The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Vigilante's BrideBethany House (August 1, 2010)

byYvonne Harris





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Yvonne Harris earned a BS in Education from the University of Hartford and has taught throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic. Unofficially retired from teaching, she teaches writing at Burlington County College in southern New Jersey, where she resides. She is a winner and three-time finalist for the Golden Heart, once for The Vigilante's Bride, which is her debut novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Montana Territory, 1884...Is Her Kidnapper the Only Man Who Can Keep Her Safe?

Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and abducting a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expected to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from his pa, but instead ended up rescuing a feisty copper-haired woman who was on her way to marry Sullivan's dangerous enemy. Emily McCarthy doesn't take kindly to her so-called rescue. Still, she's hoping Providence will turn her situation for good, especially when it seems Luke Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Luke has crossed a vicious man, a powerful rancher not used to losing, and Emily is the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Vigilante's Bride, go HERE

Sweat, Blood, & Tears: What God Uses to Make a Man by Xan Hood

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Trapped somewhere between boyhood and manhood are some 20 million young men between the ages of 22 and 35 who are seeking direction. These young men lack the skills to successfully leave boyhood behind and enter fully into the role of manhood and the responsibilities that belong to that mantle. Xan Hood, author of Untamed and director of Training Ground in Colorado, has written Sweat, Blood, & Tears: What God Uses to Make a Man out of his own experience related to this difficult transition period in his own life. He wants to encourage other young men that they can and will make this transition into becoming the man God wants them to be, but that along the journey God uses three intentional elements to make a man—sweat, blood, and tears.

Xan Hood has lived through the uncertainty of moving beyond boyhood into manhood. He has recognized that young men who are raised in homes of both economic privilege and economic adversity often grow up in the absence of a father who is willing and able to teach them the skills they will need to enter into manhood successfully. Oftentimes, a father’s willingness to supply his son’s every need is done without teaching him the true cost of obtaining a particular goal. While the role of provider is vital in a man’s life, provision without teaching responsibility creates a void of understanding and skill that leaves the boy ill equipped to become a man in his own right. Hood feels compelled to address this void and reassure young men that they are not alone in this awkward place of transition. He wants them to know that God can equip them to enter into adulthood with confidence and the assurance that they can understand and become men of God who have much to offer those around them.

Written from the narrative perspective of a young man, Sweat, Blood, & Tears shares Hood’s own process of leaving boyhood behind and embracing his role as an adult. With searing honesty, Hood shares his experiences with God and men and paint and trout and fashion and hunting. He examines critical issues common to many young men, and then outlines the journey that must be traversed in order for them to become the men God created them to be. Through the pain of physical labor, emotional trials, and rewarding adventures, Hood carries the reader to a place of understanding that will equip young men to confidently enter adulthood and leave boyhood behind once and for all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Xan Hood is an author and the co-director of Training Ground, an experiential discipleship program for young men. He grew up in affluent Brentwood, Tennessee, but after college, like thousands of men before him, he decided to head west. Xan now lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife, Jayne.

To purchase this book, you can visit your local Christian bookstore, or click here.

Blessings!

Surrender the Heart by M.L. Tyndall

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing



Surrender the HeartBarbour Publishing (August 1, 2010)

byM. L. Tyndall





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M. L. (MaryLu) Tyndall grew up on the beaches of South Florida loving the sea and the warm tropics. But despite the beauty around her, she always felt an ache in her soul--a longing for something more.



After college, she married and moved to California where she had two children and settled into a job at a local computer company. Although she had done everything the world expected, she was still miserable. She hated her job and her marriage was falling apart.



Still searching for purpose, adventure and true love, she spent her late twenties and early thirties doing all the things the world told her would make her happy, and after years, her children suffered, her second marriage suffered, and she was still miserable.



One day, she picked up her old Bible, dusted it off, and began to read. Somewhere in the middle, God opened her hardened heart to see that He was real, that He still loved her, and that He had a purpose for her life, if she'd only give her heart to Him completely.



She had written stories her whole life, but never had the confidence to try and get any of them published. But as God began to change her heart, He also showed her that writing had been His wonderful plan for her all along!





ABOUT THE BOOK

For the sake of her ailing mother, Marianne Denton becomes engaged to Noah Brennin---a merchantman she despises. But as the War of 1812 escalates, Jonah's ship is captured by the British, and the ill-matched couple learns vital information that could aid America's cause.



Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?



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

Christians Are Hate-Filled Hypocrites...And Other Lies You've Been Told

ABOUT THIS BOOK:
What if all the bad news you've been hearing about Christians isn't true?

Here are some facts that may surprise you:
Evangelicals are more respected by society today than they were twenty years ago.
Divorce rates of Christian couples are lower than those of nonbelievers.
The percentage of young people who attend church has held steady over the past twenty years.

All these statements are true, yet we've been told the opposite time and time again. Why is the church being misled? And what is the true state of Christianity in America today?

Sociologist Brad Wright shatters popular myths by sifting through the best available data. He reveals how Christians are doing when it comes to everything from marriage and morality to church growth and public perception. While not all the news is good, it turns out there is a wealth of encouraging information that we're not being told.

Get the truth behind the statistics you've been hearing and how the numbers are being manipulated, and discover what is really happening in American Christianity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bradley R.E. Wright, PhD is an associate professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut. After receiving tenure, he switched his academic focus from crime to religion in order to research American Christianity. Brad received his PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin, the top-ranked sociology graduate program in the United States. He has a popular blog (brewight.com) based on his research. Brad is married with two children and lives in Storrs, Connecticut.

To purchase this book, visit here.

Smile! God loves YOU!

Masquerade by Nancy Moser

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

MasqueradeBethany House (August 1, 2010)by

Nancy Moser





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane(Jane Austen) and Washington's Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novel is Masquerade. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at

http://www.nancymoser.com/ and http://www.sistercircles.com/.





ABOUT THE BOOK

They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth...

1886, New York City: Charlotte Gleason, a rich heiress from England, escapes a family crisis by traveling to America in order to marry the even wealthier Conrad Tremaine.



She soon decides that an arranged marriage is not for her and persuades her maid, Dora, to take her place. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. What begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl wanting adventure becomes a test of survival amid poverty beyond Charlotte's blackest nightmares.



As for Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish mansions--yet is tormented by guilt from the possibility of discovery and the presence of another love that will not die. Is this what her heart truly longs for?



Will their masquerade be discovered? Will one of them have second thoughts? There is no guarantee the switch will work. It's a risk. It's the chance of a lifetime.



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



View the book trailer:

Solitary by Travis Thrasher

ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Hidden secrets provide the magnetic force that draws Chris Buckley and Jocelyn Evans together in the town of Solitary, North Carolina. There is no resistance strong enough to prevent these two young people from being pulled into the terrifying reality that has remained hidden in this town for so long. Travis Thrasher brings his talent to the young adult market in his latest horror tale, Solitary. Blending the sinister power of secrets with the unyielding power of young love, Thrasher creates a tale that will draw readers deep within this rural town and into the darkened hearts of the people who reside within this isolated mountain community.

Sixteen-year-old Chris Buckley has moved to the town of Solitary, North Carolina, with his mother, and he immediately senses that there is something dark lurking beneath the surface of the community he now calls home. Chris also discovers something far more powerful and unexpected than the unusual people of Solitary. He discovers that it is possible to love someone else enough to risk everything—even life itself. Jocelyn Evans repels Chris with as much power as she draws him to her heart when they first begin their relationship. As their emotions strengthen and grow, Chris learns that Jocelyn harbors terrifying secrets about the town and the evil that lurks within its residents. By the time Chris faces the horrifying reality of the evil forces at work around him, he realizes that living a life without Jocelyn is even more frightening.

Travis Thrasher is an author who knows how to tap into the fear that lurks within the human heart, and his latest novel invites teens to enjoy his terrifying tales. Thrasher builds on the broken, hurting hearts of his characters to create a tale that will keep them up at night in hopes that the people within the story survive until the end of the book! He also understands the power of redemption and flawlessly blends hope into the darkness that his characters must battle against in order to survive. Evil and its minions are most effective when those upon whom they prey feel isolated and alone. The remote town of Solitary, North Carolina, provides the perfect setting for this horror tale and reveals that the most frightening things in this world reside within the human heart. Told from the perspective of a sixteen-year-old boy experiencing love for the first time, Thrasher’s Solitary will have readers leaving their lights on and making sure that they don’t spend too much time alone!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The author of a dozen works of fiction, including Isolation and Ghostwriter, Travis Thrasher has been writing since he was in the third grade. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughter near Chicago.

To purchase this book, visit here.

Blessings!

Beyond the Brady Bunch by Ray and Debbie Alsdorf

ABOUT THIS BOOK:
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s demographic projections estimated that in the early twenty-first century more Americans live in stepfamilies than in nuclear family structures. That means that one half of all families are living within the heartache of unfulfilled dreams and the shock and disappointment of finding marriage and child-rearing to be much harder than anticipated. Ray and Debbie Alsdorf have experienced both the hardships and joys of a blended family, and their book, Beyond the Brady Bunch: Hope and Help for Blended Families, encourages others to let their hearts, minds, and homes stretch past the image of “perfect” and into the hope of God’s promise to restore, heal, and rebuild. They know it is possible to move beyond the difficulties and into the fullness of rich family fulfillment.

Beyond the Brady Bunch is not another series of how-to steps offered by people who are not in blended families, but it is a book written by a couple and family who have lived in the trenches and are willing to be vulnerable to reach out to other people in similar circumstances. This book is offered as a gift of encouragement that lets others know that, in spite of the difficulties that often arise when two families choose to blend into one, with a heart surrendered to God, it is possible to leave a godly legacy—one of love, grace, and forgiveness. Blended families aren’t just limited to those who are divorced with children but include those who are in step-families because of the death of a spouse, adoption, or the need to raise someone else’s children. Beyond the Brady Bunch offers practical information to others who are trying to figure out how to keep their spirituality and sanity within this ever-growing family dynamic.

A blended family is foundationally different from a first family in many ways. When unrelated people initially come together, they may not want to be part of one another. The Alsdorfs take the reader through some of the most common difficulties that arise during this initial attempt to build cohesion within the new family structure. Some of these issues include:

· The realization that you need to return to God for strength and real-life direction
· The bond between parent and child that is like super-glue and will defy anyone or anything that tries to rip it apart
· The children’s need for adult help to fit into the new family
· An examination of holidays, visitations, ex-spouses, and other new details of a second family
· The sensitive areas of a second family: discipline, relationships, and ways to build a plan for success
· A look at traps that women can fall into and the top ten mistakes often made as a wife/mother of a blended family
· An examination of a new kind of dad: his role in the child’s life and the financial and spiritual responsibility of fathers

Beyond the Brady Bunch looks at each aspect of these and many other situations through the eyes of both the parents and children involved and emphasizes the need to surrender every aspect of their situation to God alone. The Alsdorfs’ four children (now all adults) also contributed to the book by answering questions as children of divorce and writing the chapter “From the Other Side.” With Christ, it is possible for a proper foundation to be established for this new family and for everyone to experience hope and healing on the other side of the unique challenges created within the structure of the blended family.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Ray and Debbie Alsdorf have experienced the challenges of blending their family firsthand. Married for 20 years, they are the parents of four adult children from their previous marriages. They serve as counselors for New Hope Ministries, are Biblical lay counselors and members of AACC. Debbie is the founder of Design4Living and a popular speaker, author, and director of women's ministries. Ray and Debbie reside in Northern California.

To purchase this book, visit your local Christian bookstore or visit here.

Smiles and Loves!

The Lord's Prayer by R.T. Kendall

ABOUT THIS BOOK:
You know it by heart. Now let it transform you.

No prayer is better known--or more misunderstood--than the prayer Jesus taught his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount. Turning a keen eye to this much-loved topic, Dr. R. T. Kendall offers thought-provoking insights to unlock the transforming truths of what we now call the Lord's Prayer.

With wisdom and depth, he offers thoughtful exposition on the life-changing revelations contained in each line of this amazing prayer. Readers will come away not only with a model for prayer, but with a revolutionary way to pray effectively while drawing closer to the Father.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
R. T. Kendall, Ph.D., a protégé of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, pastored the historic Westminster Chapel in London for 25 years. The author of numerous bestselling books, he conducts "Word, Spirit and Power" conferences throughout North America. His ministry was transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit in the 1990s after his wife was miraculously healed from a serious illness. He and Louise now live in Hendersonville, TN.

To purchase this book, visit here.

Blessings!

Flight to Heaven by Capt. Dale Black

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Experience a Life-Changing Journey to Heaven

Though Capt. Dale Black has flown all over the world, only one flight altered his life: The flight that crashed.

The sole survivor of this shocking accident, Capt. Black hovered between life and death for three days. Yet during this time something truly amazing occurred: he encountered heaven.

Now, for the first time, Capt. Black shares his breathtaking story, from the horrific crash to his miraculous survival and recovery to the awesome splendors he experienced in heaven.

With warmth and transparency, he invites you, too, to see this brilliant glimpse of life in God’s presence. It changed his life--and it could change yours.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Capt. Dale Black is a retired airline pilot who dedicated his career to improving aviation safety. He has flown for over 40 years with more than 17,000 hours in a variety of commercial jets. Dale is still an active aviator and is co-owner of a real estate company. He has also been a Bible teacher, a television and radio show host, evangelist, and volunteer missionary pilot in over 50 countries. Dale and his wife, Paula, are parents of two grown children and live in Southern California.

Purchasing this book is easy! You can visit your local Christian bookstore or you can click here. Either way, you will have this book in your hands in no time!

Be Blessed!

The World of the Bible by John Drane

MY THOUGHTS:
I love to learn more about what I am reading in the Bible and this book is an excellent resource for that. Lots of pictures and information that will add to my study and help me to get a more rounded look at the times of the Bible.

ABOUT THIS BOOK:
A major Lion reference book on the Bible, The World of the Bible explores the culture of the Israelites and the nations that surrounded them. The book also assesses the wider context of civilizations elsewhere in the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John Drane taught practical theology at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, until 2004. He is also an adjunct professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, California, and a visiting professor at Morling College, Sydney. His other publications include Introducing the Old Testament and Introducing the New Testament (Augsburg).

To purchase this book, visit your local Christian bookstore or click here.

Be Blessed!

The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page Davis

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Crimson CipherSummerside Press (July 1, 2010)

bySusan Page Davis



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:





From Susan: I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, Sarah's Long Ride, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor's degree in history. I don't shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books.



Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.



For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I've also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.



My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We're so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!



Our children are all home-schooled. The two youngest are still learning at home. Jim recently retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, and we’ve moved from Maine to Kentucky.





ABOUT THE BOOK

IT'S 1915, AND EMMA SHUSTER HAS FAR TOO MUCH ON HER MIND TO ENTERTAIN NOTIONS OF ROMANCE...

A female Navy cryptographer seeks to save lives...and uncover her father’s killers.



In 1915, German sympathizers escalated acts of sabotage in the United States to keep the nation from joining in the war. With enemies lurking at every turn, whom can Emma trust? Is romance the true motive behind her tow suitors advances? Or could one-or both of them-have traitorous intentions in mind?



Following the mysterious murder of Emma Shuster’s father, Lt. John Patterson invites Emma to become a Navy cryptographer because of the expertise she gained in helping her father develop a cipher system.



Emma races to discover the nefarious plans of her country's foes and unmask their leader before others are killed. She finds new strength in her faith as she strives to outwit her adversary, known only as Kobold - German for goblin.



And yet, her greatest challenge may be deciphering the cryptic messages her heart sends whenever she encounters a certain navy lieutenant... Can Emma and John find love in the midst of turmoil as America plunges toward war?



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Crimson Cipher, go HERE.

Malacca Conspiracy by Don Brown

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Malacca ConspiracyZondervan (June 4, 2010)

byDon Brown





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES. a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. In 2003, Don began writing Treason, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES.



Paying no homage to political correctness, DON BROWN’S writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radical Islamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century.



In November of 2009, four years after it was released, and in the wake of Fort Hood, TREASON rocketed to the top-selling in the nation on the Amazon.com bestseller list for fiction, and remained there for over a week. On Thanksgiving Day of 2009, all four of Don’s novels were ranked in the top 5 on the Amazon bestseller list for fiction!



DON BROWN graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law.



During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A rogue Indonesian general and his army of terrorists attack oil tankers in the Strait of Malacca in order to profit from oil futures and buy nuclear weapons to establish an Islamic superpower.



Navy JAG officers Zack Brewer and Diane Colcernian race against the odds and a 24-hour deadline before nuclear attacks hit the United States. Departing from the sea of books barely better than soap opera romance and using the frantic pacing of suspense fiction, Brown glides flawlessly among global hotspots of terrorism--including the United States--and the book's principal settings in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.



The President of the United States orders ships of the U.S. Seventh Fleet towards the Malacca Straits to reassert control over the sea lanes, but with time quickly ticking away, will they arrive in time for Zack and Diane to survive this dangerous and final high-stakes drama of life and death?

Sign up for the contest above! And if you would like to read the first chapter of Malacca Conspiracy, go HERE.

Soul Custody: Choosing to Care for the One and Only You by Stephen W. Smith

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Living life at the speed of sound or, rather, living life to the sound of other people demanding that we relentlessly pursue recognition, material success, and professional achievement is physically and spiritually exhausting. Busyness in the Chinese language means “heart annihilation.” We are being annihilated by all of this hamster wheel living. Living in the cult of speed, we’ve lost our way and, as a result, have almost lost our soul—the very thing Jesus warned us about. Somewhere along the way, we have to stop and ask ourselves, “What am I losing by all of my gaining?” We need to live before we die! The God who redeemed our souls has given us the responsibility to become custodians of their care. Our souls are constantly under siege by the culture; they need to be restored and nurtured. But sadly, most of us take better care of our cars than our souls! Stephen W. Smith’s latest book, Soul Custody: Choosing to Care for the One and Only You, offers eight life-giving choices that everyone can make to free their souls from the world’s demands and release them to live meaningful and satisfying lives.

Smith contends that the care of our souls and our ability to hear and respond to the nudging of the Holy Spirit is often buried beneath the busyness of everyday life. Believers mistake the busy life for the abundant life and deny the soul freedom to pursue the very things God designed us to achieve. Believers focus on the external rather than the internal, building bigger churches and programs rather than simply walking with God and gathering together to worship. Soul Custody is a book that will enable believers to identify whether or not their souls are being properly cared for as well as the God-given gifts and desires that will enable their souls to thrive. Smith discusses the eight life-giving choices that can ensure believers that they are properly caring for their spiritual well-beings and living the full authentic lives that God intended.

These are the choices that will begin an authentic transformation of the soul. This transformation also extends to the physical body, and readers will begin to recognize the body-soul connection and the importance of caring for both their physical and spiritual well-beings.

Each life-choice offered in Soul Custody incorporates helpful Scripture quotes, life examples, and suggestions for change to begin the process of soul transformation. The appendices include worksheets for readers as well as self-exploration questions to help them identify areas of their spiritual lives that are not authentic reflections of their God-designed purpose. Smith is convinced that proper care for our souls is an often neglected area, and that all believers can benefit from creating a purposeful plan for their souls that prevents crisis and embraces the unique gifts that God has given each of His children. Life can be satisfying and fulfilling when we are properly nurturing and caring for our souls. Creating a spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical balance allows each of us to live in God’s light and to encounter many moments of peace and joy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephen W. Smith is the Founder of Potter's Inn, a Christian ministry devoted to the work of spiritual formation. Stephen has pastored and planted churches in the United States and Europe.
He's the author of several books and small group guides.

Potter's Inn does four things: guides retreats; provides soul care for leaders; develops resources on spiritual formation and the care of the soul and operates a small, intimate retreat in Divide, CO, "Potter's Inn at Aspen Ridge."

Stephen is married to Gwen and has four sons and two daughters in law. Their dog Laz provides lots of laughs and love.

You can purchase this book at your local Christian bookstore or you can purchase it here.

Blessings!

Love Is a Flame compiled by James Scott Bell

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Real People. Real Stories. Real Love.

Happily ever after. Does it only happen in fairy tales, or in real life? Over the years love may burn strong and steady, but sometimes it grows cold. However, it can be rekindled--and these stories show how. Be inspired by true accounts of how love was revived and renewed.

You'll discover that love can grow stronger and burn brighter through the years as you read more than forty stories from everyday people like

-Jan, whose marriage was restored despite adultery.
-Marsha, who fought pornography and won.
-Bryan, who realized his family, not his career, was his most important responsibility.
-Emily, who learned that real love overcomes unrealistic expectations.
-Jeff, who went from dissatisfaction and boredom to falling in love all over again.

The true stories in Love Is a Flame will warm your heart and show you how to create a new spark in your marriage and build it into a glowing flame.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

James Stuart Bell is a Christian publishing veteran and the owner of Whitestone Communications, a literary development agency. He is the editor of many story collections, including the Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, and God Encounters series, and the coauthor of numerous books in the Complete Idiot’s Guide series. He and his family live in West Chicago, Illinois.

To purchase this book, visit your local Christian bookseller or click here.

Smiles and Loves!

Rise Up and Sing:Equipping the Female Worship Leader by Lex Buckley

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Women are being called to lead worship in larger numbers than ever before, but many may feel ill equipped to do so. Lex Buckley discusses this trend in her new book, Rise Up and Sing: Equipping the Female Worship Leader. Buckley recognizes the unique challenges that women face as they enter positions that have been held primarily by men for many years. As a musician who served as a worship leader for Soul Survivor Ministries and who now serves with her husband leading the worship department for River City Church in Jacksonville, Florida, Buckley wants to encourage women to be discerning and Spirit-led about worshipping the Savior. She offers practical, down-to-earth advice to women who feel called to lead in this area of church ministry.

Drawing from the Bible, her heart, and her own experiences, Buckley begins by defining the many areas of worship ranging from worship leader and musician to worship team pastor and songwriter. She defines each role and discusses the differences that exist between men and women within these positions. From the pitch of the voice itself to the instrument of choice used to lead worship, there are many functional and practical differences that become obvious when a woman steps into a leadership role populated primarily by men. Understanding these differences and their impact on the style of worship enables a woman to lead confidently and more effectively, because she is able to better relate to the men with whom she is called to serve.

Buckley wants women who feel called to serve as worship leaders to be confident in their ability to lead and offers practical suggestions on songwriting, how to work with a worship band, and even ways to recruit members for and pastor a worship team. Rise Up and Sing also includes valuable insight from others in worship ministry including Beth Redman, Christy Nockles, and Kathryn Scott. These women want others who feel called to serve in this type of ministry to be well-prepared to follow God’s leadership in their lives and to wholeheartedly lead others in worship of their Savior. Women have much to offer their church family, and they can follow the examples set in God’s Word as they share their gifts with others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Native Australian Lex Buckley, an experienced lead worshpper, and her husband, Paul, head the worship department at River City Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Lex has also served as a Soul Survivor worship pastor in the UK, sung on several albums, and released her own album, Through the Valley. She is the happy mother of baby Bella. Read Lex's blog and interact with her at http://www.femaleworshipleader.com/.

To purchase this book, click here.

Blessings!

Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson

MY THOUGHTS:
I loved this book! I was rooting for Nora/Danielle and Nate the whole way through the book and it did not disappoint. It was a great and easy read that I would definitely recommend to a friend. If you are looking for a book to curl up with and simply enjoy, this one is it!

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Eighteen months ago, Nora James watched as her father was shot in an alley-and then she fl ed. She changed her name, her appearance and her job, hoping to keep her father’s shooter at bay. For months, it worked…but now her luck has run out. A ruthless assassin is on her trail, and soon Nora, now known as Danielle, will be found. But this time, she has FBI agent Nate Andersen by her side-right? The handsome agent would give his life to protect Danielle, but he’s wary of giving his heart…until a deadly confrontation leaves him with both on the line.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.

Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/.

To purchase this book, visit here.

Be Blessed!

The Gathering Storm by Bodie and Brock Thoene

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Gathering StormSummerside Press (August 1, 2010)

byBodie and Brock Thoene





ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 50 works of historical fiction. Over twenty million of these best-selling novels are in print. Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.



Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.



Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.



Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and seven grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.



Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.





ABOUT THE BOOK

As Nazi forces tighten the noose, Loralei Kepler, daughter of a German resistance leader, must flee her beloved Germany. But is any place safe from Adolf Hitler's evil grasp? Loralei's harrowing flight leads her into the arms of needy child refugees, who have sacrificed everything in exchange for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure, who closely guards an age-old secret.



Explore the romance, the passion, and the danger of the most anticipated series of the last twenty years.



Born from the highly acclaimed and best-loved novels of three generations of readers -- The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series -- Zion Diaries ventures into the lives of the inspiring and intriguing characters who loved intensely, stood up for what was right, and fought boldly during Hitler's rise to power and the dark days of World War II.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Gathering Storm, go HERE

This Is My Bible and My First Story Bible

ABOUT MY FIRST STORY BIBLE:

This fascinating gift book introduces children to classic stories of the Bible, including Joseph and his colorful coat, Moses in the bulrushes, and the life of Jesus--His birth, His miracles, and the stories He told. Carefully written with just one or two sentences per page, and warmly illustrated by Roger Langton, this Bible is perfect for children to read by themselves.

ABOUT THIS IS MY BIBLE:

This children's Bible retells twenty favorite stories, each on one spread, in illustrated frame-by-frame episodes. The individual stories flow carefully into each other to give children a clear idea of the overall story of the Bible and, with around 120 words and three to four illustrated frames per story, the result is a modern looking retelling with great attraction.The board pages are thinned down so that the book can accommodate the twenty stories in a book of manageable weight. This book also features a padded cover.

To purchase one or both of these for kids that you love, visit your local Christian bookstore, Amazon, or CBD.com.

Smiles and Loves!