by admin | Nov 22, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
It would simply not be a complete Christmas season without Melody Carlson’s latest Christmas novella so I eagerly accepted the invitation to review “A Simple Christmas Wish”. Once again Melody has proven her talent and versatility as an author with this heartwarming tale that takes the reader from a Chicago apartment to an Amish farm in Ohio.
It was easy for me to identify with Rachel’s reluctance to follow the specifications in the will of her brother and his wife Miriam which granted custody of their daughter Holly to Miriam’s sister Lydia.. An extended stay in Lydia’s Amish home did little to ease Rachel’s misgivings but she had little choice in the matter. In fact the only glimpse of hope was Lydia and Miriam’s brother Benjamin who seemed to be sympathetic to Rachel and Holly’s dilemma.
A timeless story with more than one plot twist or surprise, “A Simple Christmas Wish” is the perfect choice for a quiet and relaxing winter evening by the fire.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One girl in need of a home. One woman in search of a home for her heart. One Christmas where it all seems possible.
It felt strange to be out here in the middle of the night, still wearing the Amish dress–a dress that had belonged to Miri. Rachel’s footsteps crunched in the snow, and halfway between the barn and the house, she paused to look up at the night sky, wondering if more snow was in store, but all she saw was velvety black and stars. Millions of twinkling stars. She had never seen stars like that before, so bright and so close, almost as if she could touch them with her hand.
Rachel Milligan never imagined that she and her seven-year-old niece would spend the week before Christmas on a quaint Amish farm in Ohio. But with so many unexpected occurrences of late, perhaps she shouldn’t have been surprised.
With her young niece Holly in tow, Rachel anxiously makes her way from Chicago to Ohio’s Amish country. As love begins to blossom, family secrets emerge, and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs.
Join bestselling author Melody Carlson on an emotional journey into the heart of what family truly means at Christmastime.
Read an excerpt of A Simple Christmas Wish HERE.
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, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington’s, and The Christmas Pony. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Nov 22, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal Thriller
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingCritical ReactionBethany House Publishers (November 19, 2013)byTodd M. JohnsonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. Todd’s career experience blends with his passion for writing in his novels published through Bethany House.
A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.
The Deposit Slip, Mr. Johnson’s first novel, debuted in 2012. Todd’s second novel, Critical Reaction, will be released in November 2013.
Todd lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy and children Ian and Libby.
Learn more about Todd and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After decades of turning out plutonium for the arms race, the Hanford Nuclear Facility has long been shuttered, though its deadly legacy cannot be fully contained. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings for radiation leaks are told the risks are under control. They believe it, until the worst happens: a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.
Two workers, lifer Poppy Martin and new hire Kieran Mullaney, believe themselves lucky to survive the blast. But as the debris is cleared, they discover their safety is not assured. Dead ends and closed doors halt their efforts to discover what really happened–and what radiation may have poisoned them. When stalling and threats force them into the hands of experienced trial lawyer Ryan Hart, they learn that theirs is no ordinary lawsuit. There is something still hidden in the desert of eastern Washington, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it never sees the light of day.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Critical Reaction, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
It has become apparent that due to other obligations I will not finish reading Critical Reaction before the end of its blog tour. However I am approximately half through it and can share some of my thoughts. I definitely plan to finish this novel – I just don’t want to miss the review deadline.
I read Johnson’s previous novel The Deposit Slip and was impressed by his skill in relating legal details without thoroughly boring me. He includes just enough for his readers to understand what is necessary without excess legal jargon. I really appreciate that because to me the story is what’s important – don’t bog me down with unnecessary details. Critical Reaction continues with the same basic style. Johnson’s characters are well-rounded and easy to care about and although the story is told through several points of view, it is never difficult to follow.The plot is straightforward and contains some interesting twists and secrets that I hope will be revealed before the end.
I am invested in the book enough to already be a bit angry at the coverups and intimidation used by the Hanford executives. There are more than one character I am rooting for and am hoping for a satisfactory conclusion to their part in the overall story. I actually do not doubt that it will end well but I do enjoy the suspense that keeps me wondering as I read.
Based on my experience with The Deposit Slip and thus far with Critical Reaction, Todd M. Johnson has found a place on my go to authors list.
by admin | Nov 16, 2013 | Books
My entry in Tricia Goyer’s Snap It To Win It Contest:
Pin to Win Today – 11/14 – 11/30! 
by admin | Nov 16, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
“Heart of the Country” is the companion book to the feature movie by the same name. Although Faith and Luke Carraday are the primary characters, the story is told from several perspectives which also include Faith’s deceased mother, sister, and father which really gives the reader greater insight into the lives of the characters.
A unique modern retelling of the story of the prodigal son, both Faith and Luke could be considered prodigals. Devastated by the death of her mother, Faith fled to New York City to pursue her dream at Julliard as she avoided the pain of her loss. Luke felt stifled by the expectations of his father and older brother and rebelled by marrying Faith despite their disapproval then by leaving the family business to prove he could succeed on his own. For awhile Luke and Faith’s life together seemed to be idyllic but when Luke was arrested Faith did what she always did – she ran to the only other place she knew – back home.
In this highly emotional story, both Faith and Luke learn the importance of their faith and families as they are forced to face their past, their pain, and ultimately the results of the choices they have made.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Faith and Luke Carraday have it all. Faith is a beautiful singer turned socialite while Luke is an up-and-coming businessman. After taking his inheritance from his father’s stable, lucrative business to invest in a successful hedge fund with the Michov Brothers, he’s on the fast track as a rising young executive, and Faith is settling comfortably into her role as his wife.
When rumors of the Michovs’ involvement in a Ponzi scheme reach Faith, she turns to Luke for confirmation, and he assures her that all is well. But when Luke is arrested, Faith can’t understand why he would lie to her, and she runs home to the farm and the family she turned her back on years ago. Meanwhile, Luke is forced to turn to his own family for help as he desperately tries to untangle himself from his mistakes. Can two prodigals return to families they abandoned, and will those families find the grace to forgive and forget? Will a marriage survive betrayal when there is nowhere to run but home?
Read an excerpt from Heart of the Country HERE.
Purchase a copy of Heart of the Country HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rene Gutteridge is the author of seventeen novels. She also has extensive experience writing comedy sketches, and worked for five years as the director of drama for a church. She has a degree specializing in Screenwriting, for which she earned the Excellence in Mass Communication Award, and graduated magna cum laude.
She is married to Sean, a musician and worship leader, and has two children. They reside in Oklahoma, where Rene writes full time and enjoys instructing in college classrooms and writers conferences.
Learn more about Rene on her Website.
John Ward has spent twenty-five years in the film industry as a screenwriter, director, and actor. He recently wrote, directed, and starred in the feature film I AM. He also wrote, produced, and directed the Liquid DVD series for Thomas Nelson. He currently serves as president of Bayridge Films.
by admin | Nov 15, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Beloved” is the third and final book in Hatcher’s Where The Heart Lives series but it can easily stand on its own. It is not necessary to read the previous two books in order to understand Diana and Tyson’s story.
Diana is about to announce her intentions to remarry when her missing and presumed dead husband Tyson appears at her engagement party. Apparently the reports of his death on the battlefield were in error. Tyson is a different man than the angry one who left Diana and his parents seven years before and he intends to do his best to make amends, especially with his wife. Although Diana is resistant, she does agree to live in the same house until after the election in which Tyson has decided to run. Diana is determined not to remain a minute longer but Tyson is equally determined to make her change her mind.
With a plot that switches between the present and the past, it is easy to understand why each of them react as they do. Several other unique characters and animals help to make the story even more interesting, especially a young orphan boy and Diana’s mother and Tyson’s father. A twist or two of the plot and one short but suspenseful scene near the end keep things moving along.
All in all, “Beloved” is a fitting end to the series and I believe all the loose ends were tied up nicely. I always enjoy novels by Robin Lee Hatcher and this one was no exception.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Diana is ready to begin a new chapter in her life-until the husband she believed dead reappears at her engagement party.
Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word from him in years, Diana’s infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.
But when Tyson returns, claiming to be a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom.
He agrees with one condition—she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.
Learn more at her website.
“Beloved” iPad Mini Giveaway from Robin Lee Hatcher!
Robin Lee Hatcher is celebrating the release of her latest novel, Beloved, with an iPad Mini giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 15th. Winner will be announced November 16th at Robin’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin’s blog on the 16th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)!
by admin | Nov 14, 2013 | Adventure, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
One thing I really like about reading books by Davis Bunn is the fact that he has apparently done his research and knows his facts. It doesn’t matter that his novels are works of fiction. His grasp on his subject matter greatly enhances his stories and makes them all the more plausible.
I am not as well read on current events as I would like to be but I believe that most people who do not have their heads buried in the sand realize that Iran poses a real threat to the U.S. and Israel and possibly the Middle East as well. “Strait of Hormuz” addresses those threats in a realistic and forthright manner.
Marc Royce is my kind of hero. He does not grandstand or try to draw attention to himself but quietly goes about taking care of business to the best of his ability. He plans ahead and tries to be ready for any unexpected problems. Most importantly, Marc does not back down from his responsibilities and will not abandon an unfinished assignment before completion. Although perfectly competent on his own, he does not have to be in charge at all times but works well with others toward the same goals.
Other characters played vital roles in “Strait of Hormuz”, especially Kitra who first appeared in “Rare Earth”. I loved the way that such a varied group from many ethnic backgrounds were able to work together so well to achieve their common goal. As expected, the book opened with immediate action and the plot moved forward at a rapid pace. The shared Christian faith of numerous characters was a common thread throughout the book with prayer an important element but was not at all intrusive or distracting from the plot.
“Strait of Hormuz” is a story that one might expect to see on the front page of their newspaper or on the nightly news (although I hope we don’t). I hate seeing the adventures of Marc Royce come to an end but look forward to whatever Davis Bunn has in mind for his readers in the near future.
“Strait of Hormuz” is the third and final book in the Marc Royce trilogy but can easily stand on its own. I personally would recommend reading both “Lion of Babylon” and “Rare Earth” also.
I received a complimentary copy of Strait of Hormuz from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An under-the-radar phone call from the U.S. State Department puts Marc Royce once again on assignment—ferreting out rumors of a clandestine operation stretching from Asia to the Mideast. At stake is Iran’s threat to blockade the narrow Strait of Hormuz, cutting off vital shipping routes and escalating global tensions beyond the breaking point.
Under the guise of investigating money laundering via high-end art purchases in Europe, Royce finds himself in Switzerland with only sketchy information, no backup, and without a single weapon other than his wits.
His appointment with a gallery owner in Geneva is a dead end–the man is on the floor with a bullet through his chest. But it turns out Royce does have backup. The Mossad has sent someone to keep an eye on this undercover op, which is of more than casual interest to the Israelis. And it’s someone Royce knows…
Read Chapters 1-3 of Strait of Hormuz for free HERE.
ISBN (Trade Paperback): 978-0-7642-1138-6
ISBN (Hardback): 978-0-7642-1145-4
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-4412-6279-0
336 pages
November 5, 2013 from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Davis Bunn and his wife, Isabella Bunn
Davis Bunn is a four-time Christy Award-winning, best-selling author now serving as writer-in-residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Defined by readers and reviewers as a “wise teacher,” “gentleman adventurer,” “consummate writer,” and “Renaissance man,” his work in business took him to over 40 countries around the world, and his books have sold more than seven million copies in sixteen languages.
Strait of Hormuz is the series finale of the popular Marc Royce Adventures. Library Journal named Lion of Babylon (Book 1) a “Best Book of 2011. Rare Earth (Book 2) won the 2013 Christy Award for best suspense novel and was a CBA top 20 best-seller.
Q & A with Davis Bunn
Q: The first two books in the Marc Royce series have been bestsellers and also won praise from the critics. Lion of Babylon won the Library Journal’s Best Book of 2011 award, and Rare Earth won the 2013 Christy Award for Suspense Fiction. What do you see is behind this success?
Davis Bunn: The stories have certainly resonated with readers. I have tried to develop a strong sense of unfolding drama, combined with a unique spiritual theme. This moral structure plays out both in the story and the characters. My aim is to create an inspirational challenge that remains with the reader long after the book has been set down.
Q: This story includes two special components from your early life. Tell us about them.
DB: My mother worked as an antiques dealer. In truth, ‘work’ was not really the correct term, because this was a passion she inherited from her mother. They bonded while my mom was still a child, going to small eastern Carolina towns and hunting around junk stores for the sort of bargains that don’t exist anymore.
Their first love was early Americana, a type of colonial furniture known as Jacobean that predated America’s nationhood. I never really shared this passion, but in two previous books I came to respect and admire those who do.
And so I knew a great delight in re-entering this world in Strait of Hormuz, only this time at the very highest end. Strait takes place in the rarified world of multi-million dollar art, where the richest of collectors vie with museums and galleries for items that are no longer classed as antiques, but rather as treasures
The second special component was the location. I lived in Switzerland for almost five years, and many of the venues were places where I worked, and walked, and came to discover myself as an author.
Q: In what way is the setting important to this book?
DB: The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical waterways. Stretching between Iran and the Gulf States, the strait us home to two US fleets. More than a third of all the oil consumed worldwide pass through these waters. But the story actually begins in Switzerland, before traveling to the Sinai and then into the hotly-contested Strait of Hormuz.
Q: What spiritual theme is the focus of this story?
DB: One growing area of the missionary church movement is with displaced persons. More than five million Iranians have been expelled from their homeland, or been forced to flee the current regime. This includes virtually the entire Christian population. The missionary church movement has made enormous strides in bringing peace to these families and introducing Christ into the world of Muslims fleeing a Muslim government.
Q: What drew you to the missionary church movement as a theme?
DB: I came to faith in a missionary church. I was working as a consultant based in Germany. The year I accepted Christ, the Southern Baptist Mission Board founded a missionary church in Dusseldorf. I attended the church, I grew in the church, I studied under two amazing pastors, and one of them returned to Europe to marry us.
It was also where I learned to write. Two weeks after coming to faith, I felt called to writing. I wrote for nine years and completed seven books before my first was accepted for publication. The church, its members, and the elders all played a critical role in bringing me to where I am now. I am living testimony to the vital role played by the missionary church.
Q: All three of the books in this series have given significant insight into the Muslim world, something critics have picked up on. What experience do you have with this region?
DB: For the four years prior to moving to Germany, I lived and worked in the Middle East. I was the only non-Muslim in the management structure of a family-owned company. They had three major arms: construction equipment, shipping, and pharmaceuticals. I rose to become Marketing Manager of the pharmaceutical division.
One of the requirements of this job was to take instruction in the Koran and Islamic history from an imam who taught at the local university. I think this experience played a major role in my coming to Christ.
Q: How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website and blog are at www.davisbunn.com
Subscribe to my blog’s feed (to get my latest posts via e-mail or through your feed reader) at http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn
Sign up for my e-newsletter (for subscriber-only giveaways and advance notice of my upcoming novels): http://www.davisbunn.com/news.htm
Facebook Author Page: facebook.com/davisbunnauthor
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/davisbunn/ — check out my “Strait of Hormuz” board at http://www.pinterest.com/davisbunn/strait-of-hormuz/
Twitter: @davisbunn – http://twitter.com/davisbunn
Help Davis Bunn celebrate the publication of “Strait of Hormuz.” Enter to win His & Hers Luxury Swiss Watches or a $150 Amazon Gift Card! HERE. You can enter once per email address per day. Rack up bonus entries by sharing the contest with your Facebook and Twitter friends!
