Road to the Christys 2012 - And the nominees are....

Congratulations to all the Christy Award nominees for 2012.

The nominees will be recognized and winners of the 13th annual Christy Awards for Excellence in Christian Fiction announced via live blog TONIGHT!

Contemporary Standalone



Dry as Rain - Gina Holmes (Tyndale House)
Promises to Keep - Ann Tatlock (Bethany House)
Words - Ginny Yttrup (B&H)

Find out more on the web:
Gina Holmes
Ann Tatlock
Ginny Yttrup

Contemporary Romance



My Foolish Heart - Susan May Warren (Tyndale House)
Larkspur Cove - Lisa Wingate (Bethany House)
Wolfsbane - Ronie Kendig (Barbour)

Susan May Warren
Lisa Wingate
Ronie Kendig

Contemporary Series/Sequel/Novella



The Amish Midwife - Mindy Starns Clark/Leslie Gould (Harvest House)
Dancing on Glass - Pamela Binnings Ewen (B&H)
The Touch - Randall Wallace (Tyndale House)

Mindy Starns Clark
Leslie Gould
Pamela Binnings Ewen
Randall Wallace

First Novel




An Eye for Glory - Karl Bacon (Zondervan)
Southern Fried Sushi - Jennifer Rogers Spinola (Barbour)
Words - Ginny Yttrup (B&H)

Karl Bacon
Jennifer Rogers Spinola
Ginny Yttrup

Historical



Forsaking All Others - Allison Pittman (Tyndale House)
Mine is the Night - Liz Curtis Higgs (Waterbrook Multnomah)
Wonderland Creek - Lynn Austin (Bethany House)

Allison Pittman
Liz Curtis Higgs
Lynn Austin

Historical Romance



A Lasting Impression - Tamera Alexander (Bethany House)
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall - Julie Klassen (Bethany House)
To Die For - Sandra Byrd (Howard)

Tamera Alexander
Julie Klassen
Sandra Byrd

Suspense



Over the Edge - Brandilyn Collins (B&H)
The Queen - Steven James (Revell)
Pattern of Wounds - J. Mark Bertrand (Bethany House)

Brandilyn Collins
Steven James
J. Mark Bertrand

Visionary


The Chair - James Rubart (B&H)
Forbidden - Ted Dekker/Tosca Lee (Center Street)
Veiled Rose - Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House)

James Rubart
Ted Dekker
Tosca Lee
Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Young Adult



How Huge the Night - Heather Munn/Lydia Munn (Kregel)
The Merchant's Daughter - Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)
Waterfall - Lisa T. Bergren (David C. Cook)

Heather Munn/Lydia Munn
Melanie Dickerson
Lisa T. Bergren

Find out more on the web:
Christy Awards
B&H Publishing
Barbour Publishing
Bethany House - A Division of Baker Publishing
Center Street - A Division of Hachette Publishing
David C Cook Publishing
Harvest House Publishing
Howard Books - A Division of Simon & Schuster
Kregel Publishing
Revell Books
Tyndale House Publishers
WaterBrook Multnomah Press
Zondervan Publishing

Road to the Christys 2012 - Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen

Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen is a nominee in the Contemporary Series/Sequel/Novella category at this years Christy Awards. Stay tuned as the winners will be announced via live blog on Monday, July 16th.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the steamy city of New Orleans in 1974, Amalise Catoir sees Phillip Sharp as a charming, magnetic artist, unlike any man she has known. A young lawyer herself, raised in a small town and on the brink of a career with a large firm, she is strong and successful, yet sometimes too trusting and whimsical. Ama's rash decision to marry Phillip proves to be a mistake as he becomes overly possessive, drawing his wife away from family, friends, and her faith. His insidious, dangerous behavior becomes her dark, inescapable secret.

In this lawyer's unraveling world, can grace survive Ama's fatal choice? What would you do when prayers seem to go unanswered, faith has slipped away, evil stalks, and you feel yourself forever dancing on shattered glass?

Watch the book trailer:


MY THOUGHTS:

I really enjoyed this engaging book set in the intriguing Crescent City. I find New Orleans and the bayou country a fascinating place to read about.

The author does a wonderful job giving depth to each of the characters...to the naive but trusting Amalise, the maniacal Phillip, and the loyal and balanced Jude. My emotions were warring with each other with the character Amalise...sometimes I just wanted to hug her and offer her comfort as she endures a volatile relationship with Phillip while at others times I wanted to wring her neck for her thinking she and her love could change the man whose irrational personality was making her life a prison.

This story sucked me in from the first page, and I stayed up two nights in a row to read this book (actually falling asleep with it in my hands one of those nights) because I just had to know would happen on each successive page. I'm not giving away anything of the ending but I will say that it left me more than satisfied. If you are looking for a book with a touch of romance, suspense, excellent characterization with a backdrop of the beautifully described Crescent City and Louisiana Bayou country, then don't let Dancing on Glass pass you by.

Find out more on the web:
Christy Awards
Pamela Binnings Ewen

The Deposit Slip by Todd M Johnson

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Deposit Slip
(Bethany House Publishers - July 1, 2012)

by
Todd M. Johnson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer.

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.

The Deposit Slip is his debut novel. He lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy, and children Ian and Libby.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

$10,000,000 Is Missing.


Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father's death, she found a slim piece of paper--a deposit slip--with an unbelievable amount on it. Only the bank claims they have no record of the money, and trying to hire a lawyer has brought only intimidation and threats. Erin's last chance is Jared Neaton.

How Far Will One Lawyer Go to Find the Money?

When Jared wearied of the shady ethics of his big law firm and started his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big loss has pushed him to the brink, and it's all he can do to scrape by.

And How Far Will Someone Go to Stop Him?

He's not sure if Erin's case is worth the risk, but if the money is real, all his problems could vanish. When digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats, both Jared and Erin must decide the cost they're willing to pay to discover the truth.

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

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Inescapable
(Bethany House Publishers - July 1, 2012)
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:

Lizzie Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite hometown, Kingdom, Kansas, with plans never to return.

But five years later, the new life she built is falling apart. Lizzie knows she's being followed, and she's certain the same mysterious stranger is behind the threatening letters she's received. Realizing she'll have to run again, the only escape Lizzie can manage is a return to the last place she wants to go.

Once she arrives in Kingdom, Lizzie is confident she'll be safe until she comes up with a new plan. In reacquainting herself with the town and its people--especially her old friend, Noah Housler--she wonders if she judged her hometown and her Mennonite faith too harshly. However, just as she begins to come to terms with her roots, Lizzie is horrified to discover the danger she ran from is closer than ever.

No longer sure who to trust and fearful for her life and the lives of those around her, Lizzie finds she has only one place left to run--to the Father whose love is inescapable.

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

Nothing to Hide by J Mark Bertrand

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Nothing to Hide
(Bethany House Publishers - July 1, 2012)
by
J. Mark Bertrand

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

J. Mark Bertrand lived in Houston, where the series is set, for fifteen years earning an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Houston. But after one hurricane too many he left for South Dakota. Mark has been arrested for a crime he didn't commit, was the foreman of one hung jury and served on another that acquitted Vinnie Jones of assault. In 1972, he won an honorable mention in a child modeling contest, but pursued writing instead.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A grisly homicide. An international threat.
The stakes have never been higher for
Detective Roland March.

The victim's head is missing, but what intrigues Detective Roland March is the hand. The pointing finger must be a clue--but to what? According to the FBI, the dead man was an undercover asset tracking the flow of illegal arms to the Mexican cartels. To protect the operation, they want March to play along with the cover story. With a little digging, though, he discovers the Feds are lying. And they're not the only ones.

In an upside-down world of paranoia and conspiracy, March finds himself dogged by injury and haunted by a tragic failure. Forced to take justice into his own hands, his twisting investigation leads him into the very heart of darkness, leaving March with nothing to lose--and nothing to hide.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Nothing to Hide, go HERE.

The Search by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Search
(Avon Inspire; Original edition - June 19, 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 second book in her Secrets of Crittenden County series, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country.

The serenity of the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky is disrupted when Abby Anderson discovers the body of Perry Borntrager in an abandoned well. Perry had been missing for months. Everyone figured he had left the order during his rumspringa. As friends and family reel from this news, and are faced with the first death by mysterious circumstance to occur in their small town in over 20 years, a homicide detective arrives to help solve the crime.

Before Perry disappeared, Frannie Eicher and Perry had been secretly courting. Now that it’s common knowledge that he was murdered, it’s up to Fannie to decide whether or not to tell everyone about the secrets he told her.

After much deliberation, she decides to tell Luke Reynolds, the visiting police officer, what she knows. At first, the two meet only on the context of discussing Perry’s death. Then, Luke begins to feel more and more at home, both with Frannie, and in Marion. The only problem is that he feels a romantic pull toward Frannie. Frannie feels that same attraction toward Luke, but is afraid to give her heart to him. After all, she doesn’t want to leave her faith.

As Luke uncovers more secrets about Perry and the case draws out, his time in Marion runs out. He has to decide whether to go back to his job with the Cincinnati Police Department…or stay in Marion.

If you would like to read the Prologue of The Search, go HERE.

Spring Reading Thing 2012 Wrap-Up

I had this grand plan to catch up on my book reading goal for the year (ten books a month) when I started SRT 2012 and in an effort to keep my head above water, I put 30 books on my list. I read a number of books on my original list and added a few others that I just couldn't pass up. Due to the busyness of school activities, reunions, and weddings, my time seemed to slip away much too quickly and I was only able to read 26 books. I hope you all fared much better than I did.

I enjoyed all of the books I read and here are my recommendations:

If Suspense thrills you, definitely read Critical Care, Medical Error, Relentless Pursuit, The Chase, and Cooking the Books.

If Romantic Comedy tickles your fancy, don't pass up Sandra Bricker's Always the Designer and Always the Wedding Planner.

Historical Fiction that's worth your time: The Key on the Quilt and Love in Disguise (there's a bit of mystery and romance in this one), and if you like a bit of a western flair, definitely read Stuart Brannon's Final Shot.

If you think Amish Fiction is "wunderbar gut", then The Fiddler, Missing, and Her Restless Heart are for you.

For those of you who are young at heart, check out these Young Adult titles: The Wishing Pearl (High School Age) and Theodore Boone: The Accused (Middle Grade).

Books finished from original list:

Stuart Brannon's Final Shot - Stephen Bly and family
Missing - Shelley Shepard Gray
The Chase - DiAnn Mills
Cooking the Books - Bonnie Calhoun
Always the Designer, Never the Bride - Sandra Bricker
The Fiddler - Beverly Lewis
Her Restless Heart - Barbara Cameron
Critical Care - Candace Calvert
The Half-Stitched Amish Knitting Club - Wanda Brunstetter
Relentless Pursuit - Kathy Herman
Theodore Boone: The Accused - John Grisham
Medical Error - Richard Mabry
The Wishing Pearl - Nicole O'Dell
Accused - Janice Cantore
Red, White, and Blue - Laura Hayden
Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride - Sandra Bricker
The Key on the Quilt - Stephanie Grace Whitson

Bonus Books:

Titanic Trivia - David Downs/Ken Beck
Dispatches from a Bitter America - Todd Starnes
The Jerk Magnet - Melody Carlson
The Best Friend - Melody Carlson
Interrupted: Life Beyond Words - Rachel Coker
My Stubborn Heart - Becky Wade
Annie's Truth - Beth Shriver
Reckless Heart - Amy Clipston
Love in Disguise - Carol Cox

Have a great summer...see you all at Fall into Reading 2012!

Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love in Disguise
(Bethany House Publishers - June 1, 2012) by
Carol Cox

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play--within view of the family's front porch.

A word from Carol:

As a native of Arizona, I have a longtime interest in the Southwest and its history. My family shares my love of the Old West, as evidenced by this photo taken back in the halcyon days before my son turned to a life of crime and started robbing trains for a living...

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.

Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love in Disguise, go HERE.

The Anniversary Waltz by Darrel Nelson

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Anniversary Waltz
(Realms - May 15, 2012)
by
Darrel Nelson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:

I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.

I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.

I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

At their sixtieth anniversary party, Adam Carlson asks his wife, Elizabeth, for their customary waltz. After the dance they gather the family and share their story—a story of love and courage overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of overwhelming odds.

It’s the summer of 1946, and Adam has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana. At a town festival he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.

When Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz in a deserted pavilion one evening, their feelings begin to grow and they embark on a journey, and a dance, that will last a lifetime.

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

Annie's Truth by Beth Shriver

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Annie's Truth
(Realms - May 15, 2012)
by
Beth Shriver

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Childhood memories of her grandfather's ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she understands pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She frequents a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam!

In 2003 Beth began writing her first book. A couple of years later it was published and she has been writing ever since. Beth received a degree in social work from the University of Nebraska and was a case worker before starting a family. Beth followed her passion and has written in a variety of genres in both fiction and non-fiction.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After learning the truth about who she really is, can this prodigal daughter be accepted back into the safety and security of home?

Annie Beiler seems to have it all—a loving family in a tight-knit Amish community and the affections of an attractive and respected young man. But when she learns that she was adopted after being found as an abandoned newborn, she sets out on a journey to find out who she is.

Her father is strongly against her decision to leave, as it could mean Meidung, or excommunication from the community and even her family. But Annie knows she must find “the path that has her heart.”

As Annie’s search brings her into the fast-paced world of modern life, she is confronted with all of the temptations she was warned of. Can she make her way back to the order and security of her family? Or will she remain an outsider—torn between her two worlds?

If you would like to read an excerpt from the first chapter of Annie's Truth, go HERE.

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
My Stubborn Heart
(Bethany House Publishers; Original Edn - May 1, 2012)


by
Becky Wade

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Sensational CBA Debut in Contemporary Romance!

This summer author Becky Wade makes her CBA debut with a fun -- and funny -- contemporary romance. Amidst the light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments is a compelling spiritual journey of one woman's choice to listen to God and wait on him. Filled with humor and authentic romance, My Stubborn Heart is shaping up to be the hit of the summer.

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house. ;Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

MY THOUGHTS:

I haven't quite finished this book, but I am really enjoying it. There are a lot of really engaging characters in the story, and I have to say that I'm enjoying Morty and Velma's storyline as much as I am Matt and Kate's.

There have been plenty of places to laugh as I've turned the pages...and I so love a book with humor. My only negative is the use of a few words that my mama would have washed my mouth out with soap for back in the day...cr@p, PO'd, etc. But even with that, I would still recommend this book to those who love romance, humor, and a story that will both entertain you as well as speak to your heart.

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

If you would like to read the first chapter of My Stubborn Heart, go HERE.

Her Restless Heart by Barbara Cameron

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Her Restless Heart

(Abingdon Press - April 2012)
by
Barbara Cameron

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books, three nationally televised movies (HBO-Cinemax), and the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Her two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

When a relative took her to visit the Amish community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, she felt led to write about the spiritual values and simple joys she witnessed there. She currently resides in Edgewater, FL.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Mary Katherine is caught between the traditions of her faith and the pull of a different life. When Daniel, an Amish man living in Florida, arrives and shares her restlessness, Mary Katherine feels drawn to him and curious about the life he leads away from Lancaster County.

But her longtime friend Jacob has been in love with her for years. He’s discouraged that she’s never viewed him as anything but a friend and despairs that he is about to lose Mary Katherine to this outsider.

Will the conflicted Mary Katherine be lost to the English world, or to Daniel, who might take her away to Florida? Or will she embrace her Amish faith and recognize Jacob as the man she should marry and build a life with?

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first Barbara Cameron book that I've read...and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed her storytelling and how she really drew me into the conflict facing Mary Katherine. Another part of the story that I enjoyed was the way Mary Katherine and her cousins got along...each with their own unique personalities and reactions to circumstances. I look forward to reading more about them in future books.

My thanks to CFBA and Abingdon Press for providing a copy for review.

If you want to read the first chapter of Her Restless Heart, go HERE.