Goodbye GFC???

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I just received an email from a blog I follow stating that GFC is going to retire March 1st, has anyone else heard about this?  What's the scoop?

I've hooked up with Bloglovin, you can follow blogs on it and see current posts, it's almost like a blog for blog posts!


I would love it if you would come on over and follow me through Bloglovin!


...let me know if you hear any GFC news...

CFBA Book Review: Ruth's Redemption

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Ruth's Redemption Moody Publishers/Lift Every Voice (February 1, 2012) by Marlene Banks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marlene Banks has worked 30+ years combined in nursing and the business arena. Her goal as a writer is to create inspiring, gripping and realistic stories with an emphasis on African American literature. She believes her gift and desire to write is from God and desires to use it to fulfill His purposes. Marlene lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she is a member of Bethel Deliverance International Church.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Set in the 1800s, Ruth's Redemption, is an unusual depiction of the lives of slaves and free blacks in pre-Civil War America. Bo, a main character, was educated while a slave. He was given his freedom and now owns a farm buying slaves for the sole purpose of giving them their freedom.

Bo is also a man of God and widower whose life is destined to change when he meets the proud and hard-hearted slave girl, Ruth. Ruth has known nothing but servitude and brutality since being separated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding, Ruth struggles to adjust to life outside of bondage. She wants no part of Bo's Godly devotion. Yet Bo is unlike any man she's known and her experiences with him will leave her forever changed.

A gripping slave era novel, Ruth's Redemption is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God's unconditional love in the darkness of a culture's cruel socially accepted inhumanity.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Ruth's Redemption, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

Wow.....an excellent book, I loved the story line, it was really quite refreshing.  There is quite a bit of graphic detail and it tends to be a bit preachy, but for me, it was a very good read.  This is a story filled with deep bitterness, a great love for God, forgiveness and a whole lot more thrown in for good measure.  There are some characters you just have to love and others that leave you feeling hatred, which makes the story quite believable and makes you understand how the slaves would have felt.  The fear, the loss of hope.  Towards the end you also feel the fear of the white people as Nat Turner leads his rebellion.

This is a story that will make you laugh, cry and FEEL.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Book Review: The Shadow of Your Smile

ABOUT THE BOOK
A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage.

After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle's memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember?

Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future? Read the story behind the story here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/the-shadow-of-your-smile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirations Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists.  After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota's beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

MY THOUGHTS

Divorce, accident, secrets...drama, this book has it all, and once again Susan May Warren writes a fantastic story that draws you in and makes her characters feel as though they're a part of you.  This is an excellent book that deals with real to life issues.  It is full of heart, and will keep you turning the pages as quickly as you can!  


If you're already a fan of Susan May Warren, you're going to love this book, if you haven't read her books, what are you waiting for?!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414334834/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sprightly-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1414334834

BLOG TOUR 

 

Come Back to Deep Haven and Win a $200 Visa Card from @SusanMayWarren!

Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)

• The entire set of Deep Haven Books 

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

  

Book Review: Where Wildflowers Bloom

ABOUT THE BOOK

How far will she go to follower her dreams?

The Civil War stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg - as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will another man claim her heart?

MY THOUGHTS
This is a sweet story that starts out with a bit of sadness as Faith deals with her ailing grandfather and the loss of those she loves.  The story kind of makes you wonder what it is that Faith is truly longing for, does she just need to start over, somewhere fresh, somewhere without memories, is her heart truly longing for Royal, or is it longing to reclaim memories of the past?

I enjoyed this story, it was a very good, endearing read for me and I think you'll enjoy it as well.

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.

Author, Ann Shorey is hosting a giveaway to promote her book!!!

ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY:

In Where Wildflowers Bloom, Book 1 in author Ann Shorey’s brand new Sisters at Heart series, Faith Lindberg wants nothing more than to escape her small Missouri town, and the graveyard of painful memories left by the Civil War. She plans to sell her grandfather’s mercantile, and join a wagon train bound for Oregon. But her grandfather, and a handsome stable man have other plans!

 

To celebrate the story, author Ann Shorey and Revell Books are proud to announce the MERCANTILE MEMORIES giveaway, featuring three incredible prizes.

 

GRAND PRIZE:

Our Grand Prize winner will receive an heirloom chess set, handmade from 1830s chestnut & cherry wood, just like the one Judge Lindberg and Curt use in their chess battles.

 

SECOND PRIZE:

Our Second Prize winner will receive a deluxe, Missouri-shaped box of mercantile goods from the Missouri Mercantile company. The box features an assortment of items just like those stocked by Faith in Lindberg’s Mercantile.

 

THIRD PRIZE:

Our Third Prize winner will receive a Memoirs Gift Set. Write your memoirs just like Judge Lindberg does in the story! The set includes the bestselling Writing the Memoir book, and a $30 gift card to Blurb, to create and print your story.

CFBA Book Review: Love Blooms in Winter

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love Blooms in Winter Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012) by Lori Copeland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Blooms in Winter, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
If you're looking for a fun quick read this is the book for you!  Travel to North Dakota...(brrr) and enjoy this sometimes humorous story which is full of historical romance, animals, wit and truly lovable people.  Lori Copeland is an excellent author, her stories are very well written with characters that draw you into the story line, leaving you feeling as if they are a part of your life.

I recommend this book, it's a great snuggle up by the warm fire kind of read!!!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Book Review: Chasing Mona Lisa

 

About the Book

It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers' adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on--and the runners are playing for keeps.

About the Authors

Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas. For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com 

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California. For more about Mike  and his other books visit www.mikeyorkey.com

My Thoughts

Chasing Mona Lisa will take you back in time, to a Country filled with war, hate, unnecessary death and crime.  It will take you to Germany, Switzerland and a fear of the Nazi's.  This story has characters that will seem real to you, and you will want to help them, you will want to protect them.  What would you do for your Country?  Fight to the death, save priceless paintings, what about when those you love become threatened?

This is a very well written book, which I've come to expect from Tricia Goyer, I have not read any of Mike Yorkey's previous books, but if Chasing Mona Lisa is anything to go from, he's an excellent author as well!  If you're interested in History, passion, and a good thrill you'll definitely enjoy this past paced read!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publicity Group
 

****************************************************

Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The Swiss Courier). This time the due are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world  - the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!

One passionate protector will receive:

• iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
• Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
• Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
• Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
• Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. The winner will be announced at the Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia's website) and giving away their books and a Book Club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike.)


So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock?) and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Book Review: Unhallowed Ground

Unhallowed Ground

The Fourth Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon

Mel Starr

About the Book
Thomas atte Bridge, a man no one likes, is found hanging from a tree near Cowleys Corner. All assume he has taken his own life, but Master Hugh and Kate find evidence that this may not be so.

Many of the town had been harmed by Thomas, and Hugh is not eager to send one of them to the gallows. Then he discovers that the priest John Kellet, atte Bridge’s partner in crime in A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel was covertly in Bampton at the time atte Bridge died.

Master Hugh is convinced that Kellet has murdered atte Bridge--one rogue slaughtering another. He sets out for Exeter, where atte Bridge now works. But there he discovers that the priest is an emaciated skeleton of a man, who mourns the folly of his past life. Hugh must return to Bampton and discover which of his friends has murdered his enemy.

About the Author: 

Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren.


To read an excerpt go HERE

My Thoughts:

When a body is found hanging from a tree on the very first page of a book you know you're in for a bit of a ride, and a man not liked by the town people leaves a pretty big door open for foul play.

Master Hugh is a sharp detective and is soon on his way to find out who dun it, and as you follow him along through the European countryside you'll be sure to run into a lot of words that make no sense whatsoever.....but, have no fear, Mel Starr has added a wonderful Glossary at the beginning of the book to help you along!

This book is the 4th chronical of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, but you really do not have to read the previous books, although you certainly may want to after you figure out who the true enemy is!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Kregel publications.

Book Review: The Ten Plagues

An Epidemic of Old Testament Proportions Invades Chicago
A Lady Cop and a Vengeful Pastor Battle Demons Past and Present

Uhrichsville, OH – Get ready for an emotionally charged ride as a female cop and a mission pastor become the focus of a maniacal murderer’s wrath. Available in October 2011, Ten Plagues by Mary Nealy promises a white-knuckled ride.

A serial killer has struck Chicago with an epidemic of evil, patterning his murders after the ten Old Testament plagues—beginning with the plague of blood. When the first victim floats to the surface, female detective Keren Collins is on the case. Will her gift of spiritual discernment enable her to defuse the demonic pandemic? Ex-cop, now mission pastor, Paul Morris has seen his fair share of things from the dark side, including himself. Now he finds himself in the terrifying role of the killer’s messenger. Will he discover the identity of the crazed killer or become his next victim?

My Thoughts
This book is a chilling thriller for sure, the action starts on the first page and doesn't stop. Chilling and horrific, this book will keep you looking over your shoulder well into the night.  This book is not for the faint of heart, there are some pretty graphic murders here, and a cop turned pastor may just be the key...but he does not fit into the picture very smoothly!  Pick up this book and you'll be in for a fast-paced ride through terror and evil, with a bit of love and hope thrown in!


I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Barbour books.

CFBA Book Review: The Mulligan's

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson David C. Cook (January 1, 2012) by Don Reid

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don is one of the original members of the STATLER BROTHERS, the most award-winning act in the history of country music. He and his brother and two friends began singing in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia when Don was only fourteen years old. Working all over their home and neighboring states as a part time group, they were discovered in 1964 by Johnny Cash and given their first record contract. By the time Don was 20 years old, the STATLERS had their first major, world-wide hit record with FLOWERS ON THE WALL, which started a string of hits that generated a career in the music industry that lasted for four decades. The STATLERS have been recipients of multiple industry awards:

It wasn’t until the STATLER BROTHERS decided to retire from traveling in 2002 that Don pursued his writing career to another level. Having songwriting and scriptwriting under his belt, the next obvious step was to write a book. And that book was the scripture based HEROES AND OUTLAWS OF THE BIBLE published in June of 2002 by New Leaf Press. He has since written two other non-fiction books and in 2008 saw another dream come true for Don when he released his first novel, O LITTLE TOWN. Novel number two came in the form of ONE LANE BRIDGE, and THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON, is a sequel to O LITTLE TOWN.

Don is the father of two sons. Debo and his wife, Julie, and daughters Sela Mae and Adra, live within a stone’s throw. You may have seen Debo’s name on many songs written with Don on albums over the years.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war—to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances.

Now it’s 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

This was different than the type of book I usually read and I really enjoyed it!  3 men, friends from childhood each in a different walk of life, but still friends, but does one have a secret?  I liked how the chapters went from childhood to adult, every other chapter was a step back in time and did not take away from the fluidity of the story at all.  I rather enjoyed reading about the men as young children full of trouble, it was rather endearing!

If you like a bit of a twist, a little mystery, a little love, a little trouble, you'll enjoy this book!