My review of To Dance Once More by Sherri Wilson Johnson

About the book:

All Lydia wants is to travel the world before she has to settle down with a husband. But she may not have that choice anymore. April 1886. Debutante Lydia Jane Barrington lives a carefree, protected existence on Live Oaks Plantation in Florida. But while her sisters happily learn the traditional tasks of women and talk of courting, Lydia dreams of adventure and independence. Even her friendship with handsome Hamilton Scarbrough isn't enough to hold her back. Then one day Hamilton opens Lydia's eyes and her heart to love. But before they can receive permission to court, Lydia overhears a secret conversation about an unscrupulous business deal. Worse, it has everything to do with her and her future. Now she's faced with the biggest decision of her life-to concede or to fight. Either choice will require great sacrifice...and, perhaps, countless rewards. Passion. Friendship. A bitter enemy. A life-changing decision. Set in Victorian-era Florida.

My review:

I really enjoyed the romantic elements in this story and the ways the characters struggled in many areas of their lives. At first the writing style took some getting used to and was a bit slow for me to read, but I figured it was set during the Victorian era so the author was shooting for a Jane Austen type style, which worked for the story. I have to say that once I got used to the style and lost in the story, I couldn't stop reading. A few times I got tearful as well. The story broke my heart several times, but also filled it with joy on other occasions. I loved how God used the trials in Lydia's life to mature her. The twist in the story worked out well and I was pleased with the results.

By the story's end I was sighing with satisfaction. Yes, as a reader, I got my wish, though for awhile there I didn't see it coming. My heart hurt for Lydia and yet I saw how God worked everything out for her good as long as she trusted Him to send her on the path she needed to be on. Once she stopped fighting things and being angry, she became less selfish, which in turn made her a more beautiful person both inside and out. There were some great themes about sacrifice and how God uses different people in our lives at different times to teach us the things we need to learn to grow. I liked that part of the story a lot. I also loved the kissing scenes. The author really knows how to reel you in for those yummy moments. Most of all, I enjoyed seeing the characters mature not only in their personal lives, but in their faith. This story is a keeper for sure.

To Dance Once More was published by OakTara and was released in Sept 2011.

Grace Awards are a coming...

Grace Awards... expanding the tent pegs of Christian Fiction. (that's a great motto!)


Here's what you need to know for now...



The Grace Awards is reader driven. That means in the first round readers vote for novels in five categories:


Women’s Fiction (serious women’s issues, can have humor and/or suspense elements).


Contemporary Romance/Historical Romance (the primary element is love/marriage, be it now or then).


Suspense/Thriller/Mystery/Romantic Suspense/ Detective Series (crime fiction, there’s probably a body). Why you like the story: (At least 25 words)


Speculative Fiction Title (SciFi, fantasy, horror, etc.).


Action Adventure/Western/Historic Epic Fiction (exploits, quest, a feel of wide open spaces, expansive).


Young Adult (appeals to ages 15 – 21-ish).


Voting will begin on December 31st. Anyone who reads faith-based, inspy, Christian themed novels can vote. Authors can vote…but not for their own novel. Judges and Grace Awards Board members can vote…but not for a novel they’ve written. Anyone who reads Christian fiction can vote…but not until December 31st.


 This blog will have detailed instructions for voting. Stay tuned.


HERE IS A LINK TO THE BLOG...


http://graceawardsdotorg.wordpress.com/

Is this cool, or what? I loved this magazine. So much good stuff here!

Click on the picture to read more!

My review of The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo

About the book:

Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away...

Charlotte Beck may be entering adulthood, but she can’t seem to keep to her stubborn, independent spirit from bucking social protocol. Fed up with her behavior, Charlotte’s father Daniel pressures her to settle into a nice marriage despite knowing she is set on going to college. Then Daniel sees Charlotte with the handsome but annoying English astronomer Alex Hambly, and everything changes. 

Though Alex and Charlotte can barely stand one another, Daniel offers them a deal they can’t refuse: if they agree to marry, he will save Alex’s family from financial ruin and grant Charlotte the freedom to go to college. Reluctantly the couple agrees, but in private they plot to annul the marriage as soon as possible.

But when Alex’s feelings change and he refuses to dissolve their contract, will Charlotte find a way out of her vows? Or will she discover that maybe this marriage isn’t so inconvenient after all?

My review:

This was a fun story for a number of reasons. First, I read it in less than two days because I kept wanting to know when they would change their minds. The anticipation kept me reading. Plus, I adored the hero. Charlotte was a bit of a twit at times and quite annoying, but she had her tender side, too...when she allowed someone to see it. Alex was so patient I wanted to give him a medal for that. He was also a good man like her father noted. I thought their scheme made sense at first, but I couldn't help admiring Alex's strength and heroism at times. He simply couldn't help being a gentleman.

My favorite scene was the one where they stumble upon the cabin. I was like...finally, only to have the inevitable deferred again. Of course, when the moment passed there were second thoughts...again. But I suppose it was best for a decision to be made with one's wits about them and being in Alex's arms would make any woman forget those wits. At least, that's how I felt. She never did find out about who he "almost" married. I wonder if that will come out in a future book.

I normally find stories with strong-willed and stubborn women a bit unappealing and unrealistic, but for some reason this story and the way the author wrote the character made me smile because it was handled in such a humorous fashion. I enjoyed her clumsy antics and crazy ideas. I enjoyed the historical tie-in to Buffalo Bill Cody as well. I thought it was funny how Charlotte was always trying to outwit or best her "competition" and that made the story shine. She was spunky and fun, and I could see how Alex would be intrigued by her. When she responded to his kisses, it made me smile. She simply didn't know what to say. They overpowered her so much that she lost some of that snark and wit. I liked that he had such an influence on her mood that he could soften her up with a gentle touch or heated kiss. Overall, this was a fun historical romance and I enjoyed it very much!

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck was published by Waterbrook Press and released in June 2011.

New giveaway! Enter for a chance to win The Chair by James L. Rubart

To enter for a chance to win a copy of this book simply post a comment about the coolest gift you got this year for Christmas. I know...it's unrelated, but I'm curious, okay?


About the book:

If someone gave you a chair and said it was made by Jesus Christ, would you believe them?

When an elderly lady shows up in Corin Roscoe's antiques store and gives him a chair she claims was crafted by Jesus, he scoffs. But when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair, he stops laughing and starts wondering . . . could this chair heal the person whose life Corin destroyed twelve years ago?

As word spreads of the boy's healing, a mega-church pastor is determined to manipulate Corin into turning over the chair. And that mysterious woman who gave him the piece flits in and out of his life like a shadow, insinuating it's Corin’s destiny to guard the chair above everything else. But why?

Desperate, he turns to the one person he can trust, a college history professor who knows more about the legend of the chair than he'll reveal. Corin's life shatters as he searches for the truth about the artifact and the unexplained phenomena surrounding it. What’s more, he's not the only one willing do almost anything to possess the power seemingly connected to the chair.


My thoughts:


Will let you know soon. Just started reading this one...

My review of Washed Under the Waves (Children of the King, book 1) by Gloria Clover

About the book:

A prince in disguise.

An unknown island. Tsunami. Political coup. Pirates with lasers. And true love.

In the future, when the King sends out his children to reclaim the lost lands, Prince Geoffrey Athan D’Ambrose quests to Undae Island, the smallest of all lands in its archipelago. Top of his class and eager to prove his worth, Athan chafes at the need to be disguised as a tutor.

Lady Tayte Bashan knows her black hair doesn’t qualify her to rule any island, let alone one in such disrepair. She hopes when the prophesied prince arrives he picks another bride.

The people of Undae hide from their past pain in the pleasures of entertainment. Then, a darker need surfaces. And the waves rise.

My review:

This story was very unique and a bit complex, but I really enjoyed it. I particularly enjoyed the themes related to the king and obeying Him even if you don't understand all the details or have answers to your why questions. You just need to trust that He loves you and has your best interests at heart. I was drawn to that theme and the imagery regarding spending time with the King. In the story they had access to Him whenever they wanted as long as they touched the pendant on their necks. The King just wanted his adopted children to spend time with him. However, when they were in His presence and decided to take care of things on their own instead of trusting Him, the King disappeared. I thought that was cool.

I also enjoyed the gradual love developing between Tayte, the princess, and Athan, the undercover prince who posed as a teacher. In some ways this had a lot of common themes to Jesus coming to earth to show men the way to the King, only in this story Athan was not perfect and was an adopted son like all of us are if we've been adopted into the kingdom. That was cool because in essence Athan's story could be hours. His journey could show us how to treat our spiritual journeys. That was a lot to ponder and I'll be thinking about it for some time to come.

Regarding the romantic element, I found it breath-stealing at times and downright delectable. Poor Athan held such affection and attraction to Tayte, but he could not reveal who he was. And Tayte found herself falling in love with Athan, but knew that she was supposed to wait for the prince. That provided for some incredible tension between them, especially when they were locked in the cellar together. And the scene at the end. Whew. That was great stuff, especially the imagery regarding the power of the marriage act, and it being something God not only blesses, but wants husbands and wives to fully enjoy. That was one of the best scenes I've ever read that said a lot without actually saying it. Again, powerful imagery and steamy enough to make me smile. It was impossible not to be caught up in the moment with the characters.

This book was a bit long, but most fantasy fiction lovers want that, so it works for that purpose. If you like books with Medieval type futuristic themes merged with kings and kingdoms, you'd enjoy this fantasy excursion into the land of Undae. The author did a great job pulling the reader in and I'm sure the second book will be gripping as well.

Children of the King, Book One; Washed Under the Waves was published by Desert Breeze Publishing and released in August 2011.

My "lucky" 13 favorite novels this year and why I loved them.

This is going to be tough, because I have to select from my favorite fiction list which had 38 of the over 130 books I've read so far this year. (I've started a bunch of books I never finished.) Most of these books are available as e-books also, so if you need to do some last minute shopping or just want to treat yourself to a great story over the holidays, check these out! Anyway, without further adieu, here is my list...

(One thing to note is I have a special affinity for Young Adult, Historical Romance, and Women's Fiction, so if a novel is in one of these genres, it's a lot more likely to make my favorites list than other books.)

Young Adult favorites:

Damaged by Melody Carlson (Shattered was a close runner up, also by Melody Carlson) - Damaged was a truly captivating story that made me think about my past and various things that happened in my life. I could not put it down because it read so much like real life and it made me think even after I finished the story. I loved the author's voice, the conflict, and the realism of the story. I also loved how it could help teens who find themselves in similar situations. Great stuff in this book.

Mistaken Identity by K. Dawn Byrd - I read this book straight through and didn't want to do anything else but read this book. It brought me back to my high school days, both the good and the bad. I loved how the novel showed that decent guys are more attracted to a girl's personality and heart than anything else. For them, the beauty of the package is only a small part of the whole picture.  So many girls think it's all about appearance. For the users, it is. But who wants to be used, right?

Rise by Stefne Miller. This was one powerful story for a number of reasons. For one, I'm a sucker for a good love story. But this book had my heartstrings all the way through. It got me choked up a number of times and had me guessing what would happen next. The characters--especially Attie--went through the fire, but Jesus was always with her even when she chose to ignore him. I loved the message about what healthy love is vs. unhealthy love. I also adored Riley. He was a great hero.

Historical Romance favorites:

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman. I loved everything about this story, but especially the theme that while knowing Jesus personally saves us, it doesn't erase our pasts or our mistakes. We still have to deal with them. I love the theme regarding how damaging jealousy is and how ignoring the person you love when angry only hurts you more. So much good stuff in this book, plus, what's not to love about the O'Connors?

Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan. I love a mail order bride story that shows how couples really deal with getting acquainted in a new marriage? I loved how the book showed that it was hard work and didn't just work out where they had one kiss at the end and the story was over. Great job showing realistic issues and how a characters past will creep up on them. I loved how the characters' worked through their struggles. I loved how Scripture was used. I just plain loved this book.

Bathsheba by Jill Eileen Smith. This is one incredibly story. It opened my eyes more to what the Bible already says and did so in a way that made sense. I feel like I understand David and Bathsheba more now and I see why this had so many ramifications for both of them. So much good stuff in this novel and so much realistic tension. It was compelling and impossible to put down. My favorite biblical fiction novel, bar none.

Dance of the Dandelion by Dina Sleiman. This novel had all of my favorite elements. It was set in a Medieval setting for one. There were castles and knights, etc. I loved how the author showed the heroine searching for meaning and for true love and finding a variety of substitutes before realizing how off-track she'd gotten from so many poor choices. Very well done and realistic. I couldn't put this one down. It totally engaged my heart for the duration of the story.

Heiress by Susan May Warren. This story was brave and well-told and tragically beautiful. But that's not surprising as Susan is particularly gifted when it comes to writing historical romance. I loved how the domestic violence thread was realistically shown and how the heroine's feelings were laid bare on so many levels. This was an honest book, but it made me think about many things. It stuck with me long after I finished the book.


Women's Fiction/Other:

Play it Again by Tracy Krauss. This story brought me back to the 80s in all of it's uniqueness. I loved how the themes in this story revealed so much about the damaging effects of the past and how you can't totally get away from it. I loved the romantic thread in this story and how realistic the characters were in their thinking. It really got my heart going on a number of occasions. I also loved the way the author showed that all people need Jesus. Well done!

Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West. This novel grabbed my by the throat. I didn't think I could a love a novel set during the Vietnam War, but I was enthralled by the setting, the characters, and the themes in this books. I loved how the author knew how to pull you in emotionally and bond you to so many unique characters so you cared about what happened to them. I was distressed as much as the characters were, but the ending was more than satisfying.

The Visionary by Pamela S. Thibodeaux. This story was powerful. I loved how the author delved deeply into the twins' childhood pain and showed how true love can help you pull through these situations if you learn to trust, then you can begin to heal. I loved the characters in the story. They felt like friends to me. So much good content in this book and so very brave of the author to tell it like it is in all of it's horror rather than soft-step reality so as not to offend. That always gets big points from me.

The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker. I am always amazed at how Ted can take something undesirable like a serial killer, and make you understand that twisted thinking. The characters in this book were well-fleshed out and the theme of legalism versus grace was compelling. I loved the spiritual themes and imagery in this novel. It pulled me along and made me think. I could not stop reading it and thought about it even after I finished the story. Dekker is proof that I can like something scary or horror-like as long as there are redemptive themes and spiritual threads that lure me in.

Count Down to Love by Julie N. Ford. This story was just plain fun to read and yummy in many ways. The setting was a reality show that reminded me of The Average Joe and I could not stop reading this book. It had some serious threads in the story regarding betrayal, but the overall theme of either being selected or rejected on the show simply captivated me. Especially since the heroine planned to be rejected from the first day. She learned about true love in a very unique way. I simply adored this book.

So now you have my list. There are (so far) 38 books making my top fiction list, so stop back later (in early January 2012) for that information, which will be posted here. Hope you enjoyed my post. 2011 was a great year for books! So many books, so little time!

My review of Rise by Stefne Miller. Fantastic love story!

About the book:

"I’d come to a place of realizing that even if only for a time, Attie’s existence was heavily dependent upon my ability to protect her and shine light in her direction. At the same time, I had to give her enough room to live her own life. I also knew the connection was fragile and that as I navigated the space just outside her world, if her life were to start to spin out of control, I wouldn’t be able to come closer and intervene without causing more damage. I understood that I was created to be a part of her life, but only at a safe distance.

Our universe, the one that seemed to only include us, was about to be hurled into an entirely new solar system."

---

Attie Reed has finally found some happiness after the accident that took her mother’s and best friend’s lives and nearly destroyed hers. But that doesn’t mean life is going to get easier. She may not have nighttime monsters to fight, but her world is about to spin wildly out of orbit.

In the captivating, highly anticipated sequel to Stefne Miller’s Salvaged, Attie is faced with the challenge of fitting in at a new school while figuring out her next steps. Riley continues to fight with her and for her as she encounters difficult battles. He has been her protection, but he can’t protect her forever.

When Attie’s father finally comes back into her life, she is faced with her most difficult decision yet: to stay in Oklahoma and keep the life she has made or return to New York to repair her relationship with her father and allow herself to heal. What happens will define who she is and who she will become. Can she fight this battle alone and Rise? Or will she continue to fall out of orbit and be lost forever?

My review:

Words can barely describe the gammut of emotions I experienced while reading this novel. I absolutely adored Salvaged (the first book), which captivated me from the first page, but I loved Rise even more. I didn't think it was possible, but it's true. I can't remember how many times I got choked up or tears welled in my eyes, but I experienced some powerful emotions while reading this story.

There was so much good stuff in the book about what real love was, and the importance of being with someone because you want to be, not because you need to be with them to feel "whole." Attie was in many ways a needy, but loveable person, yet the fact that she needed protection made Riley love her even more. It got to the point where it was unhealthy. But it was still a powerful thing to observe. It kind of reminded me of "A Walk to Remember" where you just hurt for the guy on so many different occasions.

I loved the theme related to the importance of fathers and how being devastated by a father's rejection can really mess up a young woman's heart. Attie had plenty of reasons to feel crushed, hurt and rejected. But I adored her as a character, and even more than I did in the first book. I hated to see her going through all of those painful situations but she needed them to grow.

The theme regarding Jesus and how you can walk away and yet he never leaves you was pretty powerful. It made me think about my own faith and how many times I don't think to go to Him and try to solve things on my own. He is standing by patiently waiting for us to reach out to him. That was so well done. I also loved how Jesus encouraged Attie to tell Him how she felt and to "let him have it" because "he could take it." Well done! Honesty with God and with ourselves is always a good thing.

The healing themes in this book really touched me deep inside. Having made some dumb choices myself that had lasting consequences, I appreciated how the author laid it all out there. The pros and the cons, the motivations of the heart, the need to consider how each choice we make will not only influence our lives, but others around us was well done. And I loved Coop. He was a great guy. In some ways he was part of Attie's healing, but I still hurt for him. I felt like I was reading a Nicholas Sparks love story on more than one occasion and needed to remind myself that the story was fiction and these weren't real people.

I am sad the series has ended because I truly loved this story. The characters felt so real to me, it was like we were friends. The story warmed my heart and made an impact on me. It also made me think about my spiritual life, which is always a good thing. Attie made me want to be more honest with myself and others because I saw how it benefitted the characters in the story. The only way to be truly healthy is to rely on Jesus and not on other people. It doesn't mean we can't love deeply, but it does mean our hope needs to be in God and not in people.

Such a fantastic story, and if I could, I'd give it ten stars. Did I mention it was very well written? This author is incredibly gifted and really knows how to evoke emotion in the reader. I highly recommend this story. It's making my favorite fiction list for 2011.

Rise was published by Tate and released in June 2011.

THE BORROWED BOOK: Weekly Drawing

THE BORROWED BOOK: Weekly Drawing: It's fun Friday at The Borrowed Book , and you have several chances to win a copy of my latest and greatest novel. Here's how - instead of leaving a comment, leave the time it took you to...

NOTE: Please do NOT enter the drawing by commenting here. Click on the link to go to the Borrowed Book to enter.

My review of The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson

About the book:

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.


My review:

The Merchant's Daughter was a compelling read that had a creative twist on the infamous fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. I fell in love with the characters. The intro of the family situation that led to her being an indentured servant was a bit tedious, but once she entered the service of Lord Ranulf, the pacing picked up and I was enthralled with the story until I finished the last page. I read this novel quickly, but not because it was a simple story. I loved the depth of emotion and the character arc. I wanted to smack bailiff Tom for being such a slimy jerk and for causing so much trouble for everyone. I felt Annabelle's frustration as she could not do much about it without causing more difficulty for herself and others. Thankfully Lord Ranulf was a decent man who protected his servants.

I felt Lord Ranulf's pain from his past and loved when the author placed the reader in his point of view. I enjoyed watching him go from gruff and defensive, to softening as she read the Holy Writ to him. Once again, Melanie Dickerson shows the reader how beautiful a person's tender spirit is, and how that can soften even the hardest of hearts. Annabelle wasn't just comely on the outside, which, as she said, caused her more trouble than anything else. Lord Ranulf wanted to judge her as shallow because she was beautiful, but he learned that for some women beauty is truly more than skin deep. Annabelle was a wonderful heroine with a precious personality. She wasn't a wimp, though. She was a fighter, but she did everything with dignity. She exemplified a beautiful spirit as her faith grew from reading the Bible. She protected those she loved.

My heart was gladdened when Annabelle realized that she had feelings of love for Lord Ranulf, and they were good rather than something to be afraid of. I thought that was well done. I loved how they both concluded that they must tell the truth. I didn't feel like the communication was contrived at all, nor did their relationship feel forced. It developed naturally and in a way that made my heart warm. And those kisses were well worth the wait! This would be a great book for teens to show them that beauty isn't recognized by a good man through flirting or enticing ways, but depth of spirit and character. A soft spoken woman with honor and integrity will attract a good man more than any of the things the world says will draw the attention of men--at least not the kind of attention most woman want--which is the kind resulting in love. This story does a great job of illustrating true beauty. Loved this novel!

The Merchant's Daughter was published by Zondervan and released in Nov. 2011. Oh, and right now you can get the e-book on CBD and on Amazon kindle for only $1.99!

My review of Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes

About the book:

Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart.

When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation. Though Eric longs to reunite with Kyra, the only woman he has truly loved, he has no idea how to repair the damage that’s been done.

Then a car accident erases part of Kyra’s memory—including her separation from Eric—and a glimmer of hope rises from the wreckage. Is this a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance to find forgiveness and win back Kyra’s heart . . . or will the truth blow up in his face, shattering their last hope for happiness? A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.

My review:

Dry as Rain is not only a great title, but an incredible story of redemption and discovering what is truly important in life. Money won't keep you warm at night or hold your hand when you are old. Just like in real life, the author doesn't make it easy on the characters when their lives unravel. I've read a number of great books this year on the subject of infidelity and found this one to be better than most for a number of reasons. First, I loved how the author wrote the entire story from the male point of view even though the author is a woman. I thought she did a great job with first person point of view. Eric's internal dialog rang true to me. For the duration of the novel, I felt like I was Eric.

I really empathized with Eric on a number of issues. He'd dug himself a pretty big hole with a few dumb decisions that cost him dearly, and he couldn't take the consequences back for a do-over. Who wouldn't want their wife to forget the bad stuff from their past when an opportunity to have their heart's desire--intimacy with the person who hate been hateful toward them--presented itself? The guilt he experienced was plenty of punishment, and typically the anguish a person can inflict on himself from guilt is often worse than what the spouse can dish out anyway.

While it's not an excuse, as is true in most affairs, one person strays because the other has grown cold toward them. It usually starts out with something as innocent as an e-mail. Most of the people I know who have had infidelity in their marriage said it started the same way. It's a sorry substitute to feel valued and attractive by someone other than your life-mate, which Eric soon discovered after he got a taste of what he thought he wanted. He learned the hard way that he'd sacrificed his family to earn more money, which caused his wife to resent him and grow distant. So many men do that when what their family really wants is not a bigger house, but a dad and husband who spends time with them.

I have never understood how women can become such witches when they have been cheated on, but I found the portrayal in this novel totally believable because I've known many women who acted just like Kyra did. Their anger and hurt just makes them look ugly and bitter, rather than attractive and someone desirable to the person who cheated. So in my opinion, Eric was a saint to be patient with her. I know he's the one who did wrong, but how many times does someone need to be yelled at and reminded of what they did wrong over and over again? He was truly sorry for what he did. He realized his mistake and had no desire to repeat it. Bitterness just hurts the person who is bitter about things, and Kyra was a great example of that. Sure she had the right to be angry, but she hurt herself more than she hurt Eric.

At any rate, I loved how the story played out and how Eric learned to be honest with himself and others over time. I loved how his priorities changed and how he decided to never give up regardless of what he faced every day. Most of all, I loved how God took an ugly situation and turned it around so it was used for the good. Great story with a convincing spiritual arc too. This is a powerful novel that is definitely making my top fiction list for 2011.

Dry as Rain was published by Tyndale and released in August 2011.

New giveaway! Enter for a chance to win Love Finds You in Folly Beach, South Carolina by Loree Lough

For a chance to enter the contest to win this book simply answer this question... would you go to the beach for Christmas vacation even if it meant leaving the snow and the fireside behind? Just curious. Have fun!

About the book:

When marine biologist Holly Leonard agrees to help Parker Brant write a book on giant sea turtles, she expects a charming and charismatic charter boat captain-not the strait-laced, all-business dud who greets her.

For his part, Parker is surprised to find that Dr. Leonard is not the matronly grandmother he expected but a blue-eyed beauty who's lively, fun- and a total klutz. Unfortunately, the harder Holly tries to shed her "Holly Folly" nickname, the clumsier she becomes.

Holly has breezed into Parker's well-ordered world like a hurricane-but will he welcome the disruption?

My thoughts:

I don't have this book so I can't say anything about it. Sorry!

Read about my Christmas traditions and enter for a chance to win...

a copy of When Love Collides; A Love Story 
by Michelle Sutton on the following site...

(do not post a comment here as it doesn't count)

Click on the link to read the interview.

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy it!

My review of After All is Said and Done by Belinda G. Buchanan

About the book:

Nobody wakes up one morning and decides that today is the day they are going to cheat on their spouse. When the opportunity presents itself however, it ultimately becomes a choice. And that choice, whether good or bad, can have irrevocable consequences.

Ethan and Jessica Harrington are doctors who work alongside fellow doctors Gavin and Sarah Williams. After Jessica has an affair with Gavin, their lives are thrown into turmoil as they deal with the aftermath and subsequent fallout.

For the better part of a year the four of them have been working to piece their marriages back together. Sarah and Gavin are still reeling from a devastating miscarriage, while Jessica and Ethan are hesitantly looking forward to the birth of their first child.

Sarah’s hopes are immediately shattered when she learns how far Gavin’s infidelity has gone. Suddenly thrown into an unwanted independence she fights to find her way.

Jessica struggles to repair her marriage to Ethan as they become parents. But when Ethan, a borderline alcoholic, learns a dark secret, his world steadily begins to crumble. His drinking, fueled by this discovery slowly engulfs him. Jessica’s love for him is only matched by her fear of his temper. With his marriage now in pieces and his sanity questionable, Ethan struggles to come to terms with his alcoholism and face his past.

Theirs is a story of the tremendous amount of love some people have for one another, regardless of the pain that is sometimes inflicted.

This is a story about healing and forgiveness. Although it doesn't happen in the way you would expect.


My review:

It's rare that all I want to do is read a book. This story drew me in because it was so powerful at its core. I am not even sure how I stumbled upon it. I think I was on a page for one book that said at the bottom "people who bought this book also purchased..." so I clicked on it and read the description and decided to go for it.

Though this story was much longer than most e-books I normally read, I simply couldn't stop until I finished. If I hadn't had to sleep and work, I would have read it straight through. But I still read it every chance I got. When all was said and done, I loved the story. It has some language and a few pretty steamy scenes in it, but it didn't take away from the value of the novel for me. What I loved about the story was how deep it went and how honest it was. I've never seen a more compelling portrayal of alcoholism and the damage it can do to adults.

For the most part I loved all of the characters. There were times when I didn't like some of them at all, but that's like real life. Sometimes we don't like the people we love. And sometimes we just need to know when to walk away and let someone learn the hard way that they need help.

The ending was fanstastic and I think it worked well for the story. There are people that are good for us and the relationship is healing. There are some people that are like poison to our souls. Ethan's insight about the healing power of forgiveness toward the end was enough to move a reader to tears. I was so glad when he found peace and joy in life again.

Some picky little things that drove me nuts were the excessive use of exclamation marks. Any seasoned writer knows that they are not needed most of the time and should be rarely used. If it hadn't been for all of those marks in the story I would not have believed this was the author's first novel. It was very well-written and other that, had few flaws.

This story engaged not only my head, but my heart. I was afraid - more like terrified - at times as well as extremely sad about situations that occurred. There were no easy answers, but the author had the characters acting in ways that made sense and fit their situations given their lives and what they knew.

More than that, I felt like I knew these people kind of like I knew characters in a soap opera I used to watch many years ago. I often held my breath as they did crazy things that fit the drama of the day and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. And though the author did not have a pure point of view (in other words there was some head-hopping) she actually did this very well. It's not easy to have multiple viewpoints in a scene and do it well.

I am sad that this story ended, but was excited that a prequel is coming out in 2012. I'm definitely getting it as I want to know how it all began and I know for sure it will be told well. Hopefully it won't have a thousand question marks in the story, but even if it does, I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

When All is Said and Done is published by Amazon Kindle Services and released in 2011.

Michelle Sutton shares her book In Sheeps Clothing 12/14 by WomenBeats | Blog Talk Radio

Another radio interview about a different book.

Michelle Sutton shares her book In Sheeps Clothing 12/14 by WomenBeats | Blog Talk Radio

My review of Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide

About the book:

Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson.

Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love.

Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn't because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?


My review:

I don't normally enjoy Christmas-themed stories because some tend to be a bit sappy. I don't get warm fuzzies from sentimental stories either. This story wasn't sappy at all, and it truly warmed my heart. For a shorter novel, I was impressed with how much depth the story had. I read it quickly, but not because I skimmed through content. There was too much good stuff to savor and digest. I loved the conflict between the characters and the fact that the author laid a good foundation for the story. She made their past issues convincing enough where I bought their reasoning. And those yummy kisses. Whew! So if you like Christmas stories minus the sappy content and with a heavy dose of inspiring romance, you'll enjoy this one. I loved it!

Savanna's Gift was published by White Rose Publishing and released November 29, 2011.

Blog tour stop for The Visionary by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

The author has generously stated that anyone who leaves a comment with their email contract info will be entered to win an autographed copy of this book (hey, I want one!!!) So make sure to comment as a winner's name will be chosen by 12-17-11 so that doesn't give you much time. The author will contact you if you won. 

  About the book:


A Visionary is someone who sees into the future, Taylor Forrestier sees into the past but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as "a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique" Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that's disgustingly prevalent in today's society. Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?

Here is a link to my review! Fantastic story! 

It's making my best fiction list for 2011!

AUTHOR BIO:

Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com  

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Bayou Writers Group: http://bayouwritersgroup.com  

  

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/n8as1b 

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/o3YrMq



EXCERPT: 


“Thank you for taking such good care of me.”


“I’m not through yet,” he mumbled, then slid off the couch and swung her up in his arms.


Fear snuck in, darkening her eyes. She stiffened and opened her mouth to protest. He brushed his lips over hers and silenced her objections.


“I just want to hold you,” he whispered and laid his forehead against hers. “That’s all. I promise,” he added, unable to camouflage the need in his voice.


***


He’d offered her another step to relinquish her fear and trust him. Triumph lit his expressive eyes when she wrapped her arm around his neck, smiled, and whispered, “Okay,” then snuggled her face against his shoulder and let him carry her to the bedroom.


With exquisite tenderness, he laid her on the bed, crawled up beside her, and took her in his arms. Taylor felt the strength of his need in the heat and tensed against the hardness of his body. He eased his grip and propped up on one elbow beside her. His eyes pleaded for grace when he stroked the hair off her face and said in a soft, husky voice, “Please don’t be afraid of me; please trust me. I will never force or even persuade you to give more than you’re ready to.”


They gazed at each other for a long, tender moment. She cupped his cheek in her hand, brushed her thumb over his mouth, then curled her fingers in his hair and urged his head down to fasten her lips to his. A low moan escaped his throat, yet he held himself taut.


Taylor ran her hand over his shoulder and back in a soft caress then wrapped her arms around his waist. “Hold me, Alex, I trust you.”


The emotions reflected in his tone caressed her heart when he thanked her in that beautiful velvety-rough voice. He rolled onto his back, pulled the covers over her, and held her while she slept.

My review of Snitch by Booker T. Mattison

About the book:

On the streets of Jersey City there is a simple code. You don't talk to the cops. You don't snitch. Period. But when bus driver Andre Bolden witnesses a crime on his route, he is compelled to make a choice. If he keeps silent, he might lose his job and be gnawed by his conscience. If he snitches, he could lose his family—even his life.

This explosive story explores the clash between a working man and the code of the street. Gifted storyteller Booker T. Mattison has crafted a realistic tale full of tension and raw suspense yet infused with spiritual truth. Snitch rewrites the rule to mind your own business, peers into the hearts of those who seek revenge and redemption, and celebrates the ability of a community to triumph over violence and intimidation.

My review:
Snitch is a gritty novel that I couldn't stop reading. The characters were complex and the story was insightful regarding the human condition. Plus, the action was almost non-stop. To me it felt like the people in the story were real people, and a couple of times I was scared myself, so I can only imagine how the people felt who lived in that gang-infested neighborhood. The slang and dialog the characters used made the story feel even more authentic to me. The author did a fantastic job with the setting as well. At times I felt like I was living on the streets, too. I loved how the author didn't hold back and told it like he saw it. So many books soft-step the tough issues and water them down. This book kept it real, which I appreciated.

There were a number of complexities in this novel that I found impressive. So many spiritual issues were dealt with, but in a relevant way. I felt bad for Andre on so many levels and found his transformation quite compelling. He really hit an all-time low when he ended up homeless and couldn't get a job. His son loved him dearly, but Andre couldn't even provide for him, which broke my heart. Everything seemed to spiral downward, and a few times he'd almost given up hope. Those scenes were well-written. I could see the temptation to end it all, but I also saw God's hand in Andre's life. Some good men came alongside Andre and helped lift his head. The theme of men helping and supporting other men in need really touched my heart. It also made me crave some hot wings, lol!

Last, I loved that the author didn't spare the characters any pain. Bad things happened, and just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse, they did. Snitch was difficult to put down and held my attention for the duration of the novel. I read it quickly. The prose was well-written, the poetry was insightful and engaging, and the plot went far beyond what I thought it would when I started reading. I kept forgetting it wasn't real life. This sophomore effort by Mattison tops his prior book, and I didn't think it could get any better than Unsigned Hype. Snitch is a keeper and I highly recommend it.

Snitch was published by Revell and released in May 2011. It's making my best fiction list for 2011.

New giveaway! Thyme for Love by Pamela S. Meyers

For a chance to enter to win this novel, simply post a comment about romantic comedies and mysteries. You can say anything you want. Just as long as you say something. I will pick a winner next Sunday using the Randomizer program.


About the book:

When April Love signs on to be an in-house chef at an old lakeshore mansion in Canoga Lake, Wisconsin, she comes face to face with her long-lost love, the drop-dead gorgeous Marc Thorne. 


It doesn't take long for their old magnetism to recharge, but how can she trust the guy who left her nearly at the altar eight years earlier? Her gut tells her something happened to Marc in between--something he's reluctant to reveal. 


When April's boss is murdered, Marc is accused of the crime. Unless April can find out who really killed Ramón Galvez, her chances for love will end up at the county jail. But someone else is just as determined she not solve the mystery...and will go to any length to stop her. 


About the author: 


Raised in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Pamela has published articles in Today's Christian Woman, Christian Computing Magazine, Victory in Grace Magazine, Ancestry Magazine, Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Ezine, and the ACFW Ezine, Afictionado. Her true story, Like Son, Like Father, appeared in His Forever (Adams Media). She has served as a sign language interpreter for her church, and currently is involved in her church's outreach to the Japanese community and is a leader of a women's Bible study group. She now resides in Illinois.

My thoughts:   I hope to review this book soon. For some crazy reason I thought I only got one chapter. I just discovered I received the whole PDF, so now I have to go back and read it. If I manage to finish before the week is over, I'll post a review, but if not, hopefully you'll see one in the near future.

My review of Lost Melody by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith.

About the book:


The beautiful piano sitting in the corner of Jill King's apartment begs to be played. For over a year, it has sat untouched, ever since a terrible accident shattered Jill's ambition of becoming a concert pianist. The ragged scar on her left hand is a cruel and constant reminder of the death of her dream. But another dream is about to come to life—an unexpected, horrifying dream that will present Jill with a responsibility she never wanted. And choices she never wanted to make.


Hundreds of lives depend on Jill's willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.


My review:


I enjoyed the concept of this story and the underlying romantic elements. I also enjoyed the theme that true love sticks with someone during hard times. I think it's interesting that several stories have popped up this year that have similar themes of visions, dreams etc. being given to people. That said, the story had some compelling undertones. If we felt like God was telling us to warn people, would we keep silent in order to save ourselves from looking like we were nuts? That's a tough question. 


Greg was a great hero. He struggled like anyone would with the whole thing and how it was influencing the campaign, but he was so supportive. He was a great example of how love is shown by holding another person up who is struggling, rather than abandoning them because how their problem might negatively reflect on you. I loved the symbolism there. Greg had guts. But Jill's belief was pretty compelling. It's hard not to say much that won't spoil the story. I wouldn't want someone to tip me off ahead of time. 


That said, I loved the little old ladies who supported her as well. How many of us are lucky enough to have so many people stick with us through hard times and in the face of adversity? What a great bunch of gals! I got some warm fuzzies, too, that some people who were skeptical at first ended up heeding her warning. No doubt Jill felt affirmation as well. I grieved a bit toward the end there, plus my heart swelled with anticipation and joy at some of the events that took place. Hard to say what they are again due to the spoiler thing. 


This novel made me think about how hard it would be to be called by God to be a modern day prophet. They were killed in the past. Nowadays they'd be shut up in an insane asylum, or drugged up to stop it. I could see the inspiration in this story by providing courage to someone who feels God is wanting them to do something, and they have been afraid to go ahead with whatever that thing is due to being ridiculed. If nothing else, Lost Melody shows that it's important to stick by your convictions and to listen to God's voice. It's also important to support those you love and not abandon them. Plus, the crisis gave Jill the courage to play again. That was heart-warming. All in all, a good read.


Lost Melody was published by Zondervan and released in October 2011.

My review of The Visionary by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

About the book:


A Visionary is someone who sees into the future, Taylor Forrestier sees into the past but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as "a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique" Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that's disgustingly prevalent in today's society. Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?


My review:


The Visionary is a powerful story about healing, forgiveness and dealing with the effects of childhood trauma. I've never read a novel before that included such clear scriptural references combined with realistic tension and struggles within the characters' lives and their minds. While there were a lot of tears and pain expressed in this novel, I can see this story being very effective toward healing the emotional lives of people who have been severely abused. I found the way the information was slowly revealed over time, and the damage done to Taylor and Trevor as very believably written. The emotion was powerful and realistic. The overwhelming shame, guilt, and the sense of being dirty or damaged, as well as the feeling of being unworthy of "real" love was excellently shown. Trevor's anger and irrational behavior was typical of men, and so well done.


Having worked for over two decades with abused children and adults, and in particular sexually abused children and adults, I can say with assurance that this author portrayed it well. The portayal of their enmeshment, their fear, the clinging behavior toward each other, the inability to separate emotionally and trust people other than themselves, was all evident in their portrayal. And anger doesn't begin to touch on the feelings of the victims, especially when they felt helpless to protect not only the other person, but were made to participate in the abuse as well. 


Rage describes the emotion better and the author did an excellent job showing how rage, bitterness, and distrust were slowly destroying their lives. She also showed how this kind of intense pain cannot truly be repressed for long. It still leaks out and severely damages whatever it touches, like battery acid. It makes the sufferer feel crazy and irrational at times. But there is healing that can be found at the foot of the cross. 


I was blown away by the realism of the emotion in this novel and am thoroughly impressed with this author's ability to capture restrained passion and the fear of that very same passion because of how it had been expressed in such a twisted way when they were victims. I loved the message that they weren't to blame. That was so true. Sibling sexual abuse isn't as uncommon as people would want to believe. I've known at least twenty cases both personally and professionally where this has occurred. It hadn't been forced in those cases, but it still caused a lot of damage. At the same time the abused siblings (even when they were sometimes the abusers) caused an inseparable trauma bond between the kids. It's profound, deep, and difficult to address in therapy. Trust is difficult to earn in these relationships. 


The whole thing with Taylor's gift of visions was a nice touch, but not really needed. The story was compelling without it. I can see this book as a useful tool for counselors to offer victims, especially Christian counselors. I found the story inspiring and demonstrating that their is hope even for the most severely traumatized people. I loved this book! It's making my top fiction list for 2011.


The Visionary was published by Five Star and was released on Nov. 16, 2011.

Michelle Sutton shares her book In Sheeps Clothing 12/14 by WomenBeats | Blog Talk Radio

If you like radio interviews I have another one coming up with a different station and different subject on 12-14-11 at noon, PST. The link is below if you want to listen live, or listen later. The radio program is called Women Beats.

Michelle Sutton shares her book In Sheeps Clothing 12/14 by WomenBeats | Blog Talk Radio

My review of Holiday Rush by Lisa Scott

About the book:

A Black Friday shopping-trip-gone-wrong loses Lindy her job, her guy, and her dignity. Then it gets worse—she has no choice but to take a job she loathes. But there’s one bonus in the deal: a seriously hot boss who might help her feel that holiday rush again.

My review:

I enjoyed this short story more than I thought I would. It had a sweet story line and once the heroine got past her initial humiliation, some tender moments happened between the hero and heroine. I found the humor and romantic tension quite entertaining. I loved the theme about blessing others and giving to people in need and how it is more rewarding than receiving gifts. The tender memories from the heroine's Christmas past added to the story's charm.

The author created a dreamy hero that any woman would enjoy getting to know better once they got past his initial smugness. The heroine was a real hoot. Her affinity for expensive clothes made her character even funnier, especially given the fact that she met the hero at a discount store. As someone who refuses to go shopping on Black Fridays, this story just firmed up in my mind the reason I avoid stores on that day. Overall the dialog was witty and the characters were likable. It's hard to write a short story that is satisfying, but this one delivers.

My review of Pedro The Ugliest Dog in the World

About the book:

Pedro is ugly, so ugly that he has been mistakenly identified as El Chupacabra.

In the town of Santa Maria all animals are welcome and free. But from the mountains, the lizard king and his gang raid the town of precious supplies. In their hour of need the town will turn to a hero, a hero whose name will strike fear in to all that hear it.

Will Pedro save Santa Maria?

Or will the truth be told?


My review:

There were a few things I really liked about this story. The part where Pedro was abandoned because nobody wanted him was sweet and emotionally touching. His relationship with his momma was also well done. I could almost hear the dog's accent when he spoke, too. The parts where he is trying to defend his "pack" from the psycho bullies is cute.

But there were a few times that I was a bit surprised as the innuendos and the suggestive language. Mother fluffing was just a hair away from what the author meant (as it would fit the dialog and situation in an adult novel) and there were a few places where it got a bit overly-gross.

I would not recommend this for little kids, but if the reader is in late elementary school like fourth or fifth grade they might enjoy it. Anyone would be able to figure out what the author meant when he substituted words, so parents offended with language might not want their kids to read this, especially if they start saying some of the words, like mother fluffing, for example.

The story was cute and pretty amusing for the most part. It also had some good lessons, like not looking at the person's outer appearance (or dog's appearance) to define their worth, for one. It shows the importance of bravery, being strong, and being useful to others even if you aren't beautiful by the standard of others, and not letting people's insults and rejection get you down.

I enjoyed the author's "voice" and the character Pedro. His "flea" friend David was a hoot, too. Bonita was a bit sexy for a Chihuahua (she licks his face instead of kissing him) but was otherwise a likeable damsel (dog) in distress. Pedro was pretty heroic for an ugly dog with bug eyes, a too-long tongue, and wonky teeth.

My review of Play it Again by Tracy Krauss

About the book:

Sparks fly when an ex-rock and roll junkie and a stuffy accountant rendezvous at a local resort, but neither are prepared for the emotional entanglements, family complications, and threat from the past that unexpectedly resurfaces. Set in the 1980s, this story brings two opposing forces together in a clash of romance and danger, while its musical undertones highlight the theme that God can turn anything into beautiful music. Play It Again is the much anticipated prequel to Tracy's debut novel And the Beat Goes On. Find out where Mark Graham's journey began in this, the story of his parents. About the Author: Tracy Krauss is a high school teacher by profession, and a prolific author, artist, playwright and director by choice. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Saskatchewan and has gone on to teach Art, Drama and English - all the things she is passionate about. After raising four children, she and her husband now reside in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, BC, Canada, where she continues to pursue all of her creative interests.

My review:

This is one best comtemporary novels I've read all year. I started reading this book yesterday and read until I had to go to bed last night, then finished it this morning. For me, this is the kind of novel that is very hard to put down. I read into the wee hours. I didn't want to sleep and just wanted to read this book. The tension kept building and building. While some elements of the story are common to romance novels, the author did such a great job putting the elements together and making it compelling. The setting, characters, and dialog brought me back to the 1980s, and parts of the story felt like they could have come from my life. 

The dialog was convincing and realistic. I knew some guys who were just like the bunch of band members Deanie hung out with. Is that crazy, or what? Her mentality was pretty 80s, too. I loved how she called it like she saw it. I also loved how the author strung me along until I couldn't see straight. I was so emotionally caught up in this book that I forgot I was reading. I wanted to crawl into the novel a few times and shake some sense in to Russ. At the same time I understood his fear. When you feel so strongly about someone that it terrifies you, well, you do some pretty stupid things sometimes to spare yourself further hurt. Ironically that very wall of protection often causes more hurt, rather than blocking it out. Great illustration of this in Russ and Deanie's relationship.

For me this was the perfect novel for a number of reasons. Not only was it well-written, but it was edgy in that the story dared to be honest. I loved that. The characters thought like people actually think in those unfortunate situations they found themselves in, and not like people--especially Christians--want them to think. I believe that sometimes we, as Christians, forget that we are sinful people in need of a savior and no matter how good we think we are, we're not good enough without Jesus. And even then, it's all about Him and not about us. I remember what my life was like before I became a Christian in the mid 1980s, and it wasn't pretty. But most of the heartache I had caused myself. 

I loved Deanie's relationship with Mark, and Russ's conflict about Rita. Those scenarios were very well done. They played out like real life. Russ's mistrust and jealousy were not totally misplaced, nor was the band's overprotectiveness of Deanie. The author set up the situations so they made total sense, rather than feeling contrived. The faith element also felt natural and real to me. There were no easy conversions, and the way the characters saw Christianity when they were standing on the outside looking in rang true to me. When people get a taste of what it's really like to have a saving relationship with Christ, it's compelling.

There was nothing sappy about this novel. People who have no faith in Jesus may not "get" it, but I can see this touching a lot of people who have thought about God but have been afraid to move forward. In fact, it reminded me of just how much people need to know Jesus and that He can and does change hearts. Heart-wrenching, and yet beautifully written. This story will stick with me for a long time. It's making my best fiction list for 2011!

Play it Again was published by Strategic Publishing and released in Nov. 2011.

New giveaway! Enter for a chance to win Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland by Roseanna White

About the book: 

Never did Lark think she'd want to escape Emerson Fielding, the man she's loved all her life, but then he betrays her with her cousin. She flees to Annapolis, Maryland, the country's capital, and throws herself into a new circle of friends who force her to examine all she believes.

Emerson follows, determined to reclaim his bride. Surprised when she refuses to return with him, he realizes that in this new country he has come to call his own, duty is no longer enough. He must learn to open his heart and soul to something greater... before he loses all he should have been fighting to hold.

This title released Dec 1st, 2011, so it's hot off the press!

My thoughts:

This is a gorgeous book and my kind of story. I haven't been able to read it in time for this post, but maybe by the end of the week. We'll see how it goes.

November WAS National Native American month!

I should have posted this sooner but I just found out. I have a character with some Native American heritage from the Apache tribe. This is what the book is about...

Click on this link to order

About the book:

Chet's response to an unexpected massage from Trinity embarrasses him, but he wants to see her again. Since he doesn't get any romance in real life, he's writing love stories on the side hoping to become a published author someday. So far he hasn't written a novel good enough to sell, but when he meets Trinity his muse not only returns, but his writing is stellar. Too bad it's only fiction.
Trinity is a massage therapist who has issues with men. Her last ex was a no good cheater. But she misses dating, and especially kissing. When she meets Chet she decides she must have him. They start dating and things heat up quickly. They are caught between wanting to prove themselves since their former relationships left them wounded, and doing the right thing, which is to wait for marriage. It proves to be more difficult than either of them anticipated. 

December new releases by ACFW authors (and I added mine to the list!)

Below is a list of the new releases for ACFW authors. Much good reading to add to your Christmas shopping list!
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the  ACFW FictionFinder website.



I'll start with my new release. I have a book releasing Dec. 15th from Desert Breeze Publishing titled When Love Collides by Michelle Sutton (that's me!) Desert Breeze was formerly an approved ACFW publisher. Now they aren't, but I still have a book releasing with them in December, and I am an ACFW author. Plus, it's my blog. 


An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman -- Romance from Thomas Nelson; Pricilla's upcoming wedding is stirring up trouble - and romance - in Paradise.


Christmas Pearl by Robin L. Bayne -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican). Joe Gardner never expected to see Elizabeth again, not after the part she'd played in ruining his life. Refusing to believe she now shares his faith, Joe tosses aside her efforts to apologize. But when they are forced to work together in the midst of the Christmas season, Joe has to face the truth about Elizabeth, and himself.


Daddy’s Little Matchmakers by Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Romance from Love Inspired -- Wanted: Wife And Mother. Veterinarian Eric Wilson is confounded by the classified ad his three young daughters have placed. The handsome widower is not in the market for a bride!


Death in Dahlonega by Deborah Malone -- A Mystery from Lamp Post Inc.. A vacation with a friend should never include murder and mayhem.


Gold, Frankincense, and Murder by Barbara Early -- Romance/Mystery from White Rose Publishing (Pelican); A missing coworker. A brawny sidekick. Sometimes the holidays can be murder.


His Holiday Family by Margaret Daley, -- Romance from Love Inspired. In the aftermath of a hurricane, will Kathleen Hart and Gideon O'Brien, two scarred people, find hope and love?


Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland by Roseanna M. White -- Romance from Summerside Press. In 1784 peace has been declared, but war still rages in the heart of Lark Benton.


Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican). Aleni Callan can’t accept that God allowed her husband to die in Afghanistan while war hero, Brice Taylor, returns from Iraq to cheers and fame and feelings that he somehow failed. Neither can accept that one man lived and one man died.


Replication by Jill Williamson -- Young Adult from Zondervan; A girl discovers her biologist father is covering up multiple secrets—all of which are named Jason.


Savanna’s Gift by Camille Eide -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican); When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that once divided them get in the way?


Small-Town Sweethearts by Jean C. Gordon-- Romance from Love Inspired; With the help of God and the love of Drew Stacey, a down-sized Wall Street analyst turned church camp manager, NYC assistant art director and former town misfit Emily, ne Jinx, Hazard finds the thing she wants most in the place she least wants to be — Paradox Lake. 


Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt -- Romance from Thomas Nelson; When a failed logging company threatens their town's survival, four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country's premier romantic getaway.


The Christmas Witness by Susan Sleeman-- Thriller Suspense from Love Inspired; Can a former FBI agent let go of the devastating loss of his wife to cancer in order to save a critically ill child and her mother from a ruthless criminal?


Tracks in the Snow by Sandra Hesch-- General Fiction from Lamp Post Inc.; Jo Bremley feared losing her husband to World War II, but when a snowstorm rips apart her storybook world, how can she heal her broken heart, and move on?