by admin | Dec 3, 2013 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingMerry Humbug ChristmasB&H Books (October 15, 2013)
by
Sandra D. BrickerABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television’s hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.
The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. “I’m a Christian woman, first and foremost,” she says. “So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line.”
Sandie’s real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient…Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor’s proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
“Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects … and still pursue my writing dream,” says Bricker, “well, that’s the best of all worlds, as far as I’m concerned!”
And one of the author’s pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy — a red-haired collie with “killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown.”
Learn more about Sandra and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. — the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.
In “Once Upon a Jingle Bell,” A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.
In “It Came Upon a Midnight Deer,” Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Merry Humbug Christmas, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
It seems as though nearly every book on my recent review list has focused on characters who struggled with an unfortunate (to say the least) childhood and whose coping methods usually consisted of building walls around their hearts. For that reason Merry Humbug Christmas was a welcome diversion with the trademark humor of author Sandra Bricker. I have always enjoyed her quirky humor and knew I would be in for a treat as soon as I saw the title on my review list. I was NOT disappointed.
Merry Humbug Christmas is actually two related novellas under one cover – each telling the Christmas tale of one of two best friends who have always made a point to spend the holidays together purposely not celebrating Christmas.
In Once Upon a Jingle Bell, Joss Snow’s plans to take a Bah, Humbug cruise for her Christmas vacation fall through and she is rebooked on another cruise. Too late, the Christmas-hating Joss finds out that the cruise is an over-the-top celebration of all things Christmas but she has no choice but to endure it after finding she cannot book a flight back home from any of the ports where the ship will dock. Things begin to look up when a handsome Irishman takes an interest in her and helps her pass the hours. Could it be love?
It Came Upon a Midnight Deer features Ross’s friend Reese who is meeting the family of her new fiance Damien and spending the holidays in their fabulous Sugarloaf home. Brought up in a quirky vegan family, Reese has never experienced what most people would consider a normal Christmas celebration so the chance to do so in such a perfect setting is the answer to her dreams. Only those dreams did not include one near disaster after another, usually because of something Reese did or failed to do as well as a family pet that took an intense dislike to her. Is there any possibility that Damien will still want to marry her once their holiday is over?
I loved Merry Humbug Christmas with all its quirky and sometimes even slapstick humor. But most of all I loved how in the midst of all the fun and games and even catastrophes, both Joss and Reese learned the true meaning of the season. Merry Humbug Christmas is a don’t miss addition to your Christmas reading list. It will become a permanent addition to my growing Christmas book box.
by admin | Dec 1, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I’ll be perfectly honest. When I first began to read “Stones for Bread” I was very tempted to read just enough to get by with a review because not only did it read a bit slower than I prefer but it also touched on emotional issues that I would rather not think too much about. Fortunately I persisted through to the very end and was happy that I did. Yes, the story moved very slowly but that is a good thing because this book is one to savor.
Liesl is a well developed protagonist who is both easy to identify with but also quite frustrating at times. I was not at all happy with all of her decisions and might have ended the story differently if I were the author. I’m sure everyone is happy that I’m not the author. The actual story of Liesl’s day to day life as the baker/owner of Wild Rise, a bread bakery, moves at a steady pace, mostly detailing her interaction or lack thereof with the people who surround her. Emotionally scarred by events of her childhood, Liesl’s life is somewhat isolated by choice and her social skills are fairly limited. As her story progresses, she is faced with several surprises that force her to take a closer look at herself.
Interspersed within Liesl’s narrative are several recipes and many facts, fables, and details – all related to bread. Some are historical facts, some are details about the art of bread making, others explore beliefs and practices regarding bread over the ages including spiritual references. I came away from “Stones for Bread” with a new appreciation for bread making and feel that I also learned quite a bit in the process as I enjoyed a very intriguing story. I am almost tempted to try a bit of wild yeast bread crafting myself. The fact that I need to avoid bread as much as possible due to health issues is all that prevents my doing so.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A solitary artisan. A legacy of bread-baking. And one secret that could collapse her entire identity.
Liesl McNamara’s life can be described in one word: bread. From her earliest memory, her mother and grandmother passed down the mystery of baking and the importance of this deceptively simple food. And now, as the owner of Wild Rise bake house, Liesl spends every day up to her elbows in dough, nourishing and perfecting her craft.
But the simple life she has cultivated is becoming quite complicated. Her head baker brings his troubled grandson into the bakeshop as an apprentice. Her waitress submits her recipes to a popular cable cooking show. And the man who delivers her flour — a single father with strange culinary
habits — seems determined to win Liesl’s affection.
When Wild Rise is featured on television, her quiet existence appears a thing of the past. And then a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister forces Liesl to confront long-hidden secrets in her family’s past. With her precious heritage crumbling around her, the baker must make a choice: allow herself to be buried in detachment and remorse, or take a leap of faith into a new life.
Purchase your copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christa Parrish is the award-winning author of three novels, including the 2009 ECPA Fiction Book of the Year Watch Over Me. When she’s not writing, she’s a homeschool mother of three wonderful children. Married to author and pastor Chris Coppernoll, Christa serves with him as co-leader of their church’s youth ministry as well as serving as a facilitator for a divorce recovery ministry. She is now also slightly obsessed with the art of baking bread.
Learn more about Christa HERE.
by admin | Nov 29, 2013 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Reunited at Christmas” is a quick to read Christmas romance that is perfect for relaxing with on a cozy winter evening after a hard day of holiday shopping or baking. A well-developed plot and vibrant characters enhance the story that is filled with conflict, romance and even some dangerous and suspense filled scenes. Woven throughout this delightful romance is a strong message of God’s faithfulness during both good times and bad.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Search and rescue dog handler Shelby Davis is living the dream. Not only does she train search and rescue dogs, but she’s a bestselling suspense author who has waterfront property in the beautiful mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado. All is well until she receives a call to bring her dog Max and her snowmobile to help rescue a man who is lost in a blizzard up on Gravel Mountain. That man is the one person she never wants to see again—Ryker Anderson—the man who broke her heart the day he called three months before their wedding to say goodbye with no explanation as to why.
After being gone for eighteen months, Ryker Anderson is back in Grand Lake where he hopes to win back the woman he loves. He only hopes Shelby understands why he left. Will he be able to convince Shelby that she can trust him with her heart again even though he broke it before?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debra Ullrick is a New York Times, CBA, and Amazon.com bestselling author who writes Christian contemporary, historical, and romantic suspense novels. Her passions include: monster trucks, classic cars, mud-bog racing and…Want to know more about Debra? What books are available by her? Or read reviews from her fans? Discover her hobbies and more? Then cruise her website at www.DebraUllrick.com.
by admin | Nov 27, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Hawaii, Quilts, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAloha RoseAbingdon Press (November 19, 2013)byLisa CarterABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A word from the author:
I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.
I am a teacher. With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.
I am a writer. Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.
I am on a journey of faith. My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.
Learn more about Lisa and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Aloha Rose, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
With the quilt she was wrapped in when abandoned on her adoptive parents’ doorstep the only clue, Laney Carrigan’s quest to find her birth family quickly leads her to Hawaii where she connects with a grandmother and great aunt. She grows to love her long lost relatives as well as the lady helping to care for her grandmother who is losing her battle against dementia. The only fly in the ointment is Kai Barnes, her adopted cousin. Their love/hate relationship is a source of stress for both Laney and Kai – primarily because of unresolved issues in their lives.
Aloha Rose is a beautifully written novel with wonderful characters who are so alive! The plot is filled with emotional ups and downs as well as quite a few twists and a couple of big surprises. As one of the books in the Quilts of Love series, it is a given that a quilt and/or quilting details would play a prominent role which quilt lovers should find interesting. Details about Hawaiian history. language, and lifestyle added to my enjoyment. A strong message of faith runs throughout the story and plays a major part in the lives of Laney and Kai as they struggle to overcome their fears.
I enjoyed Aloha Rose and would recommend it to those who love quilts as well as anyone who just enjoys a good contemporary love story.
by admin | Nov 23, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Well, Anita Higman has done it again. She managed to grab my attention from the beginning of “A Marriage in Middlebury” and held it until the very last line.
Basically a story of lost love, “A Marriage in Middlebury” features Charlotte Rose Hill who walked away from the only man she ever loved for reasons that are later revealed within the narrative. When that same man, Sam Wilder returns to Middlebury to settle his father’s estate accompanied by a fiance, Charlotte quickly realizes that she has never stopped loving him. It won’t be easy having him back in town, especially since she has agreed that her tearoom will provide the refreshments for the wedding reception.
With a unique plot that has several unexpected twists, secrets from the past that are unearthed, various lovable yet quirky characters, and more than one romance, “A Marriage in Middlebury” has everything needed for a perfect romantic novel. It is a story of second chances as well as learning to place your trust in the Lord regardless of your circumstances. It is a heartwarming story in which everything turns out just right by its end.
This book was provided for review by the author and LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end? Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder’s marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam’s new fiancée? A second chance at love doesn’t happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
by admin | Nov 22, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
It would simply not be a complete Christmas season without Melody Carlson’s latest Christmas novella so I eagerly accepted the invitation to review “A Simple Christmas Wish”. Once again Melody has proven her talent and versatility as an author with this heartwarming tale that takes the reader from a Chicago apartment to an Amish farm in Ohio.
It was easy for me to identify with Rachel’s reluctance to follow the specifications in the will of her brother and his wife Miriam which granted custody of their daughter Holly to Miriam’s sister Lydia.. An extended stay in Lydia’s Amish home did little to ease Rachel’s misgivings but she had little choice in the matter. In fact the only glimpse of hope was Lydia and Miriam’s brother Benjamin who seemed to be sympathetic to Rachel and Holly’s dilemma.
A timeless story with more than one plot twist or surprise, “A Simple Christmas Wish” is the perfect choice for a quiet and relaxing winter evening by the fire.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One girl in need of a home. One woman in search of a home for her heart. One Christmas where it all seems possible.
It felt strange to be out here in the middle of the night, still wearing the Amish dress–a dress that had belonged to Miri. Rachel’s footsteps crunched in the snow, and halfway between the barn and the house, she paused to look up at the night sky, wondering if more snow was in store, but all she saw was velvety black and stars. Millions of twinkling stars. She had never seen stars like that before, so bright and so close, almost as if she could touch them with her hand.
Rachel Milligan never imagined that she and her seven-year-old niece would spend the week before Christmas on a quaint Amish farm in Ohio. But with so many unexpected occurrences of late, perhaps she shouldn’t have been surprised.
With her young niece Holly in tow, Rachel anxiously makes her way from Chicago to Ohio’s Amish country. As love begins to blossom, family secrets emerge, and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs.
Join bestselling author Melody Carlson on an emotional journey into the heart of what family truly means at Christmastime.
Read an excerpt of A Simple Christmas Wish HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington’s, and The Christmas Pony. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
