by admin | Jul 10, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingInescapableBethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)byNancy MehlABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.
Learn more about Nancy and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.
But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she’s being followed, and she’s certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she’s received. Realizing she’ll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.
Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she’ll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people–especially her old friend, Noah Housler–she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.
No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run–to the Father whose love is inescapable.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Inescapable, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Inescapable is a mystery/suspense set in the isolated old order Mennonite town of Kingdom, Kansas. Although the novel is a page turner with sufficient twists and surprises to keep most mystery lovers happy, I felt that its real strength was in its character development. The interaction between characters varied from loving and supportive to hostile which had a strong influence on decisions made by the primary characters.
As Lizzie faced various trials in her life. she was finally able to learn that the only way she could survive was by trusting God to take care of her situation. By letting go of her anger and unforgiveness toward her father and the people of Kingdom, she was finally able to find the peace she had been searching for in her life. Inescapable has a strong message of forgiveness and reconciliation and ended well. I found the details about the old order Mennonites to be interesting. They were an entirely different group than the Mennonites I encounter in our part of the country.
Inescapable was a satisfying read in all respects. I think that readers who enjoy Amish fiction and/or mystery suspense would find it to their taste.
by admin | Jul 7, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Shakers
MY REVIEW:
Ann Gabhart’s latest historical Shaker novel “The Gifted” vividly details life in the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, Kentucky with Jessamine Brady as its central character. A resident of the village since her grandmother’s death when she was ten, Jessamine has become accustomed to their way of life and attempts to live up to their stringent standards. Unfortunately, at times her unfettered curiosity and abundant zest for life put her at odds with the strict group, especially when she rescues a young man from “the world”. When her circumstances change and she leaves the village, Jessamine has difficulty adjusting to her new way of life but she is thrilled to see Tristan again even though prior commitments may not allow them to act on their mutual attraction.
“The Gifted” is beautifully written and reveals a great deal about life among the Shakers. The legalism and deception of their beliefs is evident although related without judgment as an integral part of the story. Of particular interest was the restriction Jessamine felt while living among the Shakers and the guilt she experienced once free of their rules. Her story clearly illustrates the difference between following God or following a form of religion. I easily became involved with her story but wondered until the very end what her final choice would be – stay in “the world” or return to Harmony Hill. I knew the choice I wanted her to make but was afraid that she would not.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Ann Gabhart, most known for her critically acclaimed Shaker fiction, pours her personal experience and story-telling ability into The Gifted (July 2012). Set in 1849 Kentucky, this stand-alone novel follows Jessamine Brady who loves her Shaker brothers and sisters, but longs for life and love in the outside world.
Jessamine has been in the Shaker Village for half her life, but in spite of how she loves her sisters there, she struggles to conform to the strict rules. Instead she entertains dreams of the world outside. When Tristan Cooper seems to step out of those dreams to entice her into the forbidden realm beyond the Shaker Village, her life turns upside down. Will Jessamine be able to survive the storms of the world? Or will she retreat back to the peace of Harmony Hill?
The thousands of loyal fans of Gabhart’s Shaker novels will love this entrancing story of learning to trust the gifts God gives us and let him guide us through life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker and The Blessed. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in Kentucky.
Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
by admin | Jul 1, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Back on the set of Stars Collide, “The Director”s Cut” places director Tia Morales and cameraman Jason Harris front and center stage for this fun and romantic novel. Tia is good at what she does on the job but she can’t quite get her own life to stay on the track she’d like it to take, especially when it comes to her family. New members to the staff, including her sister, stretch Tia’s patience while unexpected attention from Jason encourages her to loosen up a bit.
With the inclusion of the characters we have come to love from the previous novels in the Backstage Pass series and Thompson’s trademark humor, “The Director’s Cut” is the perfect summer read, whether on the beach or in an easy chair with air conditioning. As always, Janice has woven a strong spiritual lesson throughout the story but its enjoyable context helps it go down so well. May we all learn along with Tia to let go of our control and give it to the Lord. He has an even better plan for us than we can imagine.
I heartily recommend “The Director’s Cut” as well as the rest of the Backstage Pass series. In fact, I’ve never met a book by Janice Thompson that I didn’t like. If you are not familiar with her books, this would be a good series to begin with.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Janice Thompson spins a story full of humor and crazy family dynamics in this colorful inside look at Hollywood with a healthy dose of romance.
Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She’s the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get her family to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts butting heads with handsome camera operator Jason Harris, it’s enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life—and love—as it comes?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Stars Collide, and Hello, Hollywood! She lives in Texas.
Praise for Janice Thompson:
Hello, Hollywood!
“Thompson writes an enjoyable story that will make you want to adopt the Pappas family as your own.”—RT Book Reviews
“Janice provides an upbeat and engaging story and her readers will adore Hello, Hollywood!.”—RelzReviews.com
“This fun entry in Thompson’s comic Hollywood series (after Stars Collide) features humor, romance, and breezy dialog.”—Library Journal
Stars Collide
“An eclectic mix of the sort of zany characters Thompson is known for adds levity to this modern, star-studded romance. Glimpses into a Hollywood television studio and a series of lively comedic events make for a contemporary low-key inspirational romance that will appeal to readers who enjoyed the setting and humor of Rene Gutteridge’s Occupational Hazards series.”—Booklist
“A fun novel of love, paparazzi, and family, Stars Collide is a read that won’t easily be put down.”—Midwest Book Review
by admin | Jun 29, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDoctor’s DevotionLove Inspired (June 19, 2012)byCheryl WyattABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born Valentine’s Day on a Navy base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. Cheryl loves interacting with her readers and can be found almost daily on Facebook.
Word from the Author:
I do regular giveaways including a Kindle for every 250 people who join (aka “Like) my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor and I’d LOVE for word to spread about that. We have a lot of fun there as I ask for frequent reader input on current books, with helpers being mentioned in the acknowledgements and fun stuff like that.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Doctor’s Vow.
When he fled Eagle Point years ago, former air force trauma surgeon Mitch Wellington left only broken dreams behind. Now he’s back with a new dream—opening a trauma center in the rural area and saving lives. He hopes to hire the quick-thinking nurse who impressed him during an emergency. But Lauren Bates lost her faith and doesn’t believe she deserves to help anyone. Mitch knows firsthand what loss feels like. And it’ll take all his devotion to show Lauren that sometimes the best medicine is a combination of faith, community—and love.
Eagle Point Emergency: Saving lives—and losing their hearts—in a small Illinois town.
If you would like to read an excerpt of the first chapter of Doctor’s Devotion, go HERE.
by admin | Jun 29, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Tennessee
MY REVIEW:
I am sorry to say it has been awhile since I have read a book by Gilbert Morris but I didn’t have to read very far into The River Rose before I remembered why I once bought each new installment of The Winslow Family series as soon as they hit the shelves. Mr. Morris has a way with words and tells such a good story that he makes history come to life for me. I find myself learning what could be dull facts but enjoying it.
The River Rose lived up to my expectations in every way. The fact that it had a Memphis setting was even more enjoyable as I have lived in the area just outside the city for my entire life. It was interesting reading about the city’s history from the viewpoint of people who lived it – even if they were fictional. Inclusion of historic Memphis landmarks such as the Gayoso Hotel and Court Square, Front Street, Mud Island, etc. were icing on the cake. I loved reading about life on a riverboat and was reminded of my senior prom on the Memphis Queen quite a few years ago.
As far as the actual story, the plot was excellent with plenty of action, drama, romance and humor. More than one close call and some surprising plot twists kept me turning the pages. Several strong characters displayed a variety of very human traits that gave the story a natural and believable quality. As always, a strong message of faith added an extra dimension to the story.
I purposely have not attempted to describe the plot – there is quite enough information in the book description below. Anything I could add might possibly give away too much and I wouldn’t want to hinder the enjoyment of The River Rose in any way. Just be advised that this book is a must for those who enjoy good historical fiction. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from B&H Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Life hasn’t been easy for Jeanne Bettencourt, a widow approaching thirty and struggling to provide for her eight-year-old daughter. But hope arrives in the form of the Helena Rose, a steamboat she unexpectedly inherits from a distant, departed relative. Jeanne’s father had captained a similar vessel and taught her how to pilot a steamer along the banks of Memphis. She’s looking forward to a renewed livelihood on the mighty Mississippi.
However, as plans are made, news comes of another heir to the Helena Rose — a tough man named Clint Hardin — and a clause in the will that says claimants of the estate must live aboard the boat. Jeanne, a Christian woman, makes it clear she won’t stay with a man who is not her husband. But both are desperate for work, so they agree to keep their distance as Clint occupies the lower deck and Jeanne takes the captain’s quarters.
As they restore the Helena Rose, the slowly softening Clint becomes attracted to Jeanne — who is now being courted by a wealthy plantation owner. With her family and future at stake, the desires of Jeanne’s heart are duly complex. Only her simple faith can navigate her through what’s about to happen.
Read the first chapter of The River Rose HERE.:
ABOUT GILBERT MORRIS:
Gilbert Morris is among today’s most popular Christian writers, his books having sold over seven million copies worldwide. A former pastor and English professor, he specializes in historical fiction and won a 2001 Christy Award for the Civil War drama Edge of Honor. Morris lives with his wife in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Q & A with Gilbert Morris:
What is your writing method? Do you write in the morning? At night? All day? How long do you write in a single session?
I have no set schedule for writing a novel. While I am working on it, sometimes it goes easily, and I just pour on the coal. If it goes badly, I have to spend more time on the text. Naturally, I love it when the words seem to flow!
How do you do your historical research?
I think it can be easy to do too much research, just as it can be a mistake to do too little. Some writers are so anxious the give the historical background, that they forget the story. My own problem is to do a good job with research and with the story.
How do you manage to keep your dialogue true to the time period without allowing it to sound stilted?
Reading a great deal of Dickens, for example, will carry over into the writer’s work. There is a danger that all of a writer’s characters will sound alike, which makes for bad fiction. I always try to find some characteristic that will set a character apart, perhaps bad grammar or a pronounced regional accent.
You used to follow the same storytelling technique of the late Sidney Sheldon—told your stories on tape to get the rough draft down, and then had them transcribed to start your writing process. Are you still using this technique for your current books?
Yes, I do dictate all my books. I take the outline and the list of characters, and put each chapter on a cassette. Then I have a lady take the tapes, type them out, and send them to me. Of course, when I get the hard copy, that’s usually when the hard work of revision rears its ugly head! My daughter Lynn, who has written some fine novels, helps me with this stage, for which I am profoundly grateful.
In many of your books, you feature a strong female main character that suffers from flaws and weaknesses. Why do you write about women in this way?
I try to give all characters, both male and female, young and old, flaws and weaknesses. That is human, and if a character is perfect that is totally unbelievable!
Look at the great classic novels by the great novelists. All of them set forth characters, who, in one way or another, are flawed. It is the job of the novelist to dramatize the characters as they attempt to overcome these flaws.
Your novels have a number of female characters with red hair and green eyes. Is that based on a real person?
Got lots of red hair in my family, so I always like redheads! No green eyes. I just get tired of trying, in a book with forty characters, to give them eyes that differ. Blue, brown, green. What other colors can eyes be?
I did say of one shady character, “He had eyes the color of spit.” Now, really, that character had to be evil!
What fascinates you most about 1850s Mississippi?
It was a dramatic time in American history. The Civil War, the rise of modern transportation, the beginning of our industrial growth.
How did you decide to set your story on a steamer?
When I was a boy, I lived for a time in Helena, Arkansas. The river then was still thick with the sternwheelers, and I would sit for hours on the bank of the river and watch them, and riding on one was a thrill.
When you’re writing a series such as the Water Wheel series, how do you decide which characters to carry over into the sequels?
I usually make this decision before I begin the first novel in the series. Some generational sagas lend themselves to stepping from one book to another, others I like to confine to one book.
I have a signed a contract to do a trilogy about San Francisco in the 1850s. That opens up the door for a family to go through (1) the gold rush of 1849, (2) the rise of rich people and how they are brought down, and (3) the earthquake and how the family survives and strengthens.
What book project are you working on next?
I am working on Book #2 of a series called Western Justice. These three westerns are set in Oklahoma Territory shortly after the Civil War. Judge Isaac Parker had 200 marshals to keep order, and many of them were killed in line of duty. The most famous of these is Heck Thomas, but if you’ve seen TRUE GRIT, you get the flavor of the series. Romance, action, Christian doctrine!
What is the one thing that you want to leave readers of The River Rose pondering over?
As in all my books, I want my readers to see how vital it is to serve God no matter how difficult that might be.
Do you have a long-term plan for your novel writing? Are you planning to retire, or can we eagerly anticipate dozens more Gilbert Morris stories?
I am working on three series at the present time. One will deal with the men and women who serve in different branches of the service.
Another is the second novel about a young woman, Jordan Lee, who serves in the military, then in the House of Representatives.
The work I most enjoy is a series of mysteries featuring a man and a woman—and two cats. I’ve written three of these, and have had a blast! They are my favorite novels. The next one will be entitled Desperate Housecats.
And no, I will never retire!
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website and blog are at http://www.gilbertmorris.com
Subscribe to my blog’s feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GilbertMorris
Sign up for my e-newsletter (for subscriber-only giveaways and advance notice of my upcoming novels): http://gilbertmorris.com/news.htm
Facebook page: facebook.com/gilbertmorrisbooks
Pinterest: facebook.com/gilbertmorrisbooks
Twitter: @gilbert_morris – https://twitter.com/#!/gilbert_morris
by admin | Jun 27, 2012 | Amish, Books, Mystery, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe SearchAvon Inspire; Original edition (June 19, 2012)byShelley Shepard GrayABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.
Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.
When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.
Check out Shelley’s Facebook Fan page
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In the second book in her Secrets of Crittenden County series, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country
The serenity of the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky is disrupted when Abby Anderson discovers the body of Perry Borntrager in an abandoned well. Perry had been missing for months. Everyone figured he had left the order during his rumspringa. As friends and family reel from this news, and are faced with the first death by mysterious circumstance to occur in their small town in over 20 years, a homicide detective arrives to help solve the crime
Before Perry disappeared, Frannie Eicher and Perry had been secretly courting. Now that it’s common knowledge that he was murdered, it’s up to Fannie to decide whether or not to tell everyone about the secrets he told her.
After much deliberation, she decides to tell Luke Reynolds, the visiting police officer, what she knows. At first, the two meet only on the context of discussing Perry’s death. Then, Luke begins to feel more and more at home, both with Frannie, and in Marion. The only problem is that he feels a romantic pull toward Frannie. Frannie feels that same attraction toward Luke, but is afraid to give her heart to him. After all, she doesn’t want to leave her faith.
As Luke uncovers more secrets about Perry and the case draws out, his time in Marion runs out. He has to decide whether to go back to his job with the Cincinnati Police Department…or stay in Marion.
If you would like to read the Prologue of The Search, go HERE.
