Frenzy by Robert Liparulo

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Frenzy

Thomas Nelson
(May 18, 2010)
by
Robert Liparulo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.

He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.

Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted in 2008 with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January 2009, and number four, Timescape, in July 2009, and number five, Whirlwind in December 2009. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.

Visit Robert Liparulo’s Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Their destiny is to fix history. Their dream is to get home.

When you live in a house that’s really a gateway between past and present, you have to be ready for anything. It’s a painful fact the Kings have faced since moving to Pinedale eight days ago. Desperately trying to rescue their mother from an unknown time and place, brothers Xander and David have lunged headlong into the chaos of history’s greatest–and most volatile–events. But their goal has continually escaped their grasp.

And worse: Finding Mom is only a small part of what they must do, thanks to the barbaric Taksidian. His ruthless quest to seize their house and its power from them has put not only the family, but all of mankind, in grave danger.

Somehow, the key to it all hinges on Uncle Jesse’s words to the boys: “Fixing time is what our family was made to do.” But how can they fix a world that has been turned upside down–much less ever find their way home?

At long last, the secrets of the house and the King family are revealed in the stunning conclusion to this epic series.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of Frenzy, go HERE.

Sign up for the Frenzy Newsletter HERE.

MY REVIEW:

Frenzy is the final book in the Dreamhouse Kings series and what a conclusion it is! I could not have imagined how the story could get any more intense and frantic but believe me it did. I realize that Liparulo could probably have continued to up the ante in several more installments but I am just a little relieved that he decided to wrap it up with Frenzy. I don’t know how much more suspense I could have handled.

I hesitate to describe any of the plot for fear of spoiling it. I thought the author tied everything together admirably at the end while leaving just enough unanswered to leave the door open for a future series. The last portal entered was a truly special one that was particularly meaningful to me.

I recommend Frenzy and the entire Dreamhouse Kings series. Don’t read Frenzy before reading the preceding books of the series because you will miss pertinent background facts. This series is very intense with a lot of action, some creepy characters and some violence that might bother some people but it does not cross the line into the occult. The plot is infused with subtle guidance on faith, family values and character. If you enjoy this genre I am sure you will enjoy Frenzy and the rest of the Dreamhouse Kings series.

Predator by Terri Blackstock

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Predator

Zondervan (May 25, 2010)
by
Terri Blackstock


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published last year, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Blackstock has had twenty-five years of success as a novelist.

In 1994 Blackstock was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. Since that time, she’s written over thirty Christian titles, in addition to the thirty-two she had in the secular market. Her most recent books are the four in her acclaimed Restoration Series, which includes Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light. She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 and Cape Refuge Series.

In addition to her suspense novels, she has written a number of novels in the women’s fiction genre, including Covenant Child, which was chosen as one of the first Women of Faith novels, and her Seasons Series written with Beverly LaHaye, wife of Tim LaHaye.

Blackstock has won the Retailer’s Choice Award and has appeared on national television programs such as The 700 Club, Home Life, and At Home Live with Chuck and Jenny. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country and the subject of countless articles. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The murder of Krista Carmichael’s fourteen-year-old sister by an online predator has shaken her faith and made her question God’s justice and protection. Desperate to find the killer, she creates an online persona to bait the predator. But when the stalker turns his sights on her, will Krista be able to control the outcome?

Ryan Adkins started the social network GrapeVyne in his college dorm and has grown it into a billion-dollar corporation. But he never expected it to become a stalking ground for online Predators. One of them lives in his town and has killed two girls and attacked a third. When Ryan meets Krista, the murders become more than a news story to him, and everything is on the line.

Joining forces, he and Krista set out to stop the killer. But when hunters pursue a hunter, the tables can easily turn. Only God can protect them now.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Predator, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer video!

MY REVIEW:

Got so busy I almost forgot I needed to post a review for Predator. I’m glad I remembered because this is a must read book, especially for parents with children who use internet social networking sites or for those who frequent those sites themselves. Although Predator is a novel, it is evident that Blackstock did her research before writing it. Grapevyne may be a fictional company but the similarities to and dangers of Facebook and other social networking sites are evident. It is a timely tale with enough cautions woven into the plot to make me rethink my own Facebook habits and cringe at some of the info I see revealed about some of my friends.

That being said, Predator is also a great story filled with plenty of action, mystery, drama, suspense, and romance to satisfy most readers.  As always, Blackstock has done a superb job with Predator, her latest release. It is just another fine example of why I have always enjoyed her books.

Book Giveaway – Deadly Disclosures by Julie Cave

I have one copy of Deadly Disclosures by Julie Cave to give away. I’m a little late with the giveaway. I intended to have it to coincide with the blog tour for the book. Late or not, it’s still a good book and the winner should enjoy it. Deadly Disclosures is a Christian suspense novel featuring FBI agent Dinah Harris.

To win a copy, please leave a comment on this post no later than Wednesday, May 26.  U. S. residents only please.

This Fine Life by Eva Marie Everson



MY REVIEW:

The first thing about This Fine Life that grabbed my attention was the cover. I was a small child during the time frame for this book and I can remember my mother, grandmother, and other women in my life in similar attire – pearls, white gloves, and all. My grandmother actually wore her heels around the house while she did her daily chores. I can still remember life as it was during the late 50’s in the south, even if it is from a child’s point of view. I can truthfully say that This Fine Life “felt” right.

This Fine Life is the story of Mariette who unexpectedly falls in love with Blayne who does not meet her parents’ demanding standards. After they secretly marry, the bloom quickly fades as the realities of daily life take precedence. When Blayne decides he has been called as a pastor, life becomes even more difficult for the couple, especially as Mariette is unable to understand the importance of the gospel in her husband’s life. More difficulties arise when Blayne accepts his first pastorate in a tiny country town that is totally foreign to Mariette’s experience.

A charming story of love and dedication, This Fine Life narrates the lives of Mariette and Blayne through good times and bad as they determine to stay together no matter what. My only complaint is that I thought it ended rather abruptly with too many strings being tied up neatly without enough details. In spite of that, I would recommend This Fine Life, especially to those who would like to take a step back into our not so distant past.

This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Privileged Young Woman Takes a Risk on Love in the Deep South

This Fine Life is a stand-alone novel by popular author Eva Marie Everson that transports readers to small-town Georgia in 1959: Mariette Puttnam has just graduated from boarding school during the summer of 1959. When she returns to her privileged life at home, she isn’t sure where life will take her. More schooling? A job? Marriage? Nothing feels right. How could she know that the answer is waiting for her within the narrow stairwell of her father’s apparel factory, exactly between the third and fourth floors?

In this unique and tender story of an unlikely romance, Everson takes readers on a journey through the heart of a young woman bound for the unknown. Readers will experience the joys of new love, the perseverance of true friendship, and the gift of forgiveness that comes from a truly fine life.

“This Fine Life proves that growing into love can rip one apart, quitting might be the easiest thing, but walking away is out of the question. I bled with these characters as they struggled to become who they were meant to be. So real and so true to life.” —Lauraine Snelling, author, Daughters of Blessing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eva Marie Everson grew up in a rural southern town in Georgia just outside of Savannah. She is married, has four children and five grandchildren, and lives in Central Florida. She taught Old Testament theology for six years at Life Training Center in Longwood, Florida and has written numerous articles for Crosswalk.com (including the acclaimed Falling Into The Bible series), and has had articles featured in numerous publications, including Christianity Today, Evangel, Christian Bride, Christian Retailing,, The Godly BusinessWoman and Marriage Partnership magazines. Eva Marie has been interviewed by radio, television, newspaper, and Internet media outlets. In 2002 Eva Marie was one of six Christian journalists sent to Israel for a special ten-day press tour. She was forever changed.

Writer of Books, Author of None

Eva Marie’s work includes the award-winning titles Reflections of God’s Holy Land; A Personal Journey Through Israel, Shadow of Dreams, Sex, Lies and the Media, and The Potluck Club as well as The Potluck Club: Trouble’s Brewing, The Potluck Club Takes the Cake; The Potluck Catering Club Secret’s in the Sauce, The Potluck Catering Club A Taste of Fame, The Potluck Cookbook, Things Left Unspoken (her first in the new series of Southern novels released by Baker/Revell), Oasis: A Spa for Body & Soul, and Sex, Lies and High School to name a few. Eva is a contributing author and/or editor to a number of other publications.

Eva Marie is a graduate & student of Andersonville Theological Seminary, past-president of AWSA’s (Advanced Writers & Speakers Association) steering committee and the recipient of their Member of the Year Award for 2002, past president of Word Weavers, a mentor with Christian Writers Guild, a graduate of CLASS, a past panelist for The Writers View-2, and a member of a number of organizations for writers. She speaks and has spoken both nationally and internationally.


Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.