Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Flora's Wish
(Harvest House Publishers - February 1, 2013)

by
Kathleen Y'Barbo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots. Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

May 1887--Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as "Fatal Flora," a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family's estate. She's confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.

Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister's heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?


And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora's heart?

MY THOUGHTS:

Desperation can make even the most level-headed person do reckless things. Flora Brimm, unlucky in love, must produce an heir or she cannot lay claim to her family's estate. Unfortunately her reputation precedes her and repels most gentlemen from wanting to keep company with her let alone marry her. A chance meeting with Will Tucker changes things and she and Will make "arrangements" to wed. However, Will Tucker may not be all he seems to be and Detective Lucas McMinn is hot on his trail, but what an adventure awaits him in his pursuit. Hold on to your seats and your funny bone as this entertaining story takes you for a ride. Kathleen Y'Barbo is a great storyteller and fans of humor and romance will not want to let this book pass them by.

My thanks to CFBA and Harvest House Publishers for generously providing a copy for review.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Flora's Wish, go HERE.

For Love of Eli by Loree Lough

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
For Love of Eli
(Abingdon Press - February 1, 2013)
by
Loree Lough

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With more than FOUR MILLION copies of her books in circulation, Loree has 98 books (fiction and non-fiction for kids and adults; four novels optioned for movies; more books slated for release between now and 2014), 68 short stories, over 2,500+ articles in print, and over 19,000 letters from fans!


Loree loves sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and the industry, and her comedic approach makes her a favorite (and frequent) guest of writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, college and high school writing programs both here and abroad.


A writer who believes in "giving back," Loree dedicates a portion of her income to Soldiers' Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and other worthwhile organizations.


She splits her time between a tiny home in the Baltimore suburbs and an even tinier cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and shares both with her real-life hero Larry, who rarely complains, even when she adds yet another item to her vast collection of "wolf stuff."

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When unspeakable tragedy leaves young Eli an orphan, two families are devastated. But Taylor, Eli’s aunt and legal guardian, vows to help him remember his parents by creating a Memory Quilt. As she begins piecing together the moments of his parents' lives, the story of the young family emerges and Taylor and Eli begin to heal. But Eli’s uncle Reece is slow to let go of the past and still blames Taylor’s brother for his sister’s death. So, although he has long been attracted to Taylor, Reece keeps a safe distance away. Can their shared love for Eli pave the way to forgiveness or will Taylor and Reece be separated by pain?

If you would like to read a first chapter excerpt of For Love of Eli, go HERE.

Daybreak by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Daybreak
(Avon Inspire; Original edition - February 12, 2013)

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:

When Viola Keim starts working at a nearby Mennonite retirement home, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with resident Atle, whose only living relative, son Edward, is living as a missionary in Nicaragua. Viola understands the importance of mission work, but she can’t imagine leaving her father in the hands of strangers. Even though her family is New Order Amish, it’s not the Amish way, and though she doesn’t know Ed, she judges him for abandoning his father.

But when Ed surprises his father with a visit, Viola and Ed both discover an attraction they never expected. Despite her feelings, choosing Ed would mean moving to a far-off country and leaving her family behind. She can’t do that. Her twin sister, Elsie, is going blind and will need someone to care for her all her life. Her family is reeling with the recent discovery that her grandmother hid her past as an Englischer. Her father seems forgetful and distracted—and to be harboring some secrets of his own.

Does Viola dare leave them all behind and forge her own life? Or will family ties mean her one chance at love slips away?

MY THOUGHTS:

Shelley Shepard Gray is one of my favorite Amish authors, and with just cause. I love how her stories are intermingled with drama, romance, and even a touch of humor. She fills her books with engaging characters, multiple subplots, and scenarios that will keep you turning pages into the wee hours. Daybreak is a great start to this series and I am anxiously awaiting Ray of Light, due out in May, to see what else she has in store for the Keim family.

My thanks to CFBA and Avon Inspire for generously providing a copy for review.

If you would like to read a first Chapter excerpt from Daybreak,go HERE.

Redeeming Grace by Ward Tanneberg

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Redeeming Grace
(Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas; 1st edition - February 28, 2013)

by
Ward Tanneberg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ward Tanneberg is a pastor/writer/novelist who has given more than 50 years to evangelism, youth, college and pastoral ministry, including two Pacific Northwest churches and 23 years as the senior pastor at Valley Christian Center in Dublin, CA. In 2008, he was named President/Executive Director of The CASA Network. Ward speaks extensively at 50+ retreats and ministry leadership events in the USA and elsewhere. When at home he meets weekly with a group of business and professional leaders. He and Dixie have 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and a great grandson.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Seven years ago, Grace Grafton died in a boating accident while partying on the Georgia, South Carolina coast. Was her death the result of alcohol and drugs or something more sinister? Nobody knows: her body was never recovered. Now years later, a woman reads in disbelief the note addressed to her: Hello Grace, did you think we wouldn't find you?

Those nine chilling words end Grafton's self-imposed sanctuary of witness protection. Now she and everyone she loves are in grave danger. Long believed dead, she has a secret that can change the world. She knows the man running for president is guilty of a double murder! But who will believe her?

MY THOUGHTS:

This is quite a lengthy book, and unfortunately I haven't finished it in time to give a full review, but I will say what I've read so far is very good. Plenty of intrigue, a touch of romance (hoping to see a bit more of that in the rest of the book), and it's a page turner. There were a couple of things that did seem to be a bit unbelieveable plot wise, but it's not anything that is a detriment to the story. In a way Mr. Tanneberg's writing reminds me of Steven James...with a multi-layered plot steeped in suspense with a bit of violence that touches on edgy. I'm really looking forward to see how this one ends!

My thanks to CFBA and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for generously providing a copy for review.

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

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Unbreakable
(Bethany House Publishers - February 1, 2013)

by
Nancy Mehl
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Mennonite Romantic Suspense Sure to Thrill Readers

Gentle and unassuming Hope Kauffman has never been one to question or try to make changes. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal her father arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite Hope's and other Kingdom residents' attempts to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, and when one of Kingdom's own is threatened by a mysterious outsider, Jonathon is one of the first to push for the town to arm itself. Hope's fiance, Ebbie, is at the forefront of those demanding the town stay true to its traditions of nonviolence.

When strange incidents around town result in outright attacks on several townspeople, Hope can't help but question what she's always been taught. As the town that's always stood so strong together is torn apart at the seams, Hope is caught between opposing sides, both represented by those she has come to care for. With tensions high and lives endangered by an unknown threat, Hope fears Kingdom can never survive in one piece.

MY THOUGHTS:

In the midst of trouble and confusion, is it possible to hold steady and be unbreakable in holding on to your convictions?

This book answers that question for the small Mennonite community of Kingdom, Kansas. As the residents of the town are struggling to determine a course of action as crime and violence is being perpetrated against it's citizens, Hope Kauffman herself struggles to determine which of two men who have feelings for her is God's choice. Throughout the book she examines the character and beliefs of the two men in an effort to determine which is the right man.

I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first book in the series (Inescapable), and was pleased to get to know a number of the characters better this time around. A nice balance of intrigue and romance kept me turning pages to find out who was wreaking havoc against Kingdom and the townspeople. While I had figured out which man she would choose before the ending, I loved the scene where her choice is revealed.

If you like a storyline of romance with the twists and turns of suspense or even just stories portraying life among the Mennonite people, then be sure to read this book. It's well worth the read.

My thanks to CFBA and Bethany House Publishers for generously providing a copy for review.

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