by admin | May 28, 2015 | Books, Dystopian, Fantasy
MY REVIEW:
“Not to be chosen would yield a cruel fate of my own making”
Little girls spent years preparing for their Choosing ceremony as well as preparing for the devastating possibility that they might not be chosen by enforcing the idea that not to be chosen was their own fault. In a world of authoritarian religious control, Carrington Hale is still unprepared for rejection yet accepts it as most do. Yet once she has been initiated into life as a Lint, it does not take her very long to begin to question the Authority that rules. Offered an unusual second chance, her longtime dream of a superior marriage quickly deteriorates into a nightmare.
“The Choosing” is the debut novel by Rachelle Dekker, daughter of best-selling author Ted Dekker. His influence is obvious but Rachelle’s novel is anything but a copycat of her father’s work. The plot is well paced with a good balance between action and contemplation. Dekker’s characters are strong and it was very easy to identify with some and abhor others. The cover is gorgeous with its subtle metallic sheen.
Although a dystopian novel, “The Choosing” is not as dark and depressing as some of that genre can be but offers genuine hope for Carrington by its end. There are a few somewhat violent scenes that serve to illustrate the evil madness behind one particular character but none are overly graphic in nature. Actual Christian faith is not portrayed but is insinuated through the character of Aaron who teaches Carrington what it really means to be chosen.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its theme of self-worth and how we are all chosen by the Lord. I look forward to the next novel of The Seer series so I can continue the adventure with Carrington and Remko.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for—her Choosing ceremony—to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.
But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.
Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.
Read an excerpt from “The Choosing” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The oldest daughter of
New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker,
Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair. Visit her online at
www.rachelledekker.com.
by admin | May 27, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“As Waters Gone By” is one of the most beautiful and touching novels I have experienced in quite awhile. Its pages are filled with unique and sometimes quirky but lovable characters that somehow manage to encourage and bring hope and healing, even in the midst of darkness and despair.
Emmalyn’s life has been turned upside down. Not only has her husband spent the past five years in prison but she has lost her job, her income, and their home. With nothing left but a tiny, run-down cabin they had purchased, Emmalyn pulls up her roots and moves to the Madeline Island to try to make sense of her life and marriage. While there she encounters a free spirit with the outrageous name of Boozie Unfortunate who absolutely does not live up to her name. Another islander, Cora also becomes a part of Emmalyn’s circle of friends. Their friendship and encouragement gradually bring Emmalyn to a place of contentment and peace.
Each and every character plays a major role in this remarkable story about a journey to restoration and hope through faith. I actually do not feel that my words can adequately express how excellent this novel is. This is one you positively MUST read for yourself!
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls?
Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how they can ever be a couple again.
Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Café, a circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she’s ready for Max’s release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can she rebuild a marriage?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with “Heartbeat of the Home” radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Cynthia on the Web at www.cynthiaruchti.com.
Find out more about Cynthia at http://www.cynthiaruchti.com.
Cynthia Ruchti’s Summer of Fun $100 Giveaway
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Suggested Title: Cynthia Ruchti’s Hemmed in Hope Giveaway
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Can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls? Find out in Cynthia Ruchti’s new book, As Waters Gone By. Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out.
Cynthia is celebrating the release of As Waters Gone By by giving away a summer of fun to one lucky reader!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $100 cash card to put toward your trip to Madeline Island (discover the beauty of the setting of As Waters Gone By) or your summer vacation destination
- A book-club set (10 copies of As Waters Gone By and a downloadable starter kit) so you can start your own summer book club
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 10th. The winner will be announced June 11th on Cynthia’s blog.
Plus, now through mid-July, sign up for Cynthia’s mailing list for a five-day virtual tour around Madeline Island for the chance to win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack. Each day begins with an email from Cynthia that introduces where you’ll be “visiting” that day (all key places from As Waters Gone By) with various interactive elements, including“I wish you were here” postcards, trivia quizzes, and an ongoing Island scavenger hunt. The person who interacts the most will win a Hemmed in Hope prize pack (valued at more than $200). That includes:
- The letterpress block Hope sign from DaySpring
- A set of 6 Hemmed in Hope notecards showing a hope-themed Bible verse
- A leather “I can’t unravel, I’m hemmed in hope” journal
- Signed copies of each of Cynthia’s books, fiction and non-fiction
by admin | May 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Having read previous books by Lisa Carter, I was eager to jump into another of her mystery/suspense novels. In the others, I have enjoyed the realistic plots and settings as well as well-rounded characters and complex relationships. I was not disappointed in “Vines of Entanglement”.
As the story opens, Laura Mabry finds a body on the trail that runs behind her house. To her surprise and horror, the murder victim is her employee …and Laura learns that investigators suspect that she could be responsible. To make matters worse, the lead detective turns out to be a man with whom Laura has a romantic past – a man she had hoped to never see again.
Not only is “Vines of Entanglement” a murder mystery but it is also somewhat of a romantic mystery also. During the course of the investigation, the story of Laura and Jon’s past is gradually revealed. A story where the past collides with the present and secrets and lies are revealed, this novel is one that held my interest until the very end. A strong message of faith is woven deftly throughout the story which makes it all the more relevant for me.
This book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A tangled web of lies characterizes the life Laura Mabry has built for herself and her son after the tragic death of her husband. But Laura’s carefully constructed world slides off its axis when she stumbles upon the body of a young college student on the recreational trails of Raleigh’s Greenway. What’s worse, Detective Jon Locklear is Laura’s worst nightmare…and her dream come true.
Jon has spent years trying to forget Laura. Past experience has taught him that he can’t trust her, but old habits—like old loves—die hard. When the killer turns his attention on Laura, Jon may be the only one who can save her.
Truth and murder lurk just around the corner for Laura. Can she find the courage to face her deepest fears and unravel the lies of her past before she and her son become the Greenway Killer’s next victims.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Carter is the author of Carolina Reckoning and Aloha Rose, and a writer and teacher whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense, and Christian Parenting Today. She is a frequent speaker and vocalist at women’s ministry events and has taught at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels. Lisa is a member of ACFW, RWA and Sisters in Crime. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling, quilting, and researching her next romantic adventure. She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Visit her online at LisaCarterAuthor.com.
by admin | May 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWhen Hope RisesPelican Book Group (May 2015)byDora Heirs
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After a successful auditing career, Dora left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. When her youngest son no longer wanted her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing Heart Racing, God-Gracing romance. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and her local chapter, Carolina Romance Writers.
Dora and her real life hero make their home in North Carolina. When she takes a break from cranking out stories, she enjoys reading, family gatherings, and mountain cabin getaways. She despises traffic, bad coffee, technological meltdowns, and a sad ending to a book. Her books always end with a happily-ever-after!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Art teacher Shelby Coltman transforms junk into treasure and longs for a place to showcase her creations. She’s thrilled when her friend volunteers to room with her. Shelby can finally buy a storefront. Unfortunately, Kennedi’s brother can’t seem to let go.
Abandoned as a teenager, guidance counselor Tate Malone has become surrogate and over-protective father to his sister. Life is great until Shelby Coltman wheedles his impressionable sister into sharing an apartment. Raised in wealth, the beautiful Shelby could never understand poverty or rejection, and Tate doesn’t appreciate her uprooting his sister. When Shelby hands over her savings to a homeless student, will God obliterate Tate’s fears and deliver all of Shelby’s dreams…when hope rises?
If you would like to read the first chapter of When Hope Rises, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
When Hope Rises is a quick and easy read, perfect for the beach or backyard this summer. A sweet romance, it features two people who seem to be totally unsuitable for each other – but there is an irresistible attraction between them. Both Shelby and Tate have reach an age where most of their friends have married and many have children. Unknown to each other, the one thing they have in common is their commitment to waiting for the person God has for them.
With an interesting plot, some definite romantic sparks, and an excellent Christian message about purity and social responsibility, When Hope Rises is definitely worth the time it takes to read it. I recommend it for all who enjoy a good but short romantic novel.
by admin | May 20, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have so enjoyed Lorna Seilstad’s latest series The Gregory Sisters. Each of the sisters was a strong and unique personality and determined to make her way in a predominately man’s world. Last but not least is youngest sister Tessa whose ambition has changed enough times that her sisters find it difficult to take her seriously and tend to be a mite overprotective. Tessa’s love of gardening and her talent for design have stayed with her throughout her life and she really wants a chance to work as a horticulturist in one of the St. Paul city parks.
It wouldn’t be a Seilstad book without lots of historical detail, a bit of intrigue and suspense, and of course her trademark humor. “As Love Blooms” steps up to the mark in each of these areas and may have been my favorite of the series. Tessa was a joy to read about and Reese was the perfect match for her personality. I liked how he started out planning to use Tessa’s talent to further his own career but his conscience would never let him rest.
“As Love Blooms” is a fun and faith-filled romance that made my day better while reading it. I highly recommend it. I personally would not miss a one of Lorna Seilstad’s novels. If you have not discovered her books. Take a chance on this one.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Young romance opens like a rose . . . but even a rose has its thorns.
Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, Minnesota, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park–and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?
Against the lush backdrop of manicured gardens and greenhouses full of the exotic, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to delight.
Read an excerpt from “As Love Blooms” As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad.
What people are saying about The Gregory Sisters
“A cut above the rest.”–RT Book Reviews
“Thoroughly charming.”–Maggie Brendan, author of the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series
“Delightful . . . a wonderfully satisfying read.”–Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Inn at Eagle Hill series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.
by admin | May 20, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Western
MY REVIEW:
Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series continues in “A Heart’s Danger” with more plots and plans, escalating tension with the Sioux, threats and danger from an old enemy, and of course a touch of romance. The story line in the first three volumes of this six book series seems to reach a conclusion in “A Heart’s Danger” where major revelations and romance are wrapped up nicely by the end.
Thus far I have enjoyed reading these short books that have been revised and re-released from Cobles first two novels. My only complaint is that I have to wait an entire month to read the next installment. I have to confess that I can be a very impatient reader. Nonetheless, these brief novels are a welcome break from some of the longer and more serious novels I have on my review list. It is easy to see Coble’s talent in her early work and how far she has come since then.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the brink of war with the Sioux, Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves.
Christmas is coming, and the air at Fort Laramie has turned cold . . . but relations with the Sioux have turned colder. As tensions between soldiers and natives approach a tipping point, a trap has been set for Rand Campbell.
Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns.
Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.
Will Rand fall victim to the conspiracy and go through with his wedding? Or will he declare his love for Sarah and make good on the promises that brought her into the rugged western territories?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Colleen Coble’s Perfect Pairing Giveaway and Blog Tour
Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves—but will the risk be worth it? Find out in book three, A Heart’s Danger, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series.
Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns. Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.
Enter to win the perfect pairing giveaway: three books (books one–three in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and coffee to pair with your new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of A Heart’s Danger
- A pound of Colleen’s favorite coffee, Captain Davy’s Coffee Roaster Costa Rican
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 1st on Colleen’s website.
