by admin | Jun 12, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am pretty sure that I have read ALL of Kathy Herman’s books and will continue to do so as long as she keeps writing them. She occupies a space at the top of my favorite authors list. I just finished “Not By Sight” and it met all my expectations.
Kathy’s true-to-life characters and her breathtaking setting descriptions made me want to go beyond the pages of the book to experience life in the small Ozark mountain town for myself by staying at Angel View Lodge. It was easy to identify with the Cummings family and the difficulty they had dealing with the unsolved disappearance of Micah, the husband/father and two-year-old daughter Riley Jo five years before. The fact that the tragedy had strengthened the faith of some family members yet caused others in the family to turn their back on God was also very believable. The plot advanced quickly with the perfect blend of drama, suspense, and character development. A budding romance between two young characters added a bit of relief from the grief and uncertainty. Just when I thought everything was wrapped up, Kathy threw another twist into the tale that kept me wondering how everything would turn out. I liked seeing how Abby grew in her faith and trust in the Lord as she experienced life threatening trials and also the way her brother Hawk and her mother Kate were finally able to see that God was indeed at work in their lives.
I am finding it very difficult to express how good this book is without giving away anything. Just take my word for it and pick up your own copy of “Not By Sight”.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sixteen-year-old Abby Cummings has struggled for five years with the mysterious disappearance of her father and two-year old sister, Riley Jo. One day, Abby’s in town shopping and sees a girl about seven, who looks remarkably like she imagines her sister would now. Abby takes a picture with her cell phone and shows it to her mother. Mama, having had her hopes dashed all too often, dismisses it. But Abby can’t. What if her sister is still alive? What if her father is? Abby ’s determined to find out. She confides in her best friend, Jay Rogers, but neither teenager has any idea that Jay holds the key to the truth of what happened.
Based on 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We live by faith, not by sight,” this is fast-paced suspense that will appeal to both genders–adults and mature teens.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suspense novelist Kathy Herman is very much at home in the Christian book industry, having worked five years on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and eleven years at Better Books Christian Center in Tyler, Texas, as product buyer/manager for the children’s department, and eventually as director of human resources.
She has conducted numerous educational seminars on children’s books at CBA Conventions in the U.S. and Canada, served a preliminary judge for the Gold Medallion Book Awards of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association , and worked as an independent product/marketing consultant to the CBA market.
Since her first novel, Tested by Fire, debuted in 2001 as a CBA national bestseller, she’s added sixteen more titles to her credit, including four bestsellers: All Things Hidden, The Real Enemy, The Last Word, and The Right Call.
Kathy’s husband Paul is her manager and most ardent supporter, and the former manager of the LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas. They have three grown children, five almost-perfect grandchildren, a cat named Samantha. They enjoy cruising, deep sea fishing, and birdwatching—sometimes incorporating these hobbies into one big adventure.
by admin | Jun 12, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Spiritural Warfare, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAn Open HeartDavid C. Cook (June 1, 2013)byHarry KrausABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Harry:
I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife’s urging: “Now doesn’t seem the right time for this dream.”
My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I’d written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn’t until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the “rules” without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I’d have made faster progress if I’d have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.
I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you’ll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.
Learn more about Harry and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Their Messages—From Beyond the Grave—Might Destroy Him …
They hover between life and death, their hearts stopped on the surgery table. And the messages Dr. Jace Rawlings’ open-heart surgery patients bring back from beyond the grave cannot be ignored. For they predict the deaths of people around him, and point a finger of suspicion straight at him.
It thrusts Jace into a firestorm of controversy and danger. A maelstrom blown by the darker winds of political intrigue and spiritual warfare. And the forces working against him will do anything to stop him from uncovering a truth they will kill to hide. He’d come to Kenya to establish a heart-surgery program for the poor. But what he will find in that place where he grew up will put everything at risk–his marriage, his career . . . his life.
If you would like to read the first chapter of An Open Heart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
An Open Heart is not only a suspense-filled and dramatic novel but it is also one that can open the reader’s eyes to some previously unknown points. It is obvious from the cover description that the reader will receive a glimpse into the spiritual realm that is seldom shared. I have often wondered why many of our missionaries are not prepared for the spiritual warfare they encounter when serving in foreign lands but the author offers a very good explanation for it. The missionaries who have experienced such battles are reluctant to share because they fear they will not be believed or considered crazy. Another detail I never considered before reading An Open Heart is the fact that doctors in substandard hospitals in other countries need to be even more skilled than the ones who practice in the U.S. simply because they do not have the advanced diagnostic equipment available to them. With this new knowledge, I have even greater respect for the men and women who serve on the missions field.
Aside from those facts that stood out to me, I enjoyed the novel. The primary character, Jace Rawlings is running from God but doesn’t realize it. In fact, he is not entirely sure what motivates him. Son of missionaries to Kenya, he has made a name for himself in the states as a skilled heart surgeon but after a serious accident, he sensed that his deceased sister wanted him back in Kenya. Upon his arrival in Kenya, Jace found himself in the center of a battle between the forces of light and darkness that threatened to end his life. His determination not to serve God endangers his eternal existence but God has not given up on him.
Harry Kraus paints a vivid picture of life in Kenya, especially giving readers an inside look at the life of medical missionaries. With plenty of drama, danger, and suspense as well as an intense spiritual thread, An Open Heart held my interest until the end.
by admin | Jun 8, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed all of Irene Hannon’s suspense novels to date as well as many of her Love Inspired books so I was sure that her newest long contemporary romance “That Certain Summer” would also be good. I was not disappointed.
Skillful plot and character development paved the way for a most enjoyable few hours of reading. I liked the fact that all of the characters struggled with different problems and misconceptions about themselves. It was gratifying to watch as their personal interactions helped them to gradually understand the truth and how their lives changed for the better – even the manipulative mother of Karen and Val. Although Karen seemed to have the lowest self-esteem, she also had the most compassionate heart which influenced those around her. Val’s outward self-confidence hid a guilty conscience but she encouraged Karen to learn to stand up for herself. It was a joy to see the sisters relationship grow close as they cared for their mother together. The men who enter their lives are the perfect complement for each woman.
“That Certain Summer” is not only a wonderful romance novel but has a strong message on forgiveness and finding God’s plan for one’s life. I highly recommend it.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
New Contemporary Romance by Two-Time RITA Award-Winning Author
With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, celebrated author Irene Hannon offers her readers an inspiring true-to-life tale of complex family relationships, transgressions revealed and forgiven and the complicated process of finding love.
Karen and Val are family – yet they’re anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had darker reasons for leaving town – and had a secret to keep – so coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.
Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with their past mistakes, their own relationship and their issues with a mother who is far from ideal. When a physical therapist raising his daughter alone and a handsome but hurting musician enter the picture, the summer takes on a whole new dimension. As their lives intersect and entwine, can each sister learn how to forgive, how to let go and how to move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award and two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Booklist also included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Saint Louis, Missouri.
For more information about her and her books, Irene invites you to visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Jun 5, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of Karen Witemeyer since her very first novel and have read each and every one of them. I can’t think of anything I don’t like about them except the fact that each one comes to an end and I am forced to wait for the next one to be published. “Stealing the Preacher” lived up to my expectations and provided several enjoyable hours of reading as well as reinforcing my decision to make sure to obtain a copy of all future novels by this author.
I loved the idea of the reformed outlaw who decided to kidnap a preacher off the train for his daughter’s birthday. Silas did not realize that the primary reason she wanted another preacher for their church was to help her bring her father to salvation. Little did Silas suspect how that one decision would affect the lives of himself and his daughter.
I don’t believe that “Stealing the Preacher” was quite as humorous as some of this author’s earlier novels but it did have its moments. There was also a good balance of action, drama, danger, and romance to keep things moving along quite nicely. Crockett and Joanna complemented each other well and other characters added interest to the story, especially Silas, Jackson, and Bessie. I would mind seeing Bessie or Jackson turn up in future books with their own stories. It was also fun to read a bit about what was happening in the lives of the other Archer brothers and hope to see another Archer novel in the near future.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw’s daughter who wants to change his mind.
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can’t believe it when he’s forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He’s determined to escape–which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.
For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?
With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.
Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.
by admin | Jun 3, 2013 | Amish, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The second book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Days of Redemption series, Ray of Light continues the story of the Keim family that began in Daybreak. Various member of the extended Keim family have had some secrets, some of which came to light in Daybreak. Much to everyone’s surprise, even more family secrets are revealed in Ray of Light. Although distressed at first that their secrets are out of the bag, by book’s end, those who had their secrets exposed realize that hiding things from their family is actually more difficult than dealing with the past openly.
Then there is romance! Roman Keim who has been shouldering most of the farm responsibilities during his father’s absence takes a short vacation in Florida where he meets Amanda, a young widow and her daughter Regina. Roman quickly and unexpectedly finds himself head-over-heels with both Amanda and Regina but must return to his responsibilities in Ohio much too soon. Is it too much for Roman to hope that Amanda and Regina can ever be a permanent part of his life?
Ray of Light is a sweet romance that can be quickly read. It features New Order Amish who have telephones in their homes and vacation homes at the beach which is a different perspective than most Amish novels I have read. I enjoyed catching up with other members of the Keim family, especially Viola and Ed from Daybreak. Ray of Light is a must read for fans of Amish romance.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray brings inspirational romance to life in this sweet tale of love in the Amish community, Ray of Light, the second installment of her Days of Redemption series.
Roman Keim just wants a break from the family drama at his snowy Ohio home when he heads to an Amish snowbird community in Florida. There he meets Amanda Yoder and her daughter Regina who soon are warming his heart. But will Roman return to Ohio or will he stay and help the young widow embrace a second chance at love?
The author of the series Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers an honest, tender love story in Ray of Light, featuring the challenges of faith, family, and romance.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the “Sisters of the Heart”, “Seasons of Sugarcreek”, “Secrets of Crittenden County”, and Families of Honor series. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Learn more at Shelley’s website.
by admin | May 31, 2013 | Adventure, Books, Speculative, Spiritural Warfare, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing
The Judgment StoneThomas Nelson (May 14, 2013)byRobert LiparuloABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Former journalist Robert Liparulo is the best-selling author of the thrillers Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall, Deadlock, and The 13th Tribe, as well as The Dreamhouse Kings, an action-adventure series for young adults. He contributed a short story to James Patterson’s Thriller, and an essay about Thomas Perry’s The Butcher’s Boy to Thrillers: 100 Must Reads, edited by David Morrell and Hank Wagner. He is currently working on the sequel to The 13th Tribe, as well writing an original screenplay with director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive).
When not writing, Liparulo loves to read, watch (and analyze) movies, scuba dive, swim, hike, and travel. He lives in Monument, Colorado, with his wife Jodi and four children: Melanie, Matthew, Anthony, and Isabella.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if praying became a curse instead of a blessing?
Former Army Ranger Jagger Baird thought he had his hands full with the Tribe—the band of immortal vigilantes fighting to regain God’s grace by killing those opposed to Him. But that was before he encountered the ruthless group of immortals called the Clan. The Clan is after a prize that would give them unimaginable power—a piece of the Ten Commandments known as the Judgment Stone.
Those who touch the Stone can see into the spiritual world: angelic warriors, treacherous demons, and the blue threads of light that signal the presence of believers in communion with God.
By following the blue beam radiating from those closest to God, the Clan plans to locate His most passionate followers and destroy them.
Jagger quickly realizes his high-tech gadgetry and training are no match for these merciless immortals. But how can he defeat an enemy who hunts believers through their prayers . . . and won’t stop until they’ve annihilated all those close to Him?
In this high-action thriller, best-selling author Robert Liparulo examines the raging battle between good and evil on earth . . . and beyond.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Judgment Stone, go HERE.
