Wednesday, June 29, 2011

CFBA: Bridge to a Distant Star





This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Bridge to a Distant Star
David C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2011)
by
Carolyn Williford


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Carolyn Williford has authored seven books, including Jordan's Bend, Devotions for Families That Can't Sit Still, and Faith Tango, as well as numerous articles. She and her husband, Craig, live in Deerfield, Illinois, where he serves as president of Trinity International University. They have two children and four grandchildren.





ABOUT THE BOOK

It All Comes Tumbling Down

As a storm rages in the night, unwary drivers venture onto Tampa Bay’s most renowned bridge. No one sees the danger ahead. No one notices the jagged gap hidden by the darkness and rain. Yet when the bridge collapses vehicles careen into the churning waters of the bay below.

In that one catastrophic moment, three powerful stories converge: a family ravaged by their child’s heartbreaking news, a marriage threatened by its own facade, and a college student burdened by self doubt. As each story unfolds, the characters move steadily closer to that fateful moment on the bridge. And while each character searches for grace, the storms in their lives loom as large as the storm that awaits them above the bay.

Then these characters intersect in Carolyn Williford’s gripping and moving volume of three novellas, they also collide with the transforming truth of Christ: Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Bridge to a Distant Star, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:
WOW....this book has character.  Each of the stories are very real and touching, painful even...then there's the tragedy.  It reminded me of our tragedy here in MN when the 35W bridge collapsed.  I thought each story was riveting in itself, but when you continue to read and see how they all come together, not only is this book eerie, but it is quite compelling as well.  I was hooked after the first couple of pages!  A summer read must!

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Saturday, June 25, 2011

Book Review: Double Take

Double Take: A Novel

ABOUT THE BOOK: (back cover)
It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up.  Stressed over decisions on colleges, her parents' bickering, and pressures from her boyfriend, Madison gets in her car and just drives away.

Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Anna Fisher wants to escape the so-called simple life of the Amish-which for her consists of caring for younger children, sewing, cooking, and gardening - and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love.

Worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet for the first time in a small town, realize they look uncannily alike, and decide the grass is greener on the other side.  Neither of them will ever be the same.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is quite the story, while it's not entirely believable that 2 teens from such different walks of life would actually do such a things as switch places, this book is full of creative entertainment.  For Anna and Madison, life is just too much at the moment and when they begin to talk about switching places their plan becomes set in stone, it's only after the plan happens that they're not so sure what they did is o.k.!  As each of the girls learns a new way of life they grow up and learn not to take some things for granted, life looks a bit different when you step away from what you're used to.  This is a sweet read and you will fall for Anna and Madison as they learn quite a bit about themselves as well as others.  A fun, entertaining summer read good for young adults and adults alike!



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

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Friday, June 24, 2011

CFBA Book Review: She Makes it Look Easy




This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
She Makes It Look Easy
David C. Cook (June 1, 2011)
by
Marybeth Whalen


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Marybeth Whalen is the wife of Curt and mom of six children. The family lives outside Charlotte, NC. Marybeth is a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries writing team and a regular contributor to their daily devotions. Her first novel,The Mailbox was released in June 2010. Her next novel, She Makes It Look Easy, will be released in June 2011. Additionally, she serves as director of She Reads, Proverbs 31 Ministries' fiction division.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Ariel Baxter has just moved into the neighborhood of her dreams. The chaos of domestic life and the loneliness of motherhood, however, moved with her. Then she meets her neighbor, Justine Miller. Justine ushers Ariel into a world of clutter-free houses, fresh-baked bread, homemade crafts, neighborhood play dates, and organization techniques designed to make marriage better and parenting manageable.

Soon Ariel realizes there is hope for peace, friendship, and clean kitchen counters. But when rumors start to circulate about Justine’s real home life, Ariel must choose whether to believe the best about the friend she admires or consider the possibility that “perfection” isn’t always what it seems to be.

If you would like to read an excerpt of She Makes It Look Easy, go HERE.


MY THOUGHTS:
I really enjoyed this book.  How many times have you seen a family and thought that they were the perfect family, or wondered why you couldn't have your family life under control like someone else seems to?  Well, this book spells it out clearly that things quite often are not what they appear to be.  It was fun reading along and watching the drama unfold as Ariel learns some important truths.  This is a story about friendship, love and about being true to yourself.




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

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Monday, June 20, 2011

Book Review: False Witness

False Witness

ABOUT THE BOOK: (Back Cover)
An adrenaline-laced thrill ride, False Witness takes readers from the streets of Las Vegas to the halls of the American justice system and the inner sanctum of the growing church in India, with all the trademark twists, turns, and intrigue Randy Singer fans have come to expect.

Clark Shealy is a bail bondsman with the ultimate bounty on the line: his wife's life.  He has forty-eight hours to find an Indian professor who created an equation so powerful it can crack all internet encryption.  If he fails, his wife pays the price.

Four years later, law student Jamie Brock is working in legal aid when a routine case takes a vicious twist: she learns that her clients, members of the witness protection program, are accused of defrauding the government and have the algorithm.  Now the couple is on the run from federal agents and the Chinese mafia, who both know the formula's power and will do anything to get it.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is one adventure filled book.  From the first pages straight through the end the story line keeps you on the edge as Randy Singer weaves a story full of intrigue, action and evil. The characters in the story may surprise you as you learn more about them, the story line has some surprising twists and turns as well and not everything is what it seems.

Can you even imagine being involved with the Chinese Mafia, bounty hunters, the FBI and more?  Just the thought makes me want to run and this book will definitely keep you on edge!

I think that the very thought of Christian books turns some readers off, but really, all a Christian book is missing is a bunch of over the top bedroom scenes and cuss words, if you like adventure this is a must read! 




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

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Friday, June 17, 2011

Book Review: Spring for Susannah

Spring for Susannah


ABOUT THE BOOK: (Back Cover)
When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call.  Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride.  Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves.  Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them.  And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge.  But Jesse's confidence in her - and his faith in God's perfect plan - slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter.  Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble.  Still, Jesse's love is unwavering.  Just when it seems like winter will never end.  Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring.  And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart.  Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

MY THOUGHTS:
Susannah is one brave women, first she becomes a mail order bride and moves across country to the Dakotas where she finds herself married to a stranger and living in a sod home.  Feeling quite lonely she cherishes the closest neighbors and their friendship, and soon becomes adjusted to her new life.  This could have been your typical love story, but there are a lot of very interesting parts to this story.  As you read you can feel the isolation that Susannah feels, you can also feel the frustration of her husband as he tries to help her open up.  You feel the struggles and the pain right along with the happiness, these characters are very believable and lovable.

I really enjoyed this book and think you will too!




To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!


One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)

To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat, testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter





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

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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Book Review: Chasing Sunsets

Chasing Sunsets: A Cedar Key Novel

About the Book: (back cover)
Kimberly Tucker's life hasn't turned out the way she thought it would.  While her ex is living it up, she struggles to understand what went wrong.  When her two sons end up spending five weeks of summer vacation with their father, Kim plans a respite at the family vacation home on tiny Cedar Key.  As she revisits the long-forgotten past, she discovers that treasures in life are often buried, and sometimes you do get a second chance at love.

Let yourself get swept away to an island retreat of warm tropical breezes, sandy beaches, and the most glorious sunsets you can imagine.

My thoughts:
This was an enjoyable summer read.  I liked how the main character, Kim evolved as she began to realize how her need to control was making her life difficult, as she learns to work on her need to control her life begins to take a turn for the better, but then there is the issue of trust.  Who does she trust when it comes to love, an old friend or an old love?  There is also a sub story here, Kim's sisters have a few issues of their own, these stories don't really develop and take a back seat to the story line, but they are a part of Kim and their story needs to be told!  I loved the imagery surrounding the photography on the beach, I have spent time on the beach taking photos and I felt as if I were there while reading this book.

The only thing I did not like was how the story ended, I may have missed something, but when I reached the end, I was left hanging and a bit confused.  Kim's elderly friend Patsy was a big part of Kim's healing and the book ended in 1964 with a part of Patsy's story, it just didn't make sense to me.  But all in all it was a good read!

“Available June 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.


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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

CFBA Book Review: The Sweetest Thing




This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Sweetest Thing
• Bethany House (June 1, 2011)
by
Elizabeth Musser


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Musser, an Atlanta native, studied English and French literature at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. While at Vanderbilt, I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Aix-en-Provence,

France. During her Senior year at Vanderbilt, she attended a five-day missions conference for students and discovered an amazing thing: God had missionaries in France, and she felt God calling her there. After graduation, she spent eight months training for the mission field in Chicago, Illinois and then two years serving in a tiny Protestant church in Eastern France where she met her future husband.

Elizabeth lives in southern France with her husband and their two sons. She find her work as a mother, wife, author and missionary filled with challenges and chances to see God’s hand at work daily in her life. Inspiration for her novels come both from her experiences growing up in Atlanta as well as through the people she meets in her work in France. Many conversations within her novels are inspired from real-life conversations with skeptics and seekers alike.

Her acclaimed novel, The Swan House, was a Book Sense bestseller list in the Southeast and was selected as one of the top Christian books for 2001 by Amazon's editors. Searching for Eternity is her sixth novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Compelling Southern Novel Explores Atlanta Society in the 1930s.



The Singleton family’s fortunes seem unaffected by the Great Depression, and Perri—along with the other girls at Atlanta’s elite Washington Seminary—lives a life of tea dances with college boys and matinees at the cinema. When tragedy strikes, Perri is confronted with a world far different from the one she has always known.

At the insistence of her parents, Mary ‘Dobbs’ Dillard, the daughter of an itinerant preacher, is sent from inner-city Chicago to live with her aunt and attend Washington Seminary. Dobbs, passionate, fiercely individualistic and deeply religious, enters Washington Seminary as a bull in a china shop and shocks the girls with her frank talk about poverty and her stories of revival on the road. Her arrival intersects at the point of Perri’s ultimate crisis, and the tragedy forges an unlikely friendship.

The Sweetest Thing tells the story of two remarkable young women—opposites in every way—fighting for the same goal: surviving tumultuous change. Just as the Great Depression collides disastrously with Perri's well-ordered life, friendship blossoms--a friendship that will be tested by jealousy, betrayal, and family secrets...

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

MY THOUGHTS:
This was a rather slow read for me, it's not that I didn't enjoy the book, because I did.  The characters were very well developed and Dobbs had quite a personality!  I just didn't find this to be one of those riveting page turners.  Perri and Dobbs are two girls who learn to fight and despite all, they don't give up.  They both have huge caring hearts and the book is quite aptly named, because this truly is a sweet story about friendship and caring.





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

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Book Review: A Reluctant Queen

A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joan Wolf was born in New York City but has lived most of her adult life with her husband in Connecticut, where she raised two children and countless numbers of assorted animals. Joan is the author of numerous historical novels including The Road to Avalon which Publishers Weekly lauded as “historical fiction at its finest.”

For more about Joan and her other books, please visit www.joanwolf.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Back Cover
She was a simple girl faced with an impossible choice.  He was a magnificent king with a lonely heart.

Their love was the divine surprise that changed the course of history.

The beloved story of Esther springs to fresh life in this inspired novel that vibrates with mystery, intrigue and romance.

MY THOUGHTS:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I have read several books based on Bible stories and the story of Esther was simply wonderful.  Esther came to life and you could feel her heartbreak while reading her story, a simple girl thrown into an impossible situation.  While King Ahasuerus would have been easy to dislike due to his history you can't help but fall for him as Esther softens his heart, as a first Christian book author, Joan Wolf has done a wonderful job depicting these Bible characters, King Ahasuerus was entirely made-up, but it did not take from the story in any way and Joan Wolf explains her reasons for making changes to the true Bible story.

A very enjoyable read, one that I will gladly read again and recommend to others!



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

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Friday, June 10, 2011

CFBA Book Review: How Huge the Night



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
How Huge the Night
Kregel Publications (March 9, 2011)
by
Heather Munn and Lydia Munn


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland of American parents and grew up in the south of France. She decided to be a writer at the age of five when her mother read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books aloud, but worried that she couldn’t write about her childhood since she didn’t remember it. When she was young, her favorite time of day was after supper when the family would gather and her father would read a chapter from a novel. Heather went to French school until her teens, and grew up hearing the story of Le Chambonsur-Lignon, only an hour’s drive away. She now lives in rural Illinois with her husband, Paul, where they offer free spiritual retreats to people coming out of homelessness and addiction. She enjoys wandering in the woods, gardening, writing, and splitting wood.


Lydia Munn was homeschooled for five years because there was no school where her family served as missionaries in the savannahs of northern Brazil. There was no public library either, but Lydia read every book she could get her hands on. This led naturally to her choice of an English major at Wheaton College. Her original plan to teach high school English gradually transitioned into a lifelong love of teaching the Bible to both adults and young people as a missionary in France. She and her husband, Jim, have two children: their son, Robin, and their daughter, Heather.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

Endorsements

“The Munns have written an engrossing historical novel that is faithful to the actual events of World War II in western Europe during the tumultuous year 1940. But How Huge the Night is more than good history; it is particularly refreshing because the reader sees the conflict through the lives of teenagers who are forced to grapple with their honest questions about the existence and goodness of God in the midst of community, family, and ethnic tensions in war-ravaged France.”—Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

“Seldom have the horrors of war upon adolescents—or the heroism of which they are capable—been so clearly portrayed. I loved this coming-of-age story.”—Patricia Sprinkle, author of Hold Up the Sky

“The book expertly weaves together the lives of its characters at a frightening moment in conflicted times. As we read of their moral dilemmas and of their choices, we too wonder, Would I do has these in the story have done?”—Karen Mains, Director, Hungry Souls

If you would like to read an excerpt from How Huge the Night, go HERE

Watch the book video:




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.

************************
If you're feeling a sense of deja vu while reading this, yes, I did post a review for this book earlier, I mistakenly signed up to review this book through two different places, but it was a great book so maybe hearing about it twice will cause you enough curiosity to read it yourself!

This review was done for CFBA whom I also received a complimentary copy of this book from!

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Book Review and Giveaway!!! Johnny One-Eye





ABOUT THE BOOK

Johnny One-Eye: A Tale of the American Revolution
by Jerome Charyn

"A rollicking tale." --Stacy Schiff, New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice

Johnny One-Eye is bringing about the rediscovery of one of the most "singular and remarkable [careers] in American literature" (Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World). In this picaresque tour de force that reanimates Revolutionary Manhattan through the story of double agent John Stocking, the bastard son of a whorehouse madam and possibly George Washington, Jerome Charyn has given us one of the most memorable historical novels in years. As Johnny seeks to unlock the mystery of his birth and grapples with his allegiances, he falls in love with Clara, a gorgeous, green-eyed octoroon, the most coveted harlot of Gertrude's house. The wild parade of characters he encounters includes Benedict Arnold, the Howe brothers, "Sir Billy" and "Black Dick," and a manipulative Alexander Hamilton.

Not since John Barth's The Sotweed Factor and Gore Vidal's Burr has a novel so dramatically re-created America's historical beginnings. Reading group guide included.

MY THOUGHTS:
The main character takes you along on his journey through war, you battle side by side with Johnny and learn quite a bit of history along the way.  This is a very entertaining book and those of you who love history will want to read Johnny One-Eye.

A book as entertaining as this one is a great way to learn a little more history, it's too bad that all lessons are not this entertaining there are plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep you on your toes, a little romance thrown in on the side and in the midst of it all you'll even learn more about George Washington!

This really is an incredible book, one that will keep you reading and entertained the entire book through.  It's not one of my light summer reads, but it is one you won't want to miss!



.....and now here's your chance to win a copy of this fabulous book!  USA only.



Mandatory: (Leave a separate comment for each entry along with your email address)
What is the best book you've read this year?

Extras:
+2 Follow my blog publicly via GFC
+2 'like' me on FB, link on sidebar
+2 Subscribe, link on sidebar
+2 Follow on twitter, link on sidebar

....and for even more chances to win, visit the blog tour website!  HERE

This contest will end at midnight on Thursday, June 30th at midnight, the winner will be chosen via random.org and will have 48 hours to answer my email or a new winner will be chosen.

GOOD LUCK!



*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tribute books 
in exchange for review, the publisher is also offering the giveaway copy.

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Thursday, June 9, 2011

Blog Tour: My Foolish Heart

My Foolish Heart (Deep Haven)



About the book: My Foolish heart
Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven , Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

Read an excerpt here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/contemporary-romance/

About Susan: Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational 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.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

MY THOUGHTS:
Hats off to Susan May Warren for writing such a fun book!  Love isn't always where we expect it, and when we take the time to look beneath the surface of others we can be deeply rewarded and sometimes we do need to take a risk, which is something that Issy learns.

There is a definite Christian slant to this book and the ongoing conversations through Issy's home studio keep this book moving right along.  This is a charming story that will leave you feeling hopeful.  A great summer read! 


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

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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

CFBA; The Lady of Bolton Hill



This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Lady of Bolton Hill
Bethany House (June 1, 2011)
by
Elizabeth Camden


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

A word from Elizabeth: I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Female journalists are rare in 1879, but American-born Clara Endicott has finally made a name for herself with her provocative articles championing London's poor. When the backlash from her work forces a return home to Baltimore, Clara finds herself face-to-face with a childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished factory worker she once knew. In her absence, Daniel Tremain has become a powerful industry giant and Clara finds him as enigmatic as ever. However, Daniel's success is fueled by resentment from past wounds and Clara's deeply-held beliefs about God's grace force Daniel to confront his own motives. When Clara's very life is endangered by one of Daniel's adversaries, they must face a reckoning neither of them ever could have foreseen.

When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts, and lives, hang in the balance?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lady of Bolton Hill, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
I was surprised at this book, when you look at the cover you imagine that Clara is going to be some society girl who is too lady-like to do much other than swoon but that simply is not the case!  I found this book to be quite entertaining and full of fast paced action.

The nice twist to The Lady of Bolton Hill is how the main characters are held together through their love of music which brought them to be friends in the first place, many things happen in their life to tear them apart, yet they do find each other again and do somewhat of a dance together as they try to keep their friendship even though they have greatly changed and Clara has a difficult time with the fact that Daniel has turned his back on God.

If you like historical romance with a bit of mystery thrown in then this is the book for you, this truly was a fun read.


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



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Book Review: Shattered

Shattered: A Daughter's Regret (Secrets)


About the Book:
Cleo Neilson's best friend is moving away and she wants to make Lola's last night in town special. For Cleo, that means going to the big Christian concert in the city, but her mom won't allow her to go. She says that area of the city is too dangerous for two unchaperoned teenage girls.

Convinced her mom is just being an overprotective "helicopter" mom, she sneaks out of the house. After all, her mom has to let her grow up sometime, right?

Cleo now faces the chilling consequences of her actions and a secret that it is eating her up inside. As Cleo fights through her grief and guilt, she learns about faith in God and forgiveness through him.

About the Author
Melody Carlson has written more than a hundred books for all age groups, but she particularly enjoys writing for teens. Perhaps this is because her own teen years remain so vivid in her memory. After claiming to be an atheist at the ripe old age of twelve, she later surrendered her heart to Jesus and has been following him ever since. Her hope and prayer for all her readers is that each one would be touched by God in a special way through her stories. For more information, please visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.

MY THOUGHTS:
What were you like when you were a teenager, did you ever sneak out of the house?  Did you do things without thinking about the consequences?  Secrets, do you have any....what do you do with them, keep them buried or do they in turn create even bigger secrets?  This is a book that teaches you the consequences of doing things that you feel should be kept secret, things that should not be done in the first place.  But as you read through this book you'll see how reaching out to God can help give you strength as well as learn forgiveness.


A very strong and good book for the young adult in your home.




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


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