CFBA Book Review: MoonBlood

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Moonblood Bethany House Publishers (April 1, 2012) by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Moonblood Draws Near, and Soon the Dragons Will Wake

Desperate to regain the trust of his kingdom, Prince Lionheart reluctantly banishes his faithful servant and only friend, Rose Red. Now she is lost in the hidden realm of Arpiar, held captive by her evil goblin father, King Vahe.

Vowing to redeem himself, Lionheart plunges into the mysterious Goldstone Wood, seeking Rose Red. In strange other worlds, Lionheart must face a lyrical yet lethal tiger, a fallen unicorn, and a goblin horde on his quest to rescue the girl he betrayed.

With the Night of Moonblood fast approaching when King Vahe seeks to wake the Dragon's sleeping children, Lionheart must discover whether or not his heart contains courage before it's too late for Rose Red . . . and all those he loves.

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

MY THOUGHTS

I don't usually read this kind of a book, so this was a bit of a stretch for me!  I think the book was well written, and the story line quite interesting...that is, if you're interested in reading about talking goats, talking cats, dragons and such!

I liked the characters, you have the good, the bad, and the confused...Lionheart has some soul searching to do, especially after he sends away Rose Red.

I must say that the characters in this book were really quite entertaining and I enjoyed them!


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

CFBA Book Review: The Fiddler

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Fiddler Bethany House Publishers (April 10, 2012) by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."

ABOUT THE BOOK

Come home to Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania--the beloved setting where Beverly Lewis's celebrated Amish novels began--with new characters and new stories of drama, romance, and the ties that draw people together.

A wrong turn in a rainstorm leads Englisher Amelia Devries to Michael Hostetler--and the young Amishman's charming Old Order community of Hickory Hollow. Despite their very different backgrounds, Amelia and Michael both feel hemmed in by the expectations of others and struggle with how to find room for their own hopes. And what first seems to be a chance encounter might just change their lives forever.

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

Watch the book video:

MY THOUGHTS
As you know, I love Amish stories, and once again, Beverly Lewis delivers!  The story line was quite fun, and while it took place mainly in the Amish community, the main character is an Englischer named Amelia.  She captures the heart of an Amish man who is struggling and while they both have quite a bit of soul searching to do.  Amelia quickly falls in love with Hickory Hollow, causes a wee bit of a stir and captures your heart along the way!

All of the characters in this book are charming, well, maybe not a few of the city men in Amelia's life, but they have their purpose, and they grow on you as well!  If you're looking for a refreshing Amish read, give this book a try!


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

CFBA Book Review: The 13th Tribe

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The 13th Tribe Thomas Nelson (April 3, 2012) by Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling novelist Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first three critically acclaimed thrillers—Comes a Horseman, Germ, and Deadfall—were optioned by Hollywood producers, as well as his Dreamhouse Kings series for young adults. Bestselling author Ted Dekker calls The 13th Tribe, released in April 2012, “a phenomenal story.” Liparulo is currently working with director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, The Guardian) on the novel and screenplay of a political thriller. New York Times best-selling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” Liparulo lives in Colorado with his family.

Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans, or at Twitter @robertliparulo.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Their story didn't start this year . . . or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Sinai. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment-endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13th Tribe, and they've been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since-by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans have ever seen.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he's hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Sinai. The former Army Ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The 13th Tribe, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

This fast paced book is full of twists and turns, surprises and whole lot of history as you travel from Virginia, to Paris and Mt. Sinai along with Jagger Baird.

This is a book that will hook you from the very beginning, as you read of people cursed with immortality.  This book is soul-searching with some violence thrown in along with a good dose of Christianity, and an over the top excellent read!

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

Book Review: By the Light of the Silvery Moon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

More info: Living Inspired (http://toginet.com/shows/livinginspired) and www.triciagoyer.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.

Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?



Link to buy the book: http://www.triciagoyer.com/historicalfiction.html#ByTheLight 

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

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Win an Flip HD Camcorder during @TriciaGoyer's Unsinkable Titanic Giveaway and RSVP for 4/10 Titanic Party!

Celebrate the release of By the Light of the Silvery Moon with Tricia by entering her giveaway and RSVPing to her Titanic party.

One "unsinkable" winner will receive:

• Flip HD video Camera (Make your own dramatic saga!)
• Titanic movies from the ages {Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}
• Secrets of the Titanic (Get the facts from National Geographic.)
• And the Band Played On (Music Played on the Titanic.)
• By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer (Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 9th. Winner will be announced at "Silvery Moon" Titanic Facebook Party on 4/10. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!

So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) 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 10th!

Book Review: The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality

The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality

by Gahan Hanmer

A Feudal Kingdom That Takes Nothing

from the Modern World

Why has Jack Darcey, a stage actor and ex-competitive fencer, been tricked into visiting a medieval kingdom in the Canadian wilderness? How could such a place even exist in the 21st century, and why would anyone choose to live there? The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality is a thrilling journey into a society and culture which has rejected the modern world.

Albert Keane, an old school-mate of Jack's, has used his great wealth to build a working feudal monarchy which takes nothing from the modern world. But while Jack explores the beautiful and prosperous kingdom, discovering its wonderful people and culture, revolution begins to grow. Duke Hawke, another face from Jack's past, is set on taking the kingdom for himself. Jack will have to fight for his life and the future of the valley as total war breaks out in The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality.

The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality is both escapist adventure and penetrating cultural commentary. Gahan Hanmer creates an immersive world and characters that instantly come alive on the page. His vivid, often humorous storytelling transports you to a world of discovery and adventure. But The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality has as its heart a timely question for our age: Do we really need technology to be happy?

Gahan Hanmer enjoyed a colorful career in the theater as actor, director, designer and technician. He now lives in the high chaparral desert of California.

MY THOUGHTS

Medieval Kingdoms, Castles....and Actors?  What's an Actor doing in a Medieval Kingdom?  That's just the tip of the iceberg in this wonderful book where present and past come together in quite a charming way!  Jack Darcey is kidnapped and finds himself in a Kingdom, is it a dream or reality, and how on Earth did he get there if it IS reality?

This is a story that is full of imagination and adventure, sprinkled with romance and danger...an incredibly fun read!


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

CFBA Book Review: Cooking the Books

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Cooking The Books Abingdon Press (April 2012) by Bonnie S. Calhoun

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As the Owner/Director of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Bonnie has helped use the 220+ blogs of the Alliance to promote many titles on the Christian bestseller list. She also owns and publishes the Christian Fiction Online magazine which is devoted to readers and writers of Christian fiction. She is the Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). At ACFW she was named the ‘Mentor of the Year,’ for 2011, and she is the current President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network. Bonnie is also the Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

In her spare time she is an avid social media junkie, and teaches Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and HTML as recreational occupations. She also has a novel coming out in the Abingdon Quilts of Love series. Her novel Pieces of the Heart will publish August of 2013.

Bonnie and her husband Bob live in a log cabin on 15 acres in upstate area of Binghamton, New York with a dog and cat who consider the humans as wait-staff.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After her mother dies from a heart attack, Sloane Templeton goes from Cyber Crimes Unit to bookstore owner before she can blink. She also "inherits" a half-batty store manager; a strange bunch of little old people from the neighborhood who meet at the store once a week, but never read books, called the Granny Oakleys Book Club; and Aunt Verline, who fancies herself an Iron Chef when in reality you need a cast iron stomach to partake of her culinary disasters. And with a group like this you should never ask, “What else can go wrong?”

A lot! Sloane begins to receive cyber threats. While Sloane uses her computer forensic skills to uncover the source of the threats, it is discovered someone is out to kill her. Can her life get more crazy?

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

Watch the book video:



If you'd like to read interviews with Bonnie, try these:

Everbody Needs A Little Romance

A Christian Writers World

Novel Rocket

ACFW - Fiction Finder

MY THOUGHTS

I can only ask...."Bonnie, why did you wait so long to write this book?!"  If you want a book full of hilarious characters and a lot of action...then this is the book for you.  Sloane is one tough lady with a whole lot of wit.  With an aunt like Verline, you need to stay on your toes and have a direct line to the fire department!  With a store manager like Fifi, you don't know what's going to happen next.  Add in a couple of crazy boyfriends and you end up with a recipe for disaster.

The question is, when will disaster strike and how?

...Loved the book!


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

CFBA Book Review: The Hope of Shridula

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Hope of Shridula Abingdon Press (March 2012) by Kay Strom

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from Kay:

Kay Marshall Strom… who am I? Well, I’m a traveler… a railer against social injustice… a passionate citizen of the world. I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. I’m a 21st century abolitionist who speaks out against slavery of all kinds. I am a beach walker and a gardener and the off-key singer of songs. I’m a wife… a mother… a sister… a daughter… a friend.

Most people, though, know me as a writer and a speaker. So here is a bit more about that part of my life:

Of my 39 published books, seven have been book club selections, twelve have been translated into foreign languages, and one has been optioned for a movie. My writing credits include numerous magazine articles, books for children, short stories, television scripts and two prize-winning screenplays. Along with my husband Dan, I also have produced a series of booklets for writers. My writing has appeared in a number of volumes including three versions of the NIV Devotional Bible and the devotional book My Heart—Christ’s Home, Through the Year.

I love to write, and I love to share about topics close to my heart. I speak at seminars, retreats, writer’s conferences, and special events throughout the country. And because I do enjoy travel, I even speak on cruise ships!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Blessing in India series is a saga set in India’s heartbreaking history and breathtaking present that points toward a future of hope. Along the way, name-only Christianity collides with Hinduism, and then is confronted by an entirely new understanding of the call to follow Christ.

India: 1946. For forty-eight years, Ashish and his family toiled as slaves in the fields of the high-caste Lal family, and all because of one small debt. At fifty-four, Ashish was old and worn out. Every day was a struggle to survive for his family including his only daughter.

His wife had named the girl Shridula—Blessings. “Perhaps the name will bring you more fortune than it brought me,” Ashish told his daughter. His words proved to be prophetic in ways he could never have imagined. And when the flames of revolt brought independence to India, they seared change into the family of Ashish.

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

My Thoughts

This is book #2 in the Blessings of India series, I did not read the first book but I don't really think you need to, although it is always fun to read an entire series!

I have mixed feelings about this book, while I enjoyed the story line, the struggles, the hope of the less fortunate in India, I had a difficult time reading the book because of the names.  This is not any fault of the author, it's just that I'm not used to reading names of an Indian culture which made it so the book did not flow quite as well for me.  As far as the story line, it was quite interesting as well as informative.  From the very beginning I felt a pull towards Shridula and her struggles, as well as the struggles her family faced and had endured.  You will feel the strong class difference as you read this story and you will feel for the people of India as you read about the revolt.

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

CFBA Book Review: The Chase

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Chase Zondervan (March 27, 2012) by DiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills

ABOUT THE BOOK

To the FBI it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker it's a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it's a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl's missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch's brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss's pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag? Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in The Chase.

Watch the book video!



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

My Thoughts

Just the title alone gets your blood racing, then once you open the book and begin reading everything gets a little faster!  I enjoyed this book, it was full of action and attitude, and yet it was a good clean read.  What's really neat about this book is that a real FBI cold case is solved as part of the story line, it's quite incredible.  Kariss and Tigo have some friction, yet they're able, usually able, to be adults about it and even become rather appreciative of one another.  After reading The Chase I was fully ready to go on another Kariss and Tigo adventure!


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

CFBA Book Reivew: Missing

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Missing Avon Inspire; Original edition (March 20, 2012) by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the first book in her new Secrets of Crittenden County series, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country

Perry Borntrager had been missing from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, for months when his body was discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. Everyone had assumed Perry left Crittenden on his own, seduced by the wider world he discovered during his rumspringa, but now the truth has thrown this once-peaceful town into chaos. The first death from mysterious circumstances in Crittenden in more than two decades has invited the scrutiny of the outside world: a police detective arrives to help their local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englisher Walker Anderson.

Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare to open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.

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

My Thoughts

A good Amish mystery, you don't generally think of the Amish being wrapped in mystery and death, you think of them as peaceful.  Problem is, they're human too, just like the rest of us there are the good and the bad, and every know and then the bad takes a turn for the worse and the unthinkable happens.

This book keeps you wondering and wondering, and seriously wondering since even on the very last page you still don't know who the killer is, which is of course one of the reasons I can't wait for the next book in the series!  This is a good book, I enjoyed the characters, and Lydia, she's one Amish gal who has good reason to question whether or not she should be Amish...she has some secrets of her own, but then you learn that things are being kept from her as well.  You'd think the entire book was full of secrets, it's not.  There's some good old fashioned forgiveness as well and with that comes the mending of a few broken hearts!

If you enjoy reading Amish stories I think you'll enjoy this book, it's refreshingly different and quite a fun read. 

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

CFBA Book Review: Final Shot

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Stuart Brannon's Final Shot Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (March 2012) by Stephen Bly

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 – June 9, 2011) authored 106 books and hundreds of articles and short stories. His book, The Long Trail Home (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, Picture Rock (Crossway Books), The Outlaw’s Twin Sister (Crossway Books), and Last of the Texas Camp (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists. He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah; Michael (married to Michelle); and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on California farms owned by his father and an uncle.

Janet Chester Bly received a B.S. degree in Literature & Languages and Fine & Performing Arts from Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho. She speaks at women’s luncheons and retreats and does writers’ workshops. She is a member of Winchester Community Church where she serves as music director. She has authored eleven nonfiction and fiction books and co-authored twenty others, as well as contributed to five books. Janet’s hobbies include decorating her home in “country clutter,” reading almost all genres of fiction and mall walking. She lives in Winchester, Idaho–elevation 4,000 feet, population 300– situated on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.



ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1905, at 58 years old, legendary lawman Stuart Brannon - now a rancher and widower - had no intention of leaving his beloved Arizona Territory to attend the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon, nor to participate in the celebrity golf tournament for the Willamette Orphan Farm. Even an emotional appeal for his longtime friend didn’t persuade him. His life no longer consisted of bloodthirsty men to track down . . . people trying to kill him . . . lawless gangs preying on the innocent.

Then the telegram came: Stuart, I need you in Portland. Tim Wiseman is missing. I think there’s a cover-up going on. Tell folks you’re going to the Exposition. Nose around. Find out how a U.S. Marshal can disappear and no one knows why. I’ll contact you there. T.R.

How could he refuse a request from the President of the United States?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Stuart Brannon's Final Shot, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS

There is nothing like a good old fashioned Western, and this book fits the bill.  It is sad though to think that only 7,000 words of this book were written by Stephen Bly before he passed away, but kudos to his family for completing the book and for doing it so well. This book is action packed and will keep you on your toes, there is a strong sense of right and wrong, as well as honor and a good dose of humor is thrown in as well.

I fell in love with the characters in this book quickly and was quite sad when I came to the end.


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

CFBA Book Review: The Dog That Talked To God

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Dog That Talked To God Abingdon Press (March 2012) by Jim Kraus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jim Kraus grew up in Western Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. He attended the Paris-American Academy in 1971 and has spent the last twenty years as a vice-president of a major Christian publishing house. He has written more than 20 books and novels (many with his wife, Terri). His book, The Silence, was named as one of the top five releases in 2004 by the Christian Book Review website. He is also an award-winning photographer. He and his wife and 14-year-old son live outside of Chicago with a sweet miniature schnauzer and an ill-tempered Siberian cat.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A wonderfully quirky, heart-breaking, heart-warming and thought-provoking story of a woman's dog who not only talks to her, he talks to God.

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a miniature schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God.

Mary has no choice except to believe Rufus, the miniature schnauzer, who claims to speak to the Divine.

The question is: Will Mary follow the dog's advice, and leave everything she knows and loves? Is this at the urging of God? Or is it something else?

Will Mary risk it all or ignore the urgings of her own heart?

If you would like to read a chapter excerpt from The Dog That Talked To God, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS
I seriously, truly enjoyed this book!  If you are a dog lover you will too!  Do you ever find yourself talking to your dog?  I do, and sometimes I wonder what he would say if he could talk back, sometimes I'm glad he cannot.

Well, Rufus is one dog that CAN talk, or is Mary just losing her mind?  Rufus seems to know just what to say and when to say it.  He has a way of making Mary think, and Mary has quite a bit to work through in her life.  She is very lonely, which is of course why she got Rufus in the first place.

This book isn't just a happy book, there is a great big bit of sadness surrounding Mary due to the death of her husband and son.  As with everyone who has suffered a great loss, Mary struggles each day to overcome her grief, she struggles with church, she struggles with the mundane...and Rufus, well, he's going to help her, and even before he begins to talk, you'll see his healing powers!

Dog lovers beware, you're going to fall in love.  Non-dog lovers, you may change your mind when you give this little guy a chance!


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

Book Review: Song of My Heart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and numerous grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive

MY THOUGHTS

I always enjoy reading a Kim Vogel Sawyer books, and once again, I was not disappointed. You have to give Sadie a lot of credit, she leaves her home to earn money for her family, she loves her injured step-father dearly, they have a wonderful relationship. She is full of spunk and drives her step-cousin crazy on a regular day, but even crazier when preacher wanna-be Sheriff Thad is around. Then you add to the mix a couple of hysterical twins who own the store where Sadie works and their Opera House owning brother and you get a story that will keep you on your toes! Not everything is as it looks though.

A very good read.


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

Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!


One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

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 29th!