by admin | Jul 19, 2012 | Adventure, Africa, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Political, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingRare EarthBethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)byDavis BunnABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born and raised in North Carolina, Davis left for Europe at age twenty. There he first completed graduate studies in economics and finance, then began a business career that took him to over forty countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Davis came to faith at age 28, while living in Germany and running an international business advisory group. He started writing two weeks later. Since that moment, writing has remained both a passion and a calling.
Davis wrote for nine years and completed seven books before his first was accepted for publication. During that time, he continued to work full-time in his business career, travelling to two and sometimes three countries every week. His first published book, The Presence, was released in 1990 and became a national bestseller.
Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Warning, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt.
A sought-after speaker in the art of writing, Davis serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University.
Learn more about Davis and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Marc Royce stares out of the helicopter, a sense of foreboding rising with the volcanic cloud. Below, the Rift Valley slashes across Africa like a scar. Decades of conflicts, droughts, and natural disasters have left their mark.
Dispatched to audit a relief organization, Royce is thrust into the squalor and chaos of Kenyan refugee camps. But his true mission focuses on the area’s reserves of once-obscure minerals now indispensable to high-tech industries. These strategic elements–called rare earth–have inflamed tensions on the world’s stage and stoked tribal rivalries. As Royce prepares to report back to Washington, he seizes on a bold and risky venture for restoring justice to this troubled land.
But this time, Royce may have gone too far.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Rare Earth, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Come back tomorrow for my review and more about Rare Earth and Davis Bunn.
by admin | Jul 16, 2012 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAlmost AmishBethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)byKathryn CushmanABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy, but all her life she knew that she wanted to write a novel “some day”. For her, “some day” came in 2003, when she started writing and never looked back.
Her first two manuscripts remain firmly ensconced in the back of her closet (the dust bunnies tell her they really are terrific!). Her third attempt became her first published novel.
A Promise to Remember and Leaving Yesterday were both finalists for the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, and Waiting for Daybreak was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award.
On the homefront, she has been married to the wonderful and handsome Lee for nearly twenty-five years now, and their two daughters are currently braving the worlds of high school and college.
They’ve lived in Santa Barbara for over twenty years. It’s a beautiful place and Kathryn feel blessed to be there (although a seventy degree Christmas still leaves her dreaming of a white one—or at least a colder one!)
When she’s not writing or reading or braving seventy degree holidays, you’ll find her trying her best to keep up with her daughters in their various theater, softball, dance, and filled-with-activity lives.
Learn more about Kathryn and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Proving the Simple Life Isn’t So Simple After All
Over committed and overwhelmed, Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She knows she should feel blessed as a mother and wife–but she just feels exhausted. And then, the miraculous happens. Her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series about trying to live like the Amish and needs another family to join her. It’s just the break Julie needs.
But the summer adventure in simple living soon proves anything but simple. With the camera watching every move, Susan’s drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or dressing differently, each new Amish challenge raises new complications…and soon each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Almost Amish, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Almost Amish is an absolutely perfect concept for a novel at this time with the proliferation of Amish fiction and reality TV programs. When Julie Charlton agrees to join her sister-in-law Susan and their families for a three month reality show that challenges them to live like the Amish, neither of them realize quite what they have agreed to do. Julie just knows that she needs a break and Susan believes that if she plays her cards right, the future of her daughter and herself will be assured. Reality strikes quickly when they find that all the rules are up for change at a moment’s notice and there is nothing they can do about it.
Almost Amish is a book that both adults and teens can enjoy. With three teen characters as well as the two primary characters, lots of humor and drama, plus a bit of romance, the story has a bit of something for everyone. The plot moves at a brisk pace with excellent dialogue and well developed characters. More than one surprise along the way helps keep those pages turning with anticipation.
I liked reading about each of the characters as they allowed their new environment and experiences to shape and change them, albeit some sooner than others. The essential theme of the story is about finding and using the unique gifts that the Lord has given you rather than comparing yourself to others. Almost Amish is a fun and entertaining book that I highly recommend.
by admin | Jul 13, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Deposit SlipBethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)byTodd M. JohnsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong. The Deposit Slip is his debut novel. He lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy, and children Ian and Libby.
Learn more about Todd on his Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
$10,000,000 Is Missing.
Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father’s death, she found a slim piece of paper–a deposit slip–with an unbelievable amount on it. Only the bank claims they have no record of the money, and trying to hire a lawyer has brought only intimidation and threats. Erin’s last chance is Jared Neaton.
How Far Will One Lawyer Go to Find the Money?
When Jared wearied of the shady ethics of his big law firm and started his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big loss has pushed him to the brink, and it’s all he can do to scrape by.
And How Far Will Someone Go to Stop Him?
He’s not sure if Erin’s case is worth the risk, but if the money is real, all his problems could vanish. When digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats, both Jared and Erin must decide the cost they’re willing to pay to discover the truth.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Deposit Slip, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Deposit Slip is an excellent entry by Todd M. Johnson into the legal thriller genre. Written in an easy-to-read style, the plot has just the right blend of legal facts and procedures, drama, action, and suspense. His characters are well developed especially Jared whose sometimes poor choices are strongly influenced by his desire for justice in addition to his ambition to prove himself. Jared’s relationship (or lack of) with his father is woven through the story and plays a major role in his decision making.
The Deposit Slip is a real page turner that showcases the risks some people will take to cover their tracks and the lengths they will go to for money and power. A strong message of forgiveness and reconciliation is also a highlight of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Deposit Slip and personally preferred it to some of the Grisham books I have read. I appreciated the fact that Mr. Johnson did not overwhelm me with unnecessary legal facts but included enough to make his points. If you are a fan of legal fiction, you really should give this book a try. I am already looking forward to what this author will offer readers in the future.
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 5, 2012 | Adventure, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingSerpent of MosesBethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)byDon HoeselABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Don Hoesel is a Web site designer for a Medicare carrier in Nashville, TN. He has a BA in Mass Communication from Taylor University and has published short fiction in Relief Journal. He was born and raised in Buffalo, NY but lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. The Serpent of Moses is his fourth novel.
Learn more about Don and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Moses built and lifted up the brass serpent, healing the afflicted Israelites of snakebites. King Hezekiah called the serpent Nehushtan. Long thought destroyed, it’s been buried for millennia, secreted under the region’s shifting sands. Now the Israeli government wants it back and they will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. Yet they’re not the only ones who covet the Nehushtan.
Archaeologist Jack Hawthorne travels to Libya intent on recovering the sacred object, but one does not cross the Mossad and expect to walk away without a fight. Jack and his friends must find the priceless “snake of brass upon a pole” before those who are also hunting it find them…and silence them forever.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Serpent of Moses, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Archaeologist Jack Hawthorne could easily be compared to a modern day Indiana Jones. His quest for biblical artifacts has taken him all over the world and pitted him against various others who were after the same thing. Much like Indiana Jones, he has narrowly escaped serious injury or death numerous times but he never gives up. As the title indicates, in this sequel to Elisha’s Bones, Jack has a bead on the bronze serpent created by Moses in the Book of Numbers and destroyed by Hezekiah in Second Kings. Unfortunately there are others, including some powerful Israelis who will stop at nothing to obtain the serpent of Moses. Before very many chapters have elapsed, Jack and his long-time friends ex-CIA agent Jim Duckett, Dr. Esperanza Habilla and her brother, Romero find themselves up to their eyeballs in a dangerous adventure that could very well cost them their lives.
Serpent of Moses had the same page-turning suspense that I found in Elisha’s Bones. I enjoyed following the separate adventures of each of the characters until they came together near the end for the grand finale. It was also intriguing to read excerpts from their antagonists’ point of view. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and hope to see more adventures of Jack and Espy in the near future. My only complaint is that it was unclear to me what the final outcome was for Templeton (I reread several times to be sure I didn’t miss something). Is this something that readers should decide for themselves or will it be revealed in a forthcoming installment? I’d really like to know.
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
