The Reunion by Dan Walsh



MY REVIEW:

I read “The Reunion” in just a few hours today because I didn’t want to put it down. As someone who lived through the Vietnam war years, I found so much familiar truth about how our returning soldiers were treated during that time. I have personally known some men who served during that war and some who didn’t come home. Dan Walsh has brought to vivid life the tale of one of the unsung heroes of Vietnam – a man who was broken both in body and spirit by the war and who lost everything that was important to him as a result.

“The Reunion” is a story that plumbs the depths of human emotions and I believe that only a hardened heart could remain untouched when reading it. I personally cried quite a few tears because I was so touched by the outpouring of love and respect for Aaron Miller. “The Reunion” is a story of love, honor, and the triumph of the human spirit when led by God. It is an uplifting, heart-warming narrative that renews my faith that truly good people who care for others remain in our country.

I could give more details about the story itself but it is one that just needs to be read to be appreciated. Take my word for it and pick up a copy soon. You won’t be sorry.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.



ABOUT THE BOOK:
Expert storyteller Dan Walsh pens a new tale filled with the things his fans have come to love – forgiveness, redemption, love and that certain bittersweet quality that few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn into this latest story about restoration for the broken and ignored.

Walsh brilliantly weaves together two stories of men embroiled in turmoil – Aaron Miller a Vietnam vet who returned from war only to lose everything and of Dave Russo, a writer unable to love again. The Reunion opens with Aaron, 40 years after the war, slowly putting his life back together. Dave uncovers his heroic actions during the war, leading both men to find a second chance in life and love – if they’re willing to take a risk.

Walsh captures genuine emotion in his writing, and according to RT Book Reviews, he “demonstrates that, like Nicholas Sparks, men are capable of writing romantic fiction.”

Walsh has mastered telling stories set in separate time periods. The Reunion is a contemporary story with flashbacks to Vietnam. When Walsh was young, he hated history until he discovered a few non-fiction history books that read like page-turning novels. “They made history come alive,” says Walsh. “Reading became a joy. That’s my goal now, to create that same experience for my readers. I hope they get inspired and thoroughly enjoy themselves.”

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, The Deepest Waters and Remembering Christmas. He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel. Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more information.

CONTEST:

Don’t forget to enter the Reunion book giveaway contest!

http://danwalshbooks.com/the-reunion-book-giveaway-contest/

Proof by Jordyn Redwood

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Proof
Kregel Publications (June 1, 2012)
by
Jordyn Redwood
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jordyn Redwood has served patients and their families for nearly twenty years and currently works as a pediatric ER nurse. As a self-professed medical nerd and trauma junkie, she was drawn to the controlled chaotic environments of critical care and emergency nursing. Her love of teaching developed early and she was among the youngest CPR instructors for the American Red Cross at the age of seventeen. Since then, she has continued to teach advanced resuscitation classes to participants ranging from first responders to MD’s.

Her discovery that she also had a fondness for answering medical questions for authors led to the creation of Redwood’s Medical Edge at http://jordynredwood.com/. This blog is devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction.

Jordyn lives in Colorado with her husband, two daughters, and one crazy hound dog. In her spare time she also enjoys reading her favorite authors, quilting, and cross-stitching.

Learn more about Jordyn and her book on her Website.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Dr. Lilly Reeves is a young, accomplished ER physician with her whole life ahead of her. But that life instantly changes when she becomes the fifth victim of a serial rapist. Believing it’s the only way to recover her reputation and secure peace for herself, Lilly sets out to find–and punish–her assailant. Sporting a mysterious tattoo and unusually colored eyes, the rapist should be easy to identify. He even leaves what police would consider solid evidence. But when Lilly believes she has found him, DNA testing clears him as a suspect. How can she prove he is guilty, if science says he is not?

 

 

 

Endorsements:

“Jordyn Redwood makes quite a splash with her debut novel. PROOF is a hard-edged mix of medical thriller and crime chiller that grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. This one will keep you up way past your bedtime.”

—Rick Acker, best-selling author of When the Devil Whistles

 

“From the very first chapter, the first page even, Jordyn Redwood pulls the reader into a story that won’t let go. PROOF is proof enough for me that Jordyn is the real deal: an author who knows how to weave a tight story, write descriptive, authentic prose, and deal with some pretty hefty issues. I’m a fan!”

—Mike Dellosso, author of Frantic and Rearview (a 7 Hours story)

 

“Debut novelist Jordyn Redwood has used her experience as an ER and ICU nurse to craft a blend of medical thriller and police procedural with twists and turns to keep fans of either genre turning pages.”

—Richard L. Mabry, MD, author of Lethal Remedy and the Prescription for Trouble series

 

“A rollercoaster of a story. Jordyn Redwood’s PROOF has everything you could want in a thriller—believable characters, a villain who makes your skin crawl, a touch of humor, and a twisting plot—all bound by fascinating medical and scientific details. What a fabulous debut!”

—Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of the Wings of Glory series

 

“Jordyn Redwood may be new on the scene, but she writes like a seasoned pro. PROOF is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time with well-drawn characters including a villain I despised and a hero and heroine I rooted for. I thought I would just take a peek at the first chapter and finish the story later. I thought wrong. I read late into the night, lost sleep, and put off my own writing to finish this book. I’m eagerly awaiting Jordyn’s second book and will be first in line to purchase it the day it releases.”

—Lynnette Eason, best-selling author of The Women of Justice series

 

“I love a great medical thriller and I’m glad to add another author to my list. Jordyn Redwood writes like the medical insider she is. A gripping tale laced with realism, sleep-robbing excitement, and something every reader loves: hope.”

—Harry Kraus, MD, best-selling author of The Six-Liter Club

 

PROOF by Jordyn Redwood is a gripping medical thriller written with vivid detail from an author who knows her subject firsthand. A serial rapist is at large in the town—in the hospital, even? Can Lilly trust anyone? Even her closest friend? And just when you think you can relax, the stakes get even higher.”

—Donna Fletcher Crow, author of The Monastery Murders

 

“Jordyn Redwood’s debut novel is a page-turner with an ingenious premise and solid Christian values. A satisfying read.”

—Frank J. Edwards, Medical Director, Delphi Emergency Physicians, author of the medical thriller Final Mercy

If you would like to read the first chapter of Proof, go HERE.


MY REVIEW:

Proof grabbed my attention from the first page and kept me engaged until the very last one. It’s difficult for me to believe that this is the author’s first novel.

I am not sure how to review Proof without major spoilers. There is so much going on in this book, all pertinent to the story, but anything I can think of to describe the story would reveal entirely too much. Personally I think the book description above gives too much away. Basically, the town where Lilly Reeves serves as an ER doctor has been plagued by a serial rapist. Descriptions given by several of his victims indicate that the crimes were committed by the same person. When a man who has two very specific and unusual physical attributes described by the victims is arrested, other evidence seems to prove that he cannot possibly be guilty. Convinced of his guilt, Lilly sets out to prove it before it is too late.

Proof is very well written with a fast paced plot and well defined characters. An intense storyline is laced with enough twists and surprises to satisfy most mystery lovers. A subtle romance takes a backseat to the action and suspense but was a nice touch. The strong message of faith was  handled well and did not come across heavy-handed. I will be watching for Jordyn Redwood’s next novel. I expect great things from this new author.

 

Abducted by Janice Cantore



MY REVIEW:

Having enjoyed “Accused”, the first book in the Pacific Coast Justice series, I was happy to have the opportunity to review “Abducted”, the second installment. I was not disappointed.

“Abducted” begins shortly after the ending of “Accused” with police officer Carly Edwards back patrolling the streets on the night shift with her partner Joe. As a new believer, Carly is carefully learning what it means to walk out her faith and soon finds it being put to the test when Joe’s wife is hospitalized and his baby is kidnapped. Added to the stress of encountering multiple dead ends in the search for Joe’s child, Carly’s promising renewed relationship with her ex Nick suddenly seems to be at a standstill.

“Abducted” is a riveting suspense where nothing is quite as it seems and the many twists and turns keeps the reader puzzled. The book is a realistic look into the lives of law enforcement officers complete with accurately described police procedure and the human reactions to their experiences.  “Abducted” is one book I couldn’t put down. Can’t wait to see what Carly and Nick might be up to next.

This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

After solving the Mayor’s murder and exposing corruption among the top brass in Las Playas, Carly Edwards is happy to be back on patrol with her partner Joe, putting bad guys behind bars. For once everything in life seems to be going just right.

But then everything starts going wrong. Slow to recover from an injury, her ex-husband Nick, begins pulling away just as they were starting to get close again. Meanwhile when Joe’s wife lands in the hospital with a mysterious illness, their baby is kidnapped. As Carly chases down every lead in a desperate search to find the baby, her newfound faith is pushed to its limits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A retired Long Beach California police officer of 22 years (16 in uniform and 6 as a non-career officer), Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, patrol, administration, juvenile investigations and training. During the course of her career in uniform Janice found that faith was indispensable to every aspect of the job and published articles on faith at work, one for a quarterly newspaper called “Cop and Christ”, and another for the monthly magazine “Today’s Christian Woman”.

With retirement Janice began to write longer pieces and several novels were born. She has a two book suspense series in print she calls Brinna’s Heart Series, The Kevlar Heart and A Heart of Justice (Oaktara Publishing). Janice is excited and honored to now be a part of the Tyndale Publishing House family. Accused, the first installment in her new suspense offering, The Pacific Coast Justice Series, is set to be released February 1, 2012 and will kick off a brand new chapter in her writing career. In addition to suspense and action, her books feature strong female leads. Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep you engrossed and leave you inspired.

Janice has bachelor’s degrees in Biology (University of California at Irvine) and Physical Education (California State University at Long Beach).  She also completed graduate coursework in Criminal Justice (University of Southern California) and is currently a member of American Christian Fiction Writer’s and Sisters in Crime.  She attends Crescenta Valley Community Church in La Crescenta California and while a few years ago she retired to a house in the mountains of Southern California, she currently resides in Glendale California in order to help care for her aging parents. Janice is single and has three Labrador Retrievers, Jake, Maggie and Abbie. Janice’s hobbies are reading, cross-stitching, kayaking, hiking, walking the dogs and trying to stay fit.

Learn more about Janice and her books on her website.

Wildflowers From Winter by Katie Ganshert



MY REVIEW:

“Wildflowers From Winter” was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. Its powerful story grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. It is a story that is difficult to read at times because the characters are so real that it is too easy to sympathize with their tragedies and grief as if they were actually a part of your life.

Bethany has nearly achieved the goals she only dreamed of as a teen when suddenly the rug is pulled out from under her feet. About the same time, Bethany receives tragic news regarding her former best friend. Although she has vowed to never return to her home town, Bethany decides she owes it to her friend to pay her respects then leave quickly. Once there she is compelled to stay despite her reservations. Then another death adds to the burdens already on her heart.

Bethany is a complex character who at first seems cynical and cold. Flashbacks gradually reveal the pain in her past and reasons for her resistance to God and close relationships. Her encounters with Evan Price are at first prickly but evolve into a trusting friendship. Bethany’s journey from a lonely young woman who is angry at God to one who is finally open to love from both Evan and God is a sometimes heart rending tale that is also filled with hope.

I find it incredible to believe that this is Katie Ganshert’s first novel. If “Wildflowers From Winter” is an example, I can’t wait for her next novel.

This book was provided for review by
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group Blogging for Books.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Like the winter, grief has a season. Life returns with the spring.

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built the life she dreamed of during her teen years in a trailer park. An unexpected interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa.

Determined to pay her respects to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace that she’s not even sure exists?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching romantic movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels and coffee. She could talk books all day and is often spotted around town pushing a stroller, walking a dog, and reading—all at the same time. Visit her website: KatieGanshert.com.

Katie and her husband discuss Wildflowers From Winter:

Dying to Read by Lorena McCourtney



MY REVIEW:

“Dying to Read” is a clever and whimsical cozy mystery featuring Cate Kincaid. Cate is a pretty smart girl but is baffled by the fact that she can’t seem to hold on to a job. Could it be that disaster seems to follow just a step or two behind her? Out of compassion, her uncle Joe, a private investigator, has hired Cate to be his assistant. Her first simple assignment is to locate a young woman for an out-of-town relative. Cate arrives at Willow’s last know address to find Willow missing and her employer dead. Although the police have ruled the death an accident, Cate believes otherwise.

With its zany cast of characters, several laugh-out-loud scenes, a good mystery with several possible suspects, and a little romance thrown in for good measure, “Dying to Read” is just the right book to lift your spirits. Cate is a great heroine – down to earth, a bit quirky and klutzy, but just stubborn and bold enough to follow her instincts. Even though there was a real possibility that Mitch could be the guilty party, I liked him well enough to hope that it wasn’t him. I truly enjoyed “Dying to Read” and look forward to future installments featuring Cate Kincaid. So glad I had a chance to read this book.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.



ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lorena McCourtney has spun a fast-paced and witty romantic mystery in her new book, Dying to Read. From the very first chapter, she grabs your attention and keeps you hooked until the very end.

Cate Kinkaid is just dipping her toe into the world of private investigating until one of the many résumés she has floating around lands her a real job. All she has to do is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? When the big and brooding house happens to contain a dead body, this routine PI job turns out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?

Endorsements for Dying to Read & Lorena McCourtney

“With each new mystery series Lorena McCourtney skillfully creates a unique sleuth—and Cate Kinkaid is no exception in Dying to Read. I loved all the witty prose and the laugh-out-loud moments I’ve come to expect when reading McCourtney’s mysteries. Seasoned with romance and a fascinating collection of peculiar characters, this clever tale will keep you guessing about more than murder. Never a dull moment, Dying to Read is a winner!”
—Elizabeth Goddard, author of Carol Award–winning The Camera Never Lies

“Lorena McCourtney has fashioned a fun and engaging mystery that begs to be solved. And just when I thought I had figured it out, I realized she had added another layer. Mystery lovers, kick off your shoes, curl up somewhere comfortable, and prepare to be entertained! Dying to Read will keep you fully engrossed and guessing.”
—Kathy Herman, author of The Baxter series, Seaport Suspense series, and Secrets of Roux River Bayou series

“I adore Lorena McCourtney books. She’s one of my favorite authors. Dying to Read adds a delightful new tale to her stack of engrossing and entertaining mysteries seasoned with her signature wry humor. The fun and intriguing plot is populated by interesting characters with fascinating quirks, foibles, and challenges. McCourtney keeps the pages turning with fresh developments in a case that lures rookie PI Cate Kinkaid ever deeper into skin-tingling danger. I can hardly wait for the next book in this exciting new series!”
—Jill Elizabeth Nelson, award-winning author of Reluctant Burglar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won the Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), In Plain Sight, On the Run, and Stranded. She resides in Oregon.

 

House of Mercy by Erin Healy



MY REVIEW:

From the very beginning of “House of Mercy” it is evident that Beth is driven to help others whether they are human or animals. Unfortunately her heart sometimes overrules her common sense when it comes to making the right decisions and one wrong decision sent her life and the life of her family spiraling out of control with a very real possibility that they could lose everything because of her. Beth’s determination to redeem the situation herself sends her on a journey that has remarkable consequences.

“House of Mercy” consists of two parallel yet related stories with yet another historical legend that is also interconnected. Healy’s characters are robust with natural human emotions and responses to their situations. I often found myself telling Beth “Don’t do it” then wondering why she didn’t listen. The plot moved along at a fairly good pace although there were times I wanted to hurry it up as well as times I wanted to slow it down. That was not a problem with the writing but more my own impatience to find out what was going to happen next or dreading what I thought might be coming. The story is well rounded with plenty of drama, mystery, suspense, a little romance, and a touch of humor. The supernatural elements of the story were well handled and added a unique atmosphere to my reading experience. The major themes of forgiveness and reconciliation as well as a lesson about learning to trust God to guide and use you rather than depending upon yourself were well presented.

I thoroughly enjoyed “House of Mercy” and will probably think about it for awhile. This is a book that begs for a sequel. I for one would love to read more about Jacob and Beth and it would be fun to find out what happens in the lives of Nova and Trey and Beth’s brothers Levi and Danny. Then there is the unresolved mystery of the saddle.  I would be first in line for a follow-up to “House of Mercy”.

This book was provided for review by B & B Media Group,Inc..



ABOUT THE BOOK:

What Happens When a Natural Healer Can’t Heal Herself?

Follow Beth through death’s mysterious valley up to God’s mountaintop of mercy

Beth has a gift of healing, which is why she wants to become a veterinarian and help her family run their fifth-generation cattle ranch. But it only takes one foolish decision for Beth to destroy it all. She quickly scrambles to redeem her devastating mistake, pleading with God for help, even as a disturbing mystery begins to unravel her life. But the repercussions grow even more unbearable—a lawsuit, a death, a divided family and the looming loss of everything she treasures. Can Beth ever truly be whole again?

Best-selling Christian fiction author Erin Healy takes us on a fascinating journey into the stunningly rugged terrain of Southern Colorado in her latest thriller, House of Mercy (Thomas Nelson, August 2012). Confused, grieving, but determined to make amends, she embarks on a horseback journey across the harsh Rocky Mountains guided by a wild, unpredictable wolf named Mercy that may or may not be real.

“Healy has proven she has what it takes to write a fast-paced supernatural thriller guaranteed to keep you hooked right until the last page and beyond,” according to TitleTrakk.com. And New York Times top fiction author Ted Dekker says Beth’s writing is “Heart-pounding suspense and unrelenting hope that will steal your breath.”

­­Erin is known for creating distinctive settings that go hand in hand with the themes of her books, and House of Mercy is certainly no exception as her volatile emotional struggles match the challenging physical settings as she traipses across the rugged Rockies. At the same time, she wrestles spiritually with the notion of modern-day miracles.

Garnering accolades from numerous sources, including being named Book of the Year finalist, Healy consistently turns out highly readable, captivating and informative novels that are awaited eagerly by her huge following of readers. Her previous best-sellers include Never Let You Go, The Promises She Keeps and The Baker’s Wife. She also co-authored with Ted Dekker best-sellers Kiss and Burn, and with House of Mercy, her readers will be thrilled once again.

The story’s realism comes from Healy’s personal encounter with Colorado wolves, the Rocky Mountains and research done with Colorado ranchers. The reader will experience a “you-are-there” feeling as Beth’s adventure takes them through the craggy gorges, across tumbling rivers and finally to the mountaintop of mercy. It’s an adventure you don’t want to miss.

Download sample chapters HERE.

Erin shares about House of Mercy:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erin Healy is an award-winning fiction editor who has worked with talented novelists such as James Scott BellMelody CarlsonColleen CobleBrandilyn Collins, Traci DePreeL. B. GrahamRene GutteridgeMichelle McKinney HammondRobin Lee HatcherDenise HildrethDenise HunterRandy IngermansonJane Kirkpatrick, Bryan LitfinFrank Peretti,Lisa SamsonRandy SingerRobert Whitlow, and many others.

She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding stories before their collaboration on Kiss, the first novel to seat her on “the other side of the desk.”

Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Academy of Christian Editors. She lives with her family in Colorado.

For a downloadable extended bio, please visit Erin’s Press Room.