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

Book Review: Shattered

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.

Book Review: A Great Catch

ABOUT THE BOOK (from back cover)

She wants to Change the world.  He wants to change her mind.

It's the beginning of a new century and Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change.  When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor.  She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next.  Will Carter strike out?  Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

MY THOUGHTS
From the zany aunts to the mishaps of Emily this book will keep you in laughter from beginning to end!  This book is a very fun read and you just can't help but laugh at the antics of Emily's aunts and they try to find her a suitor.

This is a very fun and enjoyable read and will definitely keep you entertained, I did read the first Lake Manawa Summer book, Making Waves, and this book is a stand along story, the characters follow through but take a back seat to the main character in the new book so you truly do not feel as though you're missing anything!

I do recommend reading Making Waves just for fun though!  I can't wait to read the next Lake Manawa Summer book, at least I'm hoping there will be one!

“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 Group

CFBA: Book Review: Hope Rekindled

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hope Rekindled Bethany House (June 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books

ABOUT THE BOOK

Will Love Escape Her Grasp?

Life seems to be falling into place for Deborah Vandermark. On the cusp of finally marrying Christopher, the man who claimed her heart, she is devastated when he receives an urgent telegram. Bound to his family obligations, Christopher travels to Kansas City, uncertain of what he will find there.

When her fiancé returns to Texas, Deborah is faced with a very different future than she expected. She finds herself plagued with questions and uncertainty...about marriage, motherhood, and her passion to train as a physician. And when an old adversary reveals a contract that may spell ruin for Vandermark Logging, Deborah's life seems to be spiraling out of control. Can Christopher and Deborah find a way to claim the future they long to share when so much stands in the way?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Hope Rekindled, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:
This is a book full of ups and downs, you're never quite sure what is going to happen in the Vandermark family!  Fires, shootings, and threats keep this book interesting, will the Vandermark family survive the town menace who is out for revenge?  It's anyone's guess!  There are a few women in this book who have no fear of standing up for themselves and I loved their spunk.

Once again, Tracie Peterson writes a book you just have to read!





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

TheraBreath Review and Lozenge Giveaway! EXTENDED

Have you heard of TheraBreath Products? A few months back I had the opportunity to review their toothpaste, oral rinse and lozenges...and fell in love with them all!

Just recently I was asked to review the all new TheraBreath Probiotics and jumped at the chance to try some more of these wonderful products.

ABOUT PROBIOTICS

After six years of research and development with partners at BLIS Technologies and Otago University of New Zealand, TheraBreath is proud to announce the release of TheraBreath Multi Symptom Oral Care Probiotics, the first probiotic product developed with BLIS K12 and M18 probiotic strains to effectively target hostile bacteria in the oral cavity and throat. With benefits ranging from helping to
relieve inner ear infections and sore throats to helping to prevent cavities, biofilm, and tooth staining the effects of this product on the oral health of the nation will be substantial and long lasting.

Probiotics have gained increasing popularity in the U.S. in recent years with applications primarily targeting non-specific digestive health. TheraBreath Multi Symptom Oral Care Probiotics are part of a new generation of probiotics that are far more sophisticated in terms of their benefits. The BLIS probiotic strains used in this new TheraBreath product were discovered to be naturally occuring in
the oral cavities of a very small percentage of children who showed a natural resistance to cavities, sore throats, ear aches and bad breath. What is remarkable about the BLIS strains is that they selectively target hostile bacteria responsible for various oral cavity related illnesses while allowing beneficial oral flora to remain intact. This prevents comprimising your body’s natural immunity to disease, which can sometimes happen after antiobiotic treatments.

MY THOUGHTS:

I love the Multi-Symptom Probiotic Oral Health Care, it was a bit putsy to use, you need to dissolve a packet of powder, swish it around, then gargle as well, but WOW it leaves you feeling fresh and clean. I just had a dentist visit last week and they asked about my products, when I told them I've been using Dr. Katz products they were quite impressed and said my teeth looked great...that's always pleasant to hear when sitting in the chair on an incline at the dentist!

You are supposed to use the Probiotics for one week each month, I have not used it long enough to know of any long time effects but for now, my mouth feels clean, fresh, and healthy!

You can visit http://www.therabreath.com/probiotics/ for more information on the Multi Symptom Probiotic (and also to get some great coupons!)

I am going to give you the opportunity to win a box of the wonderful, amazing ThereBreath Lozenges...they come in a nifty self-dispensing box ready to use! Each lozenge is individually packaged for on the go fresh breath and are an instant cure for bad breath!

Here's what you need to do to win:  (USA Only this time)
-Leave a separate comment for each entry as well as your email address

Mandatory:
Head on over to the Therabreath site and tell me what other product you would like to try, be original here, don't just say what previous entrants said!!!

Extras:
+2 follow publicly via GFC, counts if you're an old follower too!
+1 follow Therabreath on Twitter
+1 follow Therabreath on FB
+1 follow my very new blog...promise, it'll grow with age!

GOOD LUCK!  The giveaway will end at midnight on June 6th, I will choose the winner via Random.Org, and the winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or a new winner will be chosen.


*I received a complimentary box of the Multi-Symptom Probiotic in exchange for review.

Debbie Macomber, Book Review and Giveaway!!!!

It's time for some Debbie Macomber fun!!!

Once again I had the opportunity to talk with Debbie, each time we talk I learn something new, if she is ever in your area on a book tour be sure to stop in for her book signing!

Bet you're wondering what we talked about?  Well, here you go:

1.  Where do you find your inspiration to write?  

"My two house payments are plenty of inspiration!"

2.  Have you written any children's books?
"Yes, The Truly Terrible Horrible Sweater....That Grandma Knit"

3.  Tell us about your most embarrassing moment as an author...
"Several years ago I wrote a book and wanted a war hero, I chose Anderson Early, I didn't do my research very well, which I found out when I received a letter from his family stating that I had cast a black mark on his good name!"

4.  Which books that you have written are your favorite?
"It's hard to choose, there are so many!  But I will say, Between Friends, Twenty Wishes and A Turn in the Road are my favorites!"

5.  What kind of advice would you give to those who would like to write?
"Keep at it, no matter what, keep at it, if you want it more than anything it will happen"

Debbie, thank you so much for your interview....keep those books coming...and don't forget (Mall of America this summer!!!)



A Turn in the Road (from book jacket)

Sometimes, where you think you're going isn't where you end up....

In the middle of the year, in the middle of her life, Bethanne Hamilton takes a road trip with her daughter, Annie, and her former mother-in-law, Ruth.

They're driving to Florida for Ruth's 50th high school reunion.  A longtime widow, Ruth would like to reconnect with Royce, the love of her teenage life.  She's heard he's alone, too...and, well, she's curious.  Maybe even hopeful.

Bethanne needs time to reflect and her daughter Annie is out to prove to her onetime boyfriend that she can live a brilliant life without him!

From Seattle's Blossom Street to the other end of the country, this is a trip that could change three women's lives.

MY THOUGHTS:
Debbie Macomber does it again with another wonderfully fun book.  From the time you hop into the rental car with Bethanne, Annie and Ruth straight through to the very end you'll find one adventure after another!  These may be three women traveling alone, but they do not lack for fun and changing their plans at a whim!

I really loved Ruth, she is one determined lady, she wants to go to Florida with or without the blessing of her grown son and daughter....which is exactly why Bethanne steps in and saves the day!

The story line is full of fun little mishaps and is topped off with a good dose of a tangled web of love and forgiveness!  A great summertime read!

Knit Along With Debbie Macomber: A Turn in the Road
Once again, Debbie has written a companion knitting book for her new release, as a knitter I LOVE these!  This book has 18 portable projects inspired by the book....because of course, you cannot go on a road trip and NOT knit!

Booties, Blankets, Spa Cloths and Scarves all beautifully illustrated are enough to cause inspiration to start a new project, but then there are bridal gloves, socks and more!  As always, the book is very well laid out and the instructions are very easy to read and follow.  The back of the book has general knitting instructions as well as yarn information.

This is a must for Debbie Macomber fans!  ....and don't forget about her very own line of yarn which you can find at many local yarn shops!!!

NOW....on to the PRIZE

How would you like to win BOTH of these books?

Thought so...here's what you need to do! 

Mandatory: (Don't forget your email)

PUBLICLY follow my blog 

Extras: (please leave a separate comment for each entry)
+1 if you tell me your favorite Debbie Macomber book

+1 if you left a comment on my Debbie Macomber teaser post  
+1 if you subscribe to my blog
+1 if you follow me on FB
+1 if you follow me on twitter
 

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, June 15th...I will choose the winner via Random.org.  Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen!

GOOD LUCK!!!

*I received 2 complimentary copies of each book, one for review, one to giveaway from Alana over at TBTPR.

Book Review: The Fine Art of Insincerity

ABOUT THE BOOK:  (Back Cover)
Three Southern Sisters with nine marriages among them-and more looming on the horizon-travel to St. Simons Island to empty their late grandmother's house.  Ginger, the eldest, wonders if she's the only one who hasn't inherited what their family calls "the Grandma Gene"-the tendency to enjoy the casualness of courtship more than the intimacy of marriage.  Could it be that her sisters are fated to serially marry, just like their seven-times-wed grandmothers, Lillian Irene Harper Winslow Goldstein Carey James Bobrinski Gordon George?

Marital frustrations collide with poignant memories when the sisters gather to close up Grandma's treasured beach house for the last time.  One sister faces her husband's infidelity, one plots the end of her life in pursuit of love, and one toys with the idea of leaving her loving but dull husband as the task at hand reminds them of their grandmother's love and life lessons.  This "girls only" weekend forces them to finally unpack their family baggage, examine their relationship DNA, and discover the true legacy their much-marrying grandmother left behind.

MY THOUGHTS

This is a great read and deals with several real life issues, divorce, love, and emotional baggage that can cause a broken heart.  God can heal if you're willing and the characters in this book definitely need healing, or at least help in getting over the "Grandma Gene".

If you have a sister you'll want to read this book, and as you read it you'll realize that any of the characters in this book could one day be you!

This is a great read, one that should top your summer reading list!




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