Thursday, October 28, 2010

The River Nile by Kenny Blair*a review

About the Book
Julie, a seventeen year old high school student, begins researching the Catholic orphanage she came from to write an article for her school newspaper, when she stumbles upon a remarkable discovery between the orphanage and the women’s clinic that performs abortions next door. As she digs, Julie realizes that the women’s clinic is just a front for what really happens when mothers come in to abort their third trimester babies.

Julie, a pro-choice activist, is determined to turn them in, but grapples with questions of faith as she reexamines her own stance on abortion and discovers her beliefs are blurred. Further investigation uncovers even more surprises as Julie puts together pieces of the puzzle and readers are drawn into evaluating their own views on these issues. What other secrets are hiding as Julie seeks to find all the answers?

Paperback: 108 pages
Publisher: Pleasant Word-A Division of WinePress Publishing (February 13, 2009) Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414113080
ISBN-13: 978-1414113081
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces



About the Author
Dedicated parent and anti-abortion activist, Kenny Blair, has written a compelling story about a young woman who makes an amazing discovery while researching the Catholic orphanage she came from. Having grown up in Abilene, Kansas, Kenny was raised by Christian parents and attended a small rural church where he grew in faith and came to believe in his pro-life choice.

Blair graduated from college in 1979 from the University of Kansas with a BS in Civil Engineering. During college, he was arrested for his passionate protest against abortion at a local hospital. After he graduated, Blair married Jodi Lowry, a certified nurse mid-wife and his hometown sweetheart from Abilene who spent time managing a women’s center and birthing facility in Topeka.

In the early 1980’s, Kenny and Jodi spent 18 months in East Africa with their one year old son. During that time, the author dug water wells, and worked with the local orphanage, while his wife did nursing work before returning to the states to pursue a 25 year career in engineering that led to becoming the president of an engineering firm in Kansas. Back in the states, Blair worked in the pro-life movement and volunteered his time to Birthright (a Catholic organization) which housed unwed mothers. Blair also fills the church pulpit in his community when his pastor is gone.

Kenny and his wife have housed single mothers and adopted four children from an orphanage in Guatemala, adding to two biological children of their own. The children they adopted suffered from abuse and special needs. The author’s experience with adoption, single mothers with nowhere to go, and special needs children that nobody wanted did not come from textbooks, but instead from his real life encounters and his commitment to children and family.

My Review
I really loved this book. The River Nile by Kenny Blair is full of action, adventure, abortion, adoption issues, families and redemption.
This book is so good that I read it in one day. It is only 100 pages/17 chapters, but even if it were a lot longer I wouldn’t have been able to quit reading until I read it all. I was mesmerized and anxious to find out how the book ended.
Sister Maria, a doctor from Guatemala, took care of the most defenseless-the mothers and babies. She was an orphan, so she could understand the troubles of all those who had lost their parents, and she was so sad when she thought of their future .
In Kansas, Julie begins writing a human-interest story about an orphanage in Wichita. The story means a lot to her, because she had been adopted from this orphanage and hopes to find some information about her birth parents.
You follow Maria and Julie in two different kinds of life. I was amazed at the ending of this super book and thought wow, it couldn’t have ended better.
I highly recommend this book. You should go to Amazon and order yourself a copy. It is one of my top books of 2010.

Order from Amazon

Thank you to Wine Press/Pleasant Word for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

City On Our Knees by TobyMac*a review



Bestselling recording artist TobyMac has a passion for inspiring believers to step out and take action for their faith. Through compelling stories and Scripture, City on Our Knees will illustrate how Christians past and present have set aside differences, come together in unity, and stepped forward in action and prayer. Readers will be encouraged and inspired to do the same, summoning the commitment, courage, and devotion to bring a city to its knees.




About the Author
TobyMac is a Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and song- writer. First known as part of the popular group dc Talk throughout the 1990s, he launched a solo career in 2001 and has since won numerous awards, earned three certified gold albums, and had six No. 1 Christian singles. His previous books include Jesus Freaks (with dc Talk) and Under God (with Michael Tait and WallBuilders). TobyMac is married with five children and makes his home near Nashville, Tennessee.






Hardcover: 223 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764208659
ISBN-13: 978-0764208652
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces


My Review
A collection of stories, prayers, profiles and insights serves as a call to action for God’s people to become active citizens making a difference in their communities and their world. Inspired by the song by Toby Mac “City On Our Knees.”
This book helps motivate people to act. Each part in this book is named after a line from TobyMac’s song CITY ON OUR KNEES. It has a assortment of stories about well known people in the church such as St. Patrick, Charles Spurgeon; also a story of a terminally ill 4-year-old girl who starts a lemonade stand to fight cancer, a 12-year-old boy that turns loose change into weapons against modern-day slavery. Many stories that tell how those that really make a difference in life really pray and care. You can’t sit back and do nothing.
City On Our Knees also has Bible verses and quotes from people to reflect as well as a Blog by TobyMac. The chapter ends with a one-minute remix and a prayer, very inspiring.
There are four different chapters in this book which contain stories that fit the following titles:

1. Step across the line
2. Out of the comfort zone... and into the light
3. We are family
4. Hope is just a prayer away

I recommend this book very much. It is full of stories that are true and tells us that if you keep going and pray and stay close to the Lord, great things will happen.



Order from Amazon

Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255


Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Winner of The Spoils of Eden by Linda Lee Chaikin



Go to our winner

Charity
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
You won The Spoils of Eden by Linda Lee Chaikin.
I will be emailing you soon.
Thanks to everyone who entered.
More giveaways coming soon.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr*a review



Ruth Livingstone's life changes drastically the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her to a small village in New Jersey under an assumed name. There Ruth pretends to be a widow and quietly secludes herself until her father is acquitted of a crime. But with the emergence of the penny press, the imagination of the reading public is stirred, and her father's trial stands center stage. Asher Tripp is the brash newspaperman who determines that this case is the event he can use to redeem himself as a journalist. Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River--a place where she can find a measure of peace in the midst of the sorrow that continues to build. It is also here that Asher Tripp finds a temporary residence, all in an attempt to discover if the lovely creature known as Widow Malloy is truly Ruth Livingstone, the woman every newspaper has been looking for. Love begins to slowly bloom...but is the affection they share strong enough to withstand the secrets that separate them?


Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764206710
ISBN-13: 978-0764206719
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces



The Author
With prestigious credentials such as the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance, Romantic Times Award for Best First Book, and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book, author Delia Parr endears herself to critics and readers alike.
Delia is the author of twelve historical novels who now devotes herself to writing inspirational historical romance. The mother of three grown children, she is a full-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey who spends her summers writing on Anna Maria Island in Florida.
http://www.deliaparr.com/pages/about.html


My Review
This is the second book I read of Delia Parr’s and I enjoy her style of writing very much. In this book Ruth Livingstone's father is accused of killing a prostitute, he is a minister, her father sends Ruth into hiding with the murdered woman's secret child. Many reporters are trying to find out all they can about Ruth and her father, so they follow here everywhere. Ruth gets herself into a new life. She makes believe she is the recently widowed, Ruth Malloy, with her child little Lilly. She moves into the home of the Garners, a retiring couple who are part of a association of Christians who support her father's ministry.
Jake Spencer says he is an injured craftsman, but is a reporter seeking liberation at any cost. He means to write the biggest story to hit New York newspapers in years, successfully sealing his comeback, Jake tricks Ruth into feeling sympathy for him.
You will read how hard it is for Ruth to raise a toddler when she isn’t use to children and Lily misses the only life she has known. Many battles are fought and many emotions are displayed.
You will see how Jake and Ruth get to know each other and how their friendship starts.
In this little town there are many colorful characters. Come along for the journey of Ruth, Jake and little Lilly.
This book is full of heartbreak, tenderness, loss, kindness, friendship and many more things.
I enjoyed reading this book, but my favorite of Delia’s is still her last book Hearts Awakening. I recommend Love’s First Bloom. It is a light kind of read with a sweet ending. I love ending like this.



Order from Amazon

I wish to thank Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.



Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Lynette Eason-Author Interview & Book Giveaway



Here is a wonderful interview with a precious author and a book giveaway. So I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Here is the link to my review of Don't Look Back, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/10/dont-look-back-by-lynette-easona-review.html


Tell us about “Don't Look Back” the featured book.
Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself--though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself believe that she can have a close relationship with a man, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact--her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those years ago.
Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?
Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don't Look Back pulls you into its twists and turns to hold you there until the very last page.


Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market? Don't Look Back is my tenth book in print.

Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers? If so, why? It depends. I write for two different publishing houses. Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and Revell, a Christian publishing house based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Love Inspired books are a faster read than the Revell books and aren't quite as...intense. The Revell books are longer, thereby allowing me to go deeper into the character development and the suspense. In the Love Inspireds, I would say Holiday Illusion or A Silent Terror are my favorites. In the Revell line, Don't Look Back is definitely my favorite so far. Probably because it was really easy to write it. The words flowed, it didn't stress me out and I just love the characters in that story.

The Christian fiction field has rapidly expanded over the past few years. What would you like to see happen in this field in the years to come? I'd love to see it continue to grow. The e-book industry is growing with leaps and bounds so that exciting to see too. I'd love to see more and more people with salvation testimonies that they attribute to a life changing Christian book.

How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job? For me, I love to get reader emails telling me how much they loved the story or that the story changed their life in some way.

Many writers are also avid readers. Do you have any favorite authors? If so, could you name a few? I LOVE to read. Of course, I'm big into suspense so I enjoy, Steven James, Brandilyn Collins, Terri Blackstock, DiAnn Mills to name a few.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take? The Bible, Around the World in 80 Days, Huckleberry Finn, The Negotiator by Dee Henderson and Nightshade by one of my new favorite authors, Ronie Kendig.

If you had 48 hours to hang out with any TWO people (besides Jesus), alive or dead in the history of the world who would you hang out with and what would you do? Oh, definitely my husband. He travels with his job a lot so every chance I get I'd love to hang out with him. And...um...wow, there's so many people I'd love to hang out with! Maybe Mark Twain. He had such cool quotes, I'd love to have met him in person.

What three things are you most thankful for in your life? My son, my daughter, and my husband.

What is the most fun thing you have ever done? Gone on a weeklong cruise with my entire family.

What are you writing now? I'm working on Book 1 in the new series that I sold to Revell a few months ago.

How can readers find you on the Internet? My website is www.lynetteeason.com and my email is: lynetteeason@lynetteeason.com

Thank you Lynette for this wonderful interview. I wish you much success with your next book and can't wait to read it.

I’m very happy to announce that Lynette has offered Don't Look Back to one of my followers. Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address. Last day to enter November 15, 2010.

A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email. U.S. residents only!



Rust* DVD review and GIVEAWAY












A Journey Home.
A Faith Restored.
As a midlife crisis of faith rocks his life's calling, former minister Jimmy Moore returns to his small hometown to find it reeling from a recent tragedy. Can he get to the bottom of this mysterious fire and clear his boyhood friend Travis?

A unique story of friendship and calling, RUST may well be Corbin Bernsen's most personal project to date. Funded by and set in the real-life Canadian town of Kipling, Saskatchewan (and featuring local citizens in prominent roles), RUST was inspired by the spiritual journey that Corbin has been traveling since his father's death in 2008.

Company: Provident/Affirm Films
Writer: Corbin Bernsen
Director: Corbin Bernsen
Producer: Corbin Bernsen
Genre: Mystery
Runtime: 90 min.
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Starring: Corbin Bernsen, Frank Gall, Lloyd Warner, Audrey Lynn Tennent, Kirsten Collins, John Hutchinson, Chesney Caswell, Judith Davies, Cavan Cunningham
http://www.rustmovie.com/














CORBIN BERNSEN (James Moore)
Corbin Bernsen wrote, directed, and stars in RUST, perhaps his most personal film to date. He currently stars as Henry Spencer on the USA Network's hit original series "Psych." Corbin was catapulted to stardom by the 1980s' hit NBC TV show "L.A. Law," playing Arnold Becker. During the show's run, he appeared on more than 50 magazine covers, earned both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, and hosted "Saturday Night Live." He has also appeared on "Seinfeld" and "The Larry Sanders Show." Among his feature films, he's starred in Hello Again, Disorganized Crime, Shattered, and as the Cleveland Indians' third baseman-turned-owner Roger Dorn in the popular Major League series of films. Among his many other film credits: the 2001 Christian-themed Judgment, Tales From the Hood, and The Great White Hype. Corbin also appeared with Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Corbin lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Amanda Pays, and their four sons.


LLOYD ALLEN WARNER (Travis)
Lloyd Allen Warner was born in Kipling, Saskatchewan, Canada. As a child, Lloyd spent his time at the family farm where he learned various skills. Lloyd continues to hone these skills, repairing old computers, stereos, and bicycles. Lloyd landed a principal role in RUST playing Travis, one of the key characters in Corbin Bernsen's screenplay. When asked how he became an actor, Lloyd says, "I was sitting in the hotel having a coffee. Someone said I should go and audition. They were joking. I thought to myself, why not?" And the rest is cinematic history. Lloyd is currently an employee of SeedHawk Inc. and is patiently awaiting his next film role. Learn more about Lloyd's incredible journey in this behind-the-scenes video


FRANK GALL (Glen Moore)
Frank Gall has had a lifetime of careers, friendships, and opportunities to celebrate including his most recent role in RUST as the father of Corbin Bernsen's character. He is better known for his honest and rewarding 45-year farming career, his partnership with P.M.U. farmers (renting his mares), operating a grain elevator in Windthorst, and his eight years of service on the School Board. "I don't believe that I did anything great in life, but sometimes the small stuff can be great, I suppose. If you concentrate on doing for someone else, good things will come back to you." Frank and his wife of 50 years have eight children and 24 grandchildren. As for his "Hollywood" debut, he thought his audition was iffy, but Corbin saw the perfect person for the role of Glen.


Rev. JOHN G. HUTCHINSON (Pastor Barrow)
You could say Rev. John G. Hutchinson was born to play the role of Pastor Barrow in RUST. Naturally, it was an easy fit. John was born, raised, and educated in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and has been in Christian ministry for 56 continuous years. At various times, he has been a pastor, youth worker, missionary, evangelist, Bible College teacher, conference speaker, and inter-denominational leader. From 1955 to 1966, Rev. John and his family spent two 5-year terms serving in India with Youth For Christ International.


Order Rust here
My Review
Rust is a wonderful movie of a man {who is a preacher} that thinks God isn’t listening to him and he feels alone and goes home to try and figure out his life. His home is in Kipling, Canada-a real town. A tragedy has happened there, a family has been killed in a house fire and a man with learning difficulties said he started the fire, but James his boyhood friend doesn’t think he did it.
Now James has a mission to find out the truth and hopefully help his friend and in the process finds his faith.
This is a really neat movie. I always watch the special features, because it gives me so much more information about the movie. I love to get to know that actors better and see what all was involved in the making of the movie. The special features on Rust were extra special. I found out all of the actors/actresses were just town people none of them are actors except Corbin Bernsen of course. All of the actors did a superb job, with the exception of one, Audrey Tennent who played Corbin‘s sister, Mary. I’m not cutting her down, she’s just not an actress and I thought her lines were to stiff. Even through I still love this movie and you will also. I was amazed at the acting ability of Lloyd Warner who plays the part of Travis. Like the movie Lloyd has learning difficulties. Frank Gall played as Corbin’s dad and did an excellent job. I also was touched and amazed at the job John Hutchinson did as the Pastor in the movie. He also is a real minister. Great actor.
You will be surprised at all of the different twists this movie has. I was astonished at the ending. I never would have guessed it. Such a wonderful, touching inspirational movie that I highly recommend.

Rust


DOVE APPROVED




“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”




I’m very happy to announce that I will be giving away a DVD to one my followers. Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address. Last day to enter November 12, 2010.

A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email. U.S. residents only!



Tuesday, October 19, 2010

WINNER of The Way Home DVD

Our winner is

Cheryl
at

dizzybloom(at)gmail(dot)com

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Candace Calvert interview and BOOK GIVEAWAY









Candace thanks for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you answering these few questions. It will be fun to get to know you better. Tell us a little about yourself.
It’s my pleasure to be your guest, Wanda, and to have a chance to connect with your readers. I’d love to have them “scrub in” with my Mercy Hospital team!

How long did you write before you were published?
Like most writers, I began early: all those girlish diaries and adolescent journals—which in my case contained actual history, from the JFK assassination to man’s first walk on the moon! My first published work was an inspirational essay in Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul. After completing my first novel, I queried 100 agents . . . and received 99 rejections. (The fabulous) Natasha Kern signed me in late 2002 and sold my first humorous mystery in 2005. In 2008, I followed my heart to write for the Christian fiction market . . . and found a “home” with Tyndale House.

Tell us about “Code Triage,” the featured book.
My agent and I wrote this back cover copy together:
Dr. Leigh Stathos likes her ER shifts fast, furious and adrenaline-infused, “Treat ‘em and street ‘em” with no emotional complications. Life’s taught her a soul-rending lesson: nothing lasts forever, including marriage. The clock is ticking toward the end of hers. Then an unwelcome confrontation with “the other woman” begins a whole new set of lessons.


San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos never gives up, whether protecting his patrol neighborhood, holding fast to faith—or trying to save his marriage. Seven days is all he has to reach Leigh’s heart. But when a desperate act of violence slams Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into lockdown, it starts a chain of events that will change lives forever.


Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
I’d have to say it was my father, a charismatic storyteller who could keep me enthralled by tales that included everything from “magic glow worms” to talking leaves. His stubborn tenacity was a genetic gift that helped me through those 99 rejections!

What message do you want to be clear to your readers?
My tagline is “RX: Hope.” And that’s what my stories offer. I think it’s just what the doctor ordered in these challenging times.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
I dislike so few things . . . except for selfishness, TV game shows, and Escargot—can’t get past the garden pest aspect of that fancy dish! People who follow me on Twitter and Facebook know that I love to cook and bird watch, and that I’m my husband’s biggest Karaoke fan. We are enthusiastic travelers and particularly like to cruise. I’ve been blessed to enjoy adventures that found me hiking Alaskan rainforests, swimming with stingrays, singing with a Newfoundland band, paddling the canals of Venice . . . and climbing aboard a camel at the Pyramids.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
On an impulse, I went skydiving—dropping 13,000 feet from an airplane. And still ask myself, “What were you thinking?”


How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
I’m fairly compulsive and approach my writing goals with a concrete plan: chapters per week (and thus words per day) to complete a book at least a month before deadline. I wrote the books in the Mercy series 6 months apart, but think 9 months allows for a more life-friendly experience. After all, experiencing life is the best way to generate story ideas.


What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Leanna Ellis’ (quirky, delightful) women’s fiction novel, Facelift.


Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
I grow both, and agree with my agent Natasha Kern that “Angels live in the garden.” For fragrance, sweet peas are my favorite. For flamboyant color, I love Zinnias. We’ve recently moved to a home that has a rose garden, and it stirs wonderful memories of my mother.

What are you writing now?
The first book in my proposed Grace Hospital series, (working title) Trauma Plan.


How can readers find you on the Internet?
I welcome readers to visit me at my website www.candacecalvert.com , on Facebook at Candace Calvert Books, and on Twitter @CandaceCalvert.



And thanks for spending this time with us, Candace.
We wish you much success.
My delight, Wanda. Thank you for hosting me! I look forward to signing a copy of Code Triage for your drawing winner.



Former ER nurse Candace Calvert gives readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine. Her new Mercy Hospital Series for Tyndale House offers charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense--and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul.” A wife, mother, and proud grandmother, Candace makes her home in northern California.



To win a copy of the book Code Triage
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

For extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1
~Read and leave a comment on any recent two reviews. +2

Make sure to tell me in one/your entry comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries. You can earn a total of 5 entries if you do all of the above entry options.
Entry Deadline November 1, 2010



Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason*a review

Don't Look Back (Women of Justice Series #2)

Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself--though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself believe that she can have a close relationship with a man, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact--her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those years ago.
Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?
Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don't Look Back pulls you into its twists and turns to hold you there until the very last page.



Paperback: 327 pages
Publisher: Revell;
Original edition (October 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800733703
ISBN-13: 978-0800733704
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces


About the Author:
Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. Her home church, Northgate Baptist, had a tremendous influence on her during her early years. She credits dedicated Sunday School teachers and Christian parents for her acceptance of Christ at the tender age of eight. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted her life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ. Lynette and Jack have two precious children, Lauryn, eleven years and Will, who is nine. She and Jack are members of Hope Point Community Church in Spartanburg, SC.


http://www.lynetteeason.com/
http://suspensewithatwist.blogspot.com/


My Review
This is book two of the Women of Justice series. In Lynette Eason’s first book in this series we learn a little about Jamie, but with Don’t Look Back we find out Jamie’s whole story. Jamie is a forensic anthropologist and at the beginning of the book she has to examine two sets of bones from unmarked graves. She find signs that these women were killed by the same man who tortured her 12 years ago. Jamie is the only surviving victim of "the Hero", a serial killer who tortures his victims to rescue them from the pain.
We watch Jamie as she controls her feelings with prayer and giving everything over to God. She goes from a frightened, solitary person to one who lets the Lord lead and He opens her eyes and heart to finally peace and happiness.
Dakota, the detective working the case, and a friend of Jamie and her family, he really likes Jamie and is resolute that nothing will happen to her. See how Dakota and Connor (Jamie’s brother-in-law) find clues and finally get close to find the killer. You will be amazed at the tiniest bit of evidence that can turn a case around.
Don’t Look Back will keep you on the edge of your seat and the surprise at the end spellbinding! You will find many things in this wonderful book, chilling scenes, heart stopping plot and a sweet romance , also happiness, joy, life, but also death. So something for everyone. I highly recommend this book Don’t Look Back and all books by Lynette Eason.

Order from Amazon

I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review.

Winner of The Vigilante's Bride

Winner

of The Vigilante's Bride

is

Emma at
augustlily06(AT)aim(DOT)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Linda Lee Chaikin-author interview and BOOK GIVEAWAY



I asked Linda for an interview and she sent me all of this interesting information. I can't believe what a wonderful, sweet lady she is. So read and enjoy!

Linda Lee Chaikin was born the youngest of ten children. Her father died when she was five months old, leaving her mother with eight young children and very little income.

Linda suffered with asthma throughout childhood which caused her to miss weeks of schooling each semester, spending much of her grade school years alone. Though her family lacked material things, her mother provided her with plenty of love and books to read. No matter how skimpy the budget, she always managed to scrape together enough change to buy her the Little Golden Books she loved so much. She would usually buy them at the drugstore on the way home from seeing the doctor. "I'd lie in bed and read and reread those little books, and my imagination would come alive. I especially recall the thrill of receiving a large book of Grimm's Fairy Tales one Christmas. These books became the friends that I didn't have the opportunity to make at school. Though I was behind in subjects like math that required sequential learning, I excelled in reading, writing, and spelling. One of my proudest moments was when the teacher moved me up to the highest reading circle in my class."

Out of these experiences Linda has seen Romans 8:28 fulfilled in her life as God has worked all things together to good. God has used some of her limitations to prepare her to be a storyteller.
During her teenage years, she began rewriting the endings to novels because she was dissatisfied with them. She also noticed that when she received essays and short story assignments her teachers would often read her work aloud to the class. This reinforced Linda's desire to write. At age fourteen she wrote her first full-length novel using a pen and a pad of paper. "I was actually like Jo in little women who always had ink stains on her fingers," she says. Later, one of her seven brothers bought her a typewriter. In those days Linda says she could write anywhere, even in a full room of people with the television blaring.

"I sent off my novel to a New York publishing house, convinced it would be another Gone With the Wind. What a heartbreak to receive the manuscript back with a rejection slip. (That novel, rewritten years later, was released under the title, Wednesday's Child in the Day to Remember series.)
Still, Linda's driving ambition was to become a published author, so she began writing a romance novel that contained things that could corrupt the minds of readers. One day at noon as she was in the middle of writing her secular romance, her mother turned on the radio, and the late Dr. J. Vernon. McGee's voice came across clearly. "What's keeping you, my friend, from yielding your entire life to the Lord. What are you holding onto that is keeping you from God? Is there anything in your life that means more to you than knowing Jesus Christ?

"I knew that the Lord was using Dr. McGee's verse by verse study of the book of Leviticus to speak directly to me. I knew exactly what my idol was--the ambition that I would not surrender because I felt that if I could not write, I could not be happy. After the radio program I paced the room for an hour with the half-finished manuscript in my arms. One would have thought it was a bar of gold, but in reality, it was wood, hay, and stubble.

At that time, Christian publishers were not publishing fiction, and most secular publishers did not accept stories with "overt" Christian themes. It seemed that you either wrote to feed the old nature, or you didn't write at all. I knew I was being asked to make a clean break, whatever the cost, even if it meant I'd never write and sell my work. I finally walked over to the trash can and dumped the whole manuscript into it. I knew that if I kept it in the closet I'd be tempted to go back to it once something went wrong in my life that brought discouragement.

I did not write again for many years. I studied the Bible and worked as Jr. High girl's youth sponsor in my church. At that time the mother of one of my Jr. High girls worked in the same company as my future husband, Steve. Since he attended the company lunch Bible studies, she spoke to him about the girl named Linda that worked with her daughter. When he came to my church singles group he entered the room about five minutes late and sat down right beside me. We were married six months later. I had the special privilege of teaching neighborhood Bible classes for teens and children in our home for about twelve years. I was content in God's will and forgot all about writing novels and didn't miss it at all."

One day Steve brought Linda some books by C. S. Lewis. She was deeply impressed with the clear demonstration of good and evil in his novels. "It was as though the Lord was showing me that there were ways to write fiction that would honor Him. Soon afterward Steve and I were accepted at Multnomah SchooI of the Bible in Portland, Oregon where we completed the one year Grad course. "Returning to California, Linda began writing (in longhand) a huge fantasy trilogy, and when Steve started reading it he became interested in the characters and would forget that it was his wife who wrote it. Impressed with his wife's talent, he bought her a new early model IBM PC (with no hard drive!) and a word processor program to encourage her. Since Linda liked history, she began writing historical fiction that dealt with the struggles and testings of Christians living in dark times. After receiving many rejections, her first book was published in 1990. 'I was thrilled that the Lord had given my writing back to me. Since then I've written over thirty books, so I've made up for lost time!

Linda believes that God has called her to write. 'Edifying the Bride of Christ is my goal. I prayerfully consider what He wants me to say in each book. I research my choice of historical backgrounds and include main characters that respond to solid Biblical principles in a mostly hostile world. I want the reader to take away something that goes beyond being exposed to an interesting story that sells. My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11. God knows His good plans for each of us, and that should allow each of us to pillow our head at night with peace and contentment."

THE FOLLOWING IS THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PAGE FROM WEBSITE

Q: What is Christian fiction? How do you define your genre of Christian Historical fiction? Is fiction even a
valid category for a Christian author? You have even written a historical fiction about the first Tyndale Bible. Is this appropriate?
A: I consider a Christian Historical Fiction novel as one in which the main character/s (regardless of the
choice of historical setting) live their lives according to Scriptural principles in a basically hostile world. I have seen some “Christian historical" novels that I think should not have been printed for one or more of the
following reasons:

a. They substituted speculation for known history, perhaps even contrary to history.
b. They did not study the attitudes of the period in which they placed their story.
c. They were not well acquainted with the Bible, and even substituted facts in the Bible with other ideas.
d. They attempted to justify unchristian morals, values, language.

I am cautions when I do a historical (especially a Biblical historical) to be accurate with the known history and characters, and for the fictional portion of my story—to be consistent and harmonious with the facts of the period. The goal is to edify the reader through the experiences of the fictional characters as they are caught up in the real history of the period. This is appropriate as long as the reader understands the distinction between historical and the fictional themes in the story.
For example: If you would like to understand the motivations of the different factions in the First Crusade, you will find my book “Swords and Scimitars” helpful. The secular school books are confusing and negative on Christianity over this topic, and most Christians are unable to explain it. If you would like to get an appreciation of the times in which the only English Bibles were the outlawed handwritten copies of John
Wycliffe’s work when William Tyndale suffered to have the New Testament reach the printing press, I think you will be inspired by Everlasting Flame/Recovery of the Lost Sword. If I have succeeded in my goal in such stories, the fictional characters will move the story along as you are confronted by the truths of the period.


Q: I've been looking for "Valiant Hearts" to purchase, but the only place I've found it was at Amazon - used - for $50.00! Can you tell me why this one book costs so much?
A: This is one of a few of the Earlier Books that I have run out of. I am surprised at how much they are asking on the used book market (presently $60.00, 12/03/05), so I am trying something new: I have purchased a used "Valiant Hearts" and a used "Jamaican Sunset" that am loaning out for a cost of only $4.00 (covers media mail postage and shipping) to any of my readers who are willing to send a deposit. The Deposit is $49.00 for "Valiant Hearts" and $32.00 for "Jamaican Sunset." All but $4.00 of the deposit will be returned when the book is mailed back in reasonable condition and time - the reader may hold the book up to 4 weeks before mailing back.


Q: Is there is a book 2 that follows, “For Whom the Stars Shine?”
A: The sequel is Spoils of Eden, with two more books following.

Q: I was wondering if there will be "Saturday's Child" book?
A: Thanks for asking about my “Day to Remember” series. It was decided to end the series at “Friday’s
Child”. I presented some ideas for a Saturday Book, but the publisher went instead for the set of two Western books, called “Desert Rose,” and “Desert Star” that are in the Historical Setting of Virginia City, Nevada. I’m confident you’ll like them also. These are from Harvest House Publishers. There is still hope the Saturday book may one day be published, but perhaps under a different title.


The following letter had many typical questions about my writing. I’ll take a shot at them:

1) Q: How do you describe scenery?
A: Read period authors who do it well. Read guide books about the areas you are interested in from
Chamber of Commerce, travel agencies, vacation guides are often descriptive. Look at photographs of the
area. Watch a sunset and put it into words, describe the surroundings, the wind on your face. Describe how
your location would look during the time you are studying about.

2) Q: How do you get so much information for your stories?
A: Facts must come from research. You've got to read the history before you can do a historical. You don’t
need to know everything, but any included facts must be correct, and you need an accurate sense of the
time, place, culture, and issues of the day where your story takes place.

3) Q: Where do you get your plots from?
A: They really do come from my imagination, but they develop as I read the period history and work with my characters.

4) Q: How do you choose names?
A: They mostly come from books for finding baby names, also telephone books. The Internet is helpful
because some sites even have sorting and searching for things like nationality.

5) Q: How do you come up with character dialogue?
A: It only comes naturally to me after I get to know my characters: their ambitions, concerns, fears, emotions, situations, historical setting, etc.

6) Q: Do you first write the ending, or the beginning of a story?
A: I do beginnings first - though they often need to be rewritten, shortened, or eliminated - especially since
they tend to have too much description before the start of the real story.

7) Q: How do you do it?
A: To write convincingly about Christian characters the author must know the scriptures and be in fellowship our great Savior. I also get my batteries recharged by reading other good writers. I can’t just produce continually.


Here is another recent Query:

Q: How do you narrow the range in which you study? Do you just take time and read it all? Also, any tips that you have about how you go about setting up your plot and how you focus in on a main theme.
A: After I decide which period of history I am interested in I start gathering the history books. I typically spend 6 weeks studying those texts before I start writing, but of course I am thinking about what I want to use as background for the story much of the time. It is true I study more history than can be used, but that is all part of deciding what would flow with my plot and be edifying to my readers. How much history I can use will also be affected by whether I will do only one book, or a series. The main theme often is based on the history and how the fictional characters will use their faith in Christ to decide the path they will walk among the often unique challenges of their particular time. The main fictional characters should progress in their faith. The fictional part of the plot should help the reader move through the history and be consistent with the truths and moods of the period I am writing about.


Thank you so very, very much Linda. I loved reading about your life and the many questions and answers you sent.
To my blog followers, Linda has graciously agreed to giveaway her newest book “The Spoils of Eden” to one of you. Here is my review of “The Spoils of Eden.”
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/09/spoils-of-eden-book-1-dawn-of-hawaii.html

To enter leave your email address,
Extra entries be/become my follower and/or sign up for my email updates. Entry deadline is October 26, 2010.



Code Triage by Candace Calvert* a review





ABOUT THE BOOK
Dr. Leigh Stathos likes her ER shifts fast, furious and adrenaline-infused, “Treat ‘em and street ‘em” with no emotional complications. Life’s taught her a soul-rending lesson: nothing lasts forever, including marriage. The clock is ticking toward the end of hers. Then an unwelcome confrontation with “the other woman” begins a whole new set of lessons.
San Francisco police officer Nick Stathos never gives up, whether protecting his patrol neighborhood, holding fast to faith—or trying to save his marriage. Seven days is all he has to reach Leigh’s heart. But when a desperate act of violence slams Golden Gate Mercy Hospital into lockdown, it starts a chain of events that will change lives forever.


Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414325452
ISBN-13: 978-1414325453
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Former ER nurse, wife, Mom and grandmother, Candace Calvert believes that love, laughter, and faith are the best medicines of all. Her new Mercy Hospital Series for Tyndale House offers readers charismatic characters, pulse-pounding medical drama, romance, humor, suspense--and a prescription for hope. Think, “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul.” Candace makes her home in northern California.
http://www.candacecalvert.com/


MY REVIEW
Code Triage, is Book 3 in the Mercy Hospital series. I have never read a book by Candace Calvert before, but don’t plan on missing any more and I will read the ones I’ve missed.
This story is about Nick and Leigh Stathos. They are married but very close to being divorced. Leigh is a very tough kind of doctor in the ER. Officer Nick Stathos is a hard worker that helps over and beyond the call of duty. Nick made a mistake that put their marriage in jeopardy. Then things bring them together again and they both have to face each other and their decisions. Throw in a killer on drugs who wants his children and a woman who doesn’t want Nick and Leigh back together and you have a story full of action, romance, suspense, drama, faith , and a sincere man who wants so desperately to save his marriage after he hurt his wife.
I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. I love medical books and Code Triage is full of many different crazy episodes of emergencies. Leigh blames it on the full moon. I love books that are full of suspense. Code Triage keeps you on the edge of your seat. Romance in a book is always an added plus. In Code Triage the romance is between husband and wife. That’s really the special part.
I highly recommend this book and so will you. A wonderful book that won’t take you long to read, because it’s so exciting. Get your copy today.




Order from Amazon


Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of this book.


Sunday, October 10, 2010

Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon by Stephen Bly-a review



In its prime, the Matador Hotel in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted railroad barons ,governors, foreign dignitaries, famous outlaws, and even a U.S. president. But by 1954, the Matador was a residence for those with nowhere else to go. Six men, who spent their young lives as cowboys in the Southwest, now gather at the Matador for weekly games of cribbage.

One rainy afternoon, one of the men brings his ten-year-old grandson with him to the cribbage game. The boy has on his red straw cowboy hat, his cap gun, and wears his leather bullet belt with the silver-painted wooden bullets. They play cribbage and tell stories - and the boy listens while they pass down a way of life and western tradition that is quickly becoming extinct.

Many years later, the boy looks back and remembers the stories he heard and the lessons he learned on that day when he became a Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon. He finds out he just might not have been born 100 years too late. He discovers good guys and outlaws . . . gentle women and bucking broncs . . . shoot-outs and stampedes . . . tragedies and comedies. And in the midst of it all . . . he gets to live out a genuine cowboy adventure of his own.



Hardcover: 253 pages
Publisher: Center Point Large Print; 1 Lrg edition (June 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602856737
ISBN-13: 978-1602856738
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces



Stephen Bly resides in Winchester, Idaho at 4,000 ft. elev., on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. He's been married 47 years to fellow writer, Janet Chester Bly, and they've co-authored 18 books.
Stephen is father of 3 sons: Russell, Michael, & Aaron. The family includes daughters-in-law, Lois, Michelle & Rina Joye, plus grandkids: Zachary, Miranda (& husband Chris), and Keaton.
As a third-generation westerner, Steve spent 30 years working family ranches and farms in central California.
When he's not writing Steve collects and restores antique Winchesters; studies histories of the Old West; and does construction on Broken Arrow Crossing (a false front western village next to his home). He also plays a par game of golf.
http://www.blybooks.com/


My Review
Six older cowboys and one 10 year old grandson spend the day telling stories and asking questions. Each story they tell would make a great book in itself. How does Stephen Bly come up with so many stories and ideas.
Another excellent book by Stephen Bly. “Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon” is such a fun, exciting book. You will simply love reading and you will feel you are just one of the older cowboys, living out the days of your past.
Even though they are telling stories about their past they still manage to get invouled in a present day adventure, with robbers, women, jewels etc… It seems like trouble just follows these guys around.
This book teaches me several things, one, the older generation has a lot to teach us. Next, life is full of adventure all around us. We all have a story inside of us.
I highly recommend “Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon.” It is a book that you will treasure forever.

You can order this book direct from Bly Books by emailing Jan Grueter at grueter (at) q.com. Just send your name, mailing address and how many autographed copies you want.

Order from Amazon

I received this book from the author for a honest review. Thanks Bly’s!


Friday, October 8, 2010

The Way Home DVD review and GIVEAWAY




"The Way Home: The Inspirational True Story"


On March 31, 2000, Randy Simpkins came home early from the office to help his wife, Christal, pack for a vacation to the beach. Christal asked Randy to load their two year-old, Joe, into his car seat. Instead, Randy left Joe riding his tricycle in the driveway while he went inside to turn off the lights and lock up. They lived on a rural farm in a safe area. Their kids played outside all the time. Randy didn’t give it a second thought to leave Joe for a couple of minutes, figuring he’d be cooped up long enough on the drive to the beach.
When Randy returned outside, Joe was gone. His tricycle was laying on its side, motionless. Randy called for Joe and looked around the yard. He was greeted with an eerie silence. A sudden feeling of panic rushed over him like a wave. Randy did not realize it at the time, but the next eight hours would put him through a life-altering rollercoaster of emotions that would challenge his priorities regarding God, his family and community.








Actors: Dean Cain, Lori Beth Edgeman
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Language: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Lions Gate
DVD Release Date: October 26, 2010
Run Time: 89 minutes



Dean Cain, as Randy Simpkins, plays the father of Little Joe and a man at a crossroads in his life. A familiar face to the screen, he portrayed Clark Kent and his alter-ego Superman in the hit TV series “Lois and Clark-The New Adventures of Superman_ (1993-1997) and is the host of Ripley’s Believe It of Not. As a graduate of Princeton University, Dean has worked in both TV and film media.






Lori Beth Edgeman portrays Christal Simpkins, the frantic mother of Little Joe struggling to bring her family back together. She is from Dalton, Georgia and most people will remember her as Candace from the TV hit “Army Wives.”










Sonny Shroyer appears as Ed Walker, a volunteer reliving his past while searching for Little Joe. A veteran of television and film, he is fondly remembered as Deputy Enos from The Dukes of Hazard. He is from Valdosta, Georgia.








Tom Nowicki, in the role of Sheriff Tony Reeves, rallies the search parties in sweeping the surrounding area for Little Joe. This is his second appearance for Red 5 Entertainment-appearing in the 2008 release of “The Conjurer”. Raised in Michigan, Tom now makes Winter Park, Florida his home.


Brett Rice is cast as Fire Chief Gary Thomas who brings his crews to aid in the search for Little Joe. He is originally from Chattanooga and been active on the stage and screen since 1982. Brett, along with Tom , also appeared in Red 5 Entertainment’s 2008 release of “The Conjurer.”

















THIS IS A PICTURE OF THE REAL SIMPKINS

My Review
The Way Home starring Dean Cain, is a Christian movie by Lionsgate Productions and is the best movie I’ve seen this year. One reason I love it so much is it is a true story. Randy, Christal and family were just about ready to go on vacation. While getting things into the van, their 2 year old son Joe disappeared.
The 91 minute movie tells of the search and how everyone came together to help. Many churches formed prayer chains and came out to search. Randy is forced to deal with his life and priorities, while his faith is tested, and his marriage is close to falling apart. It shows how the searchers (police, fire etc..) work together and have a big job.
The actors/actresses in this movie are fantastic. A lot of Christian movies can’t say this. Only because they can’t afford more well known actors. It held my three youngest children’s and my attention and no one wanted to miss a single minute. Many times during the movie I was moved to tears. The emotions run high in this movie. The Way Home has the Dove Family Approved seal.
The part of Ed searching for Joe, was really special. Many years ago Ed lost his brother in a car accident and his name was Joe. So even through Ed had heart surgery just a few months ago he still felt he needed to search. He just had to help so someone else didn’t lose someone they loved. It was such a very, very touching part when Ed found Joe.
If you have or did have younger children it will give you an appreciation for their safety. At the end of the movie during the credits it shows the real Joe as he has looked over the years and has grown.
In special features the real Randy and Christal tell the story in their own words. It’s just amazing to hear their story and see how close it is to the movie. It is touching at how much this has changed Randy. His heart is tender and full of love for the Lord.
I know I’ve told you a lot about the movie, but it is so good it just needed to be told. If you don’t buy any other DVD this year buy The Way Home. I love, love, love this movie. I highly recommend this movie.

You can see more about the movie and order it here.

Please feel free to go to the website & facebook fan page.
http://thewayhome-movie.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Way-Home-a-MOVIE-Starring-Dean-Cain/88393118828?ref=ts

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the

products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I

would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products

or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade

Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of

Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I’m very happy to announce that I will be giving away a DVD to one my followers. Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address. Last day to enter October 18, 2010.

Here are the ways to get extra entries:

For extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1
~Read and leave a comment on any recent two posts. +2

Make sure to tell me your comment on this post which of the things you did to get extra entries. You can earn a total of 5 entries if you do all of the above entry options. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email. U.S. residents only!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Yvonne Harris author of The Vigilante's Bride interview and BOOK GIVEAWAY







Today’s interview and giveaway is of Yvonne Harris who has written “The Vigilante’s Bride.”
Thanks for answering my questions Yvonne.

How long did you write before you were published?
I sold the first piece I ever wrote to Woman's Day, the only place I sent it. It was an article on "Children and Clay." When we moved to another state, and teaching jobs were scarce, I took a job as Personnel Director for a hotel chain. I started writing articles on taxes and payroll and employee hiring, things I dealt with every day. About that time, I wrote my first novel, Hindu Kush, an international thriller set in Afghanistan. I sent it out to three publishers, and one of them bought it.


Tell us about “The Vigilante's Bride” the featured book.
This is my first historical romance. It has a western setting--Montana 1884-and I love this genre. I started my synopsis with a short statement about vigilantees and frontier justice to counter the negative impressions that usually go along with vigilantism. I had good guys doing bad things, and I wanted to justify it. Once that was out of the way, the story was easy to write.


What message do you want to be clear to your readers?
That it is never too late to change, and sometimes change is hard. In the case of my vigilante hero, he wants to hang up his guns and live a different life.


What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
I love clay, used to be a potter, and had my own studio. Now I'm a news junkie, interested in politics, a good combination for plots. Until I wrote Vigilante's Bride, I wrote political thrillers. Hindu Kush was the first thriller, followed by one set in Spain, then one set in Russia, all good guys doing bad things for country and honor.

For vacationing, Chincoteague, Virginia, with the wild ponies across the channel, is a great spot if you love the ocean. We used to rent an apartment on the bay, take the turkey and all the fixings and spend Thanksgiving there, eating and looking at the lighthouse.


Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
An ex-cheerleader, I was into figure roller skating and dancing. But, I had a secret yearning to join the Roller Derby. Helmets and knee-pads, little and loud--Oh, I'd have had a great time! Fortunately, I outgrew it.


How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
No, to all of the above. I write every day, but not to a schedule. How long to finish a novel? I don't know. The books I sold before were finished before I sent them out. For the first time in my life, I have a deadline. I'll let you know how that works.


What are you currently reading?
Nothing for pleasure, unfortunately. I have a stack of Texas Ranger books I'm reading as research for the next book. Everything from Lone StarJustice to The American West to My Six Years As a Texas Ranger.


Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
No. I have no luck growing things. Even my cactuses (cacti?) die. I suspect I have two black thumbs. I love sunflowers.


What are you writing now?
A River to Cross, a Texas Ranger story set by the Rio Grande in 1874.


How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.ylharris.com

Thank you so much for this wonderful interview Yvonne. We really appreciate it and wish you much happiness and joy.




To win this book. Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.
Here are the ways to get extra entries:

For extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1
~Read and leave a comment on these recent two DVD reviews. +2

UPSIDE

BRINGING UP BOBBY

Make sure to tell me in one/your entry comment on this post which
of the things you did to get extra entries. You can earn a total of 5
entries if you do all of the above entry options.
Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of
winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from
a non-biased third party- Random.org.
ENTRY DEADLINE OCTOBER 15,2010


The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris*a review



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.


Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0804-1
ISBN-10: 0-7642-0804-7
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 304
Carton Quantity: 40
Publication Date: Aug. 10
Formats: Paperback

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 three-time finalist for the Golden Heart, once for The Vigilante’s Bride, which is her debut novel.
http://www.ylharris.com/

My Review
The author wrote to me and told me this, quite interesting:

“I have a couple of things about the book that aren't generally known. For instance, it is based on fact--there really was a vigilance committee by the same name in Montana and run for Granville Stuart (a real man who became an ambassador after he got out of the cattle business in Montana.) My fictional hero ran the committee for Stuart in the story. Stuart's group makes an appearance or two in the story. They were the good guys and Stuart is known to this day as Mister Montana, the man who saved Montana.”

“The Vigilante's Bride” is Yvonne Harris' debut historical fiction novel.
Quite a fantastic start it is. A book I thoroughly enjoyed.
In 1884, Emily McCarthy, who is 18 years old, finds herself in a complicated situation. Emily has grown up in an orphanage, but now they can’t keep her anymore. So they tell Emily that she should accept a bride announcement in the paper and marry a prosperous widower, Bartholomew Axel. Emily doesn’t want to do this, but she has little choice. She will be thrown out into the street if she doesn’t.

Luke Sullivan is working on a vigilante committee to rid the West of criminals, because they don’t have any law. One of the criminal leads him to think that his father suffered the loss of their ranch when he was a young boy to Axel and that he was cheated. So, when Luke wants to try and make things even with Axel. When he over hears two men talking about taking something important to Axel Luke decides stop the stage. He finds some money, but something all together different that he even thought.

This book has it all from love, orphans, Christianity, cowboys and Indians, cattle rustling, gunfights. This is another book that I couldn’t put down. I wanted to keep reading and hated when I reached the end. Truly a fantastic book to read. So I highly recommend this book. Add it to your library. Thanks to Yvonne Harris for writing it.



Order from Bethany House

Order from Amazon

I was graciously provided a copy of The Vigilante's Bride by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.