My review of The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

About the book:

Passion. Danger. Witchcraft . . .

The Lady of the Rivers is #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory’s remarkable story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the Wars of the Roses.

Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta always has had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she met his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and saw her own power reflected in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the wheel of fortune before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.

Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, and he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke’s squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke’s death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen.

The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of royal rivals. Not even their courage and loyalty can keep the House of Lancaster on the throne. Henry the king slides into a mysterious sleep; Margaret the queen turns to untrustworthy favorites for help; and Richard, Duke of York, threatens to overturn the whole kingdom for his rival dynasty.

Jacquetta fights for her king, her queen, and for her daughter Elizabeth for whom Jacquetta can sense an extraordinary and unexpected future: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York.
A sweeping, powerful story rich in passion and legend and drawing on years of research, The Lady of the Rivers tells the story of the real-life mother of the white queen.

My review:

I couldn't stop reading this book and picked it up every chance I could get until I finished it. It's a bit long, but worth it. In fact, when the story ended I had hoped to read more. That's good writing. Now I want to read the next book, but I do have the non-fiction book, The Women of the Cousin's War, so I think I'll indulge in that a bit while waiting. There is just something about Gregory's writing that draws me every time. It feels so real that I forget I'm reading. She brings her characters to life. 

The Lady of the Rivers was full of action, very interesting, incredibly romantic, and kept my interest throughout. The author showed the horrors of war, and the sometimes agonizing service of noblemen for a troubled royal family and their kingdom very well. Sometimes with historical fiction it feels like the author is informing the reader about history, but with Gregory's characters, she brings history to life.

I loved that Gregory showed the whole witchcraft thing not as something Jacquetta embraced, but avoided whenever possible. In fact, Jacquetta didn't want to have anything to do with it, but she had this gift as a descendant of Melusina. She had a gift that often foretold sad and tragic things. I was impressed that she resisted as much as she did considering it seemed like many times her foretelling came to pass, so most people would want to know more. But she was a loyal and faithful wife and mother who wanted the best for her family.  That didn't include jeopardizing their well-being over some things that could brand her as a witch. And the way people were in those days, she was smart to tread very carefully around the subject. 

I had to admire her and her husband's loyalty for so long to a queen bent on vengeance. How sad that so many people died for one woman's need for revenge. I thought it was cool how this story tied in a bit with The Red Queen, which I read a few years ago. I recalled some of the battles and the shifting loyalties from that title. This story began with Jacquetta getting to know Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake and another woman who was intelligent and trying to educate herself, but misunderstood. Jacquetta was a smart and resourceful woman (and VERY fertile) and she was a real asset to the Lancaster throne. 

I found the subplot with the queen and the Duke of Somerset quite enthralling. When the king fell ill after being shocked by what he saw, I became wrapped up in the intrigue. Would he wake, and when he did, what would happen? Did Jacquetta's intervention cause his sleep. She was so worried that she had somehow caused it. I understood the queen's loneliness as well as Jacquetta's before Richard won her heart and they married. The author did a great job with creating empathy for the characters.

The best part of the book was probably the love story between Richard and his wife, Jacquetta, who married for love, but at a great risk. I enjoyed the parts of the story where she looked for him after different battles and how she waiting fitfully for his safe return. When they ran to meet each other each time it was sigh-worthy. There were good marriages even in the middle ages. The fact that they had fourteen children was proof of that. I could go on and on about this book, but bottom line is the story was so compelling and interesting that it's making my best fiction list for 2011 because it made me think and feel a connection to the characters that I won't soon forget.

The Lady of the Rivers was published by Touchstone Books and released in Oct. 2011.

Radio interview by KOPN in Missouri regarding my books.

Okay, I had to splice together two separate MP3 files and since I didn't know how to do it any other way, I made it into a video so you can look at my book covers while you are listening. Nothing too distracting. You can listen without watching. I just needed to connect the two parts. I also talk a little bit about the Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers social networking site that I created a number of years ago. Enjoy!

 

New Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Well, I hear this book is so popular that they ran out, which is why I never got a review copy. Oh well. If I get it later I will still want to read it. One reviewer said it was a bit like a Scrooge story. So here is the question you need to answer to get your entry in... Do you like the book The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens? If yes, why does the story appeal to you? I will select a winner next weekend using the Randomizer program.

About the book:

Five strangers with broken hearts. One raging blizzard. Brrr, baby, it’s cold outside! But a warm fire and a string of Christmas lights just might provide the perfect remedy.

It's been years since Edith Miller hosted the annual Snowflake, MN, Christmas Extravaganza. After her son was killed in the war, some five years ago, her Christmas spirit died along with him. So she is more than happy to loan all her Christmas decorations to Stella Hanson, the new teacher in town. After all, what does she have to celebrate?

But when the blizzard of the decade traps Stella—and four other wanderers—in Edith’s home, Edith finds that by opening her door, she just might open her heart to a new reason celebrate Christmas.

My review of Something Old by Dianne Christner

About the book:

Travel to Plain City, Ohio, to witness the Mennonite and English culture clash. As Katy Yoder accepts a new job and struggles to define her place in the world, childhood friends and a past romance get in the way. Even when her friends try to help her change her judgmental attitude, Katy is certain that seeing things as black and white is the only way to please God. But as love softens her heart, slowly shades of gray seep into her world, and she discovers the right answer isn’t always the easiest one.


My review:

I was pleasantly surprised at the many deep spiritual themes in this book. The most compelling had to do with the consequences of festering anger and unforgiveness. It truly made Katy difficult, unattractive, and I daresay, downright ugly at times. In contrast, forgiveness and grace changed her countenance as well. The ordinary becomes beautiful  when gratitude and grace result in living at peace with men.

The story did a great job at illustrating how the outside of the cup can be clean (I found it ironic that Katy was a cleaning lady,) but the inside can still be full of dead man's bones. And while the heroine was a Christian and did sincerely love God, she'd let the structure and boundaries of her Mennonite faith determine how she lived her life rather than reflecting God's love onto others. In short, the symbol became more important than the meaning behind it.

But I loved how Katy often softened around Jake, and how she wanted to forgive him, but that stinkin' pride kept getting in the way. But when they kissed, wow! Sparks flew and the room got a bit warmer. I have to say I loved that this wasn't a one kiss at the end type story. That gets bonus points from me. There was realistic tension, desire, and passion between them that made for some great scenes.

Jake was the consummate hero. There was nothing not to love about him. I was actually glad at one point when he said he was tired of the fighting and maybe it wasn't meant to be. Good for him. I was getting ticked at Katy and her back and forth emotions myself, all of which were propelled by anger. That is such the antithesis to Christ's love, whether the anger is deserved or not. I loved how God used the foolish things to confound the wise, in other words, how God used the person that Katy believed was so worldly that she couldn't be a good person, to show her how to be honest with herself and others. I loved that!

Something Old was published by Barbour and released in August 2011.

Lightning Book Promotions presents a new blog tour... Shadows From the Past by Ashley Dawn.

Brought to you by 

http://lightningbookpromotions

About the book:

“…It is the price you pay for choosing to be a cop. Your brother’s life…”

Those words haunt her dreams, and her waking moments. LAPD officer, Aurora Kavvan cannot rest until she finds her brothers killer. Digging into the past always brings back unpleasant things: memories, guilt…the hit man. Now she is in a race against time to find the murderer before he finds her.

“Kill her. I don’t care how, and I don’t care where, but I want her dead now!” 

Someone was trying to kill his dead partner’s sister. FBI agent, Jordan Reiley will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves. Even if it means going against her wishes; putting himself between her and the man who murdered her brother. 

Will God keep them alive long enough for them to find the truth? 

Ashley Dawn's website is...  

http://www.authorashleydawn.com/

My review of Ashes to Beauty by Kim Zweygardt.

About the book:

A touching allegory based on the Cinderella story and Isaiah 63:1-3, Ashes to Beauty, The Real Cinderella Story is “A Fairytale for Girls of All Ages.” Written like a children’s story book and beautifully illustrated, Ashes to Beauty is filled with eternal truths about our real life Prince of Peace and our dreams come true. “Was Ella born only for dusting and dishes or was there something more? Life is ordinary in the Land of Near, but Ella dreams of the Kingdom of Far Away in this tale that speaks to the deepest heart’s desire of girls of all ages. Fairytales do come true!"


My review:

This story is a keeper, and it really is an appropriate fairy tale for all ages. It warmed my heart and made me think about the way God perceives things in our lives. I can see this book being used to aid in beginning conversations with young girls about the heart being more beautiful and important than anything else. The story made me think of the scripture about man looking at the outward appearance but God looking at the heart. In fact, there were a lot of scriptures  woven through the prose that I found particularly moving. That was the best part about this book.

Beauty to Ashes illustrates some truths found in the Bible in a way that might make sense to someone hadn't understood those Biblical concepts before. I loved how the scripture, "I was hungry, and you fed me," came to play in this story. Bottom line... there is depth in Ashes to Beauty that I hadn't expected. If I had a daughter I could see myself reading this book to her on a regular basis. There were also cute symbolic illustrations, like the hair on her mother's mole that grew with gossip, and the ashes that appeared on Cinderella's face and refused to be scrubbed off when she became angry. Great story and highly recommended.

Ashes to Beauty was published by Create Space and released in Sept. 2011.

November is National Adoption month, and Arizona Adoption month!

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a decree making November Arizona Adoption month where the event is officially recognized along with National Adoption month. It's so fitting then to acknowledge the beauty of adoption and the people who are willing to expand their family to take on a child who needs a home. I've written a number of books that include adoption themes in them. 


So if you want to read a few stories that deal with adoption you might want to try these...

My Thanksgiving gift to bloggers and authors everywhere...

Most of you know that once in awhile I like a post enough from Book Marketing Experts that I want to share the wealth with you. Their newsletter allows you to do that as long as you say where it's from. So without further adieu, here is the featured article from Penny C. Sansevieri, editor, and here is her marketing advice this month.


The New PR: Secrets to Turning Fans into Evangelists
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Twelve years ago when I was first in business it was unclear whether blogs would even make a dent in news and communication. Back then, if you wanted to get your book out you had to market to radio, TV, and print publications otherwise your message would die quietly and all your efforts to publish the book would go with it. Cycle forward to 2011. We live online and social media has almost replaced the nightly news.
Publicity and marketing have changed in ways that no one could have anticipated and that's a good thing. Why? Because now so many channels have opened up to help us market. Could you imagine living in a world where if you didn't get traditional media or even a regional paper to pick you up, no one would ever know about you? I did, and we marketed in that world. Believe me, it wasn't easy.


And while it's great that we have these channels, there is always a downside to this new, tethered, social media world. We have a lot of news. A lot of it. And not all of it is news, either. Some is just wasteful white noise and much of it, we ignore. Now, the challenge is no longer can you get peoples' attention, but can you keep it? And can you keep their attention long enough to get them interested in your book enough to turn contacts into evangelists? One thing I've learned: it's not a challenge everyone is up for and that's OK. If it's not your thing to wrestle your way to the top of the Twitter posts or Facebook mentions, that's fine. But if you want to get noticed and sell books, you'll have to ramp up your game. Here's how to do it:


Be good or be gone: For lack of a better term, there's a lot of junk online. A lot of people ramble on about things that only they care about. We currently run a program that gets a lot of "Likes" to a client's Facebook Page. We're such a numbers driven society that people love this program. Here's the kicker though: you can get Facebook Likes but that doesn't mean they will keep liking you. You have to post good, interesting, unique and compelling content. There is so much information out there, you must be good, or be gone. You won't even have to leave the virtual party because if you keep posting self-absorbed, look at me posts, no one will listen anyway.


Say something new: Please do not tell me the same thing I've already heard a million times. Don't just repeat what everyone else is saying, offer your perspective, your viewpoint. Now, there's a caveat to this: sometimes when you're in a particular field you will feel like you are repeating yourself. In many cases, especially if you are teaching the masses, your clients or fans will need to hear a message several times before they get it. Sometimes repetition is good. But if you're just repeating what someone else is saying with no new spin or twist on it, then it's just boring.


No one cares what you say: Truth be told, no one cares what you tell them. What people care about is what their friends say, who their friends recommend. You must be so compelling, interesting, funny, helpful - or whatever - that people will start to evangelize your work. That's when it happens: when you are interesting enough that people want to tell other people about you. Remember, no one cares what you say. They only care what their friends care about. A survey done by Edelman Digital noted that fewer than one in three people trust marketing messages. Scary, isn't it?


Give consumers what they want: It amazes me how often marketers make consumers conform to their needs. Remember, it's not about you, it's about your consumers. Give them what they want and they will give you what you want. So often I see authors with messages that are highly ego based, meaning it's about them. Leave your ego at the door and make it about your consumers. People want valuable insights, access to information and lots of free stuff. Yes, I said free. If the thought of free makes you shiver, here's an article that shows you how to monetize "free:" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/how-to-monetize-free_b_676794.html


Numbers matter: Let's face it, we're a society that pays attention to the numbers we see on Twitter and Facebook. If you are promoting yourself and have 10 followers on Twitter and 16 Likes on Facebook, you might want to think about paying more attention to these properties. Consumers like what other consumers like and the numbers associated with these sites often determine how "likable" you are. Bigger numbers get consumer (and media) interest.


Getting people to pay attention: You have to stop your consumers in their tracks, get them to put down their iPhone, iPad, droid or whatever gadget they're consuming their news feeds on and get them to pay attention to what you are saying. How do you do that? This goes back to my first point: Be Good or Be Gone. Get people to pay attention by adding solid, helpful and insightful content to your feeds. If you ramble on about the flight you missed or the bad day you're having, I can guarantee that people will turn the virtual channel.


Do stuff people will love: Getting people to love you is easy. Do stuff they'll love. This is why I talk so much about giving away information, being helpful, being on top of your industry. I am always stunned when authors come up to me at conferences to tell me how much they love our newsletter (The Book Marketing Expert) or how much they love the information we share on Huffington Post. Give people what they want and they will give you what you want: love - and, hopefully, book sales.


Do stuff people will hate: Not everyone will love what you say and that's OK. When I wrote "Why Some Authors Fail" ( http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/why-some-authors-fail_b_534629.html) I thought everyone would hate that piece. It turns out some people did, and that's OK. I once had a good friend and business coach tell me, if everyone loves you you're doing something wrong. Embrace it.


Make random connections: Not all of your contacts or connections need to make sense. They are following you for a reason, because they want to be part of your information funnel. Here's a cool little idea you might want to consider. Make random connections. What I mean by this is that every couple of weeks (or more if you have the time), email or direct message someone who is following you on Facebook and/or Twitter and ask them if they like the information that's being sent to them and what you can do better. When you ask these questions, you may not always like the answer but I can almost guarantee that you will find it helpful. Our best information often comes from our audience. I've known some authors/speakers to develop entire content for a book based solely on audience questions. Their questions and feedback will show you their interest and hot buttons. Ask!


Stay on top of current trends: This is a big one for most of us. We're out of time, out of ideas and well, out of time. Staying on top of current trends seems like it's just another time suck. But trust me, it's not. First, head over to Google alerts (it's free) and sign up for alerts in your market or area of expertise. What happens when you do that? You'll get all news items and blog posts on your topic funneled to you. This will help you gather ideas on new topics to blog on and new developments in your arena. Staying topical is important, especially if you're trying to keep someone's attention.


Be trendy: No, this isn't a repeat of my previous paragraph. Here is what you do: go over to Google Trends, and search current trending topics. Want to drive more traffic to your site? Increase your Facebook Likes and Twitter followers? This is a great and fun way to do it: talk about current trends. Now, granted, you need to be able to speak to these trends and they do need to have at least something to do with your book. But if you can tie a hot topic into your specialty you can really drive some interest to your content. Why? Because if it's trending in Google, it means the searches for this are pretty high. Higher searches mean a higher volume of potential people who can find your message.


You might wonder how all of this can help you get more exposure for your book, get more people to talk about your book, and sell more copies. Here's how: it's not enough to get mentioned in the news. While it's great, that alone won't sell your books. You have to get in front of enough people in a very interesting and unique way. You have to get them to fall in love with your message so much that they'll talk about you, Tweet about you, and tell all their friends to go buy your book. The new PR isn't going after Oprah (though big shows are always a great boost), it's really about the consumers and the message. How will you get your community so enamored with your message that you turn contacts into evangelists? That's the new PR.


Sites mentioned in this article:


http://www.google.com/trends


http://www.google.com/insights/search/




Reprint permission 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
You are welcome to reprint any items from "The Book Marketing Expert Newsletter." However, please credit us as a source with the following paragraph:


Reprinted from "The Book Marketing Expert newsletter," a free ezine offering book promotion and publicity tips and techniques. http://www.amarketingexpert.com


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My review of Damaged; A Violated Trust by Melody Carlson.

About the book:

Sixteen-year-old Haley's life is about to change. With divorced parents, she's allowed to choose who to live with. Tired of Mom’s restrictions (like no dating), she picks laid-back Dad, although that means she'll have to go to a new school. But even that situation starts to look up when hottie Harris Stephens flirts with her. And when he asks her out, Haley ecstatically accepts. Chalking up a mysterious warning about Harris to jealousy, Haley continues seeing him. But infatuation turns to devastation when Harris does something totally unexpected. Humiliation and peer pressure keep Haley from disclosing what happened, and with no one to talk to, her torturous secret is overwhelming.

My review:

I couldn't pull myself away from this story until I finished the book. Yeah, I read it straight through. I love this entire "Secrets" series by NavPress's TH1NK imprint. And frankly, out of all of the Melody Carlson YA books that I've read so far, I like this one the best. I know I also said that about Shattered, and Never Been Kissed so far this year, and about several of the author's YA books last year, but they were all good for different reasons. Damaged was a realistic and empowering novel for victims, and it gives readers a sense of hope and healing at its conclusion. That is an invaluable benefit of reading fiction, and from reading this book in particular. The potential positive impact on youth and even their parents, is enormous. We need more books like this for teens.

The bottom line is this book really touched my heart. Maybe because it felt so real-life to me. The character's thoughts weren't toned down to fit what Christians think their response should be. The author pulls you deeper and deeper into the mindset of Haley and how she sees the world. That invincible, "I'm different" mindset that is so common with girls today was perfectly illustrated here. I don't think there can ever be enough books about this subject for teens.

So many girls get pulled into situations like this without realizing it. With the naivete that many young girls have regarding a sweet talking teen boy's intentions, this could be eye opening for them. If nothing else, maybe they'll be less likely to put themselves in a situation where they can be vulnerable like Haley had done unwittingly. I have to say I was proud of her for speaking up even though she was terrified. Because it's about doing the right thing and not just protecting the secret, which enables the perpetrator to continue hurting others.

Honestly, the story brought back some not-so-pleasant memories of things that happened when I was a teen. The author portrayed those feelings, emotions, etc. spot on. Why do girls tend not to tell anyone about things like date rape? If we're honest with ourselves, ladies, we all think we would tell BEFORE it happens to us. But when it happens, most of the time we don't tell anyone. We just turn on ourselves (hence all the drugs, cutting, anorexia, promiscuity, etc. that many girls immerse themselves in to block out the pain.) That said, this book would be a great tool to help girls who have experienced date rape. They will see that it was not their fault, and that they were manipulated, and even targeted, if you will. That message will help a lot of young women to heal.

Damaged was published by NavPress TH1NK and released in Oct. 2011.

I'm doing it. I'm going to publish a book myself on kindle!

I already had a cover designed and everything. What do you think? The series will be called Journeys and the books will be 99 cents each. When the series is done I'll put all four of them together in paperback format to make one complete book. The titles are...

Somebody Love Me, book 1

Somebody Help Me, book 2

Somebody Want Me, book 3

Somebody Need Me, book 4

Here is the first cover. What do you think?

Okay, took the recommendation and had the cover tweaked. Thanks for the feedback! 

Here is the new one...

My review of Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

About the book:

Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one---and she's seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she's the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed. Carny is determined to reveal Brisco's selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will.

My review:

Shadow in Serenity is the type of story that sticks with you after you finish the book. Not only is it well-written, but it made me cry a few times. There were some precious, yet heart-wrenching scenes in this story that rang so true I forgot several times that I was reading fiction. The people in the story seemed real to me. I loved the characters' arcs as well. The theme about childhood always being with you and shaping who you are--but that didn't mean you couldn't change--was very inspirational and emotionally moving. There were a lot of things about this story that were powerful. It's hard to say much without spoiling it for the reader, but I will say that this is a beautiful and touching love story about learning to trust and discovering hope for the future.

I have always been a believer in change, but not many books show just how difficult and scary it is for people to really do that. The ability to trust is not possible when someone is continually guarding their heart and closing themselves off to others. Then to learn that change was possible and to desire that so much that you are willing to risk everything? That was so well done and so convincing that I couldn't help but fall for Logan myself. He really did want to experience love and not be lonely anymore. The story of his childhood that he shared with Jason was so touching that it was impossible not to cry. I felt a bit panicked toward the end along with Carny. The author did a very convincing job of setting everything up. This was the perfect romantic suspense and I'll still be thinking about the story days from now. Because of that and a number of other reasons it's making my best fiction list for this year.

Shadow in Serenity was published by Zondervan and released in Sept. 2011. A copy of this book was provided by Shelby of Shelton Interactive for my review. The opinion expressed above is entirely my own.

For a limited time only save on my most popular book and the sequel.

For a limited time you can save $2.00 on the kindle version or $3.00 on the paperback of BOTH Never Without Hope AND Their Separate Ways. If you like to save money, now is the time to get them for friends, family, and whatever else makes sense for your Christmas shopping.

To make it even easier for you, here are some direct links to Amazon.

New giveaway! Enter for a chance to win From This Day Forward by Margaret Daley!

To enter for a chance to win a copy of this book simply answer this question when you post your comment. What do you think would be the greatest challenge for a pregnant widow in the 1800s? I will pick a winner next weekend using the Randomizer program. Best wishes to you all and have a great Thanksgiving.


About the book:

Penniless, pregnant, and newly widowed immigrant Rachel Gordon doesn’t believe her situation could get any worse...until she meets her new neighbors. Shortly after the War of 1812, Rachel and her husband set out from England for a plantation in South Carolina, which he had purchased sight unseen. However, while en route, Tom Gordon fell overboard and drowned, leaving Rachel, frightened and alone, to make a home for her and her newborn.

Can a battle-scarred American physician who comes to her rescue also heal her wounded heart?

My thoughts: 

I have an e-copy of this book but haven't had the chance to review it yet. I plan to give it a try this week and maybe I'll be able to post a review by this weekend. Not sure yet.

My review of Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee!

About the book:

Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a cryptic vellum. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life; revive his emotions; when decoded, the messaged will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love. But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed at terrible risk. 


Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of passionate love and dark desires from master storytellers Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare take the journey.

My review:

Well... this was one interesting story. I've read Dekker by himself, then Dekker and Healy, and now Dekker and Tosca Lee (whose writing I adore!) I can see bits an pieces of the feminine perspective in this story. The imagery surrounding love was pretty profound. Better to have loved and truly live, then to merely exist. That was a big part of the story. It made me also think of the scripture where it says Jesus came to give us life, and not just life, but abundant life. That symbolism is clearly in the story. I loved that. 


While a bit violent in several parts (I'm a wuss when it comes to gore as I have a very visual mind,) the passion in this novel shines through and overtakes the darkness. Passion is part of life, and with it comes not only joy, but pain. Rom's extreme grief was very well done, as was his anger at "The Maker" for allowing him experience love so profoundly only to feel like his heart had been cut out from the intense loss of that object of his affection, Avra. 


I found the symbolism with Feyn quite profound, too. The slow dying of a person's heart back into death is symbolic of those who forget who saved them and thus allowed their hearts to grow cold. But the sacrificial lamb in this book was a powerful message, because she remembered that love... enough to give everything for it. So deep and heartfelt! I loved that about the story. I loved the characters' discovery of love for the first time. It was precious to them, as it should be to us.


There was some similarity regarding betrayal and the reasons behind it (like with Judas in the Bible) that I also found quite thought-provoking. Great imagery there as well. All in all this was a great book. Some parts seemed futuristic, and some seemed like a shadow of the past. It also had a bit of a dystopian feel to it. I am looking forward to the next book when it releases in 2012.  


Forbidden was published by Center Street and released in Sept. 2011. A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for me to review for this blog. The opinion expressed above is entirely my own. 

Author Spotlight–Michelle Sutton

Author Spotlight–Michelle Sutton

Here is an example of one question that I'm asked for the spotlight...

3. When it comes to writing, do you prefer writing in the male point of view, or the female point of view the most?

I love writing the male point of view. I enjoy torturing my guy characters when it comes to love. For me, there is nothing more romantic that restrained passion and deep devotion. My favorite part about writing a romance is showing how passion can turn into devotion as a relationship develops over time.

Have you seen the book video trailer for my upcoming release?

Enter for a chance to win In Sheep's Clothing.

Plus, you get to read a cool review at the same time. 


Here is the link...


http://novelbooks.org/2011/11/14/author-interview-michelle-sutton/

Litfuse blog tour stop for A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander (with bonus review)

About the book:

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

My review:


A Lasting Impression was an emotionally complex historical novel complete with post Civil War Southern charm and all of the nuances that make novels set in the south so appealing. I loved how the story began with tragedy setting the tone, and how such complex issues regarding the gallery's artwork and forgery emerged to become a weight that was too much for Claire to bear. I could see the "writing on the wall" regarding how the scam was doomed to fail at some point. I loved how the author used the tragedy to make a way for the heroine to move to Nashville and begin a new life for herself. The delightful interview she had with the lady of Belmont, Mrs. Acklen, was only the beginning of the heartfelt humility that Claire displayed. I loved how her heart bonded with Mrs. Acklen's over time. Claire was a truly lovable heroine in that she was humble and gracious, which only increased as the book progressed.

The hero, Sutton, was quite the gentleman, but still very much a man. And of course, I love his name since it matches mine. I think I fell in love with Sutton along with Claire. He was so considerate and had such integrity despite the hard times he'd experienced. He was also very human and I loved the protectiveness he felt toward Claire, yet he still gave her room to make her own choices. The romance between Sutton and Claire was delectable. I must say, the passion they had for each other and those tender kisses were enough to make me a bit breathless at times. Wow. The author knows how to build the romantic tension in an almost reverent fashion. Their love was evident and powerful. I loved that about this story. I also loved how the author showed that telling the truth not only clears a person's conscience, but it also earns the respect of others. I was proud of Claire for facing the truth about her past and dealing with it in a responsible manner.

Bottom line... this was a wonderful historical romance! The plot and romantic thread in the story was as beautiful as the book cover, which is one of the most stunning covers I've ever seen. Bethany House outdid themselves with the cover design. I have also learned so much about art, painting, horseback riding, and putting on a gala event from reading this book. I even learned a bit more about the post Civil War south. I adore books that teach me something new and make me think about my life and the way I live it. This book delivers that reward and more. The heroine's tender spirit was beautiful to experience, and I loved how the author showed that it not only drew Sutton to her, but it won his heart in the end. What a great example of how Christ's love draws us to Him as well. I highly recommend this book!


A copy of A Lasting Impression was provided by Litfuse Publicity for me to review for this tour. The opinion expressed above is entirely my own.

Buy the book on Amazon HERE!


About the author:

Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.

For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com


Enter to win a Kindle Fire!!!

Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party from Tamera Alexander! While Tamera and her book,  A Lasting Impression, are traveling across the country virtually (with a few international stops as well!), she will be hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway (11/4 - 11/15) and preparing for a lavish Southern-Style Facebook Party (11/15) (dripping with hospitality, of course). She will be giving away Southern Food Baskets, books, and an array of other fabulous freebies! Don't miss a minute of the fun. Swoon!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Fire (shipped as soon as it releases)
• A copy of A Lasting Impression and 3 other special books Tamera wants you to have (for Kindle)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 15th. Winner will be announced at A Lasting Impression Facebook Party on the 15th. Tamera will be wrapping up the A Lasting Impression celebration with an author chat and giving away Southern Food Baskets (Loveless Cafe Food Baskets, books, Amazon & Starbucks gift certificates, and copies of Christy Jordan's Southern Plate cookbook), six gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com, and copies of A Lasting Impression! So grab your copy of A Lasting Impression (it's okay if you don't have one yet- you might win one!) and join Tamera on the evening of November 15th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about the 1860's?) and lots of Southern-inspired giveaways (complete listing here).

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 15th!

New giveaway! Enter to win Love Finds You in Nazareth, PA by Melanie Dobson (plus bonus review!)

To enter for a chance to win this great holiday story, simply read my review and then post a comment as to why you'd like to win this book. That's easy, right? I'll select a winner using the Randomizer program next Sunday. Best wishes to you all and have a great week!


About the book:

Christian and Susanna had never met when they were chosen by lot to marry in a Moravian community in Germany. But in 1755, they traveled with a dozen other newly married couples to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, to help establish a Moravian borough and share their faith with the surrounding Indian nations. Susanna's heart warms toward her new husband even after she learns that he had wished to marry another woman in Germany. As war rages between the British and French Indians and their young marriage faces hardship, Susanna wonders if Christian will ever return her love.

My review:


This was a deeply insightful book with the kind of emotional tie-in that I always expect when I read one of Melanie's books. She does such an impeccable job with research and with communicating so many things between characters with few words spoken. I love that about her writing. My heart was broken a number of times for these characters. I found that part of the pull of the story, which kept me reading in anticipation of how things would work out.

One thing I love about Melanie's books is that her characters always have a consistent and strong "voice" that is grounded in their culture. This author doesn't have to agree with it to write it well. My heart hurt for those separated families and those children. They really believed they were doing the right thing. Plus that whole decision by "the lot" thing was intriguing and a bit heart-wrenching as well. The good thing is God used even man's foolishness to accomplish His will in those "iffy" cases.

The mission to the Native Americans captured my attention as well. I loved the characters' hearts for the lost. I felt like I was fully entrenched in their belief system and experienced their conflicts along with them. The whole way their society dealt with marriage was seriously flawed, but the author was true to the times. I can't imagine having to sneak away to be with my own husband or limiting our private time to one our per week in the room designated for that act. Oy, how embarrassing that would be to have people know why you were going in there.

I guess they took that sex for procreating "only" thing a bit too seriously, though the author never mentioned that in the book. I believe many religious societies held that view. I can't imagine... In short, this was a deep, moving, emotional story that dealt with a number of issues including forgiveness, true love, following God's will, and learning to be content wherever God has placed you. It must have been difficult to fear the very people you have come to share Christ's love with. The fact that they persevered anyway was truly inspiring, and no doubt rewarding for them as well. Great story!

Love Finds You in Nazareth, PA was published by Summerside and released in October 2011.

Christian fiction... who says we don't tackle real-life issues?

While this is not an exhaustive list, I think it shows just how much ground Christian fiction does cover. If you see a topic on this list and know of a Christian fiction title that covers that topic, but that book isn't listed below, please post a comment and I'll make sure it's added. Thanks!!! (Oh, and I'll make my titles bold and maroon so you can see what I write about. Hey, it's my blog. I can do what I want, right?)


Abortion
Tears in a Bottle (2006) by Sylvia Bambola
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
Showers in Season (2001) Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Rescued (2010) by Donna Dawson
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (2009) by Allison Bottke
Cherished (2011) by Kim Cash Tate
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace
Hush, Little Baby (2011) by Deborah M. Piccurelli
Rain Dance (2006) by Joy DeKok

Abuse/Rape
The Restorer's Journey (2008) by Sharon Hinck
What She Left for Me (2005) by Tracie Peterson
When You Believe (2009) by Deborah Bedford
Why the Sky is Blue (2004) by Susan Meissner
Mending Places (2004) by Denise Hunter
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
Antonia's Choice (2003) by Nancy Rue
In the Still of the Night (1997) by Deborah Raney
A Nest of Sparrows (2004) by Deborah Raney
Afton of Margate Castle (2000) by Angela Hunt
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
A Distant Music (2006) by B.J. Hoff
Justifiable Means (1996) by Terri Blackstock
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
A Memory Between Us (2010) by Sarah Sundin
What the Bayou Saw (2009) by Patti Lacy
Watching the Tree Limbs (2006) by Mary E. DeMuth
Words (2011) by Ginny Yttrup
The Watcher (2010) by Sara Davison
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
The Rhythms of Grace (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
Along Came Love (2006) by Carrie Turansky
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome


Adoption
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe (2010) by Irene Brand and Anita Higman
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Zora's Cry (2006) by Tia McCollors
Scrapping Plans (2009) by Rebeca Seitz
Long Time Coming (2010) by Vanessa Miller
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller

Adultery
The Familiar Stranger (2009) by Christina Berry
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Other Daughter (2007) by Miralee Ferrell
The Forgiving Hour (1999) by Robin Lee Hatcher
The Scarlet Thread (2000) by Francine Rivers
The Breaking Point (2003) by Karen Ball
Redeeming Love (1997) by Francine Rivers
Breach of Promise (2004) by James Scott Bell
Private Justice (1998) by Terri Blackstock
Times and Seasons (2002) by Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Ulterior Motives (1996) by Terri Blackstock
Lying on Sunday (2008) by Sharon K. Souza
Deceit (2010) by Brandilyn Collins
Shadowed in Silk (2011) by Christine Lindsay
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David (2008) by Eleanor Gustafson
A Time to Remember (2009) by Sally John and Gary Smalley

Agoraphobia
Danger at the Door (2009) by Michelle Sutton
The Awakening (2004) by Angela Hunt

Alcoholism/Substance Abuse
Walking on Broken Glass (2010) by Christa Allan
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
Beyond the Shadows (2004) by Robin Lee Hatcher
Looking for Cassandra Jane (2002) by Melody Carlson
Shadow of Dreams (2003) by Eva Marie Everson and G.W. Francis Chadwick
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
My Name is Mike (2003) by Gail Sattler
Intervention (2009) by Terri Blackstock
Leaving November (2008) by Deborah Raney
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
Burnt Orange: Color Me Waster (2004) by Melody Carlson
Beach Dreams (2008) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Reinventing Rachel (2010) by Alison Strobel

Anger
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Nightshade (2010) by Ronie Kendig
Reinventing Rachel (2010) by Alison Strobel
The Heart of Memory (2011) by Alison Strobel
Son of Mine (2011) by Karen Malena

Anxiety
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Sheep's Clothing (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Bitterness
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
I Called Him Dancer (2011) by Eddie Snipes
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Book of Days (2011) by James L. Rubart
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton

Blended Family
The Other Daughter (2007) by Miralee Ferrell
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell

Broken Engagement
Love Turns the Tide (2009) by Gail Pallotta
The Perfect Blend (2010) by Trish Perry
A Man To Trust (2012) by Carrie Turansky

Cancer
After Anne (2002) by Roxanne Henke
A Time to Mend (2006) by Angela Hunt
Healing Quilt (2002) by Lauraine Snelling
Season of Blessing (2003) by Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Seaside (2001) by Terri Blackstock
Crossing Oceans (2010) by Gina Holmes
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Child Abuse/neglect
Secrets Under the Midnight Sun (2010) by Elisa Maria Crites
Daisy Chain (2009) by Mary E. DeMuth
Watching the Tree Limbs (2006) by Mary E. DeMuth
Words (2011) by Ginny Yttrup
One Smooth Stone (2009) by Marcia Laycock
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Other Side of Darkness (2011) by Linda Rondeau
Long Time Coming (2010) by Vanessa Miller
Touched by Mercy (2010) by Tina Pinson
Refuge (1999) by Stephanie M.E. Gallentine

Depression
The Restorer's Journey (2008) by Sharon Hinck
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
Songbird (2003) by Lisa Samson
When Joy Came to Stay (2006) by Karen Kingsbury
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines

Disability
The Attaché (2012) by Dave Bond
The Fragrance of Roses (2009) by Nikki Arana

Disfigurement
Refining Fires (2010) by Erin Rainwater
Forever After (2011) by Deborah Raney
Embrace Me (2008) by Lisa Samson
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
Surrendered Hearts (2011) by Carrie Turansky
Grow Old with Me (2010) by Melinda Evaul

Divorce
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
Bitter Rose: Color Me Crushed (2006) by Melody Carlson
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Can I Get A Witness? (2008) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Last Woman Standing (2009) by Tia McCollors

Domestic Violence
Sadie's Song (2001) by Linda Hall
Serenity Bay (2005) by Bette Nordberg
A Nest of Sparrows (2004) by Deborah Raney
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
Evidence of Mercy (1995) by Terri Blackstock
Broken Wings (2011) by Carla Stewart
Blue Skies Tomorrow (2011) by Sarah Sundin
Remember to Forget (2007) by Deborah Raney
Shadowed in Silk (2011) by Christine Lindsay
Fear No Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Nothing But the Right Thing (2005) by Stacy Hawkins Adams
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Kaydie (2011) by Penny Zeller

Drunk Driving
The Living Stone (2000) by Jane Orcutt
After the Rains (2002) by Deborah Raney
Waiting for Morning (2002) by Karen Kingsbury
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell

Eating Disorders
There You'll Find Me (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped (2006) by Melody Carlson
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Skinny (2008) by Laura L. Smith
She Walks in Beauty (2010) by Siri L. Mitchell
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace

End-of-Life Issues
Broken Wings (2011) by Carla Stewart
The Living End (2003) by Lisa Samson
Crossing Oceans (2010) by Gina Holmes
In the Shadow of Evil (2011) by Robin Caroll
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
World's Collide (2005) by Alison Strobel

Envy
Deep Green: Color Me Jealous (2004) by Melody Carlson
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton

Family Obligation/Expectation
The Artist's Granddaughter (2011) by Robin Bayne
Love's Pursuit (2009) by Siri L. Mitchell
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller
Kaydie (2011) by Penny Zeller

Fear
Danger at the Door (2009) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
In Sheep's Clothing (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Blue Skies Tomorrow (2001) by Sarah Sundin
Just Between You and Me (2009) by Jenny B. Jones
Exposure (2009) by Brandilyn Collins
The Chair (2011) by James L. Rubart

Forgiveness
Wounded Spirits (2010) by April Gardner
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico (2010) by Lena Nelson Dooley
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Undercurrent (2011) by Michelle Griep
Rooms (2010) by James L. Rubart
Book of Days (2011) by James L. Rubart
The Chair (2011) by James L. Rubart
The Pastor's Wife (2010) by Jennifer AlLee
In the Shadow of Evil (2011) by Robin Caroll
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Risky Business, (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Dare to be Different, (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Along Came Love (2006) by Carrie Turansky
Seeking His Love (2012) by Carrie Turansky
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller
McKenzie (2010) by Penny Zeller

Gangs
Fear No Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham

Gambling 
A Million's Blessings (2010) by Angela Benson, Tia McCollors and Marilynn Griffith
Til Debt Do Us Part (2009) by Michelle Larks
The Devil Is A Lie (2009) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (2011) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Going for Broke (2007) by Melody Dobson

Grief
Talking to the Dead (2010) by Bonnie Grove
To Dance in the Desert (2010) by Kathleen Popa
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
Wounded Spirits (2010) by April Gardner
It's Not about Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Decision to Love (2012) by Michelle Sutton
Save the Date (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
There You'll Find Me (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
Wildflowers from Winter (2012) by Katie Ganshert
They Almost Always Come Home (2010) by Cynthia Ruchti
Powerline (2011) by Deb Kinnard
Lost in Dreams (2011) by Roger Bruner and Kristi Rae Bruner
Beach Dreams (2008) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Rhapsody in Red (2008) by Donn Taylor
Violette Between (2006) by Alison Strobel
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl (2011) by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines
Burning Hearts (2011) by Nike Chillemi


Guilt
Bound by Guilt (2011) by C.J. Darlington
A Memory Between Us (2010) by Sarah Sundin
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Almost Forever (2010) by Deborah Raney
Damages, 2010 by Deb Kinnard
Pitch Black: Color Me Lost (2004) by Melody Carlson
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Homosexuality
Tiger Lillie (2004) by Lisa Samson
Spring Rain (2001) by Gayle Roper
A Season of Grace (2004) by Bette Nordberg
Edge of Grace (2011) by Christa Allan
Bright Purple: Color Me Confused (2006) by Melody Carlson
The EX Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray
My Soul Cries Out (2007) by Sherri Lewis
The Things We Do For Love (2008) by Xavier Knight
Violette Between (2006) by Alison Strobel
Decision to Love (2012) by Michelle Sutton

Infertility
The Long-Awaited Child (2001) by Tracie Peterson
Lullaby (2002) by Jane Orcutt
In a Heartbeat (2004) by Sally John
Song of Erin ( 2008 ) by B.J. Hoff
Breaker's Reef (2005) by Terri Blackstock
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Fill These Empty Arms (2011) by Janice Hanna Thompson
Every Good and Perfect Gift (2007) by Sharon K. Souza
Rescued (2010) by Donna Dawson
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Abiding Hope (2001) by Angela Benson
Scrapping Plans (2009) by Rebeca Seitz
An Inconvenient Friend (2010) by Rhonda McKnight
Rain Dance (2006) by Joy DeKok
A Promise Kept (2009) by Cara Putnam
He Remembers the Barren (2011) by Katie Schuermann

Infidelity
Grown Folks Business (2005) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Sins of the Father (2009) by Angela Benson
An Inconvenient Friend (2010) by Rhonda McKnight
The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (2011) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
A Time to Remember (2009) by Sally John and Gary Smalley

Interracial Relationships
Boaz Brown (2005) by Michelle Stimpson

Kleptomania
Fool's Gold: Color Me Consumed (2005) by Melody Carlson

Loneliness
Dark Blue: Color Me Lonely (2003) by Melody Carlson
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome
Shadowed in Silk (2011) Christine Lindsay

Marriage
Searching for Spice (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel
One Little Secret (2007) by Allison Bottke
Happily Even After (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
Mom's the Word (2009) by Marilynn Griffith
The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee
Faithful (2010) by Kim Cash Tate
Secrets and Lies (2009) by Rhonda McKnight
World's Collide (2005) by Alison Strobel
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham
McKenzie (2010) by Penny Zeller

Mental Illness
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
In The Midst Of It All (2010) by Tiffany L. Warren
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
Talking to the Dead (2010) by Bonnie Grove
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Secrets of the Heart (2011) by Jillian Kent
The Other Side of Darkness (2008) by Melody Carlson

Money Crisis
Samaritan (2011) by Robin Bayne
Forever After (2011) by Deborah Raney
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl (2011) by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Pain/Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness
Leaving November (2008) by Deborah Raney
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Parenting
Searching for Spice (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Learning to Fly (2008) by Roxanne Henke
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham

Perfectionism
Perfecting Kate (2007) by Tamara Leigh

Premarital Sex
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Courting Trouble (2007) by Deeanne Gist
Deep in the Heart of Trouble (2008) by Deeanne Gist
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Torch Red: Color Me Torn (2004) by Melody Carlson
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
A Heart of Devotion (2005) by Tia McCollors
The EX Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Only Uni (2008) by Camy Tang

Prostitution/Child Trafficking
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Redeeming Love (2005) by Francine Rivers
Deliver Us From Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
The Elite of the Weak (2011) by Precarious Yates
Deliver Me from Evil (2011) by Kathi Macias
Pearl in the Sand (2010) by Tessa Afshar

Pornography
Exposed (2010) by Ashley Weiss
Last Light (2005) by Terri Blackstock

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Nightshade (2010) by Ronie Kendig
Digitalis (2011) by Ronie Kendig
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Jenna's Cowboy (2010) by Sharon Gillenwater
Burning Hearts (2011) by Nike Chillemi

Racism
Trial by Fire (2000) by Terri Blackstock
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
What the Bayou Saw (2009) by Patti Lacy
Above All Things (2009) by Deborah Raney
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Winds of Sonoma (2005) by Nikki Arana
The Rhythms of Grace (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
Chasing Moondrops (2010) by Jennifer Valent

Retirement
On a Someday (2010) by Roxanne Henke

Schizophrenia
House of Secrets (2011) by Tracie Peterson
Finding Alice (2003) by Melody Carlson

Self-Image
Save the Date (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
A Constant Heart (2008) by Siri L. Mitchell
Miss Invisible (2007) by Laura Jensen Walker
Perfecting Kate (2007) by Tamara Leigh
Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped (2006) by Melody Carlson
Surrendered Hearts (2011) by Carrie Turansky
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Self-Mutilation
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred (2005) by Melody Carlson
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel

Singleness
The Guy I'm Not Dating (2006) by Trish Perry

Spiritual Warfare
Rooms (2010) by James L. Rubart
Moon White: Color Me Enchanted (2007) by Melody Carlson
The Shadowed Onyx (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Substance Abuse
I Called Him Dancer (2011) by Eddie Snipes

Suicide
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
The Novelist (2006) by Angela Hunt
Wildflowers from Winter (2012) by Katie Ganshert
Pitch Black: Color Me Lost (2004) by Melody Carlson
The Shadowed Onyx (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Unlocked (2010) by Karen Kingsbury
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
Son of Mine (2011) by Karen Malena
Traumatic Brain Injury
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton 
The Familiar Stranger (2009) by Christina Berry
The Ex-Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray

Unplanned Pregnancy
Child of Grace (2001) by Lori Copeland
A Moment of Weakness (2000) by Karen Kingsbury
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
Firstborn (2003) by Robin Lee Hatcher
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace

Workaholism
The Pastor's Wife (2010) by Jennifer AlLee
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel

Worry
Out of Her Hands (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Unforgettable (2011) by Trish Perry
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Here is my revised video trailer for When Love Collides - my Dec. 2011 release!

What do you think? Do you like it?