Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Paige Torn Think (May 1, 2013) by Erynn Mangum

MY THOUGHTS:Paige reminded me a lot of myself at the beginning of the book (except I am married) with all of her activities. It is easy to get so bogged down in everyday life that the most important things (God) get short shaft. I loved the story of how she finally finds balance and finds love as well. Great read!
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?

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

MY THOUGHTS:Bonnie is a wonderful writer that can unravel a story in a delightful way. This story of love and faith is one that you will certainly enjoy. It is a great summer story with meaning and power. If you have been looking for a book to take with you on vacation, then this one is the one you want to choose.
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?

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

Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel B&H Publishing Group (April 30, 2013) by Melody Carlson

MY THOUGHTS:Melody Carlson is a prolific writer that I enjoy reading time and time again. She has never disappointed me. If you need a great read for the beach or pool, then this one is it. Pick it up and you are sure to be as thrilled with this author as I am.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.





ABOUT THE BOOK

With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.

And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel, go HERE.

Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Fear Has a Name David C. Cook (June 1, 2013) by Creston Mapes

MY THOUGHTS:This was such a great read. Full of action and suspense that kept me up far into the night. I was enthralled with the story. I had never read this author before and was delighted with his writing. I can't wait to read another one from him.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.


ABOUT THE BOOK

From popular suspense author Creston Mapes comes another faith-building thriller, a tale that follows journalist Jack Crittendon as he fights to protect his family from a stalker's terrifying schemes, investigates a pastor's mysterious disappearance, and struggles to keep his faith amidst unthinkable fear.

With his family's safety on the line, Crittendon realizes there are secrets behind "Christian" walls--secrets with painful, deadly implications. He must find the faith to trust a God who allows inconceivable trials, and the courage to guard his family, with danger exploding at every turn.

Through it all--the sharp, character-driven writing for which Mapes is known--takes fans and new readers on an edge-of-your-seat journey that explores the harsh, far-reaching consequences of bullying and the Christian response to fear.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Fear Has a Name, go HERE.

An Open Heart by Harry Kraus

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing An Open Heart David C. Cook (June 1, 2013) by Harry Kraus

MY THOUGHTS:This was such a great book. The story of Dr. Rawling's patients bringing him messages back from when they were under anesthesia only serves to bring him closer to God. What Satan meant for evil, God means for good and leads Jace back to where he belongs and where he began, with God. It has action and adventure, too. You are sure to enjoy this story.
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Harry:

I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Their Messages—From Beyond the Grave—Might Destroy Him ...

They hover between life and death, their hearts stopped on the surgery table. And the messages Dr. Jace Rawlings’ open-heart surgery patients bring back from beyond the grave cannot be ignored. For they predict the deaths of people around him, and point a finger of suspicion straight at him.

It thrusts Jace into a firestorm of controversy and danger. A maeltsrom blown by the darker winds of political intrigue and spiritual warfare. And the forces working against him will do anything to stop him from uncovering a truth they will kill to hide. He’d come to Kenya to establish a heart-surgery program for the poor. But what he will find in that place where he grew up will put everything at risk–his marriage, his career . . . his life.

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

Rosa's Land by Gilbert Morris

MY THOUGHTS:

This book told the story of a young man who was finding it difficult to find his place in the world. He felt less than a man and wanted to become an adventurous marshall, rather than what he had been molded into. When his parents send him to a friend to work, they expect him to return to the safety and easiness of home, but instead he finds the courage and love that he has been searching for.

ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Join Lafayette Riordan as he chases his dream of becoming a Wild West marshal. Young Faye longs for an adventurous life protecting the frontier alongside Judge Isaac Parker’s famous marshals. But his upbringing has left him more prepared for a life as scholar and artist. When faced with the opportunity to realize his dream, can he summon the courage to hunt down the outlaws? Or will one headstrong female rancher capture his heart first?

To buy this book for yourself, you can visit here. Smile, God loves you!
  

A Vow for Always by Wanda Brunstetter

MY THOUGHTS:

The final book of this series! What is going to happen? I loved this book! I loved the end! I loved the way it unfolded! Can you tell that I really liked it? If you have read all of the others in the series, you are most likely as excited as I am to read this one. God is always on time and this book shows that!

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Everything is about to change...

After months of facing nothing but blank memories, “Eddie” remembers his name — Luke — and his past seems within his reach. But there are still many pieces left to place.

Meanwhile, miles away in Lancaster County, everything has changed in Luke’s former life. His house is occupied by Englishers. His own parents believe he is dead. And caught between her undying love for Luke and her need to provide for her son’s future, Meredith has grown closer to Jonah and closer to marriage.

Can Luke salvage the rest of his memory and return home before it’s too late?

To purchase this book for your own library (Who are we kidding? It won't be there long!), click here. Blessings!

A Revelation in Autumn by Wanda Brunstetter

MY THOUGHTS:

The 5th book! Almost the last one in this series and I get to find out if they finally get back together! In this book, he begins to get pieces of his memory back and the reader begins to see how they might come back together. Unfortunately, we also see how Meredith and Jonah are growing closer and closer. What is going to happen?

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Join Meredith and Luke Stoltzfus, an Amish couple who are faced with the greatest challenge of their young lives. A Revelation in Autumn is part five of New York Times Bestselling Author, Wanda E. Brunsetter’s The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga.

To purchase this book for your own reading pleasure, visit here. Be Blessed!  

The Pieces of Summer by Wanda Brunstetter

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

I just love this author and I am enthralled with this series. When you are able to see the both sides of the story, you root for both of them. You want them to come together and realize that they are mean to be together. It is hard to read and realize the people that are going to be hurt. Can't wait to read the next one!

 

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

In The Pieces of Summer, part four of New York Times Bestselling author, Wanda E. Brunsetter’s The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga, it’s only been a few months since Meredith Stoltzfus lost her husband, Luke, and deep down, she feels uncomfortable when Jonah Miller comes by often, so willing to help her with things around the house. Meanwhile, as a young, nameless man heals and regains strength in his body, his mind grasps at every image that flits across his memory, desperately trying to recall his former life. . . 

 

To purchase this book, visit here. Blessings to you!

 

    

The Silence of Winter by Wanda E. Brunstetter

MY THOUGHTS:
In this book, Meredith's husband Luke leaves for a new job and waits to hear for him, only to find out that he has been killed in a wreck. She doesn't know, however, that he was robbed, beaten, and was left to die and is still alive. I can't wait until the next one!

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

 In The Silence of Winter, part two of New York Times Bestselling  author, Wanda E. Brunstetter's The Discovery--A Lancaster County Saga, Meredith anxiously waits to hear that Luke has arrived safely in Indiana for a new job opportunity. . .but Luke’s call never comes. Instead, Meredith receives news that tears her heart to shreds and leaves her just barely living—and only for the sake of the little one growing within her. How will Meredith ever go on without Luke?

To purchase this book (it is great-everything she writes is), visit here. Blessings to you!  

Sundays in Fredericksburg by Lynette Sowell, Eileen Key, Connie Stevens, Margie Vawter

MY THOUGHTS:

I love these little series of books all in one. This one is four generations of school teachers who come to find love in Fredericksburg. It is little love stories that delight the heart and remind you of the goodness of God. Perfect for reading by the pool on vacation.

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Come on down to Fredericksburg, Texas, where four generations of couples encounter romance in Sunday Houses. Having become a schoolteacher to avoid marriage, Amelia Bachman finds her resolve crumbling before a smitten carpenter. Determined not to fall in love, Mildred Zimmermann carefully nurses an army medic crippled in love and war. Somewhat of a homebody, Trudy Meier isn’t sure she has the courage to love a roving reporter. Gwendolyn’s beautiful wildflower field is threatened by a geologist’s search for knowledge. Will these four women risk their hearts for the love a stranger? 

To purchase this book, visit here. Smile, God loves you!  

 

Though Mountains Fall by Dale Cramer

MY THOUGHTS:
This book had it all. Action, adventure, and love. What more could you want? Oh, you want a little Amish thrown in? Okay...it has that, too! I love to read books by this author! If you are looking for a summer read that will keep your interest and keep you guessing until the end, this one is it!

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

Amish pacifism is sorely tested in the Paradise Valley settlement in the 1920s. When an army of bandits descends on them, the Amish are saved by the last-minute arrival of government troops. But they soon learn that soldiers can be as cruel as the bandits themselves. Then a bishop travels to Mexico, and Caleb's daughters are finally able to marry, though the ban still looms for Miriam even as her beloved Domingo decides he must go off to fight in the coming war. As Caleb's frail hope of peace and freedom in Mexico slips away, he is left to ponder the question: In times of trouble, on whom should we rely?

To purchase this book, visit here. Blessings! 

 

Katie's Journey to Love by Jerry S. Eicher

MY THOUGHTS:
I loved the continuation of this wonderful story. I had the pleasure of reviewing the first book in the Emma Raber's Daughter series and was delighted to review this one. Katie's journey to find her own way and life in the midst of upheaval was beautiful. I am so happy with the way it was written and the way it came out.

ABOUT THIS BOOK:
In book two of Amish fiction author Jerry S. Eicher's new Emma Raber's Daughter series, Katie Raber's journey of discovery continues after her mamm's marriage to Jesse Mast. Drawn back from the Mennonite world briefly by the miracle of Mamm's changed heart, Katie finds she can't totally abandon her new Mennonite friends.

Jesse's oldest daughter, Mabel, refuses to accept Katie, creating conflict at home. Ben Yoder, the most popular boy in the community, also begins to attend the Mennonite youth gatherings in his attempt to run away from personal problems.

Overjoyed at the attention Ben pays her, Katie pursues the relationship willingly. When an opportunity comes to travel with her Mennonite friends to Europe to explore the roots of the faith, Katie can't believe how much she is being blessed. Especially after a secret donor pays for the trip.
While in Europe, Katie learns the truth about Ben when he is arrested. As her world comes crashing down, she finds healing in her visit to the Alps and the land where her forefathers suffered so much. She returns home determined to mend the bad feelings with Jesse's daughter, Mabel, and to continue on the path to healing without Ben.

Book two in the Emma Raber's Daughter series.

To purchase this book for your own reading pleasure (you know you want to), visit here. Be Blessed!   

Sinners and the Sea by Rebecca Kanner

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a re-imagining of the story of Noah from the perspective of Noah's wife. It went way out there in terms of re-imagining and this may be off-putting to some, but if you can see it as a piece of fiction, rather than a biography, you will enjoy it as such. I had to keep reminding myself of that.

ABOUT THIS BOOK:

The young heroine in Sinners and the Sea is destined for greatness. Known only as “wife” in the Bible and cursed with a birthmark that many think is the brand of a demon, this unnamed woman—fated to become the mother of all generations after the great flood—lives anew through Rebecca Kanner. The author gives this virtuous woman the perfect voice to make one of the Old Testament’s stories come alive like never before. 

Desperate to keep her safe, the woman’s father gives her to the righteous Noah, who weds her and takes her to the town of Sorum, a haven for outcasts. Alone in her new life, Noah’s wife gives him three sons. But living in this wicked and perverse town with an aloof husband who speaks more to God than to her takes its toll. Noah’s wife struggles to know her own identity and value. She tries to make friends with the violent and dissolute people of Sorum while raising a brood that, despite its pious upbringing, develops some sinful tendencies of its own. While Noah carries out the Lord’s commands, she tries to hide her mark and her shame as she weathers the scorn and taunts of the townspeople.

But these trials are nothing compared to what awaits her after God tells her husband that a flood is coming—and that Noah and his family must build an ark so that they alone can repopulate the world. As the floodwaters draw near, she grows in courage and honor, and when the water finally recedes, she emerges whole, displaying once and for all the indomitable strength of women. Drawing on the biblical narrative and Jewish mythology, Sinners and the Sea is a beautifully written account of the antediluvian world told in cinematic detail.

To purchase this book, visit here.