The Big Picture by Jenny Jones

by admin | Apr 29, 2008 | Books

ABOUT THE BOOK
Sometimes there’s a fine line between comedy and tragedy—and Katie Parker is walking it.

School is winding down for the summer but Katie Parker is having a bad day. After leaving the drive-in, where her imploding love life was the main attraction, Katie arrives home to a big surprise on the Scott’s front porch.Her mother, Bobbie Ann Parker, a former convict and recovering addict, wants to take Katie away from her family, friends, and church. Now Katie’s life will be changed by a series of dramatic choices as she struggles to understand what family and home really means.Katie is forced to walk away from In Between, leaving behind a family who loves her, a town drive-in to save, and a boyfriend who suddenly can’t take his eyes off his ex. When the life her mother promised begins to sink faster than one of Maxine’s stuffed bras, Katie knows she needs to rely on God to keep it together.But where is he in all this? Can Katie survive a chaotic life with her mother—and one without the Scotts? And if God is there, will he come through before it’s too late?

A Katie Parker Production series offers teen girls real-world fiction balanced by hope and humor. The The Big Picture helps us realize that the difficult chapters in our journey are only part of God’s big story for our lives.

You can read the first chapter HERE

“A heroine to love. Jones just gets better with every book, and The Big Picture is her best one yet.”
~BARBARA WARREN, author of The Gathering Storm

“Such inspiration in a package of fun and faith!”
~EVA MARIE EVERSON, author of the Potluck Club series

MY REVIEW: In The Big Picture Katie has finally found her place in life, a place where people love and support her, good friends, and normalcy. When her mother comes back into her life and takes her away from everything she has come to depend on, Katie must rely on God to help her cope.

The Big Picture tells Katie’s story beautifully with all the humor and angst that can be so much a part of a teen’s life. The story is honest contrasting Katie’s life with her addicted mother with the care and support of Katie’s Christian friends. Even though everything is not all tied up with pretty ribbons (and when is life ever that way?), God’s love and intervention are evident. I would recommend The Big Picture for teens and young adults.

Jenny can be reached through the Contact link on her Website

And here’s the complete list of everyone posting for The Big Picture on this tour! Go visit their sites to see what CFBA bloggers have to say!

Amy at Simple Folk Schoolhouse
Amy at sprightly
Amy at My Life
Andie at frommipov
Angela at One Baby, Seven Dogs, and a Mommy
April at Projecting A
Becky at Becky’s Christian Reviews
Becky at Savvy Mom
Beth at The Write Message
Betsy Ann at Betsy Ann “Writer at Large!”
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Brittanie at A Book Lover
C.J. at C.J. Darlington.com
Camy at Camy Tang
Cara at the law, books, and life
Carla at Carla’s Writing Café
Carol at Blogging With Carol
Carolyn at Serenity
CeeCee at Book Splurge
Cheri at Kudzu and Koolaid
Christy at Christy’s Book Blog
Courtney at A Mom Speaks
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Dawn at Book Junkie Confessions
Deborah at books, movies and chinese food
Deborah at Country At Heart
Debra at Soul Reflections
Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Georgiana at Georgiana D
Gina at Portrait Of A Writer
Gretchen at Inspire Me
Heidi at Reviews by Heidi
Jackie at Journey Into Grace
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
Jo at Life Sparks – Jo’s Journal
Joleen at timetotalk
Karen at Mommy of Three”
Karla at Ramblin’ Roads To Everywhere
Katie at Christian Novels
Kelly at Scrambled Dregs
Kim at Window To My World
Kimberly at QuiddamChickee To Save The Day
Krista at Welcome To Married Life
Kristy at I Need To Read
Lacy at Novel Inspirations
LaShaunda at See Ya On The Net
Laura at Laura William’s Musings
Leah at Ponderings From My Heart
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Linda at Faith In Love
Lynnae at Lynnae’s Bookshelf
Margaret at Creative Madness
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
Michelle at Just A Minute
Michelle at Michelle’s Great Blogs
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Mimi at Mimi’s Pixie Corner
Pam at Mom’s Mutterings
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Peg at Sips ‘n Cups Cafeteria
Pepper at Great Christian Fiction
Rachelle at Stifled Squeal
Rel at Relz Reviewz
Ruth at Booktalk & more…
Ryan at loves to read
Sean at Bookmark Cafe
Shauna at Shaunarumbling
Stacy at Vader’s Mom
Susan at New Every Morning
Tabitha at 123pizza’s Weblog
Tami at Tree Swing Reading
Tara at Tara’s View Of The World
Amber at Amber Miller
Tracy at Pix-N-Pens
Tricia at It’s Real Life
Victoria at Footprints In The Sand

Where Would Cows Hide? by D. C. Stewart

by admin | Apr 25, 2008 | Books

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Parker twins, Brad and Charlie, didn’t want to join their parents on vacation in Hawaii. A little sister can be annoying, but little sister, Zoey, was over the top. “The three of us aren’t going to Hawaii,” she told them. Her parents were shocked by her statement even though it was true. This was not the first time Zoey offered surprising knowledge of future events, nor would it be the last. Arriving at their grandparent’s cattle ranch in Oklahoma, the twins learn of the disappearance of cattle from the ranch. This knowledge would set of a series of events that would challenge any detective. There were the mysterious neighbors, the strange lady at church, a psychic lazy dog, and a weird little sister to keep the twins totally confused in their efforts to solve this strange mystery.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
D.C. Stewart grew up in Thomas, Oklahoma. She began writing short stories in high school, and won a writing competition at Southwestern Oklahoma State University at age 17. After graduating, she attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in History. She worked for a church in Maumelle, Arkansas as the Communications coordinator for five years, and after returning to Oklahoma, she chose to pursue her dream of being a full-time writer. D.C. Stewart lives near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Visit the author’s website.

MY REVIEW: Where Would Cows Hide? is an entertaining, humorous mystery written for ages 9-12, otherwise known as “tweeners”. Twins Brad and Charlie try to solve the mysterious disappearance of their grandfather’s cattle while visiting their grandparents ranch. Their investigation leads them into dangerous situations while trying to avoid their “weird” little sister Zoey. The story has enough action, humor, and suspense to keep a child’s interest while getting across some valuable spiritual lessons.

Read the first chapter of Where Would Cows Hide?

Winter Haven by Athol Dickson

by admin | Apr 23, 2008 | Books

This week, the

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Boys who never age, giants lost in time, mist that never rises, questions never asked…on the most remote of islands off the coast of Maine, history haunts the present and Vera Gamble wrestles with a past that will not yield. Will she find refuge there, or will her ghosts prevail on…Winter Haven

Eleven years ago, Vera Gamble’s brother left their house never to be seen again. Until the day Vera gets a phone call that his body has been found…washed ashore in the tiny island town of Winter Haven, Maine. His only surviving kin, Vera travels north to claim the body…and finds herself tumbling into a tangled mystery. Her brother hasn’t aged a day since last she saw him.

Determined to uncover what happened in those lost years, Vera soon discovers there are other secrets lurking in this isolated town. But Winter Haven’s murky past now seems bound to come to light as one woman seeks the undeniable and flooding light of truth.

MY REVIEW:

Winter Haven is a brooding, emotional, suspenseful tale that kept me absorbed to the end. Vera’s quest to discover the cause of her brother’s mysterious death leads her on a journey to the remote island of Winter Haven, Maine where she is soon immersed into the secrets, legends and history of the island. As she questions and explores the island, she soon finds herself in fear for her own life with no idea who she can trust.

Dickson has superbly crafted a novel that equals the best of gothic fiction and has skillfully woven a story that proves that nothing is really as it seems. I would highly recommend Winter Haven to everyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Click here to purchase Winter Haven .

The Begotten by Lisa T. Bergren – Day 2

by admin | Apr 22, 2008 | Books

While The Begotten has all the elements that compose a good novel, it also caused me to reflect on similarities of the historical setting of the book and our present day lives. I definitely don’t claim to have all the answers (far from it), but these are some of my thoughts brought to the surface by this book.

In medieval Italy, the church frowned on individual citizens possessing a copy of the Bible, stating that only the “church” could properly interpret it. Today the Bible is the best selling book in the U.S., yet how many of us actually read it for ourselves? Even though we are free to interpret it for ourselves, we rely on our pastors, our Sunday school and Bible study literature, Christian television and radio personalities, and the wealth of Christian books available to us. How do we know what to believe if we don’t test the scripture for ourselves?

We have many different views on just the one subject of spiritual gifts. On one hand we have well known dispensational teachers and authors telling us that spiritual gifts are not relevant for today. On the other hand we have charismatic and pentecostal teachers and writers stating that the gifts are very much still active. Who do we believe? Do we blindly follow everything we are told by whatever leaders we follow? Do we accept what meets our personal comfort levels or do we seek the leading of the Holy Spirit through careful study of Scripture?

It is easy to understand the confusion of the characters of The Begotten as they struggle with the teaching of the church and the leading of the Lord because we face similar issues ourselves. We only have to watch the news to know that evil is still active and increasing. We are surrounded by lost and hurting people who need the hope that we possess. Heaven only knows that we need the power of God in our lives to meet these challenges. Just maybe, we should step out in faith like Daria, Father Piero, Gianni, and the others to see where and how the Lord leads us. Could it be that we are also among the Gifted?

Lisa’s Web Site:  http://www.lisatawnbergren.com/home.html

Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr | Jim Black | Justin Boyer | Jackie Castle |
Karri Compton | CSFF Blog Tour | Gene Curtis |
D. G. D. Davidson | Jeff Draper | April Erwin | Karina Fabian |
Beth Goddard | Marcus Goodyear | Todd Michael Greene |
Michael Heald | Christopher Hopper | Joleen Howell | Jason Joyner |
Kait | Carol Keen | Mike Lynch | Terri Main | Margaret |
Melissa Meeks |Pamela Morrisson | John W. Otte | Rachelle |
Steve Rice | Ashley Rutherford | Chawna Schroeder |
James Somers | Rachelle Sperling | Stuart Stockton |
Steve Trower | Speculative Faith | Robert Treskillard |
Laura Williams | Timothy Wise |

The Chosen by Ted Dekker

by admin | Apr 21, 2008 | Books

It’s April 21st, time for the Teen FIRST blog tour!(Join our alliance! Click the button!) Every 21st, we will feature an author and his/her latest Teen fiction book’s FIRST chapter!

Ted Dekker

and his book:

Chosen (The Lost Books, Book 1) (The Books of History Chronicles)

Thomas Nelson (January 1, 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. To see a complete list of Dekker’s work, visit The Works section of TedDekker.com.

Here are some of his latest titles:

Adam

Black: The Birth of Evil (The Circle Trilogy Graphic Novels, Book 1)

Saint

AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:

beginnings

Our story begins in a world totally like our own, yet completely different. What once happened here in our own history seems to be repeating itself thousands of years from now,
some time beyond the year 4000 AD.

But this time the future belongs to those who see opportunity before it becomes obvious. To the young, to the warriors, to the lovers. To those who can follow hidden clues and find a great
treasure that will unlock the mysteries of life and wealth.

Thirteen years have passed since the lush, colored forests were turned to desert by Teeleh, the enemy of Elyon and the vilest of all creatures. Evil now rules the land and shows itself as a painful, scaly disease that covers the flesh of the Horde, a people who live in the desert.

The powerful green waters, once precious to Elyon, have vanished from the earth except in seven small forests surrounding seven small lakes. Those few who have chosen to follow the ways of Elyon now live in these forests, bathing once daily in the powerful waters to cleanse their skin of the disease.

The number of their sworn enemy, the Horde, has grown in thirteen years and, fearing the green waters above all else, these desert dwellers have sworn to wipe all traces of the forests from
the earth.

Only the Forest Guard stands in their way. Ten thousand elite fighters against an army of nearly four hundred thousand Horde. But the Forest Guard is starting to crumble.

one

Day One

Qurong, general of the Horde, stood on the tall dune five miles west of the green forest, ignoring the fly that buzzed around his left eye.

His flesh was nearly white, covered with a paste that kept his skin from itching too badly. His long hair was pulled back and woven into dreadlocks, then tucked beneath the leather body armor
cinched tightly around his massive chest.

“Do you think they know?” the young major beside him asked.

Qurong’s milky white horse, chosen for its ability to blend with the desert, stamped and snorted.

The general spit to one side. “They know what we want them to know,” he said. “That we are gathering for war. And that we will march from the east in four days.”

“It seems risky,” the major said. His right cheek twitched, sending three flies to flight.
“Their forces are half what they once were. As long as they think we are coming from the east, we will smother them from the west.”

“The traitor insists that they are building their forces,” the major said.

“With young pups!” Qurong scoffed.

“The young can be crafty.”

“And I’m not? They know nothing about the traitor. This time we will kill them all.”

Qurong turned back to the valley behind him. The tents of his third division, the largest of all Horde armies, which numbered well over three hundred thousand of the most experienced warriors, stretched out nearly as far as he could see.

“We march in four days,” Qurong said. “We will slaughter them from the west.”

A Mending at the Edge by Jane Kirkpatrick

by admin | Apr 21, 2008 | Books

A Mending at the Edge is the third volume in the Change and Cherish series by Jane Kirkpatrick. Emma Wagner Giesy’s story continues in the communal society of Aurora in the 1850s Oregon Territory.

In this book, Emma’s search for her purpose in life results in a maturing of her faith in herself, others, and her Lord. She struggles to overcome her label as a troublemaker when all she really wants to do is have a purpose to her life. She finds that sometimes achieving her dreams and goals comes with a high price.

Throughout this book, Emma shows the positive side of communal living as she seeks to serve others who are hurting and in need of food, shelter, and love. By reaching out to outcasts, she demonstrates the true love of Christ rather than the self-seeking, manipulative example shown by Aurora’s leader. By the end of the book, Emma realizes that she has found her purpose and with it faith, happiness, and peace.

I would highly recommend A Mending at the Edge as well as the first two books in this series, especially to those who enjoy historical fiction.

I have one copy of A Mending at the Edge to give away courtesy of the publisher. If you would like to enter to win, please leave a comment with a way to contact you no later than Saturday, April 26. I will try to contact the winner no later than Monday, April 28.

The Change and Cherish series byJane Kirkpatrick

A Clearing in the Wild

Spirited young Emma Wagner chafes at the constraints of her 1850s religious community, which values conformity over independent thought, especially in women. Skeptical of the colony’s growing emphasis on preparing for “the last days,” Emma clashes with their increasingly autocratic leader—and faces the unexpected consequences of pursuing independence.

A Tendering in the Storm

This lyrical novel, based on an historical figure of the 1800s, follows the spirited and intelligent Emma Giesy, who achieves her goal of separating her family from the repressive religious community in which she grew up. But unexpected and dire consequences leave her family—and her faith—struggling to survive.

A Mending at the Edge

This richly textured novel, the third in the acclaimed Change and Cherish series, follows the historical figure of Emma Wagner Giesy, who chafes under the restrictions of her 1860s religious colony. When her bid to belong in her unique way unravels her most precious relationships, she seeks new ways to stitch meaning into her life.

Author Bio: Jane Kirkpatrick is the best-selling author of two nonfiction books and fourteen historical novels, including the popular Kinship and Courage series. Her award-winning writing has appeared in more than fifty publications, including Sports Afield and Decision. She’s won the coveted Western Heritage Wrangler Award, an honor shared by such writers as Larry McMurtry and Barbara Kingsolver. Jane is a licensed clinical social worker as well as an internationally recognized speaker. She and her husband, Jerry, ranch 160 acres in eastern Oregon.