by admin | Sep 16, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Romance
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Curious Case of the Missing FigureheadDavid C. Cook (September 1, 2014)byDiane Noble
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning novelist Diane Noble writes stories that tap into the secrets of the heart.
With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane feels incredibly blessed to be doing what she loves best—writing the stories of her heart.
For the last three years Diane has been honored to be lead author for the popular Guideposts series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife (Through the Fire, Angels Undercover), and has recently returned to writing historical fiction. She recently finished writing book two of her new historical series, The Brides of Gabriel. Book one, The Sister Wife, and book 2, The Betrayal, which are published by Harper Collins/Avon Inspire, are now in bookstores.
Now empty nesters, Diane and her husband live in the Southern California low desert, near a place known for the lush and beautiful gated communities of the rich and famous.
Learn more about Diane and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s Passionate about Solving the Case … with the Town’s Life-Long Bachelor
El Littllefield runs The Butler Did It catering. It’s the perfect cover for her to solve “who-done-its” (nothing too dangerous, please!) in this small university town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While catering her most important event yet—a fancy retirement dinner for Dr. Max Haverhill, life-long bachelor and history dean—countless guests fall ill, a 200 year-old relic is stolen, and her best friend vanishes. All in the first hour.
As El and Max race to solve the mystery, they discover there’s more to their relationship than simply solving the case. Welcome to Eden’s Bridge—the perfect small town setting for big intrigue, romance, and humor.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
While I enjoy all sorts of books with youngish characters, it is fun once in awhile to read a novel with the primary characters closer to my own age, especially when they are as vibrant as those featured in The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead. I only wish I was as half as active and fearless as El and Hyacinth seem to be. The inclusion of a sweet romance gives me hope that I’m not so over-the-hill as I sometimes fear.
The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead is so much fun to read with its fast-paced plot, witty dialogue, and spontaneous characters, especially the part-time sleuth El. I loved how their faith was such a natural yet integral part of the daily lives and conversations of El, Hyacinth, and Max and the way they depended on God and acknowledged His role in their protection and resolution of the case.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of The Curious Case of the Missing Figurehead and highly recommend it. I can’t wait to see what El, Max, and Hyacinth are up to next time.
by admin | Sep 12, 2014 | Books, Cookbook
ABOUT THE COOKBOOK:
Perhaps best known as the James Beard Award-winning chef behind some of New Orleans’s most beloved restaurants, including Cochon and Herbsaint, Donald Link also has a knack for sniffing out a backyard barbecue wherever he travels and scoring an invitation to sample some of the best food around. In Down South he combines his talents to unearth true down home Southern cooking so everyone can pull up a seat at the table and sample some of the region’s finest flavors.
Link rejoices in the slow-cooked pork barbecue of Memphis, fresh seafood all along the Gulf coast, peas and shell beans from the farmlands in Mississippi and Alabama, Kentucky single barrel bourbon, and other regional standouts in 110 recipes and 100 color photographs. Along the way, he introduces all sorts of characters and places, including pitmaster Nick Pihakis of Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, Louisiana goat farmer Bill Ryal, beloved Southern writer Julia Reed, a true Tupelo honey apiary in Florida, and a Texas lamb ranch with a llama named Fritz.
Join Link Down South, where tall tales are told, drinks are slung back, great food is made to be shared, and too many desserts, it turns out, is just the right amount.
MY REVIEW:
As a native Southerner, I thought this cookbook would be a worthy addition to my library. Not only does it have a beautiful cover, but it is filled with gorgeous photos, some of which are actually of the food. More than a cookbook, “Down South – Bourbon, Pork, Gulf Shrimp & Second Helpings of Everything” is a story of the food of the South. Its rich descriptions and details are to be savored, much like the recipes it contains.
Now, I will say that some of those recipes are not quite what I expected. There are a few unusual ones – at least to my own plebeian tastes. Many of the recipes are dishes I have yet to experience. Guess I will just have to try some of them but some of them I will probably skip.
“Down South – Bourbon, Pork, Gulf Shrimp & Second Helpings of Everything” is a lovely book that would be quite at home on the coffee (or cocktail) table and is one that will make good reading for an evening at home.
This book was provided for review by Blogging For Books.
by admin | Sep 12, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I almost always enjoy a good mail order bride story and “A Bride in Store” was no exception. Because of the subject, the reader can expect some similarities to other stories but I have found that most have fairly unique plots. While some aspects of “A Bride in Store” may have been vaguely familiar, there were several distinctive situations and characters that I have not run across in my years of reading more books than most people even think about. I really don’t think I’ve read about a bearded lady before!
The plot of “A Bride in Store” was very well paced and both Eliza and William were well-rounded characters who grew spiritually and in maturity as the story progressed. Eliza was very focused on success at the beginning but she was also compassionate and unjudgemental toward others. William was accused of a lack of ambition but his care and sacrifice for others was actually what kept him from achieving his dreams – and loyalty to a friend was the very thing that kept him from acting on his attraction to Eliza. Several unexpected twists and surprises began early in the story and kept things interesting. A bit of action and danger, a touch of humor, and a sweet romance rounded things out to make reading “A Bride in Store” a satisfying experience.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Impatient to meet her intended groom and help him grow his general store, mail-order bride Eliza Cantrell sets out on her travels a week early. But her plan goes sadly awry when her train is held up by robbers who steal her dowry and Axel, her groom-to-be, isn’t even in town when she finally arrives.
Axel’s business partner, William Stanton, has no head for business and would much rather be a doctor. When his friend’s mail-order bride arrives in town with no money and no groom in sight, he feels responsible and lets her help around the store–where she quickly proves she’s much more adept at business than he ever will be.
The sparks that fly between Will and Eliza as they work together in close quarters are hard to ignore, but Eliza is meant for Axel and a future with the store, while Will is biding his time until he can afford medical school. However, their troubles are far from over when Axel finally returns, and soon both Will and Eliza must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice to chase their dreams–or if God has a new dream in store for them both.
Read an excerpt from “A Bride in Store” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “A Bride in Store”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She’s a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly. A Bride for Keeps is her first novel. Find her online at www.melissajagears.com.
by admin | Sep 12, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Culinary, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Overall, “All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes” was a fun and entertaining contemporary romance that was a pleasant diversion. I liked the idea of two long-time best friends coming to realize that their feelings for each other had changed. As far as their characterization went, I really liked both Kat and Lucas. Sometimes Kat’s frustration with her job and her desire to open her own bakery in another town blinded her to the very real possibilities right in front of her. Lucas was the perfect hero, sweet and supportive and willing to do almost anything for Kat – even wear an apron and cook on TV. I enjoyed reading about the cupcake competition and it seemed very realistic as far as what I have actually seen on similar programs. The vivid descriptions of Kat’s recipes made my mouth water and I appreciated the recipe that was included at the end of the book.
Lucas had always been Kat’s number one cheerleader – the one person she could count on for encouragement when her own family failed her. When both Kat and Lucas discovered strong feelings for each other, a trip together to California for a TV cupcake bake-off should have been the perfect romantic interlude. In actuality, their time together became more and more stressed with frequent quarrels that grew out of their personal insecurities about the other’s feelings. I’ll admit, I grew a bit frustrated with both Kat and Lucas at times. I wanted to shake them and tell them to wake up. A total lack of real communication contributed to their problems and it was beginning to look like things just were not going to work out for them.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kat inspected rows of the same old cupcakes. They seemed to blink back at her, as if they knew she was capable of so much more.
Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggie’s bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.
But when Lucas Brannen, Kat’s best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.
As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself—her—is suddenly in danger of slipping away.
The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Kat’s senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.
Learn more and purchase a copy on Betsy’s site.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.
“Love & Cupcakes” Kindle Giveaway and Facebook Party from @BetsyStAmant!
Don’t miss Betsy St. Amant’s latest fiction release, All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes. A “sweet” tale of two best friends and the choices they make between dreams and a possible “sure thing,” St. Amant’s novel is sure to satisfy your romantic-fiction craving.
Betsy is celebrating with a fun Kindle giveaway and a Love & Cupcakes Facebook party!
One winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle
- All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes by Betsy St. Amant
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 18th. Winner will be announced at the “Love & Cupcakes” Author Chat Party on 9/18. Betsy will be hosting a “sweet” book chat, giving away prizes, and answering questions from readers. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek at her next book project!
So grab your copy of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes and join Betsy on the evening of September 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.
Hope to see you on the 18th!
by admin | Sep 11, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“The Desire” is the story of Allan and Michele, a young couple who would like to start a family but have had no success. Michele can think of nothing else and resents that Allan seems to be more interested in his mission trips to Africa than her desire for a child. Obviously tensions in their marriage are escalating. At the same time, a pregnant teen enters the lives of Michele and the Anderson family and it appears that her baby could be the perfect solution to Michele’s problem.
In this compelling novel, the reader gains a look into the thoughts and emotions of an infertile young woman as well as an unwed mother. The story also takes us to the mission field in Africa where we get a graphic glimpse of the kind of life that we as Americans cannot even begin to imagine.
As the novel progresses, we see Michele’s attitude begin to change as she reviews a new curriculum for the children’s ministry in her church. As the Lord begins to work in her life and she begins to depend on Him more, she finds that the desire of her heart is more in tune with what the Lord intended for her and Allan all along.
“The Desire” is well-written and very thought provoking. It is a fitting addition to the Restoration Series and I recommend it.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can faith build a bridge between their dreams?
For two years, Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby. The emotional ride has been taking a toll on their hearts–and their relationship. Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments while Allan seems content to spend his time–and their money–on supporting displaced children in Africa. Something’s got to give. But they both hope it’s not their marriage.
Still, God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they could never have imagined. And all it takes to set it in motion is a change of heart . . .
Read an excerpt from “The Desire” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “The Desire:
What critics are saying about the Restoration Series:
“So captivating that you’ll find it very difficult to put down.”–RT Book Reviews
“Readers will be totally drawn in to [the Andersons’] emotional journey.”–Booklist
“Sure to please.”–Library Journal
“Readers will definitely come away satisfied.”–Publishers Weekly
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance with Gary Smalley, The Discovery, and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.
Gary Smalley is one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury and The Dance with Dan Walsh. Gary and his wife Norma have been married for 49 years and live in Missouri.
by admin | Sep 11, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed Lynette Eason’s suspense novels since the first ones I read through Love Inspired Suspense. They were excellent but I love the fact that she is now writing full length novels. All the more pages to read before I reach the end!
“Nowhere to Turn” got off to an exciting start and barely slowed down long enough for me to catch my breath. The plot kept to a good pace throughout with plenty of action, danger, surprises, and a bit of romance to keep most readers happy. Although it was evident who some of the bad guys were, the author kept a few secrets to herself until just the right moment for their revelation. I did manage to guess how they kept finding where Danielle was staying but then I have read LOTS of suspense novels. I really liked Danielle and Adam as main characters and Danielle’s son Simon was just perfect for the story.
As long as Lynette Eason will continue to write books like “Nowhere to Turn”, I will keep reading them. I very much recommend it and all her other books to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She thought her days of hiding were over . . . but the danger has just begun
The day Danielle Harding takes her eleven-year-old son and flees from her abusive husband is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani believes she and her son are finally safe–but in reality, things are just heating up. When Kurt was alive, he took something important from a mysterious individual–who wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to hide for long . . .
From the first breathless scene, this tension-laced story will hold you in its iron grip as bestselling author Lynette Eason propels you along in a race to discover the truth.
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
Read an excerpt from “Nowhere to Turn” HERE.
Purchase a copy of “Nowhere to Turn”:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina.
