Hidden Affections by Delia Parr~Book Review

Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

Annabelle Tyler is looking for a fresh start. Harrison Graymoor, Philadelphia's most eligible bachelor, would prefer to remains single and alone. Quite unexpectedly they are forced into an undesired predicament. What happens when two determined individuals resolve against marriage ... but their hearts tell them otherwise?






Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Bethany House (May 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764206729

ISBN-13: 978-0764206726

Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches

Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounce

Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey. Visit www.deliaparr.com for more information





MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this third book written by Delia Parr. Hidden Affections is a sweet love story about two people who don’t want to fall in love ever again, because they both have lost in love.

It talks about divorce in the 1800’s, which wasn’t something that was done and when it was the divorced people were shunned and couldn’t work in certain jobs.

Hidden Affections also talks about a forced marriage that neither Harrison or Annabelle want or should have happened. They are married in name only and both want a divorce as soon as you can.

I like the description of the mansion Harrison lives in and of the gowns and parties they go to. Delia is quite a storyteller and I enjoy her insights in the lives of others. She knows how to write a good romance with tender and is good at showing the story instead of telling it.

Quite a good story to read on a rainy afternoon and I recommend it. It’s a light kind of read full of happiness, joy with some sadness and heartache in it.







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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

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee*A Review

New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker teams with Tosca Lee to create this gripping thriller set in a desolate future.

A terrible truth has been revealed to one man: the entire human race has been drained of every emotion except one-- fear. To bring life back to the world, Rom must embark on a journey that will end either in his own demise or a reawakening of humanity. But to bring love and passion back into existence will also threaten the powers of the world with the revolution and anarchy that had nearly destroyed them previously.

After happening upon a journal through strange circumstance, Rom's world is shattered. He learns that humanity long ago ceased to "live," that it exists today in a living death of emotions. In a terrible risk, Rom exposes himself to the vial of blood folded into the old leather of the journal. His change is fearful and fraught with mind-bending emotion. A once-pious observer of the Order's passionless statues, he is filled with uncontrollable impulses. He is filled with love.

He is undone, terrified, and alone in the desolate world.



Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Center Street (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599953544
ISBN-13: 978-1599953540
Shipping Weight: 0.5 ounces

TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels with a total of more than 5 million books in print. He is known for thrillers that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between good and evil.

TOSCA LEE left her position working with Fortune 500 Companies as a Senior Consultant for the Gallup Organization to pursue her first love: writing. She is the critically-acclaimed author of Demon and Havah and is best known for her humanizing portraits of maligned characters. She makes her home in the Midwest.







MY REVIEW
This book Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee is one of the best books I’ve read of Ted’s. It is another series that will be as good if not better than the Circle series. I’m so glad that there will be more books with these characters, because they become a part of your life, when you read this fantastic book.
It would be hard to imagine a world without love, peace and joy, but in this world they only feel fear. The people in this book are called living corpses, because they don’t feel anything other than fear. They just do the same things over and over without feeling just, because it needs doing. Then Rom is handed a vial of blood that promises life. Will he drink it and expose himself to new life, new feelings? How about his family and friends? Will it be worth it in the end? To find out all of the answers read Forbidden, you will be glad you did.
There is lots of action and adventure; you won’t be able to stop reading. If I read a book and can’t wait for the next one I know it’s a winning story, as this one is.
You will also read about love, passion, joy, great heartache and that comes from a book that is about people with only the feeling of fear. So you will be missing something if you don’t read it.
I highly recommend this book Forbidden. I will be keeping my copy and love it. I got this as an ebook. The only thing I didn’t like about the ebook is that a lot of the words were all together in one line. No space between the words. That has nothing to do with the book, just thought I would mention it. This book will receive a 5 star rating.

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I received my free copy from Center Street/HachetteBookGroup, for my 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

Robert Pierre I'm All In Christian CD Review and GIVEAWAY

For Robert, I’m All In is more than the name of his third studio album, due July 26th (today) from thinkaboutit records. It has become Robert’s life motto as he responds to God’s calling to live fully committed to Him. In addition to writing and recording I’m All In and playing on a summer tour, Robert also leads regular Sunday morning worship at his 800-member Orlando, FL church. And he’s done it all as a high school senior.

“All of the songs have something to do with things I was going through my senior year,” Robert said of I’m All In, “preparing to say goodbye to friends and not really knowing what would come next, but finding comfort and peace in the Lord’s plan for my life. The Bible talks about how the eyes of the Lord are searching to and fro throughout the earth, searching for someone whose heart is wholly His, someone He can strongly support. This CD is me saying, ‘I’m all in.’”

Creating I’m All In was a powerfully personal experience for Robert, who teamed with veteran songwriter Jason Ingram (Tenth Avenue North, Sanctus Real, Bebo Norman) and legendary producer Matt Bronleewe (Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman) on the album. The result is a collection of songs that enthusiastically and energetically worship God while wrestling with what it means to be a Christian in a world full of difficulty and joy, anxiety and excitement.

There are 11 songs on the CD
1. I'm All In
2. Who R U
3. Light The Way
4. Maker Of The Stars
5. Be Lifted Up
6. Stranger In This Land
7. Silent Cry
8. Sing For Joy
9. Greater Is He
10. Dead To Sin
11. Trust In You

Website: http://robertpierre.com/



MY REVIEW

I really like the music on this CD. Robert Pierre has a sweet, soft voice and loves to praise the Lord. I really think it’s nice that someone so young has so much love and praise for the Lord. This CD is praise and worship music and isn’t hard rock or even close to rock. The music and melody are brilliantly put together to form a most delightful listening experience. It is sure to become your favorite to listen to when you just want to sit back and relax and praise the Lord.
This young man has a lot of talent and I know he will go far because he puts God first in his music and loves the Lord.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RobertPierreMusic

Amazon:
“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.”

THIS IS A QUICK GIVEAWAY BECAUSE I’M GOING ON VACATION IN A FEW WEEKS
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:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1

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 AUGUST 3, 2011

Winner of Kaydie by Penny Zeller

To our winner Emma at augustlily06@

She won the book Kaydie by Penny Zeller.

This is a fantastic book and you will love it.

Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn-two winners-congrats

Winners of the two copies of the book

Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn

are grannyvon   and   CarolNWong

Heart of Lies by Jill Marie Landis*A Review

Maddie Grande, who was raised to be a thief on the streets of New Orleans, now lives in the bayou. She longs to change her life, but her twin “brothers” have forced her to become involved in a kidnapping. When she falls for the detective assigned to the kidnapping case, her world is turned upside-down.

Description:
At the age of nine, Maddie Grande became a thief and beggar in a tribe of street urchins on the streets of New Orleans. As an adult hoping for a new life, Maddie moves to the bayou with her twin 'brothers,’ and fellow tribemates who still operate on the wrong side of the law.

Maddie comes to love the serenity and beauty of the swamp as her brothers continue their lawless ways. After kidnapping the daughter of a wealthy carpetbagger, they force Maddie to hide the precocious eight-year-old while they return to New Orleans to wait for notice of a reward.

Maddie stands at a crossroads, but before she can make a decision, the child escapes and Maddie goes searching for her. Pinkerton agent Tom Abbott is assigned to the kidnapping case in which Maddie has become an accomplice. In a chase that takes them through the back roads of Reconstruction Louisiana, there is no denying their mutual attraction, but they are worlds apart; Tom is a man of honor and principal and Maddie is a liar and thief who cannot be trusted.

Could the kidnapping have led Tom to the doorstep of a woman he had already been searching for? Is he willing to help discover Maddie's true identity if it means giving her up forever? Will they find the strength to choose honor over love?

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310293707
ISBN-13: 978-0310293705
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

Jill Marie Landis’ twenty plus novels have earned distinguished awards and recognition on national bestseller lists like USA TODAY Top 50 Best Sellers and the New York Times Best Sellers Plus. She is a seven-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award in Single Title and Contemporary Romance as well as a Golden Heart and RITA Award winner. Jill Marie resides in Hawaii with her husband. When she's not writing or sitting on the beach reading, she enjoys visiting with family and friends, raising orchids, working in her garden, plunking on the ukulele, dancing the hula and quilting

http://www.jillmarielandis.com/


MY REVIEW
Heart of Lies by Jill Marie Landis is a very sweet story.
To me it seems like two stories in one. The first part is about a kidnapped eight-year-old and the second part is about how a sister is looking for her sister and Maddie fits into both of these stories. She takes care of the little kidnapped girl, which she didn’t really want to because she wanted to get out of that business and Maddie is the sister someone is trying to find.
I would have liked for the kidnapping story to go to the end along with going to visit the woman who might be her sister.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jill Marie Landis and it’s a series. This is the second book in the Irish Angel series. The main theme of this series is the sisters [four of them] were all separated when they were very young girls and had horrible lives. It tells how they turned their lives around and found each other. I think that is what the last two books in the series will be about also.
I recommend this book for an interesting read. It was neat to find out the way Maddie was brought up and how she turned out.

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Thank you to Zondervan 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

Livvie's Song by Sharlene MacLaren*A Review

Life is far from a breeze for Olivia Beckman, owner of Livvie's Kitchen, a favorite of locals in Wabash, Indiana. The widowed mother of two is struggling to make ends meet–no simple feat, especially when her cook turns in his resignation. Yet she's determined to pull through on her own, just as she did when God failed to save her beloved Frank.

Newly released from a ten–year prison sentence, Will Taylor is ready for a fresh start. With harmonica in hand–the only possession he values, aside from his Bible–he makes his way to Wabash, where a late–night meal at Livvie's Kitchen turns into a job opportunity when the outgoing cook learns about his restaurant experience. What he doesn't know is that the "restaurant" was a prison cafeteria.

But Will became a new man behind bars, thanks to a Christian friend, and he credits God's providence with landing him a job he loves. Soon, he cooks and bakes his way into the stomachs of his customers–and the heart of his employer. Both are hesitant, though, still healing from past hurts. A recipe for love between them will require sharing secrets, braving dangers, and believing God for a bright future.


Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (July 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742123
ISBN-13: 978-1603742122
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces

Born and raised in west Michigan, Shar attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree way back in 1971, she traveled internationally for a year with a small singing ensemble, then came home and married one of her childhood friends. Together they raised two lovely, wonderful daughters, both of whom are happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 from 31-years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing in the church choir and worship team, travel, and spend time with her family, in particular, her wonderful, adorable grandchildren, Dylan, Alexis, and Gavin!
A Christian for forty+ years, and a lover of the English language, Shar has always enjoyed dabbling in writing—poetry, fiction, various essays, and freelancing for periodicals and newspapers. Her favored genre, however, has always been romance. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. “Psst,” someone would whisper from two rows over, and always with the teacher’s back to the class, “Pass me the next page.”
Shar is a an occasional speaker for her local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the Apples of Gold program, and is active in two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with their lazy, fat cat Mocha.

MY REVIEW
Livvie’s Song by Sharlene MacLaren is a really excellent book. It has so many things in it, but mostly it’s a book about second chances. It lets you know no matter what happens in life you can start over and life can be fantastic.
I really like how close Will is to the Lord and how he helps others come into a better relationship with the Lord. Even when you are down and out you can learn something and make your life better. When bad things happen keep going, because good things are just around the corner.
Livvie is widowed with two sons and is trying to keep her restaurant afloat, Will just got out of prison after ten years and he happens to get a job at Livvie’s restaurant. At first Will tries to keep his prison sentence a secret, but the past always catches up to you.
You will see the struggles, heartaches, joys and finally peace that come from this adventure-laced book. The ending of this book is packed with action and suspense. I really, really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the rest of the series. Sharlene is such a fantastic story teller. I highly recommend that you read this book.


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Thank you to Whitaker 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

Throw the Devil Off the Train by Stephen Bly*A Review

Catherine Goodwin's got to escape. She wants a fresh start with fiancé Philip in Paradise Springs. Race Hillyard's into revenge. He seeks to settle a bitter score. Meanwhile, all he wants is peace and quiet and sleep. But it's a long, crowded, noisy train ride from Omaha to Sacramento.

Library Binding: 384 pages
Publisher: Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (May 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1611730244
ISBN-13: 978-1611730241
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds

Stephen Bly has authored 100 books and hundreds of articles. His book, THE LONG TRAIL HOME, (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 CHRISTY AWARD for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, PICTURE ROCK (Crossway Books), THE OUTLAW'S TWIN SISTER (Crossway Books), and LAST OF THE TEXAS CAMP (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists.

http://www.blybooks.com/newhome.htm



MY REVIEW
Throw the Devil Off the Train by Stephen Bly is one fantastic book. Most of the story takes place inside of the train heading West. Two unlikely people meet and at first can’t stand each other, but before long become close friends.
This book is full of action and adventure. You won’t find a chapter in this book that doesn’t have you sitting on the edge of your seat, just waiting to find out what the outcome will be. It was hard to put it down in the evening. I would have stayed up all night to finish it if I could have.
I really like the way that Catherine and Race spar back and forth in every thing they discuss. I also like how Catherine makes Race’s saddle something to talk to.
This book is full of kidnappers, swindlers, suicides, love lost and love to come. You will find out Catherine and Race’s past mistakes and lives, but also find the present.
Throw the Devil Off the Train is a touching, tough kind of western, that will keep you turning pages. Stephen Bly the master storyteller has given us another story to enjoy time and time again. This book is so uplifting and entertaining and the words just leap off the pages.
I highly recommend any book by Stephen Bly, but this one is extra wonderful. Reading Throw the Devil off the Train has left me with such a sweet, happy feeling. A 5 plus book for sure.

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Thank you to the author 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

Author Interview & Book Giveaway/Penny Zeller/Kaydie

Today we welcome Penny Zeller.
Book giveaway is Kaydie. A fantastic book. Here is the link to my review http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/05/kaydie-by-penny-zellera-review.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tell us about Kaydie, the featured book.
Hi Wanda! Thank you for graciously hosting me on your blog. It’s great to be here!


Here is the blurb about Kaydie, the featured book:


For the first time in years, Kaydie Worthington Kraemer can breathe easily. Although she is still haunted by memories of her abusive husband, Darius, she takes comfort in knowing the man is dead. Staying with her sister McKenzie and brother–in–law, Zach Sawyer, at their ranch, Kaydie is still wary of men, especially now that she has another life inside of her to protect. As she looks forward to her baby's birth, she builds a protective wall around herself that won't be easy to tear down.


Ranch hand Jonah Dickenson views his boss, Zach, like a brother. He does not, however, envy Zach's new role as a husband. Deserted by his mother at a young age and forever despised and rejected by his own father, Jonah has few close relationships. But there's something about Kaydie that draws him to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor.


When Cedric Van Aulst, an old friend of Kaydie's, comes to town, an unforeseen prospect of marriage arises. Cedric is someone Kaydie trusts. Will she settle for a safe union with him, or can she trust God to guard her heart and her life in the arms of Jonah?

Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?
In September, I will have four books in print in the Christian market – McKenzie, Kaydie, Hailee, and 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference. My three other books have been published by secular publishers.

Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers? If so, why?
Wow, that’s a great question, Wanda! I don’t think there is a particular one because they all have different themes that I hope will inspire readers. McKenzie’s theme is about how God can and does change hearts; Kaydie is all about dependence on God in all situations; and Hailee’s theme is based on Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV, 1984).


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 am excited about how the Christian fiction field has rapidly expanded over the past few years. I would love to see it continue to expand and for authors, publishers, bookstores, churches, readers, and bloggers to continue to work together to spread the word about Christian fiction, and its ability to bring wholesome and God-honoring stories to a hurting world.

How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?
 I think one of the main ways readers and fans can encourage authors is by sharing with us how our books have brought them closer to God or have impacted their lives in a positive way. Nice reviews on online sites and encouraging comments on our FB pages also make our day.

Many writers are also avid readers.
Do you have any favorite authors?
If so, could you name a few?
I enjoy everything from Beth Moore and Stormy O’Martian Bible studies to fiction from Sharlene MacLaren, Amanda Cabot, and Melinda Evaul.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
This is a hard question! I would for sure take my Bible, a devotional book, a Bible study, and two Christian fiction romance books.

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?
I love spending time with my husband and kids, so that would be my first choice. As far as famous people of history, I would say Esther or John the Baptist of the Bible, and Helen Keller, Corrie Ten Boom, or Harriet Tubman. Sorry, Wanda! I can’t name just two!

What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for me, my family, and my health top the list.

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
 Anything with my family would qualify as an answer to that question. We have shared some great times on camping trips, bike rides, miniature golfing, playing board games, and attending Christian concerts.

What are you writing now?
 I just finished the third book in the series, Hailee, which is scheduled for release in September. I'm now working on a second historical romance series that takes place in the Post-Civil War Era. I recently finished book one in the series and have started writing book two.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love to connect with my readers at my website www.pennyzeller.com,
my blog www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,
on Twitter at http://twitter.com/pennyzeller, and
on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959?ref=ts


I also have a book trailer for Kaydie that can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwihs6rsqDk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is what you can do to win a copy of this fantastic 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:
~Be or become a follower  +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1

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 July 24, 2011

Happy 101 Award~ Thank you to Shonda

Copy the award image into a post.

List 10 things that make you happy.

1. The Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit

2. My sweet husband

3. My six sons, one daughter, two daughter-in-loves, one grandson

4. My precious Mama and Daddy

5. Reading and reviewing

6. The smell of lilacs

7. The smell of newborn babies

8. The smell after it rains

9. Friends through email and facebook

10. Visiting my family in WI

Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day.

1. http://blybooks.blogspot.com/

2. http://laurafrantz.blogspot.com/

3. http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/

4. http://www.reviewsbymolly.com/

5. http://debracollins.blogspot.com/

6. http://photoblogbykaysway.blogspot.com/

7. http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/

8. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

9. http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

10. http://bustlesandspurs.blogspot.com/

Put in a link to their blogs.

Notify the award receivers.

Recipients should link back to the sender’s blog.

I got this award from Shonda at http://jsknowlton.blogspot.com/

BOOK GIVEAWAY- Canary Island Song- 2 copies-2 winners

Good Afternoon friends and followers,

I have a fantastic giveaway for you.

I will choose two people to win the great book by

Robin Jones Gunn Canary Island Song.

Here is my review link if you would like to see what I thought of Canary Island Song http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/07/canary-island-song-by-robin-jones-gunna.html

and also a little about the book:

When Carolyn’s grown daughter tells her she needs to “get a life,” Carolyn decides it’s time to step out of her familiar routine as a single woman in San Francisco and escape to her mother’s home in the Canary Islands. Since Carolyn’s mother is celebrating her seventieth birthday, the timing of Carolyn’s visit makes for a perfect surprise.

The surprise, however, is on Carolyn when she sees Bryan Spencer, her high school summer love. It’s been seven years since Carolyn lost her husband, but ever since that tragic day, her life has grown smaller and closed in. The time has come for Carolyn to get her heart back. It takes the gentle affection of her mother and aunts, as well as the ministering beauty and song of the islands to draw Carolyn into the fullness of life. She is nudged along by a Flamenco dance lesson, a defining camel ride and the steady gaze of Bryan’s intense blue-gray eyes.

Is it too late for Carolyn to trust Bryan? Can Carolyn believe that Bryan has turned into something more than the wild beach boy who stole her kisses so many years ago on a balmy Canary night?

Carolyn is reminded that Christopher Columbus set sail from the Canary Islands in 1492 on his voyage to discover the New World. Is she ready to set sail from these same islands to discover her new life?

Robin Jones Gunn is a fantastic author!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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:

~Be or become a follower +1

~Be or become an email subscriber +1

~Be or become a networked blog follower +1

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 JULY 22, 2011

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me by Ian Morgan Cron*A Review

When I first discovered the grainy picture in my mother’s desk—me as a towheaded two year old sitting in what I remember was a salmon-orange-stained lifeboat—I was overwhelmed by the feeling that the boy in the boat was not waving and laughing at the person snapping the photo as much as he was frantically trying to get the attention of the man I am today. The boy was beckoning me to join him on a voyage through the harrowing straits of memory. He was gambling that if we survived the passage, we might discover an ocean where the past would become the wind at our back rather than a driving gale to the nose of our boat. This book is the record of that voyage


Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0849946107
ISBN-13: 978-0849946103
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces

Ian Morgan Cron is an author, speaker, Episcopal priest, psychotherapist, and retreat guide.
To introduce others to St. Francis of Assisi, he authored Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale. His literary debut received accolades from The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Fr Richard Rohr, Phyllis Tickle, Marcus Borg, Brian McLaren, and artist Makoto Fujimura.
Thomas Nelson released Ian’s spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: A Memoir…Of Sorts in June 2011. Publishers Weekly described the book as, “Simultaneously redemptive and consoling with bright moments of humor…a story chock-full of sacredness and hope.”
The book was chosen as a featured title in the prestigious Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers program.
In addition to writing, facilitating retreats, and speaking around the country, Ian is an adjunct priest at Christ Episcopal Church in Greenwich, Connecticut where he curates the Conversations in Courage and Faith series (www.courageandfaith.org). He is also a student at Fordham University (The Jesuit University in New York) where he is completing his doctoral work in Christian spirituality.
Ian adores the Rolling Stone’s record Exile on Main Street, and the melody to Lulu’s 1967 hit song “To Sir, With Love” has been stuck in his head for more than thirty years. He can explain the former, but not the latter.
Ian divides his time between living in Tennessee and Vermont with his wife, and three children.
http://www.iancron.com/


MY REVIEW
Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me A memoir…of sorts by Ian Morgan Cron is one fantastic book. This is the second book by Ian and I think his best so far.
The story is mainly about Ian’s life and how he survived an alcoholic father who showed little if any love to him and also how he became the same person without realizing it.
This is an amazing story that held my attention through the whole book. It is a book that is full of despair, hopelessness, but also one of hope, peace and finally love.
When you grow up in a stable, Christian home you really don’t realize that so many children don’t have that privilege. Ian and his family didn’t really live, but survived life. He didn’t dare do anything to upset his father. All Ian wanted in his life growing up was love. That’s so true of everyone.
In this book you go with Ian from very early childhood until he got married, had three children and finally became a priest.
To me it was amazing that an alcoholic worked for the CIA, but Ian found out that alcoholics are good at lying and trying to cover up everything in their lives. So that would make him perfect.
This is a very interesting story and is easy to read. I really recommend it. You will get so much out of it, if not to help yourself, then to be a help to others. It is a book to keep and give to someone who may need a lift or hand when things are going bad. Great read.

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Thank you 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

Billy Graham in Quotes by Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney* A Review

A note from Franklin Graham: "My father, Billy Graham, is known for speaking out about the one and only thing that matters in this world: the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He remembers the call of God seven decades ago to preach the Word of God to all those who would listen about salvation that comes only through Christ. He took this high calling with seriousness and boldness in obedience to God and once said, 'I will travel anywhere in the world to preach if there are no strings on what I am to say.'
"My father has always prayed that his words would reflect God’s standard of truth as the basis to claim, 'I have given them Your word' (John 17:14). In this book, I believe you will see that he has faithfully spoken God’s Word that quenches the thirst of those seeking to draw from the wellsprings of Life. It is highly meaningful to see these statements now collected in one volume."
Drawn from an unparelleled collection of both personal and published works, Billy Graham provides input on more than one hundred topics, such as suffering, joy, money, addictions, peace, and many more.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0849946492
ISBN-13: 978-0849946493
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds



ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Franklin Graham
President and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, is also president and CEO of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The fourth of Billy and Ruth Bell Graham’s five children, Franklin is the author of the best-selling, autobiography Rebel with a Cause, All for Jesus, Living Beyond the Limits, The Name, and the children’s book, Miracle in a Shoebox.

Donna Lee Toney
A collegue of Franklin Graham for thirty years, has been involved in the ministries of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and in literary collaboration since 1982, most recently on the re-release of Storm Warning with Billy Graham.




MY REVIEW
Billy Graham is one of my most favorite evangelists. I’ve listened to him all of my life and to have a book of many, many quotes of his is just marvelous. In this 400 plus page book you will get to read Billy’s thoughts on all kind of subjects. They are things from abortion, Bible, church, death to suffering, truth, war, young people. Billy Graham preached for more than seventy years, so you know he has a lot of wisdom in this book.
In the back of the book in the note section Franklin Graham and Donna Lee Toney put in where each quote came from and the date of that service etc…
There are 107 sections in this book and each section has several quotes on each subject. It’s just amazing to me that all of the wisdom you will read in this one book.
On the front of the book is one of Billy Graham’s quotes that is beautiful, “When the gospel of Jesus Christ is presented with authority-quoting from the very word of God- He takes that message and drives it supernaturally into the human heart.” -Billy Graham
Here is another quote from Billy Graham that is oh so true, “The issue of abortion is not whether you have a right to terminate the life of a child… The real issue is whether or not you will insist on running your own life according to your own standards, or whether you will instead let God run your life.”
This is a book that you need to keep and read and re-read again and again. I would give this book more than five stars if it were possible.



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Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive books free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program/BookSneeze. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express are my own. This is true of any book I review for any publisher or author; I will not review books where a positive review is required and I will always express my own opinions of each book received and read.

Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn*A Review

When Carolyn’s grown daughter tells her she needs to “get a life,” Carolyn decides it’s time to step out of her familiar routine as a single woman in San Francisco and escape to her mother’s home in the Canary Islands. Since Carolyn’s mother is celebrating her seventieth birthday, the timing of Carolyn’s visit makes for a perfect surprise.
The surprise, however, is on Carolyn when she sees Bryan Spencer, her high school summer love. It’s been seven years since Carolyn lost her husband, but ever since that tragic day, her life has grown smaller and closed in. The time has come for Carolyn to get her heart back. It takes the gentle affection of her mother and aunts, as well as the ministering beauty and song of the islands to draw Carolyn into the fullness of life. She is nudged along by a Flamenco dance lesson, a defining camel ride and the steady gaze of Bryan’s intense blue-gray eyes.
Is it too late for Carolyn to trust Bryan? Can Carolyn believe that Bryan has turned into something more than the wild beach boy who stole her kisses so many years ago on a balmy Canary night?
Carolyn is reminded that Christopher Columbus set sail from the Canary Islands in 1492 on his voyage to discover the New World. Is she ready to set sail from these same islands to discover her new life?


Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (July 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416583416
ISBN-13: 978-1416583417
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces

Robin Jones Gunn was born in Wisconsin and lived on a dairy farm until her family moved to southern California when she was five years old. She grew up in Orange County and spent her summers at Newport Beach with friends from her church youth group. After attending Biola University and Capernwray Bible School in Austria, Robin and Ross were married and spent the next two decades working together in youth ministry.
It was the young teens at Robin’s church who challenged her to write stories for them. She hadn’t thought much about being a writer, but took their request to heart and set her alarm for 3am, three days a week. With two small children it was the only time she could find to write the first story about Christy Miller. After two years and ten rejections the novel Summer Promise was accepted for publication in 1988. Robin hasn’t stopped writing since. Over 4 million copies of her 75 books have sold and can be found in a dozen translations all over the world.

Robin and her husband now live in Hawai’i where Ross is a counselor and Robin continues to write to the sound of tropical birds chattering in the palm trees outside her window. Their children are grown but manage to come to the islands with their families every chance they get. Robin's awards include: three Christy awards for excellence in fiction, a Gold Medallion finalist, Mt. Hermon Pacesetter and the Mt. Hermon Writer of the Year award. Robin travels extensively and is a frequent key-note speaker at various events around the world. She serves on the Board of Directors for Media Associates International and Jerry Jenkin’s Christian Writer’s Guild.

Robin by the numbers:
- 25 years of writing for publication
- 4 million copies sold worldwide
- 70 books published
- 51 of those books are novels
- 32 adventure-filled years of marriage
- 3 grown children; a son, a daughter and a daughter-in-law
- 1 cuddly golden retriever named Hula

http://www.robingunn.com/

MY REVIEW
Another wonderful book by Robin Jones Gunn. I love books about mother/daughter relationships and Canary Island Song is just that with romances included.
Carolyn lives in the US, but after being widowed for seven years and different things happening in her life, Carolyn decides to visit her Mom, for her 70th birthday in the Canary Islands. There Carolyn is reunited with her old boyfriend from her teen years and learns some new things and has many adventures.
Carolyn and Bryan are so sweet in their friendship and the things they share. Carolyn was close to the Lord before her husband died and Bryan didn’t want anything to do with the Lord with his former girlfriend before she died. So after their partners died they each responded in a different way. Bryan loves the Lord dearly and Carolyn questions the Lord because her husband was taken. Will Carolyn come to see how much the Lord loves her and can Bryan be the one to show her?
I really love the warm, inviting feel of the Canary Islands I got from reading this book. It made me want to move to a place that has warm, breezes blowing by an ocean and experience the love of a large family and feel wanted and needed. When you read this book you will be swept away to an Island that is charming and full of peace.
I recommend Canary Island Song very much. A five star book for sure. I would love for all of you to enjoy this fantastic story that Robin so masterfully wrote with such descriptive words, that you can see the places in the story so clearly.

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Thanks to the Howard Books 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