CFBA Rewiew: Darkness Follows

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Darkness Follows Realms (May 3, 2011)

by Mike Dellosso

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, was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years, has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets, and 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, the International Christian Writers, and International Thriller Writers. His short stories have appeared with Amazon Shorts and in Coach's Midnight Diner genre anthology. 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.

Mike Dellosso writes novels of suspense for both the mind and the soul. He writes to both entertain and challenge. In addition to his novels, Mike is also an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College and a faculty member at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sam Travis lives in a Civil War era farmhouse in Gettysburg, PA, where he awakens one morning to find an old journal with an entry by a Union soldier, Lt. Whiting…written in Sam’s own handwriting. When this happens several more times, both at night and during waking “trances,” Sam begins to question his own sanity while becoming obsessed with Lt. Whiting and his bone-chilling journal entries. As the entries begin to mimic Sam’s own life, he is drawn into an evil plot that could cost many lives, including his own.

Can the unconditional love of Sam's daughter, Eva, break through his hardened heart before a killer on the loose catches up with them and Sam’s past spurs him to do the unthinkable?

If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of Darkness Follows, go HERE

Watch the book video:



MY THOUGHTS:
While reading this book you will become one with the characters, you will be thrown into suspense and danger and a little girl's love will be there to help you.  The immense love of Sam's daughter is incredible, she gives her love openly and without asking for anything in return, Sam's wife is another wonderful person and they are just the type of family Sam needs as he battles with his past.  There is no lack of energy in this book and not only will it keep you on your toes until the very end, but it is a book that you will not want to put down until you've come to the end.  Even then, you'll long for more!




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

CFBA Rewiew: The Reluctant Detective

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Reluctant Detective Monarch Books (April 30, 2011) by Martha Ockley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martha Ockley is the pen-name of Rebecca Jenkins. She read history at Oxford University, and spent several years working alongside her father, the Rt. Revd. David Jenkins (Bishop of Durham 1984-94) during the turbulence of the 1980s. She lives in Teesdale in the North East of England where the landscape and history provide the inspiration for her Regency detective, F R Jarrett. Since September 2009 she has been Royal Literary Fund Fellow and Writer in Residence at York St John University. She is a full-time author, writing both fiction and non-fiction. (She should not be confused with a Canadian actor and singer, also called Rebecca Jenkins.)


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Reluctant Detective sees Faith Morgan arriving back in the region of her birth - Winchester in Hampshire. Recently ordained, she had been working as a curate in an Anglican inner-city church. Within an hour of her arrival at Little Worthy, she witnesses the sudden shocking death of a fellow priest during a communion service at St James's. He had been poisoned with a pesticide mixed with the communion wine. The senior police officer who arrives at the scene turns out to be Detective Inspector Ben Shorter, Faith's ex long-term boyfriend.

She is urged by the Bishop to stay on to look after the parish of Little Worthy. As she meets her parishioners she learns some surprising facts about her apparently well loved predecessor, and starts to suspect a motive for his death. And it is she who finally identifies the murderer.

The story gets off to a dramatic start with the previous vicar collapsing as soon as he drank the communion cup, and it holds the interest throughout. There is some romantic interest too. Inspector Ben Shorter starts by sneeringly telling his sergeant, "Ms Morgan is a vicar. One of the ordained," Ben emphasized the word. “She's a card-carrying professional at the touchy-feely stuff.” But he soon starts to feel differently about her again, although she is well aware that he "didn't understand the reality she experienced through her faith. He didn't even recognize its existence. That was the gulf between them." Her own beliefs and doubts are convincingly described, for even she can't help wondering, "What if there is no truth to it?" But for her, as for Pascal before her, it was a gamble worth taking.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Reluctant Detective, go HERE

MY THOUGHTS:
This was a slow read for me.  I enjoyed the idea of the story-line, you don't usually read about police turning pastor, but to me it seemed like there was too much conversation going on between the characters instead of real action.  Kind of like people in your life who say a lot of nothing but never stop talking!  There are quite a few unexpected twists and turns in the plot and the murdered is kept under wrap so those qualities did help redeem the book for me.  It is set in England which could be another reason I had a difficult time with it, I'm not used to the verbage, so it slowed me down!  If you like murder mysteries give the book a chance and let me know what you think!


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

Graduation Gift Idea from Plastic Jungle

Are you swamped with Graduation Parties? Along with the parties come the gifts....have you heard of Plastic Jungle?  It's a one stop shop for all of your gift needs, and we all know that money is what grads really want, this way you can personalize it a bit by choosing a gift card!

I spent some time looking over the Plastic Jungle website, it is easy to navigate, you can search all gift cards or type in a store you are interested in.  What's really neat is that they'll even buy gift cards from you, so if you have unused cards sitting around for places you'll never go to, visit the Plastic Jungle!  No fees, no expiration dates, it's awesome!!!

When you purchase a gift card you can get 35% off at Plastic Jungle.There are hundreds of gift cards from one of his/her favorite retailers like Gap, iTunes, Apple, Fandango, Target, AMC Theatres, Aeropostale Gift Cards, Barnes and Noble Gift Cards , Best Buy Gift Cards, H and M Gift Cards, with all of the choices there is sure to be a gift card the grad in your life would love to have.

What's even better is that can get free shipping on your gift card(s) as well: http://www.plasticjungle.com/buy-gift-cards

Summer gets a little crazy and if you're like me you realize just days before the event that you still don't have a gift, so if you are running out of time you can always get an eCODE for fast electronic delivery: http://www.plasticjungle.com/gift-cards/ecodes

Head on over and check out Plastic Jungle, make your summer shopping easier, and save the idea for upcoming birthdays and Christmas!

*I wrote this post for Plastic Jungle and was compensated with a gift card.

CFBA: Book Review: Over the Edge

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Over the Edge B&H Books (May 1, 2011) by Brandilyn Collins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e..."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Final Touch, third in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.

Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme. For years he has insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, the committee Brock chairs is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment.

One embittered man sets out to prove Dr. McNeil wrong by giving him a close-up view of the very disease he denies. The man infects Janessa with Lyme, then states his demand: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme—or their young daughter will be next.

But Janessa's marriage is already rocky. She's so sick she can hardly move or think. And her husband denies she has Lyme at all.

Welcome to the Lyme wars, Janessa.

“A taut, heartbreaking thriller. Collins is a fine writer who knows how to both horrify readers and keep them turning pages.”

--Publishers Weekly

“Tense and dramatic. Holds its tension while following the protagonist in a withering battle.” –NY Journal of Books

“A frightening and all-too-real scenario. Very timely and meaningful book.” –RT Reviews

“If you know someone who suffers from Lyme, you need to read this compelling novel.” –Lydia Niederwerfer, founder of Lyme-Aware

If you would like to read the Prologue of Over the Edge, go HERE

Watch the book video:



MY THOUGHTS:
WOW....this is a scary book.  I happen to live in a Lyme infested area and have friends with the disease, it really is no laughing matter and as I read this book I felt ticks crawling all over me!

I think the title is quite fitting, as you read about Janessa and her husband you feel as though you're going over the edge yourself.  First of all, I can't imagine being so terribly sick and secondly, to have your husband walk out on you, telling you that you're making it all up....that would just about drive me crazy.  While reading this book I felt a a little 'edgy' and felt quite a bit of disbelief about the Dr.'s that don't believe in Lyme Disease, the Insurance Companies that won't pay, this is a battle we face all too often which makes the book quite realistic, right along with the very real looking ticks on the book cover!

This is a great read, not at all relaxing, but one you should read...don't think ticks are only in the country, and don't think these ticks are easy to spot, they look microscopic when crawling up your arm...I know, I've had them.




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

Does Verizon FiOS Appeal to You? Have you heard of it?

It's been some time since HDTV has invaded our homes, do you like it, or are you like me....we very rarely turn on the TV, mostly to catch the weather, problem is, it's exactly when we need to hear about the weather that the TV fails us due to a bad signal, which drives me crazy.  Verizon's FiOS comes to the rescue with advanced fiber optic technology which lets you watch without weather interference for one, as well as better quality all around.  So I'm thinking here that you wouldn't need to install a towering antennae to get reception if you live in the trees!

I'm not very tech savvy so a lot of the info. about FiOS is above my head, but as far as the basics go, it sounds pretty interesting!

I don't think FiOS is out there to turn everyone into TV junkies, but it does have quite a bit of convenience.  A media manager lets you access info from different online sites and get this....you can tweet on it, imagine being able to tweet for your favorite contestant as soon as the info appears on the TV screen!  In a way FiOS almost scares me when I think about all I would be able to do straight from my TV screen.

You can also buy, rent and watch videos with FiOS, I wonder if this will have any impact on places like the Redbox or NetFlix?  My son down loads quite a few Netflix documentaries and they have been a great learning tool for History and Science so I'm definitely curious about the videos that would be available to download.

What about the internet?  FiOS has great internet service, high speed reliability, wouldn't that be great?  Our family travels quite extensively during the winter months.  We always call campgrounds and State Parks before we book to see if our cell phone coverage works, many times what the employees say is quite different than reality, which makes life difficult when you work from your computer and the kids do their school online.  I would get FiOS just for the internet service!

FiOS seems to have quite a bit of a draw, I can take or leave the TV, but as far as for myself and my family, I think the internet service is very appealing, what do you think?  Is this something you would use?  You can learn more about Verizon FiOS below.  I'd also love to hear from you if you have FiOS in your home!

About Verizon FiOS

Modern consumers enjoy the ultimate digital lifestyle at work, home and play with Verizon FiOS advanced and integrated TV and broadband services. The speed and intelligence of the nation’s largest all-fiber-optic network lets FiOS customers create personalized, integrated entertainment and information experiences that connect them to everything they care about -- anytime, anywhere, on a multitude of devices. FiOS helps make life easier, more productive and more fun.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Verizon FiOS blogging program for a gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Book Review: How Huge the Night

About the Munn's:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois , where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.

Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil . She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College , and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble , France .

About How Huge the Night:

Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria . Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux , France , dangerously ill and in despair.

 

Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.

 

Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon-the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust-How Huge the Night is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a story about a very dark time in our history, it is a sad story with glimmers of hope.  I loved the imagery in the story, the authors really brought the scenery to life starting with the first page where they say,

"....tumbled down the hillside like blocks some giant kid had spilled...."  15 year old Julien fights to find his way in his new home and he really has it quite easy compared to Nina who has left her home with her young brother after their father dies.  As you read this story your heart breaks at the thought of these young children fighting to stay alive when really it's their time to fly, to prepare for their lives as adults.  This book shows the struggle of every day life, how it must go on, even during war, and how our choices, no matter our age or the situation we are in can change our lives forever.

This book is based on actual events and is one that I highly recommend, a very insightful read.

 

Would you like a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card?  Kregel Publications is sponsoring a $50 Amazon.com giveway!

About the Giveaway!

To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about How Huge the Night or share about it on Facebook!

 

If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use the hashtag (#litfuse). If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy. (All Litfuse bloggers who post a review are automatically entered and do NOT need to email us.)

 

Not sure what to tweet/post? Here's an idea.

 

TWEET THIS:  How Huge the Night - compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens and adults alike turning the pages! #litfuse http://ow.ly/4RBXc

 

FACEBOOK THIS: How Huge the Night by Heather & Lydia Munn is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens and adults alike turning the pages late into the night! http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13181161

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

5 Summer Get-Aways Every Kid Should Experience

The last weeks of school are drawing to a close, the crickets are chirping at night and the stars are twinkling, but are you stressed out and losing sleep over what you're going to do for fun this summer?

We all want to enjoy our summer, but it's nice to be able to plan a few get-aways without breaking the family bank and depending on the age of your children long road trips may be out of the question.

Here are a few get-aways that sound fun to me: I realize that some of my ideas may be a bit rugged and lean towards the Historical side of things, but isn't it time we leave technology home and truly spend time as a family?

1. A camping trip is a must, there are so many parks with wonderful trails, lakes, and rivers to explore, load up the bikes, some food, a lot of mosquito spray and take the kids for a weekend adventure. If you're lucky the park with have a bit of geo-caching nearby for some added fun!

2. How about a trip to your nearest water park. We are about 4 hours from Wisconsin Dells the water park mecca, but growing up we were only a couple of hours away and could do a day trip if we needed a quick get-away. What is more fun than splashing down slides at warp speed in the heat of summer?

3. How about a Rendezvous trip? If you look online you can find several re-enactment camps where you leave the year 2011 behind and step back in time living as the fur traders and trappers did. Hands on History is sure to be fun for all ages!

4. Living in MN I would love to visit the Boundary Waters, now this is certainly roughing it and you wouldn't want to bring extremely young children, but a long weekend canoeing the waters along the Canadian border sounds extremely relaxing. Throw in a fishing line and see what you'll catch! This is not for the faint of heart since I've heard it is rather rugged!

5. One more place that I think sounds fantastic is going to visit the covered bridges in Iowa as well as the Amana Colonies, also in Iowa. The two areas are not close to each other but think it would be worth the trip. Throw in a hotel with a pool and your kids will shout with joy!

No matter what you do you can be sure to have a wonderful get-away if you remember to plan ahead and remember what is truly important...FAMILY TIME!  You don't need to spend a lot of money to make great memories, some of my favorite childhood memories are from the little moments in life, and yours can be too.

Just remember, relax and have fun!

About Alamo

Founded in 1974, Alamo Rent A Car is a value-oriented, internationally recognized brand serving the rental needs of airport leisure travelers. Alamo offers low rental rates and a hassle-free customer experience at the most popular travel destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. In addition, Alamo customers in the U.S. are able to conveniently choose their own vehicles, based upon their advance reservation and requested car class, and then simply drive away from the airport.

The Alamo membership club, Alamo Insiders, offers its members numerous perks including exclusive, member-only deals, quick and simple reservations, and frequent traveler miles with each rental.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Book Review: A killer Among Us

A Killer Among Us, by Lynette Eason is Book 3 of the Women of Justice Series, I read book 2, Don't Look Back and this book is every bit as good!

ABOUT THE BOOK:  (from back cover)

What Happens When the Hunter......Becomes the Hunted?

Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator.  Noah Labert is a good detective with excellent instincts.  These new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case.  As evidence mounts up and more victims are found, Kit and Noah realize they are on the hunt for a serial killer.  The problem is, he may be hunting one of them too.

With nail-biting suspense, clever plot twists, and a hint of romance, A Killer Among Us is the latest thriller from Lynette Eason.

MY THOUGHTS:
The characters in this book follow through from book 2 and I imagine book 1 as well, but you definitely do not have to read the previous books to understand the characters nor the plot.  As said above, this book is a nail biter, you're never quite sure where the killer is going to turn up next and while the author hints about who the killer is, you just can't nail him.  You also gets hints as to the killers next victim which tends to put you on edge, wanting to reach into the book and tell Kit and Noah what's going on right under their noses!  Among all of the killings there is a Christian twist to this book as Noah helps Kit find forgiveness in her heart.

I really enjoyed this book, I wouldn't call it a 'lazy day' read, rather a night time thriller!

“Available May 2011 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.

Guess what I found in my closet ? !

Aren't they cute?

Wiggles, the momma cat is about 1 1/2 years old, and she is a tiny little thing.  We have been waiting and waiting for her to 'pop'......FINALLY on Wednesday I wondered where she was, my son found her in my CLOSET having the babies.  GROSS.

Luckily Wiggles was kind enough to have her babies on an extra piece of carpet I had in the back of the closet, I found a basket, put a few old towels in it and moved the kittens to the entry.  Wiggles wasn't so sure about the basket so I took an old rabbit cage, cleaned it up and moved them in!  Wiggles hasn't moved them and lets us hold and pet them, it's been quite fun watching them grow.  I think they double their size every day.

So now we have 5 baby kittens, a momma kitten and a tom...anyone need a kitten?!!!  Maybe I'll do a giveaway, but I guess the USPS wouldn't be too happy if I boxed up a kitten would they?

It's a pretty gloomy day so my photo is a bit dark, I'll work on better photos and keep you updated!

Knittng an Ugly!

This week I have knitted a couple of 'uglies'....now I'm quite sure you're wondering what on Earth I'm talking about and why on Earth would I want to knit an ugly....good question!

I belong to a few yahoo knitting groups, and a few weeks ago received an email saying we were going to do an 'ugly' exchange. Basically you take a bunch of odds and ends and knit away until you feel that you have reached your goal of a very ugly something! Now, believe me, this is not as easy as it sounds.

Generally when you knit you want your finished product to look nice, you tuck in ends, you definitely have a plan and you most certainly don't make mistakes on purpose!

This week my group has also been doing an ugly knit-a-long and my blog is quite ugly, it leaves me to wonder what one does with 'uglies'? I'm thinking gag gift, sew a bunch together for a big ole ugly blanket! Whatever the use, it's a great way to use up bits and pieces of yarn and a good way to practice new stitches, or a great

exercise in not having to make everything perfect!

CFBA Book Review: Undaunted Faith

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Undaunted Faith Realms (May 3, 2011) by Andrea Boeshaar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.

Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.

Finally her first novel was published in 1994. Since then she's written numerous articles and devotionals. Andrea has also published inspiration romance novels, women's fiction, and novellas.

In 2003, Andrea joined the Hartline Literary Agency and worked for Joyce Hart as a literary agent. She saw much success. But then in 2007, Andrea realized she was more of a teacher/encourager than a sales person. She left the agency and became a certified Christian life coach. Now, in addition to her writing, Andrea enjoys encouraging others to use their God-given talents and gifts to their fullest.

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar is a certified Christian life coach and speaks at writers’ conferences and for women’s groups. She has taught workshops at such conferences as Write-To-Publish, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, and many local writers conferences. Another of Andrea’s accomplishments is cofounder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on both its Advisory Board and as its CEO.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Pastor Luke McCabe begins paying extra attention to her, Bethany takes his fine-sounding words with a grain of salt. She's heard sweet talk before. This time she is going to keep her mind on the Lord and on her new teaching job in the Arizona Territory.

But when her reputation is accidentally soiled by the rakish town sheriff, Luke steps in with a marriage proposal to save Bethany's good name. Luke is certain their marriage is God's will...but Bethany is just as certain God must have someone else in mind to be Luke's wife.

Someone sweet and spiritual, who knows the Scriptures better than Bethany does. Someone like Luke's old friend from home.

If you would like to read the first chapter of , go HERE.

Watch the video trailer:

MY THOUGHTS

This book takes place in the 'Wild West' and the characters are quite fitting to say the least.  From ornery Mr. Jonas who thinks he can take whichever woman he chooses as his new wife, to the sexy sheriff and two kind but handsome preachers and a bunch of wild Native Americans this book is full of 'Wild West' entertainment!

This is a love story with quite a bit of Christianity thrown in, but what else can you expect when you have two preachers as part of the story line?  There is nothing deep about this book, it's one of those enjoyable easy reads that will remind you how much strength you can receive from holding strong to your beliefs.


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

Friday Fun

It's been awhile since I've done any blog hopping and I feel like I've been a little slack in my blogging lately, so I've decided to do a blog hop today!




I would love to come visit your blog as well, so please leave a comment so I can stop on in...while you're here check out my two giveaways with some very low entries!

-Project Dad book giveaway, ends 5/21

-TheraBreath Lozenges giveaway, ends 5/28



Thanks for visiting!

Book Review: Holy Guacamole

Holy Guacamole is a book unlike any I have read before.  Author's Dan and Denise Harmer live in southern California's "Avocado Capital of the World", run a cabinet shop, raise 4 children, run a ranch and still have time to write!

You won't be disappointed...but if you're not a 'foodie' this book could turn you off since it highly revolves around food.  Chef Bonnie Miller runs a culinary boot camp, Trace Domingo an ex-sports writer chef wanna be gets accepted into the boot camp and is immediately thrown into utter chaos.

From an employee shooting his computer to an underground tunnel with Zorro's loot to a near rape and murder in Mexico this book will surely keep you on your toes with suspense and laughter.  The zany language in this book is definitely 'foodie' related, the cuss words are those such as 'jalapeno' and are quite 'spicy'! 

This is a fun read, not your normal romance, not your normal mystery, just a whole lot of fun...don't let the 'foodie' part scare you away!




*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Glass Road Publications.

Book Review: The Lightkeeper's Ball

This is the 3rd book in the Mercy Falls series, it is a stand alone book, but I can tell you that the first two books are quite an enjoyable read!

ABOUT THE BOOK(From the back cover)

It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to an empire.  Her family numbers among the Four Hundred -  those considered the wealthiest and most distinguished in America.  Unfortunately their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests upon the Stewart daughters' marrying well.

Olivia's sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation's wealthiest men, but has since died.  Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor's fiance.  Using her family's long - forgotten English title, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, as Lady Devonworth, hoping to learn more before committing to marriage.  There she finds that Eleanor's death was no accident.  And Harrison is not hte man she thought he would be.

When Mercy Falls holds a charity ball masquerade to raise funds for the new lighthouse, secrets - and truths long hidden - will be revealed.  But can Harrison really love Olivia when he finds her true identity?  Can she live with the repercussions of failing her family, or will she finally realize that nothing - not money, family, or romance - will ever compare to God's unconditional love?

MY THOUGHTS

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Olivia is one girl who does what she feels regardless of what high society may think of her antics.  She is open, thoughtful and has a heart of gold.  I loved how the author mixes playfulness along with drama and adventure, you're never sure which way the plot is going to turn.  I must admit that I did figure out the culprit(s) in the story long before they were revealed, but that did not take away from the story line, it was still a fun read!


*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from the B and B Media Group

CFBA: Book Review: Fade to Blue

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Fade to Blue B&H Books (May 15, 2011) by Julie Carobini

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

I grew up as Julie Navarro, in a family of truly right-brained individuals. Among us you’ll find writers, artists, and musicians, all of us willing to talk about the arts at a moment’s notice.

Over the years, I’ve published several hundred articles and stories in magazines and books, including Aspire, Decision, Expecting, Focus on the Family, Key Magazine and God’s Abundance: 365 Days to a Simpler Life. As I wrote, I found a common theme cropping up: my family, the sea, and God’s timely work in the lives of those around me.

Maybe it was time to incorporate those interests into novels, I thought.

And so I did. Not once, but twice. Both times, God shut both doors and windows. So I continued to write and dream and raise my kids with Dan. Eventually I decided to write romantic seaside novels, and that’s where I found my voice.

When I’m not writing, marketing, or editing for others, I’m driving my kids around town, imagining that my mid-sized SUV is actually a sleek sailing yacht.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Suz Mitchell is the determined dreamer we should all be and won't allow her ex-husband Len's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, she moves with her child across the country to California's central coast and lands a sweet job restoring priceless paintings at the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the ocean.

To her utter surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, is also now working at Hearst and jumbles the dreams inside Suz's heart. While sorting out the awkwardness of their past split and current spiritual differences, a repentent Len shows up eager to restore his family.

Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Fade to Blue, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:
Sometimes the cover of a book is enough to make you love it, this is one of those covers...I just love it!  It seems like there is a time in life where we all need a second chance and  in this book you'll learn how God can help you.  The characters in this book are as real as the person sitting next to you and as you turn the pages they quickly become a part of your life.  There is a depth of character in this book and as the plot twists and turns so do the lives of those in the book!

This is the first book I have read by author Suz Mitchell and after this book I'll be sure to look for more of her titles.

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

Book Review: A Heart Divided

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen was born in sunny Long Beach, California, one of four daughters of a career Army officer.

As a former Army nurse with a master's degree in counseling, she has lived in Germany, Korea, Maryland, Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, Washington, D.C., Alabama, California, and Colorado. 

She is married to a retired Army helicopter pilot and is the mother of two sons-one deceased- and stepmother to another son and a daughter, both of whom have been very busy making her a grandmother.

In her free time, Kathleen likes to quilt, play the Celtic harp, and be companion and caretaker to an aging English cocker spaniel. She is also a companion and the wifely caretaker to her husband, who is not quite so aged :)

Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general market, establishing a loyal readership along the way. 

Since that time, she has received numerous awards for her work, including a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award and Career Achievement award, and The Literary Times award for Literary Excellence in the Field of Romantic Fiction. She was also a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist.

Kathleen now focuses her writing talents in the area of inspirational fiction, offering readers characters who struggle to redefine their growing faith in everyday life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It is 1878 and the Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades.
Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, Sarah realizes she needs to lay low. But Cord spots her in town and, with the sheriff away, makes a citizen's arrest, dragging her off to the Wainwright ranch until the sheriff's return.

As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they are falling in love. Can they betray their families for love? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains comes a brand new, sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.

MY THOUGHTS
This is the first book in the Heart of the Rockies Series and it has started off the series with a bang!  I love the drama in this book, and the main character Sarah has quite a bit of attitude!  There are plenty of conflicting feelings in this book to keep you quite entertained as Sarah and Cord find their way in life trying to let past harsh feelings go.  As betrayal and love mix together you just can't wait to read what happens on the next page!  While reading this book you can see how faith plays a part in our life and how choosing between right and wrong can make a huge difference in your life.  This is an excellent book and I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

"Available May 2011 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