by admin | Nov 13, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDerailedWorthy Publishing (October 8, 2013)byDave and Neta JacksonABOUT THE AUTHORS:
As a husband/wife writing team, we are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together we are the authors or coauthors of over 120 books. (You can see our Publication Record by clicking HERE.) In addition to writing several books about Christian community, we have been privileged to coauthor numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.
But over the years the we have especially enjoyed writing for children and young people! This includes our award-winning TRAILBLAZER series, historical fiction about great Christian heroes and heroines for young people ages 8-12, and the four-volume HERO TALES: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Great Christians, and the companion book, Heroes in Black History.
Somewhere along the way, our own children grew up! Son Julian is Director of Experience Design for the Alder Planetarium in Chicago where he “provides the experience of exploring space” for visitors. He has two sons, Liam Isaac and Elijah David. Daughter Rachel graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and after working in the field of rape-crisis prevention went on to earn a Masters Degree in counseling from the University of Illinois. She is now a counselor at “Uni High School” in Champaign, Illinois. She is the loving mother of Havah Noelle (our first grandchild!) and Noah Zion, our youngest grandchild. The Jackson family also includes a Cambodian foster daughter, Samen Sang, who has four children.
We live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years we were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. We are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.
Learn more about Dave and Neta and their books on their Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Forced to give up his hard-earned retirement, Harry Bentley goes back to work as a detective. Receiving a bizarre undercover assignment that sends him across the country by train. Things suddenly go awry when it appears one of his new neighbors may be part of a smuggling ring and suspicion rises about his own son’s involvement in a major drug cartel.
The second in the Windy City Neighbors series, Derailed is a contemporary, and often humorous, tale in an urban setting, featuring ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. Intersecting with Grounded (book one), the Jacksons employ their innovative storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Derailed transports you to Beecham Street—a typical, isolated American neighborhood . . . until hope moves in.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Derailed, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed the chance to get a closer look into the lives of the Bentleys, another of the Windy City Neighbors families. With its unique parallel story concept, Derailed fleshed out the tale that began in “Grounded” with additional details as seen from Harry Bentley’s point of view. I have never experienced reading a series written in this manner but am finding it to be quite interesting to read about the same events from different points of view with other aspects of that person’s personal life adding even more dimension.
As I have come to expect from this husband and wife team, any of their books written as a team or alone will contain an excellent plot, wonderful characters, and always, always, a wealth of spiritual truth. Derailed definitely lived up to my expectations. I am looking forward to the next installment of the Windy City Neighbors series.
by admin | Nov 6, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
What do you get when a Pinkerton detective and a Wells Fargo detective are working on the same case and each suspects the other? If it’s “Gunpowder Tea” by Margaret Brownley, you get a fun-filled, novel laced with just the right amount of humor, romance, danger and suspense. The sparks fly between Miranda and Jeremy despite their mutual suspicion. When the level of danger increases at the Last Chance Ranch, both Miranda and Jeremy are determined to find the “Phantom” before someone is seriously injured or killed.
It was nice to revisit characters from the previous two books of the series as well as getting to know Miranda and Jeremy. I loved Miss Eleanor’s explanation of the way the ranch got its name. I don’t remember it from the previous books but it has been awhile since I read them.
Margaret Brownley’s books have been on my must read list for awhile now and her Last Chance Ranch series has to be my favorite. As the third book in the series “Gunpowder Tea” is a fitting conclusion; however it can easily stand on its own. I can say that once you read it you will probably want to read the first two books also. I am sorry to see this series end but look forward to what Margaret has to offer her readers next.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.
When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom—an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.
But she isn’t the only one at the ranch with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggart is working undercover as well. Their true identities may be a secret, but it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the sparks flaring between them.
Neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they get to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets—and no one on the ranch is safe.
The longer Miranda and Jeremy spend working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers—and their lives—depend on solving this case. Love will just have to wait.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this–except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter at the time. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, “Maybe God’s calling you to write fiction.” So that’s what Margaret did. She’s now a New York Times bestselling author and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 25 novels to her credit. Her first non-fiction book “Grieving God’s Way: the Lasting Path to Hope and Healing” has won much critical acclaim. She is currently working on the third book in her “Brides of Last Chance Ranch series.” Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.
Learn more at Margaret’s website.
Win a Kindle Fire from Margaret Brownley and RSVP for “Tea with Margaret” on 11/7!
Margaret Brownley‘s latest release, Gunpowder Tea, is receiving high praise, and she’s celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a “Tea with Margaret” Facebook party!
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the “Tea with Margaret” Facebook Author Chat Party on the 7th. Connect with Margaret and friends for an evening of book chat, prizes, and get an exclusive look at Margaret’s next book!
So grab your copy of Gunpowder Tea and join Margaret on the evening of November 7th 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 by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 11/7!
by admin | Nov 6, 2013 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
SILENT NIGHT AND HOLY NIGHT – CHRISTMAS NOVELLAS BY COLLEEN COBLE:
Holy Night: One sinister phone call has derailed their wedding. Will they let it tear them apart forever?
A Christmas wedding on the beach—what could be more perfect? Poinsettias and fragrant pikake blossoms, soft sand and mistletoe, the gentle sound of the surf and the wedding march played on a ukulele. This wedding has been a long time coming, with Bane’s trust issues and Leia’s worries about her childlike sister, Eva.
Now they can hardly wait for the day to arrive. Thrilled to be a bridesmaid, Eva keeps trying on her ruffled dress. The tent is reserved, the caterers paid. Everything is going as planned—until Leia’s phone rings and her world skids out of control. A muffled voice informs Leia that Eva’s been kidnapped and will be killed unless Leia calls off the wedding without explanation—and no police! If she disobeys instructions and tells Bane, she’ll risk her beloved sister’s life. But how can she ever handle this without his help? And how can he ever trust her if she lies to him now?
Purchase a copy of Holy Night: http://ow.ly/qbrG0
MY REVIEW:
“Holy Night” is a Christmas novella featuring familiar characters from Colleen Coble’s Aloha Reef series. Bane and Leia have finally planned a wedding when Leia’s special needs sister is kidnapped. As the wedding is postponed to meet the kidnapper’s demands, old issues once again rose to the surface and threatened to cancel the wedding forever. In the face of danger, Leia and Bane race against time to find Eva before it is too late. As expected everything ends well but not before putting everyone through their paces.
“Holy Night” is short but sweet and is a good way to catch up with your favorite people from one of Coble’s earlier series. It is the perfect read for a winter evening when you have only just a bit of time to indulge.
Silent Night:
As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor.
Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior’s icy shore.As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?
Purchase a copy of Silent Night: http://ow.ly/qbrTE
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.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com.
MY REVIEW:
Silent Night: For fans of Coble’s Rock Harbor series, “Silent Night” is a wonderful chance to catch up with Bree and Kade and their dog Samson as well as other familiar family and friends from previous novels in the series. With a wintery Christmas setting, the short novella offers a mystery that is quickly resolved as well as a surprise or two for Bree.
I enjoyed “Silent Night” but as a fan of all Coble’s books, I found it much too short. I have to admit that it would be humanly impossible for Colleen to write enough books to satisfy me.
A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR ROSE BY TRICIA GOYER:
Inspired by a true story, A Christmas Gift for Rose is a heartwarming novella of sacrifice and deep love.
Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind—Englischers? And was her intended’s gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear?
Don’t miss award-winning author Tricia Goyer’s first Christmas novella.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbs31
About the Author: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and “Lead Your Family Like Jesus,” (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.
Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.
MY REVIEW:
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a heart-warming historical Amish novella that takes place at the end of World War 2. Because of their pacifist beliefs, most Amish men chose not to enlist during the war and if they were drafted, chose to go to prison instead. Rose’s fiance Jonathan’s conscience would not let him rest until he enlisted as a medic to help the wounded men. Despite her love for Jonathan, Rose listened to the talk about him and decided she could no longer marry him. Already sad because of her decision, Rose’s world is shaken when a secret about her past is revealed.
Although “A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a shorter format novella, it is full of everything that I look for in a good book. The plot is to-the-point with few wasted words yet was satisfyingly complete. It was easy to become quickly caught up in Rose’s story and to share her joys and sorrows. Jonathan was a true hero in so many ways but his devotion to Rose was admirable.
“A Christmas Gift For Rose” is a perfect story to prepare for the upcoming Christmas season. Its theme of faith and family, love and loyalty, and most of all forgiveness is one with which most readers can identify.
PLAIN PEACE BY BETH WISEMAN:
A Daughters of Promise book.
Anna’s grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband.Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna’s grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna’s grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather’s oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.
Jacob Hostetler and his family have relocated to Lancaster County following a family tragedy in Ohio. As his family struggles to rebuild their lives, Jacob is forced to act as head of the household when his father is unable to cope with recent events. It’s been a long time since Jacob has felt any joy. Until he meets Anna Byler. But will Anna’s grandfather succeed at keeping them apart? And can Jacob put the past behind him and open his heart?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qbsj7
About the Author: Beth is a Carol Award Winner, Inspirational Readers Choice Winner, INSPY Winner, and the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. All of her books have held spots on the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller list and the CBA (Christian Book Association) bestseller list. She grew up in Houston, Texas and now resides in a small town west of Houston with a population of around 300. She lives with her husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She’s a former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including ‘First Place News Writing’ for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a spiritual message is where her heart is. When Beth isn’t writing (which is seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!
Find out more about Beth at http://bethwiseman.com.
MY REVIEW:
“Plain Peace” may be the most entertaining Amish novel I have read thus far. Although it deals with several serious issues and delivers a strong message of faith, this novel is peppered with so many humorous incidents that it kept me amused the entire time it took to read it. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Anna’s grandmother.
Although essentially an Amish novel, “Plain Peace” could easily be about any believers in Christ. We all deal with tragedy and loss much the same way and our emotions are common to all humans. I loved the way that the author was able to communicate several valuable lessons on forgiveness, reconciliation, and reaching out in love rather than judgement. Such a fitting story for the upcoming holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Celebrate Christmas early with Colleen Coble, Tricia Goyer, and Beth Wiseman!
Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction are hosting the 12 Days of Christmas! They’ve teamed up with three of their authors for a Merry Facebook Party on November 12th {5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern}. Colleen, Tricia, and Beth will host an evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, and of course plenty of presents!
But wait! There’s more! Each day between now and November 12th a different book (10 copies of each book) will be given away on the Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Facebook Page. Ring in the holiday season and warm your heart with some great reads from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan!
Click here to ENTER each day’s giveaway here.
RSVP for the Christmas Party here!
Good luck and hope to see you on the evening of the 12th!
by admin | Nov 6, 2013 | Books, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPaige RewrittenNavPress (October 8, 2013)byErynn MangumABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A few things about her:
So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Paige Alder is in a really good place. She’s dating nice guy Tyler. Her boss has offered her a raise. Her walk with God is strong. Life is great—and that’s when things start to change.
First, the youth pastor at church keeps asking Paige to work with him full-time. Then her sister shows up newly engaged and wanting to reconnect, even though they haven’t spoken in years. And now former boyfriend Luke has come back into her life. How is Paige supposed to know what the right decisions are?
This warm and humorous second book in the Paige Alder series will help young girls work through important issues, such as forgiving others and obeying God.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Paige Rewritten, go HERE
by admin | Nov 4, 2013 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTraces of MercyDavid C. Cook (October 1, 2013)byMichael Landon Jr. and Cindy KelleyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
****
Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values.
At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.
Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Traces of Mercy is one of those novels that grabbed me from the beginning so that I didn’t want to put it down until I had reached the end. Then I was so unhappy that it was over. I will find it difficult to wait for the next installment of the Mercy Medallion Trilogy.
Vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings set the stage for an unusual but nevertheless engrossing story. There were times that I did not approve of Mercy’s decisions and/or actions but I was still able to sympathize with the desperation that drove her. Rand was never my choice for Mercy. I always felt he was just a somewhat spoiled rich boy but he did redeem himself by his generous aid to Mercy at the end. Elijah Hale did not play a very prominent role until the last part of the story but I hope to read more of his story in the next book. There were certainly several unexpected twists that I didn’t see coming.
Traces of Mercy may be one of the best books I have read this year and there have been many that I would rate as extremely good. It is a “don’t miss” book, especially of those who love historical fiction.
by admin | Nov 1, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Liz Tolsma is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect when I agreed to review “Snow on the Tulips”. I am happy to say that there was absolutely no reason to be concerned. The story grabbed me immediately and I was not ready to give it up when I reached the final page.
“Snow on the Tulips” was so well written that I almost felt as if I were there with the characters and experiencing everything they experienced – the fear, the anger, the determination, the hopelessness, the deprivation, and the grief. I could also identify with Cornelia’s feeling that God did not listen to her prayers. It is beyond my imagination how citizens of countries occupied by Nazi forces were able to function day to day with the ever present threat of those cruel and unfeeling men. I knew very little about the Dutch resistance during World War 2 but found their story both fascinating and inspiring.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity, another new author has been added to my Must Read list. “Snow on the Tulips” kept me spellbound until the end and I am in hopes that a sequel is in the works. I would recommend this novel to anyone, both male or female, especially those who enjoy historical fiction of this era.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.
The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.
As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.
She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Liz’s website.
A splendid debut novel! With a tender romance, a gripping plot, and a well-researched setting, Snow on the Tulips drew me in to the harrowing uncertainty of life in the Netherlands under Nazi rule. Liz Tolsma’s beautiful story kept me up at night—not just wondering what would happen to her endearing characters, but wondering what I would do in similar circumstances. Do not miss this book!
Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of With Every Letter
This book was a fascinating look at WWII from the Netherlands perspective, one I hadn’t heard before. It captured my interest and wouldn’t give it back until the last page!
CBA Retailers and Resources
Tolsma crafts strong characters and easy-to-visualize scenes. The inherent danger of the Nazi occupation is apparent. Relevant biblical connections remind the reader that God is always in control, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Tolsma’s story is a way to remember the past and those who gave their lives for freedom. A German and Dutch glossary is included.
4 Star Romantic Times Review
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com.
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
Liz Tolsma is celebrating the release of her novel, Snow on the Tulips, by giving away an Amazon Reading Pack to one lucky winner.
Find out what readers are saying about the book here.
One winner will receive:
- A $50 Amazon gift card
- Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 18th at Liz’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz’s blog on the 18th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox! Just enter your email address on the left sidebar of her blog.)
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
