by admin | Mar 3, 2011 | Books, Historical
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Bond Never Broken
Bethany House (March 1, 2011)
by
Judith Miller
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Judith:Most readers want to know how authors ‘got started’ writing. My first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when I was commuting sixty miles to work each day. I wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. When the book was completed, I tucked it away. I had absolutely no idea how publication of a book occurred and had given no thought to the concept. However, through a co-worker, I was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from me. Having never met Tracie, I was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history…
With a graciousness that continues to amaze me, Tracie agreed to read my story, directed me to a publisher, and gave me information on a Christian writers conference. Since that first encounter many years ago, I have been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, Tracie and I had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, we have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. In addition, I have continued to write several solo series.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For many years, Ilsa Redlich has helped her parents run a hotel in South Amana, but as the United States enters the Great War, she can feel her world changing. The residents of the towns surrounding the Amana Colonies used to be accepting of their quiet, peaceful neighbors, but with anti-German sentiment running high, the Amana villages are now plagued by vandalism, threats, and insults.
Things get even worse when Ilsa finds out her family won’t be allowed to speak German in public–and that Garon, the childhood friend she’s long been smitten with, has decided to join the army. Jutta Schmidt is shocked when several members of the Council of National Defense show up on her family’s doorstep. Sure, the Schmidts once lived in the Amana Colonies, but that was years ago. She’s even more surprised when the council demands that she travel to Amana and report back on any un-American activities.
Not daring to disobey the government agents, Jutta takes a job at the South Amana hotel, befriends the daughter of the owners, and begins to eavesdrop every chance she gets. When Jutta hears Ilsa making antiwar remarks and observes Garon assisting a suspicious outsider, she is torn at the prospect of betraying her new friends.
But what choice does she have? And when Garon is accused of something far worse than Jutta could imagine, can the Amana community come to his aid in time?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bond Never Broken, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
A Bond Never Broken is written with the same meticulous attention to detail and historical research that I have come to expect when I open a book by Judith Miller. Through her characters and stories I have learned many things about my nation’s history that I never ran across in history class.
For some reason, A Bond Never Broken moved more slowly for me and I sometimes had difficulty relating to the characters. However, that did not prevent my interest in the events that took place in Amana during the World War I years. I am not sure why I am always amazed at how cruelly humans treat each other at such times since history has certainly repeated itself again and again.
Life in the Amana villages is well illustrated with informative details about its government, customs, clothing, and daily life. The story included a bit of a mystery with fairly obvious suspects. I was not totally satisfied with the resolution of the problem but the outcome probably makes the story that much more realistic.
A Bond Never Broken is not my favorite Judith Miller book but it is still worthwhile reading. If you are a fan of historical novels, this one should be a part of your personal library.
by admin | Mar 2, 2011 | Books, Romance, Suspense
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
and the book:
In the Shadow of Evil
B&H Books (March 1, 2011)
***Special thanks to Julie Gwinn, Trade Book Marketing, B&H Publishing Group for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Caroll is a leading Christian suspense novelist. She gives back to the writing community as conference director for the American Christian Fiction Writers organization. A proud southerner through and through, Robin lives with her husband and three daughters in Arkansas.
Visit the author’s website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Informed by the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy and devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast, In the Shadow of Evil tells a modern day story involving the exposure of a building rebound scam. Amidst the layers of unethical practices, supply shortages, and excess murders, a top Louisiana homicide detective loses his heart to a charitable contractor while uncovering a secret about his tragic past.
Product Details:
List Price: $14.98
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (March 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805449795
ISBN-13: 978-0805449792
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Prologue
Eighteen Years Earlier
What a night!
Maddox turned his car into the residential area and glanced at the digital display on the dash—12:28. Great, late for curfew. He smiled. Being late was worth it when he’d had a hot date with Julie Cordon. Man, the girl was something else. Beautiful, sexy, and funny. Just being with her made him feel special. Made him forget lots of things, including time.
Besides, he was seventeen. Curfews were for kids! A senior in high school, and he had to be home by midnight? All his Pop’s doing.
Tyson Bishop…Mr. Air Force man, determined to force the entire family to live by rules and regulations.
But his dad was over foreign soil right now, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. Mom understood better, wasn’t quite the stickler about curfews like his dad. Good thing, too. Maddox was almost thirty minutes late tonight. Pop would blow his top and ground him for at least a month. Probably take away his car. But not Mom. She’d just caution him to pay closer attention to the time. Launch into the whole spiel about responsibility and accountability. He could recite it from memory.
Maddox whipped into the driveway and pressed the garage door opener. The light from the kitchen door spilled into the garage. Mom would be up…waiting. He should’ve called.
But being around Julie was like being caught in a time warp. Even the car’s interior held her smell. Light, flowery…teasing and tempting.
He killed the engine and jogged up the steps, slipping his charming smile into place. His mom had never been able to stay mad or disappointed when he flashed his dimples at her. He’d promise to mow the grass tomorrow before Pop got home, and she’d forget all about his tardiness.
He shut the garage door behind him and entered the kitchen. “Mom? I’m home.” The hint of roast lingered in the air.
The house was as silent as a tomb.
Odd. She would normally be on her feet to meet him.
He passed the kitchen’s butcher-block island and continued into the living room. A soft light filled the space beside her reading chair, but no sign of her.
“Mom?”
Maddox backtracked to the kitchen. Maybe she was in the downstairs bathroom.
“Hello?” His voice rose an octave as his pulse hammered. The bathroom door was wide open, the room dark.
Where was she?
His steps faltered as he pressed into the kitchen again. The backdoor stood open, the glass pane closest to the knob—shattered. His heart jumped into his throat.
“Mom!”
Using the agility that had garnered him the wide receiver place on the varsity football team, Maddox flew down the hall toward his parents’ bedroom. He pushed open the door with shaking hands.
His mother lay sprawled on the floor, a pool of blood staining the carpet around her. Her face pale against the dark red spilling from her chest. A metallic odor permeated the room.
What? He blinked repeatedly, his mind not processing what his eyes saw. Then…he did. And nearly vomited.
He raced to her side, lifting her head into his lap. “Mom.” Tears backed up in his eyes as he smoothed her hair.
“Mad-dy,” she croaked.
He grabbed the phone from the nightstand, the base landing on the floor with a resounding thud. He grabbed the receiver and punched in 9-1-1.
“Hang on, Mom. I’m calling for help.” Every nerve in his body stood at high alert.
“Too. Late.” She grimaced. A gurgling seeped from between her lips. Her body went slack in his arms.
“911, what is the nature of your emergency?”
He closed his eyes. Fought back scalding tears. “My mother. She’s been murdered.”
MY REVIEW:
I first became familiar with Robin Caroll’s books as a monthly subscriber to Love Inspired Suspense. I was always glad when a new shipment contained one of her novels. With her newest series based in Eternal Springs, Louisiana, Robin has gifted her readers with even more of a good thing.
In the Shadow of Evil meets all my requirements for a good suspense novel. It has realistic and interesting characters, adequate action, and lots of clues that are not too obvious – plus a first-rate romance is the icing on the cake. Components of the story are the stuff of the evening news. In fact, one detail (minus the murder) is under investigation on our local Memphis news this week.
I liked the way Robin dropped hints that could apply to more than one suspect. Every time I thought I knew the guilty party, something would prove me wrong. I hate it when I have a mystery solved halfway through a book. No chance of that with In the Shadow of Evil.
All things considered, In the Shadow of Evil is an excellent read. I give it my thumbs up and suggest that you pick up a copy asap.
by admin | Mar 1, 2011 | Amish, Books, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The Amish families of both Emily Detweiler and David Stoltzfus have recently relocated in a small Colorado community. The first meeting between David and Emily is a disaster but as they get to know each other, a close friendship develops. David discerns that something terrible has happened to Emily to make her so fearful and his protective instincts become fully engaged. Under his calm and caring presence, Emily finds herself able to relax again and begins to rebuild her trust in others.
David and Emily each harbor secrets that have convinced them that neither one of them can ever marry. When they find themselves with stronger feelings that friendship, they must come to grips with their secrets and turn their trust to God alone. When at their lowest points, several of the characters heard a still, small voice tell them “Seek Me With All Your Heart.” This would be an excellent example for each of us to follow.
Seek Me With All Your Heart is a warm, comfortable story that is filled with hope, faith, and love. Strong illustrations of love and compassion between family members and for others in their lives is the backbone of this narrative. Several other strong characters add to the enjoyment. A precocious young sister and an elderly neighbor and her parrot are entertaining and humorous.
Although this is an Amish novel, the story was natural and more focused on the characters than on Amish tradition. I personally enjoyed the author’s treatment of the subject. I would definitely recommend Seek Me With All Your Heart.
This book was provided for review by BookSneeze.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A groundbreaking series takes Amish readers where they’ve never gone before . . . Colorado. Emily Detweiler’s family abruptly moved to Colorado after tragedy struck in Ohio. But Emily can’t get far enough to escape what happened there.
David Stoltzfus is not happy when his family relocates from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Nevermind that they haven’t told him why. David struggles not only with this unwelcome move, but also with the fear that a health condition could keep him from living his life in full.
Emily and David each come to terms with a past that follows them, testing their faith and resolve. Will they overcome adversity and step onto the path God has chosen for them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise and Land of Canaan series. All of her full-length novels and novellas have held spots on the CBA (Christian Book Association) Bestseller List and the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) Bestseller List. She is the 2010 INSPY Award Winner for Amish Fiction and a 3-time finalist for the Carol Award sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers. As a former journalist, Beth was honored by her peers with 11 journalism awards to include 1st Place News Writing for The Texas Press Association. She left her job as a newspaper reporter in 2008 to write novels full time.
by admin | Mar 1, 2011 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
When All My Dreams Come True
Harvest House Publishers (February 1, 2011)
by
Janelle Mowery
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beginning in 1998, Janelle Mowery coordinated and wrote for the Children’s Ministry of a Christian website called The Invisible Connection. When the holder of that site discontinued the ministry and website in the year 2000, she began writing inspirational fiction romance novels.
Janelle became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the year 2002 and is an active member and leader in one of their critique groups, which has provided many opportunities for growth and development. In 2003, she entered her first novel in the Noble Theme contest and was named one of the top ten finalists in the historical category. In 2004, she had a short story titled ‘A Fair Chance’ published in the e-magazine, Romancing the Christian Heart. In 2005, her third novel, entered in the San Gabriel Writers’ League ‘Writing Smarter’ Contest, won first place. Also, Janelle’s fifth novel made it to the top ten finalists in the Noble Theme contest.
In 2006, she signed her first contract with Barbour Publishing in their Heartsong Presents Mysteries line. The novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Elizabeth Ludwig, released in spring of 2008. The second and third mysteries of the series, Died in the Wool and A Black Die Affair, is set for release in 2011.
Janelle has signed with Harvest House for a historical series set in Colorado. Release of the first book is set for early 2011. She has also signed with Summerside Press. Her novel, Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho, released in October 2010.
Janelle has been married twenty-one years and is the mother of two sons. She is a member of Sandy Point Bible Church and serves as Treasurer. She also assists in the church’s teen program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bobbie McIntyre dreams of running a ranch of her own. Raised without a mother and having spent most of her time around men, she knows more about wrangling than acting like a lady. The friendship of her new employer awakens a desire to learn more about presenting her feminine side, but ranch life keeps getting in the way.
Ranch owner Jace Kincaid figures the Lord is testing his faith when a female wrangler shows up looking for work. Bobbie has an uncanny way of getting under his skin, though, and he’s surprised when she finds a home next to his heart. But when his cattle begin to go missing and his wranglers are in danger from some low-down cattle thief, can Jace trust God, even if it may mean giving up on his dreams?
An adventurous novel of faith, hope, and love in the Wild West.
If you would like to read the first chapter of When All My Dreams Come True, go HERE.
Learn more about Janelle and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
When All My Dreams Come True is a fast-moving story set in the old west complete with cowboys, cattle rustlers, and bank robbers. With plenty of action, drama, suspense, humor, and yes, romance, this tale can be read quickly (I read it in an evening).
When All My Dreams Come True is probably more action than character driven but that is not always a bad thing. Sometimes I just like a book to move along without getting bogged down in too much soul searching.
If you enjoy action filled novels with spunky and capable heroines and strong, honorable heroes, then When All My Dreams Come True would probably be right up your alley. Why don’t you give it a try?
by admin | Mar 1, 2011 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
What would you do if you had finally decided to leave the husband who had been unfaithful multiple times for many years and he walked in and announced that he was dying? That’s a difficult question isn’t it? That is exactly what happens to Saphora Warren in the first pages of The Pirate Queen. Her choices set the stage for life changes which includes improved relationships within her family, new and different friendships, and a change of heart about what role God should have in her life.
The Pirate Queen was well written with intriguing characters and plot. Because of its serious content, it was not quickly read. It left me with plenty to ponder, especially about what I might have done under the same circumstances. Saphora’s compassion and care for other people was admirable, particularly since she was not a believer. I fear that I sometimes fall short by comparison but Saphora’s story encourages me to strive to do better.
In order to avoid any spoilers, I will refrain from including more details. I will say that if you are looking for something light and entertaining, you should probably avoid The Pirate Queen. For those who enjoy a little meat in their literature, this would be an excellent choice.
This book was provided for review by Blogging for Books.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Treasure is found in the most unlikely places.
The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon–and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life.
Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying.
Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistence, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God’s presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Hickman, M.F.A., is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction whose work has been praised by critics and readers alike. Patricia first studied creative writing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and then went on to do graduate studies in creative writing at Queens University. She writes for major publishers and is currently at work on her eighteenth book, a novel set in the North Carolina Piedmont. Her next novel,The Pirate Queen, will release Summer 2010, a story that takes readers journeying from suburban Lake Norman to the sailing villages of the Outer Banks. She has served as a writing professor at UNCC and taught in writing workshops across the country offering her popular “Creating Characters–Giving Story People Life” workshops and courses on fiction. She, along with her hubby, founded a non-profit charity that benefits moms and children with HIV called The Secret Angels Project. Her fiction is known for its depth of understanding of the human condition underscored by redemptive themes.
by admin | Feb 26, 2011 | Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
Angel Sister is one of those memorable southern tales that should be ranked up right up there with books like “To Kill a Mockingbird”. The story is written in a way that pulls the reader in and makes her feel a part of it. Historical details add a rich background that makes the story all the more believable.
A poignant story featuring the Merritt family, Angel Sister is related predominately by fourteen year-old Kate who is mature beyond her years. Struggling to make ends meet during the difficult years after World War I, the family is further burdened by father Victor’s alcoholism and strained relationships with both Victor and Nadine’s fathers. As the story progresses, reflections from Victor and Nadine begin to fill in the back story that improves the reader’s understanding of the family dynamics. Other pertinent characters add even more depth to the narrative.
Kate finds and takes home Lorena Birdsong, a young girl who has been abandoned by her parents in hope that someone will take care of her. A series of events are set in motion as secrets are revealed that will change the course of their lives forever.
Angel Sister will bring both tears and laughter to the reader as it reveals its story of family, forgiveness and redemption. I strongly suggest that you pick up a copy for yourself. You won’t be sorry.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Little Girl Abandonded on the Church Steps Awaiting her Angel…
“You have to be an angel.” said Lorena. “Why do I have to be an angel?” asked Kate. “Because mommy said that if I sat here and didn’t cry an angel would come and take care of me…” said Lorena.
Novelist Ann Gabhart, celebrated for her historical novels, weaves a new story from the Depression era in her latest work, Angel Sister (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3381-0, February 2011, $14.99). Growing up, Gabhart’s mother and aunts told many stories about the small community where they lived in Alton, Kentucky, including tales about the odd characters who lived in Alton. “Despite the hard times and some interesting personalities, what came through to me so clearly was the way those people in that small town cared for one another. My mother’s stories left a huge impression on me and planted the seed in my imagination that became Angel Sister,” says Gabhart.
It is 1936 and Kate Merritt, the middle child of Victor and Nadine, works hard to keep her family together during the Great Depression. While her father tries to come to grips with their situation and her sisters seem to remain blissfully oblivious to it, it is Kate who must shoulder the emotional load. Who could imagine that a dirty, abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong would be just what the Merritts need?
In this richly textured novel, award-winning author Ann H. Gabhart reveals the power of true love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the strength to persevere through troubled times. Multidimensional characters face real and hard-hitting problems while maintaining their family bonds, all against the backdrop of a sultry Kentucky summer. Readers will be drawn into the story and find themselves lingering there long after they’ve finished the book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the award-winning, bestselling author of several books about the Shakers, including The Believer, The Outsider and The Seeker. Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village and one mile from the place she was born in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, she has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past.
A Word from Judith:
For many years, Ilsa Redlich has helped her parents run a hotel in South Amana, but as the United States enters the Great War, she can feel her world changing. The residents of the towns surrounding the Amana Colonies used to be accepting of their quiet, peaceful neighbors, but with anti-German sentiment running high, the Amana villages are now plagued by vandalism, threats, and insults.
