by admin | Apr 11, 2012 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe FiddlerBethany House Publishers (April 10, 2012)byBeverly LewisABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beverly’s first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author’s maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly’s work to be “a primer on Lancaster County folklore” and offers “an insider’s view of Amish life.”
Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly’s tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, “Beverly’s books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don’t run across writing like that every day. I hope she’ll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time.”
A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction “book worms.”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania–the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis’s celebrated Amish novels began–with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.
A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler–and the young Amishman’s charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Fiddler, go HERE.
Watch the book video:
MY REVIEW:
The Fiddler is the story of a young woman torn between her career as a professional violist and her desire for a more normal lifestyle. Her secret life as a fiddler has just been discovered and she has major decisions to make about her future. Lost in a driving rainstorm, a damaged tire forces Amelia to seek shelter. Her unexpected encounter with Michael, a young Amish man and a long weekend spent among the Amish of Hickory Hollow changes everything for both of them but not in the ways they imagine.
In her usual extremely readable style, Beverly Lewis has written a novel that illustrates the appeal that the Amish lifestyle has for those whose lives are filled with stress. In addition The Fiddler makes a good case for ways that compromise can work between the two cultures when the individuals involved truly follow the Lord. It also depicts the unexpected dangers of life outside the Amish community for naive and inexperienced Amish young people who leave home ill prepared for the outside world.
The Fiddler is a story about true-to-life people who experience realistic situations. The plot is believable and the characters are engaging. I think we all wish for a simpler lifestyle like Amelia desired and if nothing else, we can escape for a few hours into The Fiddler or another Beverly Lewis book.
by admin | Apr 11, 2012 | Books
MY REVIEW:
“The Wedding Dress” may just be one of my favorite Rachel Hauck novels. Not only is it a wonderful modern love story, but the history behind the previous owners of the mysterious dress adds a special depth to the story. I’ll admit that I became so immersed in the magical story that I pretty much missed the spiritual parallels described by Rachel in the author note at the end of the book and in the video clip below. But to me, that is the brilliance of Rachel’s writing gift. There is something so extraordinary about it that it works its way deep into your spirit without your even realizing that it has.
I enjoyed witnessing the changes in the relationship between Charlotte and Tim after their wedding plans were cancelled and they agreed to just be friends. With the pressure off, their friendship allowed each of them to discover their true feelings for each other. The characters and setting were just perfect for this story with dialogue and interaction that kept it moving at the perfect pace. I loved how everything came around full circle and the surprise wedding at the end couldn’t have been more perfect.
If you haven’t read a novel by Rachel Hauck in the past, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of “The Wedding Dress.” I guarantee you won’t be sorry.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One dress. Four women. An amazing destiny.Charlotte Malone is getting married. Yet all is not settled in the heart of Birmingham’s chic bridal boutique owner. Charlotte can dress any bride to perfection-except herself. When she discovers a vintage mint-condition wedding gown in a battered old trunk, Charlotte embarks on a passionate journey to discover the women who wore the gown before her.
Emily in 1912. Mary in 1939. And Hillary in 1968. Each woman teaches Charlotte something about love in her own unique way. Woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of faith, and the beauty of finding true love.
Watch the video trailer (Caution – there are some spoilers):
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is the bestselling author of Carol Award winner Sweet Caroline, and RITA Finalist Love Starts With Elle, and of the critically acclaimed fiction collaboration with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, The Songbird Novels.She lives in sunny, though sometimes hurricane plagued, central Florida with her husband and their ornery pets.
Rachel earned a degree in Journalism form Ohio State University and is a huge Buckeyes football fan. She is the past President of American Christian Fiction Writers and now sits on the board as an Advisor. Visit her web site at www.rachelhauck.com to reader her blog, and to follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Welcome to the “True Beauty” campaign for Rachel Hauck’s latest novel, The Wedding Dress!
Rachel has teamed up with her publisher, Thomas Nelson, for the True Beauty Giveaway and Author Chat Party! All the details below.
Romantic Times
“Hauck weaves an intricately beautiful story centering around a wedding dress passed down through the years. Taken at face value, the tale is superlative, but considering the spiritual message both on the surface and between the lines, this novel is incredible. Readers will laugh, cry and treasure this book.”
What is “true” beauty? Join the conversation at Rachel’s Author Chat Party Event Page. On the eventing of 4/19 we’ll gather to talk about inner and outer beauty and share moments of beauty in our lives.
In the meantime, celebrate with Rachel by entering her True Beauty Giveaway!
One “beautiful” winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
- The Wedding Dress (by Rachel Hauck)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/18/12. Winner will be announced at Rachel’s “True Beauty” Facebook Party on 4/19. Rachel will be hosting an evening of beauty (inner/outer) chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement – bring your friends! She’ll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Rachel via Skype.)
So grab a few of your friends and your copy of The Wedding Dress and join Rachel on the evening of April 19th for an evening of fun.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19!
by admin | Apr 11, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAlways The Designer, Never The BrideAbingdon Press (April 2012)bySandra D. BrickerABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television’s hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.
The Big 5-OH! was released by Abingdon Press in the Spring of 2010, and the novel was very well-received, garnering a couple of nibbles from Hollywood.
Always the Baker, Never the Bride was released by Abingdon Press in September 2010. With its phenomenal reviews, the novel spawned a series of three more books based on the popular cast of characters at The Tanglewood Inn, a wedding destination hotel in historic Roswell, Georgia. The series cemented Sandie’s spot in publishing as a flagship author of Laugh-Out-Loud romantic comedy for the inspirational market.
“Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with my writing dream,” says Bricker, “well, that’s the best of all worlds, as far as I’m concerned!”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It’s taken Audrey Regan years to establish herself as a wedding dress designer, and to date she’s been roped into creating dresses for nine of her girlfriends. Request #10 follows her vow to “Just say no!” and comes from her very best friend. She can hardly turn Carly down!
Audrey arrives in Atlanta early to perform all of her maid-of-honor duties along with final fittings for a one-of-a-kind dress. But Carly’s wedding is nothing short of an event, complete with Prince Charming, and the festivities make Audrey question whether there’s a prince of her own anywhere in her future.
Enter the groom’s brother and best man. Shaggy-haired, tattooed bad boy J.R. Hunt couldn’t be any more different from Prince Charming if he rode in on a Harley Davidson. Oh, wait. He actually did ride in on a Harley!
If you would like to read an excerpt of the first chapter of Always The Designer, Never The Bride, go HERE.
Learn more about Sandra and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy Sandra Bricker’s novels and Always The Designer, Never The Bride was no exception. I loved revisiting the Tanglewood Inn and all the familiar characters from the previous books of the Another Emma Rae Creation series. As always there were quite a few very humorous scenes and some equally romantic ones also. In the midst of all the drama and fun, two extremely career minded individuals discover each other. Although each of them fights the attraction, it seems that God has other plans for them and their careers.
Always The Designer, Never The Bride just may be my favorite so far of this series, but then I always did seem to be attracted to those bad boy heroes who didn’t quite fit normal expectations. I loved that J. R. had that scruffy bad boy look complete with the requisite tattoos and Harley but had a sensitive and compassionate heart. Audrey’s beauty and talent hid an insecurity that drove her to prove herself to others through her success but really yearned . As the book progressed each of them learned that their careers would never make them happy until they followed God’s blueprint for their lives.
I highly recommend Always The Designer, Never The Bride as well as all other novels by Sandra D. Bricker. If you haven’t discovered this talented author yet, give her a try.
by admin | Apr 8, 2012 | Books, Speculative, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe 13th TribeThomas Nelson (April 3, 2012)byRobert LiparuloABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling novelist Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first three critically acclaimed thrillers—Comes a Horseman, Germ, and Deadfall—were optioned by Hollywood producers, as well as his Dreamhouse Kings series for young adults. Bestselling author Ted Dekker calls The 13th Tribe, released in April 2012, “a phenomenal story.” Liparulo is currently working with director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, The Guardian) on the novel and screenplay of a political thriller. New York Times best-selling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” Liparulo lives in Colorado with his family.
Visit Robert Liparulo’s Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans, or at Twitter @robertliparulo.
Learn more about Robert and his books on his Website .
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Their story didn’t start this year . . . or even this millennium.
It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment-endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.
This group of immortals became the 13th Tribe, and they’ve been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since-by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.
Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he’s hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The 13th Tribe, go HERE.
Learn more about Robert and his books on his Website.
MY REVIEW:
The 13th Tribe is everything I have come to expect from a Robert Liparulo novel and more. Not only does it have the intense action and suspense, lots of high technology from weapons to information, but it has a plot that pairs Old Testament historical truth with modern what-ifs. Related from more than one point-of-view, the story centers around Jagger Baird and his family who innocently become entangled in the middle of a crazy and deadly scheme masterminded by the 13th Tribe, a group of immortals who were once members of the group of Israelites led out of Egypt by Moses.
The plot of The 13th Tribe moves at breakneck speed with numerous twists, turns and totally unexpected revelations that keep the pages turning. Although at times some of the violence left me a bit squeamish, I still needed to find out what would happen next. With characters who frequently discuss or question their faith, this book is the most spiritually relevant one I have read by Liparulo. A very strong theme of grace, forgiveness, and restoration is woven throughout.
One important thing I realized after reading The 13th Tribe is that it is incredibly easy for someone to take what they have read in scripture and misapply it to their own personal situation and/or use it to further their agenda and believe that they are following God.
I highly recommend The 13th Tribe for those who enjoy action packed suspense. I believe most men would enjoy it or any other book by Mr. Liparulo.
by admin | Apr 3, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Titanic
MY REVIEW:
I’ll be the first to admit that I never got around to seeing the movie “Titanic”. Why bother when we all know how that story ends – with the unsinkable ship going down and many lives lost. No, I’m not the type who wants to have a front row seat to tragedy that I know is coming. So you can imagine my lack of excitement to learn that 2012 is the one hundredth anniversary of the Titanic’s loss and that many publishers are cranking out novels to commemorate the occasion. Fortunately everyone does not have my lack of enthusiasm – at least three of my favorite authors have either published or will be publishing novels that feature the Titanic’s voyage. “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” just happens to be the first to be added to my review calendar.
Once I began reading “By the Light of the Silvery Moon”, I forgot my shameful attitude. The narrative immediately caught my attention and I actually stayed up until 2:00 a.m. to finish reading it before I could sleep. The author’s attention to historic details and her description of everything from food to clothing to furniture to how the ship was equipped made me feel like I could have been right there on the great ship. I could imagine the excitement of the passengers and see and hear their celebrations as they set out on the voyage of their lives.
The plot itself was amazing. I won’t go into detail about it – too many other reviewers have given away much of the plot. “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” tells a tale of several people whose destiny brought them together on that fateful voyage. A major theme of the story parallels the parable of the prodigal son down to the resentful older brother. Another element of the story involves a deliberate sacrificial choice. With an unexpected romance, themes of forgiveness and reconciliation, this novel focuses on the positive without making light of the enormity of the tragedy. Throughout the entire novel, Tricia Goyer has skillfully and powerfully pointed the reader to Christ.
So – despite my avoidance of all things Titanic, I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” and would heartily recommend it. I probably still won’t watch the movie.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amelia Gladstone’s hopes are tied up in the Titanic–hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.
Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America–and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?
Watch the video Trailer:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
More info:
Purchase a copy of “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” HERE.
PRIZE PACK AND TITANIC PARTY:
Win an Flip HD Camcorder during @TriciaGoyer’s Unsinkable Titanic Giveaway and RSVP for 4/10 Titanic Party!
Celebrate the release of By the Light of the Silvery Moon with Tricia by entering her giveaway and RSVPing to her Titanic party.
One “unsinkable” winner will receive:
- Flip HD video Camera (Make your own dramatic saga!)
- Titanic movies from the ages {Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}
- Secrets of the Titanic (Get the facts from National Geographic.)
- And the Band Played On (Music Played on the Titanic.)
- By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer (Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 9th. Winner will be announced at “Silvery Moon” Titanic Facebook Party on 4/10. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!
So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!
by admin | Apr 2, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingCooking The BooksAbingdon Press (April 2012)byBonnie S. CalhounABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As the Owner/Director of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Bonnie has helped use the 220+ blogs of the Alliance to promote many titles on the Christian bestseller list. She also owns and publishes the Christian Fiction Online magazine which is devoted to readers and writers of Christian fiction. She is the Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). At ACFW she was named the ‘Mentor of the Year,’ for 2011, and she is the current President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network. Bonnie is also the Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.
In her spare time she is an avid social media junkie, and teaches Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and HTML as recreational occupations. She also has a novel coming out in the Abingdon Quilts of Love series. Her novel Pieces of the Heart will publish August of 2013.
Bonnie and her husband Bob live in a log cabin on 15 acres in upstate area of Binghamton, New York with a dog and cat who consider the humans as wait-staff.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After her mother dies from a heart attack, Sloane Templeton goes from Cyber Crimes Unit to bookstore owner before she can blink. She also “inherits” a half-batty store manager; a strange bunch of little old people from the neighborhood who meet at the store once a week, but never read books, called the Granny Oakleys Book Club; and Aunt Verline, who fancies herself an Iron Chef when in reality you need a cast iron stomach to partake of her culinary disasters. And with a group like this you should never ask, “What else can go wrong?”
A lot! Sloane begins to receive cyber threats. While Sloane uses her computer forensic skills to uncover the source of the threats, it is discovered someone is out to kill her. Can her life get more crazy?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Cooking The Books, go HERE.
Learn more about Bonnie on her Website.
Watch the book video:
If you’d like to read interviews with Bonnie, try these:
Everbody Needs A Little Romance
A Christian Writers World
Novel Rocket
ACFW – Fiction Finder
MY REVIEW:
Move over Stephanie Plum – there’s a new kid on the block by the name of Sloane Templeton. If anything, Sloane is surrounded by an even crazier group of friends and enemies and is armed with a wacky sense of humor. Sloane is a strong and spunky character but is also somewhat lacking in self-confidence. She has absolutely NO discernment when it comes to men and she has been involved with some doozies, some of whom haven’t figured out she wants them out of her life. Like all of us, Sloane has her flaws and has made some really bad decisions along the way. But she has her faith, even if at times even that seems to desert her.
There is a lot going on in Cooking The Books. Sloane has inherited her mother’s bookstore and is doing the best she can to run it although she would prefer her old job in computer forensics. Between new boyfriends, old boyfriends, a hotly disputed valuable manuscript, pressure to sell the bookstore, death threats, and a frustrating aunt ( just to mention a few things), Sloane has her hands full. Cooking The Books is a story filled with suspenseful twists and turns tempered by a rollicking sense of humor. Although I had pretty much figured out who was out to get Sloane, things changed directions so often that I was never entirely certain until the reveal. And it was so much fun getting there.
I loved this book and the way Sloane grew in maturity and confidence as the story progressed. Bonnie, I hope you have another Sloane Templeton story on the back burner because I’d love to see more of her.
