by admin | Mar 12, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe” is a whimsical and cozy novel that nevertheless packs a significant spiritual punch. My reservations about a novel from Max Lucado were quickly put to rest as I settled in for an enjoyable reading experience. Not only is this author’s reputation fully deserved but his versatility is impressive.
Chelsea Chambers was a natural leading character and she had a wonderful supporting cast. I had a doubt or two when I realized one of the characters was an angel but Manny the clumsy, Star Wars loving angel quickly won my heart. I had several good chuckles because of his antics.
I enjoyed walking with Chelsea on her journey to forgiveness through numerous lessons and trials. I loved her compassionate and generous spirit despite negative events and financial struggles. As far as I’m concerned, the book ended perfectly and I was happy that I had the chance to read it.
“Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe” is definitely a winner and I recommend it to everyone.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if you could ask God anything? What would you ask? And how would he answer?
Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.
Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea’s door, and with him, an even more curious string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They’ve come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life’s biggest questions.
When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Max’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
More than 120 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.
Find out more about Max at http://teamlucado.com/beforeamen/cbd.html.
‘Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe’ and iPad Giveaway BLOG CODE: In Max Lucado’s new fiction release, Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe, he asks, If you could ask God anything, what would you ask—and how would he answer? When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way.
Join Max in celebrating the release of his new fiction book by entering his iPad giveaway and RSVPing to his Coffee with Max webcast!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- A copy of Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on the Litfuse blog. Then tune in later on the 24th for his Coffee with Max webcast. RSVP here!
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by admin | Mar 9, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed the medical suspense novels of Hannah Alexander so I was delighted to have the chance to review “Hallowed Halls”. Although a bit different than the previous novels I have read by this author, it had all the elements that have kept Hannah Alexander near the top of my “must read” list.
Populated with characters that want to step off the page, the story developed naturally with a nice blend of drama, suspense, romance, and humor. One thing I particularly liked was that the characters were not static. One character in particular was perfectly detestable at the beginning but circumstances brought him around and he ended up being a fairly nice guy at the end. I loved Joy’s somewhat quirky mom and Tressa was a perfect addition to the tale.
“Hallowed Halls” is another great medical mystery by this author team and is a not-to-be-missed story of faith, reconciliation, and redemption. Take my advice and pick up a copy soon. I have already purchased “Dandelion Moon”, the next book of this series and cannot wait to find time to read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author
in exchange for my unbiased review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Dr. Joy Gilbert is fired by a grieving boss who wants more from her than she’s willing to give, she returns to her tiny hometown of Juliet, MO to find her ex-fiance still single, her once-strong and independent mother struggling in every way. Before she can make a move, however, the back door of her car bursts open and Tressa, her former employer’s fifteen-year-old daughter, clambers out, refusing to return home to either of her divorced, embittered parents.
Zack Tyler, director of Juliet Hospital’s ER, is stunned to see the woman he still loves has returned to town, apparently unbroken by the rejection of her former employer. That same employer, Weston Cline, told Zack last year that Joy wanted to spread her wings and take the job Weston offered her in a suburb of Kansas City. Zack would have expected to see her heartbroken, in tears, but all she’s worried about is her mother’s health and Tressa’s rebellion. To help her financially, Zack hires her to work in the ER, but the minute he does that, he knows he’s in for another wild ride of the heart.
When Tressa first begins having blackouts, she’s relieved that they take place when she’s alone. If she’s not careful, she’s afraid Joy will feel the need to tell her parents, who will insist she return home. But more and more often, the blackouts hit, and she’s in grave danger before Joy and Zack can discover what is causing them, and what caused the deaths of her brother, her father’s baby brother, a great grandfather…how many unexplained deaths will her family have to endure?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
HANNAH ALEXANDER is the pen name for the writing collaboration of husband and wife Cheryl and Mel Hodde. They chose the name “Hannah Alexander” to incorporate their two names into one. They have read that Hannah means “her hope is in the Lord,” and Alexander means, “servant of mankind.”
by admin | Mar 5, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Always up for a good western novel, I was excited when “Betting on Hope” finally came up on my review calendar. It was well worth the wait. This book is so very readable with a plot that never bogs down and an encouraging message of faith.
A contemporary tale, this novel had me laughing out loud one minute and close to tears minutes later. Populated with wonderful characters, Wishing Springs is a make-believe town that I wish were for real. Misunderstandings and personal secrets threaten to keep Maggie Hope and Tru Monahan apart although it is apparent to absolutely everyone that they were made for each other.
I loved everything about “Betting on Hope” from Maggie’s tender heart and true compassion toward others to Tru’s protective instincts and integrity. I also enjoyed reading about Tru’s brothers and grandfather and the fine but sometimes quirky folks of Wishing Springs. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I am hoping it will feature one of Tru’s brothers.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A bet gone wrong. A small town’s meddling. And a cowboy intent on saving his ranch.
Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it’s beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable. Maggie’s bosses know this is the opportunity she’s been looking for to launch her career—and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.
Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he’d like, but he knows it’s the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru’s fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do—for her own good.
In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Debra’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra’s goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.
Find out more about Debra at http://debraclopton.com.
‘Betting on Hope’ Kindle Giveaway
Saddle up for a new romance from novelist Debra Clopton, Betting on Hope! In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart’s desires.
Enter to win a Kindle Fire HD 6 to celebrate the release of Betting on Hope!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- A copy of Betting on Hope
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on Debra’s blog.
by admin | Mar 4, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThen Sings My SoulDavid C. Cook (March 1, 2015)byAmy Sorrells
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.
When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.
ABOUT THE BOOK :
When Nel Stewart returns home due to the sudden death of her mother, she realizes her beloved father, Jakob, is struggling with dementia. With the reappearance of a high-school sweetheart, deliveries from Ukraine addressed to her, and the discovery of a mysterious, vintage aquamarine gemstone, Nel senses God is pulling her into the past to restore their faith and their futures. Told partially through Jakob’s flashbacks of fleeing genocide-ridden eastern Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, the novel combines elements of mystery, history, faith and romance to reveal how God redeems the broken years … and our future.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Then Sings My Soul, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Then Sings My Soul is a beautifully written novel that will tug at the reader’s heartstrings. The story features Nel Stewart and her father Jakob. The contemporary story reveals ninety-plus-year-old Jakob’s history through a series of flashbacks. Although many believed his nightmares to be the results of increasing dementia, they were triggered by memories from his turbulent past. Daughter Nel had spent years running from her own past and only returned home for her mother’s funeral.
Then Sings My Soul is a story about regrets, a story about family, and a story about restoration. With some drama, mystery, and romance, the story weaves its spell so that the reader experiences every minute of Jakob’s escape as if she were there with him and his brother.
This book was not at all what I expected but I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it.
by admin | Feb 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I pick up a book by Terri Blackstock, I know I can expect a page-turner filled with true-to-life characters, gritty and sometimes edgy situations, perhaps a little romance, lots of suspense, and usually redemption. “Twisted Innocence” fully met my expectations.
Third book in Blackstock’s Moonlighters series, “Twisted Innocence” features sister Holly Cramer whose somewhat stressed life is the result of poor past choices. Little does she realize that her life is about to become even more stressful as some of that past intrudes on her life once again – in dangerous ways that threaten those she cares about the most.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Twisted Innocence” and hate to see this series reach its end. I liked the author’s portrayal of Holly and Creed and the way their characters seemed to grow stronger and more mature under their difficult circumstances. I especially liked the emphasis on the fact that although we often have to reap the harvest of our bad choices, we are still loved by God and our mistakes can be forgiven if we choose to follow Him.
Terri Blackstock has definitely not lost her touch. Her skill at grabbing my attention will continue to keep me reading her books. Although the third and final book of the series, “Twisted Innocence” can stand on its own; however reading the two previous books will enhance your enjoyment.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Holly Cramer’s past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.
Though Holly’s stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily’s father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family—she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he’s a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.
Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller—the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he’s innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can’t trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.
Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Terri’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of “Intervention,” “Vicious Cycle,” and “Downfall,” as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters.
Find out more about Terri at http://www.terriblackstock.com.
‘Twisted Innocence’ Nook Giveaway
In Terri Blackstock’s third and final book in her Moonlighters series, Twisted Innocence, readers are in for a story of suspense and redemption. Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.
Celebrate the series’ final release by entering Terri’s Nook giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Nook GlowLight
- The entire Moonlighters series
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on the Litfuse blog.
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by admin | Feb 20, 2015 | Adventure, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Allie Granderson has never found closure after her mother vanished except for one pink tennis shoe during the tornado that nearly destroyed their hometown of Mattingly. Obsessed with a toy compass and a Nativity yard figure, Allie is mostly lost with no one left but her father who regularly loses himself in a bottle. A series of unusual events just days before Christmas leads Allie and her best friend Zach on a quest to find her mother but they actually find themselves lost in the middle of a dark and mysterious wood. In those woods, the pair face unimagined fears and possible death as Allie’s determination to find her mother at times borders on madness.
I fear that I do not have adequate words to express what I thought and/or felt about “In the Heart of the Dark Wood “. Coffey’s genius with words and lyrical style are a pleasure to read. I found myself amazed at how well he was able to get into the minds of the children and relate their inner thoughts on what was going on in their lives, especially with Allie’s inauguration into womanhood. At times it seemed that neither of the children would survive their dangerous experience and I almost feared turning to the next page.
All-in-all, “In the Heart of the Dark Wood” was a superlative reading experience that will probably enter my mind at odd times in the future. I liked how such a horrendous experience ended up with some very positive results and how both Allie and Zach came away with wisdom and understanding that many adults never find.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A motherless girl hungry for hope . . . and the dream that could be leading her astray.
Almost two years have passed since twelve year-old Allie Granderson’s beloved mother Mary disappeared into the wild tornado winds. Her body has never been found. God may have spilled out his vengeance on all of Mattingly that day—but it was Allie’s momma who got swept away.
Allie clings to memories of her mother, just as she clings to the broken compass she left behind, the makeshift Nativity scene assembled in Allie’s front yard, and to her best friend, Zach. But even with Zach at her side, the compass tied to her wrist, and the Nativity characters just a glimpse out the window, Allie cannot help but feel lost in all the growing up that must get done.
When the Holy Mother disappears from the yard one morning, Allie’s bewilderment is checked only by the sudden movement of her mother’s compass. Yet the compass isn’t pointing north but east . . . into the inky forest on the outskirts of Mattingly.
Following the needle, Allie and Zach leave the city pavement behind and push into the line of trees edging on the Virginia hill country. For Allie, the journey is more than a ghost hunt: she is rejoining the mother she lost—and finding herself with each step deeper into the heart of the darkest woods she’s ever seen.
Brimming with lyrical prose and unexpected discoveries, In the Heart of the Dark Wood illustrates the steep transition we all must undergo—the moment we shed our child-like selves and step into the strange territory of adulthood.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Billy Coffey’s critically acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
