dearly--a demon has been sent to destroy her.

6. Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho by Angela Ruth -- A Romance from Summerside Press. Emily Van Arsdale returns home to film a movie and falls for the rafting consultant who has a grudge against celebrities ever since his fiancee left him for fame and fortune.

7. Maggie and the Maverick; Book 3, Idaho Brides by Erica Vetsch -- A Romance from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Maggie goes undercover to break up a ring of thieves, but finds herself falling for her prime suspect.

8. Michigan Brides by Amber Stockton -- A historical from Barbour. Relive Michigan's industrial boom alongside three women who must change their way of viewing the world before they can realize love.

9. Mail Order Cowboy; Simpson Creek Brides by Laurie Kingery -- A Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. An enterprising miss in a bachelor-less post-Civil War Texas town organizes the unmarried ladies to bring mail-order grooms to town.

10. Praying for Rayne by Elizabeth Goddard -- A Romance from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Rayne Fleming loves her job designing water fountains, but when Jack Kostner joins the company all her plans for success struggle to survive, including the blossoming love between them.

11. Singing in Babylon by Ann Gaylia O'Barr-Breedlove -- General Fiction from Oak Tara. Life in the "enchanged kingdom" is nothing like she thought.

12. The Camera Never Lies; Hometown Mysteries by Elizabeth Goddard -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Barbour. When Polly Perkins’ camera finds a murder victim, her ability to read emotions through a camera lens could prevent another murder while giving her reason to hope in lasting love.

13. The Lawman’s Christmas Gift; Alaskan Bride Rush, Book 6 by Linda Goodnight -- A Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Love, faith, and a Christmas miracle come to a dying Alaskan town just in the "Nick" of time.

14. Touched by Mercy by Tina Pinson -- A Romance from Desert Breeze. The west seems to hold all the answers to Samantha Northam's dreams, but is it far enough away to protect her from her nightmares?

15. Wasatch Love by Lauralee Bliss -- A Romance from Barbour Heartsong Presents. The Wasatch Mountains of Utah holds the key to a young woman's unhappiness and a man's desperation.

16. Yuletide Defender by Sandra Robbins -- A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. A determined reporter, a protective cop, and a threatening gang war are headed for a showdown, just in time for Christmas.
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