This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Daisy Chain
Zondervan (March 1, 2009)
by
Mary DeMuth

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary E. DeMuth is an expert in Pioneer Parenting. She enables Christian parents to navigate our changing culture when their families left no good faith examples to follow.

Her parenting books include Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture (Harvest House, 2007), Building the Christian Family You Never Had (WaterBrook, 2006), and Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God (Harvest House, 2005).

Mary also inspires people to face their trials through her real-to-life novels, Watching The Tree Limbs
(nominated for a Christy Award) and Wishing On Dandelions (NavPress, 2006).

Mary has spoken at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, the ACFW Conference, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and at various churches and church planting ministries. Mary and her husband, Patrick, reside in Texas with their three children. They recently returned from breaking new spiritual ground in Southern France, and planting a church.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance from a small Texas town in 1973 spins three lives out of control—Jed, whose guilt over not protecting his friend Daisy strangles him; Emory Chance, who blames her own choices for her daughter’s demise; and Ouisie Pepper, who is plagued by headaches while pierced by the shattered pieces of a family in crisis.

In this first book in the Defiance, Texas Trilogy, fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper has a sickening secret: He’s convinced it’s his fault his best friend Daisy went missing. Jed’s pain sends him on a quest for answers to mysteries woven through the fabric of his own life and the lives of the families of Defiance, Texas. When he finally confronts the terrible truths he’s been denying all his life, Jed must choose between rebellion and love, anger and freedom.

Daisy Chain is an achingly beautiful southern coming-of-age story crafted by a bright new literary talent. It offers a haunting yet hopeful backdrop for human depravity and beauty, for terrible secrets and God’s surprising redemption.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Daisy Chain, go HERE

Sabrina Here: I haven't finished this book yet, but when I do, I'll give you my full review. For now, let me say, this is my first Mary Demuth book and I can see what all the fuss is about. She has such a colorful way with words. As if each and every sentence is thought out in a way to best paint a picture of the scene. Very unique and I can't wait to see how the whole book plays out.

Excitement...an essay/poem by Tanner Jacob Butcher

Excitement looks like cookies that just came out of the oven.

Excitement smells like fresh picked fruit.

Excitement sounds like a big boom from bouncing off the walls.

Excitement taste like a piece of pizza.

Excetement feels like peace coming after a hard fought war.

Mom here. I loved this last line and was so impressed with his 9 year old mind. I know...I'm his mom and have to be impressed. But seriously 9 years old and he already has the 5 senses down. He's doing better than mom and her own writing. LOL.

CRY IN THE NIGHT

Having read all of Colleen Coble’s Rock Harbor series, I was eager to get my copy of Cry in the Night.

The story picks up a little after we left Bree and Kade in Into the Deep. Though, you can absolutely read this book as a stand-alone and be fine. However, you will definitely finish it wanting to pick up the other books.

The author did such a great job with the internal conflict all throughout the book. I felt myself almost in anguish for the characters as I read along. Several times, I had tears in my eyes hoping things would work out the way the character prayed. However, as with all of Coble’s books there is a definite sense of realism within the pages. Life isn’t perfect and doesn’t always work out the way we’d hoped.

This wasn’t a book about the main character finding salvation and at the end of the book we know she’s done that and we feel all happy inside. No. This book was about what happens next. How even as Christians, we don’t have a perfect life. Most never get everything they ever want, and we still need to seek God’s direction before we can find our way out of the darkness. Being a Christian doesn’t necessarily give us an easier path and Coble does a great job showcasing that.

This book was a little different for me because as I’m reading it I was getting a sense of where the author was going and I wasn’t sure I liked it. As a reader, I was nervous and unsure how she would rectify the conflict she had created. On the other side, as a writer, I could see the way the conflicts were keeping me deep into the book. I was unable to stop reading and even on a work night, found myself reading at midnight. This author does a masterful job in creating a story we’re unable to walk away from. Great read!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Cry In The Night
Thomas Nelson (February 3, 2009)
by
Colleen Coble
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Colleen Coble's thirty novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA award, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best awards. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.

AWARDS:
2004 More Than Magic winner for Best Inspirational Romance
Without a Trace, Thomas Nelson
2004 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year

ABOUT THE BOOK

The highly anticipated novel that delivers what romantic suspense fans have long awaited-the return to Rock Harbor.
Bree Nichols gets the shock of her life when her husband-presumed dead-reappears.

Bree Nichols and her search and rescue dog Samson discover a crying infant in the densely forested woods outside of Rock Harbor, Michigan. Against objections from her husband, Kade, who knows she'll become attached, Bree takes the baby in. Quickly she begins a search for the mother-presumably the woman reported missing just days earlier.
While teams scour the forests, Bree ferrets out clues about the missing woman. But she soon discovers something more shocking: Bree's former husband-long presumed dead in a plane crash-resurfaces. Is he really who he says he is? And should she trust him again after all these years?
An engaging, romantic suspense novel from critically-acclaimed author Colleen Coble.

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

When are you going to get published???

“Oh, it’s fine. Now when are you going to get published?”

Most of my blog readers know that I’m a writer. I’ve written and published over 200 articles and reviews. I’m also working on my own Christian fiction books. I’ve been given the go ahead from Steeple Hill to rework a few parts of my book Malicious Intent and then send it back to them for consideration for their Love Inspired Suspense line. It’s a long shot, but at least I’m in the ball game again. :) They receive between 500-1000 submissions a year and only publish 48 of those. See what I mean. Long shot. LOL.

Most of my friends have dozens of rejections lining their office walls. One of my close friends, Cara, did have success pretty early on, but still... a lot of hard work went into that success. So it was with disappointment but also a degree of realism, that I accepted my first and only rejection two years ago. It was when I submitted Prescription for Murder to the LIS line. Since that rejection, I’ve taken some time off from both papers I was writing for and even slowed down on my book reviews. All in an attempt to focus my energy on the books I’d started.

During that same time, I took a job as a freelance reader for Harlequin/Steeple Hill. A job that I love. I thought that being a reader for one of the lines I was targeting would give me some insight into what they’re looking for. There is some truth to that, as I do believe I have gathered a better understanding of the line and what makes a book work or fail.

Here’s the funny part. I’ve read numerous manuscripts for Harlequin in the last couple years. Each time feeling pretty comfortable in my evaluation of those manuscripts. Why then, is it still so hard to evaluate my own book? Seriously. I’m at a loss. I kind of think it’s because I know the story so well I read between the lines as I’m reading. I know what my characters are thinking. What they’re seeing. Smelling. Unfortunately, Jane the reader can’t do that. So, while I love my job and hope to keep it for quite some time, sadly, I’m not sure how much it’s helped me in my own writing.

Fortunately, I have a friend who is also one of their readers and I’m looking forward to her opinion of my manuscript. If you don’t have the good fortune to know a first reader or even a published author, join a writing community (like ACFW) or critique group. If that’s not an option, find a friend who loves to read. A friend that will be brutally honest with you. Not someone who will pat your back and say the nice things you want to hear. Because that won’t help you at all. I remember a long time ago I asked my mom to read one of my books and she just said, “Oh, it’s fine. Now when are you going to get published?” So not helpful. :0/

On the other hand, I have a published author friend who is very tough on me. When she sees a problem, she’ll tell you. But when something is good, she’ll tell you that too. I need that. I can work with a critical eye. I can’t learn or work with “Oh, it’s fine. Now when are you going to get published?”

My favorite recipe...what's yours?

I'm so tired of trying to come up with food my family will eat. It's not just my son, though he's a picky eater, my husband is just as picky. Tanner (the son) eats very little meat. He lives on peanut butter. If he's hungry he'll go get a spoon of peanut butter. He knows it has protein and he's convinced me it's better than junk food. :0/ He's almost 10 and he's starting to talk about being a vegetarian. We'll see... My husband on the other hand loves meat, potatoes, and bread. I really shouldn't have so much starch so it's hard to find something we can all eat and enjoy.

We eat a lot of Mexican food, breakfast for dinner, grilled chicken, etc...Tanner can't eat rice so that's out. He literally can't eat it. Tim would eat steak or roast every day if I'd let him. Grrrr. I need help, people. :) Any ideas? I'm open to suggestions. :)

In the spirit of sharing, here's one of my favorite dishes I got from the Neely's that we all seem to be able to eat. I use half the lemons and a little extra olive oil and garlic. I also like it better with Angel Hair pasta, but the penne is good if that's all you have. :)

Easy Lemon Pasta with Chicken

Prep Time: 10 min Inactive Prep Time: hr min Cook Time: 25 min Level: Easy Serves:
3 to 5 servings 1 pound dried penne
2 chicken cutlets, cut into fingers
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
2 lemons, juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, until al dente. Drain well.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large grill pan over medium high and add chicken. Grill until golden and completely cooked. Remove to a plate and slice.

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to a saute pan with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and saute until fragrant. Add the cooked pasta and turn heat off. Mix all together.

Remove pasta to a large bowl. Add chicken to the warm pasta and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in chopped parsley. Add the juice of 2 lemons and mix. Before serving top with Parmesan.

Now come on...share.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Centurion's Wife
Bethany House Publishers (January 1, 2009)
by
Davis Bunn and Janette Oke


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Davis Bunn is an internationally acclaimed author who has sold more than six million books in fifteen languages. His audiences span reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings.

Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include My Soul To Keep, and Full Circle. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was named Novelist in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.

He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write.


Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others.

After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.

Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.

She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Janette Oke has dreamed for years of retelling a story in a biblical time frame from a female protagonist's perspective, and Davis Bunn is elated to be working with her again on this sweeping saga of the dramatic events surrounding the birth of Christianity...and the very personal story of Leah, a young Jewess of mixed heritage trapped in a vortex of competing political agendas and private trauma.

Caught up in the maelstrom following the death of an obscure rabbi in the Roman backwater of first-century Palestine, Leah finds herself also engulfed in her own turmoil--facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to a Roman soldier, Alban, who seems to care for nothing but his own ambitions.

Head of the garrison near Galilee, he has been assigned by Palestine's governor to ferret out the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry. Leah's mistress, the governor's wife, secretly commissions Leah also to discover what really has become of this man whose death--and missing body--is causing such furor.

This epic drama is threaded with the tale of an unlikely romance and framed with dangers and betrayals from unexpected sources. At its core, the story unfolds the testing of loyalties--between two young people whose inner searchings they cannot express, between their irreconcilable heritages, and ultimately between their humanity and the Divine they yearn to encounter.

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

STAND IN GROOM REVIEW

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Stand-In Groom
Barbour Publishing, Inc (January 2009)

by
Kaye Dacus


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. A former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, Kaye enjoys being an active ACFW member and the fellowship and community of hundreds of other writers from across the country and around the world that she finds there.

She currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, which she co-founded in 2003 with three other writers. Each month, she teaches a two-hour workshop on an aspect of the craft of writing at the MTCW monthly meeting. But her greatest joy comes from mentoring new writers through her website and seeing them experience those “aha” moments when a tricky concept becomes clear.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she's found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her "dream" quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman?

George came to Louisiana to plan his employer's wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancee when he's so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two believers find a happy ending?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Stand-In Groom, go HERE

What they're saying about it:

“Dacus pulls off a delightful story that places readers in the heart of the South with the debut of the Brides of Bonneterre series. Readers will enjoy this look at how lives are transformed through devastating events and how forgiveness is the key to a promising future. Nothing is as it seems in this heartwarming story.”
–Romantic Times, 4-Star Review

“Absolutely delightful! I enjoyed Stand-In Groom from cover to cover! Ms. Dacus’s clever story and wonderful prose will draw you away to a place deep in the heart of Louisiana, surrounding you with the scents, sounds, and sights of the deep south. A story filled with romance and intrigue, betrayal and forgiveness, I found myself laughing, crying and rejoicing right along with the characters.”
–M.L. Tyndall, author of The Falcon and the Sparrow and the award-winning Legacy of the King’s Pirates series

“Stand-In Groom is as sweet, beautiful, and chaotic as a perfectly planned wedding. Anne is a bright and wounded heroine you’re going to care about for a long time. George is a hero to capture your heart. Kaye Dacus will take you along for a fun, poignent ride in Stand-In Groom.”
–Mary Connealy, author of the Lassoed in Texas series and Of Mice...and Murder

SABRINA HERE:

I loved this book. Mostly because Dacus did a marvelous job in creating a memorable cast. There are so many rich characters to fall in love with in this series I found myself wishing I could join in on their weekly family dinners.

It was obvious the author would be able to continue the series by taking us on a journey through the lives of these fun cousins/siblings.

Also, something worth mentioning—you could tell the author was educated in writing/literature. She did such a good job in staying within the rules of good writing. For a first book, it was much more polished than most. I also loved loved loved the cover. Barbour did a great job with this one. :) Hope to see more like it from them.

Overall, can’t wait to read the next one and I've definitely added this writer to my list of favorites. Stop by later this month as I’ll be having another drawing for books. This one will be included. :)

My review of Sweetwater Gap

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing
Sweetwater GapThomas Nelson (December 16, 2008)
by
Denise HunterA story of new beginnings from best-selling Romance for Good™ author Denise Hunter.
When Josephine's family insists she come home to help with the harvest, the timing works. But her return isn't simple benevolence-she plans to persuade the family to sell the failing orchard.

The new manager's presence is making it difficult. Grady MacKenzie takes an immediate disliking to Josephine and becomes outright cantankerous when she tries talking her family into selling. As she and Grady work side by side in the orchard, she begins to appreciate his devotion and quiet faith. She senses a vulnerability in him that makes her want to delve deeper, but there's no point letting her heart have its way-he's tied to the orchard, and she could never stay there.

A brush with death tears down Josephine's defenses and for the first time in her life, she feels freedom-freedom from the heavy burden of guilt, freedom to live her life the way it was intended, with a heart full of love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sweetwater Gap, go HERE

My Review: The book starts with Josie receiving a call from her brother in law that she needs to come home and help her sister run the family orchard. Nate is a good man, but he’s tired of Josie being so selfish and not pulling her own weight.

Because Josie loves her sister, she decides to go home and convince Laurel to sell. Josie eludes that some impending doom is coming and Laurel will be better without the responsibilities of running the orchard on her own. Giving us the sense something is wrong with Josie and she might not be able to help run the orchard much longer.

Orchard manager Grady Mackenzie is hiding a little hurt of his own. He doesn’t trust women easily and he sure doesn’t trust Josie once he hears her trying to convince Laurel to sell the orchard. An orchard he now owns a small portion of. Owning an orchard has always been his dream and if Josie and Laurel sell, he’ll lose his dream again.

Grady starts noticing something is wrong with Josie. At first he thinks she just can’t pull her weight, but then realizes she’s ill. After a number of run-ins, the two of them become somewhat friends. When Grady finally gets Josie to confess she’s sick, Josie makes him promise not to tell. Thus, forming a tight bond between the two of them.

I won’t go any farther with the synopsis because I don’t want to spoil the ending for anyone, but let me just say, I am declaring Denise Hunter the queen of romance. She has a way of using such subtlety and still leaving us breathless. Fabulous!

I also love that even though it’s a women of faith book, Hunter didn’t feel the need to beat us over the head with a bunch of "Christianese". You know what I mean. Those long winded sections we all find ourselves skimming over…there were no sections to skim in this book! This was a great, clean, romance novel, with a great message. What more could you ask for?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Baby it's cold outside. . .

We got our ice that was predicted, but we're still waiting on the snow. I love snow. I need snow in the winter. It makes me feel all cheery. :) I know...I'm weird. But seriously, winter without snow is just depressing. Besides, Tanner is dying to go sledding and I confess I'm looking forward to it myself. If we get to go I'll post some pics.

Now, as much as I love winter, I was cleaning out my digital camera and found all kinds of vacation pics that I forgot about.

Thought I'd share a few. Of course these are of Tanner. This first one makes me a little sad. Being an only child I get how lonely it can be sometimes.

Vacationing with the parents is fun, but can be a little boring. However, the next one shows how fun my little boy is and how even without a bunch of siblings, you can have a blast. :)

Next year, we're taking a friend along. That should be interesting.

Pardon the weird header picture. I'm playing around with some changes.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Perfect Match
(Tyndale House January 1, 2009)
by
Susan May Warren


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. Her favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota is where she met her husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living.

The north woods easily became the foundation for her first series, The Deep Haven series, based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. Her first full-length book, Happily Ever After, became a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

As an award winning author, Susan returned home in 2004, to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full time from Minnesota's north woods and the beautiful town that she always dreamed of living in.

You can sample a chapter of each and every one of Susan's novels, on her website, HERE.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Ellie Karlson is new to Deep Haven. As the town’s interim fire chief, she is determined to lead the local macho fire crew in spite of their misconceptions about her. But when someone begins setting deadly fires, Ellie faces the biggest challenge of her life. Especially when sparks fly with one of the volunteers on her crew: Pastor Dan Matthews. As Ellie battles to do her job and win the respect of her crew, she finds that there is one fire she can’t fight—the one Dan has set in her heart.
(This book is the repackaged edition published in 2004)

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Perfect Match, go HERE.

Awards:

2004 American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year

A Romantic Times Magazine TOP PICK – 4½ stars

Review:

Romantic Times Magazine:
Vibrant characters and vivid language zoom this action-packed romance to the top of the charts. This is a one-sitting read –once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.

CHAI TEA RECIPE

I LOVE CHAI TEA!!! It should be on my tombstone, I love it so much. LOL. But man it can get expensive at those coffee shops. That's why I love this recipe so much. I found it in a magazine then tweaked it to my taste. Tanner and I made it for Christmas gifts this year and it seemed to go over well. I have a container of it at work so I can make a cup whenever I want. Let me know if you try it.

Spiced Chai Mix

SERVINGS: 26
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 15 min.
Ingredients:
3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1-3/4 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened instant tea
1 1/4 cup vanilla powdered nondairy creamer
1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
OPTIONAL GARNISH: Whipped cream

Directions:
In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients; cover and process until powdery. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
To prepare 1 serving: Dissolve 3 tablespoons of mix in 3/4 cup boiling water; stir well. Dollop with whipped cream if desired (Uh, yeah, I desire) Yield: about 5-6 cups mix (26 servings).

Also, if you want it richer make it with steamed milk or half milk half water. That’s more like the coffee shop type. :)

Wanted by Shelley Shephard Gray

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Wanted
Avon Inspire (January 6, 2009)
by
Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hidden is Shelley’s first foray into inspirational fiction. Previously, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. Shelley is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and is part of the Telecare ministry, which calls homebound members on a regular basis. Shelley looks forward to the opportunity to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

This is the second book in the Sisters Of Heart series. The first was Hidden.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Twenty-year-old Katie Brenneman has always quietly fancied Jonathan Lundy. So when the brokenhearted widower asks her to help him take care of his two young girls, Katie knows it will be a trying time-yet she cannot pass up a golden opportunity to get to know this man better.

Just as she's settling into her new life, a message arrives from Katie's past, threatening to expose her darkest secrets. During her Rumspringa, her running-around years, she experimented with activities forbidden in the Amish way of life. Frightened by how far she'd strayed from her values, Katie ran back home, vowing to cut all ties with the outside world. Now her transgressions are coming back to haunt her, just as Jonathan seems willing to welcome her into his heart.

Will the past destroy Katie's chances for love? Or will Katie finally allow herself to accept God's love, forgive her past...and receive everything she's ever wanted?

If you would like to read an excerpt of Chapter 1 of Wanted, go HERE

Review of Quills and Promises and free book giveaway

-- Separated from Madison when he leaves to fight the French and Indians, Elanna Hanssen must choose between her heart and her head, especially when Madison's integrity is questioned. --

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not until thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years. With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When his military duty separates them, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to each other. Elanna has never known emotions like this before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. Wh a local news reporter questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Quills And Promises, go HERE.

SABRINA HERE: As Promised, here’s my review of Amber Miller’s newest book, Quills and Promises. If you’ve read my blog very long, you know I don’t read many Heartsongs. Not because I don’t like them, but I’m just not in their book club, so I don’t come across their books that often.

With that in mind, I was eager to read this one because of the era and because the author is in ACFW and I’ve heard about this books impending release.

As soon as I started this book, I was caught by the obvious research and love of history this author must have. The POV of each character was so steeped in the voice of 1756 I could almost hear their voices in my head as I read each scene. Very detailed and consistent to the time period.

We open with Elanna running into her dear friend Chelcy, who I presume is the main character in Miller’s first Heartsong, Promises, Promises. Though I’m not positive.

Elanna and Chelcy chat like young women often do. Immediately we witness Elanna’s quick wit and intelligence in her mannerisms and speech. Chelcy introduces Elanna to her cousin Madison, a soldier, who’s home for a short visit.

Madison and Elanna hit it off immediately. Madison is drawn to the quick thinking young woman and finds he doesn’t want to leave her. He asks her if she’ll write to him when he goes north to battle and she promises she will.

They have one more chance encounter before he leaves. Further sealing their attraction to each other, both are more than eager to correspond with the other.

Almost the entire book is spent with them apart. Only getting to know each other by correspondence. With each letter they send and receive, each falls deeper in love with the other. This is a good example of being deep in the setting and plot. As you couldn’t pull this off in a contemporary novel. It would seem unbelievable to have the characters fall in love just through their letters. But for 1756, it works.

I thought the most obvious pro to this book was the author’s knowledge of the time and place. Also, the ability to make us believe the characters were falling in love through letters.

As with all my reviews, I list a few small negatives if I can find them. With Quills and Promises, I wish they had one more in person meeting. Just to make it even more believable. Though, it was fine the way it was written, I just wanted to see them together one more time. Finally, I wish Heartsong had picked a different cover.

Maybe with a young woman at a desk writing or show Madison off at battle. Anything to capture the love story. I like covers and for me, they greatly impact whether or not I’ll buy a book. Looking at this cover, I didn’t know what the story was about. It actually looks like a very contemporary house. The cover didn’t do the author’s story justice.

I look forward to more by this author and would even love to see a longer historical by her as she obviously knows her history. :)

LEAVE ME A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED FOR A COPY OF THIS BOOK. :) I'll draw later this week.

Also, look for my review of The Faith of Barack Obama this week.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my 30's, married the love of my life in July 2007, and live in beautiful Colorado just east of the Front Range of the Rockies, but I love to travel and visit new places. Ultimately, my dream is to own horses and live in a one-level rancher or log cabin nestled in the foothills of the mountains. For now, I will remain where I am and do what I love—design web sites and write.

Amber's very first book, Promises, Promises, released in February 2008. It's a historical fiction set in Delaware during the Colonial period and the Great Awakening. The other 2 books in the series are this current one, Quills And Promises (July 2008) and Deceptive Promises (December 2008). In 2009, they will be repackaged for a state set entitled Delaware Brides. She has also sold another series set in historical Michigan during the Industrial Revolution. The 3 books in that series will begin releasing in May 2009 and will be repackaged in 2010 as Michigan Brides.

Looking back and forward...

This has been a very memorable year for our family. Sad and trying in a lot of ways. In fact, we received a Christmas card from a loved one to us that said, “praying 2009 is better for you guys, and hey, it’s not like it could be much worse” :0/ Okay, thanks for that. LOL. Way to think positive.

Really, though, she’s right. I’m going into 2009 with assurance that things will improve, even as our country is going through it’s own trying time and things look grim for so many. Even though I feel much trepidation with the new president, even when our future is still so sketchy, I feel a peace in my soul that things will be okay. I have hope. We have survived 2008 and will survive 2009 and we will look back at it and remember it as a year of tremendous growth for our family. That’s my hope anyway.

Now that I’ve depressed all of you, these are cheery pictures to make you smile. Our son Tanner is hugging our dog Chloe. Chloe was a dog we rescued when we found out they were going to put her to sleep a couple years ago. (Her owners had dropped her off at the shelter because they couldn’t afford a dog anymore) She was an older dog that nobody wanted. We love this dog. She has such a gentle spirit and is so trusting and loyal. She’s never messed on the floor or torn anything up. You could hand her a steak and while she’s eating it take it away and she’ll just look at you as to say “Well, okay, if you need it more than I do.” I can’t imagine that we live in a society that would throw away such a beautiful animal. Wait, that was a depressing statement. LOL.I’m going to stop now.:)

p.s. Can't you just see the love Tanner has for his dog. How sweet, simple, and precious.

The flu...

I'm sick. Really sick. Now I wish I'd have shown my husband a little more compassion last week. LOL. It's funny to me that every year I think, I don't need a flu shot. I never get the flu. Yet every time I get the flu I wish I'd have had a flu shot. Sigh. One of these days...

How about you guys, Jen is your group better or still sick? The rest of you healthy?

Where do I go CFBA Blog Tour

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Where Do I Go?
Thomas Nelson (December 9, 2008)
by
Neta JacksonI just received this book so I haven't had a chance to read it, but if it's anything like her prior books, it will be wonderful. I'll let you know what I think after I have a chance to read it.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a husband/wife writing team, Dave and Neta Jackson are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together they are the authors or coauthors of over 100 books. In addition to writing several books about Christian community, the Jacksons have coauthored numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.

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

They're trying something new! Not just new for them, but something completely new in Christian fiction: “Parallel novels,” two stories taking place in the same time frame, same neighborhood, involving some of the same characters living through their own dramas and crises but interacting with and affecting one another … just the way it happens in real life.

It’s something that only a husband and wife writing team could pull off. While Neta has Where Do I Go?, her husband Dave has written Harry Bentley's Second Chance.



ABOUT THE BOOK

A story of seeking-and finding-God's will in unlikely places.

Gabrielle Fairbanks has nearly lost touch with the carefree, spirited young woman she was when she married her husband fifteen years ago. But when the couple moves to Chicago to accommodate Philip's business ambitions, Gabby finds the chance to make herself useful. It's there she meets the women of Manna House Women's Shelter; they need a Program Director-and she has a degree in social work. She's in her element, feeling God's call on her life at last, even though Philip doesn't like the changes he sees in her. But things get rough when Philip gives Gabby an ultimatum: quit her job at the shelter or risk divorce and losing custody of their sons. Gabby must take refuge, as in the song they sing at Sunday night worship: "Where do I go when there's no one else to turn to? . . . I go to the Rock I know that's able, I go to the Rock."

Romantic Times Book Reviews says, “Exquisite characters coupled with God's mercy and love emanate from each page.”

Publisher's Weekly adds, “Jackson's Yada Yada series has sold half a million copies, and this new offshoot series ... promises the same.... The book's dramatic ending ... leav[es] readers eager for the next installment in the series.”

To read the Prologue and first Chapter of Where Do I Go?, go HERE

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Engaging Father Christmas
FaithWords (October 30, 2008)
by
Robin Jones Gunn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin grew up in Orange County, California and has lived in all kinds of interesting places, including Reno and Hawai’i.

She and her husband currently live near Portland, Oregon and have been married for 30 years. They spent their first 22 years of marriage working together in youth ministry, and enjoying life with their son and daughter who are now both grown.

As a frequent speaker at local and international events, one of Robin’s favorite topics is how God is the Relentless Lover and we are His first love. She delights in telling stories of how God uses fiction to change lives.

Robin is the recipient of the Christy Award, the Mt. Hermon Pacesetter Award, the Sherwood E. Wirt Award and is a Gold Medallion Finalist. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Media Associates International and the Board of Directors for Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers’ Guild.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation.

But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost.

And yet...maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Engaging Father Christmas, go HERE

When Men Are Sick

Why is it when men are sick it's so much worse than when we're sick? LOL. My hubby is sick right now and I feel for him. He really is sick. But it makes me laugh when I think about how much more sick he is than I ever am. Meaning, he moans and groans and sniffles around like he's dying and when I'm sick I somehow still get Tanner off to school and figure out what they'll eat even if I'm not eating.

I think it's evident why we are the ones to birth the children. LOL.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Quills And Promises
Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 28, 2008)
by
Amber Miller I was so excited to get this book last week. I've been waiting for it and was thrilled to be on the blog tour. I'm in the middle of the book now and can't wait to post my review of it. I also plan to give away a copy of the book, so be sure to look for that.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my 30's, married the love of my life in July 2007, and live in beautiful Colorado just east of the Front Range of the Rockies, but I love to travel and visit new places. Ultimately, my dream is to own horses and live in a one-level rancher or log cabin nestled in the foothills of the mountains. For now, I will remain where I am and do what I love—design web sites and write.

Amber's very first book, Promises, Promises, released in February 2008. It's a historical fiction set in Delaware during the Colonial period and the Great Awakening. The other 2 books in the series are this current one, Quills And Promises (July 2008) and Deceptive Promises (December 2008). In 2009, they will be repackaged for a state set entitled Delaware Brides. She has also sold another series set in historical Michigan during the Industrial Revolution. The 3 books in that series will begin releasing in May 2009 and will be repackaged in 2010 as Michigan Brides.


ABOUT THE BOOK

-- Separated from Madison when he leaves to fight the French and Indians, Elanna Hanssen must choose between her heart and her head, especially when Madison's integrity is questioned. --

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not until thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years. With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When his military duty separates them, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to each other. Elanna has never known emotions like this before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. Wh a local news reporter questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Quills And Promises, go HERE.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dark Pursuit
Zondervan (December 1, 2008)
by
Brandilyn Collins Sabrina Here: I haven't had much time to review lately as I've been working on my own book, but when I got Dark Pursuit in the mail I put everything aside so I could read this newest book by one of my favorite authors. I've loved Brandilyn's books for years and had highly anticipated this new arrival. It started off a little slower than some of her books do. I'm not sure if it was the back and forth between present day and the manuscripts (Thoughout the book, we switch into a story or manuscript) or if it was just because the main character was a lot older than most of her books. I kept reading, determined to finish the book. I'm glad I did. I wasn't disappointed. Brandilyn always throws a unique twist in there. She has a gift of weaving interesting stories together. This was so unique from everything she's written and from much of what's out there today. I think if you like suspense and don't need a lot of romance, this is a great book for you. I hope you'll pick up a copy soon. :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Brandilyn Collins is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is currently working on her 20th book. For chances to win free copies of her work, join her Fan Club on Facebook. Here’s what Brandilyn has to say about why she wrote Dark Pursuit:

In John Milton’s Paradise Lost Satan’s followers, kicked out of heaven, boast about storming the gates and reclaiming their territory. Beelzebub scoffs at their boasting as merely “hatching vain empires” and suggests a different revengeful scheme: seduce mankind away from God. So Satan visits the Garden of Eden to teach humans the very thing he and his cohorts have learned to be futile—the dark pursuit of hatching their own vain empires instead of following God. He presented man with this “gift” of death, disguised as life. And man fell for it.

Upon this theme of man’s fall and spiritual blindness, I created the characters and events in Dark Pursuit. The story clips along at a fast pace, with much symbolism running underneath.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dark Pursuit—A twisting story of murder, betrayal, and eternal choices

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, reclusive and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she’s rebuilding her life. But in Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered, and she’s about to discover a third. She’s even more shocked to realize the culprit—her boyfriend, Craig, the police chief’s son.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the elusive plot he seeks...

Read the first chapter of Dark Pursuit, HERE.

One Perfect Day

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
One Perfect Day
FaithWords (October 22, 2008)
by
Lauraine Snelling


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Today, Lauraine Snelling is a member of the more than Two Million Books In Print club, but when she first began, she was a mother of three teenagers with a simple dream to write “horse books for kids.”

All told, she has over 50 books published. She thinks. She’s not sure. She’d rather write them than count them. Lauraine’s work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish and German as well as produced as books on tape.

Awards have followed her dedication to “telling a good story”: the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

Helping others reach their writing dream is the reason Lauraine teaches at writer’s conferences across the country. She mentors others through book doctoring and with her humorous and playful Writing Great Fiction tape set. Lauraine also produces material on query letters and other aspects of the writing process.

Her readers clamor for more books more often and Lauraine would like to comply, if only her ever-growing flower gardens didn’t call quite so loudly over the soothing rush of the water fountains in her back yard and if the hummingbirds weren’t quite so entertaining. Lauraine and husband Wayne have two grown sons and a cockatiel named Bidley, who loves to tease their Basset Hound named Chewy.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Two mothers end up more closely connected that they could dream...and yet they are strangers to one another.

The first has two children--twins, a boy and girl, who are seniors in high school. She wants their last Christmas as a family living in the same home to be perfect, but her husband is delayed returning from a business trip abroad. And then there's an accident--a fatal one involving a drunk driver.

Meanwhile, the other mother has a daughter who needs a new heart, and so the loss of one woman becomes the miracle the other has desperately prayed for. While one mother grieves, and pulls away from her family, the other finds that even miracles aren't always easy to receive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of One Perfect Day, go HERE

And the winners are...

Free Book Winners

Thank you to those that entered the drawings. Sorry it’s taken so long to post winners. I have dial up Internet at home (DSL still not available and I’m too cheap for cable thus far) so I’m not on as much as I used to be.

Anyway, here is the list of winners. I’ll contact you for your address, but if you see this and want to go ahead and email me, that’s fine too. :)

I just put the names in a hat and drew for all four drawings.

Jennifer Tiszai wins Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean

Malia Spencer wins The Perfect Blend by Allie Pleiter

Carole wins The Briton by Catherine Palmer

Crystal Adkins wins four gently read Love Inspired Books, See No Evil by Gail Roper, The Rogues Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren, Just Cause by Susan Page Davis, and Death Benefits by Hannah Alexander.

Hope you all enjoy them and thanks for playing. I’ll give away a few more soon. =)

Review of Courting Miss Adelaide and Free Book

COURTING MISS ADELAIDE

Back Cover Blurb

The “orphan train” seemed like small-town spinster Adelaide Crum’s last chance to know the simple joys of family life. So many lost children, every one of them dreaming only of a caring home—the home she longed to offer. And yet the narrow-minded town elders refused to entrust even the most desperate child to a woman alone….

Newspaperman Charles Graves believed his heart was closed forever, but he swore to stand by this lovely, lonely woman who was fighting for the right to take some motherless child into her heart. And her gentle soul and unwavering faith made him wonder if even he could overcome the bitter lessons of the past, and somehow find the courage to love….

****4 1/2 Stars, Romantic Times BOOK reviews

Sabrina Here

(I can't get my book links to work right now...I'll load them later)

It was such a thrill to see Courting Miss Adelaide on the bookshelf at the store the other day. The author, Janet Dean, is a fellow Hoosier and member of our local Indiana ACFW chapter. I’ve heard Janet speak about the book for the last couple years so I knew it was coming out last month, but honestly wasn’t sure I’d pick it up since it’s a historical.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love historicals. Cut my teeth on Christian Fiction with Historicals. Mainly because that’s all that was offered back in the day. Anyway, even though I like them, I seldom buy them…especially the shorter ones. Mostly because I don’t find a lot of authors that can find a happy medium between enough and too many details. I think historicals are unique in that we really need superior imagery to see the scenes.

With contemporary novels we can see the scenes because it’s so familiar.

So I was both excited and uneasy to pick up Janet’s book the other night.

Though the cover was so lovely that I found it almost impossible to walk by. LOL.

The story opens with the lovely spinster, Adelaide Crum, trying to convince the stuffy elders of the town to allow her to adopt an orphaned girl. She’s a well-respected storeowner, specializing in lovely hats, and feels she can offer the child a promising future.

Not surprising they reject her request and send her home brokenhearted. Adelaide refuses to give up hope and continues to pray for a child. She sees one girl on the platform when the orphan train comes to town that she immediately connects with. When the little girl and her brother are sent to live with a family that Adelaide feels will mistreat them, she’s furious

and impassioned to find a way to save these children.

Without giving away too much of the story, I’ll say that the suspense in the book is very well done. Not just a romance story by any means. The way Janet intermingled the romance between Adelaide and Charles beautiful and kept me turning the pages. The backstory of Charles’ childhood was so touching and well written that I could believe the conflict that separated the two main characters and could understand the reluctance

of Charles to get involved with Miss Crum or her God.

I read the story in one long evening and am eager to read the next installment from Janet. Courting the Doctors Daughter. I loved Janet’s writing and can imagine we’ll be

seeing quite a bit from her in the future. :)

Leave me a comment about why you’d like to read the book and

I’ll draw a name for a copy in the next few days. :)

The second book in the Courting series, Courting the Doctor’s

Daughter will release in May 2009.

ABOUT JANET

Janet grew up in a family that cherished the past and had a strong creative streak. Her Social Studies/Art teacher father was a storyteller, like his father. The yarns her father and grandfather told instilled in Janet a love of the past and the desire to tell stories on paper. At twelve Janet wrote her first “novels,” even illustrating her little books, but when it came time to choose a career, she wanted to teach.

Janet attended Indiana University and graduated with a BS in Education. She married her college sweetheart, then taught first grade before leaving teaching to rear two daughters. During those early years together, Janet and her husband found the church they still attend, joined Bible studies and developed a love of scripture and a closer walk with God.

As her daughters grew, Janet joined them in front of the television set to watch Little House on the Prairie. Janet read books that reawakened her love of American history and the tales of the strong men and women of faith who built this country. She volunteered in her daughters’ schools, taught Sunday school at her church, and pursued creative hobbies until one day she could no longer ignore her girlhood dream of being a writer. As soon as she put pen to paper, she knew she was meant to write historical romances.

Only later did she understand her fiction could also honor God, and

she eagerly turned to Inspirational historical romance.

Janet’s journey toward publication took nine exciting, sometimes painful years

of learning her craft and dealing with rejection. Her stories of maintaining faith in trying circumstances show the power of God to strengthen families. Fascinated by history and the role of strong women in our nation's past, Janet brings both together in her faith-based love stories. Two of her manuscripts were 2005 and 2006 Golden Heart finalists. One of those manuscripts was a 2006 Genesis finalist. Today Janet writes inspirational historical romances for Steeple Hill.

Weddings....ahhh

My boss of 16 years got married yesterday. He's 44 and his new wife is 35. Both doctors and both have never been married before. Unlike most women I don't particularly care for weddings. I know...how ungirly of me. LOL. But really the dressing up thing is no picnic in itself, but mostly the sitting there witnessing them express their feelings for each other seems intrusive to me. I don't know why, just does.

Anyway, I'm sitting there listening to this man that I've worked with for 16 years express how he feels for this woman and I'm in awe. I've never seen this side of him, nor had anyone else. He's the epitome of the contented bachelor. Travels, golfs, enjoys life. Always smiling and happy. Very easy going personality and yet as he spoke his vows he said something to the effect of "I've waited all these years, praying each year for God to send me a partner. Someone to love and cherish. And as each year passed I started to wonder if maybe I'd never find someone. Then I met you. And little by little with each date I knew you were the one." (He said it much sweeter, but I can't remember it exactly) Ahhh. How sweet. But also how sad that those of us that know him so well had no idea he was so discontent with his life. That he was lonely even though he smiled and laughed most every day.

It made me think about all the people in my life and how we really don't know what's going on inside their minds. We really don't know who's sad, lonely, hurting, or even scared. I know. I'm reading too much into his declaration, but it just surprised me so much. :0/ Makes me wonder, ya know. LOL.

It was a lovely wedding and really a joy to see their happiness. The colors were cream and crimson. Both graduates of IU it was more than appropriate. Very fun.

On another note, I'm still looking for someone to leave me a comment for the free book drawing. :) I need to go write my review of Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean. If I finish it I'll post it today. Otherwise, have a happy Sunday. Hug someone you love today!

John 3:16

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
John 3:16
Tyndale House Publishers (September 9, 2008)
by
Nancy Moser


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and eighteen novels, including Solemnly Swear, Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner, and her latest historical, Washington's Lady.

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 Said So Sister 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 Nancy Moser.com and Sister Circles.com


ABOUT THE BOOK

Five people looking for a reason to keep living are about to find it in the last place they expect... In my usual "big cast" style comes a story of what happens when one man puts his faith on the line and holds up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event. Roman Paulson's life revolves around his son, Billy, a University of Nebraska football hero with a promising life ahead of him. But when Billy's coach encroaches on Roman's relationship with his son, Roman fears he'll lose Billy forever. Roman isn't the only one whose world turns upside down. He's one of five unsuspecting people whose lives intersect on a bright fall day.

If you would like to read the first chapter of John 3:16, go HERE