by admin | Jun 18, 2014 | Books, Civil War, Historical
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingYankee in AtlantaRiver North(June 1, 2014)byJocelyn GreenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed…Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.
Learn more about Jocelyn and her books on her Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin’s only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta.
Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman’s troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Yankee in Atlanta, go HERE.
by admin | Jun 17, 2014 | 1950's, Appalachia, Books, Historical, Romance, West Virginia
MY REVIEW:
I was privileged to have the opportunity to read a pre-release galley of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ first novel “Miracle in a Dry Season”. I am almost at a loss for words to express how much I liked this book. I most assuredly will purchase a printed copy once it is available. I intend to add the entire series to my keeper shelf so that I can read them again.
I’m not absolutely certain what it was about this book that caused me to like it so much. The author’s way with words was extraordinary, her characters almost stepped off the page, the setting was perfect, and the story was filled with scripture without being heavy-handed. I absolutely loved Perla, a young mother who had never been married and who exhibited a certain unusual way with food that may have caused her more social problems than her obvious sin. Her constant willingness to serve others and her love for her daughter was inspiring. Then there was Casewell, who despite his initial reaction to Perla’s past, quickly found himself helping and standing up for her as she tirelessly worked to help feed their community during a severe drought. Casewell’s integrity and faith were a highlight of the story.
Oh, there are so many lessons in this story that apply to our own lives! And each lesson is illustrated in such a kind and gentle manner within the context of the story that it is nearly painless – that is until the reader realizes that the guilty character could be herself. Wonderful examples of faith, forgiveness, and servanthood permeate the pages of this book and could be examples for each and every one of us.
I could not find a thing about this novel that was not absolutely perfect. I believe it may be the best one I have read in a long time (and I read every day and have many favorites). I highly recommend this book and hope everyone will pick up a copy when it is finally released. Love, love, love it! 
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a Drought, It’s the Darkest Cloud
That Brings Hope
It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.
Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.
Read an excerpt from “Miracle in a Dry Season” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has also published freelance writing for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
by admin | Jun 17, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once more Lis Wiehl with the help of April Henry has penned a novel that kept me turning the pages until I reached the end. I was surprised at how quickly I breezed through this one. It really held my attention. The plot moved at a brisk but steady pace with plenty of danger, suspense and a few surprises. A sub-plot helped to temper the momentum with glimpses of Mia Quinn’s daily routine as she and Detective Charlie Carlson attempted to determine how to prosecute a case involving juveniles.
The book opened with an attempt on Seattle prosecutor Mia Quinn’s life by an unhappy defendant and her day only went from bad to worse from there. A new case that could affect the outcome of the election for her boss and the possibility that her late husband’s accident may have been murder as well as other incidents added to her stress.
Although I liked the characters of both Mia and Charlie, at times it seemed as if they took a backseat to the plot driven story. I have no complaints with that – the story was well-developed and held my interest quite well. The potential romantic interest that both Charlie and another character displayed was incidental to the plot but added a few moments of relief to the suspense.
“A Deadly Business” was quite well done and I will continue to look forward to novels by this author.
This book was provided for review by the
BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
If the hours don’t kill you, the accused just might.
Mia Quinn is a Seattle prosecutor working on high profile cases in the Violent Crimes unit while juggling the impossible demands of single parenthood. Her husband, Scott, was killed in a car crash that homicide detective Charlie Carlson now believes was no accident. Charlie’s instincts and professional record make it impossible for Mia to refute the evidence she’d rather not believe.
When the powers that be refuse to reopen the case, it’s up to Mia and Charlie to investigate, all the while trying to deny a growing attraction between them. Was her accountant husband really in league with nefarious criminals? And who is the young woman whose photo they find on his computer?
Uncovering the truth may hurt Mia in more ways than one.
Read an excerpt from “A Deadly Business” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Lis Wiehl is one of the nation’s most prominent trial lawyers and highly regarded commentators. Currently, she is the legal analyst and reporter on the Fox News Channel and Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment on The O’Reilly Factor. Prior to that she was O’Reilly’s co-host on the nationally syndicated show The Radio Factor. She is also a Professor of Law at New York Law School. Her column “Lis on Law” appears weekly on FoxNews.com.
Prior to joining Fox News Channel in New York City, Wiehl served as a legal analyst and reporter for NBC News and NPR’s All Things Considered. Before that, Wiehl served as a Federal Prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s office.
Wiehl earned her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and her Master of Arts in Literature from the University of Queensland.
Wiehl is also the author of The 51% Minority, which won the 2008 award for Books for a Better Life in the motivational category, and Winning Every Time.
She lives with her husband and two children in New York.
Noted author Roald Dahl helped New York Times bestselling author April Henry take her first step as a writer. When April was eleven, she sent the famous children’s author a short story about a frog who loved peanut butter. He read it to an editor of an international children’s magazine, who then asked to publish it. April has since written several highly acclaimed mysteries and thrillers. Her books have been short-listed for the Agatha Award, the Anthony Award, and the Oregon Book Award, and translated into several languages. Two have been chosen for BookSense by the independent booksellers of America. April lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter.
by admin | Jun 16, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Speculative, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
What an exciting and eye-opening adventure Rubart’s Well Spring series has been! Each installment has been filled with fantastical exploits into the spiritual realm as the Warriors Riding have fought against the forces of spiritual darkness. With each mission some ground was gained and a bit more truth was revealed but the battle was not over and the greatest challenge was yet to come. Simon’s increased visibility and the introduction of Miyo added an extra spark to the tale.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the books in the Well Spring series but of the all, I believe “Spirit Bridge” has to be my favorite. Not only was it a wonderful story but I was personally challenged along with each of the characters as they learned how their own pride, unforgiveness, and need for affirmation opened them to the lies of their enemy.
I shared triumph and tragedy, joy and sorrow along with the Warriors Riding. At one point near the end, I was so touched that I wanted to stand up and cheer (but my husband was sleeping). There are not enough words to relate my feelings about events in “Spirit Bridge” but I would recommend it and the entire series to anyone who ever enjoyed a Frank Peretti novel and to those who haven’t. At this point I would like to go back and read through all three novels to glean any nuggets of truth that I missed the first time.
Do yourself a favor and pick up this entire series.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling for The Spirit Bridge.
Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.
But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he’s just set it loose.
The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon’s alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there’s Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn’t know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.
If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on. If only they knew how to fight against Zennon’s final assault.
The Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart’s Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of five novels, including the best-seller “Rooms” and award-winning “Soul’s Gate,” the book that precedes “Memory’s Door” in the Well Spring series. Rubart and his wife have two sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about James L. at http://jameslrubart.com.
by admin | Jun 13, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Lawman’s Oklahoma SweetheartLove Inspired (June 3, 2014)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom’s Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Katrine Brinkerhoff’s cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton’s heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint’s plan to protect her family. But she can’t let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.
Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?
Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
The Lawman’s Oklahoma Sweetheart is a fast-paced historical romance that takes place during the Oklahoma land grab. The story is filled with loads of action, danger, suspense, and of course romance. I had not read the previous two books of this series but it was obvious that if I had read it, several of the supporting characters would be familiar to me. Nevertheless, my enjoyment of this book did not suffer because I had not read the others. If time were to permit, I would probably enjoy reading them.
Both primary characters were strong and likeable. Katrine was lovely and appeared to be fragile but she had a backbone of iron. After Clint saved her life, she had no choice but to go along with his plans to keep her and her brother Lars safe from the men who threatened the entire area. Clint was a steadfast sheriff whose goal was to drive out the troublemakers and protect the town’s residents as well as those on surrounding farms. As Clint and Katrine spent more time together, their attraction grew but Clint held a personal secret that convinced him he should never marry. Would he be able to overcome his pain and let himself love Katrine? And will any of them survive the increasing violence of the men known as the Black Four?
