by admin | Nov 6, 2013 | Books, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingPaige RewrittenNavPress (October 8, 2013)byErynn MangumABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A few things about her:
So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Paige Alder is in a really good place. She’s dating nice guy Tyler. Her boss has offered her a raise. Her walk with God is strong. Life is great—and that’s when things start to change.
First, the youth pastor at church keeps asking Paige to work with him full-time. Then her sister shows up newly engaged and wanting to reconnect, even though they haven’t spoken in years. And now former boyfriend Luke has come back into her life. How is Paige supposed to know what the right decisions are?
This warm and humorous second book in the Paige Alder series will help young girls work through important issues, such as forgiving others and obeying God.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Paige Rewritten, go HERE
by admin | Nov 4, 2013 | Books, Historical, Post Civil War, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTraces of MercyDavid C. Cook (October 1, 2013)byMichael Landon Jr. and Cindy KelleyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
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Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values.
At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.
Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Traces of Mercy is one of those novels that grabbed me from the beginning so that I didn’t want to put it down until I had reached the end. Then I was so unhappy that it was over. I will find it difficult to wait for the next installment of the Mercy Medallion Trilogy.
Vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings set the stage for an unusual but nevertheless engrossing story. There were times that I did not approve of Mercy’s decisions and/or actions but I was still able to sympathize with the desperation that drove her. Rand was never my choice for Mercy. I always felt he was just a somewhat spoiled rich boy but he did redeem himself by his generous aid to Mercy at the end. Elijah Hale did not play a very prominent role until the last part of the story but I hope to read more of his story in the next book. There were certainly several unexpected twists that I didn’t see coming.
Traces of Mercy may be one of the best books I have read this year and there have been many that I would rate as extremely good. It is a “don’t miss” book, especially of those who love historical fiction.
by admin | Nov 1, 2013 | Books, Historical, Romance, WWII
MY REVIEW:
Liz Tolsma is a new author to me so I was not sure what to expect when I agreed to review “Snow on the Tulips”. I am happy to say that there was absolutely no reason to be concerned. The story grabbed me immediately and I was not ready to give it up when I reached the final page.
“Snow on the Tulips” was so well written that I almost felt as if I were there with the characters and experiencing everything they experienced – the fear, the anger, the determination, the hopelessness, the deprivation, and the grief. I could also identify with Cornelia’s feeling that God did not listen to her prayers. It is beyond my imagination how citizens of countries occupied by Nazi forces were able to function day to day with the ever present threat of those cruel and unfeeling men. I knew very little about the Dutch resistance during World War 2 but found their story both fascinating and inspiring.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity, another new author has been added to my Must Read list. “Snow on the Tulips” kept me spellbound until the end and I am in hopes that a sequel is in the works. I would recommend this novel to anyone, both male or female, especially those who enjoy historical fiction of this era.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.
The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.
When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.
As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.
She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story will end before it even begins.
Purchase a copy here.
Learn more at Liz’s website.
A splendid debut novel! With a tender romance, a gripping plot, and a well-researched setting, Snow on the Tulips drew me in to the harrowing uncertainty of life in the Netherlands under Nazi rule. Liz Tolsma’s beautiful story kept me up at night—not just wondering what would happen to her endearing characters, but wondering what I would do in similar circumstances. Do not miss this book!
Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of With Every Letter
This book was a fascinating look at WWII from the Netherlands perspective, one I hadn’t heard before. It captured my interest and wouldn’t give it back until the last page!
CBA Retailers and Resources
Tolsma crafts strong characters and easy-to-visualize scenes. The inherent danger of the Nazi occupation is apparent. Relevant biblical connections remind the reader that God is always in control, no matter how dire the situation may seem. Tolsma’s story is a way to remember the past and those who gave their lives for freedom. A German and Dutch glossary is included.
4 Star Romantic Times Review
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com.
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
Liz Tolsma is celebrating the release of her novel, Snow on the Tulips, by giving away an Amazon Reading Pack to one lucky winner.
Find out what readers are saying about the book here.
One winner will receive:
- A $50 Amazon gift card
- Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 16th. Winner will be announced November 18th at Liz’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Liz’s blog on the 18th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox! Just enter your email address on the left sidebar of her blog.)
Snow on the Tulips “Amazon Reader Pack” Giveaway from Liz Tolsma!
by admin | Oct 29, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
In the exciting conclusion of The East Salem Trilogy, Tommy Gunderson and Dani are joined by Quinn, Cassandra, and Reese as they race against time to help save the world from the forces of darkness which include both men and demons. The evil administrators of St. Adrian’s Academy have groomed chosen students to implement their sinister plot. The school has an apparent alliance with Linz Pharmaceuticals whose new wonder drug Provivilan is not at all what has been advertised to the public. Everything indicates that the major conflict will take place on Christmas. Is the team ready for battle?
I can truthfully say that I enjoyed “Fatal Tide”. The plot moved along well for the most part except for the time or two that I got a little bogged down in the details. I liked the primary characters and their determination to do what was right in fighting to protect those in danger. I was also pleased with the ending and their discussion giving the credit to the Lord.
I know there are those who will criticize “Fatal Tide” for its theological shortcomings. I remind them that the book is entirely a work of fiction and should not be viewed as a doctrinal statement. I agree that there is an entire supernatural realm that most people never even get a glimpse of. I also believe that most spiritual warfare is carried out through prayer. That being the case, I personally viewed Tommy’s battles against the forces of darkness with his guns and other human weapons as just a part of the story and perhaps symbolic of the battles we must fight in the spiritual realm. Once again, “Fatal Tide” is FICTION and should be enjoyed at face value. It should also be a reminder of the war that surrounds us and should encourage us to pray, pray, pray because God and his angels are waiting to act on our behalf.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publisher’s BookSneeze program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In East Salem, the elite St. Adrian’s Academy is at the nexus of a satanic apocalypse—and the fatal tide is rising.
When Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights is reunited with the pagans who commissioned it, a dark prophecy begins to unfold in East Salem, beginning with a savage double-murder by hellish creatures straight out of the painting itself. The lone survivor of the attack, a seventeen-year-old Brit, finds sanctuary at Tommy Gunderson’s home—and the place is soon surrounded by demons who seem to be biding their time…but for how long?
Tommy’s pond has been contaminated with Provivilan—an insidious drug that could transform New York City’s children into an army of violence-addicted murderers. But for an occult cabal in the upper echelons of Linz Pharmaceuticals, contaminating the water supply is just part of an ancient conspiracy against all of humankind.
As the clouds gather, Tommy and Dani realize they must infiltrate Linz and St. Adrian’s to stop the dissemination of Provivilan. Even then, it could take a tangible eruption of the battle between angels and demons to save humanity from the supernatural evils that have been summoned to East Salem.
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.
Pete Nelson lives with his wife and son in Westchester, New York. He got his MFA from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 1979 and has written both fiction and non-fiction for magazines, including Harpers, Playboy, Esquire, MS, Outside, The Iowa Review, National Wildlife, Glamour, Redbook. He was a columnist for Mademoiselle and a staff writer for LIVE Magazine, covering various live events including horse pulls, music festivals, dog shows, accordion camps and arm wrestling championships. Recently he was a contributing editor and feature writer for Wondertime, a Disney parenting magazine. He’s published twelve young adult novels, including a six-book series about a girl named Sylvia Smith-Smith which earned him an Edgar Award nomination from the Mystery Writers of America. His young adult non-fiction WWII history, Left For Dead (Randomhouse, 2002) about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis won the 2003 Christopher award as was named to the American Library Association’s 2003 top ten list. His other non-fiction titles include Real Man Tells All (Viking, 1988), Marry Like a Man (NAL, l992), That Others May Live (Crown, 2000) and Kidshape (Rutledge Hill, 2004). His novel The Christmas List was published by Rutledge Hill Press in 2004. He wrote, with former army counterintelligence agent Dave DeBatto, a four book series of military thrillers, including CI: Team Red (2005), CI: Dark Target (2006), CI: Mission Liberty (2006) and CI: Homeland Threat (2007) published by Time-Warner. A More Unbending Battle; The Harlem Hellfighters’ Struggle for Democracy in WWI and Equality at Home, was published in 2009 by Basic Civitas books. His novel, I Thought You Were Dead, will be published by Algonquin in 2010. He also has two CDs out on the Signature Sounds label, the first entitled The Restless Boys Club (1996), the second called Days Like Horses (2000).
