by admin | Jul 1, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Back on the set of Stars Collide, “The Director”s Cut” places director Tia Morales and cameraman Jason Harris front and center stage for this fun and romantic novel. Tia is good at what she does on the job but she can’t quite get her own life to stay on the track she’d like it to take, especially when it comes to her family. New members to the staff, including her sister, stretch Tia’s patience while unexpected attention from Jason encourages her to loosen up a bit.
With the inclusion of the characters we have come to love from the previous novels in the Backstage Pass series and Thompson’s trademark humor, “The Director’s Cut” is the perfect summer read, whether on the beach or in an easy chair with air conditioning. As always, Janice has woven a strong spiritual lesson throughout the story but its enjoyable context helps it go down so well. May we all learn along with Tia to let go of our control and give it to the Lord. He has an even better plan for us than we can imagine.
I heartily recommend “The Director’s Cut” as well as the rest of the Backstage Pass series. In fact, I’ve never met a book by Janice Thompson that I didn’t like. If you are not familiar with her books, this would be a good series to begin with.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Janice Thompson spins a story full of humor and crazy family dynamics in this colorful inside look at Hollywood with a healthy dose of romance.
Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She’s the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get her family to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts butting heads with handsome camera operator Jason Harris, it’s enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life—and love—as it comes?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Stars Collide, and Hello, Hollywood! She lives in Texas.
Praise for Janice Thompson:
Hello, Hollywood!
“Thompson writes an enjoyable story that will make you want to adopt the Pappas family as your own.”—RT Book Reviews
“Janice provides an upbeat and engaging story and her readers will adore Hello, Hollywood!.”—RelzReviews.com
“This fun entry in Thompson’s comic Hollywood series (after Stars Collide) features humor, romance, and breezy dialog.”—Library Journal
Stars Collide
“An eclectic mix of the sort of zany characters Thompson is known for adds levity to this modern, star-studded romance. Glimpses into a Hollywood television studio and a series of lively comedic events make for a contemporary low-key inspirational romance that will appeal to readers who enjoyed the setting and humor of Rene Gutteridge’s Occupational Hazards series.”—Booklist
“A fun novel of love, paparazzi, and family, Stars Collide is a read that won’t easily be put down.”—Midwest Book Review
by admin | Jun 29, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingDoctor’s DevotionLove Inspired (June 19, 2012)byCheryl WyattABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born Valentine’s Day on a Navy base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. Cheryl loves interacting with her readers and can be found almost daily on Facebook.
Word from the Author:
I do regular giveaways including a Kindle for every 250 people who join (aka “Like) my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor and I’d LOVE for word to spread about that. We have a lot of fun there as I ask for frequent reader input on current books, with helpers being mentioned in the acknowledgements and fun stuff like that.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Doctor’s Vow.
When he fled Eagle Point years ago, former air force trauma surgeon Mitch Wellington left only broken dreams behind. Now he’s back with a new dream—opening a trauma center in the rural area and saving lives. He hopes to hire the quick-thinking nurse who impressed him during an emergency. But Lauren Bates lost her faith and doesn’t believe she deserves to help anyone. Mitch knows firsthand what loss feels like. And it’ll take all his devotion to show Lauren that sometimes the best medicine is a combination of faith, community—and love.
Eagle Point Emergency: Saving lives—and losing their hearts—in a small Illinois town.
If you would like to read an excerpt of the first chapter of Doctor’s Devotion, go HERE.
by admin | Jun 29, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Tennessee
MY REVIEW:
I am sorry to say it has been awhile since I have read a book by Gilbert Morris but I didn’t have to read very far into The River Rose before I remembered why I once bought each new installment of The Winslow Family series as soon as they hit the shelves. Mr. Morris has a way with words and tells such a good story that he makes history come to life for me. I find myself learning what could be dull facts but enjoying it.
The River Rose lived up to my expectations in every way. The fact that it had a Memphis setting was even more enjoyable as I have lived in the area just outside the city for my entire life. It was interesting reading about the city’s history from the viewpoint of people who lived it – even if they were fictional. Inclusion of historic Memphis landmarks such as the Gayoso Hotel and Court Square, Front Street, Mud Island, etc. were icing on the cake. I loved reading about life on a riverboat and was reminded of my senior prom on the Memphis Queen quite a few years ago.
As far as the actual story, the plot was excellent with plenty of action, drama, romance and humor. More than one close call and some surprising plot twists kept me turning the pages. Several strong characters displayed a variety of very human traits that gave the story a natural and believable quality. As always, a strong message of faith added an extra dimension to the story.
I purposely have not attempted to describe the plot – there is quite enough information in the book description below. Anything I could add might possibly give away too much and I wouldn’t want to hinder the enjoyment of The River Rose in any way. Just be advised that this book is a must for those who enjoy good historical fiction. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from B&H Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Life hasn’t been easy for Jeanne Bettencourt, a widow approaching thirty and struggling to provide for her eight-year-old daughter. But hope arrives in the form of the Helena Rose, a steamboat she unexpectedly inherits from a distant, departed relative. Jeanne’s father had captained a similar vessel and taught her how to pilot a steamer along the banks of Memphis. She’s looking forward to a renewed livelihood on the mighty Mississippi.
However, as plans are made, news comes of another heir to the Helena Rose — a tough man named Clint Hardin — and a clause in the will that says claimants of the estate must live aboard the boat. Jeanne, a Christian woman, makes it clear she won’t stay with a man who is not her husband. But both are desperate for work, so they agree to keep their distance as Clint occupies the lower deck and Jeanne takes the captain’s quarters.
As they restore the Helena Rose, the slowly softening Clint becomes attracted to Jeanne — who is now being courted by a wealthy plantation owner. With her family and future at stake, the desires of Jeanne’s heart are duly complex. Only her simple faith can navigate her through what’s about to happen.
Read the first chapter of The River Rose HERE.:
ABOUT GILBERT MORRIS:
Gilbert Morris is among today’s most popular Christian writers, his books having sold over seven million copies worldwide. A former pastor and English professor, he specializes in historical fiction and won a 2001 Christy Award for the Civil War drama Edge of Honor. Morris lives with his wife in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Q & A with Gilbert Morris:
What is your writing method? Do you write in the morning? At night? All day? How long do you write in a single session?
I have no set schedule for writing a novel. While I am working on it, sometimes it goes easily, and I just pour on the coal. If it goes badly, I have to spend more time on the text. Naturally, I love it when the words seem to flow!
How do you do your historical research?
I think it can be easy to do too much research, just as it can be a mistake to do too little. Some writers are so anxious the give the historical background, that they forget the story. My own problem is to do a good job with research and with the story.
How do you manage to keep your dialogue true to the time period without allowing it to sound stilted?
Reading a great deal of Dickens, for example, will carry over into the writer’s work. There is a danger that all of a writer’s characters will sound alike, which makes for bad fiction. I always try to find some characteristic that will set a character apart, perhaps bad grammar or a pronounced regional accent.
You used to follow the same storytelling technique of the late Sidney Sheldon—told your stories on tape to get the rough draft down, and then had them transcribed to start your writing process. Are you still using this technique for your current books?
Yes, I do dictate all my books. I take the outline and the list of characters, and put each chapter on a cassette. Then I have a lady take the tapes, type them out, and send them to me. Of course, when I get the hard copy, that’s usually when the hard work of revision rears its ugly head! My daughter Lynn, who has written some fine novels, helps me with this stage, for which I am profoundly grateful.
In many of your books, you feature a strong female main character that suffers from flaws and weaknesses. Why do you write about women in this way?
I try to give all characters, both male and female, young and old, flaws and weaknesses. That is human, and if a character is perfect that is totally unbelievable!
Look at the great classic novels by the great novelists. All of them set forth characters, who, in one way or another, are flawed. It is the job of the novelist to dramatize the characters as they attempt to overcome these flaws.
Your novels have a number of female characters with red hair and green eyes. Is that based on a real person?
Got lots of red hair in my family, so I always like redheads! No green eyes. I just get tired of trying, in a book with forty characters, to give them eyes that differ. Blue, brown, green. What other colors can eyes be?
I did say of one shady character, “He had eyes the color of spit.” Now, really, that character had to be evil!
What fascinates you most about 1850s Mississippi?
It was a dramatic time in American history. The Civil War, the rise of modern transportation, the beginning of our industrial growth.
How did you decide to set your story on a steamer?
When I was a boy, I lived for a time in Helena, Arkansas. The river then was still thick with the sternwheelers, and I would sit for hours on the bank of the river and watch them, and riding on one was a thrill.
When you’re writing a series such as the Water Wheel series, how do you decide which characters to carry over into the sequels?
I usually make this decision before I begin the first novel in the series. Some generational sagas lend themselves to stepping from one book to another, others I like to confine to one book.
I have a signed a contract to do a trilogy about San Francisco in the 1850s. That opens up the door for a family to go through (1) the gold rush of 1849, (2) the rise of rich people and how they are brought down, and (3) the earthquake and how the family survives and strengthens.
What book project are you working on next?
I am working on Book #2 of a series called Western Justice. These three westerns are set in Oklahoma Territory shortly after the Civil War. Judge Isaac Parker had 200 marshals to keep order, and many of them were killed in line of duty. The most famous of these is Heck Thomas, but if you’ve seen TRUE GRIT, you get the flavor of the series. Romance, action, Christian doctrine!
What is the one thing that you want to leave readers of The River Rose pondering over?
As in all my books, I want my readers to see how vital it is to serve God no matter how difficult that might be.
Do you have a long-term plan for your novel writing? Are you planning to retire, or can we eagerly anticipate dozens more Gilbert Morris stories?
I am working on three series at the present time. One will deal with the men and women who serve in different branches of the service.
Another is the second novel about a young woman, Jordan Lee, who serves in the military, then in the House of Representatives.
The work I most enjoy is a series of mysteries featuring a man and a woman—and two cats. I’ve written three of these, and have had a blast! They are my favorite novels. The next one will be entitled Desperate Housecats.
And no, I will never retire!
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website and blog are at http://www.gilbertmorris.com
Subscribe to my blog’s feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GilbertMorris
Sign up for my e-newsletter (for subscriber-only giveaways and advance notice of my upcoming novels): http://gilbertmorris.com/news.htm
Facebook page: facebook.com/gilbertmorrisbooks
Pinterest: facebook.com/gilbertmorrisbooks
Twitter: @gilbert_morris – https://twitter.com/#!/gilbert_morris
by admin | Jun 27, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
At times poignant and other times humorous, “Lucy Come Home” is a gripping story that draws the reader right into it. It is the story of eighty year-old Lucy, a homeless street person who sometimes frequents the House of Hope shelter although she seems to be much happier on the street if the weather is good. For anyone who has ever wondered how or why the homeless have ended up that way, Lucy’s tale should be an eyeopener. As it switches back and forth between Lucy’s current life and the events of her younger year, it is easy to imagine the tragedy, pain, and hopelessness that led her to her present circumstances.
Appearances by familiar characters from earlier Jackson novels including the Yada Yada Prayer House and House of Hope series are welcome and help provide a comfortable backdrop for the story. The plot moved at a steady pace and the contrasting time periods changed with perfect timing. I found it easy to keep up with what was going on. Lucy was a memorable character with a caring heart and plenty of spunk despite her history. As in their previous novels, the Jacksons have woven a strong message of faith throughout the narrative. The heavy burden of unresolved guilt is strongly emphasized.
I hesitate to add more for fear of giving too much away. I thoroughly enjoyed “Lucy Come Home” and would recommend it to both men and women.
See what other bloggers have to say about “Lucy Come Home” HERE.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lucy Tucker, the feisty old bag lady we all loved from the House of Hope series, has confounded everyone. Why won’t she come off the streets of Chicago? How did she ever end up there in the first place? Why did she disappear again? We didn’t mean to leave you hanging, but now we can tell the whole story.
It all started back in the summer of 1942 when she and a dashing young man from a traveling carnival ran away together to escape a murder charge … Oh, but you’ll want to read the whole book yourself about carnivals, migrant camps, the war, and true love lost and found.
Fifteen-year-old Cindy worked long days beside her migrant worker family in Michigan’s sugar beet fields in the early 1940s — the “war years” — until she met a dashing young man from a traveling carnival, bringing some joy and fun into her hard-scrabble life. But a tragic twist of fate — and a dead field boss– sent the two young people on the run, leaving behind family and everything she’d ever known.
Lucy Tucker, the crotchety old bag lady from the popular Yada Yada House of Hope series, is a veteran of Chicago streets and not about to give up her independence, even as she approaches her 80th birthday.
Until, that is, a young displaced woman with her gentle aging mother and a dog named Dandy seem to need her — unsettling the secretive Lucy, who doesn’t let anyone get too close. But just when it seems her past is catching up with her to bring her in out of the cold… Lucy disappears again. How these two tales intersect and intertwine between past and present gradually shines light into the dark corners of Lucy’s murky past. But… why won’t Lucy come home? Pick up a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS::
Dave and Neta Jackson are award-winning authors living in the Chicago area where their parallel novels from the Yada Yada House of Hope and Harry Bentley series are set.
As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books.
Visit http://www.daveneta.com for more info.
