by admin | Jul 2, 2008 | Books
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
(Thomas Nelson – July 8, 2008)
by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is a forty-something, a child of the ’60’s, ’70’s, ’80’s, ’90’s and ’00’s, who roller skated through the ’70’s into the ’80’s with Farrah Fawcet hair and a three-speed orange Camero. She graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism.
After graduation, she hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. But, she’s traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine.
Rachel met Tony, her husband, in ’87, at church, of all places. They married in ’92.
They don’t have any children of their own, just lots of kids-in-the-Lord and they love them all. However, they do have two very spoiled dogs, and a very demanding cat.
With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ‘ 04, Lambert’s Pride, a romance novel. My current release is Sweet Caroline from Thomas Nelson. Romantic Times Book Club gave both books their highest rank of 4.5 stars, with Love Starts With Elle being honored as Top Pick!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Elle’s living the dream-but is it her dream or his?
Elle loves life in Beaufort, South Carolina-lazy summer days on the sand bar, coastal bonfires, and dinners with friends sharing a lifetime of memories. And she’s found her niche as the owner of a successful art gallery too. Life is good.
Then the dynamic pastor of her small town church sweeps her off her feet. She’s never known a man like Jeremiah-one who breathes in confidence and exhales all doubt. When he proposes in the setting sunlight, Elle hands him her heart on a silver platter.
But Jeremiah’s just accepted a large pastorate in a different state. If she’s serious about their relationship, Elle will take “the call,” too, leaving behind the people and place she loves so dearly. Elle’s friendship with her new tenant, widower Heath McCord, and his young daughter make things even more complicated.
Is love transferable across the miles? And can you take it with you when you go?
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
Love Starts With Elle is just another confirmation of why Rachel Hauck has become one of my very favorite authors. Her characters are people who could easily be our friends or neighbors. The places and people of small town Beaufort, South Carolina come alive through her descriptive prose – so much so that I’d really like to visit. Rachel also has a very special touch when describing the presence and movement of God.
Just when Elle thinks her life has finally gotten on the right track, things suddenly take a drastic turn. As she struggles to accept the unwelcome changes, new opportunities and relationships present themselves. I was particularly touched by the details of Elle’s spiritual journey throughout her trials. There were moments that seemed almost holy. It was enjoyable to follow Elle’s process as she slowly matured, became more self-confident, and found her true calling. Of course the romantic elements were good too, but I won’t give any of that away. I hope that Rachel will take us back to Beaufort again in the near future.
And Rachel, how about some recipes for some of those dishes you describe? You know – like pluff mud pie and roast beef casserole. I can’t be the only one who gets hungry reading your books.
by admin | Jul 1, 2008 | Books
It is July FIRST, time for the FIRST Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and her latest book’s FIRST chapter!
The feature author is:
and her book:
A Mile in My Flip-Flops
WaterBrook Press (June 17, 2008)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In sixth grade, Melody Carlson helped start a school newspaper called The BuccaNews (her school’s mascot was a Buccaneer…arrr!). As editor of this paper, she wrote most of the material herself, creating goofy phony bylines to hide the fact that the school newspaper was mostly a “one man” show.
Visit Melody’s website to see all of her wonderful and various book titles.
Don’t miss her latest teen fiction, Stealing Bradford (Carter House Girls, Book 2).
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (June 17, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400073146
ISBN-13: 978-1400073146
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
I’m not the kind of girl who wants anyone to feel sorry for her.
So after my fiancé jilted me less than four weeks before our wedding date, and since the invitations had already been sent, my only recourse was to lie low and wait for everyone to simply forget.
Consequently, I became a recluse. If I wasn’t at work, teaching a delightful class of five-year-olds, who couldn’t care less about my shattered love life, I could be found holed up in my apartment, escaping all unnecessary interaction with “sympathetic” friends.
And that is how I became addicted to HGTV and ice cream. Okay, that probably calls for some explanation. HGTV stands for Home and Garden TV, a network that runs 24/7 and is what I consider the highest form of comfort TV. It is habit forming, albeit slightly mind numbing. And ice cream obviously needs no explanation.
Other than the fact that my dad, bless his heart, had seven quart-sized cartons of Ben & Jerry’s delivered to my apartment the day after Collin dumped me. Appropriately enough, dear old Dad (who knows me better than anyone on the planet) selected a flavor called Chocolate Therapy, a product worthy of its name and just as addictive as HGTV.
But now, eighteen months and twenty-two pounds later, I seem to be in a rut. And apparently I’m not the only one who thinks so. (more…)
by admin | Jun 30, 2008 | Books
This week, the
is introducing
Avon Inspire (May 27, 2008)
by
Shelley Shepard Gray
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Hidden is Shelley’s first foray into inspirational fiction. Previously, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. Shelley is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and is part of the Telecare ministry, which calls homebound members on a regular basis. Shelley looks forward to the opportunity to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hidden is a remarkable story about the unlikely love between a modern girl on the run and an Amish boy from the family who shelters her.
When Anna decides it’s time to leave her abusive boyfriend, she doesn’t know where to turn. Rob is a successful and respected person in her community. He has completely won over her parents with his good looks and prestigious position at a top law firm. Only Anna has seen his dark side. But when Rob hurts Anna yet again, she realizes that she must finally help herself.
Desperate, she runs to the one place she’s always felt completely safe, the Amish Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, where years ago she and her mother once stayed, and where Anna met life-long friend Katie Brenneman. When Anna shows up years later unexpectedly, the family welcomes her in, with few questions asked, and allows her to stay, dressed as the Amish in Plain clothes, and help around the inn.
But Katie’s older brother Henry doesn’t take too kindly to the intrusion. Anna wonders if it’s because he’s already had his heart broken. To Henry’s shame, from the moment he sees Anna, he feels a strong attraction. To cover his infatuation, he tries to ignore her, knowing no good would ever come from keeping an eye on a fancy woman like her. But as he sees that Anna has a good heart and is not the selfish, spoiled woman he imagined her to be, he feels his heart pointing towards her.
Anna comes to realize that she’s found a home and true love in the last place she’d expected. How can she deny the life she left behind? And will her chance for happiness be stolen away by the man who can’t seem to let her go?
If you would like to read the Prologue, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
With the recent popularity of Amish Christian fiction, I was expecting pretty much more of the usual fare. I was happy to find that Hidden is a fresh look at Amish life through the eyes of an outsider.
Hidden is the story of Anna, a young woman on the run from her abusive fiancé. Anna’s life has been one of privilege and indulgence. When she seeks refuge with her Amish friend Katie, she finds the Amish way of life a place where she feels needed and content. The tension between Anna and Katie’s brother Henry is electric. The suspense that develops as as obsessed Rob searches for Anna is riveting. All in all, Hidden is an engaging story for a first time author. I look forward to future books from Shelley Shepard Gray.
Come visit the blogs on the tour:
Abi at lighter side
Adam at Northwoods Blumer
Alexis at Ramblings From Life
Amy at Simple Folk Schoolhouse
Amy at My Life
Andie at frommipov
Andrea at The Laughs Will Go On
Angela at One Baby, Seven Dogs, and a Mommy
April at Projecting A
Barbara at Victoria Hill Farm
Becky at Savvy Mom
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Brittanie at A Book Lover
Caleb at Reviews Plus+
Camy at Camy Tang
Carol at Blogging With Carol
Carolyn at Serenity
CeeCee at Book Splurge
Christy at Christy’s Book Blog
Christy at At Split Ends
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Dea at Been Farmin’ Long?
Deborah at books, movies and chinese food
Debra at Soul Reflections
Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Georgiana at Georgiana D
Gretchen at Inspire Me
Heidi at Reviews by Heidi
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Janna at Cornhusker Academy
Jenn at Blessed is She…
Jennifer at So Many Books…So Little Time
Jenny at Come Meet AusJenny
Jim B. at The Bedford Review
Joleen at timetotalk
Karen at Mommy of Three”
Karla at Ramblin’ Roads To Everywhere
Kim at Window To My World
Kim at Rainy Day Diamonds
Kimberly at QuiddamChickee To Save The Day
Krista at Welcome To Married Life
Lacy at Novel Inspirations
Laura at Laura William’s Musings
Leah at Ponderings From My Heart
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Linda at Faith In Love
Lori at Noggin Bits
Lundie at Lundie’s Life
Lynetta at Open Book
Lynnae at Lynnae’s Bookshelf
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
Michelle at Just A Minute
Michelle at Michelle’s Great Blogs
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Pam at Mom’s Mutterings
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Peg at Sips ‘n Cups Cafeteria
Rachelle at Stifled Squeal
Rel at Relz Reviewz
Sean at Bookmark Cafe
Sherry at Everything Moms
Susan at His Reading List
Tamera at Tamera Alexander’s Blog
Tara at Tara’s View Of The World
Victoria at Footprints In The Sand
Virginia at CeCe Lane
Margaret at Creative Madness
by admin | Jun 27, 2008 | Books
It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book’s FIRST chapter!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
and his book:
Whitaker House (July 1, 2008)
Thomas Phillips grew up with a reading disability. He did everything possible not to read. It wasn’t until he was in seventh grade that he finally read a book from cover to cover. Now a voracious reader and prolific writer, Phillips uses his accomplishments as a motivational backdrop for speaking at school assemblies.
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Phillips has worked as a freelance journalist and currently works full time as an employment law paralegal. When he isn’t writing, Phillips plays his guitar, is active in his church, coaches his children’s Little League team, and plots his next story. The Molech Prophecy is his first published Christian novel.
Visit him at his MySpace, ShoutLife, and blog.
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Chapter One
The first things I noticed when I pulled into the church parking lot were the two police cars. Instinct wanted to kick in, but I stopped myself from turning my car around. The police weren’t there for me—couldn’t be there for me. I’d done nothing wrong. I wasn’t the same man. My days of running from the police had ended when I became a Christian. I reminded myself of this simple fact and felt a grin play across my lips. Thankfully, my days of running from the police ended four years ago.
On any given Sunday, I have come to expect many things from Faith Community Church. And why not? I have been attending weekly services for years. I expect smiles from Faith’s Greet Team—from those helping direct cars in the parking lot to those handing out programs and pencils at the sanctuary doors. I expect powerful worship music, a variety of jokes from Pastor Ross—some funny, some not so funny—and I expect, each week, a message that will impact the way I live the rest of my life.
But what I did not expect this morning was what I saw next: the complete defacing of the church building. Black spray paint covered the pecan-colored bricks in horrific graffiti. (more…)
by admin | Jun 25, 2008 | Books
It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book’s FIRST chapter!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
and her book:
Barbour Publishing, Inc. (May 1, 2008)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author and past president of American Christian Romance Writers, CHRISTINE LYNXWILER has numerous novels and novellas published with Barbour, including Arkansas, Promise Me Always, and Forever Christmas. She and her husband, Kevin, along with their two daughters, four horses, and two dogs live in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains in their home state of Arkansas.
Visit the author’s website.
Product Details:
List Price: $9.97
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc. (May 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1597898961
ISBN-13: 978-1597898966
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Chapter One
Babies complicate life, but the human race can’t survive without them. Maybe I should write that on the dry erase board out in the waiting room—Dr. Rachel Donovan’s Profound Thought for the Day.
Ever notice how some months are all about weddings? When you turn on the TV or pick up a magazine, everything is white tulle and old lace. Then there are what I think of as baby months. Unlike June and December for weddings, baby months can pop up anytime.
And here in Shady Grove, Arkansas—just in time for summer, when the irises are pushing up from the ground, the new leaves are green on the trees, and the crepe myrtles are starting to bloom—we’re smack dab in the middle of a baby month. (more…)
by admin | Jun 25, 2008 | Books
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Barbour Publishing, Inc (July 1, 2008)
by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
MARY CONNEALY is an award-winning author and playwright, married to Ivan a farmer, and the mother of four beautiful daughters, Joslyn, Wendy, Shelly and Katy. They live in Decatur, Nebraska. Mary is a GED Instructor by day and an author by night. And there is always a cape involved in her transformation.
Mary has also written Petticoat Ranch, Golden Days, and her latest, Alaska Brides that will debut in August.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Let yourself be swept away by this fast-paced romance, featuring Grace Calhoun, an instructor of reading, writing, and arithmetic, who, in an attempt to escape the clutches of a relentless pursuer, runs smack dab into even more trouble with the 6R’s – widower Daniel Reeves, along with his five rowdy sons. When a marriage is forced upon this hapless pair – two people who couldn’t dislike each other more – an avalanche isn’t the only potential danger lurking amid the shadows of Calico Canyon. Will they make it out alive? Or end up killing each other in the process?
Running from her Abusive foster-father, a man intent on revenge, the prim and perfectly proper Grace Calhoun takes on the job of schoolmarm in Mosqueros, Texas.
As if being a wanted woman isn’t bad enough, Grace has her hands full with the five rowdy and rambunctious Reeves boys?tough Texan tormentors who seem intent on making her life miserable. When, in an attempt to escape from the clutches of her pursuer, Grace is forced to marry widower Daniel Reeves, father of the miniature monsters, she thinks things couldn’t get any worse. Or could they?
Daniel Reeves, happy in his all-male world, is doing the best he can, raising his five boys?rascals, each and every one. Since his wife’s death in childbirth, Daniel has been determined never to risk marriage again.
When God throws Grace and Daniel together?two people who couldn’t detest each other more?the trouble is only beginning.
Will this hapless pair find the courage to face life together in the isolated Calico Canyon? Or are their differences too broad a chasm to bridge?
If you would like to read the first chapter go HERE
Mary can be reached through the Contact link on her Website
Come and visit those on the tour:
Amy at Simple Folk Schoolhouse
Amy at My Life
Andie at frommipov
Angela at One Baby, Seven Dogs, and a Mommy
April at Projecting A
Barbara at Victoria Hill Farm
Becky at Savvy Mom
Betsy Ann at Betsy Ann “Writer at Large!”
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Brittanie at A Book Lover
Camy at Camy Tang
Cara at the law, books, and life
Carla at Carla’s Writing Café
Carolyn at Serenity
CeeCee at Book Splurge
Christy at At Split Ends
Courtney at A Mom Speaks
Dave at Dave Rhoades
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deborah at books, movies and chinese food
Deborah at Country At Heart
Deborah at Comfort Joy Designs
Debra at Soul Reflections
Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Erica at On The Write Path
Georgiana at Georgiana D
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Janna at Cornhusker Academy
Jenn at Blessed is She…
Jennifer at Musings on This, That, & The Other Thing
Jennifer at So Many Books…So Little Time
Jenny at Come Meet AusJenny
Jessica at Praise, Prayers and Observations
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Joleen at timetotalk
Karen at Mommy of Three
Karla at Ramblin’ Roads To Everywhere
Kelly at A Disciple’s Steps
Kim at Window To My World
Kim at Rainy Day Diamonds
Krista at Welcome To Married Life
Lacy at Novel Inspirations
Laura at Laura William’s Musings
Leslie at A Little Bit Of Sunlight
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Linda at Faith In Love
Lori at journey in grace
Lynnae at Lynnae’s Bookshelf
Margaret at Creative Madness
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
Myra at Writer at Random
Nora at Finding Hope Through Christian Fiction
Pam at Pam’s Private Reflections
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Peg at Sips ‘n Cups Cafeteria
Pepper at Desperate Christian Housewives
Becky at Becky’s Christian Reviews
Rel at Relz Reviewz
Ryan at loves to read
Sherry at Everything Moms
Stephanie at Punkin’ Press
Sunny at Life In The Estrogen Sea
Susan at His Reading List
Tara at Tara’s View Of The World
Tracy at Pix-N-Pens
Vicki at Grace Lessons
Victoria at Overlooked Orchid
Rachel Hauck is a forty-something, a child of the ’60’s, ’70’s, ’80’s, ’90’s and ’00’s, who roller skated through the ’70’s into the ’80’s with Farrah Fawcet hair and a three-speed orange Camero. She graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism.
Elle’s living the dream-but is it her dream or his?
