The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Vanishing SculptorDonita K. Paul’s 250,000-plus-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles series has attracted a wide spectrum of dedicated fans–and they’re sure to fall in love with the new characters and adventures in her latest superbly crafted fiction novel for all ages. It’s a mind-boggling fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know little of Wulder and nothing of Paladin.

In The Vanishing Sculptor, readers will meet Tipper, a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own? The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder. Through Tipper’s breathtaking story, readers will discover the beauty of knowing and serving God.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

dkpDonita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and eight novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles, a series which has sold more than a quarter million books to date. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she spends time mentoring and encouraging young writers. Visit her online at donitakpaul.com.

MY REVIEW:

The Vanishing Sculptor is a delightful tale set in a make believe  medieval type world brimming with dragons, intelligent talking birds, wizards, heroes and villains. As in any self-respecting fantasy, the reader will find a group of improbable heroes on a quest to save the world from impending disaster. And as expected, the allies run into assorted difficulties and corrupt men determined to stop them.

Complete with drama and humor, The Vanishing Sculptor has a subtle Christian message and many positive lessons for life. This engaging book should appeal to audiences both young and old.

You can purchase your own copy of The Vanishing Sculptor at Random House.

Book Giveaway – The Firstborn by Conlan Brown

I have one copy of The Firstborn to give to a lucky reader.This contest will be listed both on this blog and at my mirror at http://daysongreflections.blogspot.com.

To enter, leave a comment on this post by Sunday, June 28. I will draw one name from all entries and announce the winner on Monday, June 29. Please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win.

United States residents only please!

The Firstborn by Conlan Brown – CFBA

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Firstborn

Realms (May 5, 2009)

by

Conlan Brown

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in 1984, Conlan Brown was functionally illiterate until the fifth grade, when he learned how to read and write, as well as a love of story, from his grandmother. Conlan went on to start college at the age of sixteen, and now holds a Master’s degree in Communication, which taught him the academic principles needed to write Firstborn.

Conlan lives on Colorado’s Front Range where he is working on his next book. He enjoys video editing, film scores, and developing high octane, thought provoking fiction that turns pages and excites the senses.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Three supernatural gifts. Two thousand years of division. One moment of truth.

Hannah’s head hung, long brown hair in her eyes. Her face felt pasty with cold and fatigue and pain. Arms behind her back, she sat in a chair, wrists and ankles tied to the wooden frame, chair legs bolted to the floor. A cold car. A gun. Horror. Pain. Grief. Screaming. A windshield blistering with holes. Darkness.

It all came over her like a flood. A pouring out of pictures in her mind. But then there was one more thing. Not an image, but a feeling–that half a continent away someone else had felt it all happening too.

The Firstborn, those gifted with Foresight, Hindsight, and Insight at the time of Christ’s death are divided between themselves. And when an Islamic holy man is murdered outside of his mosque it becomes apparent that one of the Firstborn was to blame. Now, with the threat of a terrorist attack on an unspeakable target the Firstborn are spiraling out of control. Leaders are dying, members are being kidnapped, and unity is being forced. Three heroes, differently gifted and divided must work together to thwart those who would go too far.

Their breakneck race against time plunges them into a world of danger and through a gauntlet across the United States. From the Riverwalk of San Antonio, where Devin Bathurst, John Temple, and Hannah Rice must protect one another from assassination, to the gritty streets of Washington DC, a paramilitary compound in Pennsylvania, and ultimately back to our nation’s capital, the Firstborn must unite to prevent an impending atrocity from becoming reality.

Watch The Trailer

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

MY REVIEW:

The Firstborn is an intense suspenseful tale that will keep the reader turning the pages until the end. With a unique premise and interesting characters, Conlan Brown has released a sure-fire first novel that makes me look forward to his future offerings.

Winner of Never the Bride

ntbThere was one entry on each of my blogs. In a blind drawing, Alexia was the winner of Never the Bride. I will have more drawings for books in the future. Be sure to tell you friends and neighbors. Right now they have pretty good odds of winning here.

A Bride In The Bargain by Deeanne Gist

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Bride In The Bargain

Bethany House (June 1, 2009)

by

Deeanne Gist

MY REVIEW:

As I have come to expect from Deeanne’s other books,  A Bride in the Bargain was a humorous, historical romance with spiritual insight sprinkled throughout. With a bigger than life hero and a beautiful, sweet heroine, the plot could have been the same old predictable love story. However, the author’s attention to historic details set the stage and her supporting cast added to the interest. Ms. Gist managed to fan the romantic flames without overstepping moral boundaries which should appeal to romance lovers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deeanne Gist, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady, has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People magazine, Parents, and Parenting. With a line of parenting products called “I Did It!® Productions” and a degree from Texas A&M, she continues her writing and speaking. She and her family live in Houston, Texas.

Since the debut of those novels, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, two RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Wedding Is All Planned…
Someone Just Needs to Tell the Bride

In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.

Joe Denton doesn’t have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride–one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.

Anna Ivey’s journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook–not a bride. When she’s handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride In The Bargain, go HERE