Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.
Virginia Smith is the author of more than a dozen Christian novels and over fifty articles and short stories. Her books have been named finalists in the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Award, and ACFW’s Carol Award.
A Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church, Ginny’s messages are always well-received by a variety of audiences in conferences, retreats and churches across the country. When she isn’t writing or speaking, Ginny and her husband, Ted, enjoy exploring the extremes of nature – snow skiing in the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, motorcycle riding on the curvy roads in central Kentucky, and scuba diving in the warm waters of Mexico and the Caribbean.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The beautiful piano sitting in the corner of Jill King’s apartment begs to be played. For over a year, it has sat untouched, ever since a terrible accident shattered Jill’s ambition of becoming a concert pianist. The ragged scar on her left hand is a cruel and constant reminder of the death of her dream. But another dream is about to come to life—an unexpected, horrifying dream that will present Jill with a responsibility she never wanted. And choices she never wanted to make. Hundreds of lives depend on Jill’s willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.
If you would like to read a chapter excerpt of Lost Melody, go HERE.
Learn more about Lori and her books on her Website.
Learn more about Virginia and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
The concept for Lost Melody is a fascinating one. An aspiring concert pianist’s career is cut short by injuries suffered in an accident. Wedding plans should bring excitement and happiness but repeated dreams of impending disaster haunt Jill’s days and have caused her even to fear sleep. When Jill goes public with her warning, things really take an interesting twist.
I found the way people responded to Jill’s warning to be quite intriguing. From those who reacted with hostility, those who backed her 100% and those who looked to her for answers for their lives, each one responded in a way that I might expect if this story were true. What a test of Jill’s faith and a test for the people who cared for her. My question for myself is “What would I do in similar circumstances?”
Most of us have some knowledge of World War 2 gained through history class in school and/or from TV and movies. Rarely do we have the opportunity to see through the eyes of those who actually experienced it – to really know how the things that they heard, saw, and did actually affected their lives. In ‘Remembering You’ the reader is treated to many of these stories along with Ava Andrews who tours Europe with her grandfather and his best friend Paul as they revisit many of the sites they remember so well.
Not only does Ava have unresolved issues to work out with her grandfather but Paul’s grandson Dennis has joined him on the tour. Dennis just happens to be the first love in Ava’s life but they parted on less than ideal terms. Upon meeting after years apart, the tension between them threatens to disrupt the peace of their trip together. It doesn’t help that their grandfathers seem to be attempting a bit of matchmaking on the side.
‘Remembering You’ is a story about the importance of family relationships, finding out what is really important in your life, making peace with your past, and second chances. Its personal look at how the war affected the men who fought it added another dimension to my understanding of WWII history. I liked the fact that I could never assume what would happen next even though I had a suspicion how things would end. The author managed to slip in a few surprises along the way.
I enjoyed every page of ‘Remembering You’ and recommend it to lovers of historical fiction. This book would make a wonderful addition to your own library or a nice gift for a friend or family member.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
35-year-old Ava Andrews’ dream job is interrupted by an unusual request–fulfill her 84-year-old grandfather’s last wish by joining him on a battle site tour of Europe. Ava is sure her boss will refuse her request. But, instead, he gives her a directive of his own–to videotape the tour and send it back as mini-segments for the show she produces.
As if juggling these two things isn’t hard enough, Ava is soon surprised again … twice. First, Ava and Grandpa Jack arrive in Europe, only to discover the tour is cancelled. Unwilling to let down her grandfather or her boss, Ava and Grandpa Jack head out on their own. Then, while they’re on their way, the pair soon meet up with Paul, her grandpa’s best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The same Dennis who just happens to be Ava’s first love.
Before she knows it, Ava and Dennis are swept down memory lane as they visit the sites that are discussed in the history books. And even though Ava’s videotaping old soldiers, she can see their youth, their hopes and fears, and their pride in their eyes. Soon Ava learns the trip isn’t just for them … it’s for her too–especially for her heart.
Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more HERE.
Read what the reviewers are saying here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. On Tricia’s weekly radio show, Living Inspired, she shares stories of inspiration and encouragement. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
For more about Tricia and her other books visit her website.
Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer!
Enter 11/16 – 11/29. RSVP for Facebook Party on 11/29!
Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer! Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her novel, Remembering You, with a KINDLE Touch Giveaway for you … and for the friend of your choice. Then on 11/29 she’ll be wrapping up the release of Remembering You with aBook Chat Party!
During the first half of the party Tricia will be chatting, sharing a sneak peek of her next book, and giving away a ton of great stuff. Then she’ll head over to her website for a Live Chat! Readers will be able to chat with Tricia via video or text.
Don’t miss your chance to win a Kindle Touch for yourself … and to “remember” a friend this holiday with a Kindle Touch for them!
A Brand New Kindle Touch and a Kindle Touch for a Friend (winner’s choice!)
A copy of Remembering You by Tricia Goyer for each
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 29th. Winner will be announced at Remembering YouFacebook Partyon 11/29. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away copies of her other WWII books and gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com. So grab your copy of Remembering You and join Tricia on the evening of the 29th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 15th!
MY REVIEW:
‘Lonestar Angel’ tells the story of Eden and Clay Larson whose marriage ended after the kidnapping and death of their infant daughter. Several years later, believing she is divorced, Eden is on the verge of accepting a proposal when Clay shows up declaring that he never signed the divorce papers and that he is positive that their daughter Brianna is still alive. He convinces her to join him as child counselors on Bluebird Ranch where he is certain their daughter is a resident. Not only do the couple have to figure out which of the girls is Brianna, but they also have to contend with repeated attacks on Eden and their renewed love for each other.
Given my fondness for suspense novels and a love of westerns, not to mention that Colleen Coble is one of my very favorite authors, it was pretty much a given that I would enjoy her Lonestar series that is set in Texas. ‘Lonestar Angel’ met all my expectations and more.
With Coble’s usual fast-paced plot, well-developed characters, plenty of intrigue laced with romance and an inspirational message, ‘Lonestar Angel’ kept me engaged until the very end. My only complaint is that it ended much too soon. The story had many twists and turns that kept the tension building. Each time I thought I had everything figured out, something would change that led me in another direction. I love the way Colleen kept me in suspense until she chose to reveal the answers.
If you enjoy well-written romantic suspense and/or contemporary western novels, ‘Lonestar Angel’ as well as the previous books in the Lonestar series are must haves for your bookshelves.
This book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Eden’s hope is rekindled when Clay delivers astounding news: their baby girl has been found.
Five years ago Eden and Clay Larson’s baby was stolen. When they went to pay the ransom, what happened changed their lives forever—the kidnapper’s car with Baby Brianna inside sunk deep into the river. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.
Now Eden’s moved to a new town. She’s found faith and is trying to rebuild her life. She’s even dating again—a sweet guy named Kent who plans to marry her. But then Clay arrives out of the blue and delivers shocking news: he never signed their divorce papers, so they’re still married. What’s more, Clay has been searching for Brianna all this time. And he believes he’s found her: their daughter is in Bluebird, Texas, at a youth ranch. All five little girls there are the right age—he’s just not sure which one is Brianna. Or how she survived.
To uncover the truth, Eden and Clay sign on as counselors at Bluebird Ranch. They move into small quarters in the bunkhouse and oversee the kids as they try to find out more. Working together, they rediscover their love for each other. But danger is closing in—Eden, Clay, and all their young charges are in jeopardy. As they fight to save their family, Eden realizes that God has been fighting for them all along. And His plans are for a more abundant life than they’d ever hoped.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com. Twitter @colleencoble
Ronie Kendig’s final Discarded Heroes novel, Firethorn, releases January 1st and it promises to surpass the first three books in the series. I personally cannot wait to read it. If you haven’t read the rest of the Discarded Heroes series, you should really check it out. These books are excellent!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Firethorn, head over to Ronie’s Blog and leave a comment to let her know what you think about the trailer.
Much like Carlson’s previous Christmas novellas, “The Christmas Shoppe” is the perfect book to curl up with by the fire to get a renewed Christmas spirit. At this point, the Christmas season would just not be the same if I didn’t have a new Melody Carlson Christmas novella to read.
In the tiny village of Parrish Springs, life goes on in its usual humdrum manner. Many of its residents are just marking time, not even aware of how unhappy they are. When Matilda Honeycutt moves to town and prepares to open what appears to be a thrift store, the townspeople become outraged and chaos and controversy reign. But something unusual happens each time someone visits Matilda’s Christmas Shoppe and the visitor leaves a changed person.
Melody Carlson has managed to illustrate a broad range of human behavior and emotions within a few pages. An emphasis on the power of forgiveness to heal the heart is well conveyed through the story. A bit of romance adds extra interest without overshadowing the plot. Once again, Carlson has written a Christmas story that shines with the magic and mystery that is Christmas while giving the reader something to ponder.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can a Christmas Store and a Stranger Bring Change to Small Town?
Much-Anticipated Christmas Novella From Award-Winning Author Melody Carlson
In sleepy little Parrish Springs, everyone seems to know everyone else’s business practically before they do. The empty Barton Building has finally sold– but not to the right person, according to Councilman Snider. He is successful in stirring up the townspeople and turning them against the new owner, Matilda Honeycutt. This older woman with scraggly gray hair and a different fashion sense doesn’t fit into the Parrish Springs tradition. The town is curious and yet afraid of her at the same time. But nothing convinces Matilda to give up her plans for The Christmas Shoppe (ISBN: 978-0-8007-1926-5, $15.99, 176 pages, September 2011) by best-selling author Melody Carlson.
The neighboring shop owners respond in horror when The Christmas Shoppe doesn’t look and feel like all the other charming stores on the town’s quaint main street. After all Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life, healing, and love.
The Christmas Shoppe, by best-selling author Melody Carlson, offers a touch of Christmas with a mixture of nostalgia, joy, and hope.
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 from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog,and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books in 2010 and 2011. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
Mary Curran Hackett is the mother of two children, Brigid Claire and Colm Francis, and is married to Greg Hackett. She received an MA in English Literature from the University of Nebraska and a BA from the University Honors Program at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Born and raised in Danbury, CT, she has traveled extensively and lived in various places throughout the U.S., but her favorite place in the world is home with her kids, husband, and her stacks of books. Like her character Colm Magee, Mary suffers various heart and brain ailments, but thanks in part to her brother, a physician, as well as her own doctors, she now has a pacemaker and a heart that beats on its own at least most of the time. This is her first novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A mother’s faith, a child’s courage, a doctor’s dedication—a moving and thought-provoking tale of hope, love, and family.
He might be young, but Colm already recognizes the truth: that he’s sick and not getting better. His mother, Cathleen, fiercely believes her faith will protect her ailing son, but Colm is not so sure. With a wisdom far beyond his years, Colm has come to terms with his probable fate, but he does have one special wish. He wants to meet his father who abandoned his beloved mother before Colm was born.
But the quest to find the dying boy’s missing parent soon becomes a powerful journey of emotional discovery—a test of belief and an anxious search for proof of heaven.
A magnificent debut novel, Mary Curran Hackett’s Proof of Heaven is a beautiful and unforgettable exploration of the power of love and the monumental questions of life, death, and the afterlife.
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