by admin | Jun 21, 2008 | Books
It’s June 21st, time for the Teen FIRST blog tour!(Join our alliance! Click the button!) Every 21st, we will feature an author and his/her latest Teen fiction book’s FIRST chapter!
Zondervan (May 1, 2008)
In sixth grade, Melody Carlson helped start a school newspaper called The BuccaNews (her school’s mascot was a Buccaneer…arrr!). As editor of this paper, she wrote most of the material herself, creating goofy phony bylines to hide the fact that the school newspaper was mostly a “one man” show.
Visit the Melody’s website to see all of her wonderful and various book titles.
Don’t miss the second book in this series: Stealing Bradford (Carter House Girls, Book 2)
And one of her latest, A Mile in My Flip-Flops will be featured on FIRST Blog Alliance on July 1st!
Product Details:
List Price: $9.99
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310714885
ISBN-13: 978-0310714880
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
“Desiree,” called Inez as she knocked on the other side of the closed bedroom door. “Mrs. Carter wants to see you downstairs.”
“The name is DJ.”
“I’m sorry, but your grandmother has instructed me to call you Desiree.”
DJ opened the door and looked down on the short and slightly overweight middle-aged housekeeper. “And I have instructed you to call me DJ.”
Inez’s dark eyes twinkled as she gave her a sly grin. “Yes, but it’s your grandmother who pays my salary, Desiree. I take orders from Mrs. Carter. And she wants to see you downstairs in her office, pronto.”
DJ grabbed her favorite Yankees ball cap and shoved it onto her head, pulling her scraggly looking blonde ponytail through the hole in the back of it. (more…)
by admin | Jun 18, 2008 | Books
This week, the
is introducing
(Realms – June 3, 2008)
by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted. He was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years and has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets. Mike also has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters.
Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer’s Network, and International Thriller Writers. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity.
You can read a great interview with Mike, over here on TitleTrakk
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A town’s deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith…
After learning of the disappearance of his nephew, Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home of Dark Hills to aid in the search effort. When Caleb is found, badly mauled and clinging to life, Joe embarks on a mission to find the beast responsible. But the more Joe delves into the fabric of his old hometown, the more he realizes Dark Hills has a dark secret, shrouded for three generations in a deadly code of silence.
As Joe unravels the truth behind a series of unexplained animal attacks, murder, and corruption at the highest level of law enforcement, he is led to a final showdown where he must entrust his very life into God’s hands. Will his young faith be strong enough to battle the demonic forces of The Hunted.
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.
Mike Dellosso could very well be the next Frank Peretti-if you liked The Oath and Monster, you are going to love The Hunted.
–C.J. Darlington, Cofounder and book editor, Titletrakk.com
A spine-tingling tale of hidden secrets, buried hopes, and second chances. A story best read with all the lights on and an extra flashlight–just in case!
–Amy Wallace, author of Ransomed Dreams
Mike Dellosso’s pins-and-needles thriller hurtles the reader down a dark and twisted path. I dare you to take this one home!
–Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author of the To Catch a Thief suspense series
With hints of Frank Peretti and Stephen King, The Hunted is a chilling debut.”
–Creston Mapes, author of Nobody
A vicious enemy, a family secret, a thirst for revenge, and a need for reconciliation all drive The Hunted from intriguing beginning to thrilling conclusion.”
–Kathryn Mackel, author of Vanished
Read this someplace safe as you experience the incredibly descriptive world of The Hunted. And sleep with the lights on.
–Austin Boyd, author of Mars Hill Classified trilogy
MY REVIEW:
The Hunted is a supernatural thriller that will have you jumping at every sound, especially if like me, you stay up reading after the rest of the house is asleep. The story grabs you at the very first sentence and won’t let you go until the very end. It was hard to put down to take care of the mundane but necessary tasks of life.
I won’t go into the plot or themes of the book – you can read most of that in the book description and comments by others. I will agree that Mike Delosso’s writing is on the par with Peretti or Dekker although with his own original style. The characters have real depth and the story line is believable yet extraordinary. Joe and Maggie’s struggles with their past, their faith, and their secrets made them characters I could relate to. I was very impressed with the deft manner spiritual truth was woven throughout the suspenseful story.
I would definitely give The Hunted a 10 as a book to keep you up at night but one that also gives you something to think about.
Come and visit the blogs in the tour:
Adam at Northwoods Blumer
Alexis at Ramblings From Life
Amy at sprightly
Amy at My Life
Andie at frommipov
Angela at One Baby, Seven Dogs, and a Mommy
April at Projecting A
Beth at The Write Message
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Brandilyn at Forensics and Faith
Brittanie at A Book Lover
C.J. at C.J. Darlington.com
Caleb at Reviews Plus+
Camy at Camy Tang
Carla at Carla’s Writing Café
Carol at Blogging With Carol
CeeCee at Book Splurge
Cheri at Kudzu and Koolaid
Chris at Chris Wells: Learning Curve
Christy at Christy’s Book Blog
Christy at At Split Ends
Courtney at A Mom Speaks
Dave at Dave Rhoades
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deborah at books, movies and chinese food
Debra at Soul Reflections
Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
E.J at Sword and Pen
Ernie at Writing: My Adventures In Words
Georgiana at Georgiana D
Gina at Upon Reflection
Gina at Portrait Of A Writer
Gretchen at Inspire Me
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Janna at Cornhusker Academy
Jason at Spoiled For The Ordinary
Jessica at Praise, Prayers and Observations
Jim B. at The Bedford Review
Joleen at timetotalk
Karen at Mommy of Three”
Karla at Ramblin’ Roads To Everywhere
Kelly at Scrambled Dregs
Kim at Window To My World
Kimberly at QuiddamChickee To Save The Day
Kristi at Stamped With Grace
Laura at Laura William’s Musings
Leah at Ponderings From My Heart
Linda at Faith In Love
Lynetta at Open Book
Lynnae at Lynnae’s Bookshelf
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
Michelle at Just A Minute
Michelle at Michelle’s Great Blogs
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Nicole at Into The Fire
Pam at Mom’s Mutterings
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Peg at Sips ‘n Cups Cafeteria
Rachelle at Stifled Squeal
Rel at Relz Reviewz
Sean at Bookmark Cafe
Stacy at Vader’s Mom
Stormi at Mystery, Suspense, And God, Oh My!
Susan at His Reading List
Takiela at Beauty 4 Ashes
Tamera at Tamera Alexander’s Blog
Tracy at Pix-N-Pens
Tricia at It’s Real Life
Ty at Faithwebbin.net
Nessie at Illuminating Fiction
Virginia at CeCe Lane
by admin | Jun 18, 2008 | Books
It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book’s FIRST chapter!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today’s Wild Card author is:
and her book:
She Always Wore Red
Tyndale House Publishers (April 23, 2008)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children have reached their twenties, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards–one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her doctorate in 2008. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Visit her at her website.
AND NOW…THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Chapter One
The nameless cadaver on the cover of my anatomy textbook—a middle-aged man who is no longer black, white, or brown—would be counted among the orange in a census of the embalmed.
Someone should have adjusted the tint before they juiced him.
I flip the book open and study the color photographs of the cadaver’s aortic arch and brachiocephalic veins, then close my eyes and try to commit the multisyllable words to memory. Here I am, near the end of my first semester of mortuary school, and I’m still having trouble keeping my veins and arteries straight.
Behind me, an irate mother in the carpool line is honking, though we have a good three minutes before kindergarten dismissal. She probably has to pick up her child and get back to work before the end of her lunch hour. While I sympathize with her impatience, I wish she’d lay off the horn so I can concentrate. (more…)
by admin | Jun 16, 2008 | Books
This week, the
is introducing
(Bethany House June 1, 2008)
by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deanne Gist has been a busy lady. She had a career in elementary education. She raised four children. In fifteen years she has: run a home accessory/antique business, member of the press, penned freelance journalism for a few well-known publications, People, Parents, Family Fun and more. She was the CFO for her husband’s engineering company, she did all this in her home.
She also founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products which would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.
Eight months later, she submitted A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers and they picked it up for their new “edgy inspirational” line of historical fiction. After its release in July 2005, Bride hit eight best seller lists and has sold over 100,000 copies and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2006. The Measure of a Lady was her 2006 summer release. It hit five best seller lists and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2007. Gist is contracted to have a new book come out every summer. Courting Trouble was her 2007 summer release and it hit three best seller lists.
Deeanne lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-four years. They have two kids in high school, two in college.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Texas-Sized Tale of Unexpected Love
Essie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm. Independent and outspoken, she’s known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than for catching a man’s eye.
And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer’s oil company. The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune–not lose his heart to this headstrong blond. She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him. Sometimes he doesn’t know if she’s driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope.
That’s how life is …Deep In The Heart Of Trouble
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
Deeanne can be reached through the Contact link on her Website
“Christy Award winner Gist’s historical romances have increasingly gained popularity, combining witty dialog, well-balanced plots, and fully developed characters who seem almost real. Recommended for CF and romance collections.”
— Library Journal
“Gist does it again! Her signature prose is consistent and she delivers a thoroughly delightful and entertaining story that’s worthy of our time and attention. Not only won’t you want to put this book down, you’ll want to enjoy this story again and again.”
— JUNE TOP PICK, 4-1/2 STARS, Romantic Times, Jennifer Reyes
“Gist has once again written a delightfully humorous historical romance. After reading the first book in this series of two, I was anxious to get my hands on this one. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed … It is a spectacular, feel-good story which I highly recommend. You will definitely be glad you read it.”
-– FIVE STAR RATING, The Romance Studio, Brenda Talley
MY REVIEW:
Deeanne Gist has become one of my new favorite authors with her deft mix of humor, history, romance, and sometimes suspense. Deep in the Heart of Trouble was not a disappointment.
As a result of a disastrous romance, Essie Spreckelmeyer had decided to live her life without a man and was content helping her father run the family oil business and with her controversial Corsicana Velocipede Club. An independent, spirited, opinionated young woman, Essie was not exactly what most men were looking for in a wife anyway.
When his father died, Tony Morgan suddenly found himself disinherited from his family’s successful oil business. Determined to prove himself on his own merit, Tony took a job at Sullivan Oil as Tony Bryant. Set on learning every aspect of the oil business from the ground up, Tony definitely did not have the time or money for a woman in his life.
Neither Essie nor Tony were prepared for the sparks that flew as they fought their mutual attraction.
Against the backdrop of late nineteenth century Texas oil country, Deep in the Heart of Trouble is the story of loss and love, disappointment and determination, fear and faith, betrayal and loyalty, secrets and revelations. Each character is unique and adds to the distinct flavor of the book. Although Deep in the Heart of Trouble is a truly enjoyable read on its own, I would also recommend Courting Trouble for the first installment of Essie’s story.
Come and visit the blogs participating in the tour:
Adam at Northwoods Blumer
Alexis at Ramblings From Life
Amy at Simple Folk Schoolhouse
Amy at sprightly
Amy at My Life
Andrea at The Laughs Will Go On
Angela at One Baby, Seven Dogs, and a Mommy
April at Projecting A
Barbara at Victoria Hill Farm
Becky at Savvy Mom
Beth at The Write Message
Betsy Ann at Betsy Ann “Writer at Large!”
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Brandilyn at Forensics and Faith
Brittanie at A Book Lover
Camy at Camy Tang
Cara at the law, books, and life
Carolyn at Serenity
CeeCee at Book Splurge
Christy at At Split Ends
Courtney at A Mom Speaks
Dave at Dave Rhoades
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deborah at books, movies and chinese food
Deborah at Country At Heart
Deborah at Comfort Joy Designs
Debra at Soul Reflections
Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Gina at Upon Reflection
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Janna at Cornhusker Academy
Jason at Spoiled For The Ordinary
Jenn at Blessed is She…
Jennifer at Musings on This, That, & The Other Thing
Jennifer at So Many Books…So Little Time
Jenny at Come Meet AusJenny
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Jim B. at The Bedford Review
Joleen at timetotalk
Karen at Mommy of Three”
Karla at Ramblin’ Roads To Everywhere
Kelly at Scrambled Dregs
Kim at Window To My World
Kim at Rainy Day Diamonds
Kimberly at QuiddamChickee To Save The Day
Krista at Welcome To Married Life
Lacy at Novel Inspirations
Laura at Laura William’s Musings
Leah at Ponderings From My Heart
Leslie at A Little Bit Of Sunlight
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Linda at Faith In Love
Marcia at Writer-lee
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
Michelle at Just A Minute
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Nora at Finding Hope Through Christian Fiction
Pam at Mom’s Mutterings
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Peg at Sips ‘n Cups Cafeteria
Pepper at Great Christian Fiction
Rachelle at Stifled Squeal
Becky at Becky’s Christian Reviews
Rel at Relz Reviewz
Ruth at Booktalk & more…
Ryan at loves to read
Sean at Bookmark Cafe
Sherry at Everything Moms
Stephanie at Punkin’ Press
Stormi at Mystery, Suspense, And God, Oh My!
Susan at Scribbles by Susan May Warren
Tabitha at 123pizza’s Weblog
Tamera at Tamera Alexander’s Blog
Tara at Tara’s View Of The World
Amber at Amber Miller
Valerie at In My Little World
Victoria at Footprints In The Sand
Virginia at CeCe Lane
Winter at Rodeo with A Twist Of Suspense
Margaret at Creative Madness
In sixth grade, Melody Carlson helped start a school newspaper called The BuccaNews (her school’s mascot was a Buccaneer…arrr!). As editor of this paper, she wrote most of the material herself, creating goofy phony bylines to hide the fact that the school newspaper was mostly a “one man” show.
