by admin | Oct 7, 2012 | Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As the second series featuring the O’Connor family draws to a close, readers finally get to see Steven fall in love. Of course if you’ve read any of Julie’s previous novels, you know it’s not going to be quite that simple. What would be the fun in that? As in all the earlier novels, “A Love Surrendered” is fraught with romantic tension as the primary couple struggle to keep their relationship pure.
Although Steven and Annie are the main characters, the other members of the O’Connor family share the limelight with them. Readers who have read and loved the other books will enjoy the updates on each member of the beloved family as well as their spouses and children. A balanced blend of drama, humor, and romance is spiced with plenty of secrets, some conflict, and joyous events. As usual, what looked at first to be a lengthy book ended much too soon.
I love how real Julie’s characters are. Although each of them has a strong faith, they all struggle with the same everyday temptations as her readers. Then without coming across as preachy, she manages to convey a strong spiritual lesson that illustrates how total dependence on God and lots of prayer is the only way to overcome both temptation and the past.
I am sorry to see the end of the O’Connor family’s story but am looking forward to whatever Julie has planned for us next. At least I can anticipate one more O’Connor story in the prequel “A Light in the Window” waiting on my iPad to read and review later this month.
Please forgive me if my story details have been skimpy. This book is just too good to spoil with too much information. It’s best if you just read it yourself. I do recommend that if you are new to Julie Lessman’s novels that you start at the beginning and read both series in order. Each book can stand on its own but are oh so much better in sequence. Take my word for it.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman’s many fans have been waiting for.
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents’ death. But when she falls hard for Steven O’Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Lessman is the popular author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied, as well as A Hope Undaunted, which was one of 2010’s Booklist Top Ten Inspirational Fiction winners, and A Heart Revealed. Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She lives in Missouri.
Praise for Julie Lessman & the Winds of Change Series:
2011 1st Place Award – Historical Fiction Author of the Year&Romance Author of the Year – Family Fiction
A Hope Undaunted
“A rich girl and a poor boy find that love can be the great equalizer in Lessman’s engrossing tale, which has more awareness and sizzle between the hero and heroine than your average inspirational romance.”
Booklist, starred review
4 Stars
The storyline flows evenly throughout this well-written romance and the characters are well realized. Fans of the 1920s will be extremely satisfied. – RT Reviews
A Heart Revealed
4 Stars
The second book in the widely popular Winds of Change series has romance, secrets and unforgettable characters. Lessman has the ability to bring her books to life for the reader every time. – RT Reviews
by admin | Oct 6, 2012 | Books, Speculative, Suspense
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Brink of Chaos
Zondervan (September 25, 2012)
by
Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Tim LaHaye is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 70 nonfiction books, many on biblical prophecy and end-times. He is the coauthor of the record-shattering Left Behind series and is considered one of America’s foremost authorities on biblical end-times prophecy.
LaHaye has written more than 60 non-fiction books on a wide range of subjects such as: family life, temperaments, sexual adjustment, Bible prophecy, the will of God, Jesus Christ, and secular humanism with over 14 million in print, some of which have been translated into thirty-two foreign languages. His writings are best noted for their easy-to-understand and scripturally based application of biblical principles that assist in facing and handling the challenges of life.
Craig Parshall serves as senior vice-president and general counsel for the National Religious Broadcasters and has authored seven bestselling suspense novels.
Craig Parshall is a highly successful lawyer from the Washington, DC, area and the author of the popular Chambers of Justice series of legal thrillers. With his wife, Janet, he has also authored the historical novel Crown of Fire, which takes place in the 1500s against the turbulent backdrop of the Scottish Reformation.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the third book of The End series, Joshua Jordan remains in Israel during his self-imposed ‘exile’ out of the reach of U.S. authorities who have trumped-up false criminal treason charges against him. His wife, Abigail, continues to lead the Roundtable to prove the innocence of her husband. Following the nuclear attack by Russia, Israel is cleaning up the bodies of dead enemy soldiers for 7 months and setting out on its 7 year plan—both per the prophecies in Ezekiel. As corruption in high government offices threaten to block the election of a worthy presidential candidate by all means necessary—including the unthinkable—Israel’s leadership is tempted to sign a ‘peace’ proposal initiated by the UN under the authority of Coliquin. After he discusses this plan with Pastor Peter Campbell, Joshua is convinced Coliquin may well be the prophesied Anti-Christ and that his peace plan is a trap to destroy Israel. Are the recurring dreams Joshua has had about the coming rapture from God. And is the end sooner than anyone expects?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Brink of Chaos, go HERE
by admin | Oct 1, 2012 | Books, Nonfiction, Spiritural Warfare, The Occult
MY REVIEW:
“Escaping the Cauldron” chronicles Kristine’s eight years in the occult as a “Christian” witch, a medium, and a ghost hunter. Although she believes she was saved at a young age, Kristine had always been fascinated by the dark side. When found no answers to her marriage and financial problems through her church, she began to look for solutions elsewhere and soon found herself an actively practicing witch while attempting to continue her church life also.
This book not only tells Kristine’s personal story but is filled with a wealth of stark facts about the occult. Each chapters is filled with scripture as Kristine makes it a point to emphasize what the Bible has to say about each topic. At the end of each chapter is a concluding verse as well as several questions to discuss and/or consider. Later chapters are Kristine’s attempt to guide other Christians on various contemporary controversial topics such as “Harry Potter”, “Twilight”, Yoga, etc.
I applaud McGuire’s strong use of scripture to back up her stance on the danger of witchcraft and dabbling in other occult practices. I also liked the fact that she included an entire chapter with the gospel message to give readers the opportunity to receive the only true answer to their problems. While I may not agree 100% with her opinion on some of the more controversial topics, it is not a real issue. After all, the topics would not be controversial if everyone agreed and I realize that I might tend to take a more rigid stance on these topics because of my own observations. I was a bit surprised that the subject of current music was not addressed but then, that might take another book to cover.
All in all, “Escaping the Cauldron” is an honest and informative tool that should open readers’ eyes to the subtle ways the occult has infiltrated our society. I for one never knew about the widespread numbers of people who consider themselves Christian witches.
This book was provided for review by Glass Road Public Relations.
From the Back Cover:
An eight-year journey through the occult and into freedom.
Escaping the Cauldron exposes the subtle occult influences that affect 21st century Christians. Part Bible study, part memoir, this book takes the reader deep inside Kristine’s eight year journey as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter and reveals how God delivered her out of the occult altogether and mercifully restored her faith and life in Christ.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristine McGuire is an inspirational writer and speaker, sharing her testimony and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. A gifted writer, her work has been featured on Positively Feminine, Faithful Devotions, and Praise & Coffee Magazine (Fall 2011).
Kristine ‘s first book, Escaping the Cauldron, is an informative memoir and Bible study, recounting her journey from committed Christian to witch, medium, and ghost hunter for eight years until restored to faith in Jesus Christ.
Kristine is a wife and the mother of two adult daughters. She enjoys writing, spending time with her family, long walks, listening to music of all kinds, and experiencing God’s daily gift called life.
by admin | Oct 1, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Always a fan of novels by Denise Hunter, I am particularly happy when one of them is a western romance. You see, I’ve always had a thing for cowboys. I actually married about as close as you can get to one in west Tennessee – a farmer. He does sometimes wear a cowboy hat but instead of a horse, he drove a John Deere.
I patiently waited until I had read all the books in front of “The Trouble With Cowboys” that I had committed to review, difficult as that was but my patience was rewarded. I can truthfully say that the book did not disappoint. With familiar characters from the earlier Big Sky Romance novels and the small town setting of Moose Creek, Montana, I immediately felt right at home. I was quickly drawn into the story of Annie and Dylan and couldn’t wait to find out how their story would end yet at the same time hated to see the last page. The book has just the right blend of drama, action, humor, and romantic tension and some surprises along the way don’t hurt a thing. I loved the give and take between the characters and their honesty. I also enjoyed seeing how things were going with Shay and Travis and Abigail and Wade. Plus the cowboys!
One thing that stood out to me in “The Trouble With Cowboys” is how easily something spoken often enough by a parent can influence the life of a child for many years to come. Both Annie and her younger sister Sierra had difficulty with relationships after watching their mother’s repeated failed marriages, especially when they could remember her often quoted line “The trouble with cowboys is that they always leave.” “The Trouble With Cowboys” is a must read book for fans of western romance that is full of cowboys, romance and lessons for life with a message of faith. Don’t miss it.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Only one pair of boots—and the cowboy wearing them—can get Annie out of the mess she’s in.
Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek’s premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie’s column is cancelled, she’s given first shot at a new lovelorn column—and she can’t afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie’s never been in love.
Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town’s smooth-talking ladies’ man Dylan Taylor: She’ll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he’ll help her answer the reader letters.
Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can’t risk getting hurt now.
The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister’s antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.
When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn’t know what to trust—her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.
Order a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Find out more about Denise ON HER WEBSITE.
Denise Hunter’s “The Trouble with Cowboys” Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway
To celebrate the release of The Trouble with Cowboys Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She’ll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes – including a Kindle Fire!
Save the Date for October 11th!
Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an Author Chat Party on October 11th at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read The Trouble with Cowboys yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (You may win a copy!)
During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!
RSVP today and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!
