New giveaway! Now I'm giving away Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck!

For a chance to win this book simply post your comment this week on whether or not you like to cook. The second part is... are you good at it? Don't forget to leave your name and how to contact you if you win.

My answer. I don't like to cook, but yes, I am good at it when I do. I still don't like it.

So what about you? Isn't this premise great? I'll pick a winner next Sunday using the Randomizer program. Until then.... Enjoy!




About the book:

"Chef" Joy Ballard longs for a simpler life. But when a good-looking outsider arrives and spices things up, life becomes deliciously complicated.

Host of a regionally syndicated cooking show, Joy Ballard has a little secret: she can't cook. But when her show is picked up by a major network and given a prime time slot, her world heats up faster than a lowcountry boil.

Enter Luke Redmond: handsome, creative, and jobless after having to declare bankruptcy of his Manhatten restaurant. When her producers ask him to co-host the show, Joy sees Luke as her way out. But Luke sees much more than just a co-host in Joy.

Their relationship begins to simmer on and off set. Until Joy's secret is revealed and her reputation is ruined on national television by her rival, Wenda Devine.

But could Devine's cruelty be a divine gift? Losing Luke--and her sister--forces Joy to consider where her worth really comes from. Could God be cooking up an even bigger adventure from the mess? And will Joy hang on long enough to find out?

My thoughts:

I am in the middle of chapter three. This will be a good romance. I can tell from the get-go. I will post a review when I finish this book sometime this week. Best wishes to you.

Special blog tour stop and review of The Tudor Secret by C. W. Gortner!

About the book:


Summer 1553: A time of danger and deceit. Brendan Prescott, an orphan, is reared in the household of the powerful Dudley family. Brought to court, he finds himself sent on an illicit mission to the King's brilliant but enigmatic sister, Princess Elizabeth. But Brendan is soon compelled to work as a double agent by Elizabeth's protector, William Cecil--who promises in exchange to help him unravel the secret of his own mysterious past. A dark plot swirls around Elizabeth's quest to unravel the truth about the ominous disappearance of her seriously ill brother, King Edward VI. With Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting at his side, Brendan plunges into a ruthless gambit of half-truths, lies, and murder. 


My review:


I enjoyed this historical novel and found it hard to put down because of the alternate theories in play. I read a lot of historical fiction including novels set in this time period and this author held my attention better than most. Mr. Gortner really grounded me in the 1500s through his excellent description of that time period and his use of the five senses. I experienced many perils along with the main character, Brandon, such as near-drowning incidences and being held in dark, nasty places fearing for his life. I tasted the dust as horses sped past and heard distinct sounds in the dark hallways of the castle.

Everything seemed realistic... even the minor characters. And some of those older ladies such as the duchesses were scary in their fierce presentation, making the story that much more compelling. I could see and taste their blood and sensed their calloused and manipulative hearts. I never knew who was for Brandon or against him for the majority of the book.

The author did a fantastic job with the setting and the pacing of this story. The mystery that was incorporated into the book unfolded in bits and pieces and kept me interested. The use of real people in history such as the Tudors combined with fictional characters to provide alternate theories made it that much more interesting.

As Brandon discovered more about his origins I felt the anxiety and concern along with him. His need to know about his family and why some people wanted him dead was compelling. So was the sad situation surrounding the death of young King Edward and the continual misrepresentation of key characters who were playing whatever role was necessary to save their own skins and not be counted on the losing side. Those were perilous times and this author did a great time bringing the complexity of the Tudors' story to life. I would read more books by this author.

The Tudor Secret was published by St. Martin's Griffin and was released in February 2011.

My review of Thief by Linda Windsor!

About the book:


Exiled in shame and wounded in battle, Caden O’Byrne accepts a mission of penance—to search for his healer’s long-lost daughter. At worst, he’ll finally get his death wish. At best, this could be God’s second chance. But the lovely minstrel Sorcha wants no part in him, his newfound God, or the rescue. In fact, she’s robbed him blind—to help finance her work of buying young captives and returning them to their families. She’s also gone into debt and promised to marry a man she doesn’t love—all for the chidlren’s sake. But before she and Caden can sort out the situation, a treacherous murder forces them to run for their lives…together. While Caden’s rekindled faith is tested, Sorcha wonders if his God is real. If so, can a thief like her dare hope for His mercy? And do the two of them have a chance of reaching home—Sorcha’s real home—alive?


My review:


Thief is the second book in the Brides of Alba series and was just as compelling as the first book, if not more so. Windsor has a way with words and culture that makes you feel a part of the setting so much that you are living in the fantasy world while you read her books. It's a great escape from the present day. Thief follows Caden, the brother from the first book who was cast out of history country for a number of reasons, the least of which was trying to kill his brother, the heir to the throne.

I loved watching Caden slowly transform from a selfish man who didn't see any hope for the future into someone who cared about others and was willing to risk life and limb to protect the people he loved most. Several surprises pop up in this book that I hadn't anticipated, making the story that much more intriguing. I love it when people are paired together in situations where both are strong willed and hard headed. The attraction Caden felt toward Sorcha just made the tension between then even more exciting. Sparks were flying everywhere.

As in the first book, the author drags several villains into the story who wreak serious havoc and make things worse than it seemed things could possibly get. However, when there is darkness the light shines that much brighter. Thief shows how good can overcome evil as long as faith is involved and one's trust is placed in God's hands rather than man's. I loved how Sorcha was never willing to give up without a fight and how God sometimes supplied supernatural intervention to help His people when they called on His name.

A beautifully written redemption story, Thief encompasses the faith journey of two strong-willed individuals who were both self-sufficient and determined to survive. After being betrayed by people bent on their destruction and sentenced to punishment despite their innocence, Caden and Sorcha learned to trust God for the future and were rewarded with something they never thought they would experience again... hope.

Linda Windsor has crafted an intriguing and spiritually satisfying novel that will keep readers hooked on the Brides of Alba series and longing for more.

Thief was published by David C. Cook and will release in June of 2011. If you loved Healer you are going to want to pre-order this book!

New giveaway! Win an all expense paid Florida vacation that includes a Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas!

Buy one of my books and you just might win a vacation for up to four people!

This vacation prize is worth over a thousand dollars. It includes three days in Fort Lauderdale, then three days on the Caribbean Cruise Line ship to the Bahamas, then ends in Orlando Florida where you can get a pass into one of the theme parks there. This vacation package also includes a free rental car. All you have to do is pay for the gas. Winner will be required to pay a port of entry fee in order to get on the ship. Because it's not possible to include in this prize package (since I don't know who the winner will be or when they will leave, the winner is responsible for that small fee.) Did I mention the hotel rooms are all paid for and so are three meals per day per person? As you can see from the description above, this is a nice vacation package. However, the trip MUST be taken before August 2nd. When you book the cruise prior to that date is entirely up to you. Just book your spot a month before you leave. I have the transfer forms and information and will send it all to the cruise line when a winner is selected. You will get confirmation that the cruise has been transferred to you. So why not enter?

How many people can take this vacation? Up to four people because two separate rooms are paid for and the original deal I made was for four, which includes all meals, too.

What if only two of us want to go? Then you can save the other two spots for a separate vacation that can be either three days and two nights in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or three days and two nights in Las Vegas.

How can you afford to do this? I purchased the vacation package last August thinking my husband and two kids could go with us (hence the two rooms) but then our household income dropped significantly and we were no longer able to afford the plane tickets to get to Florida from Arizona. But I'd hate to waste a vacation package I'd already purchased, so now I'm offering it to one of you guys.


CONTEST RULES

What do you need to do to enter for a chance to win this vacation? First, to enter even one time you must post a comment. For one entry into the contest no purchase of any kind is required. However, if you want extra entries you can do one or more of the following. You can send a picture of yourself holding one of my books, or forward a copy of the receipt to me if you ordered it online. The cool thing is I have one book that is only $2.99, so that is the best deal you can get. If you have already bought several of my books you need to post a comment saying which ones you bought and when. If you won them or swapped them, then that doesn't count. However, if you have read all of my existing titles (there are a bunch of you out there) you can still get extra entries by pre-ordering Letting Go (the paperback,) or by tweeting and facebooking about the contest. Just make sure to tell me that you've read all of my books and that's why you could only tweet about the contest, or post about it on facebook.

To increase your chances of winning you can do the following...

+ one additional entry for following two of my blog sites (I will post the links below.)
+ one additional entry for tweeting about this contest and sending me a link to your tweet.
+ one additional entry for posting about the contest on facebook.
+ two additional entries for buying any one of my paperbacks and posting a review
+ two additional entries for buying one of my e-books from Desertbreezepublishing.com.
+ one additional entry for buying an e-book from another site (kobo, Amazon, Sony, etc.)
+ one additional entry for pre-ordering Letting Go on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

So here is a scenario to help you see how this works. Let's say Betty has already purchased two of my paperback books before this contest. She will get one entry for that by either showing me she has the book(s) in a picture or showing me a review she had posted in the past of at least one of my paperback books. Betty also tweeted about the contest and posted it on facebook - that is two more entries. Now she has three. She decided she really wanted to read Never Without Hope anyway so she buys the paperback. This adds two more entries. Then she decides to buy one of my e-books from Amazon, so that is one more entry. Betty also followed my sites listed below. Her total number of entries is seven. Don't worry, I've got a spreadsheet and I will be adding entries as I get them, then putting them all into the list randomizer and having it select a winners name. Oh, and you MUST leave me a way to contact you so I can tell you that you won. I will pick a winner on March 2nd sometime before midnight. Now go spread the word and let me know that you did so I can start filling up the list. Blessings to you all and thank you for supporting me.


Here are my blog addys for you to follow...

Healing Hearts book review blog
Healing Hearts series blog
Never Without Hope blog

Here is a link to the Caribbean Cruise Line travel information. The Florida hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are part of this package but were added to make it a custom vacation for my family, so there won't be those details on this list.)

Link to more info about the cruise itself...Caribbean Cruise Line

Void where prohibited.


 No more entries please!


The winner of the cruise is Melinda Todd!!

Review! New giveaway! Now I'm giving away A Suitor for Jenny by Margaret Brownley!

To enter for a chance to win this book simply answer this one question... What do you enjoy about historical romances that you don't really see in contemporary fiction? I personally love the whole arranged marriage theme or the mail order bride theme. That doesn't really happen in contemporary fiction much and if it does, it's really hard to set up so that it works. What about you? I will choose a winner next Sunday using the Randomizer program. Enjoy!



About the book:

And that would be Rocky Creek, Texas, 1880. But Jenny Higgins's plan to find husbands for her two sisters hits a snag when enthusiastic applicants fail to meet her stringent requirements.

Rejecting her sisters' choices for mates and riding herd on her growing feelings for Marshal Rhett Armstrong, she refuses to give up.

Jenny thinks choosing a husband is not a job for the heart. It'll take one strong and handsome marshal to convince her otherwise.

My review:

More like 4.5 but close enough to five stars to round up.

Margaret's Brownley's historical romance A Suitor for Jenny is all that I expected it would be and more. The author has a gift for humor and writing realistic characters. The first chapter was so well-written that I read it out loud to my husband as we were driving to church and he said, "I can picture that." Well, so could I. The setting really added to the story. I felt like I was living in that town because the description was so well done.

The story was not only well-written but well-rounded. There were a plethora of beneficial themes in this story like forgiving yourself, following God's ways rather than man's ways, and making your own choices rather than letting someone else decide what is right for you. I loved watching the characters grow in their understanding of love and enjoyed the way that everything came together in the end. The tension was great, and the humor was even better.

The romantic theme in this thread was truly delightful. There was enough tension to make the romance(s) sizzle, but at the same time their behavior fit the time period. The sneaking out was hilarious as were those "prove to me you don't feel anything for me" kisses. I had a hard time putting this story down and I am sure romance lovers will feel the same way. The dialog was snappy and cute, but also filled with wisdom. And I loved the etiquette lead-ins to each chapter. In short, this novel was an entertaining read, but with substance. Well done.

A Suitor for Jenny was published by Thomas Nelson and released in Sept 2010.  A copy of this book was provided by Wynn-Wynn Media for me to review for this giveaway. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own.

My review of A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck!

Practically Perfect

Can God’s best include passion and security?

About the book:

Katie McKenna had resolved to live a quiet life, marry a practical Christian man, and leave all her “worldly” desires behind.  Since moving to California, she’d made it her goal to live life logically and for the Lord.  She has the perfect life—a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiancé, Dexter. 

But then in walks Luc DeForges, the handsome ex-boyfriend who’d broken her heart.  After graduating college and rejecting Katie, Luc cornered the organic food market and became one of the most eligible multi-millionaire bachelors.  But now he’s back and asking her to go home to New Orleans to sing at his brother’s wedding.  She hasn’t fallen victim to her emotions since leaving New Orleans, and she’s invested too much to give into them now. 

When Luc was in his element, there was nothing like it.  His excitement was contagious and spread like a classroom virus, infecting those around him with a false sense of security.  Katie inhales deeply and reminds herself that the man sold inspiration by the pound.  His power over her was universal.  It did not make her special. 

Katie’s boyfriend, Dexter, is a practical man.  As Katie’s roommate Eileen offers, “Katie, no matter how many entries you put in that book, Dexter is not going to be a romantic.  I mean, fine, you’re going to marry him.  He’s a good man.  I just don’t want you to be disappointed.  No matter how many junior high school hearts you draw next to his name, Dexter is going to order you what the Internet says is the proper gift for each anniversary.  He’ll probably have a program created that does it for him.”  But Dexter is safe.  He’ll be a good dad.  He’s very intellectual.  He’s punctual.  He’s everything she needs in a husband.

And Dexter will propose as soon as she gets her grandmother’s ring from her mom.  And Luc will provide her with a free trip home for just that purpose.  Plus, she needs to go home to New Orleans.  It’s her last chance to find out why Luc tossed her from his life like a banana peel off the back of her father’s pickup.  Love is a decision.  A choice.  All the leading experts said so, and she’d decided she would love Dexter in a way that honored and respected him.  The way she’d loved Luc left her worn out and depleted, like an empty air mattress.  Then what use was she?  She’d get her ring and closure as well.  Then nothing would stand in the way of her life with Dexter.

But what if God has more in store for her?  What if God’s desire for her is a heart full of life?  Can the passions she had as a young woman, which led to many of her past mistakes, still have a place in her life?  

My review:

I read this book nearly straight through. I had to sleep, but it was hard setting this story aside to do that. For some reason this story appealed to me more than most. Maybe it was because of the whole need for healing from the past, or maybe it was the desire to fully love rather than settle for safe. Whatever, the reason, I loved this story. I didn't want to do anything but read it until I got to the last page. Some great points were made throughout the story about the sacrifice of love and how sometimes what seems right and save is really manipulation. On the other hand what sometimes seems like manipulation really is true love. I know, it's confusing, so you have to read the book to find out what I mean. It was pretty profound in that respect.

I enjoyed the minor themes in this book and how Luc became instantly likable the day he fed that sweet child in her classroom sweet potatoes and ended up wearing some of it. I loved how the author showed the intense emotion that comes from having such a strong bond to someone that was never meant to be broken. Yeah, eight years was a long time for him to wait, so I could see where it would baffle her. It kind of baffled me, too, but then again, I fell in love with Luc myself so I was pretty blinded from the get go. :) And unlike heroines from other novels Billerbeck has written who are snarky, I found this heroine, Katie, to be quite lovable, too. They truly made a great couple. I agreed with all of the people in her life. They wanted to protect her, but at the same time they wanted to see her bloom, too, and be who God made her. And that wasn't what she had chosen for herself.

The setting for this story was pretty romantic, too. I enjoyed the cultural experience and I dare say it made me want to go to New Orleans to check out the town for myself. That was very well done. I think the setting totally added to the romance. So did the old money theme that is often prevalent in the south. That was great. All in all I found this book highly entertaining and very romantic. There wasn't a lot of smooching but what did occur was definitely something to savor. I highly recommend this book for romance lovers. It's a great getaway for the mind and a perfect beach read. Oh, and this story gave me a greater appreciation for the 1940s and swing than I thought possible.

This book was provided to me for review by B&B Media in exchange for a review. The thoughts I've expressed above are completely my own and I was not compensated for my opinion regarding this book.

Kristin Billerbeck is a successful novelist from northern California.  She has authored more than 30 novels, including the Ashley Stockingdale series and the Spa Girls series.  She is a leader in the Chick Lit movement, a Christy Award finalist, and a two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award.  She has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. 

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck

Thomas Nelson/Feb 2011/ISBN: 978-1-59554-791-0/320 pages/softcover/$14.99 www.thomasnelson.com ~ www.kristinbillerbeck.com

The B&B Media Group

Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com 

 or our blog at www.tbbmedia.blogspot.com

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My review of Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones!

About the book:

When Alex and Lucy pick out wedding invitations, they wonder if they can be printed in vanishing ink.

Former NFL star Alex Sinclair is a man who has it all--except the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancee in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn't quite what he seems, Lucy will find her heart on the line--and maybe even her life. When God asks Alex and Lucy to scrap their playbook and follow his rules, will they finally say, "I do"?

My review:

At first I wasn't sure what to think of this pairing of opposites, but I could see where it would make for some fun times that are totally Jenny B. Jones signature humor. This story started to grow on me, and while their relationship was based on a lie, the "fake" relationship humor was hilarious and I ended up hooked. As is typical with Ms. Jones, there is always a much deeper emotional level that she delves into beyond the light-hearted humor. Some powerful issues were brought up and resolved over time in a fully convincing manner. And those kisses were amazing!


I loved how the author used their "fake" engagement to bring out their issues and their insecurities. In some ways this novel reminded me of "A Walk to Remember" because neither them expected to develop feelings for the other. This story is a great example of how to take a potentially unlikeable hero (womanizer history, arrogant, stuck on himself, etc) and make him into a dashing and wonderful example of manliness coupled with godliness. I was thoroughly impressed. 


Save the Date is one of those books that I was almost willing to skip church to finish reading. Sad, but true. I was fully invested in the outcome of this story. It wasn't even remotely sappy. But I never expected it to be, either. As usual, I know the characters will stick with me a long time. Another great read by Jenny and a fun ride on a very romantic roller coaster. The spiritual thread was deeper than I'd expected, too, but that just made the book even better in my opinion. This is a keeper.


Save the Date was published by Thomas Nelson and published in February 2011. The book was provided to me for review by Thomas Nelson through their Book Sneeze program. This book fits the program because it's infectious, so spread the word!

Revell blog tour stop here for Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes!

A Whole Town’s Secrets Held by One Woman…   
Could anyone get beyond the secrets of her past?

About the book:

By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the level of love and harmony within many a marriage, and now the identity of a man who may have caused his wife's death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, is doing on American soil working as a bondsman in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman with his eye on a higher office.

By chance one morning before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them?

My review:

There was a lot to enjoy about this book, but a few things that slowed the pace down. I liked the historical aspects of the novel. The author clearly knows American history and it really shines in this book. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and also enjoyed the mystery portion of the story. I think less would have more in this book and made it a tighter story, but the writing itself was very good.

The romantic tension was nice, though the back and forth between the two men seemed to go on a bit too long in my opinion. It seemed like the story was more about the potential for war between England and America than about midwifery itself. But the setting was well done so I felt fully planted in that time period. I did marvel at how often Dominick was just roaming around considering he was a servant.

The tension regarding the hero being British and the townspeople's angst about England was pretty engaging, too. A few times I wasn't sure what was going to happen. The spiritual thread was strong in this story. Some good points were made in regards to faith. Overall Lady in the Mist was an enjoyable read.


Lady in the Mist was published by Revell and released in February 2011. Revell provided a copy to me for review. This did not influence my overall opinion of the book.

Laurie Alice Eakes began to be fascinated by the role of midwives in history during graduate school and she knew that someday she wanted to write novels with midwife heroines. Ten years later, after several published novels and a National Readers Choice Award for Best Regency, the midwives idea returned, and Lady in the Mist was born. Laurie Alice has a master degree in creative writing and writes full time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband and sundry dogs and cats.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

So In Love With Books picture contest for Valentine's Day!

Welcome to my So In Love With Books contest! All you have to do to enter for a chance to win a book in this contest is to send me a picture of yourself holding one of my books. This contest is specifically to reward fans. I want to thank you all for giving me love and encouragement in my writing career. If you don't need another copy of my books (thanks folks who buy all of them) then you can "gift" someone else if you win. I will send them the book instead. And yes, you can hold your Kindle or Nook up and take a picture with it as long as I see the cover on your device when you hold it up. So what do you have to lose? Winner gets a free copy of one of my books, your choice. I will choose a week from today. :) *USA residents only (for paperback copies) unless you are okay with winning an ebook. Selecting an ebook allows for worldwide entries. See examples below. This is what I will be posting. Send your picture to me at michelle@michellsutton.net and put So In Love With Books contest in the subject line of the email so I can find it and it won't get deleted or sent to junk mail.

My fan Jeannie

My friend Priscilla

New giveaway! Now I'm giving away Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris!

To enter for a chance to win this book you must post a comment answering the following question. Do you enjoy reading books set outside of the USA? Do you have a favorite book where the setting is in another country? I'll go first. I love Tom Davis's books. One is titled Scared and it was set in Africa, and the other was Priceless that was set in Russia. Now it's your turn. I'll pick a winner using the Randomizer program next Sunday.



About the book:

When fighting erupts between government forces and renegade Ghost Soldiers deep within the Republic of Dhambizao, thousands are forced to leave their homes. Dr. Paige Ryan, who works with Volunteers of Hope International, is sent to lead a team to set up a refugee transit site---where the immediate needs for shelter, water, sanitation, and food are critical. Nick Gilbert, a bush pilot for Compassion Air, joins the team to help fly supplies in and out of the area. With the refugee camp already experiencing overcrowding, raids, and uprisings, a group of American mountain climbers is attacked by the Ghost Soldiers. Paige's medical team responds immediately, rescuing survivors and taking them into the camp. When it's discovered that one of the trekkers is carrying an infectious disease, the harrowing conditions of the camp are forgotten. In desperate need of vaccines and the Ghost Soldiers blocking the only road out until their demands for amnesty are met, it won't be long before the disease is out of control ... and there is nowhere to run.

My thoughts:

I had to switch the order of a few books around because the book scheduled wasn't releasing until June, so that said, I didn't get a chance to read this book yet. However, I will try to post a review soon. I didn't read the prior book but it's my understanding that they can be read as stand alone titles.

My review of Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I found this novel about love particularly fitting. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy my review and get the book.



About the book:

Love is a choice you make every day.
Content in her comfortable marriage of twenty-two years, Jane Lindsay had never expected to watch her husband,  rad, pack his belongings and walk out the door of their Manhattan home. But when it happens, she feels powerless to stop him and the course of events that follow Brad’s departure.

Jane finds an old ring in a box of relics from a British jumble sale and discovers a Latin inscription in the band along with just one recognizable word: Jane. Feeling an instant connection to the mysterious ring bearing her namesake, Jane begins a journey to learn more about the ring—and perhaps about herself.
~
In the sixteenth-century, Lucy Day becomes the dressmaker to Lady Jane Grey, an innocent young woman whose fate seems to be controlled by a dangerous political and religious climate, one threatening to deny her true love and pursuit of her own interests.

As the stories of both Janes dovetail through the journey of one ring, it becomes clear that each woman has far more influence over her life than she once imagined. It all comes down to the choices each makes despite the realities they face.


My review:

I read Lady in Waiting quickly and enjoyed how the story followed two separate but similar paths. There was an equal amount of intrigue and drama in both the modern story and the one set in the 1500s. Since I enjoy reading about marriage as well as reading about Tudor England, I was particularly drawn to this book. I found the parallels compelling in that both the historical Jane and the contemporary Jane felt like so many of the decisions that were made in their lives were outside of their control.

Meissner skillfully incorporated varying circumstances that allowed each of these women to see that they did indeed have choices and that those choices would determine how they lived their lives. I loved watching their empowerment grow, and experiencing what each Jane gained by that personal revelation. And while the circumstances in their lives didn't necessarily change, the beauty of the peace that they'd found in owning their choices outshone their difficulties.

The message about love being a choice was probably the most moving of all of themes found in this book. It's so true that we can't love a person, truly love them, and manipulate them at the same time. That is a one way street and a selfish way to love someone. In fact, it's not motivated by love at all but more likely motivated by fear or anxiety, or the need to feel in control. At any rate, I found the story enjoyable on many levels and was particularly fond of the message of choosing to love. Love, like forgiveness, is a choice.


Lady in Waiting was published by Waterbrook Press and released in Sept 2010. A review copy of this book was provided for me to read and post a review, but this action did not influence my opinion about this novel.

My review of I Love You This Much by Lynn Hodges, Sue Buchanan.

 

About the book:

Share God's love for his children through this moving story about the love between a parent and child. This sweet little tale is based on a beautiful lullaby, I Love You This Much, sung by a parent to a child, as a gentle reminder to children of just how much they are loved by their earthly parents — as well as their heavenly Father. Filled with picturesque illustrations that reflect the soothing melody and gentle words, you and your child will treasure the precious moments shared together with this wonderful story, I Love You This Much.

My review:

I enjoy reading books to children that have cute illustrations and have a Christ-themed central point to the story. In this case the symbolism in I Love You This Much points directly to God the Father's love for us all. It shows through the story how secure we are in God's saving grace and how willing He is to forgive us and take us back in His arms. This is demonstrated in the dialog between two bears, one being the parent and the other the child. This illustrated book would be a great way to get children to ask questions about God, but I love that the story also provides readers with Biblical answers. Did I mention that the pictures were super cute? I just wish I'd had this book when my kids were small.

My review of A Hero for her Heart by Candice Speare and Nancy Toback.

About the book:

When Allie’s brother and sister-in-law die in a car accident, Allie is left with the care of their adopted son, Danny—and enormous debt. Now she’s forced to sell part of the farm to make ends meet.

Derrick is on a mission. His dying sister’s last wish is to know her son is happy with his adopted family, so Derrick hides behind his job as Realtor to investigate Allie and Danny. But soon his reconnaissance mission turns into much more when his feelings grow for Allie and the nephew he’s never known.

My review:

A Hero for Her Heart had a good message about what deception is and what it isn't. It's also a heart warming story about what love is willing to do for others. It's also a story with an adoption theme, which I am particularly fond of. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and really fell for Derrick myself. He was sensitive and kind. I thought he was a great hero, especially because he cared so much for his sister that he was willing to step out of his comfort zone to give her peace in her last days. The little boy Danny was a sweetheart, too. Allie was a unique heroine who had endured more suffering and pain in the recent past than most people would experience in a decade. All in all I found the story compelling and tender. It had the typical boy meets girl, loses girl, then gets her back theme required by category romance novels, but it was well done. The storyline was heartfelt and not cheesy, which was why I really enjoyed it.

A Hero for Her Heart was published by Heartsong Presents and released in January 2010.

New giveaway! Now I'm giving away Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho by Janelle Mowery!

To enter your name for a chance to win this book simply post a comment about whether you like historical mysteries, and if you do, what titles you recommend. Or you can simply post a comment about what intrigues you about this book based on what you read in the description below. I will post a winner's name using the randomizer program next Sunday. If you want to be entered twice, then tweet this giveaway or post it on facebook, or follow this blog if you can't do the others, and tell me what you did in your post. Thanks!

I'll go first. I loved Carol Cox's series about the world's fair. Fair Game was one of the titles and Ticket to Tomorrow was the other one I read. I loved them both.




About the book:

It’s 1869, and chaos rules Silver City. As Rebekah Weaver recovers from an accident that has left her badly burned, she worries that her father’s handsome new assistant won’t see past her scarred exterior. Deputy Marshal Nathaniel Kirkland is working undercover to investigate a series of explosions in the mines and businesses of Silver City. When ominous notes begin appearing on townspeople’s doors, Nate needs Rebekah’s help to uncover the identity of the perpetrator. As they work together, Nate begins to speculate that Rebekah’s "accident" was really a case of intentional sabotage - and that she might still be in danger.


My thoughts:


I don't have this book so I can't say what I think. Sounds like a good historical mystery/romance, though.

My review of Healer by Linda Windsor!

About the book:

Sixth-century Scotland—in the time of Arthur….

“The Gowrys’ seed shall divide your mighty house and bring a peace beyond the ken of your wicked soul.”

Her mother’s dying prophecy to the chieftain Tarlach O’Byrne sentenced Brenna of Gowrys to twenty years of hiding. Twenty years of being hunted—by the O’Byrnes, who fear the prophecy, and by her kinsmen, who expect her to lead them against their oppressors. But Brenna is a trained and gifted healer, not a warrior queen. So she lives alone in the wilderness with only her pet wolf for company. When she rescues a man badly wounded from an ambush, she believes he may be the answer to her deep loneliness. Healing him comes as easy as loving him. But can their love overcome years of bitterness and greed…and bring peace and renewed faith to the shattered kingdom?

My review:

Healer was a great read. A bit gruesome at times, Healer was also subtle in regards to edgy content, but a compelling novel for sure. The history regarding Briton and the folklore that dated back to the early church was interesting. It's obvious the author knows this time period well.

I loved the romance in this story most of all, but the spiritual thread was pretty strong, too. I loved how Brenna was always showing the love of Christ through how she lived her life. It was cool how the author showed that Brenna's faith changed the people around her. She always gave God the credit for miracles, but she had periods of doubt and loneliness as well, especially prior to meeting Ronan. I loved how the heroine was able to heal not only Ronan's body, but how God used her to heal his soul as well. She made him want to live again.

Seeing their love slowly develop and deepen was probably the best part of the story. Windsor has a gift for writing romantic tension. At the same time, their long-term relationship couldn't be based on a lie. I loved how this whole thread unraveled and brought them closer together in the end.

I though Ronan was a great hero because he was so dedicated to Brenna. Then again, he did owe her his life. She was a true healer and used by God to bless many. That theme was so well done in this book. Parts of the story reminded me of The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson. If you read both stories you will see why. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Healer was published by David C. Cook and released in June 2010. A copy of this book was provided to me for review by B&B Media Group. The opinion expressed is solely my own and not influenced in any way.

My review of Falling Through Ice by Carolyn Huebner Rankin and Rosetta D. Hoessli!

About the book:

On May 27, 1987, the Times Picayune of New Orleans carried this front-page headline: Family Violence Adviser is Held in Plot to Have Husband Killed. The woman referred to was 29-year-old Carolyn Sue Huebner, of San Antonio, Texas. Founder and president of Texas Child Search, Inc., she had located 59 missing children since its inception in 1982, a better record than that of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Much appreciated by law enforcement and called upon for assistance by child abuse experts all over the country, she was an outspoken advocate against child pornography, child prostitution and child abuse. Treasured by the families she had helped, she had ultimately been nominated Woman of the Year by the San Antonio Light newspaper in February, 1987.

How could such a woman fall from this nationally-recognized position of prestige to that of a violent criminal in just three months? There had to be more to this tale than met the eye but Carolyn Huebner, who had always been good for a terrific quote, wasn t talking. Now, more than 20 years after the events that had once garnered national attention, she is breaking her silence. With brutal honesty and written in narrative form by the woman who walked beside her as both close friend and colleague during much of her journey, Falling Through Ice brings us directly into Carolyn s courageous struggle to come to grips with the secrets in her past and the disastrous effects those secrets had on her life. Falling Through Ice demonstrates the heights to which the human spirit can soar as it seeks to emerge from darkness into light, but it never offers the abuse excuse as justification for her criminal acts. Indeed, as terrifying and lonely as it was, Carolyn Huebner s incarceration saved her life and gave her the opportunity to discover the only lost child she had been afraid to find: The child within herself.

My review:

Falling Through Ice is gripping narrative non-fiction that is easy to read because the writing is so good, but at the same time it is emotionally gripping because it contains such realistic content. Anyone who has worked in social services can identify with the struggles of both the child Carolyn, and the crusader for abused children that Carolyn became as an adult. Some of the not-so-pretty details brought me back to the days when I worked on child abuse cases containing incest and people who had murdered their own children.

All of the scenes written about the investigative process, the district attorney's office, and stress resulting from dealing with a system driven by personal political aspirations rather than protecting the innocent rang true for me. I've seen similar situations in my professional career of over twenty years and the scenarios Carolyn writes about tend to lead to burnout more than dealing with the actual abuse the children had suffered from in the first place. The overwhelming sense helplessness when it comes to protecting children from known abuse is strong and can result in further trauma to the person who is trying to help, especially if they have their own history of abuse, like Carolyn had.

I found both of the authors' accounts to be very realistic and honest. Often memoir-type stories smooth over the truth in situations so they won't make the author(s) look bad, but this book rang true for me. The fact that the authors both shared how they truly felt about each other years ago just testifies to the extensive healing that must have taken place in their hearts from them to write so honestly about it. I loved that they wrote about how they actually said and did things even if it included a few phrases not typically seen in Christian books. I appreciate that type of honesty and it tells me that the authors were committed to telling the story as it was, not how they wanted it to be perceived by readers.

This book has the potential to heal broken hearts, to increase awareness of the need to fund therapy for people suffering from childhood trauma, and it shows how dealing with intense pain (rather than ignoring it) and having a support system is the most effective way to heal from the type of trauma that results in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Most of all, this book is about hope. No matter how broken a person is, God can always restore people who surrender their lives to Him. Falling Through Ice shows this better than any story I have ever read. The authors don't use the past to make excuses, but to show how a person can get to such a low place. Rather than feeling depressed when I finished reading the book, I felt inspired. That's something that doesn't happen often with narrative non-fiction. I can see this book easily hitting the best-seller lists.

My endorsement of the book can also be read on the Amazon sale page. It's in the editorial review section where the media reviews go. Pre-order this book now! It's truly awesome!

Falling Through Ice was published by Crossover Publications and will be released on February 25, 2011. The galley of this book was sent to me for endorsement purposes. The above review is fully mine and based on my opinion of the story itself, and thus my endorsement is not influenced by the author or publisher. According to Amazon, pre-ordered copies of this book will get the lowest price available, so go for it! 

More about the Grace Awards! We still need you!

Announcing the Grace Awards

The Grace Awards is a new, reader-driven award for fiction that satisfies
the soul. Readers will nominate/vote for the novels they feel are the best
of 2010 in a variety of categories. The top 3 novels become finalists and
will go on to be read by category judges.

Every year we are barraged with "best of" contests. The most well-known
is the Oscars. Music has the Grammies; Broadway has the Tony's. In
Christian fiction there are also numerous awards for "the best of" including
The Christy Awards and The Carol Awards. So why another contest?

At first, a group of like-minded Christian writers talked about creating an
award to honor the best in eBooks published each year. Yet we didn't want
anyone to think eBooks aren't as good as print books. Or better, for that
matter. We know that eBooks are as good as print - it's a reading format
and has nothing to do with the quality of the work. So The Grace Awards
grew to include both electronic and print books.

But we didn't stop there. What about self-published/subsidy novels? Each
year at least one self-published book becomes a shining star, going on to
popular if not critical acclaim. We decided it wouldn't be right to exclude
these novels from the Grace Awards. Because readers vote for what they
feel are the best books, any novel nominated will be at least entertaining.

So how do you vote for your favorites?Anyone with a social network page 
(Facebook, ShoutLife, Twitter, etc) can vote, but authors cannot vote for 
their own works. Voting runs from Jan 21 to Mar 15, 2011. Send an email
to: graceawards@aol.com with the subject line: 2010 Voting. Individuals
need to include a link to their social networking page, the Grace Awards
novel category, the title of the book being voted for and its author, and a
15-45 word summary/review/reason for voting for the novel. Don't copy the
back cover blurb. Please vote ONLY for novels you have read. All voter
emails become the property of the Grace Awards. Visit the
Grace Awards website for full details and a list of categories.

Revell blog tour stop for Stars Collide by Janice Thompson!

Contact: Donna Hausler - Publicity Assistant
dhausler@bakerpublishinggroup.com

New Series Takes Readers Into the 
Glamorous Life of a Hollywood Sitcom 
Celebrity and Her Quest for Love

From author who is a seasoned screenwriter with an insider’s perspective on the entertainment industry, comes the first book Stars Collide in the new series from Janice Thompson, “Backstage Pass.”

In Stars Collide,Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom—they are also head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps.

But when Kat's grandmother, an aging Hollywood starlet with a penchant for wearing elaborate evening gowns from Golden Age movies, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of their control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids tomorrow? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed in-laws?

From the sound stage to a Beverly Hills mansion to the gleaming Pacific Ocean, Stars Collide takes readers on a roller-coaster tour of Tinseltown, packing both comedic punch and tender emotion.

My review:

This story was a delight to read, as are all of Janice's books. It was mild in the sense of reflecting the author's tender romantic style, but it was also a fun read, too. I loved the grandma. The author made a sad situation funny by putting a spin on it that makes the reader smile at the eccentricities and put them into perspective. The quotes from movies were fun and an entertaining aspect of the story as well.

As is typical for Ms. Thompson, she interjects a powerful human need into every story. In this novel it was Kat's longing for a relationship with her father. While the emotional damage caused by his abandonment when she was only seven was heartbreaking to process with her, it was realistically portrayed. So was her adjusting to the idea that her grandmother's mind was slipping away. Stars Collide was a well rounded story in all aspects and I never got bored with the story or started skimming through the pages.

Last, I felt like I was on a television show backstage with the characters. While Christian actors are probably infrequent at best in Hollywood, it was still fun to read a fictional story about what that might look like. It was tender and sweet, of course. Scott was heroic and a great guy, too. I liked him a lot. His family issues were realistically done. Nothing about the story felt sappy or forced. Everything felt natural in a toned-down, tender manner. I applaud the author for keeping a story so tame and still so very interesting. It wasn't as zany as the author's Weddings by Bella series, but it was still worth my time. I wonder if Brock Benson (a-hem) will show up in the next novel. If he does, I can't wait to see what happens next.

Stars Collide was published by Revell and released in January 2011. A copy of this book was provided to me by Revell to review for this tour. The opinion expressed above is my own.

Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson affords an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series and lives in Texas.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life.  They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

Praise for Stars Collide by Janice Thompson:

"Stars Collide is a fun-filled romp into 
Tinseltown with all its quirks and characters. 
I hope you  enjoy this romantic getaway 
as much as I did."

—Kristin  Billerbeck, bestselling author of
Perfectly Dateless and What a Girl Wants

"A sweet, funny, fun look at Hollywood 
behind the scenes, from a talented author. 
Janice Thompson knows her characters 
inside and out."

—Lisa  Wingate, bestselling author of
Larkspur Cove and Beyond Summer

Get Letting Go for only $2.99 - offer ends in one week from NOOK and Kindle, then the price goes up!

Michelle Sutton

Hey, just saw that Letting Go is also available on NOOK for $2.99 as well!!!
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Letting-Go/Michelle-Sutton/e/2940012157959/?itm=1&USRI=letting+go+michelle+sutton

Letting Go

search.barnesandnoble.com

Michelle Sutton

Right now you can get Letting Go for only $2.99 on Kindle!!!! YAY!

Letting Go (Healing Hearts)

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Letting Go (Healing Hearts) eBook: Michelle Sutton: Kindle Store

My review of Starless Sky by Paige Agnew!

About the book:

Life is funny sometimes. Little kids drop ice cream cones, people in general often run in to screen doors, there's even the occasional moment when one might trip going up the stairs. Kahlen could expect those things, deal with them even. But what she didn't expect, not even in her wildest, horrific nightmares, that just as something so terrible could happen, something so wonderful could follow after it.

When Kahlen Thomas has a difficult time dealing with the lost of her best and only friend, she has hopes that the new boy at school, Kennley Morgan, will be the perfect distraction from her pain. She slowly realizes that Kennley doesn't as much distract her from her problems as much as he adds to them because of his own interesting past.

My review:


Wow! It has been awhile since I've read a YA novel that had me so captivated that I kept thinking about the book even when I was supposed to be doing other things... like working. And the moment it came time to take lunch I was reading. As soon as I got home I was reading until I went to bed at night. I dare say I was pretty obsessed with this story. It was powerfully written and I was emotionally captivated through to the end. My heart even pounded at times when I was reading. It was like the story was my reality while I was reading it. The fact that the author is so young and is incredibly talented makes the novel even more amazing.

I rarely feel so connected to characters that I get anxious and breathless and fall in love right along with them. But this wasn't a typical teenage story. I was deeper in so many ways. Things were brought up that really make you think about life and what's important. I loved the message about dealing with fear and taking risks because in the end it's always worth it, even if you get hurt in the process. Pain causes growth and that is always a good thing.

I have to say the ending was absolutely perfect. I got choked up a number of times. When I read the epilogue I realized that this novel had just the right amount of tension. It also had a fantastic character arc, and the plot was simply enthralling. I fell in love along with Kahlen and I grieved with her, too. I felt her confusion and her continual teenage angst. It was perfectly done young adult fiction. The author had the voice down perfectly and all the drama that goes with being a teenager. I can't recommend this highly enough for people who love YA fiction and want to experience some realistic,and often intense emotion. I have found a new favorite author. This book is making my best fiction list for 2010 even though I read it in January 2011.

Starless Sky was published by Trafford Publishing and was released in January 2010.

New February 2011 releases from ACFW authors!

February is starting out with good reading weather in my neck of the woods. What else is there to do but snuggle up with a good book when there's a blizzard outside? Here's the latest new releases from ACFW authors!


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

1. Angel Sister by Ann Gabhart -- General Fiction from Revell. It is 1936 and Kate Merritt, the middle child of Victor and Nadine Merritt, works hard to keep her family together during the Great Depression. Who could imagine that a dirty, abandoned little girl named would be just what the Merritts need?

2. Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman -- General Fiction from Bethany. What would you give for a second chance to make things right? When life gets complicated, Grace Graham runs. But now her sister, Jana, is giving her once last chance.

3. Blood Covenant by Lisa Harris -- A Thriller/Suspense from Zondervan. Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert must put their own lives in the hands of God as they fight for the safety of the refugees under their protection.

4. Deadly Ties by Vicki Hinze -- A Thriller/Suspense from Waterbook-Multnoma. Her enemy will stop at nothing for control. She will risk everything for freedom.

5. Hometown Dad by Merrillee Whren -- A Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A pair of rowdy boys would be exhausting for two parents—little wonder single mom Melanie Drake feels overwhelmed. Enter Nathan Keller—respected banker, descendant of the town’s father...and baseball coach.

6. Journey to Riverbend by Henry McLaughlin -- A Western Historical from Tyndale. A chance for redemption was something they never expected. A chance for love was something they never dreamed of. Sometimes the journey is only the beginning . . .

7. Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes -- A Romance from Revell. By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British aristocrat, is doing on American soil working as an indentured servant.

8. Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate -- General Fiction from Bethany House. Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. But when a little girl is seen with the town recluse, Andrea and the new game warden are drawn together in the search for her identity. The little girl offers them both a new chance at redemption and hope--and may bring them closer than either ever planned.

9. Letting Go; Healing Hearts Series, Book 1 by Michelle Sutton -- General Fiction from Sheaf House. From an early age Diane Simmons was trained by her parents in the art of seduction, but she hates that about herself and wants to be loved for who she is, not what she looks like.

10. Raider's Heart by Marcia Gruver -- A Romance from Barbour. Dawsey Wilkes wakes up deep in the Carolina swamps, the prisoner of a rowdy family who support a vigilante intent on bringing justice to the poor. Wooed by the competitive McRae brothers and shunned by their sister Ellie, Dawsey remains intent on getting back home to her ailing father. But has it been God's plan all along to unite these two very different families?

11. Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones -- A Romance from Thomas Nelson. You’re invited to the engagement of the most unlikely couple of the year.

12. The Outlaw's Return by Victoria Bylin -- A Historical Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical. J.T. Quinn would know Mary Larue's beautiful voice anywhere. He just never expected to hear her singing in a Denver church.

13. Turbulance by Dana Mentink -- A Thriller/Suspense from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Romantic Suspense. Someone wants to ensure that the flight bringing Maddie Lambert and a transplant organ to her father never reaches its destination. Someone who's desperate enough to sabotage the plane. 

14. When All My Dreams Come True by Janelle Mowery -- General Fiction from Harvest House. An adventurous novel of faith, hope, and love in the Wild West.

15. Words by Ginny Yttrup -- General Fiction from B&H Publishing. Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word-Jesus Christ.