A Plain Disappearance by Amanda Flower

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Plain Disappearance
(B&H Books - September 1, 2013)

by
Amanda Flower
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

USA Today recently hailed award-nominated author Amanda Flower for A Plain Death, calling it “the first Amish rom-com . . . bring on the next one!” As the enthusiastic reviews continue to mount, she’s back with her third Appleseed Creek mystery, A Plain Disappearance.

It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date.

Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence.

My thoughts:

Even though this is the third book in the Appleseed Creek series, this is the first book of the series I've read. I missed a bit of the backstory but I plan on remedying that soon enough when I pull the first two off my shelf and read them. Even though I did miss that bit of backstory it didn't have any effect on how much I enjoyed this book.

Lots of great characters and a twist-and-turn plot kept me quickly turning pages in my own pursuit to find Katie's killer. All the pieces finally came together for me and I pegged the culprit mere pages from the climax, but there were moments when I thought I'd figured out whodunit only to have my hopes dashed at my incorrect suppositions.

So, reader friends, if you love Amish or mysteries, or even Amish mysteries, check out this book. I was not disappointed!

My thanks to CFBA and B&H Books for generously providing a copy for review.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Plain Disappearance, go HERE.

The Class Reunion Series by Debby Mayne

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Pretty is as Pretty Does (bk 1)
Bless Her Heart (bk 2)
Tickled Pink (bk 3)
(Abingdon Press - June 1, 2013)
by
Debby Mayne
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debby Mayne is a best-selling author who has published more than 25 books and novellas, 400 short stories and articles, and devotions for women. She has also worked as managing editor of a national health magazine, product information writer for HSN, a creative writing instructor, and a copy editor and proofreader. Her novel, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida received 4-1/2 stars from RT Book Review, and was named a Top Pick for the month of July. She and her husband Wally have two grown daughters, and live in Palm Harbor, Florida.


ABOUT THE BOOKS:

Priscilla Slater goes to her ten-year high school reunion with equal parts dread and eager anticipation. Even though she’s a successful owner of a chain of hair salons and no longer has the mousy brown hair, crooked teeth, and discount-store wardrobe, she still feels like the ugly duckling. But when she arrives at the reunion, Priscilla soon realizes that her old classmates aren’t exactly as she remembers them. With humor and a just a touch of sassiness, Priscilla finds herself facing her own truth—and she may be surprised at what she discovers.

As Priscilla Slater’s 15-year class reunion approaches, she decides to attend out of curiosity… and to flaunt her latest achievement—taking her business to a national level with the possibility of a TV show. As if getting ready for the event and putting up with the pranks of her former classmates isn’t enough, Priscilla’s hometown visit is further complicated by her parents’ separation. With the once-solid sanctuary of her home broken at the foundation, there’s only one thing Priscilla’s parents can agree on: no matter what sort of accolades their daughter receives as a hair stylist, she’s not living up to her potential. Eager to escape the painful reality of her childhood home, Priscilla bolts as soon as a call from New York brings good news: her offer to purchase one of the best salons in the country is likely to come through. But returning to New York means returning to Tim, Priscilla’s best friend and business pal who has been impatiently suggesting their relationship should be more than a friendship. Despite her recent achievements, will Priscilla learn that success doesn’t always result in popularity—or love?

Priscilla Slater shows up at her 20-year reunion as a national celebrity. Her hair salon dynasty has skyrocketed, and to top it off, she has her own line of hair products. She has become a huge success with the “Ms. Prissy Big Hair” line that lets women with the thinnest of locks get the coveted “big hair” look so popular in the South. Her classmates have finally come to terms with adulthood, but they’re handling it with the grace of a Southern woman wearing white after Labor Day. It’s just downright awkward! Asserting the maturity that her classmates have often lacked, Priscilla holds her head high. But she can’t ignore everything. When she catches her mother in the arms of her former high school principal, Priscilla can’t get out of town fast enough. Eager to get back to her more comfortable life, Priscilla runs head on into an ultimatum: Tim tells her they’re not getting any younger—as if she has to be reminded.

If you would like to read an excerpt from Pretty is as Pretty Does (bk 1), go HERE.

My thoughts on Pretty is as Pretty Does:

You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll want to knock some sense into some of the characters in this book! Debby Mayne gives us a good look at how teenage drama and angst don't go away at graduation. So many of the characters in Pretty is as Pretty Does continue to hold onto the past with their attitudes and preconceived notions.

I really felt like this quote (from page 130) was quite insightful and really expressed a great "aha" moment for the main character, Priscilla: "...I think about how important image is and how people cling to what they want people to believe. I know I'm guilty of trying to be what people expect, but it's hard to face old friends I haven't seen in years without wondering how I measure up." I think in some way all of us struggle with those thoughts, and just not at reunion time.

At the beginning it took me a bit to get into the differing viewpoints in the chapters but once I did I really appreciated the perspectives of each one and it gave a more balanced approach to the goings-on in the story line. I'm really looking forward to reading the subsequent books in this series to get to know more about each of these characters - and to see where the relationship between Priscilla and Tim goes.

If you enjoy contemporary womens fiction with a touch of romance, be sure to pick up this series. I was not disappointed and enjoyed book one so much I read it in one day!

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

JOIN THE PARTY!

Now that all three books have released, let’s party! (Yes, really!) Join our online class reunion the week of October 7, 2013 on Debby Mayne’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/136447929891169/ Stop by to answer questions about the books, respond to fun polls, join in fun activities to help you reminisce your high school days, and win great prizes. Tell your friends and meet us there!

The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Nurse's Secret Suitor
(Love Inspired - October 1, 2013)

by
Cheryl Wyatt
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Not even Cheryl Wyatt’s closest friends would dream that this sweet, shy intercessor plots mayhem during announcements at church. She is a Registered Nurse turned stay-at-home-mom, wife and writer who loves Jesus with all of her heart.

Joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She is convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentines Day destined her to write Inspirational Military Romance.

Cheryl loves to laugh and to make others laugh, so she often plans comedic moments for her defenseless characters in spite of their grumbling. She says it’s payback for when they refuse to obey the plots she’s set out before them.

Prior to publication, six of Cheryl’s manuscripts placed in ten RWA Contests. Two of Cheryl’s stories also placed First in ACFW’s Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), as well as ACFW‘s Genesis Contest 2006 (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category).

She currently writes for Love Inspired. Her Wings of Refuge Series, about a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts, can be purchased anywhere books are sold.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Strong-Willed Heart

Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won't take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend's brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she's always hoped to unmask?

Eagle Point Emergency: Saving lives — and losing their hearts — in a small Illinois town

My thoughts:


In this third Eagle Point Emergency book, we get better acquainted with Kate Dalton, a former drill sergeant who seeks perfection in all she does. She's left military life and due to circumstances with her parents, has no desire to have a close relationship with anyone who chooses to don a uniform for Uncle Sam. We also get reintroduced to Caleb Landis, whose goal is to make it into Ranger school as a means to prove to himself that he is nothing like the father who abandoned him.

I really liked the beginning of the story where Caleb arrives dressed as a black bandit and comforts and encourages Kate. I did find it a wee bit far-fetched, though, as the story went along that Kate was unable to figure out the bandits identity. The scene of the bandit's final appearance is one of my favorites in the book, so it's worth reading the story just to get to that.

While we see many of the previous characters in this series, this book is pretty much Caleb and Kate...with Caleb's niece-to-be Tia making some memorable appearances. The girl does her best to tickle the funny bone throughout the story.

I've read all of the books in the series thus far and I've really enjoyed getting to know the characters in each one. I feel like the residents of Eagle Point have become my friends. If you're looking for a sweet, romantic read then look no further than Eagle Point. You'll find great characters with great stories ... and you'll fall in love with both!

My thanks to CFBA and Author Cheryl Wyatt for generously providing a copy for review.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Nurse's Secret Suitor, go HERE.

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Made to Last
(Bethany House Publishers - September 15, 2013)by
Melissa Tagg

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.


It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)

Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.

In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.


And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

My thoughts:

I loved this book! I fell in love with so many characters...Randi, Cee, Matt, even Blaze (and I'm hoping book two, Here to Stay, coming in May 2014, is his story!)

I love a book where I feel emotionally connected to the story. Made to Last made me laugh (a lot), get a little melancholy a time or two...and a few times I just wanted to give a few of the characters a piece of my mind! Friction definitely makes for a good story.

Melissa wrote such an engaging story, it's hard to believe this is a debut novel - and that makes me want to read the next one all the more.

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

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.

Raw Edges by Sandra D Bricker

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Raw Edges
(Abingdon Press - September 17, 2013)
by
Sandra D. Bricker
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The Big 5-OH! was released by Abingdon Press in the Spring of 2010, and the novel was very well-received, garnering a couple of nibbles from Hollywood.

Always the Baker, Never the Bride was released by Abingdon Press in September 2010. With its phenomenal reviews, the novel spawned a series of three more books based on the popular cast of characters at The Tanglewood Inn, a wedding destination hotel in historic Roswell, Georgia. The series cemented Sandie's spot in publishing as a flagship author of Laugh-Out-Loud romantic comedy for the inspirational market.

"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Grayson McDonough has no use for teal ribbons, 5k runs, or ovarian cancer support groups now that his beautiful wife Jenna is gone. But their nine-year-old daughter Sadie seems to need the connection. When Annabelle Curtis, the beautiful cancer survivor organizing the memory quilt project for the Ovacome support group, begins to bring out the silly and fun side of his precious daughter again, Gray must set aside his own grief to support the healing of Sadie’s young heart. But is there hope for Gray’s heart too along the way?

My thoughts:

I've read a number of Sandra Bricker's novels and I know that as I pick up each one, I will be gifted with a story that will both tug my heartstrings and tickle my funny bone.

Sadie's love for her late mother, Jenna, is evident and each journal entry between chapters enhances that part of the story even more. As Sadie learns the life lessons that her mother knew she would need to make it through the days to come, she also uses those lessons to help her father, Gray, see hope where he only sees loss and grief.

After the first anniversary of her death, Jenna asks (through her journal) that Sadie encourage her father to get involved in Ovacome, a support group for those whose lives have been affected by ovarian cancer. He reluctantly agrees and there they meet Annabelle Curtis, an ovarian cancer survivor herself, who is overseeing the construction of a memory quilt to honor both the survivors as well as those who valiantly lost their fight with the dreaded disease. As Sadie gets more attached to the project, she gets attached to Annabelle as well and is determined to get Annabelle and her daddy together.

This sweet love story is full of great characters, some emotionally charged moments, and a delightful ending that will leave a smile on your face. If cancer has touched your life in any way, then you need to read this book. Within the pages of this story, Sandra gives us a look into a disease that can leave people with tattered and fragile hearts, but also shows us that God's love can blanket us with hope and can help mend those raw edges.

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

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

Watch the book trailer:

Fall into Reading 2013

Happy Fall, Y'all!

It's hard to believe another summer has come and gone. I'm definitely feeling fall in the air and the slightest wind is causing the leaves to find their way to the ground. These chilly evenings are making it so much more desirable to choose to cuddle up with a good book and a warm beverage and read the night away - and just in time comes the Fall into Reading Challenge. I've joined in many of the Fall into Reading Challenges when they were hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days and am happy to see that someone has picked up the mantle to carry on this challenge.

This year's host is Sandra Stiles at The Musings of a Book Addict and you can find out all the pertinent info here.

Here's my tentative list of the books I hope to get through in the next three months. I know it seems a bit ambitious but I'm trying to hit my goal for the number of books read in 2013 as well as finish a few challenges I signed up for in January.

Review books:

1. The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt
2. Pretty is as Pretty Does by Debby Mayne
3. A Plain Disappearance by Amanda Flower
4. The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman

Books to finish my reading goals for 2013:

1. Three Hearts, One Town by Sarah Jae Foster
2. Black, White, Other by Joan Steinau Lester
3. Jim Eliot - Missionary Martyr by Susan Martin Millers
4. In Plain View by Olivia Newport
5. Swimming through Clouds by Rajdeep Paulus
6. Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley
7. Bright Christmas by Susan Rohrer
8. It's Complicated by Laura L Smith
9. It's Over by Laura L Smith
10. Diary of a Real Payne by Annie Tipton
11. Knocking 'Em Dead by Chris Well
12. The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson
13. Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins
14. Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray
15. The Christmas Visitor by Linda Byler
16. Forever Friday by Timothy Lewis
17. Beneath the Dover Sky by Murray Pura
18. Frame 232 by Wil Mara
19. In the Secret Service by Jerry Parr
20. Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
21. The Doctor's Devotion by Cheryl Wyatt
22. Love Finds You in Lancaster, PA by Annalisa Daughety
23. Heart of the Country by Rene Gutteridge/John Ward
24. Love Finds You in Carmel by-the-Sea by Sandra Bricker
25. The Tattered Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter
26. A Plain Death by Amanda Flower
27. A Plain Scandal by Amanda Flower
28. Double Take by Melody Carlson
29. Damaged by Melody Carlson
30. The Future Door by Jason Lethcoe
31. Blown Away by Nancy Mehl
32. Burying the Hatchet by Chris Well

I am also reading the preliminary list (25 books) of the Missouri Show-Me Award Nominees for 2014-2015 and I will add those as I read them.

Happy Reading, Everyone!

Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Unforeseeable
(Bethany House Publishers - September 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:

Mystery, Romance, and Suspense Seamlessly Combined in a Mennonite Small-Town Setting

Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora's Cafe.

However, Callie's idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County's new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders' attempts to plan ahead couldn't prevent a threat like this.

Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he's telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she'd have to face some of her own past's skeletons.

As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.

My Thoughts:

Things are not always as they seem, even in the idyllic Mennonite community of Kingdom, Kansas, and that peaceful existence is about to change.

Intrigue abounds in this final episode in the Road to Kingdom series. Women are found dead and evidence leads the authorities to believe that the killings are the work of a serial killer. The townspeople are frightened and wonder who among them is hiding their true nature...one that makes them want to kill.

I've enjoyed this whole series and was very impressed with it's conclusion. With it's complex plotting and great character development, romance with its share of friction, and an ending that will knock your socks off, Unforeseeable will leave lovers of romantic suspense like myself quite satisfied.

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 Unforeseeable, go HERE.

Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Pattern for Romance
(Abingdon Press - August 20, 2013)
by
Carla Gade
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla Olson Gade has been imaging stories most of her life. Her love for writing and eras gone by turned her attention to writing Inspirational Historical Romance. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Writers, and the Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers. She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary.

Her publishing credits also include a variety of newspaper articles, newsletters, and web content. She also enjoys developing discipleship materials for women. She has been a book judge for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest (RWA), and ACFW's Genesis Contest.

In addition to writing, Carla is a freelance website designer and webhost and an advocate for adult literacy. An experienced event and program planner/promoter, Carla designs marketing materials for her writing group, women's ministry, and other functions. Carla has also spoken at several women's events and facilitated many workshops and classes through the years.

An autodidact, creative thinker, and avid reader, Carla also enjoys genealogy, web design, and photography. A native New Englander, she lives in beautiful rural Maine with her "hero" husband and two young adult sons, and a new grandson.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan—a design for love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Pattern for Romance, go HERE.

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Rules of Murder
(Bethany House Publishers - August 1, 2013)

by
Julianna Deering
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, 2014).

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Downton Abbey Meets Agatha Christie in This Sparkling Mystery

Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. When a weekend party at Farthering Place is ruined by murder and the police seem flummoxed, Drew decides to look into the crime himself. With the help of his best friend, Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a beautiful and whip-smart American debutante staying as a guest, the three try to solve the mystery as a lark, using the methods from their favorite novels.

Soon, financial irregularities at Drew's stepfather's company come to light and it's clear that all who remain at Farthering Place could be in danger. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer--and trying harder to impress Madeline--Drew must decide how far to take this game.

My thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book...a well-executed mystery, a great combination of characters (some you'll love, some you'll despise), excellent dialogue (loved the bantering between Drew, Nick, and Madeline), and a light touch of romance.

This book was probably one of the best mystery books I've read in a long, long while - truly a mystery-lovers delight! I'm already anxiously awaiting the next book.

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

In Golden Splendor by Michael K Reynolds

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
In Golden Splendor
(B&H Books - July 15, 2013)

by
Michael Reynolds
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copywriting, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage -- a letter with a picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush.

Moved by her written plea for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley.

Battered but changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn is about to begin.

If you would like to read the first chapter of In Golden Splendor, go HERE.

Grounded by Dave & Neta Jackson

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Grounded
(Worthy Publishing - May 7, 2013)

by
Neta and Dave Jackson
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

As a husband/wife writing team, we are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together we are the authors or coauthors of over 120 books. (You can see our Publication Record by clicking HERE.) In addition to writing several books about Christian community, we have been privileged to coauthor numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.


But over the years the we have especially enjoyed writing for children and young people! This includes our award-winning TRAILBLAZER series, historical fiction about great Christian heroes and heroines for young people ages 8-12, and the four-volume HERO TALES: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Great Christians, and the companion book, Heroes in Black History.

Somewhere along the way, our own children grew up! Son Julian is Director of Experience Design for the Alder Planetarium in Chicago where he “provides the experience of exploring space” for visitors. He has two sons, Liam Isaac and Elijah David. Daughter Rachel graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and after working in the field of rape-crisis prevention went on to earn a Masters Degree in counseling from the University of Illinois. She is now a counselor at “Uni High School” in Champaign, Illinois. She is the loving mother of Havah Noelle (our first grandchild!) and Noah Zion, our youngest grandchild. The Jackson family also includes a Cambodian foster daughter, Samen Sang, who has four children.

We live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years we were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. We are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

...But Hope May Be Just Across the Street

Grace Meredith is a beloved contemporary Christian recording artist whose career--and personal life--hits unexpected turbulence. She feels grounded--in more ways than one.

Grace's fiancé, bothered by her outspoken stance on purity and her near-constant travel, has broken off their relationship. Exhausted and unable to continue her current concert schedule, Grace returns home to Chicago, where she is soon stranded in a major snowstorm. Facing new questions about her future and her faith, Grace finds herself connecting for the first time with the residents of her neighborhood. What she discovers in these unexpected relationships could change everything.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

The first in the Windy City Neighbors series, Grounded is an uplifting, contemporary story about ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. The series employs the innovative storytelling technique of parallel novels, each with its own drama and story arc, but whose characters lives become intertwined and affect one another. Grounded welcomes you to Beecham Street--a typical, isolated American neighborhood that might just be a place of hope.

My thoughts:

It's been a while since I last read something by Neta Jackson - the Yada Yada Prayer Group series a few years back. Somehow I just didn't fit in her "House of Hope" and "SouledOut Sisters" into my reading time. For some reason this series really drew me and I felt like I had to "make time" to read it. I'm glad I did!

I couldn't totally relate to all of Grace's specific circumstances, but I did find it easy to connect to her as she experiences some things that bring some of her latent fears to the surface as I am not the most "fearless" person around. I know it couldn't have been easy for Grace to let her guard down and trust her new neighbor, but you could really tell that as Estelle reached out with arms of compassion, Grace was able to set her reservations aside and allow Estelle to pray her through some tough times.

This story of Grace working to overcome the shadows of her past is one that will speak to many - even as it spoke to many of the people in the audience of the West Coast tour in the pages of the book. God's love is strong enough to reach us no matter how deep our hurts and His grace is greater than all of our fears. This story is for anyone who has been hurt or disappointed or someone who just needs a reminder of how big God is and how leaning on Him can help us when times are tough.

I give this book four stars - and I'm eagerly anticipating a return visit to Chicagoland in book 2,Derailed, due out in October.

My sincerest thanks to CFBA and Worthy Publishing for generously providing copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Grounded, go here.

Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Paige Torn
(TH1NK - May 1, 2013)

by
Erynn Mangum
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her:

So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Everyone knows they can count on Paige Alder. But between volunteering at church, putting in overtime at work, and helping her best friend plan an anniversary party, she's lucky to grab a cheese stick for dinner. Paige can't even remember the last time she had a few minutes to relax or dig into God's Word. Then she meets laid-back Tyler, an attractive, Jesus-loving guy. Will he be able to help Paige get her priorities on track?

My thoughts:

How many of us Christians in our day to day busyness find ourselves too busy to make time for God? Sure we may be serving Him by serving others, but how can we show others who God is if we don't even take the time to get to know Him. Paige Alder - friend, co-worker, church volunteer - faces this dilemma in the first book of this new series by Erynn Mangum. With barely any time to herself between all the things she obligates herself to, her spiritual life is a little lacking. Enter Tyler, a swoon-worthy hero, who helps Paige see that saying "No" once in a while isn't a bad thing.

This book would make a great read for any Christian - not just the twenty-something target audience. We all need a fresh perspective from time to time and I think this book would make any reader take a closer look at their priorities when it comes to balancing time with God and day to day commitments. The give and take between Paige and Tyler really bring the message home in a way that is both insightful and humorous.

The only thing in this book that kind of rubbed me wrong is that I felt it was a little hard to believe in a church that passes out 2500 bulletins a week, that Paige would be the only person available to help. I realize that the point of the story was for Paige to over-obligate herself, but a church that big would have a whole lot more folks on staff and I'm sure volunteers as well. I go to a church of around 20 people and there is no one in my congregation that is called upon to do that many jobs.

I did enjoy this book immensely and am looking forward to see what happens in the next book, Paige Rewritten, which hits shelves in October.

My thanks to CFBA and TH1NK for generously providing a copy for review.

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

Pieces of the Heart by Bonnie S Calhoun

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Pieces of the Heart
(Abingdon Press - June 1, 2013)

by
Bonnie S. Calhoun
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, owner/publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the ACFW ‘2011 Mentor of the Year,” President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network, and Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference(GPCWC).

For the last six years she has taught workshops in Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and creating Social Media promotions at both CCWC, and GPCWC, and in 2011 at the Montrose, Pa Christian Writers Conference. She also taught a Facebook workshop at the 2012 ACFW conference.

Bonnie and her husband live in a log cabin in upstate area of New York with a dog and cat who think she’s wait-staff.

Her sites are:

https://www.facebook.com/bonniescalhounsnarkandsuspense
https://www.facebook.com/bscalhoun

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cordelia Grace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Each row of triangles signifies a layer in her life, sets of memories, hopes, dreams, and prayers for her future, enough spoken words to cover them forever. Her image of their “happy-ever-after” grows proportionally as the quilt expands.

But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades of color that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? Can love and faith overcome all?

My Thoughts:

I have thoroughly enjoyed the books in the Quilts of Love series and this one is no exception. The tagline for the series "Every Quilt has a Story" is quite apropos, especially for this title, as the story includes experiences shared from the author's father during his time of military service in World War II. I also applaud Bonnie for making the effort to construct her own Pinecone quilt that serves as the centerpiece for this book, as her family had a Pinecone quilt that was sadly destroyed by a hurricane in the 1970s.

I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of World War II history from the African-American perspective. The segregation and harrowing mistreatment of African-American members of the military is not something I was very familiar with. Reading about it in the pages of this book was not just eye-opening but heartbreaking as well.

My favorite character was Grammy. Having her share her time and wisdom with Cordelia even while living with a daughter-in-law she didn't always see eye-to-eye with was quite admirable. I liked that she was able to leave Cordelia with a legacy of prayer. A legacy that would see Cordelia through her darkest days as Bernard returns fighting a war unlike the one he left behind - with mental adversaries unwilling to let him go.

One of my favorite quotes from Grammy was "learn to look through their meanness to see their pain". This applied to more than just one character in this book and I'd say it is an essential part of prayer...not everyone by their actions is worthy of our prayers, but those are usually the ones who need them most.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story...a story of love, forgiveness, and sowing seeds of prayer even when the harvest doesn't come quickly or in the way that we expect.

My sincerest thanks to CFBA and Abingdon Press for generously providing a copy for my honest review.

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

Christy Awards Winners 2013

2013 CHRISTY AWARDS PRESENTED IN ST. LOUIS

New Awards Debuted

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—The 2013 Christy Awards honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction were
presented at the Renaissance Grand in St. Louis, Mo., tonight.
The 14th annual awards presentation highlighted the role of literary agents in the advancement of
Christian fiction. Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency emceed the event, and Chip MacGregor of
MacGregor Literary Agency presented the keynote address. Additionally, long-time literary agent Lee
Hough was honored with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Christy in a moving tribute.
The Christy Advisory Committee debuted the Christy Hall of Fame by inducting authors Lynn Austin,
winner of eight Christy Awards, and Karen Hancock, winner of four Christy Awards.
The event also premiered the Christy Book of the Year Award, showcasing the novel that had the greatest
impact when placed against a set of criteria that includes literary quality, sales, and life impact. A jury of
three people read the year’s nine Christy Award winners and identified Into the Free by Julie Cantrell
(David C Cook) as best exemplifying those factors.

The Christy Advisory Board is happy to announce the 2013 Christy Award winners.

(Media release courtesy of Wynn-Wynn Media)

Lifetime Achievement Christy



Lee Hough

Christy Award Hall of Fame Inductees



Lynn Austin (8 Christys) & Karen Hancock (4 Christys)

First Novel
and
Book of the Year



Into the Free - Julie Cantrell (David C Cook)


Contemporary Standalone



Not in the Heart - Chris Fabry (Tyndale House)

Contemporary Romance



The Breath of Dawn - Kristen Heitzmann (Bethany House)

Contemporary Series/Sequel/Novella



You Don't Know Me - Susan May Warren (Tyndale House)

Historical



Flame of Resistance - Tracy Groot (Tyndale House)

Historical Romance



Against the Tide - Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House)

Suspense



Rare Earth - Davis Bunn (Bethany House)

Visionary



Soul's Gate - James Rubart (Thomas Nelson)

Young Adult



Child of the Mountains - Marilyn Sue Shank (Delacorte)

Congratulations to all the Christy Award Winners for 2013.

Find out more on the web:
Christy Awards
Lee Hough - Alive Communications
Lynn Austin
Karen Hancock
Julie Cantrell
Chris Fabry
Kristen Heitzmann
Susan May Warren
Tracy Groot
Elizabeth Camden
Davis Bunn
James Rubart
Marilyn Sue Shank
Bethany House - A Division of Baker Publishing Group
David C Cook Publishing
Delacorte Press - A Division of Random House
Thomas Nelson
Tyndale House Publishers