Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stuck in the Middle
(Revell - February 1, 2008)
by
Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Virginia Smith left her job as a corporate director to become a full time writer and speaker with the release of her first novel Just As I Am.

Since then she has contracted eight novels and published numerous articles and short stories. She writes contemporary humorous novels for the Christian market, including Murder by Mushroom (Steeple Hill, August 2007) and her newest release, Stuck in the Middle(Revell, February 2008), book 1 in the Sister-to-Sister Series.

Her short fiction has been anthologized, and her articles have been published in a variety of Christian magazines. An energetic speaker, she loves to exemplify God’s truth by comparing real-life situations to well-known works of fiction, such as her popular talk, “Biblical Truths in Star Trek.”

Virginia is a speaker, and an avid Scuba diver. She and her husband Ted, divide their times between Kentucky and Utah, and escape as often as they can for diving trips to the Caribbean!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Joan Sanderson's life is stuck. Her older sister, Allie, is starting a family and her younger sister, Tori, has a budding career. Meanwhile, Joan is living at home with Mom and looking after her aging grandmother. Not exactly a recipe for excitement-or romance.

That is, until a hunky young doctor moves in next door. Suddenly Joan has a goal--to catch his eye and get a date. But it won't be easy. Pretty Tori flirts relentlessly with him and Joan is sure that she can't compete. But with a little help from God, Allie, and an enormous mutt with bad manners, maybe Joan can find her way out of this rut and into the life she's been hiding from.

Book 1 of the Sister-to-Sister series, Stuck in the Middle combines budding romance, spiritual searching, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry that is sure to make you smile.

"A gentle story of one young woman's season of growth, deftly blending the tangle of family relationships with gifts of whimsy and revelation. A joy to read."
~SHARON HINCK, author of Renovating Becky Miller and Symphony of Secrets~

"Virginia Smith has created a charming and humorous novel that celebrates small-town life, generations of women caring for each other, and the value of finding a deeper, more active faith."
~SHARON DUNN, author of the Bargain Hunters mysteries~

Congrats to...

Karin, who won the copy of Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear. I'll be in touch with you via email, Karin. And thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented.

Have a great week, everyone!

Blog Tour: Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren

If you enjoyed Susan May Warren's first Noble Legacy book Reclaiming Nick, then you won't want to miss Taming Rafe. It really held my attention, and the "story within the story" is a definite plus!

Meet Nick's younger brother--Rafe!

In less than eight seconds, two-time world champion bull rider Rafe Noble lost his title, his career, his best friend-all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena. Now he has no choice but to head back to the Silver Buckle, but not before he accidentally destroys philanthropist Katherine Breckenridge's NY Charity event. Now she's in town, wanting his money - or his help. And the last thing this broken bull rider is going to do is give her his heart. But Nick's little brother is going to learn just was it takes to tame the heart of a rebel!

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He's a Cowboy in Trouble...

Prologue

Rafe Noble, two-time world champion bull rider and current king of the gold buckle, had never met a bull that he feared. Oh, sure, he knew well the tension before a ride that buzzed his nerves and slicked his hand inside his taped-tight leather glove. But normally he shook it off the second he wound the bull rope, sticky with rosin, around the animal’s chest and wedged it into his grip. Then the adrenaline, the heat, took over.

And for eight long, harrowing seconds, it was just man against beast.

In Rafe’s world, man usually won.

However, as Rafe straddled the champion bull known as PeeWee, which had to be some sort of joke because the bull was the biggest, orneriest creature Rafe had ever ridden, coldness rushed through him. Something foreign and overwhelming ignited a tremble from deep within his bones.

For the first time since he was thirteen he felt . . . terror.

Maybe it was just the residual agony of watching one of his fellow bull riders being carried out on a stretcher only minutes earlier. Maybe it was the roar of the crowd hammering at the raging headache he’d nursed most of the day. It could be the fact he rode in pain, that he’d had to tape his hand, wear his knee brace, and the sports medicine doctor had reminded him that one more fracture to his neck would land him in a wheelchair permanently.

Or perhaps it was just the eerie feeling that hung in the air, along with the smells of animal sweat and popcorn and leather and dirt, a surreal sense that tragedy lurked right outside the arena of spectators.

Finish reading this excerpt here.

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How would you like to win a steak dinner (an Omaha Steak gift certificate) with Rafe (a copy of Taming Rafe)? Be sure to check out the "meaty" contest Susan is sponsoring for the tour! Yum...red meat!

Be sure to also check out Rafe's blog, as it includes all the stops on the "Taming a Rebel's Heart" blog tour.

Keep a lookout for Noble Legacy Book 3 - Finding Stefanie, which is due out around July 1st.

ADAM by Ted Dekker

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
ADAM

(Thomas Nelson - April 1, 2008)

by

Ted Dekker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ted is the son of missionaries John and Helen Dekker, whose incredible story of life among headhunters in Indonesia has been told in several books. Surrounded by the vivid colors of the jungle and a myriad of cultures, each steeped in their own interpretation of life and faith, Dekker received a first-class education on human nature and behavior. This, he believes, is the foundation of his writing.

After graduating from a multi-cultural high school, he took up permanent residence in the United States to study Religion and Philosophy. After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Dekker entered the corporate world in management for a large healthcare company in California. Dekker was quickly recognized as a talent in the field of marketing and was soon promoted to Director of Marketing. This experience gave him a background which enabled him to eventually form his own company and steadily climb the corporate ladder.

Since 1997, Dekker has written full-time. He states that each time he writes, he finds his understanding of life and love just a little clearer and his expression of that understanding a little more vivid. Dekker's body of work encompassing seven mysteries, three thrillers and ten fantasies includes Heaven's Wager, When Heaven Weeps, Thunder of Heaven, Blessed Child, A Man Called Blessed, Blink, Thr3e, The Circle Trilogy (Black, Red, White), and Obsessed, with two more...Renegade, and Chaos to be released later this year.



ABOUT THE BOOK

He died once to stop the killer...now he's dying again to save his wife.

FBI behavioral psychologist Daniel Clark has become famous for his well-articulated arguments that religion is one of society’s greatest antagonists. What Daniel doesn’t know is that his obsessive pursuit of a serial killer known only as “Eve” is about to end abruptly with an unexpected death-his own.

Twenty minutes later Daniel is resuscitated, only to be haunted by the loss of memory of the events immediately preceding his death.

Daniel becomes convinced that the only way to stop Eve is to recover those missing minutes during which he alone saw the killer’s face. And the only way to access them is to trigger his brain’s memory dump that occurs at the time of death by simulating his death again…and again. So begins a carefully researched psychological thriller which delves deep into the haunting realities of near-death experiences, demon possession, and the human psyche.

As always with a Ted Dekker thriller, the details of ADAM are stunning, pointing to meticulous research in a raft of areas: police and FBI methods, forensic medicine, psychological profiling-in short, all that accompanies a Federal hunt for a serial killer. But Dekker fully reveals his magic in the latter part of the book, when he subtly introduces his darker and more frightening theme. It's all too creepily convincing. We have to keep telling ourselves that this is fiction. At the same time, we can't help thinking that not only could it happen, but that it will happen if we're not careful.

New York Times best-selling author Ted Dekker unleashes his most riveting novel yet...an elusive serial killer whose victims die of unknown causes and the psychologist obsessed with catching him.

Blog Tour: Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn

About Death of a Six Foot Teddy Bear:

Another murder mystery for the Bargain Hunters Network–only this time, one of them is a suspect!

Ginger and her husband, Earl, are in for a wild ride in Calamity, Nevada, along with the other BHN ladies–college student Kindra, mother-of-four Suzanne, and sassy senior Arleta. They came to town for the Invention Expo and some outlet shopping, but instead they endure lost luggage, broken air conditioning, and a long line of people angry at hotel owner Dustin Clydell. With the Invention Expo and the Squirrel Lovers’ convention both in town, the Wind-Up Hotel has somehow overbooked.

Before the night is over, a man has been found dead in a teddy bear costume, the Invention Expo has been canceled, Binky the water-skiing squirrel has gone missing…and the authorities want to talk to one of the BHN ladies! What else could possibly go wrong?

Once again, the Bargain Hunters Network swings into sleuth mode to solve the murder–and this time, clear one of their own. Along the way, Ginger discovers something even better than a bargain.

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About Sharon Dunn:

She is the author of Death of a Garage Sale Newbie, book one in the Bargain Hunters Mysteries, and the Ruby Taylor mystery novels including Sassy Cinderella, which was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. She earned a BA in television production and a master’s in history. Sharon lives in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband of twenty years, three children, two cats, and lots of dust bunnies.

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I really enjoyed this book - it was quirky and fun, full of mystery and was hard to put down. I give it an A+ in the 'whodunit' department - you'll never guess, I sure didn't!

Now for two exciting tidbits of info:

1. The publisher has given me a copy of this great book to give away! So if you'd like to be included in the drawing, all you need to do is leave a comment with your contact info (you at yoohoo dot com) before midnight Saturday, February 23rd. Winner will be announced and contacted sometime Sunday or Monday.

2. I was just over at amazon.com and saw a listing for the next book in the series. Death at a Discount shows a January 2009 release date.

My Name is Russell Fink by Michael Snyder

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
My Name is Russell Fink
(Zondervan - March 1, 2008)
by
Michael Snyder


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Snyder has spent the bulk of his professional career in sales, has fallen in love, and continues to struggle with the balance between art and vocation. He's never investigated a murder, much less that of an allegedly clairvoyant dog.






ABOUT THE BOOK:

Russell Fink is twenty-six years old and determined to salvage a job he hates so he can finally move out of his parents' house for good. He's convinced he gave his twin sister cancer when they were nine years old. And his crazy fiancée refuses to accept the fact that their engagement really is over.

Then Sonny, his allegedly clairvoyant basset hound, is found murdered.

The ensuing amateur investigation forces Russell to confront several things at once-the enormity of his family's dysfunction, the guy stalking his family, and his long-buried feelings for a most peculiar love interest.

At its heart, My Name is Russell Fink is a comedy, with sharp dialogue, characters steeped in authenticity, romance, suspense, and fresh humor. With a postmodern style similar to Nick Hornby and Douglas Coupland, the author explores reconciliation, forgiveness, and faith in the midst of tragedy. No amount of neurosis or dysfunction can derail God's redemptive purposes.

Healing Stones by Stephen Arterburn and Nancy Rue

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Healing Stones
(Thomas Nelson - January 1, 2008)
by
Stephen Arterburn & Nancy Rue


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:



Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries—the nation’s largest faith-based broadcast, counseling and treatment ministry—and is the host of the nationally syndicated “New Life Live!” daily radio program.






By 1996 Nancy was a full-time writer. The Christian Heritage Series made that possible. She was writing those books from the early 1990's until 2000.

And then a new opportunity came along--the Lily series. If she ever doubted that she was going to make it as a writer, man, that little red-head put those fears to rest! And, of course, Sophie followed Lily, with some teen and grown-up books in between -- plus the non-fiction books designed just for you.

Nancy and her husband live in Tennessee now, overlooking a beautiful lake, lots of sycamore trees, and the rocky Tennessee hills. They have a bright yellow power boat named BANANA SPLIT which you can find them on no matter what the weather. Her married daughter, Marijean, lives nearby along with three "grand-dogs", three "grand-cats", (and two "grand-snakes" . . .)



ABOUT THE BOOK

With one flash of a camera, Demi's private life becomes public news. She doesn't know it yet, but her healing has just begun.

Christian college professor Demitria Costanas had vowed to end her affair with a colleague. But she gives into temptation one last time...and a lurking photographer captures her weakness for all to see. Quite literally, she's the woman caught in adultery. And almost everyone--herself included--has a stone to throw.

Enter Sullivan Crisp, a decidedly unorthodox psychologist with his own baggage. He's well-known for his quirky sense of humor and incorporation of "game show" theology into his counseling sessions. And yet there's something more he offers...hope for a fresh start.

Reluctantly the two of them begin an uplifting, uneven journey filled with healing and grace. By turns funny and touching, this story explores the ways humans hurt each other and deceive themselves. And it shows the endlessly creative means God uses to turn stones of accusation and shame into works of beauty that lead us onto the path of healing.

An auspicious debut for a candid yet tender series about pain, healing, and God's invitation for second chances.

Winter Haven by Athol Dickson

If you've ever read an Athol Dickson novel, you'll know that his stories are intense and intriguing. I was privileged to read an advance copy of Winter Haven, and it's no exception.


About Winter Haven:

Thirteen years ago, Vera Gamble's brother, Siggy, left their home never to be seen again - until his body washes ashore on the tiny island town of Winter Haven, Maine. As his only surviving kin, Vera travels north to claim the body - and finds herself tangled in the impossible: Her brother has not aged a day since last she saw him.

Determined to uncover what happened in those lost years, Vera soon discovers there are other secrets haunting the island: tales of lost colonies, a witch bent on vengeance, and a forest where no creature dares to live. Hemmed in by unearthly fog and distrusted by the locals, Vera's only ally is the owner of a grand but dilapidated mansion poised on a rocky cliff. Will her desperate questions find answers, or will Winter Haven claim yet one more dark legend?


An unusual premise, dramatic plot twists, compelling characters, and a climax that leaves you wondering how you didn't see it coming - like puzzle pieces deftly scattered each plays a part in making Winter Haven into a masterpiece. This is probably the first suspense novel I've read in a long time that actually gripped me to the point that I found myself holding my breath. If you love a good suspense novel, you will definitely want to check it out.

Winter Haven is published by Bethany House Publishers and releases in April.

The Debutantes Series by Debra White Smith

I've always been a big fan of Debra White Smith's books, so when I heard a few months back that she was starting a new series I knew the books would be among my "must-reads." I have already read the first book (excellent) and am looking forward to the two others in the series.

So who are the Debutantes...?


Heather

She's a winsome blonde whose looks belie her black belt in karate. When Heather meets Tyler, the society page editor, they are immediately attracted to each other despite her parents objections.

When Houston's mayor is shot, the Debutantes solve the case. To remain anonymous, they leave the perfume laden evidence at the newspaper...along with a longstemmed rose. Obsessed with the mysterious woman now known as The Rose, Tyler breaks up with Heather. As she and her friends work on solving yet another crime, Heather is determined to win Tylers heart. Will she overcome his mysterywoman fascination? Can the Debutantes keep their identities hidden?


Lorna (releases in March)

Attending a welcome-the-new-mayor party, Lorna Leigh counters boredom by escaping to the garden...only to realize she's not alone. The dashing 30-something mayor is getting fresh air too. Sparks fly when she realizes Michael's idealistic views match hers and he discovers she's a tennis fiend. When a pastor is arrested for pornography, debutantes Lorna, Heather, and Brittan take the case. Convinced the pastor was set up, the gutsy amateur detectives investigate. Lorna's faith falters as clues are uncovered and Michael becomes a primary suspect. Why would God bring him into her life only to reveal his shady past and questionable future? Torn between budding love and justice, Lorna faces her most difficult decision yet.


Brittan (releases in July)

When Brittan Shay meets Jose Herrera, she's found love for the first time. Even when she and her friends, Lorna and Heather, investigate a money laundering scheme and discover Jose's mother might be involved, Brittan's sure her new boyfriend isn't part of the plot. But when Chief Rob Lightly gets involved Brittan hesitates.

As suspicions and accusations fly, who should Brittan believe? And what will the culprit do when awareness of the Debutantes investigation comes to light?

Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sister's Ink
(Broadman & Holman Books - February 1, 2008)
by
Rebeca Seitz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rebeca Seitz is Founder and President of Glass Road Public Relations. An author for several years, PRINTS CHARMING was her first novel.

Rebeca cut her publicity teeth as the first dedicated publicist for the fiction division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. In 2005, Rebeca resigned from WestBow and opened the doors of GRPR, the only publicity firm of its kind in the country dedicated solely to representing novelists writing from a Christian worldview.

Rebeca makes her home in Kentucky with her husband, Charles, and their son, Anderson.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sisters, Ink marks the first in a series of novels written by, for, and about scrapbookers. At the center of the creativity and humor are four unlikely young adult sisters, each separately adopted during early childhood into the loving home of Marilyn and Jack Sinclair.

Ten years after their mother Marilyn has died, the multi-racial Sinclair sisters (Meg, Kendra, Tandy, and Joy) still return to her converted attic scrapping studio in the small town of Stars Hill, Tennessee, to encourage each other through life’s highs and lows.

Book one spotlights headstrong Tandy, a successful yet haunted attorney now living back in Orlando where she spent the first eight years of her life on the streets as a junkie’s kid. When a suddenly enforced leave of absence at work leads her to an extended visit with her sisters in Stars Hill, a business oppor­tunity, rekindled romance, and fresh understanding of God’s will soon follow.


Endorsements:

"What more can any woman want? Sisters, Ink weaves the love of sisters, the fun of scrapbooking, and a romance as sugary and tingling as Sweet Home Alabama. A must read for those who love southern fiction."--DiAnn Mills, author of Leather and Lace and When the Nile Runs Red

"Fun . . . funny . . . fantastic! Rebeca Seitz has brought together scrapbooking and sisterhood in a lively romp, with a love for going home again."--Eva Marie Everson, coauthor of The Potluck Club series.

An Upcoming Legal Thriller by Randy Singer

Randy Singer has another legal thriller headed our way in May. I've read a number of his books and they are definitely worth getting your hands on.




About By Reason of Insanity:

A series of unsolved murders.
A woman who knows too much.
A lawyer in over his head.
Sometimes, insanity is the only way out.

The whole world hates the insanity plea.

Quinn Newberg is a high-priced Las Vegas attorney who specializes in the insanity defense. His latest client is Catherine O'Rourke, a Virginia Beach reporter accused of being the serial killer dubbed the Avenger of Blood.

Catherine maintains her innocence, but even she can't explain the evidence that's mounting against her. Most disturbing are the details of the crimes that Catherine shared with detectives prior to her arrest, details no one but the killer could know. She claims to have witnessed the murders in her dreams and shared them only to aid the investigation.

Quinn believes in justice, Vegas style, a little showmanship goes a long way with juries. He also believes in his client. But he doesn't believe Catherine's dreams are anything other than the result of a fractured personality disorder, triggered by a traumatic event from her past.

Though he knows that insanity cases are unpredictable, nothing has prepared Quinn for this. To win, or even survive, he'll need more than his famed legal maneuvering and biting skepticism.

On this case, he'll need a miracle.

We have a winner...

First of all, my apologies for not posting this over the weekend, due to my hubby and I celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary Saturday. So without further ado, congrats to AMY, the winner of Reluctant Smuggler! I'll be contacting you at the email provided for your snail mail addy. A big thank you to everyone who entered as well.