by admin | Nov 20, 2012 | Books, Fantasy
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
StarflowerBethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)
by
Anne Elisabeth StenglABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.
Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?
When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission…and a race against his rival for Gleamdren’s favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.
But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren’s rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Starflower, go HERE.
by admin | Nov 18, 2012 | Books, Christmas
MY REVIEW:
To think that just a few years ago I was completely unaware that Melody Carlson releases a Christmas novella each year and now her newest one is simply a MUST to help get my heart prepared for the season. I have even managed to find a few of her previous ones that I missed. “The Christmas Pony”, the 2012 offering, did not disappoint. It was a nostalgic delight featuring 8-year-old Lucy whose heart’s desire was a pony for Christmas.
Times were hard so a pony for Christmas was pretty much an impossibility but Lucy could still dream and when her prayer for paying guests at her family’s boarding house was answered, her expectations were raised. Maybe her mother might smile again or even a pony might be possible!
Carlson packs a lot of meaning into such a small book. “The Christmas Pony” is a beautiful story about the faith of a child and the very real possibility of Christmas miracles. It is one that will leave the reader with a touch of hope despite the evidence to the contrary that surrounds us. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy ASAP. You may very well become a fan like me.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The queen of the Christmas novella, Melody Carlson pens another magical tale of expectation and excitement as one little girl dreams big and the impossible becomes possible.
Eight-year-old Lucy Turnbull knew better than to wish for a pony that Christmas in 1937. Her mother had assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony was the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they needed at their boarding house were the paying kind. But when an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, Lucy starts to believe her Christmas wishes might just come true after all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, The Jerk Magnet,and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books in 2010 and won the award in 2011. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
Praise for Other Melody Carlson Christmas Titles
The Christmas Shoppe: “This magical Christmas story is filled with anticipation, holiday traditions and delight. What happens … is a true gift to readers.” 4 Stars – RT Reviews
Christmas at Harrington’s:“Melody has unforgettable characters. It was heartbreaking and fascinating all at the same time. This author has a way of writing a story readers can connect with. This is a meaningful, touching story that will become your families’ favorite. You’ll want to read it again and share it with friends.” – Novel Reviews
The Christmas Dog: “Whether you’re struggling to find that perfect gift or just craving a cheery story to put you in the mood for Christmas, this book is for you.” – Faithful Reader
by admin | Nov 17, 2012 | Amish, Books
MY REVIEW:
An Amish romance novel based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew – what an interesting concept! Every time I think that there cannot possible be anything new under the sun as far as Amish fiction goes, I am reminded of how creative so many of our Christian fiction authors can be. Amish fiction is not my favorite genre but I keep reading it and am constantly being surprised by new and interesting plots.
I loved the character of Cate who had internalized her emotional wounds over the years. It had become so instinctual for her to be defensive with others that she didn’t realize how much her caustic reactions pushed people away. Pete’s arrival in Paradise Township changes everything. In a story rife with misunderstandings and difficulties, Cate is forced to meet some challenges head-on. What she doesn’t realize is that as she is being sifted, her spirit is undergoing some radical positive changes and her outlook on life also undergoes a major change.
Courting Cate is a fun read with a serious message. Fans of Shakespeare will probably find themselves looking for the similarities to The Taming of the Shrew.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
But the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.
Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate’s hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?
Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.
Purchase a copy of Courting Cate HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, including Garden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon.
KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY:
A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)!
One lucky winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Courting Cate by Leslie Gould
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the “Courting Cate” Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!
by admin | Nov 17, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
No Safe Harbor is a historical romance with a large dose of suspense. In fact, although the romantic aspect is excellent, the suspense is a prominent component of the story. A major theme of the novel is vengeance and the negative affect it has on all involved when they don’t turn it over to the Lord.
Both Rourke and Cara kept secrets from the other which resulted in feeling of guilt and lack of trust. However Cara’s unfailing faith and willingness to forgive eventually overpowered Rourke’s desire for retribution.
No Safe Harbor is definitely a page turner with several breathtaking scenes. I didn’t want to put it down until I reached the end. Definitely a MUST READ in my opinion.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she’s found is a web of danger.
Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend–Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother’s warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.
She’s then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother–but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.
With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke… a man she’s grown to love?
Purchase a copy here.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author and an accomplished speaker and teacher. Her historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned four stars from Romantic Times. She is the owner and editor of the popular literary blog The Borrowed Book. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in Orange, Texas.
Learn more at www.elizabethludwig.com.
Elizabeth Ludwig’s “No Safe Harbor” Kindle Fire Giveaway and 12/6 Facebook Party!
Elizabeth Ludwig is celebrating her new book with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at a Facebook Author Chat party on 12/6.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5th. Winner will be announced at the “No Safe Harbor” Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/6. Connect with Elizabeth, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Edge of Freedom series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and win some great prizes—gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies for your book club or small group)!
So grab your copy of No Safe Harbor and join Elizabeth on the evening of the December 6th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!
