by admin | Jun 19, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFear Has a NameDavid C. Cook (June 1, 2013)byCreston MapesABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as “The Shop.”
Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.
Learn more about Creston and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From popular suspense author Creston Mapes comes another faith-building thriller, a tale that follows journalist Jack Crittendon as he fights to protect his family from a stalker’s terrifying schemes, investigates a pastor’s mysterious disappearance, and struggles to keep his faith amidst unthinkable fear.
With his family’s safety on the line, Crittendon realizes there are secrets behind “Christian” walls–secrets with painful, deadly implications. He must find the faith to trust a God who allows inconceivable trials, and the courage to guard his family, with danger exploding at every turn.
Through it all–the sharp, character-driven writing for which Mapes is known–takes fans and new readers on an edge-of-your-seat journey that explores the harsh, far-reaching consequences of bullying and the Christian response to fear.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Fear Has a Name, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Fear Has a Name jumps right into action with a home invasion at the very beginning and then takes the reader on a nearly unrelenting tension-filled ride until its dramatic conclusion. Related through several points of view, the story provides intimate details of the characters’ lives and hints about what motivates them or causes them to react in certain ways. For much of the book there seems to be two separate stories – what is happening to the Crittendon family and the news story Jack Crittendon is covering about the local pastor who has disappeared. Well into the narrative, the pastor’s point-of-view makes an appearance and even closer to the end the reader sees all the loose ends come together.
Creston Mapes has done such a marvelous job in his character development that I found myself quite sympathetic with the Crittendon’s tormentor. I did not approve of his actions but felt sorry for the way he had been mentally and physically abused by his parents and schoolmates. I also liked the way each character had to decide how to react to their circumstances – whether to let their fear force them to protect themselves in ways outside their comfort zone as Christians or to place their trust in God no matter the outcome.
Loved the way the author worked a strong Christian thread into a great character driven suspense. Fear Has a Name is one novel I will give my enthusiastic recommendation.
by admin | Jun 14, 2013 | Books, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I believe that “Deadly Devotion” is the first novel I’ve read by Sandra Orchard. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to the next installment of the Port Aster Secrets series.
With its skillfully woven plot and a diverse group of well defined characters, “Deadly Devotion” kept me guessing until the very end. Just like Kate and Tom, I found the suspects changing several times over the course of the book – there were so many with such good motives! As Tom pointed out more than once, “people are not always who they seem”. Once the true perpetrator was revealed it made perfect sense and so did the title of the book.
This review is intentionally brief because it would be SO easy to ramble and/or give something away. This is one book that suspense fans should grab quickly to see if their own detecting skills are up to the test presented by the author.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the first installment in the Port Aster Secrets series, Deadly Devotion weaves a web of intrigue around the sleepy town of Port Aster and the death of a research scientist. While police believe it to be a suicide, evidence mounts that leads Kate Adams to believe it had to be murder. Suspicions lead to danger as Kate struggles to uncover the truth. Full of suspense, Deadly Devotion will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Research scientists Kate Adams and her colleague Daisy are on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy suddenly dies. Kate knows that if it hadn’t been for Daisy’s mentorship, she wouldn’t have the job she loves or the faith she clings to. So when police rule Daisy’s death a suicide, Kate is determined to unearth the truth.
Former FBI agent Tom Parker finds it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gives him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom’s just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation of her friend’s death, he knows his job is at stake. In fact, despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate looks a bit suspicious herself.
Check out bonus book features for Deadly Devotion HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is an active member in American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild, Romance Writers of America and a local writing group. She recently participated in the Writers’ Police Academy for hands-on training and simulations at a police training facility. She is the author of Shades of Truth, Critical Condition, which won the 2012 RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for it’s series and Deep Cover, which won the Canadian Christian Writing Award for romance in June 2012 and was recognized as one of the top five novels of the year by Family Fiction magazine. Orchard has also received a Daphne DuMaurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense in both the inspirational category and for best score overall. She lives in Niagara, Ontario, Canada.
To find out more, please visit www.sandraorchard.com.
Connect with Sandra on Facebook HERE.
by admin | Jun 12, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am pretty sure that I have read ALL of Kathy Herman’s books and will continue to do so as long as she keeps writing them. She occupies a space at the top of my favorite authors list. I just finished “Not By Sight” and it met all my expectations.
Kathy’s true-to-life characters and her breathtaking setting descriptions made me want to go beyond the pages of the book to experience life in the small Ozark mountain town for myself by staying at Angel View Lodge. It was easy to identify with the Cummings family and the difficulty they had dealing with the unsolved disappearance of Micah, the husband/father and two-year-old daughter Riley Jo five years before. The fact that the tragedy had strengthened the faith of some family members yet caused others in the family to turn their back on God was also very believable. The plot advanced quickly with the perfect blend of drama, suspense, and character development. A budding romance between two young characters added a bit of relief from the grief and uncertainty. Just when I thought everything was wrapped up, Kathy threw another twist into the tale that kept me wondering how everything would turn out. I liked seeing how Abby grew in her faith and trust in the Lord as she experienced life threatening trials and also the way her brother Hawk and her mother Kate were finally able to see that God was indeed at work in their lives.
I am finding it very difficult to express how good this book is without giving away anything. Just take my word for it and pick up your own copy of “Not By Sight”.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sixteen-year-old Abby Cummings has struggled for five years with the mysterious disappearance of her father and two-year old sister, Riley Jo. One day, Abby’s in town shopping and sees a girl about seven, who looks remarkably like she imagines her sister would now. Abby takes a picture with her cell phone and shows it to her mother. Mama, having had her hopes dashed all too often, dismisses it. But Abby can’t. What if her sister is still alive? What if her father is? Abby ’s determined to find out. She confides in her best friend, Jay Rogers, but neither teenager has any idea that Jay holds the key to the truth of what happened.
Based on 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We live by faith, not by sight,” this is fast-paced suspense that will appeal to both genders–adults and mature teens.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suspense novelist Kathy Herman is very much at home in the Christian book industry, having worked five years on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and eleven years at Better Books Christian Center in Tyler, Texas, as product buyer/manager for the children’s department, and eventually as director of human resources.
She has conducted numerous educational seminars on children’s books at CBA Conventions in the U.S. and Canada, served a preliminary judge for the Gold Medallion Book Awards of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association , and worked as an independent product/marketing consultant to the CBA market.
Since her first novel, Tested by Fire, debuted in 2001 as a CBA national bestseller, she’s added sixteen more titles to her credit, including four bestsellers: All Things Hidden, The Real Enemy, The Last Word, and The Right Call.
Kathy’s husband Paul is her manager and most ardent supporter, and the former manager of the LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas. They have three grown children, five almost-perfect grandchildren, a cat named Samantha. They enjoy cruising, deep sea fishing, and birdwatching—sometimes incorporating these hobbies into one big adventure.
by admin | Jun 12, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Spiritural Warfare, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAn Open HeartDavid C. Cook (June 1, 2013)byHarry KrausABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Harry:
I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife’s urging: “Now doesn’t seem the right time for this dream.”
My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I’d written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn’t until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the “rules” without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I’d have made faster progress if I’d have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.
I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you’ll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.
Learn more about Harry and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Their Messages—From Beyond the Grave—Might Destroy Him …
They hover between life and death, their hearts stopped on the surgery table. And the messages Dr. Jace Rawlings’ open-heart surgery patients bring back from beyond the grave cannot be ignored. For they predict the deaths of people around him, and point a finger of suspicion straight at him.
It thrusts Jace into a firestorm of controversy and danger. A maelstrom blown by the darker winds of political intrigue and spiritual warfare. And the forces working against him will do anything to stop him from uncovering a truth they will kill to hide. He’d come to Kenya to establish a heart-surgery program for the poor. But what he will find in that place where he grew up will put everything at risk–his marriage, his career . . . his life.
If you would like to read the first chapter of An Open Heart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
An Open Heart is not only a suspense-filled and dramatic novel but it is also one that can open the reader’s eyes to some previously unknown points. It is obvious from the cover description that the reader will receive a glimpse into the spiritual realm that is seldom shared. I have often wondered why many of our missionaries are not prepared for the spiritual warfare they encounter when serving in foreign lands but the author offers a very good explanation for it. The missionaries who have experienced such battles are reluctant to share because they fear they will not be believed or considered crazy. Another detail I never considered before reading An Open Heart is the fact that doctors in substandard hospitals in other countries need to be even more skilled than the ones who practice in the U.S. simply because they do not have the advanced diagnostic equipment available to them. With this new knowledge, I have even greater respect for the men and women who serve on the missions field.
Aside from those facts that stood out to me, I enjoyed the novel. The primary character, Jace Rawlings is running from God but doesn’t realize it. In fact, he is not entirely sure what motivates him. Son of missionaries to Kenya, he has made a name for himself in the states as a skilled heart surgeon but after a serious accident, he sensed that his deceased sister wanted him back in Kenya. Upon his arrival in Kenya, Jace found himself in the center of a battle between the forces of light and darkness that threatened to end his life. His determination not to serve God endangers his eternal existence but God has not given up on him.
Harry Kraus paints a vivid picture of life in Kenya, especially giving readers an inside look at the life of medical missionaries. With plenty of drama, danger, and suspense as well as an intense spiritual thread, An Open Heart held my interest until the end.
by admin | May 31, 2013 | Adventure, Books, Speculative, Spiritural Warfare, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing
The Judgment StoneThomas Nelson (May 14, 2013)byRobert LiparuloABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Former journalist Robert Liparulo is the best-selling author of the thrillers Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall, Deadlock, and The 13th Tribe, as well as The Dreamhouse Kings, an action-adventure series for young adults. He contributed a short story to James Patterson’s Thriller, and an essay about Thomas Perry’s The Butcher’s Boy to Thrillers: 100 Must Reads, edited by David Morrell and Hank Wagner. He is currently working on the sequel to The 13th Tribe, as well writing an original screenplay with director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive).
When not writing, Liparulo loves to read, watch (and analyze) movies, scuba dive, swim, hike, and travel. He lives in Monument, Colorado, with his wife Jodi and four children: Melanie, Matthew, Anthony, and Isabella.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if praying became a curse instead of a blessing?
Former Army Ranger Jagger Baird thought he had his hands full with the Tribe—the band of immortal vigilantes fighting to regain God’s grace by killing those opposed to Him. But that was before he encountered the ruthless group of immortals called the Clan. The Clan is after a prize that would give them unimaginable power—a piece of the Ten Commandments known as the Judgment Stone.
Those who touch the Stone can see into the spiritual world: angelic warriors, treacherous demons, and the blue threads of light that signal the presence of believers in communion with God.
By following the blue beam radiating from those closest to God, the Clan plans to locate His most passionate followers and destroy them.
Jagger quickly realizes his high-tech gadgetry and training are no match for these merciless immortals. But how can he defeat an enemy who hunts believers through their prayers . . . and won’t stop until they’ve annihilated all those close to Him?
In this high-action thriller, best-selling author Robert Liparulo examines the raging battle between good and evil on earth . . . and beyond.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Judgment Stone, go HERE.
by admin | May 10, 2013 | Books, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed books by Lynette Eason since I first discovered her Love Inspired Suspense novels. The previous two installments of the Deadly Reunions series left me wanting more so I was excited at the chance to review “When a Secret Kills”. As the exciting conclusion of the suspenseful mystery that threatened the lives of Jillian Carter and her friends, “When a Secret Kills” was even better than I could have expected.
Once again, Lynette has skillfully built her plot to a satisfying climax with totally unexpected twists. I loved that even some of the villains were surprised that everything they had believed for ten years was not exactly what they thought had happened. I liked the characters of Jillian and Colton and rooted for them to get back together through the entire book. It was also fun to read about characters from the previous two books in this series.
Truthfully, there was nothing not to like about “When a Secret Kills” and I will continue to look forward to any novel that Lynette Eason decides to write.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the spine-tingling conclusion to her explosive Deadly Reunion series, Lynette Eason once again treats readers to a tale of secrets that need to be told and dangers that need to be faced.
Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it’s time to put the past to rest. She’s tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She’s no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do—ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago—and Jillian watched it happen.
Didn’t she?
Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for a ride that will make you afraid to be home alone.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of several romantic suspense novels, including When the Smoke Clears, When a Heart Stops, and the Women of Justice series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Find out more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Praise for Other Deadly Reunion Titles:
When the Smoke Clears:
Eason does an amazing job of setting the bar high for romantic tension, as well as offering a deep dark secret that may or may not ever come to light. The first book in the Deadly Reunions series, readers will be so hooked that they’ll want to embark on this thrill ride for years to come!
– Suspense Magazine
When a Heart Stops:
“…will keep the pages flying to reach the dramatic climax”
– CBA Retailers& Resources
When a Heart Stops is only the second book I’ve read by Lynette Eason, but it’s enough for me to know that she is now one of my favorite authors! I LOVE a good suspense book that keeps me guessing and wondering who is behind it all…well this book definitely gave me that!
– Suspense Zone
