The Ticket

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Ticket Firefly Southern Fiction (May 20, 2015) by Debra Jeter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Vanderbilt University professor, Debra Coleman Jeter has published fiction and nonfiction in popular magazines, including Working Woman, New Woman, Self, Home Life, Savvy, Christian Woman, and American Baby. Her story, "Recovery," won first prize in a Christian Woman short story competition, and her nonfiction book "Pshaw, It's Me Grandson": Tales of a Young Actor was a finalist in the 2007 USA Book News Awards. She is a co-writer of the screenplay for Jess + Moss, a feature film which premiered in 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival, screened at nearly forty film festivals around the world, and captured several international awards. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband. She is currently working on a novel based on the life of her grandmother, Effie Shultz McClain (1900 to 1985).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tray Dunaway longs to be part of the popular set at school but, she's growing too fast and her clothes no longer fit. The only person who understands Tray's need for acceptance is her grandmother, but when Tray wears Gram's hand-sewn clothes to school, the kids make fun of her tall, boney appearance. Tray's luck improves when Pee Wee Johnson, a down-and-out friend of her father's, buys two lottery tickets and gives one to Mr. Dunaway as a thank-you for driving him to Hazard, Illinois. When her father's ticket turns out to be the winner, Johnson demands his cut of the proceeds, but Tray's dad refuses. What seems like a stroke of good fortune suddenly becomes a disturbing turn of events as Johnson threatens to cause problems for the family and Tray.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Ticket, go HERE.



MY THOUGHTS

This is a YA book.  Teens, we've all been there...those awkward years where you're trying to fit in, the smallest thing makes you an outcast, the smallest things your parents do embarrass you half to death.

This book may remind you of those emotions, if you're a teen reading this book, you may not feel like the only teen with weird, crazy parents.  You may not feel like you're the only one with problems.  This book is an excellent read, this book is REAL.

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

The Midwife's Tale

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Midwife’s Tale Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015) by Delia Parr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.


MY THOUGHTS
Martha Cade....a woman who is a widow, and one chasing after a daughter who has run off.  Yet she still has the time and the heart to continue being a mid-wife, coming from a line of midwife's it's in her blood.  But yet, times are changing, Dr.'s are becoming a threat to her practice....which leaves a bit of drama for reading!

This is a fast moving book, not just a book about women having babies...plenty of interesting moments to keep your attention, and despite the fact that Martha'a livelihood revolves around babies, she is very much a strong, spirited woman.

A fun read.

*I received this book in exchange for review from CFBA

Book Review: The Proposal at Siesta Key

The Proposal at Siesta Key (Avon Inspire, May 2015)

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.








MY THOUGHTS
With this book you'll return to Pinecraft, FL. to the Amish community that is not quite as strict as those in the northern states.

Some of the characters from previous stories are in this book, but it is definitely a stand-alone read.  Penny Troyer is a 'good' girl, but one who has simply had enough of her parent's sheltering, you really can't blame her or them, but sometimes, sheltering goes too far.

Penny puts on a brave face as she tries new things, and Michael, he's about to face a big change as well.

Faced with an upcoming surgery which will keep Michael from his family duties, his traveling work with them...he has time to reflect, to think about his future.

There's a lot of change in this book which makes for an entertaining read.  The road to change is not simple,  and Penny and Michael have their work cut out for them...they will quickly take a piece of your heart.

Another wonderful Amish story from Shelley Shepard Gray, she never disappoints.

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

Book Review: As Waters Gone By

As Waters Gone By (Abingdon, May 2015)
How can a marriage survive when separated by hundreds of miles and impenetrable prison walls?

Emmalyn and Max Ross may have to endure the fight of their lives to mend the tattered fabric of their marriage. His actions ensured she could never be a mother and put him in prison, giving their relationship a court-mandated five-year time-out. On a self-imposed exile to beautiful but remote Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, Emmalyn has just a few months left to figure out if and how they can ever be a couple again.

Nudged along by the exuberant owner of the Wild Iris Inn and Café, a circle of misfit people in their small town, and a young girl who desperately needs someone to love her, Emmalyn restores an island cottage that could become a home and begins to restore her heart by learning what it means to love unconditionally. Yet even as hope begins to find a place within the cottage walls, Emmalyn still wonders if she’s ready for Max’s release. She may be able to rebuild a cottage, but can she rebuild a marriage?

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with "Heartbeat of the Home" radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers. Find Cynthia on the Web at www.cynthiaruchti.com.




MY THOUGHTS
This is a very heartfelt read, one that takes you to Madeline Island and Lake Superior.  Emmalyn has a tough battle to fight, trying to stay true to her husband that is currently in jail.

Restoring a cabin gives Emmalyn purpose, but to me, it's also symbolic.  Not only is she restoring a cabin, but can doing so help her restore her faith?

Cynthia has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are one of the characters, you feel like you are a part of their lives...she's an amazing writer.  Her words create vivid images and I just felt as though everything came alive off of every page I read, each page better than the last.

I went through just about every emotion I had while reading this book, it was entertaining, thought provoking, at times sad, and happy as well.  A great summer read! ...cannot wait for more from Cynthia.

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

CFBA: Justified

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Justified David C. Cook (June 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on the three-book Mended Heart Series. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.

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




MY THOUGHTS

I received my book late...so will update once I have completed reading!

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