by admin | Sep 12, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingShades of MercyRiver North; New Edition edition (September 1, 2013)byAnita Lustrea
and
Caryn Rivendara ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Authentic. That’s the word heard over and over when women describe Anita Lustrea. She is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, and an amazing communicator as co-host of the award winning Midday Connection radio broadcast. Her deep desire is to communicate freedom to women and help them nurture and care for their soul.
Anita is the co-author of “Come to Our Table: A Midday Connection Cookbook” and “Daily Seeds from Women Who Walk in Faith”, a Devotional for women. Her first solo venture as an author releases in November, 2010, “What Women Tell Me: finding freedom from the secrets we keep.”
Anita and her husband, Mike Murphy, a pastor, along with her teenage son John live in the Chicago suburbs. When she’s not traveling or speaking, you can find her reading and drinking a venti hot tea at her local Starbucks.
Caryn is a sought-after writer and speaker. She’s the author of four books—Shades of Mercy: A Maine Chronicle (River North, September 2013), Known & Loved: 52 Devotions from the Psalms (Revell, April 2013), Grumble Hallelujah (Tyndale House, September 2011), and Mama’s Got a Fake I.D. (WaterBrook Press, March 2009)–and a regular contributor to Christianity Today’s Her.Meneutics as well as columnist for Re:Frame Media’s ThinkChristian blog. She has written dozens of magazine article. Her work has appeared in such publications as Christianity Today, Relevant, FamilyLife, and Engineering and Mining Journal (you read that right).
Caryn leads workshops and speaks at conferences and church groups across the country. She’s also a regular guest on Moody Radio’s Midday Connection with Anita Lustrea and Melinda Schmidt and has been featured on such radio shows as The John and Kathy Show, Changing Worldviews/WOMANTalk with Sharon Hughes, I Thought She Said with Faith Daly, The Paul Edwards Program with Paul Edwards, and Talk from the Heart with Rich Buhler, among many others. Caryn also appeared on The Harvest Show.
Caryn earned a B.A. in English from Calvin College and attended the University of Chicago’s publishing program. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Rafael, her three kids, a rescued pit bull terrier, two hermit crabs, and several tank fulls of who-knows-what-kind-of fish. Caryn and her family are members of Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, where Caryn recently joined the worship staff.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
It’s 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can’t happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the “son” her father never had, Mercy’s ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Shades of Mercy, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
I will admit that I sadly do not know very much about this wide country of ours and very little about Maine. I have traveled very little during my lifetime and only to a few states in my native south and the midwest. Most of my travel has been through the pages of books and I can remember very few that have taken me to Maine. For those reasons, I found Shades of Mercy provided me with quite a few historical and geographical facts of which I have been decidedly unaware. For one thing I did not know that potatoes were such a prime crop. Like many people I thought most potatoes came from Idaho. I was also unaware that the Indian tribes mentioned even existed, especially the Maliseets. As a Southerner, I suppose I did not realize the many forms racism takes in other areas because of the emphasis on black and white differences here.
Besides being very informative, Shades of Mercy had a heart as demonstrated especially through the thoughts and actions of Mercy Millar and her parents. I liked the way they believed that because they had been blessed with plenty that their God given duty was to help others in whatever way they could while maintaining the dignity of those they helped. The characters are both realistic and colorful. Mercy has a wisdom beyond her years yet at the same time is naive in many ways.
Shades of Mercy is a story that needs to be told – a story about differences between people that should not matter, a story that includes both injustice and hope for a future, and a story about loving others through the power of God. An excellent coming-of-age story, Shades of Mercy is a novel that has the potential to be a classic.
by admin | Sep 12, 2013 | Amish
MY REVIEW:
The third book in Gray’s The Days of Redemption series brings the series to a satisfying conclusion in which the many Keim family secrets and problems are all out in the open and finally resolved. “Eventide” features Elsie, Viola’s twin who is quickly losing her eyesight due to a rare disease. Elsie feels that her family treats her like a child and makes every effort to prove herself, sometimes to the point of stubbornness. She has also been a bit envious of Viola and their brother Roman who have experienced romance and found their lifetime partners. When new neighbor Landon Troyer appears to be interested, Elsie clings to a thread of hope that she can also find love.
All the favorite members of the Keim family are back in “Eventide” and each of them play a vital role in the narrative. I liked the way that the romance between Elsie and Landon was not a quick and sweet one but that both of them had to make serious and difficult decisions that would affect the rest of their lives. I also like the way that the author did not take the easy way out but included some surprises that might not necessarily end in the expected happy-ever-after.
I enjoyed “Eventide” and the entire series because it was more focused on the characters and their lives rather than the usual emphasis on the Amish belief system, etc. I would recommend the entire series not only to those who love Amish fiction but also to those who just love a good book.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A young Amish woman harbors a difficult secret. Does she dare share the truth with the man she hopes to marry?
Elsie Keim doesn’t want to be left behind. Her twin sister, Viola, and her older brother, Roman, have both found love and are building lives of their own. But Elsie? She’s still stuck at home, being treated like a child. No one seems to consider her a capable woman-all they see are the thick lenses of her glasses, constant reminders that Elsie suffers from keratoconus and is slowly going blind.
Elsie knows there’s much more to her than her disease. That’s why when a new neighbor, Landon Troyer, shows some interest in her, she doesn’t want anything to scare him away . . . even if it means keeping her condition a secret.
Landon is ready to start a new life and feels like Elsie may just be the right woman to start it with. But when Roman steps in and shares the truth about Elsie’s illness, Landon is floored. His job is demanding and takes him away from home, sometimes for days at a time. How could he keep up with his responsibilities and take care of Elsie?
Purchase your copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the “Sisters of the Heart”, “Seasons of Sugarcreek”, “Secrets of Crittenden County”, and Families of Honor series. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Connect with Shelley here: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/
by admin | Sep 9, 2013 | Books, Mennonite, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingUnforeseeable Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2013)byNancy MehlABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.
Learn more about Nancy and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mystery, Romance, and Suspense Seamlessly Combined in a Mennonite Small-Town Setting
Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She’s thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora’s Cafe.
However, Callie’s idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County’s new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders’ attempts to plan ahead couldn’t prevent a threat like this.
Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he’s telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she’d have to face some of her own past’s skeletons.
As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Unforeseeable, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Callie and Levi are featured in Unforeseeable, the third novel in the Road to Kingdom series. Trouble has returned to Kingdom once again as bodies are discovered near the road into town. Emotions run rampant as Kingdom’s residents speculate about the identity of the killer and wonder if it could be someone they know.
Unforeseeable has a well crafted plot with several fascinating twists and a couple of major surprises. Callie and Levi hit some snags in their relationship and Callie is forced to deal with buried memories before she can move on with her life. In the midst of danger, winter storms, and personal issues, both Callie and Levi learn the importance of following God’s plan for their lives rather than the choices made for them by others.
I have enjoyed the entire Road to Kingdom series with its character driven plots and suspense filled pages. If you are a fan of Amish fiction but would like a change of pace, Unforeseeable features a Mennonite community with similar values and a fresh storyline.
by admin | Sep 8, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Mistaken” is yet another debut novel that has convinced me that I must add its author to my rapidly growing list of must read authors. I found Karen Barnett’s writing to be easily read with a fresh plot and characters with whom I could identify.
With an undependable alcoholic father and a brother she suspected was not only a rumrunner but was also supplying her father with illegal booze, Laurie Burke understandably hated alcohol. When she runs into Daniel Shepherd late at night on the beach where she has attempted to intercept her brother, Laurie assumes he is working with the rumrunners. Daniel assumes the same about Laurie. Laurie is determined to find an honorable man and believes that Federal Agent Samuel Brown meets her requirements but why can’t she get Daniel out of her mind?
With a fast paced plot where nothing is exactly as it seems and surprises abound, “Mistaken” was the perfect page-turner. I look forward to future books by Karen – hopefully soon!
This book was provided for review by Amazon’s Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Since booze and prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rum-running gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list.
Daniel has mixed feelings about returning to the dirty mill town of his youth, but grudgingly agrees to manage his grandfather’s drug store until a replacement can be found. The moment he meets Laurie on the windswept bluff overlooking the beach, he knows that if he can earn her love, he might have a reason to stay. But when Laurie pushes him away–for none other than Federal Agent Samuel Brown–Daniel wonders if Laurie really is the upstanding woman he thought her to be.
The Strait of Juan de Fuca, just off the beaches of Port Angeles, Washington, was treacherous water for reckless rumrunners—and the agents who tried to catch them. So when she realizes her brother is in danger, romance is the last thing on Laurie’s mind. Yet the people she believes she can trust, may not be so honorable after all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen’s first novel, MISTAKEN, released in July 2013 with Abingdon Press. She is published in several nation magazines, including “Birthday Wish” which appeared in Guideposts Magazine in February 2010. Karen is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency.
Karen lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, two children, three furry felines and the newest addition–a dachshund puppy.
by admin | Sep 7, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Marriage
MY REVIEW:
“The Promise” is a contemporary Christian novel that takes the reader on an emotional joyride. From high points that include the second honeymoon in Italy to celebrate the recently restored marriage of Jim and Marilyn Anderson to low points as their son Tom’s marriage to Jean is threatened by his lies, this story realistically documents a crucial period in the lives of the Anderson family. With excellent advice from Uncle Henry and the willingness of other characters, especially Jim and Tom, to own their past mistakes, “The Promise” is a novel that illustrates not only what not to do in a marriage but steps that can be taken to restore and heal after mistakes have been made. I liked the emphasis on turning it all over to God rather than trying to handle it alone.
“The Promise” is like a manual on relationships in novel form written with Dan’s unique style and Gary’s wealth of knowledge and experience. Many situations in the plot could have been drawn from the lives of people who surround us, especially job loss or financial difficulties. The narrative was easily read and would be an excellent gift for those who struggle with any of the problems within its pages. “The Promise” totally lives up to the series name because restoration is the goal and final result. I highly recommend this book.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One home, two hearts, and the power of a promise kept . . .
For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he’s been hiding from his wife Jean–and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through coffee shops and the library, using their wifi to search job listings online. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage.
But Tom’s not the only one hiding something. Jean Anderson has a secret of her own–one that will seriously complicate their situation. Will the promises they made on their wedding day hold firm?
For more information visit HERE.
To read an excerpt click HERE.
Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,
a division of Baker Publishing Group
What critics are saying about the Restoration Series:
“Readers will definitely come away satisfied and shedding tears at the end.”–Publishers Weekly
“Readers will be totally drawn in to [the Andersons’] emotional journey.”–Booklist
“Married and engaged couples will benefit from this story that beautifully illustrates the effort–and God’s grace–necessary to bring healing to a marriage and family.”–CBA Retailers+Resources
“With sympathetic characters and an uplifting ending, this is sure to please.”–Library Journal
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance with Gary Smalley, The Discovery, and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he’s busy researching and writing his next novel.
Gary Smalley is one of the country’s best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury and The Dance with Dan Walsh. Gary and his wife Norma have been married for 49 years and live in Missouri.
