by admin | Jun 26, 2015 | Books, Depression Era, Dust Bowl, Historical, Oklahoma, Oklahome
MY REVIEW:
“On Shifting Sand” is a difficult book to read but not because it is poorly written. In fact, in many ways it may be a literary masterpiece. The difficulty is the way Nola gets under your skin and forces you to look at yourself and what drives you – possibly more closely than is comfortable.
There are many who probably should not read this novel because it will not meet their standards of what should constitute a “Christian” novel. After all, the primary character sins repeatedly and for some reason, quite a few readers want their books to be sweet and perfect. So if you are one of those, please don’t bother reading “On Shifting Sand”. It is too down-to-earth and contains what might be offensive to you.
Yes, Nola was messed up and she brought many of her problems on herself. Every time temptation came calling, she fooled herself into thinking she was strong enough to handle it but she rarely succeeded. In fact, there were times that she even went looking for trouble, mistakenly thinking she could set things right. It would be wrong to lay the blame entirely at Nola’s feet or to be so foolish to blame it on the devil. Our enemy does seem to know our weaknesses and is skilled at exploiting them. But Nola was broken emotionally by her upbringing and had such low self-esteem that she needed someone who “saw” her. Her husband Russ, loved her but was so wrapped up in his little congregation that Nola often felt invisible. In her own way, Nola also tried to let Russ know that there was a problem but he never understood.
“On Shifting Sand” is set during the depression and dust bowl era and Pittman’s description of life in Oklahoma during that time is so eloquent that I came close to getting lost there and was almost surprised to look up from my book and find myself in my own air-conditioned home.
I could probably write my own novel about all the impressions I gained from this book. I suggest that if you aren’t afraid of a gritty, realistic book, go ahead and pick up a copy.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network, Inc..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Long before anyone would christen it “The Dust Bowl,” Nola Merrill senses the destruction. She’s been drying up bit by bit since the day her mother died, leaving her to be raised by a father who withholds his affection the way God keeps a grip on the Oklahoma rain. A hasty marriage to Russ, a young preacher, didn’t bring the escape she desired. Now, twelve years later with two children to raise, new seeds of dissatisfaction take root. When Jim, a mysterious drifter and long-lost friend from her husband’s past, takes refuge in their home, Nola slowly springs to life under his attentions until a single, reckless encounter brings her to commit the ultimate betrayal of her marriage. For months Nola withers in the wake of the sin she so desperately tries to bury. Guilt and shame consume her physically and spiritually, until an opportunity arises that will bring the family far from the drought and dust of Oklahoma. Or so she thinks. As the storms follow, she is consumed with the burden of her sin and confesses all, hoping to find Russ’s love strong enough to stand the test.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As far as I know, I have always been a writer. Before I could put words to page, I would dictate stories to my mother. I have always lulled myself to sleep by crafting stories–a new chapter each night. When God called me to write, I was thrilled to answer His prompting. And so it was, after a long conversation with my husband, I left a 20-year teaching career to pursue a new direction. It called for a HUGE step of faith, but God has kept me and our family safe. I count every single one of my readers as one of God’s blessings in my life, and I like to think of my stories as being the first step in a conversation. Please visit my website, www.allisonpittman.com and send me an email. It is one of my greatest joys to hear from you!
by admin | Jun 26, 2015 | Books, Devotional, DVD, Giveaways, Novelization
I have one gift pack of Old Fashioned that includes a copy of the DVD, the novelization, and “The Old Fashioned Way, a devotional based on the film.
If you would like to win a copy, please comment on this post no later than Friday, July 3rd.
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
by admin | Jun 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Devotional, Novelization
MY REVIEW:
I wish I had read the novelization before I watched the DVD for “Old Fashioned”. The narrative really fleshed out the story better and it was easier to understand the viewpoints of both Clay and Amber and what really made them tick. The book itself was easy to read and contained content that was not included in the movie. In particular there were several quite amusing scenes that involved David’s significant other and their daughter. The “Old Fashioned” novel is both entertaining and educational and would be an excellent books for parents to share with their teens.
“The Old Fashioned Way” devotional is written in a manner that immediately caught my attention. Each chapter focuses on something from the movie and leads to a deeper examination of key elements that should help initiate discussion when used in a group setting or could help individuals to think more seriously about their own approach to courtship. Again, I highly recommend this book for teens and preteens.
This book was provided for review by FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network.
ABOUT THE NOVEL:
Turning his back on his reckless lifestyle, former frat boy Clay Walsh has settled down to turn an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town….and to purse lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can’t help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. Amber also finds herself surprisingly drawn to Clay, but his ideas about relationships are unusual to say the least, and they bring to light her own deep wounds and fears about love. They say opposites attract, but can Clay and Amber move beyond their differences and their pasts to attempt an “old fashioned” courtship?
ABOUT THE DEVOTIONAL:
Contrary to popular opinion, being “old fashioned” doesn’t mean you’re dull or unromantic. In fact, a true old fashioned relationship can be more exciting and romantic than anything you’ve ever experienced! So what does it mean to do things the old fashioned way? Sure, it means opening doors, holding out chairs, and taking things slow. But a true old fashioned romance goes much, much deeper than that. Inspired by the motion picture Old Fashioned, this book will show you how to reclaim the lost art of romance by introducing you to romantic love as God intended it. Regardless of your past mistakes, where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or where you are now, you can find and create a love that will last a lifetime! As you work your way through this forty-day journey of inspiring readings and questions for reflection, you’ll discover all the unique and amazing benefits of doing things the old fashioned way. And before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to creating a love story for the ages.
S O C I A L • C O R N E R
Twitter: @OldFashionedVow
“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
by admin | Jun 23, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Marriage
MY REVIEW:
Deborah Raney takes her readers for another visit to the Chicory Inn and the Whitman family where life is not always as calm and serene as first appearance would suggest. In “Two Roads Home” we are brought up-to-date on what is going on at the inn as well as with the rest of Grant and Audrey’s family.
This volume has a heavy emphasis on Corinne and Jesse Pennington, who with their three daughters seem to be living the perfect life. Alas, everything is not as it seems. Jesse has become increasingly disenchanted with his job and the many hours he is forced to travel and spend away from his family. A false accusation by a coworker drives a wedge of distrust between him and his wife, even as some frightening events take place.
“Two Roads Home” covers some tough subject matter that the author handles very well. The Penningtons’ marital problems and the difficulty Grant and Audrey have balancing their new business with time with their children and grandchildren are hard issues faced by many in today’s world.
Overall, the book was an enjoyable read. I would have liked to see Michaela’s character find some redemption before the end. Just as I was beginning to understand the root of her actions, she was out of the story. Perhaps she will make an appearance in the next book of the series.
Fans of Deborah Raney will certainly enjoy “Two Roads Home”. Although it is the second in the series, it can be easily read as a stand-alone. I would personally advise reading the first book “Home to Chicory Lane” first in order to gain some background on the Whitman family and how the inn came about.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What if it’s too late for dreams to come true?
Minor-but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman’s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans’ son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington’s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk.
With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas—the setting of many of Deborah’s novels—for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away. Visit Deborah on the web at DeborahRaney.com.
Find out more about Deborah at http://deborahraney.com.
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Jump back into life at Chicory Inn as Corinne and Jesse find out if their marriage has what it takes to weather life’s rough patches in Deborah Raney‘s Two Roads Home. Too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk. With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?
Enter to win a copy of Two Roads Home—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced July 6 on the Litfuse blog!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
by admin | Jun 22, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Love Arrives in Pieces” is one of those books that speaks to the reader on multiple levels. First of all it is an enjoyable and well-written romance with strong characters and excellent dialogue. On a deeper level, we are shown the reality that outer beauty and popularity does not necessarily make life wonderful for us. The reader of “Love Arrives in Pieces” is given an intimate look at one young woman’s brokenness and the many ways the Lord worked to bring healing to her emotions.
Former beauty queen Stella Varland, damaged emotionally by divorce and betrayal, would rather become invisible if it was at all possible. She loves creating beautiful art but her self-esteem has been so damaged she fails to see her own talent. Desperate to continue paying her own way, she accepts a job as designer for the renovation of Bayou Bend’s old, run-down theater. To her surprise, the contractor/foreman just happens to be the man who broke both her heart and her sister Kat’s. How can she bear to work with Chase with the history they have?
“Love Arrives in Pieces” is a brilliant story that had me emotionally involved with both Stella and Chase from the opening pages. I loved the way the author used mosaic art as a way to highlight Stella’s brokenness and the way Stella’s inspiration to create a mosaic piece came about. I will admit that there were a few times that I became a bit frustrated with Stella’s repeated episodes and wanted to tell her to “get over it already” but mostly I was able to sympathize with her feelings. I liked Chase and the way he tried to protect and encourage Stella, even as he worked to overcome some of his own hangups. And of course the story would not have been the same without the somewhat mysterious and quirky Dixie who seemed to have perfect timing for bringing just the right word for Stella.
This book has earned a place on my keeper shelf and I hope everyone will enjoy it as much as I did.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For so long, Stella was known for her beauty. Now, with her heart stripped bare, she must discover who she really is.
Former pageant queen Stella Varland doesn’t trust beauty anymore after her divorce. Her appearance betrayed her and led to her brokenness—so instead of being beautiful, now she tries to make beautiful things, but always falls short. So she keeps her passion for her secret art to herself and focuses on her interior design work. But if she doesn’t get another job soon, she’ll be stuck living with her parents.
Contractor Chase Taylor is determined to live a life of no regrets after losing his fiancée in a car crash. Now he lives life at full speed, striving to see how much he can accomplish. He knows if he slows down, he’ll fall apart. So he returns home to Bayou Bend to renovate the town’s old theater, and is shocked to learn former flame Stella is the designer for the project.
Forced to work together, Chase and Stella battle their chemistry and their pasts as they struggle to compromise and come together on a vision for the theater. Chase doesn’t understand why Stella is such a subdued version of herself, while Stella doesn’t get Chase’s constant need for productivity and speed. Their wills clash as they attempt to hide their brokenness—and their unresolved feelings for each other—until Chase breaks through Stella’s walls and convinces her to enter her mosaic tile art in a contest.
A near catastrophe, a fire, and a small-town gossip mill finally force both Stella and Chase to realize that they have a choice—to hold on to the shards of their pasts, or surrender their fragmented pieces to the One who makes a beautiful masterpiece from the broken.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.
Visit her website at www.betsystamant.com
Facebook: BetsySt.Amant
Twitter: @betsystaman
