by admin | Oct 30, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
Can I say “Wow!”? Other books by James Rubart are on my bookshelves but I have not been able to find the time to read any of them. I am so glad that “Soul’s Gate” was on my book review list this month so it was actually on my schedule of books to read. I am now hooked and MUST find time to read his earlier novels. Yes, it’s that good.
“Soul’s Gate” is an in-your-face, fast-paced page-turner that takes the reader into realms of spiritual warfare that most have never contemplated. Four “warriors” learn to do battle for each other’s souls as they prepare to fight the biggest battle of their lives. Although some of their techniques are totally fictional, much of Reese’s teaching throughout the story is backed by scripture. He raises some questions that most Christians have either ignored or overlooked. A strong emphasis on intercessory prayer as a means to help free those who are wounded by their past and the lies of the enemy is woven throughout. If the author’s purpose is to open his readers’ eyes to scriptural truth most never learn and to challenge them to step out of their vanilla Christianity to do battle against evil, then I would say he has succeeded. I know I will never be the same.
Although I personally loved “Soul’s Gate” I can see it possibly becoming as controversial as “The Shack”. With a theme of spiritual warfare that includes quite a few topics that many Christians find uncomfortable, it is sure to raise the ire of some. The important thing to remember is that “Soul’s Gate” is a work of fiction and that everything in it is not to be taken literally. The author himself states in his afterword that the act of entering a soul is totally fictional and not to be taken seriously. I hope that readers will approach this novel with an open mind rather than just looking for something to criticize.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory.”
What if you could travel inside another person’s soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future.
Thirty years ago that’s exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his future.
Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and teach them what he has learned.
They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity—and how to step into the supernatural.
Their training is only the beginning. The four have a destiny to pursue a freedom even Reece doesn’t fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and he’ll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. While being the owner of Barefoot Marketing certainly keeps him on his toes, his passion is writing fiction. Rubart is an ECPA best-selling author who has been positively reviewed by both Publisher’s Weekly and Romantic Times. His first novel, Rooms, won a Best Books 2011 award from USA Book News, as well as a Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award. His debut release was followed by Book of Days and The Chair. Soul’s Gate is Rubart’s fourth release. In addition to being an author, Rubart is also a photographer, guitarist, professional speaker, golfer and semi-pro magician. With all of this, he says that he barely sleeps. Rubart lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. To keep up with James L. Rubart, visit www.jimrubart.com.
Win an iPad Mini from @JimRubart and RSVP for his Live Video Chat {11/13}!
The first book in best-selling author Jim Rubart’s new series, Soul’s Gate, releases on November 6th! To celebrate, Jim has teamed up with his publisher, Thomas Nelson, for a virtual book tour, iPad Mini giveaway and a Live Video Author Chat {11/13}. Watch the video trailer for the book here.
One “soulful” winner will receive:
- A brand new iPad Mini
- Soul’s Gate by Jim Rubart {Be caught up in this captivating series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 12th. Winner will be announced at the “Soul’s Gate Author Chat Party on 11/13. Connect with Jim for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!
So grab your copy of Soul’s Gate and join Jim on the evening of the November 13th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today.
Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 13th!
by admin | Oct 26, 2012 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The first novel in Goyer’s newest series set in West Kootenai, Montana, “The Memory Jar” revisits the mountain town that will be familiar to readers of her Big Sky series. This series appears to focus on the young Amish men who visit the area each year to live there long enough to establish residency to get a hunting license. The influx of young men offers some new opportunities for romance and possible marriage for the single women of the town. Book one features Sarah Shelter, a young Amish woman so devastated by the death of her best friend Patty several years earlier that she has had difficulty moving on with her own life. That is until she gets to know Jathan Schrock.
As Sarah and Jathan discover the similarities of what they really enjoy and their dreams about the future, they both begin to dream of a future together. The hard part would be managing to walk out their dreams while honoring and helping their families at the same time. Naturally events transpire to discourage them, then build up their hopes only to have the rug yanked back out from under them. Will they ever have a future together and see their dreams become reality?
Although Patty died in the prologue to this novel, she was a very real presence throughout the book. Sarah’s memories of her at significant points during the story helped me to understand Sarah from a unique perspective. Once Sarah was able to come out on top of her extreme grief and guilt over Patty’s death, she realized the profound impact Patty had on her life.
I appreciated the points made by the author in favor of being who God created you to be and following the path He has set for you instead of always trying to please others. As always, Tricia Goyer has produced another inspiring and enjoyable book.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book One in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors seriesEvery year, 30-40 young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive ‘resident’ status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.
Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Now she’s met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?
Purchase a copy of “The Memory Jar”
HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
Win an Amish Kindle Gift Pack from @TriciaGoyer and RSVP for her “Memory Jar” Author Chat Party on November 7
Celebrate with Tricia by entering her Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on November 7th.
(And be sure to catch the fun video trailer or try your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.)
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover
- Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}
- The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the “Memory Jar Author Chat Party on 11/7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!
So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!
by admin | Oct 25, 2012 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Accidentally Amish
Barbour Books (October 1, 2012)
byOlivia NewportABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word From The Author:
I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.
We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.
Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.
I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.
Thanks for stopping by my site, where conversations and adventures begin with a click. I hope we’ll run into each other often.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Accidentally Amish, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
With the current immense popularity of Amish fiction, it is a given that more books like Accidentally Amish will surface. Apparently our overly stimulated, busy lifestyles have created a longing for one that is simpler and quieter so the Amish life has a major appeal to many. For the sake of an entertaining book, I can go along with that although I’m pretty sure the Amish life may be simple in some ways but complicated in ways that most do not expect.
Accidentally Amish is a well-written and entertaining story that not only has a romantic storyline but is also dramatic and somewhat suspenseful. I liked most of the characters (there were some I probably wasn’t supposed to like) and the story moved at a good pace and kept me engaged. I can’t say that I particularly liked the ending – I may be a bit too cynical and/or skeptical to believe that a girl like Annie would make the choices she made. But don’t blame my skepticism on the book. I just tend to be that way.
For those who can’t get enough Amish fiction, Accidentally Amish is sure to please.
by admin | Oct 25, 2012 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Bridge” is a beautifully poignant story that perfectly showcases Kingsbury’s skill. A relatively short book, it can be read in a matter of hours (or less). Although short, the plot is perfectly balanced with enough character background to make the reader care about each one and want to learn what happens in their lives. My attention was snagged from the first page and I had difficulty closing the cover in order to get some much needed sleep. Once I picked the book up again, it didn’t close until the very last page.
A story that includes a lost love, lost hope, and tragedy, “The Bridge” points to a God who cares even when we don’t acknowledge it. “The Bridge” will renew your hope in mankind, second chances, and belief in miracles. And it might just bring a few tears to your eyes like it did mine.
A wonderful story with a powerful message, “The Bridge” is sure to become a Christmas favorite. This is one not to miss!
This book was provided for review by Howard Books-a division of Simon and Schuster.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Why do miracles and second chances always happen at Christmastime?
NY Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury delivers an instant classic with this heartwarming Christmas story about a hundred-year flood, lost love, and the beauty of enduring friendships.
Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but her heart is back in Franklin, Tennessee, where five years ago she walked away from a man she cannot forget, a rare sort of love she hasn’t found since.
Ryan Kelly lives in Franklin again after several years in Kentucky and a broken engagement. At least in Franklin he can visit The Bridge – the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin – and remember the long hours he and Molly once spent there.
Now, though, Ryan and Molly’s favorite bookstore is in trouble. For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge,providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books – even through dismal book sales and the rise of eBooks. Then in May the hundred-year flood tore through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store.
The bank is pulling the lease on The Bridge and is about to take the Bartons’ house. Despondent and without answers, Charlie drives through a blinding snowstorm and considers ending his life. But before he can decide, he hits black ice and crashes into a utility pole.
Suddenly, in the face of tragedy, miracles begin to unfold.
READ MORE 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by Dan Davis Photography
Dubbed the “Queen of Christian Fiction” by Time magazine, Karen Kingsbury has rightly earned her platform as America’s favorite inspirational novelist. She has more than 15 million books sold and a dozen back-to-back New York Times and USA Today bestsellers to her credit. She also has over 50 titles in her trademarked novels, Life-Changing Fiction™.
by admin | Oct 19, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Summerside Press
MY REVIEW:
“Borders of the Heart” is a testament to the author’s talent and versatility. I have read most if not all of Chris Fabry’s previous novels and each one is unique. With a sensitivity that plumbs the depth of human emotions and motivations, Fabry has created realistic characters that can almost walk off the pages.
The fast paced plot barely gives the reader a chance to catch his breath before it hurtles to the next riveting scene. Filled with multiple twists, turns, questions, and surprises, it is impossible to guess who can really be trusted and what their next move will be. The plot could easily have been something seen in our daily news, in fact there were aspects that brought the “Fast and Furious” scandal to mind. At times, the action is somewhat violent but is necessary to demonstrate the true depravity of the villains.
Ultimately a story about choices, the author clearly illustrates that making the right choice does not always guarantee smooth and easy results but that following the plan that God has for your life will ultimately be worth any difficulty encountered along the way.
I am always eager to see what Chris Fabry has up his sleeve and have yet to be disappointed in one of his books. “Borders of the Heart” may have an entirely different setting than his previous novels but may just be Fabry’s best one yet. Highly recommended for those who enjoy contemporary suspense.
This book was provided for review by the Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Desperate to escape haunting memories, J. D. Jessup travels from Nashville to Tucson and volunteers on an organic farm. The hardened landowner has one prevailing rule: If J. D. sees an “illegal,” call the border patrol. But when an early morning ride along the fence line leads him to a beautiful young woman named Maria, near death in the desert, his heart pulls him in another direction. Longing to atone for the choices that drove him to Tucson, J. D. hides her and unleashes a chain of deadly events he could never have imagined. Soon they are running from a killer and fighting for their lives. As secrets of their pasts emerge, J. D. realizes that saving Maria may be the only way to save himself.
Read the first chapter of “Borders of the Heart” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chris Fabry, an award-winning author and radio talk show host, is a fresh voice in Christian fiction. He hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live! on the Moody Broadcasting Network and was honored with the 2008 Talk Personality of the Year Award from the National Religious Broadcasters. He can also be heard daily on Love Worth Finding, featuring the teaching of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers, and weekly on Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, which he co-hosts with his wife, Andrea.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH CHRIS FABRY ABOUT “BORDERS OF THE HEART”:
Q: Your newest novel, Borders of the Heart, addresses heavy topics such as illegal immigration, the U.S./Mexico drug trade and the cost of compassion. Where did you get your inspiration for the book?
A: Our family moved to Arizona in 2008 and since then I’ve known I wanted to write about this area of the country, a rich, desert existence with problems and possibilities. This book is not as much an “issue” book as it is a book about people who have to deal with lots of those issues as part of their daily lives. I don’t have an ax to grind on the topics, but I did want to show how real people are affected by these contemporary topics.
Q: Several of the characters in Borders of the Heart are dealing with things from their past. What lessons do your characters learn along the way?
A: The past is huge for each of us. I’m convinced many are “stuck” by something in the past that holds us back from being all God wants us to be. A reader will walk through that process with the main character, J.D., and I’m hoping they’ll see an authentic struggle.
Q: J.D. Jessup is faced with a very difficult moral dilemma when he weighs the decision to follow his boss’ very clear direction or his own heart when he discovers Maria near death. What lessons does this story provide for your readers?
A: Every choice we make in life comes with a cost. If we say yes to one thing, we may have to say no to something else. The choice J.D. makes is a good choice, and even good choices can lead to disastrous and deadly results. Can you believe that God is involved in even the difficult circumstances? I think that’s a huge reveal in this story for me. Does everything have to work out perfectly in the end in order for God to be glorified?
Q: How does the concept of redemption figure into your story? Was it gratifying to write about redemption? Why or why not?
A: A lot of people don’t like the word “saved.” It’s old fashioned and not in vogue. I think the term is loaded with truth because if you’re on the verge of death and someone “saves” you, you know exactly what that means and how grateful you would be. Characters in this story get rescued from certain death and when the stakes are that high, I can’t help but get emotionally involved in the story.
Q: How does the concept of grace figure into your story? Was it gratifying to write about grace? Why or why not?
A: Grace is when we’re treated better than we deserve. Yes, characters discover that in the book as well. I love the concept of grace in such a gritty, tough story because you’re not expecting it. You’re expecting A+B=C and when grace invades, it catches you by surprise.
Q: Borders of the Heart clearly demonstrates that sometimes there is a cost to compassion. What made this an important story element for you? Why was it important for you to show that sometimes there is a cost for us when we behave compassionately?
A: You’ve heard the saying, “Freedom isn’t free.” The one who acts with compassion usually absorbs the pain of someone else. This is a picture of the cross, of the sacrifice made for us in Christ. This is another thread you’ll discover throughout the story.
Q: Have you ever been faced with a real-life hard choice or ethical dilemma like your main character J.D.? If so, what was your dilemma and did you feel like you made the right choice?
A: I’ve never had to decide whether to leave a person for dead or not, but I think every day we have a chance to sacrifice. Sometimes it’s a small thing, like taking time for your children when you have something REALLY important, like writing a few more paragraphs. I haven’t always passed those tests. My contention is, the details of everyday life will show what we’ll do with the big decisions. If you choose well in the small moments, the moments when no one is looking,
you’ll choose well when a huge decision comes your way. Conversely, if you don’t see the little things as important, you might not make a good decision with the big decision.
Q: What do you hope your readers will take away from reading Borders of the Heart?
A: Borders of the Heart is at its core a love story. You will root for J.D. and Maria to survive and solve the mystery of what’s really going on in Tucson. And I hope readers will take away the truth that what looks impossible to people is possible with God’s power. Even if something looks hopeless, it’s really not when God is involved.
by admin | Oct 17, 2012 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Saving Gideon
B&H Books (October 1, 2012)
by
Amy LillardABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Amy:I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.
I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!
I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.
I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.
I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.
I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)
Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940?s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.
Learn more about Amy and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Gideon Fisher wants one thing out of life — to be left alone. This is not the Amish way, but he’s devastated after the death of his wife and son to the point of losing his faith. He buys a farm on the outskirts of the district and pulls away from his community. But when a freak spring snowstorm brings a beautiful Englisher to his farm, what choice does Gideon have but to let her in?
Dallas socialite Avery Ann Hamilton is intrigued by the Amish farmer who pulls her out of the snow and into his austere lifestyle. Poor little rich girl, Avery has just gone through (yet another) bad breakup. Every man she meets only wants her for her father’s money. All she has ever wanted is to be loved for herself. Avery soon discovers the Oklahoma Amish country is the perfect place to hide out and heal her broken heart.
But she finds a peace in those back roads that she’s never felt before. Now her life has purpose and meaning as she connects with God and those around her. And there’s something more as she begins to care for this man who needs both love and forgiveness.
Gideon never wanted to live again much less fall in love, but Avery finds her way into his heart, showing him the beauty of life and God’s greatness. Yet as the feelings between Avery and Gideon grow, can they overcome their dissimilar lifestyles, or will their sheer differences pull them apart?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Saving Gideon, go HERE.
MY COMMENTS:
I have a confession to make. Due to my love for and enthusiasm for Christian fiction, I have totally over-committed for the month of October. My good intentions would have me read and write a review for each and every book on my October calendar but life has a way of interfering with my best intentions and unfortunately I have to sleep sometime. I have read a few chapters of Saving Gideon and I like what I have read. I intend to finish it because what I have read intrigues me. I’m pretty sure I would like both Gideon and Avery. I know how their story begins and would love to see it through to the end. But I have pressing deadlines on books I have no choice but to review. Hopefully I can get back to Saving Gideon soon and write a proper review for it then.
“Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory.”
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. While being the owner of Barefoot Marketing certainly keeps him on his toes, his passion is writing fiction. Rubart is an ECPA best-selling author who has been positively reviewed by both Publisher’s Weekly and Romantic Times. His first novel, Rooms, won a Best Books 2011 award from USA Book News, as well as a Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award. His debut release was followed by Book of Days and The Chair. Soul’s Gate is Rubart’s fourth release. In addition to being an author, Rubart is also a photographer, guitarist, professional speaker, golfer and semi-pro magician. With all of this, he says that he barely sleeps. Rubart lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. To keep up with James L. Rubart, visit www.jimrubart.com.
