Trinity Rose's Garden

Promised to Another by Laura V. Hilton * A Review

2012-02-14T09:59:00.000-05:00

ABOUT PROMISED TO ANOTHER
Annie Beiler is a spunky, spirited schoolteacher, but she's struggled ever since the man she was promised to "jumped the fence" and left the Amish of Seymour. She needs a man who is committed to his Amish beliefs. And now, she's struggling to regain the trust of the school board members and the parents of her pupils for taking her class on an unauthorized field trip to a nearby Civil War battlefield. She's put on probation, and one wrong step could cost her the position permanently.

Joshua Esh of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, moved to Missouri ostensibly as part of the man swap meant to bring new blood into the community. Annie Beiler caught his attention the moment he arrived in Seymour, but he's disheartened to discover that she is promised to another man–Luke, who left the Amish but vowed to return one day and claim "his" Annie. So, Josh fills his social calendar with singings and frolics, taking a different girl home from every event–with the exception of Annie, since she is already committed to someone.

When Luke comes home, Annie pushes him away, and Josh Esh comes to her rescue. But the situation becomes awkward, since Josh is staying with Luke's family. An awareness of each other's attraction to Annie causes the awkwardness to escalate, and Annie's father soon invites Josh to stay with his family. But not all of the Beilers are happy about this new arrangement.

Soon, a buggy accident ends in a shotgun wedding after the bishop witnesses a kiss between Josh and Annie and insists they get married right away. The two protest, but the bishop is adamant. He later tells them why: he'd overheard some talk about a scheme Luke was launching to force Annie to marry him.

Marriage brings some dark secrets to the surface, and Annie and Josh must confront their issues and deal with the past if they plan on a future together.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742573
ISBN-13: 978-1603742573

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura V. Hilton is a pastor’s wife, mother of five, author and book lover. Although for her formal education she studied marketplace issues -- she holds a degree in business -- reading is Laura’s lifelong passion, and writing a gift she’s developed to the delight of her growing fan base and to the glory of God. Prior to The Amish of Seymour Series for Whitaker House, Laura published two novels for Treble Heart Books: Shadows of the Past and Hot Chocolate. She’s also a contributor to the Zondervan’s It’s The Year Life Verse Devotional.

While she did not grow up in an Amish community, Laura has become an expert in Amish customs and traditions, learning from her Pennsylvania Amish grandparents. She’s a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) for whom she reviews primarily Amish fiction for the ezine, Afictionado, Laura is also on staff at the Christian Suspense Zone and a professional reviewer for the Christian book market. She’s written for a wide variety of Internet sites including Dancing Word, Faith Webbin, A Romance Review, and Christian Review of Books. At last count she’d published over 1,000 reviews.

A stay-at-home mom who home schools her children, Laura, her husband Steve, and their children live in Arkansas. To read her daily book reviews go to: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com. For other Laura V. Hilton news: http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com.

MY REVIEW
Promised to Another by Laura V. Hilton is the three and last book in the series The Amish of Seymour. Another excellent book and I especially liked the ending fourth of Promised to Another.
I like the description of characters and of the countryside. Annie is a favorite of mine. She is very special because of her looks and also the way she loves children and is an excellent teacher, but she doesn’t believe she is worthy to have a special man in her life. She is also full of spunk and adventure.
The buggy accident and shotgun wedding are especially interesting as are the secrets that come up. I couldn’t wait to finish this book and find out how it would all end. I’m quite happy with this wonderful book and the series. It’s a book that will be a great addition to your Amish collection. I really like Laura V. Hilton’s style of writing. She knows how to tell a story and keep you interested. Look forward to more of Laura’s work. I recommend this book and it will keep you reading until the last page.

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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

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason* A Review

2012-02-12T14:10:00.000-05:00

ABOUT WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS
As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she's involved with murder, arson--and a handsome detective. But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension readers have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800720075
ISBN-13: 978-0800720070
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces

ABOUT LYNETTE EASON
Lynette Eason is the author of several romantic suspense novels, including Too Close to Home, Don't Look Back, and A Killer Among Us. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master's degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina.

MY REVIEW
I read Lynette Eason’s first series The Women of Justice series and thought they were great, but her new series Deadly Reunions is even better. This book When the Smoke Clears is a fantastic book. It was just so hard to put down. I wanted to read it all at one time, but wished I wouldn’t get done reading it. Just love the characters and the action in this book.
Alexia is one brave woman, she grew up with an abusive dad and learned how to hide her feelings. She was accursed of starting a fire that burned her dad and sister, but it was never proved. Alexia blocked it out of her mind, so she really doesn’t know what happened. As soon as she graduated high school she left, because she felt no one loved her or cared. She made a nice life for herself, but lost contact with friends and family. As the 10 year reunion was coming up she decided to go home.
Things and events kept happening to cause the police to believe that she was behind it all, but one officer believed in her, Hunter. He was from her high school, but older than her.
So many things happen and you will love how the story goes, but you won’t know what happens until the very last chapter.
Lynette Eason is quite a storyteller. I love her books and will highly recommend this one.

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

Scream by Mike Dellosso*A Review

2012-02-10T14:01:00.001-05:00

While talking to his friend on the phone, Mark Stone is startled by a cacophony of otherworldly screams. Seconds later, a tragic accident claims his friend’s life. When this happens several more times—screams followed by an untimely death—he is compelled to act.

Battling his failure as a husband and struggling with his own damaged faith, Mark embarks on a mission to find the meaning behind the screams and hopefully stop death from calling on its next victim. When his estranged wife is kidnapped and he again hears the screams as she calls from her cell phone, his search becomes much more personal and much more urgent.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Realms (February 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599794691
ISBN-13: 978-1599794693
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. In addition to his novels of supernatural suspense he writes a bi-weekly column for his local newspaper and is an adjunct professor of writing at Lancaster Bible College. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master's Graduate School of Divinity.

MY REVIEW
I wasn’t required to write a review of Scream by Mike Dellosso, but after reading it I wanted everyone to know what an excellent book this is.
This is the first book I’ve read by Mike Dellosso and I’ve found another favorite author.
I just love this book; Scream is full of mystery, suspense and adrenaline rushing scenes.
It is a book that makes you think and want to do something about all of the lost people you meet. Everyone is going to die, but they don’t have to be lost.
The character Mark was brought up in a “Christian home,” but they were hypocritical, so Mark wants nothing to do with Christ or Christians. Then one day while talking to his best friend he hears some screams and they seemed to be from Hell itself. Not your normal screams, but hideous ones. Then his friend dies. This happens several times.
Also this book is about a guy who kidnaps women and wants to make them pay for something that happened in his past. After a while these two stories intersect and you will find out what it takes to free and help others.
This book is so well written, full of interesting ideas and suspenseful that you won’t put it down. I love this kind of book and so glad I have a new favorite author to read his books. A five star book. I highly recommend this book.
Right now this book in the eBook format is free. So just go to Amazon and you should be able to get it.

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My Valentine for Jesus by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton * A Review

2012-02-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

ABOUT MY VALENTINE FOR JESUS

This Valentine holiday book for young children will help parents of children ages 2-5 share the meaning of love. The rhyming text and delightful illustrations tell the story of a child's love for his family---and his special love for Jesus.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Board book: 10 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz; Brdbk edition (December 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310713331
ISBN-13: 978-0310713333
Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.9 x 0.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR LAURIE LAZZARO KNOWLTON
Laurie's first published work was a note passed to a boy in elementary school. You would have thought that this most embarrassing moment would have stopped her writing career. But instead, Laurie is the author of thirty five books and author/illustrator of two more. Laurie lives in rural Ohio with her husband and two daughters and loves writing surrounded by horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and five turkeys.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Buket Erdogan was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. After studying Turkish textiles, she moved across the ocean to New York to design children's clothing and illustrate children's books. She illustrated the Mouse's First series published by Simon and Schuster, three of which were New York Times bestsellers. She lives in Brooklyn with 'the most inspiring artist,' her daughter, Yagmur. Buket paints with bold colors of acrylic with lots of exciting textures of canvas.

MY REVIEW
This is such a colorful, interesting, sweet book. The boy is talking about giving love, kisses and hearts to all of his family, but saving one for the most important, which is Jesus.
I love this board book, for the wonderful rhyming words, colorful, bold pictures and enduring meaning.
We can give our hearts and love to all of our family and friends, but the most important is giving it to Jesus.
This book only has ten pages, but isn’t a really short read. Each page has at least four or more lines and the rhymes are so sweet.
This is going to make a wonderful Valentine present for my grandson and also you may want to get one for your child, grandchild or special friend. I highly recommend this sweet book.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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

Streams of Mercy by Teresa Slack * A Review

2012-02-07T09:34:00.000-05:00

ABOUT STREAMS OF MERCY
On the day of her father's funeral, seventeen year old Jamie Steele discovers that her father was once the prime suspect in the disappearance of a local girl.

Paperback: 302 pages
Publisher: Tsaba House (June 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0972548653
ISBN-13: 978-0972548656
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces

ABOUT TERESA SLACK
Teresa D. Slack is a member of Christian Writers Fellowship Intl., Faith Christian Writers, and American Fiction Christian Writers, and is a highly sought after guest speaker at writersÂ’ conferences. Evidence of Grace is her fifth novel. She lives in Southern Ohio with her husband.
http://www.teresaslack.com/index.html

MY REVIEW
This is the first book in the Jenna’s Creek series by Teresa Slack and I found it to be very good and very well written.
I was intrigued by the young girl Jamie who was seventeen. She found out on the morning of her dad’s funeral that he was suspected in a murder over twenty years ago. She was never close to her father, because he beat her mom and didn’t really seem to care for them, but she wanted to clear his name and try to bring closure to her feelings.
I enjoy Teresa’s books because she tells many different stories in each book she writes. Besides finding out about the murder, this story is also about Jamie getting a job and making friends, about the different lives of all of the people who live in Jenna’s Creek.
It was a very interesting book, full of many twists and turns and kept me interested. A very good book for everyone. Would recommend it.

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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

My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay * A Review

2012-01-31T16:40:00.000-05:00

ABOUT MY HANDS CAME AWAY RED

Cori signs up to take a mission trip to Indonesia during the summer after her senior year of high school. Inspired by happy visions of building churches and seeing beautiful beaches, she gladly escapes her complicated love life back home. Five weeks after their arrival, a sectarian and religious conflict that has been simmering for years flames to life with deadly results on the nearby island of Ambon. Within days, the church building the team had constructed is in ashes, its pastor and fifty villagers are dead, and the six terrified teenagers are stranded in the mountainous jungle with only the pastor's teenage son to guide them to safety. Ultimately, Cori's emotional quest to rediscover hope proves as arduous as the physical journey home.

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Moody Publishers (September 1, 2007)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0802489826

ASIN: B002PJ4P2S

Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces

ABOUT LISA MCKAY

Lisa still stumbles when people ask her about home. Raised in Australia, Bangladesh, the States, and Zimbabwe, she has also lived in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Croatia. She is currently living in Laos.

(How she got to Laos is a long story that began with writing letters to someone in Papua New Guinea named Mike and ended in marriage about a year later.)

In Australia, Lisa worked as a forensic psychologist with the police, in a maximum security men's prison, and on a child death review team. In Croatia, Lisa worked with a development organization as a stress management trainer. In Indiana, Lisa earned a masters degree in International Peace Studies at Notre Dame University. In Los Angeles, Lisa directed the Headington Institute's training and education programs, providing psychological and spiritual support services to humanitarian workers around the world. In Laos, while Mike is hard at work for a humanitarian organization, Lisa lies in a hammock by the Mekong River and drinks mango smoothies.

Well, sometimes, anyway. The rest of the time she is writing or working as a consultant. Lisa's first book, my hands came away red, was nominated for a Christy Award. Her essays and articles have appeared in a number of different magazines. She is currently working on her second book.

www.lisamckaywriting.com

MY REVIEW

This is the first book I’ve read by Lisa McKay and I really loved it. It was just astonishing. I was completely engrossed in My Hands Came Away Red. If I didn’t know better I would have believed this to be a true story. It was so captivating.

This book was published in 2007 and the next year it was a Christy Award Finalist. Even though it is an older book it still is of great magnitude and needs to be read. It makes you think about your cozy little life and you realize so many people are fighting for their faith, for food, shelter and just life.

My Hands Came Away Red is full of suspense, faith, never giving up attitude, friendship and such realism. It is an unforgettable story.

I was quite moved by this wonderful novel and wish it didn’t have to end. I really became attached to the characters and they become friends. If a book does that than you know it’s super.

My Hands Came Away Red is one of my favorites of 2012 and I will be looking for Lisa’s next book to read and review.

I highly recommend this book and just love it. It will make a wonderful gift for yourself or someone else.

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Thank you to Moody Publishers 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

WINNERS, WINNERS, WINNERS

2012-01-27T12:20:00.001-05:00

Go to our three winners of

The Attic in my Yard ebook by Birgit Horvath-Muck
was won by pbclark

Ellie's Haven by Sharlene MacLaren
was won by ABreading4fun

A Mile in His Shoes DVD
was won by kykitty
Hope all of you enjoy these gifts.

Congratulations everyone!
Come back for more giveaways soon!

Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren * A Review

2012-01-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

ABOUT ABBIE ANN
Abbie Ann Kane, the youngest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is a busy woman. Between running the Whatnot, the family's general store, being active in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and assisting the elderly citizens of Sandy Shores, Michigan, she has little time for frivolous matters. And those include matters of the heart. When the recently divorced Noah Carson comes to town with son Toby in tow to pursue a shipbuilding business, Abbie Ann tries to keep her distance-especially when his flagrant ex-wife shows up. But God has other plans in mind.

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (April 6, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603740767
ISBN-13: 978-1603740760
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 1.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces

ABOUT SHARLENE MACLAREN
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
This is the third and last book of the series The Daughters of Jacob Kane. Abbie Ann is quite a lovely, spirited young lady who knows what she wants and how to get it. She doesn’t let other people control her and make her go against what she believes the Lord wants her to do.
This book has many surprising twist and turns. I was really intrigued by it and like the way when I thought it would make a good ending another thing happened to cause havoc and shook things up.
One thing happened in this book that I was hoping would happen to the father. He is such a strong, capable man, but still has a very soft side.
I like how the whole family got together at Christmas and how everyone got along and they each show such love to the others.
Noah and Abbie Ann met in quite a strange way and I like that, I sometimes get tired of the usual boy meets girl scenes.
I like how they both surrender to the Lord’s will and give Him complete control of their lives.
I recommend Abbie Ann and all of the books in the series The Daughters of Jacob Kane. Sweet romances.

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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

My Valentine Story-Giving My Heart to God by Crystal Bowman * A Review

2012-01-23T17:17:00.000-05:00

ABOUT MY VALENTINE STORY
Valentines are fun to make and give. They tell people we love them. Who loves all of us? God, of course. 'How can I give God my heart? Loving him is where I'll start.' Through imaginative and innovative product, Zonderkidz is feeding young souls.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (December 12, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310711630
ISBN-13: 978-0310711636
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

ABOUT CRYSTAL BOWMAN
Crystal Bowman is a best selling author of more than 60 books for kids as well as 3 books for women. She also writes magazine articles and lyrics for children's piano music. She wrote her first poem when she was in the 4th grade. Her teacher told her she would be a poet someday. Her first book of poetry, CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALK, was published in 1993. It has been republished several times and is still in print. She also speaks at schools, churches, and writers' conferences. For more information on Crystal, you can visit her website at www.crystalbowman.com

ABOUT CLAUDINE GEVRY
You can find Claudine diving the oceans with Technicolor fish, camel riding in the Sahara, trekking in a jungle populated with wild monkeys, or exploring the African savanna in search of huge elephants. Although adventurous, she sometimes gets scared when coming upon a giant spider or other scary beasts. At that time she heads back to the comfort of her studio, where she draws all the wonderful things she saw and dreams of her next visit to faraway lands.

MY REVIEW
I’m so in love with the books written by Crystal Bowman and illustrated by Claudine Gevry. I just love the words, pictures, brilliant colors and the fantastic over-size books. Since they are board books and are cut in certain shapes they are wonderful, but that’s not the most magnificent thing about this book. What I like most is the way they tell children about the love of the Lord and all of the things the Lord can do for them.
Here is a quote for Zonderkidz that I love “Through imaginative and innovative products, Zonderkidz is feeding young souls.”
The whole theme of this book is love for family, friends, things we have, but mostly it tells us of the love God has for us. Also how we can give our hearts to God.
My Valentine Story talks about loving, sharing, praying, singing, praising and giving to others.
This is a book that comes highly recommended by me. It is just perfect for your child, grandchild, friend or just for that special child down the street. I think it is a perfect Valentine gift.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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

Maggie Rose by Sharlene MacLaren * A Review

2012-01-23T16:38:00.000-05:00

ABOUT MAGGIE ROSE
A Pursuit of a Calling The year is 1904, and Maggie Rose, the spunky, friendly, twenty-year-old middle daughter of Michigan resident Jacob Kane, feels compelled to leave her beloved hometown of Sandy Shores to pursue what she feels in her heart are God's plans for her life-in New York City. A Heart for the Homeless Maggie Rose adjusts to her new life at Sheltering Arms Refuge, an orphanage that also transports homeless children to towns across the United States to match them with compatible families. Most of the children have painful pasts that make Maggie aghast, but she marvels at their resiliency. As she gets to know each child, her heart blossoms with new depths of love and compassion. An Unexpected Attraction When a newspaper reporter comes to stay at the orphanage in order to gather research for an article, Maggie is struck by his handsome face-and concerned by his lack of faith. She can't deny their mutual affections, though. Will she win the struggle to maintain her focus on God and remain attuned to His guidance?

Paperback: 429 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House; 1 edition (June 8, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603740759
ISBN-13: 978-1603740753
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT SHARLENE MACLAREN
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
This is the second book in the Daughters of Jacob Kane series. Maggie Rose is both beautiful inside and out. She is such a kind, compassionate person.
Maggie Rose is called by God to go far from home to work at an orphanage, from her home in Michigan to New York. While there she meets Luke a hard, sad man, a newspaper reporter. Find out what makes him so hard and sad.
They both fall in love with the children and the workers at the orphanage and then they even take the children on the orphan train West to find families.
With this add intrigue, mystery and evil people and you have a story worth reading.
I love the characters of this book; also you hear more about the characters from book one in this series, Hannah Grace. You will see what happened with Maggie’s family and how they keep moving ahead.
You will read about some of the things orphans had to endure and live through in the 1900’s in New York. How the orphanages were a help and an escape for many of the children.
I like the love story of Maggie Rose and Luke. How they each had to put God first and go on with their lives.
I recommend this book Maggie Rose and all of the books in The Daughters of Jacob Kane series. Really excellent books. Sharlene MacLaren really knows how to write. You will love this book as I do.

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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

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry * A Review

2012-01-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

ABOUT HEART OF ICE
The Triple Threat Club novels follow three fiercely intelligent women—a TV reporter, a Federal prosecutor and an FBI agent—as they investigate crimes as current as today’s headlines.

The Triple Threat women have faced intense situations before…but never such a cunningly cold-blooded murderer.

Elizabeth Avery is a stunningly beautiful woman. But her perfectly managed exterior hides the ice cold heart of a killer. She ingeniously manipulates everyone who crosses her path to do exactly as she wishes--from crime reporter Cassidy Shaw, who thinks Elizabeth is her new best friend, to a shy young man Elizabeth persuades to kill for her.

As Elizabeth leaves a trail of bodies in her wake, Federal prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI agent Nicole Hedges must piece together clues from seemingly unrelated crimes. Can they stop her before she reaches her unthinkable, ultimate end-game?

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401685048
ISBN-13: 978-1401685041

ABOUT LIS WIEHL
Lis Wiehl is a Harvard Law School graduate and former federal prosecutor. A widely popular legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel, Wiehl appears regularly on The O'Reilly Factor and was co-host with Bill O'Reilly on the widely-syndicated radio show, The Radio Factor, for the past seven years. April Henry has written seven mysteries and thrillers. Her books have been short-listed for the Agatha Award, the Anthony Award, and the Oregon Book Award. Two have been chosen for BookSense. April lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter.

ABOUT APRIL HENRY
I write mysteries and thrillers. I live in Portland, Oregon with my family.
When I was 12, I sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He took it to lunch and showed it to the editor of an international children's magazine - and she asked to publish the story! (For no money, which might have been a warning about how hard it is to make a living writing.)

My dream of writing went dormant until I was in my 30s, working at a corporate job, and started writing books on the side. Those first few years are now thankfully a blur. Now I'm very lucky to make a living doing what I love. I have written ten novels for adults and teens, with more on the way. My books have gotten starred reviews, been picked for Booksense, translated into four languages, been named to state reading lists, and short-listed for the Oregon Book Award. And Face of Betrayal, which I co-wrote with Lis Wiehl, was on the New York Times bestseller list for four weeks in 2009.

I also review YA literature and mysteries and thrillers for the Oregonian, and have written articles for both The Writer and Writers Digest.

Heart of Ice (co-written with Lis Wiehl) came out in early April. And a teen thriller, The Night She Disappeared, will be published in January 2012.

MY REVIEW
Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry is an excellent thriller. It will keep you reading far into the night, if you dare.
It was amazing to me in this story how Elizabeth didn’t seem to have any feelings or heart for anyone, but herself. She uses and abuses people everywhere she goes. I like how you know exactly who did the killings and why in this book. It isn’t a book where you have to guess who did it because you already know.
The three ladies called the Triple Threat Club are just fantastic. They have issues and things going on in their lives, but keep up with their work and do a brilliant job. Then when one of the ladies from the triple threat club falls into a trap of being a friend to the killer and not knowing what is going on is mind-blowing.
I was astonished at the many different deceits and evil ways Elizabeth found to treat others. The title of the book Heart of Ice suits Elizabeth to a tee.
The characters are quite believable, even though I hope to never meet anyone like Elizabeth. What a cunning, horrible person she was. Was it because of the way she was brought up or did she just enjoy being an evil, deceiving person and watching people suffer?
This is a new author to me and one whom I will look for her other books. Would love to read more from Lis Wiehl and April Henry.
I would recommend this wonderful book for all of you lovers of mystery and crime books.

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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.

Hannah Grace by Sharlene MacLaren*A Review

2012-01-16T12:31:00.000-05:00

ABOUT HANNAH GRACE
Growing up in the west Michigan resort town of Sandy Shores in the early 1900s, Hannah Grace, the eldest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is feisty and strong-willed, yet practical. Between working at her father's general store and courting the town's physician, Ralston Van Huff, Hannah has her life planned out in an orderly, meaningful way. Or so she thinks. Hannah's world turns upside down when the new sheriff comes to town. Gabriel Devlin is strong, outspoken, and a Christian, to boot-but he's sworn off women, having met ones mostly interested in money and apathetic about God. Determined to ignore the newcomer's handsome looks, Hannah is drawn to him nonetheless by a shy, runaway orphan boy named Jesse. While Hannah works to befriend the shy vagabond, who's living with Gabriel until other arrangements can be made, God works in her heart. What plans does He have in store for this young woman who thought she had it all together?

Paperback: 428 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House; 1ST edition (November 21, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603740740
ISBN-13: 978-1603740746
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR SHARLENE MACLAREN
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
This is the series The Daughters of Jacob Kane. This is the first book in that series and it started out beautifully. Jacob Kane has three daughters and the oldest is Hannah Grace. I became quite partial to her, but will probably feel the same about the others as I read their stories. I’m really glad I got the whole series to read and review.
I really love Hannah’s attitude about the little orphan boy Jesse. How both Hannah and Gabe take care of him, her during the day and him in the evenings and nights. First Jesse won’t talk because he’s been through some awful things, but Hannah and Gabe love him anyway and give him the security and peace he needs.
Both Hannah and Gabe aren’t looking for love with each other, but sometimes when you aren’t looking for something it gets you.
Hannah at first is really serious about the Dr. in town, but she hasn’t asked the Lord if he was the one. I like this book because it tells us that God is interested in our little lives and He cares about every little thing we go through. He just wants us to talk to Him and really listen for His answer.
This is a sweet love story, but also has a lot of danger and adventure in it. I love how the criminals are after Jesse and how God takes care of them. You won’t put Hannah Grace down until you are finished. It is an excellent book to read and keep on your book shelf. Easily a 5-star book. I highly recommend Hannah Grace.

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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

Love Finds You In Sunset Beach Hawaii by Robin Jones Gunn* A Review

2012-01-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

ABOUT LOVE FINDS YOU IN SUNSET BEACH HAWAII

Sierra came to Sunset Beach for relaxation—not for world-class surfing
and certainly not for romance! When a wealthy friend offers Sierra Jensen a
vacation at an oceanfront beach house, she envisions a quiet retreat where she can plan her
next move. Instead, she arrives at the start of the noisy surfing competitions and is surprised to learn
that her friend had an ulterior motive—namely, introducing Sierra to Jordan Bryce, the tenant
staying below them. Jordan is a photographer whose lens and attention are focused on the surfers,
and he is not willing to let anyone get in his way of landing the next cover shot for Surf Days magazine.
Sierra and Jordan came to Sunset Beach looking for different things. But as the surf pounds the North
Shore, will they discover something better than either of them had imagined?

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: SUMMERSIDE PRESS (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609360281
ISBN-13: 978-1609360283
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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 Hawaii 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.

MY REVIEW
I haven’t read many of Robin’s books in the Sierra series, but this one I thought was superb. So I know the rest would be wonderful. I was so involved with this book. Just had to keep reading to see the many twists and turns and then to see how it ended.
I just love how at the beginning Sierra and Jordan kept meeting at different places and finally got a chance to get to know each other. It was a God thing is how they both called it and I loved that.
In Love Finds You in Sunset Beach Hawaii it shows you that when God closes one door He will be opening a bigger, better door for you. So if you think you know best about your life, you can be sure God knows much better.
I love the setting in Hawaii. How Robin describes the ocean, trees, wind and storms, but also how she talks about the wildlife and just the many traditions or customs of the Hawaiian people. It makes you feel like you are really there experiencing the things they experience.
I’m quite taken with Sierra and Jordan and really think you would love this book. It is full of sweet friends, finding yourself, life and following God. I highly recommend Love Finds you in Sunset Beach Hawaii.

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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

DVD GIVEAWAY and Review A Mile In His Shoes

2012-01-10T21:16:00.000-05:00

Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur 'Murph' Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team. As Murph sets out to recruit new talent for the team, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher's arm. However, Mickey's parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. Murph convinces Mickey's parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn't realize just how much his new recruit will help the team s game and, more importantly, their spirit. Based on a true story, Thomas Kinknade Presents: A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.

Actors: Dean Cain, Luke Schroder
Directors: -
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
DVD Release Date: January 10, 2012
Run Time: 91 minutes
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
ASIN: B005SQRYEG

MY REVIEW
Another Thomas Kinkade movie for you to love.
I really enjoyed this DVD and am happy to review it.
The actors did an excellent job. The main actors are Dean Cain and Luke Schroder. This is the first movie I’ve seen Luke Schroder play in and thought what a marvelous story. This movie was based on the book “The Legend of Mickey Tussler.”
Mickey has Asperger’s Syndrome and Luke does a wonderful job of portraying a boy with this syndrome. He is quiet and really is respectful of this syndrome and doesn’t make it seem dumb or stupid.
I like how the team doesn’t give up even when they are losing and neither does Mickey. It is really hard for Mickey to keep himself from being to overwhelmed, but with help and his own determination he does it.
Of course you have your bully’s in this movie as you do in real life and I really liked how this movie ended and the faith and love Mickey had to do the right thing.
This is a very enjoyable movie that is very family friendly and would be an excellent addition to your library. I recommend it and know you will like it.

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“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.”

A DVD of A Mile In His Shoes will go to one of you followers.
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

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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

The Color of Rain by Michael and Gina Spehn*A Review

2012-01-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

ABOUT THE COLOR OF RAIN
This real-life Brady Bunch story is about what it means to endure the unthinkable---and still open one's heart to what's next. When two childhood friends die of cancer six weeks apart, the shared experience of loss brings their grieving spouses together. After months of late-night phone calls, family dinners, and countless dreams and tears, this unlikely pair builds a trust, a love, and a shared life. Told from alternating points of view, The Color of Rain illuminates the stepping-stones of healing that lead to a joyful new beginning for Michael and Gina Spehn and their five children. Like many who grieve, Michael and Gina had to choose to hope again. Along the way, they discovered that God can restore the darkest circumstances---and even from death, He can bring new life. Michael and Gina's gripping story of 'growing new hearts' will inspire readers not only to survive loss but also to receive the new courage, faith, and identity that God gives in the midst of tragedy.

Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (September 27, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310331978
ISBN-13: 978-0310331971
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Michael and Gina Spehn, joined together by the loss of their spouses, co-founded The New Day Foundation for Families, which provides financial, emotional, and spiritual resources for families with children who have lost a parent to cancer. They are privileged to share their story and faith as speakers and as hosts of a weekly talk radio show, Your Family Matters, in Detroit, MI. Michael and Gina, along with their five children, make their home in southeastern Michigan.

MY REVIEW
I really, really love this book. It is the true story of two families who loved, lost and found love another time.
It is such a touching, emotional book, but with such hope and peace in it that you will be amazed.
It really would be a great help to someone who is going through losing a loved one and feeling all alone. This book The Color of Rain is really a precious story.
Gina and her husband have two little boys and then Gina’s husband gets cancer and passes away after several years of fighting it.
Michael and his wife have two boys and one girl and then Michael’s wife gets cancer, but passes away in a matter of weeks. Both of those chapters are so touching and heartbreaking, but full of faith and love.
Both of the people who pass away went to school together. So they know of each other and have meet each other at their children’s school.
Then Gina tries to give Michael support because she went through death first and she is a great help, but Michael is a help to her also.
They share much in their lives and their children become the best of friends. So this is a very special story that takes you through many different stages in life, loss and healing. I really do love this book and know it is a book you will want to read. I highly recommend The Color of Rain for you.

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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

Author Interview/Book Giveaway-Sharlene MacLaren

2012-01-10T19:48:00.000-05:00

I really love this book. Here is my review link if you would like to read it. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/12/ellies-haven-by-sharlene-maclarena.html

Tell us about Ellie's Haven the featured book.
Ellie’s Haven is book two in my “River of Hope” series set in Wabash, Indiana in 1928. Here’s the book blurb taken from the back cover:

A courageous young woman seeking refuge...

Ellie Booth was never the type to run away. But she'd witnessed her stepfather commit a heartless crime, and, knowing he'll stop at nothing to keep her quiet, she has no choice but to flee. Soon, she finds herself in Wabash, Indiana, scrambling for a cover identity to evade her stepfather. For lack of a better option, she answers an ad for a wife/housekeeper/nanny, praying that her lack of experience won't be obvious.

A widowed father with no domestic skills to speak of...

Gage Cooper is reaching the end of his rope. With four children between the ages of three and ten, he needs a reliable nanny, yet each one he's hired has thrown up her hands and deserted her post. When an attractive, spirited young woman applies for the "job," he knows he should pray about the matter, but his desperation for help propels him headlong into a marriage of convenience.

A trial by fire of their wedding vows...

Ellie immediately falls in love with the Cooper children, and, not long after, with their father. Soon, the "marriage of convenience" becomes less of a business arrangement as husband and wife yield to an attraction neither one had expected. When secrets of the past and dangers of the present arise in their lives, their marriage is put to the test, and God alone knows what will become of their union.

Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?
When Ellie’s Haven releases in February that will bring my total to 11 books. Number 12, the final installment in my “River” series, will hit shelves in late 2012.

Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers? If so, why?
Haha, that’s sort of like asking a mother, “Which of your 12 children is your favorite?” I don’t really recommend any in particular other than if someone wants to read one of my three historical series, it’s best to start with volume one of each set. The first in my “Little Hickman Creek” Series is Loving Liza Jane, number one in “The Daughters of Jacob Kane” is Hannah Grace, and in the “River of Hope” Series, you’d want to begin with Livvie’s Song. If a reader prefers stand-alone contemporary fiction then Long Journey Home, Through Every Storm, and Tender Vow are all available and I’m thrilled to add have received excellent reviews.

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?
Just ten years ago, Christian fiction, or as it’s more commonly referred to now, faith-based fiction, is definitely on the rise. Authors are developing relatable, imperfect characters and realistic, page-turning plots. I think folks appreciate being able to read a book that contains these elements minus all the sex, unnecessary violence, and vile language. Even non-Christian readers have voiced their appreciation for cleaner fiction as long as it doesn’t come off too preachy. Authors are finding ways to present the gospel so that it draws readers to Christ rather than turns them off to His message of love and redemption. This gives faith-based fiction a more positive “face” with the average reader. My hope is that this trend will continue. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t believe in watering down the gospel, but I also don’t believe in making fiction so preachy that even Christian readers want to toss the book aside for something more realistic. Let’s face it; Christians aren’t perfect. If there’s a way we can show the world that God provides answers in an imperfect world, then that should be our main thrust. I always pray that when my readers finish one of my books they won’t so much go in search of another Sharlene MacLaren book as go in search of their Bibles. I want my readers to realize there can be true purpose and meaning to their days; that there’s a God out there who solves real-life problems and hears their cries for help.

How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?
I love receiving fan mail! It is the highlight of my day when someone drops me a line in my website guestbook or sends me an email. It is like getting a whiff of the best smelling perfume on the market – it just lifts me to the heights. Writing IS a solitary job, so I connect myself to others via Facebook. When I take a quick writing break I’ll often log into FB and see what’s ‘cookin’’ with my friends. I compare it to going to the teacher’s lounge during a recess break, something I did for 31 years. That’s where I got re-energized, refocused, and rested up for the next stretch of the day.

Many writers are also avid readers. Do you have any favorite authors? If so, could you name a few?
In non-fiction, I love anything by Beth Moore (who doesn’t?), Anne Graham Lotz, Sarah Young, and numerous others. In fiction, I enjoy almost too many to name, but for starters, Jody Hedlund, Julie Lessman, Marcia Gruver, Francine Rivers, Lena Nelson Dooley, Loree Lough, Kim Vogel Sawyer, and several others. Sadly, since taking up writing, I have little time for reading unless I’m between projects. I tell people the only author I have time to read is Sharlene MacLaren. I sit at my computer and say, “Oh, I wonder what’s going to happen next?” because, truthfully, as a seat-of-the-pants writer, I usually don’t know!

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
Obviously, my Bible first! What would I do without the Book of Books? I’d probably choose to take Sarah Young’s devotional book, Jesus Calling, perhaps Hannah Whitall Smith’s The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life, Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love, and maybe John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. (That was a tough question.)

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, my goodness, Beth Moore for sure and Billy Graham! I bet in two days time I could learn so much from those two.

What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
Love these easy questions! My precious relationship with Jesus, my wonderful husband, and my adorable children and grandJOYs!

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
It’s difficult to pin that down to just one thing, but when I think of FUN and EXCITING things in my lifetime – aside from getting married and raising wonderful daughters – I’d have to say that before I got married I stopped teaching for a year and traveled all over the U.S. and parts of Canada with 7 other singers. We performed concerts for large conventions, small and large churches, high school assemblies, and numerous other events. We recorded albums in the Bill Gaither studio, hit the road, listened to ourselves on Christian radio, and generally had a blast spreading the gospel message in song wherever we went. In that year, we visited approx. 40 states, so it was a whirlwind year packed with experiences I will never in my lifetime be able to duplicate.

What are you writing now?
Currently, I’m writing book three in my “River of Hope” series titled Sofie’s Song. This book won’t release till winter of 2012, but I will have to turn it in to my editor by June 1. After that, I will jump into my next series! The writer’s life (at least MY life) is eternally busy – just the way I like it!

How can readers find you on the Internet?
*You will find my website at http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com
*You can find me at Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren. Let me know you read this interview and then request my friendship!
*Check out my MONDAY MUSINGS and THURSDAY THOUGHTS and other miscellaneous tidbits at my blog at http://www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com
*And feel free to shoot me an email at smac@chartermi.net

Hope to hear from y’all VERY soon!

Thank you so much Sharlene for the wonderful, entertaining interview.
Sharlene has agreed to give her book Ellie’s Haven to one of you followers.
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
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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 January 22, 2012

The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher*A Review

2012-01-09T07:54:00.000-05:00

IPad giveaway link and Facebook Party link

ABOUT THE KEEPER
Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.
Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

Full of the plot twists and surprises her fans love, The Keeper is the first in a new series by bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Through touching family relationships and trials of the heart, Fisher's vivid characters grapple with yielding to God's will when it doesn't match their own.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 2, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719875
ISBN-13: 978-0800719876
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and A Lancaster County Christmas, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom, and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

MY REVIEW

The Keeper is a book that is excellent and worth reading. I really loved it and parts of it surprised me. I love books where I am surprised at things that happen. No one likes a book that is just like every other book. Then a book comes along that just takes your breathe away and The Keeper is one of those.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an wonderful author of Amish fiction and I don’t read a lot of Amish stories.

Reading the above information about the book makes you wonder why Roman keeps moving around? What makes him not want a home and family? What past things are bothering him? I also wondered why Paul wants to postpone their wedding so many times. Julia she is just

a sweetheart and really loves life.

This book has really got me interested in the Lapp family and what they will do in the next book. Some books just make you fall in love with the characters. I love all of these characters from Julia, Roman, Sadie, M.K., Amos, Uncle Hank and the sweet Menno.

You don’t want to miss this book. It will be a favorite of yours. Suzanne Woods Fisher has done it again. Another winning book. I highly recommend this book. I really loved it.

The iPad giveaway: Running now until January 17th

The Facebook Party: Party is on January 17th, and the winner of the prize package will be announced there.

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

A preview~STUART BRANNON'S FINAL SHOT by Stephen Bly

2012-01-07T17:54:00.000-05:00

I can't wait until this book comes out in March.
Here is just a little preview for you.

Center Point Large Print is proud to present Stephen Bly’s latest (and sadly, his last) Western fiction title, Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot. I've attached to this email, the cover art and the text.

Thrilled to be given the opportunity to publish Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, we at Center Point Large Print were saddened to learn that Steve had succumbed to illness before putting completing it. So when Janet, Steve’s widow and a published writer, asked if she and her three sons could complete the work as a tribute to Steve, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough. I’m sure you’ll agree that Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot is a tribute to both the character, Stuart Brannon - and to his creator, Stephen Bly. A favorable mention to your readers would be very much appreciated.

For those readers who would like to read the entire Stuart Brannon oeuvre, Greenbrier Book Company will reissue the six books that came before Stuart Brannon’s Final Shotin the spring and summer of 2012 (www.greenbrierbooks.com<http://www.greenbrierbooks.com>).

Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot
By Stephen Bly, with Janet, Russell, Michael and Aaron Bly
Published by Center Point Large Print
Available March 1, 2012

Synopsis
In 1905, at 58 years old, legendary lawman Stuart Brannon - now a rancher and widower - had no intention of leaving his beloved Arizona Territory to attend the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon, nor to participate in the celebrity golf tournament for the Willamette Orphan Farm. Even an emotional appeal for his longtime friend didn’t persuade him. His life no longer consisted of bloodthirsty men to track down . . . people trying to kill him . . . lawless gangs preying on the innocent.

Then the telegram came: Stuart, I need you in Portland. Tim Wiseman is missing. I think there’s a cover-up going on. Tell folks you’re going to the Exposition. Nose around. Find out how a U.S. Marshal can disappear and no one knows why. I’ll contact you there. T.R.

How could he refuse a request from the President of the United States?

Filled with humor and heart, adventure and romance, Stuart Brannon’s Last Shot is the story of a man who embodied the Code of the West. Christy Award-winning author Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 - June 8, 2011) wrote 105 books including six Stuart Brannon novels. In Stuart Brannon’s Last Shot, we bid a fond farewell to the character - and to Stephen Bly, his creator.

________________________________________________________________________

For additional information, contact:
Diane Hull - Center Point Large Print - P.O. Box 1 - Thorndike, Maine 04986
Email: dhull@centerpointlargeprint.com <mailto:dhull@centerpointlargeprint.com> - or contact Janet Bly at janetbly@connectwireless.us

Visit Stephen Bly’s website at http://www.blybooks.com

FREE EBOOK-The Attic in My Yard by Birgit Horvath-Muck

2012-01-05T15:08:00.001-05:00

GREETINGS FRIENDS!
I have an Ebook for one of you. The Attic in My Yard by Birgit Horvath-Muck
Here is the link of the book that I reviewed if you would like to see what I thought of it.

http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/12/attic-in-my-yard-ebook-by-birgit.html

Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

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ebook giveaway

Contest is only open to everyone 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 January 20, 2012

Dark Liaison by D.I. Telbat*A Review

2012-01-05T14:41:00.000-05:00

ABOUT DARK LIAISON

In DARK LIAISON, Book One in the COIL Series, we meet protagonist Corban Dowler.

It is an age of prophetic strife when spiritual darkness collides with servants of the Cross. Christians worldwide are persecuted on a heightened level, and while no safety seems to exist, one man steps forward to lend a hand to the defenseless laborers.

Corban Dowler is an old-school spy. Six years ago, he accepted Christ's gift of salvation and then resigned from the morally compromising C.I.A. As Corban desires to fulfill God's Great Commission, he builds an organization called the Commission of International Laborers, (COIL), where he devotes his skills and resources to assist persecuted or kidnapped Christian servants in the most dangerous environments worldwide.

There are times in this age when Corban Dowler must hastily extract missionary families and Christian workers from danger zones before death steals them from their righteous work. For these operations, Corban has developed commando-style teams using non-lethal weapons to extract the threatened or persecuted servants of the Lord.

These covert multiethnic teams are ex-military or ex-CIA, and all believers in Christ.

Satan is every bit the adversary as he operates through his demonic workers of iniquity. They are set on claiming the lives of the righteous that stand for Truth. While COIL is working tirelessly to rescue Christians in need, Satan's followers are placing roadblocks, destroying, and kidnapping believers in Christ to thwart the efforts of COIL. The operatives find themselves prey to the very wickedness that they are committed to fight, and a battle between good and evil emerges.

Dark Liaison, written by D.I. Telbat, cover art by Carrie E. Smith, is an 83,000-word Christian action-suspense novel of espionage and spiritual warfare. This Book One in the COIL Series contrasts the lives of satanic antagonists bent on hatred with the COIL laborers who protect the Christian men and women servants standing for righteousness. And we learn that… there is no redemption without sacrifice.

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 397 KB
Print Length: 238 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Telbat's Tablet; 1 edition (October 11, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B005V257FK

AUTHOR AT 14 MONTHS-picture
David I. Telbat is a Christian author who writes in many genres, but especially Christian action-adventure, espionage, and suspense. For his writing, David draws from his experiences in travel, athletics, sportsmanship, the church, and family. David wrote his first novel at age 14, and hasn't stopped since!

Telbat's Tablet, David's website (http://ditelbat.com), offers free weekly Christian action, adventure, and suspense short stories to entertain. He also shares his author reflections, occasional writing tips, and a list of his publishing credits and honors. The credits include both print and digital publications, anthologies, and a 2nd place People's Choice Award with print magazine, The Storyteller.

D.I. Telbat's novel, Dark Liaison, Book One in the COIL Series, is available as a Kindle book from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and from other retailers (soon). His newest suspense novella, Jaguar Dusk, is now serialized and is being posted as free weekly chapters from his Telbat's Tablet site.

Getting into trouble with the law as a young man became a turning point in David's life. The Lord used that experience to draw David into a personal relationship with Him. Re-focusing his life for Christ, David now seeks to honor God with his life and his writing.

Because of his interest in the Persecuted Church and Christian missions, many of D.I. Telbat's stories are about persecuted Christians, their hardships, and their sacrifice to serve the Lord. Several of his novels include battles in the spiritual realm, as well as espionage.
http://ditelbat.com/

MY REVIEW
D.I. Telbat is a new author for me and I just love his style. This book Dark Liaison is a book I will cherish and reread. I will read any of D.I.’s other books, because he’s that great of an author.
This story is my favorite kind. It talks about the persecuted church and is a suspense/secret agent type of book. I couldn’t put this book down and I so look forward to book two in the series.
The characters are highly developed and very likable or unlikable. I didn’t know how Dark Liaison was going to end and I love that in a book. I also loved all of the different disguises that Corban used. He is quite an intriguing character.
Corban was once a spy and thought nothing of killing the enemy but now he is a Christian and can’t kill anymore. So Corban and a band of other individuals form a group that gets Christians and Missionaries out of harm from religious persecution. They are many times in dangerous situations, but never do any of them kill or harm another human. It is so interesting the many ways they do this.
I really can’t say enough for all of the wonderful parts of this book. If you never read any other book this year, you need to read Dark Liaison. It is such a fantastic book, full of excitement and adventure. I highly recommend this book and wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

Here are ways to get in touch with D.I. Telbat or to read about his book.

D.I. Telbat
http://ditelbat.com

Author Central Page for D.I. Telbat on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004ULWX14
Vision for Telbat's Tablet website: http://ditelbat.com/about/vision/

Dark Liaison book page on site: http://ditelbat.com/dark-liaison/

About page on ditelbat.com: http://ditelbat.com/about/

Media room on ditelbat.com: http://ditelbat.com/media/ (includes a link for PDF of Chapter One excerpt, besides many other links and info)

Order from Amazon

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

My Top 10 books for 2011

2011-12-31T15:56:00.000-05:00

My top ten books of 2011

alphabetically arranged

A Marriage Carol by Gary D. Chapman

Ellie’s Haven by Sharlene MacLaren

Forbidden by Ted Dekker & Tosca Lee

Gray Matter by David Levy

Rooms by James L. Rubart

Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh

The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander

Throw the Devil off the Train by Stephen Bly

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

These books are also fantastic

Possession by Rene Gutteridge

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon

A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

Canary Island Song by Robin Jones Gunn

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

Now I Walk on Death Row by Dale S. Recinella

The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

The Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker

The Chair by James L. Rubart

Lonestar Angel By Colleen Coble

One Perfect Day By Lauraine Snelling

The Crossing by Serita Jakes

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

The Road Trip by Jo Lynn Crozier

Happy New Year

Unto the Hills-A Daily Devotional by Billy Graham*A Review

2011-12-31T15:35:00.000-05:00

ABOUT UNTO THE HILLS
The classic 365-day devotional from Billy Graham, now back in print.

No matter your place in life, this classic collection of devotional readings is designed to bring you daily to that special place of renewal-to help you pause and gaze "unto the hills" for help and inspiration.

Each of the 365 daily readings in this inspiring collection offers a carefully chosen passage of scripture, a brief, thoughtful message from Dr. Graham, and a heartfelt prayer composed especially for this book. Distilled from a lifetime of study and ministry, these devotionals supply daily food for thought about living fruitfully and joyfully in an often fretful world.

Simple, direct, encouraging yet challenging, this book offers itself as a heartening companion for your daily walk in the valley. This collection is a gentle but constant reminder that we can find help for all our needs as long as we remember to look up . . . unto the hills but especially unto the Lord.

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Reprint edition (December 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0849946212
ISBN-13: 978-0849946219
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Billy Graham, the world-renowned author, preacher, and evangelist has delivered the gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and has ministered on every continent of the world. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including ANGELS, THE SECRET OF HAPPINESS, PEACE WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, HOPE FOR THE TROUBLED HEART, and HOW TO BE BORN AGAIN.

MY REVIEW
I love anything written by Billy Graham and this daily devotional entitled Unto The Hills was just so full of knowledge and compassion, but the thing I like the most is Billy Graham’s love of our Lord.
Each day has a Bible verse and is full of wisdom and a story to make a point. Also it always ends with a prayer.
I have put many of Billy Graham’s quotes on facebook from this book and was quite inspired by his words of healing and wisdom.
I will keep this book and in a few years go through it again. This fantastic book will work for any year, it just has the date and not the year on the pages.
I highly recommend this book and it will be treasure to you as it is to me. After reading it you could give it to someone else so they could share or buy an extra copy for a gift. Definitely a 5-star book.

Order from Amazon

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.

The Attic in My Yard Ebook By Birgit Horvath-Muck

2011-12-31T14:08:00.000-05:00

ABOUT THE ATTIC IN MY YARD
Most of us no longer dream and imagine the way we did as kids. Where we once saw pirate's ships sailing by or fairies dancing in the meadow we now see a cherry tree or the trash can. No one knows how this happens, but one day you look out the window and the ships and fairies are gone. Then again, maybe they are just hiding beneath a raspberry bush. And maybe all it takes is to lure them out again. From the attic in your yard … into reality.

a -thinking really deep thoughts- book

Includes 28 illustrations

The Attic in My Yard
Ebook By Birgit Horvath-Muck
Rating:
(5.00 based on 2 reviews)
Published: Oct. 04, 2011
Category: Non-Fiction » Inspiration » Personal inspiration
Words: 2342 (approximate)
Language: English

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I'm a reader.
I'm a writer.
I'm a book blogger
Some random facts about me.

1. While I was at Uni I had a part-time job at a bookshop. Great for my arm muscles. Bad for my finances.

2. I love broccoli.

3. Apart from my obvious addiction to books I'm also crazy about handbags.

4. The northernmost city I've ever visited is Murmansk. The southernmost Melbourne. Oddly enough my hometown starts with M too.

5. I could literally live in a Kinkade painting.

6. Yes, I'm from Austria. No, I don't ski ... or wear a Dirndl, for that matter.

7. Photography is one of my favorite hobbies and usually I have a camera with me wherever I go.

8. I procrastinate. A lot.

9. Boyds Bears. My bedroom is basically a bear cave. Wish I could hibernate with them.

10. Clowns aren't funny. Period.

11. I've been a vegetarian for more than 20 years now.

12. James Caviezel is hot. And talented. But mostly, hot.

13. I don't like talking on the phone and rather send an e-mail.

14. "Pillow Talk" is my favorite movie. I have watched it so often I pretty much know all the dialogues by heart.

15. I'm a huge fan of Disney World.

16. If you should ever happen to be in my car when I'm driving, be prepared to learn some new ... uhm, vocabulary.

17. Tori Amos is one of my alltime favorite musicians.

18. I had budgies as a kid. Would have prefered a dog though.

19. One of my pet peeves is people who're late.

20. I wrote my thesis about the alien in Star Trek, looking at the series from the anthropological side.

21. One day I will be able to afford flying first class. Not sure whether this makes me an optimist or just delusional.

22. I love taking naps

http://the-book-garden.blogspot.com/

MY REVIEW
This is a sweet little book that I really enjoyed. It really is inspiring and lets you know that no matter where you are in life or how old you are you can still have your dreams. Don’t give up and remember to look at things positively.
One line in the book that I really liked was this “Just remember that running along with blinders will neither make you reach your goal faster nor will it make the journey enjoyable.”
A lot of things in this book are very profound and have a lot of meaningful words.
The pictures were really neat, even though I have a Kindle the pictures were interesting and lovely. I really love the cover to this book. It was just priceless.
I was uplifted and inspired to keep working on my dreams and don’t give up.
If you read this book you will be encouraged and really glad you read it. It won’t take you long to read at all. I was probably done in an hour or two.
I highly recommend this book for your reading encouragement and to inspire you.

Order from Smashwords

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

Ellie's Haven by Sharlene MacLaren*A Review

2011-12-30T20:04:00.000-05:00

ABOUT ELLIE'S HAVEN
A courageous young woman seeking refuge...

Ellie Booth was never the type to run away. But she'd witnessed her stepfather commit a heartless crime, and, knowing he'll stop at nothing to keep her quiet, she has no choice but to flee. Soon, she finds herself in Wabash, Indiana, scrambling for a cover identity to evade her stepfather. For lack of a better option, she answers an ad for a wife/housekeeper/nanny, praying that her lack of experience won't be obvious.

A widowed father with no domestic skills to speak of...

Gage Cooper is reaching the end of his rope. With four children between the ages of three and ten, he needs a reliable nanny, yet each one he's hired has thrown up her hands and deserted her post. When an attractive, spirited young woman applies for the "job," he knows he should pray about the matter, but his desperation for help propels him headlong into a marriage of convenience.

A trial by fire of their wedding vows...

Ellie immediately falls in love with the Cooper children, and, not long after, with their father. Soon, the "marriage of convenience" becomes less of a business arrangement as husband and wife yield to an attraction neither one had expected. When secrets of the past and dangers of the present arise in their lives, their marriage is put to the test, and God alone knows what will become of their union.

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742131
ISBN-13: 978-1603742139
Shipping Weight: 0.5 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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
I really love this book. Ellie’s Haven is such a tender, compassionate book that it will grip your heart. This is book two in the River of Hope series. Ellie’s Haven is one of my favorite books for 2011. Sharlene MacLaren is an excellent author and I love her writing style.
I like that Ellie’s Haven has so many interesting parts. I couldn’t wait to read it each day, but was sad to finish. Very interesting, lovable characters.
Ellie’s Haven has suspense, hate, mother-daughter love, friendship, family, new relationships, new beginnings, murder, forgiveness.
Ellie and Gage make a good couple even though their age difference is really big. Gage sees Ellie as a young girl for quite a long time, but finds out she is really capable. She soon shows Gage that age isn’t all that important in a relationship.
It’s really special how Ellie and her mom each come to the Lord, but at different times through different people and the love they have for each other.
This book is highly recommended and I know you will love it. The release date is March 2012. Keep a look out for Ellie’s Haven and all books by Sharlene MacLaren.

Order from Amazon

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

The Road Trip by Jo Lynn Crozier*A Review

2011-12-21T09:49:00.000-05:00

ABOUT THE ROAD TRIP
The story is a tapestry of fantasy woven by the threads of reality. In the story, God takes the female lead character, Liz, on a road trip. On the trip, Liz interacts with many different and whimsical characters in fantastical locations. Each location is vastly different from the other, but each time she leaves a location, she receives a very important, relevant, and useful spiritual life lesson. The story is imaginative, entertaining, and humorous.

Hardcover: 184 pages
Publisher: Emmanuel House Publishing (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615483674
ISBN-13: 978-0615483672
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jo Lynn Crozier, a member of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, draws her literary inspiration from her relationship with God. She attended the University of Texas at Arlington and works as a mortgage banker. Crozier resides in Granbury, Texas, with her husband, Bobby. They have one son, three daughters, and five grandchildren. Jo Lynn is devoting her writing career to reshaping the way we all relate to God.

MY REVIEW
This is the first book I’ve read by Jo Lynn Crozier and it is a fantastic book. The Road Trip is a flight of the imagination. The first part of each chapter talks about the main character Liz taking a road trip with God. It is just amazing at the places they stop and the people they meet. In each chapter you learn the wrong way people do things, but God always explains and tells what we should do.
Here are a few of the chapters and what they are about: The Comfort Zone, where people are afraid to go out and try new things and keep themselves crippled, but they would be so much better if they just tried it. Another one was in the Gardens of Humanity which I loved a lot. This is talking about in some people lives they have joy, peace, love etc, because they let the lord in, which is a beautiful garden, full of flowers and beautiful things, but in other lives-gardens people have fear, hatred, gossip etc, which is ugly and full of scary, sad things.
Each place has whimsical characters that represent each of the problems many people face.
Each chapter is an adventure in the whimsical sense of the word and at the end of each chapter Jo Lynn gives certain Bible verses and gives an example of the meaning of the chapter. Each chapter has deep spiritual importance.
This book is very whimsical with deep insight that will be such a help to any Christian. I really love this book and will keep it for my bookshelf. I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment and learning abilities.

Order from Jo Lynn Crozier

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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

WINNER of My Life and Lesser Catastropes by Christina Schofield

2011-12-21T08:04:00.000-05:00

The winner of

My Life and Lesser Catastropes by Christina Schofield

go to karenk

Enjoy this wonderful book.

I will have a lot more book giveaways in the coming year.

Made by God Big Bugs, Little Bugs* A read by yourself book for children*A Review

2011-12-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

Butterfly, Goliath Beetle, Lightning Bug, and Praying Mantis includes simple text perfect for I Can Read level two readers and provides basic facts about these bugs of all sizes and their habitat. Parents and teachers will enjoy introducing early readers to the wonders of God’s creation.

Description:
Did you know … There are about 18,000 kinds of butterflies? That the goliath beetle is the largest bug on earth? Learn more about these and other amazing bugs made by God.

Book & Bible Cover Size: Large
Page Count: 32

Paper Edge Description: Plain
Size: 6 wide x 9 high x 0.1 deep in. | 152 wide x 229 high x deep 2 mm
Weight: 0.165 lb | 74 gms

Available: March 2011

MY REVIEW
These made by God books are so fantastic for children. It really is a help to get them to read. The pictures are so big and colorful. I know many children will look at them again and again. This one is called Made by God: Big Bugs, Little Bugs.
These I can read books are high-interest stories for developing readers, which will capture and keep a child’s attention.
The different parts of this book are called:
Butterflies
Goliath Beetles
Lightning Bugs
and Praying Mantises.
One really fun, interesting thing I learned is that Butterflies can fly up to 12 miles an hour. I find that fascinating.
Something about the Goliath beetle is when they fly their wings sound like a helicopter.
There are about 2,000 different kind of lightning bugs.
The head of a praying mantis can turn almost in a circle.
God made some amazing bugs, some bad and some good. I really like these books because God is mentioned so much.
I highly recommend these books for reading to your child, but mostly for them to learn to read better and it’s all full of the amazing things God created.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins*A Review

2011-12-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

ABOUT GONE TO GROUND
Amaryllis, Mississippi is a scrappy little town of strong backbone and southern hospitality. A brick-paved Main Street, a park, and a legendary ghost in the local cemetery are all part of its heritage. Everybody knows everybody in Amaryllis, and gossip wafts on the breeze. Its people are friendly, its families tight. On the surface Amaryllis seems much like the flower for which it’s named—bright and fragrant. But the Amaryllis flower is poison.

In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago—a sixth murder.

Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is—someone they love. None is aware of the others’ suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down. But each woman suspects a different man.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433671638
ISBN-13: 978-1433671630
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for
her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing
crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget
to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of
Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995.
Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and
radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows.
Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW
Book of the Year (three times), Inspirational Readers'
Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.
Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.
When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences. She and her family divide their time between homes in the California Bay Area and northern Idaho.
http://www.brandilyncollins.com/index.html

http://www.forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/

MY REVIEW
Brandilyn Collins is one of my favorite authors. I haven’t read any of her books that I haven’t loved. She is an excellent suspense author.
In Gone to Ground it tells of a story of a killer who has killed six women.
This book is about three women who believe they know who the murder is. One woman believes it is her brother, another believe it is her husband and the last one believes it is her employer. Each one has evidence and they work together to try to get the real murder caught.
I love to try and guess who the murderer is, but didn’t do it this time. Gone to Ground is full of twists and turns and you won’t know what is going to happen next.
I was very interested and couldn’t put down this book. Another winner for Brandilyn Collins and a winner for anyone who reads it.
I loved that these three women worked together to find out who was the murder. They could have kept all of the information to themselves and let the other one take the blame.
This is a five-star book for sure. You will love this book and it will keep you reading late into the night. Highly recommended.

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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

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock*A Review

2011-12-14T07:31:00.000-05:00

ABOUT SHADOW IN SERENITY
Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one---and she's seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she's the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed. Carny is determined to reveal Brisco's selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will. Shadow in Serenity is a modern-day Music Man, penned by a Christy Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author.

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (September 27, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310332311
ISBN-13: 978-0310332312
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Terri Blackstock (www.terriblackstock.com) has sold six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestseller. She is the award-winning author of Intervention and Double Minds, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.

MY REVIEW
I really enjoy books written by Terri Blackstock and this one is very good. It is a book she wrote before she got into the Christian market, but loved it so much that when she could she rewrote parts of this book and had it published in the Christian market.
I really like it because it shows us even the most unfeeling, unloving person can truly want to change and be saved. God isn’t held back. He can even make the vilest person clean and whole.
Carny grew up in a carnavial and saw lots of people being swindled. Even though it was her life she wanted to be different and change. So the first chance she got she took it and was now content doing the Lord’s will. When Logan came into town she knew he was a swinder.
I like how you see in the hearts of Carny and Logan, both knew evil and both just wanted love and a chance to change and prove themselves.
I like Terri’s rich characters and the small town feel she puts in this book. The kind, caring, simple town full of trusting, happy people. I love Carny and her sweet son. I even like Logan even though he has nothing but evil in his heart and only thinks of himself.
This book Shadow in Serenity is full of action, family, friends, sneakiness, love, forgiveness and peace.
Will Logan change, can he? Will Carny ever believe him? Will the town lose everything? Read this book to find out.
I recommend this book as a very enjoyable read that will be very entertaining.

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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

Christina Schofield-author interview and book GIVEAWAY

2011-12-10T15:20:00.001-05:00

Today my interview is with Christina Schofield who wrote My Life and Lesser Catastropes-a true story. I loved this book and I know you will also. Here is my link for the review I did. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-life-and-lesser-catastrophes-by.html
Book giveaway below. I really love making new author friends and Christina is a very special lady!

Tell us about My Life and Lesser Catastropes the featured book.
For Christina Schofield, the difference between life as she’d always known it and a life of fear and uncertainty was a matter of a few pebbles.

As the motorcycle she and her husband were riding hit a patch of loose gravel, the bubble around her smooth Christian life popped. The safety nets she thought she had--based on unquestioning obedience to God, unyielding faith, a ministry-focused life--broke as their bodies were hurled from the bike.

What began that very moment was an emotional search for the God she thought she knew. With warmth and transparency, Christina describes facing her deepest questions of faith--and God’s painful silence--with honesty, sincerity and humor, showing that even in our darkest hours, God’s goodness shines through.

Why did you write this book?
As the title suggests, this book is about something awful our family was faced with. An accident changed our lives completely in less than a minute, and our eyes were instantly opened to what matters most. Tragedy brought perspective! I've always hoped by sharing our story, other people could benefit from that new perspective without having to go through the whole catastrophe thing personally! And I had a strong desire to say, "Yes! God is good! Even in gross times!"

Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?
This was my first book. I've collaborated on maybe as many as 100 other books and projects, mostly for things used in youth ministry.

How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?
I don't really have aspirations of becoming a writer, but I love to hear from new people and I would be so happy to know people were praying for Allen and my Dad.

Many writers are also avid readers. Do you have any favorite authors? If so, could you name a few?
I like anything written by God or Dave Barry. :) Because of our weird circumstances right now with my husbands' paralysis, I have very little free time and read the Bible almost exclusively. But every once in a while, I'll get my nose into a book I can't put down! Mostly I love to read stories about how God is moving in our generation (or recent history)! Stuff by Bill Johnson, T. L. Osborne, John G. Lakes, Heidi Baker. I recently read the book The Heavenly Man by Liu Zhenying (Brother Yun) about the infancy of the Underground House Church in China.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take? The Bible, and a few books I haven't read yet but would like to: Francis Chan's "Forgotten God" and "Crazy Love," "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper, and maybe one of the "God's Generals" books? Or could I just take four and then have extra room for my Ipod Nano and some chocolate?

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?
My Mom and Dad. I love them soooo much. We'd go thrift store shopping and then, have to stop for donuts and coffee to keep Dad engaged. I know I should say someone Bible-y or whatever, but I really get kind of nervous around new people and couldn't possibly enjoy anyone more than my parents!

What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
Lord Jesus, my family, and music. I play piano and a little guitar and I'm learning violin, which still sounds terrible in my opinion. The cat always leaves the room and at my family's request, I practice with a mute!

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
Before our daughter was born, we lived on a cul de sac. Late at night, when I didn't think I'd be spotted, I would roller skate out there under the street lamps. A neighborhood dog would gallop alongside with his tongue hanging out! He thought it was great fun! But I've never laughed so hard as the day I played racquetball with my sister at the YMCA. She is maybe the only person on earth who might possibly be worse at sports than me! We laughed the entire time! Another fun day was this past October when I took my daughter and her little friend to this drive through animal safari. The exotic animals stick their heads in your car window hoping for a tasty snack! It was unbelievable! I got zebra drool on me! (Sorry, you only asked for one.)

What are you writing now?
Just a personal project. I have a dear friend I've been trying to share Jesus with. Whenever I try, I chicken out or gumble it up, so I'm making a little picture book about how to become a follower of Christ to give her as a gift. (I 've done a little illustrating for children). Pray with me that it bears fruit!

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have a website with my online art portfolio: www.artdiva.biz, and at www.childrensillustrators.com/christinaschofield. I'm starting up a blog spot: myscintillatinglife.blogspot.com, but it isn't very exciting yet!

Wasn't that just a wonderful interview? I think Christina is a very sweet, witty person. Here are the rules of the giveaway.

~~~~~~~~~~~

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 December 19, 2011

The Crossing by Serita Jakes*A Review

2011-12-10T12:18:00.001-05:00

ABOUT THE CROSSING
Imprisoned by memories, Claudia Campbell lives each day in the shadow of a ten-year-old murder. Who can set her free?

On the way home from a football game, a decade earlier, a masked gunman opened fi re on a Texas school bus. Cheerleading coach B.J. Remington was killed, but her murderer was never found. Claudia, who had a close friendship with the young, spirited teacher, constantly relives the anguish of that day, caught in one moment in time. When her husband, the assistant district attorney, becomes determined to uncover the mystery of that tragedy, the secrets buried over the years threaten to tear their family apart.

Officer Casio Hightower will never forget the day his dreams were destroyed. A star quarterback with a promising future, Casio was on top of the world—until one bullet changed everything. He is eager to help Victor Campbell find B.J.’s killer, the man who shot him. Maybe solving the case will help silence the demons driving Casio to hurt the woman he loves.

As the Campbells and Casio teeter on the brink of losing everything, will they be able to discover that what begins at the crossing ends at the cross?

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400073030
ISBN-13: 978-1400073030
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mrs. Serita A. Jakes is an inspirational woman of God who leads with wisdom and grace. Throughout her nearly 30 years of marriage, she has diligently served alongside her husband, Bishop T. D. Jakes, with purpose and precision. An insightful speaker, she draws heavily from her education and background in theater and mass communications. A soft-spoken woman offstage, Mrs. Jakes possesses the rare ability to reach and stir her audiences as she works to complement her husband’s ministry.
A gifted speaker and author, Mrs. Jakes released her first book in August 1999, The Princess Within, which to date has sold more than 200,000 copies. The book is a poignant and revealing autobiographical reflection of encouragement and victory over pain, trauma and abuse. Mrs. Jakes wrote the book as a vehicle of encouragement for hurting women who want to break the silence surrounding their secret pain and obtain healing from it. That same year, Mrs. Jakes traveled extensively as co-executive producer with the Woman, Thou Art Loosed stage play. She also served as public spokesperson on the performance tour, addressing the critical issues of sexual abuse, alcoholism, abortion, and addictive relationships that were dramatized by the play. In 2000, Mrs. Jakes was co-executive producer of her husband’s stage play Behind Closed Doors, which addressed the critical issue of breast cancer among women. In November 2003, Warner Faith published Mrs. Jakes’ second book, Beside Every Good Man: Loving Myself While Standing By Him. It challenges women to explore the seasons that shape their views of male influence in their eyes.

In 2009, Mrs. Jakes appeared in the movie, Not Easily Broken, which was released January of that same year by Sony Pictures. The movie ranked No. 9 nationally during opening week. Because of her heart for women, in 2011, Mrs. Jakes debuted eMotions Magazine, a digital publication that seeks to inspire and educate all women. She also assisted in the production of her husband’s latest film Jumping the Broom. The comedy opened in theaters May 2011 and topped box office numbers during opening weekend. Currently, Mrs. Jakes has been intricately involved with her husband’s highly anticipated sitcom, One Love, and most recently released her non-fiction book, The Crossing. The book, which centers on young people, explores the traumatic situations they encounter that transpire into their adulthood. The book also addresses what they must do to move forward in their lives.
A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Jakes and Bishop Jakes have five children and two grandchildren.

MY REVIEW
This book The Crossing is one of my favorites of the year. I was so interested in it that it only took me one day to read it, and that‘s really great for me. What an exciting book.
I like how this book is split into different parts, told from different viewpoints, one being the viewpoint of the victim. I especially liked that viewpoint.
The Crossing has a lot of love, pain, hurt and forgiveness in it. Also it shows how different characters had PTSD-posttraumatic stress disorder. It shows how some people get help and how some just cause trouble.
I was very intrigued to find out who the murderer was. I always try to guess and this was a complete surprise to me.
You never know how many lives you touch and how many people you can affect by your actions.
This book shows us if we go through something tragic we need to go to God and also get help from professionals.
The characters in this book are very likable, colorful and compelling. The Crossing is a gripping book that will take you on a roller-coaster adventure. There are no parts in this book that aren’t thrilling.
This is the first time I’ve read any of Serita Jakes books, but it won’t be the last.
I give this book a 5-star rating because it is an unforgettable, riveting book. I highly recommend it. You will love this book.

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Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah 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

Longing by Karen Kingsbury-Book 3 in the Bailey Flanigan series-A Review

2011-12-08T20:07:00.001-05:00

ABOUT LONGING
Longing, book three in the Bailey Flanigan Series, picks up where Learning ended. After a long and lonely silence from Cody Coleman, Bailey Flanigan becomes closer to her one-time Hollywood co-star, Brandon Paul. Nights on the town in New York City and long talks on the balcony of Brandon's Malibu Beach home make Bailey dizzy with new feelings and cause her to wonder if her days with Cody are over forever. Meanwhile, Cody's work coaching a small-town football team has brought him and his players national attention. In the midst of the celebration and success, Cody finds himself much closer to a woman who seems to better understand him and his new life. Even so, never does much time go by without Bailey and Cody experiencing deep feelings of longing for each other, longing both for the past and for answers before they can move forward. Will an unexpected loss be the turning point for Cody? Will Cody and Bailey find a way back together again for the first time in more than a year? And if they do, will their brief time together be enough to help them remember all they've been longing for?

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (November 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310276349
ISBN-13: 978-0310276340
Shipping Weight: 0.5 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's favorite inspirational novelist, with more than 15 million books in print. Her Life-Changing Fiction has produced multiple bestsellers, including Leaving, Take One, Between Sundays, Even Now, One Tuesday Morning, Beyond Tuesday Morning, and Ever After, which was named the 2007 Christian Book of the Year. An award-winning author and newly published songwriter, Karen has several movies optioned for production, and her novel Like Dandelion Dust was made into a major motion picture and is now available on DVD. Karen is also a nationally known speaker with several women's groups. She lives in Washington with her husband, Don, their daughter and five sons.

MY REVIEW
The third book in the Bailey Flanigan series was a surprise. The first two books were pretty predictable to me, but this one was different. I’m not liking the way the series is going, but hope things will turn around in the last book.
Bailey and Brandon are getting along really good in Longing and I like that. I think they make a great couple, but I miss Bailey and Cody together. Cody is doing really good with his coaching and the team is undefeated. Cody and Cheyenne are getting along really well and have become fast friends.
In Longing Cody and Bailey have a couple of really good talks that straighten up the past mistakes they have made, but they still aren’t back together.
I’m really looking forward to Loving, book 4 and the end of the Bailey-Cody story. I want it to turn out one way, but have a feeling things won’t happen as I hope.
I recommend this book. It is the best one in the Bailey Flanigan series so far.

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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

My Life and Lesser Catastrophes by Christina Schofield A REVIEW

2011-12-05T18:47:00.001-05:00

ABOUT MY LIFE AND LESSER CATASTROPHES
For Christina Schofield, the difference between life as she’d always known it and a life of fear and uncertainty was a matter of a few pebbles.

As the motorcycle she and her husband were riding hit a patch of loose gravel, the bubble around her smooth Christian life popped. The safety nets she thought she had--based on unquestioning obedience to God, unyielding faith, a ministry-focused life--broke as their bodies were hurled from the bike.

What began that very moment was an emotional search for the God she thought she knew. With warmth and transparency, Christina describes facing her deepest questions of faith--and God’s painful silence--with honesty, sincerity and humor, showing that even in our darkest hours, God’s goodness shines through.

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Chosen (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795113
ISBN-13: 978-0800795115
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Schofield has been a children's illustrator and writer for the last ten years, working with Zonderkidz, Group Publishing, Standard Publishing, and Cook Communications. She and her husband, Allen, a campus pastor, have one daughter, Lily, and live in Rolla, Missouri.

MY REVIEW
I really enjoyed this true story told by Christiana Schofield. Her husband and her were in a motorcycle accident. Christiana tells about the different stages they go through in the hospital than at home and she tells it with such style and love her wit and humor. She only suffered a concussion, but her husband, Allen became paralyzed.
When reading this book you will find out how they cope with hardships like changing their lifestyles completely, having to quit or slow down in their jobs, how their prayer life and Bible reading changed. How they thought they were leaning on God before, but now have no one else to turn to.
I love how both Christina and Allen put humor into their new life situation. They still have moments of wondering why or how can they cope with all of the changes. I really like how they go about praying for complete healing.
This little book is really an encouraging book. It will lift you up even though it talks about some hard issues in life.
I highly recommend this book and am very glad to have read 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

One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling a review

2011-12-02T17:00:00.001-05:00

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

Meanwhile, Jenna Montgomery has a daughter who needs a new heart.

One woman’s loss becomes the miracle the other has desperately prayed for. And while one mother grieves, and pulls away from her family, the other finds that even miracles aren't always easy to receive.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: FaithWords; First Edition edition (October 22, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446582107
ISBN-13: 978-0446582100
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.9 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning author of fifty-plus books with sales of over 2 million copies, also writes for a wide range of magazines and teaches at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.
http://www.laurainesnelling.com/index.html

MY REVIEW
I’ve read many of Lauraine Snelling’s books. She is an excellent author. I have loved everything I’ve read of hers, but One Perfect Day is just fabulous. I didn’t realize it but One Perfect Day is a book that happens at Christmas, so it is wonderful I read it in December.
This book is just perfect if you or someone you know has lost a child or one that needs a transplant.
I was quite touched by the depth of feeling and loss that happened in this book, but the love and joy of the Lord will shine through.
I could just imagine how a mother would feel if their child died or needed a transplant to keep living.
The title One Perfect Day was talking about how a woman wanted everything to be so perfect for her family and everything just fell apart when her son was killed, but that same day was horrible for one family, but fantastic for the family looking for a new heart for their daughter.
This is an older book, written in 2008, but so very important and needed everyday.
In this book you find out that everyone needs someone to talk to, someone to be a friend, even when you want left alone, you really can’t make it alone. With God and friends you will make it.
I highly recommend this book even though it is an older book. You won’t be sorry you read it.

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I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/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

Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy+A Review

2011-11-29T19:14:00.001-05:00

ABOUT RECLAIMING LILY
When an insidious genetic disease strikes her family, Harvard graduate Dr. Kai Chang must alert Lily, the sister Kai left on orphanage steps years earlier. Standing in her way are the Powells, Lily's adoptive parents. Gloria Powell distrusts Kai and thinks her presence will send their troubled seventeen-year-old over the precipice of teenaged angst. Can Kai and Gloria, separated by culture and faith but devoted to Lily, reconcile their differences and trust their dreams to God?

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764209418
ISBN-13: 978-0764209413
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patti Lacy, a graduate of Baylor University and a Southerner who's found happiness in the Midwest, taught community college humanities. In 2005, God called Patti to write novels exploring the secrets women keep and why they keep them.

An Irishwoman's Tale, Patti's first book, draws on the real-life memories of a brave Irishwoman, who was banished from her beloved Cliffs of County Clare and plopped into a dysfunctional Midwest home.

Both An Irishwoman's Tale and What the Bayou Saw, Patti's second novel, were Foreword Magazine Book of the Year finalists.

Patti spans seas and secrets to gather material for her projects. 2010 found her hiking China's majestic Great Wall and mysterious Mount Tai in search of stories. Music weaves its way into her text, especially her third novel, The Rhythm of Secrets, which inspired a listening guide, The Music, found on Patti's website, www.pattilacy.com.

2011 brings two new Patti Lacy novels to bookstore shelves; The Rhythm of Secrets, published by Kregel, and Reclaiming Lily, published by Bethany House. Here's what award-winning, best-selling author Gina Holmes says: Reclaiming Lily is a moving story of loss, healing, and above all, love."

Patti has two grown children and a dog named Laura. She and her husband can be seen jog-walking the streets of Normal, an amazing place to live for a woman born in a car. Visit Patti's website at www.pattilacy.com, her blog at www.pattilacy.com/blog, and her Facebook daily Artbites. Patti LOVES to hear from her readers and thanks every one of y'all for supporting books!

MY REVIEW
I really liked Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy. This story is full of love and compassion between sisters, parents and children and fellow Christians.
Reclaiming Lily shows even when we make mistakes we can be forgiven, even when we feel alone we aren’t alone, God is always there for us.
The story is also about adoption and PKD-Polycystic Kidney disease and explains both very well. It shows how things can change in a blink of an eye.
The characters are very real and likable and Patti Lacy has a way with words that really tell a story to keep you glued to your seat and your eyes on the page. I couldn’t wait to see how the story turned out. I was surprised at the ending, but not disappointed.
If you like books that are about real life problems this book is for you. It is full of problems, love and compassion with loss and plenty of excitement to keep you reading and wanting more.
I recommend this book and really enjoyed reading 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

Mary's First Christmas by Walter Wangerin Jr. A Review

2011-11-26T20:11:00.001-05:00

ABOUT MARY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS
On the night you were born the whole sky exploded with love, and the angels shouted, and more than a thousand hearts were in love with my baby Jesus on his birthday! Gather near and listen to the wondrous bedtime story, told long ago by a special mother to her very special son. Listen as Mary tells five-year-old Jesus of the first Christmas -- of his own birth and the remarkable events that surrounded it. Award-winning author Walter Wangerin tells this moving story in four parts, to be read in one sitting or over the course of four nights. And artist Timothy Ladwig brings to glowing life the people and places of Jesus' young life. Listen. Look. And you too will experience the wonder and glory of Mary's First Christmas.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (October 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310222168
ISBN-13: 978-0310222163
Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Walter Wangerin Jr. is widely recognized as one of the most gifted writers writing today on the issues of faith and spirituality. Starting with the renowned Book of the Dun Cow, Wangerin's writing career has encompassed most every genre: fiction, essay, short story, children's story, meditation, and biblical exposition. His writing voice is immediately recognizable, and his fans number in the millions. The author of over forty books, Wangerin has won the National Book Award, New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year Award, and several Gold Medallions, including best-fiction awards for both The Book of God and Paul: A Novel. He lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he is Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Timothy Ladwig is an illustrator whose recent books include Saying Grace, Jubilee, and Tonight You are My Baby. He lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his wife, Leah, and three children.

MY REVIEW
Mary’s First Christmas by Walter Wangerin Jr. is a very good children’s book.
It is told from Mary’s viewpoint as she tells Jesus about how she found out she was going to have him and the love she had for him. About how Joseph loves him and how he found out about Jesus. About how God loved him and provided for him. Then about how much Jesus himself loves the world and would give himself for everyone.
The pictures are just magnificent and the people in the pictures are so loveable and precious. This book is for children four and older and has 48 pages, put into 4 chapters.
I really like this book and would recommend it for you and your child/children.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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

Journey to Christmas DVD*A Review

2011-11-26T16:15:00.001-05:00

ABOUT JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS
Journey to Christmas is a fascinating new reality DVD series that invites you to explore Jesus’ birth through five modern-day explorers. Shot on ultra-high-definition film and packaged as a four-part DVD church curriculum, this unique study series chronicles the experiences of five very different people—a messianic Jew, a First Nations woman, a poet, a Christian radio personality, and an agnostic lawyer—as they journey through the Holy Land to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Guided by a local historian (Nizar Shaheen) with on-camera commentary from a team of Bible experts (astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross, ancient history expert Dr. Paul Maier, archeologist and New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Evans, Biblical times culture expert Claire Pfann, and others), viewers will see the Christmas story unfold though the eyes of each member on this unique pilgrimage. Journey to Christmas lets you immerse yourself in the culture, places, and people surrounding the Nativity. Stunning photography, a reality show format, exotic locations, and fascinating commentary from a team of Bible experts make this an unforgettable Bible learning experience!

List Price:
19.99
ISBN:
978-1-4143-6508-4
Trim Size:

Binding:
2 DVDs
Release:
December 2011

MY REVIEW
These two DVDs are 180 minutes long. I really enjoyed all of the scenery and information of the Holy Land.
Five different people from five different backgrounds got to go. They were a messianic Jew, a First Nations woman, a poet, a Christian radio personality, and an agnostic lawyer. All of them were either raised in a Christian home or had the opportunity to go to church. They all knew about the Christian faith.
The three women to me seemed to get more out of their trip than the two men. I can’t believe someone who has been raised in a Christian home or know about Christ gets to go to the Holy Land and they still don’t believe. To me it seemed like the trip for the two men Drew and Rory was just a waste of time. They wanted some kind of sign or a big miracle.
So would I recommend this DVD? Yes, for the three girls and they faith and love of the Lord and all of the beautiful places they visited. Below you will read who was there and where they went.
I enjoyed the DVDs, but probably won’t watch them again.

Here is one of the experts and the names of the others.

Nizar Shaheen
Biblical Scholar and Guide

Dr. Paul L. Maier
Prof., Ancient History
Western Michigan University

Dr. Stephen J. Pfann
President
University of the Holy Land

Claire Ruth Pfann
Academic Dean/Instructor
University of the Holy Land

Dr. Craig L. Evans
Prof., New Testament
Acadia University

Dr. Hugh Ross
Physics & Astronomy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are the five travelers and a little about them. The first part is the words of the traveler.

“Although I’m not religious, I can offer some benefit to those that are, by opening a more spiritual side to their religiosity.”

An expert in international affairs, Rory Nisan will bring a unique geo-political perspective to the group. He grew up in an environment where religion was perceived to be a divider. His father was disowned by his strict conservative Jewish family as a result of his marriage to a gentile. Now an agnostic, Rory relishes the opportunity to interact with the other Journey to Christmas participants.

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

“My culture is very close to Judaism. I would be interested to go and re-connect with what could possibly be my heritage.”

Nazreth Mebrahtu is a Toronto-based visual artist who works with fibre and paint. For the last five years she has explored issues of identity, freedom of expression, and spirituality.

Nazreth’s vast influences include primarily, inspiration from her Eritrean indigenous heritage, and from Western art, with her work often revealing conflicting values of the philosophy of her mixed heritage. Nazreth's work is informed by her deep passion and knowledge of materials, color, and texture.

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

"I intentionally wanted to put my life into the hands of God and make a personal investment in this thing called 'faith.' Trusting anyone was tough, let alone God. The next thing I knew I was an Associate Pastor at a church wondering how I ever got the job!”

Drew Marshall grew up in a funeral home, was kicked out of four schools, and finally dropped out after completing grade nine. Not wanting to wait around for life to give him a shot, he ran away to California at the age of seventeen and became a wrangler at a ranch-camp in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. After returning to Canada four years later, having never played a game of football in his life, he became a punter at the semi-pro level, which eventually led to NFL & CFL tryouts. After leaving his football dreams behind, Drew then began training for a career as a Fire Fighter. Had he decided to settle into any one of these ambitious pursuits, this wandering autodidactic iconoclast would never have ended up taking an unbelievable step of faith. In 1997, he moved his family to Australia with nine bags of clothes, two children, no place to live, and no job!

Then, after five years in Australia, he moved his family back to Canada and in 2003 and with absolutely zero broadcasting experience, walked into the studios of JOY 1250 and pitched the idea of hosting a talk show that was different.

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

“I will be of good cheer in the most adverse of circumstances… I will bring harmony to the group without placating people… I might sing Christmas songs!!! Is that allowed?”

Dusty May is a young and vivacious writer, singer, and painter from Hamilton, Ontario. Born into a dysfunctional single parent home, her childhood was filled with pain and difficult trials. Her amazing story involves a radical life change from involvement in the occult, dealing with mental illness, and eating disorders, to a life where family and balance have been restored. Her goal is to live a life of radical joy and faith, and to inspire those around her to do the same. Dusty May’s enthusiasm to be part of the Journey to Christmas is infectious.

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

Kim Kakakaway is an adventurous, compassionate, First Nations young woman, from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewn. Kim grew up in Calgary, AB, where she lived with her mother and 3 sisters. A deep love for her people inspired the creation of Anchored Warriors – a non-profit organization dedicated to; mentoring, leadership development, and bringing Hope to today’s Native youth who are in search of truth, identity and a sense of belonging. Recognizing the cultural similarities of first century Judaism and her own Native heritage, Kim’s quest on this Journey to Christmas is to discover the tribal aspect of the Nativity story.

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

Here are the places they traveled to.
Advat
Ancient ruins of a city overlooking the Spice Route

Bet Sh'ean
Where no less than 18 cities were built

Bethlehem
The birthplace of Jesus

Caesarea
One of the great cities of antiquity

Capernaum
Jesus' main base during his Galilean ministry

Ein Kerem
Home of Mary's cousin Elizabeth

Jerusalem
Holy city to the three major world religions

Masada
Herod The Great's fortress above the Dead Sea

Nazareth
The hometown of Mary, Joseph and Jesus

Qumran
Where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found

DVD website
http://www.journeytochristmas.com/

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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers 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

DVD and Book winners announced!

2011-11-21T21:37:00.001-05:00

Go to

Raettigfamily!
They won the DVD Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge
and
CSThankful
for winning Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper
More giveaways coming soon.
Thanks for visiting my blog and being my follower!

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble*A Review

2011-11-21T19:19:00.001-05:00

ABOUT Lonestar Angel By Colleen Coble

Eden’s hope is rekindled when Clay delivers astounding news: their baby girl has been found.

Five years ago Eden and Clay Larson’s baby was stolen. When they went to pay the ransom, what happened changed their lives forever—the kidnapper’s car with Baby Brianna inside sunk deep into the river. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.

Now Eden’s moved to a new town. She’s found faith and is trying to rebuild her life. She’s even dating again—a sweet guy named Kent who plans to marry her. But then Clay arrives out of the blue and delivers shocking news: he never signed their divorce papers, so they’re still married. What’s more, Clay has been searching for Brianna all this time. And he believes he’s found her: their daughter is in Bluebird, Texas, at a youth ranch. All five little girls there are the right age—he’s just not sure which one is Brianna. Or how she survived.

To uncover the truth, Eden and Clay sign on as counselors at Bluebird Ranch. They move into small quarters in the bunkhouse and oversee the kids as they try to find out more. Working together, they rediscover their love for each other. But danger is closing in—Eden, Clay, and all their young charges are in jeopardy. As they fight to save their family, Eden realizes that God has been fighting for them all along. And His plans are for a more abundant life than they’d ever hoped.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (November 8, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595542698
ISBN-13: 978-1595542694
Shipping Weight: 0.5 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.

BOOK REVIEW
I just love, love, love this book. Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors and this book didn’t disappoint. I was taken in by the very first paragraph.
The characters are very realistic and loveable, but the action and adventure outweighed all of the other parts of the book. What was even more wonderful was the special love story.
Eden and Clay had a baby and she was kidnapped and believed to be dead. So Eden left Clay and didn’t want anything to do with him.
Then the wonderful happens Clay came back and said that their daughter wasn’t dead. So they set off on an adventure to find their daughter. Bad things start happening to Eden, but why?
You will be on the edge of your seat as they have fun, get into more danger than you could believe, how they find out who did it and why.
Both Clay and Eden have many secrets in their past and how they put walls up to keep everyone out. The most wonderful part is how they both came to the Lord and are now letting Him direct their paths. This book answers the questions, will they try to make their marriage work, will they find their kidnapped daughter, will they let the Lord lead them in every way, will they find out who did the kidnapping and who keeps causing Eden trouble.
I really love this book. Lonestar Angel is a 5-star book for sure.
I love books by Colleen Coble and I highly recommend this book. Buy it today and you’ll be very glad you did.

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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.

Hailee by Penny Zeller*A Review

2011-11-17T10:04:00.001-05:00

ABOUT HAILEE
For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742182
ISBN-13: 978-1603742184
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. She is also the author of the humor blog "A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author."
Penny is an active volunteer in her community, serving as a women's Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women's prayer group. She devotes her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His kingdom.
The touching and heartwarming Montana Skies Series is Penny's first series with Whitaker House and includes "McKenzie," "Kaydie," and "Hailee." Penny says she hopes after reading her novels, readers will be reminded of "the power of God's love, redemption, hope, and forgiveness. I want them to catch a glimpse inside my characters' lives and see that God can and does change hearts. In addition, I hope my readers will take away from my books the importance of depending on God and putting our full faith and trust in Him. As Psalm 46:1 tells us 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.' What a reassuring promise!"
When she's not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball. She and her husband reside in Wyoming with their two children. Penny loves to hear from her readers through her website and on her Penny A. Zeller Facebook Author Page.
http://www.pennyzeller.com/

MY REVIEW
This third book in the Montana Skies series is just delightful. Hailee and Nate are very different with different backgrounds. She an orphan, he brought up in high-society, how will they every get together?
Hailee becomes a teacher, Nate becomes a preacher. Both have pasts that make them think they are unworthy to be loved, but know God has forgiven and forgotten.
I love the way Hailee has such love for her young brothers and tries everything to keep them all together.
This is a very sweet read and sweet romance. You will see the way the Lord works in both of their lives and works out things in their families lives.
If you haven’t read the first two books in the series you can still read Hailee and follow along, but the first two books are exceptional as well. Highly recommended.

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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

The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas*A Review

2011-11-17T09:48:00.001-05:00

ABOUT THE BOOK
Help Brother, Sister, and Honey search the Bear family tree house to find their 'bearloom' manger scene in this memorable and fun lift-the-flap Christmas story.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Paperback: 12 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310720826
ISBN-13: 978-0310720829
Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005, Jan and Mike continue to create the delightful Bear adventures from their family home in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks much like the sunny dirt road deep in Bear Country.

MY REVIEW
Another delightful book about the Berenstain Bears. I really love this book because it is a lift-the-flap book with a Christian message of finding the manger. The bear children search high and low for the missing pieces of the figures of the manger. They look behind pictures, under toys, in closets and each time they find another piece.
I love how colorful each page is and having the Berenstain Bears and their lovable faces makes this book sweet. Every child will just cherish being read to or reading it themselves.
I love how the Berenstain Bears give glory to God and tell what the real meaning of Christmas is. Not the gifts, food or going everywhere. Love the Berenstain Bears and you and your children will also. Highly recommended

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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

As Good As She Imagined by Roxanna Green with Jerry B. Jenkins~ A Review~

2011-11-13T16:09:00.001-05:00

ABOUT AS GOOD AS SHE IMAGINED
The story of the little girl whose shooting death at a political rally in Tucson in January 2011 shook our nation—and whose life and legacy continue to be an inspiration.
Christina-Taylor Green was beautiful, precocious, and popular, a member of her elementary school’s student council and the only girl on her Little League team. Born on 9/11/2001, it was perhaps no surprise that she harbored aspirations of becoming a politician—thus her presence at the political rally that fateful day in Tucson last January. Congressman Gabrielle Giffords was severely wounded in the gunman’s splay of bullets; six others were killed, including Christina, the youngest of the victims.
But this inspirational book recounts far more than the events of “the tragedy of Tucson.” Written by Christina’s mother (with New York Times best-selling biographer Jerry Jenkins), As Good as She Imagined celebrates this little girl’s life, along with the hope that has been born out of a nation’s loss and a family’s grief.

ISBN 978-1-61795-012-4
Jacketed Hardcover
List Price: $24.99
Carton Quantity: 24
Trim Size: 6" x 9"
256 pages
In-Store Date:
January 3, 2012

ABOUT ROXANNA GREEN
Roxanna Green has been a practicing home health-care nurse, now serving as CEO of the Christina-Taylor Green Foundation. Her husband, John, is National Crosschecker in the scouting department of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have a son, Dallas, 12, and their daughter, Christina-Taylor, would have been 10 on the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
http://worthypublishing.com/books/As-Good-as-She-Imagined/

ABOUT JERRY B. JENKINS
Dr. Jerry B. Jenkins, former vice president for publishing and currently writer-at-large for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, is the author of more than 160 books, including the 63,000,000-selling Left Behind series.
Also the former editor of Moody Magazine, Dr. Jenkins's writing has appeared in Time, Reader's Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of Christian periodicals. Jerry and Dr. Tim LaHaye were profiled in a May 24, 2004 cover story in Newsweek magazine entitled "The New Prophets of Revelation."
Jerry's non-fiction books include as-told-to biographies with Hank Aaron, Orel Hershiser, Walter Payton, Nolan Ryan, and many others.
Jenkins also assisted Dr. Billy Graham with his memoirs, Just As I Am, also a New York Times bestseller.
Jerry owns Jenkins Entertainment, a filmmaking company in Los Angeles, and also the Christian Writers Guild, which aims to train tomorrow's professional Christian writers and has nearly 2,000 members worldwide.

www.JerryJenkins.com
www.Jenkins-Entertainment.com
www.ChristianWritersGuild.com

MY REVIEW
This is an amazing book. The true story of the 9 year old girl who was killed in the Tucson tragedy last January. I was pulled in from the very first and was enthralled throughout.
The book tells of how Christina-Taylor’s parents met, fell in love and their life before Christina was born. There is a lot of back story in this book, but it really is necessary.
I found it quite interesting to hear of Roxanna and John’s story, also of the birth of their first child Dallas. The way they moved to different places and also the many trips they took.
Roxanna does most of the telling of this story, but John also shares many things. You would think a book about the death of a child would be only sad and morose, but this one is full of hope and about continuing on when you just don’t feel like it.
Roxanna tells the many different things her daughter was interested in. She loved so many people and helped those unfortunate. She was always looking for people to help and causes to support. She loved politics and was always learning.
I love to read books of life stories and this one is so excellent. I highly recommend this book. It is one that will really inspire you.

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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

Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh~A Review~

2011-11-13T15:52:00.001-05:00

ABOUT REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS
Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick's attitude sours even more.

Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons--as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day--work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.

Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719794
ISBN-13: 978-0800719791
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces

ABOUT DAN WALSH
I was born in Philadelphia in 1957 (guys don't care if you know) to a mostly
blue-collar, hard-working Irish family. My Dad was the first person on either side of the family to earn a college degree. It took him nine years, working during the day, going to college at night, using the GI Bill from his war days in Korea. In the mid-sixties, General Electric hired him as an engineer for the Apollo space program. We packed up and moved to Florida, which is really where I grew up.
I spent my childhood years playing basketball and surfing. In the spring of my senior year in high school I met the woman who would become my wife, Cindi. We dated for a brief period. I asked her to marry me and, to my great surprise, she said yes. We were married near the end of 1976. We have two children, now grown.
The desire to write novels first began in high school. But I didn't have the time to pursue this passion until 2007. To find out more, visit my website at www.danwalshbooks.com

MY REVIEW
Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh is the best Christmas book I’ve read this year. In this book you really find out what Christmas is really about.
Remembering Christmas doesn’t have one, but two wonderful, tender love stories and also talks a lot about the love of family, but the most important love is the love Rick’s mom and stepfather, Leanne and Art have for other people, especially those who aren’t Christians. It shows how Rick learns what is really important in life, not your job, money or fancy vacations.
The most tender part of the story is when Rick finds out he was the one who made life difficult, not his mother and stepfather, not anyone, but himself.
What brings Rick home? His stepfather has a stroke and his mother needs him to help run their store. She can’t leave her husbands bedside and she finds out her husband is worse than expected.
I like the days and weeks and how they change Rick from being a self centered, egotistical person. I also like the homeless man and how he works into the picture. It was a shock to me the way the whole story turned out.
A very beautiful, tender story full of love, forgiveness and hope. I highly recommend this for a fantastic book to add to your Christmas shelf. Five stars for sure!

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

The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson * A Review

2011-11-06T15:19:00.000-05:00

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE
The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town's quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn't fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing.

Once again, Melody Carlson delivers a Christmas story that will touch hearts and delight the senses. Sure to be a classic, The Christmas Shoppe is filled with the special magic the best Christmas stories share--that intangible mixture of nostalgia, joy, and a little bit of magic.

Hardcover: 168 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719263
ISBN-13: 978-0800719265
Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
http://www.melodycarlson.com/index.shtml

MY REVIEW
The Christmas Shoppe is a uniquely different kind of Christmas story. It is what should really happen at Christmas.
Matilda comes into town to open a shop and it seems everyone turns against her because she is strange and different until they each one by one come into her shop.
I think Matilda is a very loveable character and full of vim and vigor. She doesn’t back down when people get mean or cross to her, she just shows them love.
I really like this book because it shows us that no matter what happens in life we can come out victorious and change our lives.
This is an excellent book for the Christmas season and every day of the year. This book is only 168 pages, but I got a lot out of those few pages and it tells us just because a book is long doesn’t mean its better.
The Christmas Shoppe is a must read and a keeper. You will be transported to this sweet little town with their many problems and difficulties, but come out much happier and full of hope. I highly recommend this book for one and all. Five star plus.

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

Are your comments gone?

2011-11-06T13:57:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends,

I made a mistake and deleted some comments from the two giveaways-Christmas Lodge DVD and Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper. If this has happened to your comment, don't be concerned because I always keep a record of every comment and you will be counted in the giveaways.

I'm very sorry for this, it won't happen again.

Blessings,

Gayle Roper-Shadows on the Sand-author interview and BOOK GIVEAWAY

2011-11-03T20:24:00.000-04:00

Today we welcome Gayle Roper author of Shadows on the Sand. I really enjoyed reading it and recommend it. Here is my review link if you would like to look at it again.
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/10/shadows-on-sand-by-gayle-roper-review.html

Tell us about Shadows on the Sand the featured book.
Shadows is the fifth book set in my fictional Jersey Shore community of Seaside. Carrie, my heroine, operates a cafe in the heart of town. She's had a hard life and struggles to put the pain and hurt behind her. Greg is an ex-cop with his own tragic past that he's finally rising above. They, of course, provide the romantic thread of this romantic suspense.

Andi works for Carrie and lives with her Uncle Clooney. She's hiding both a personal secret and a highly dangerous one. When Carrie's dishwasher is killed and Andi disappears, Carrie and Greg team up to solve the various mysteries.

As Carrie and Greg fight for their lives, they learn there's a time for every purpose under heaven.
Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?
Counting ebooks, there are currently fifteen of my titles in print.

Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers? If so, why?
Of course I recommend Shadows on the Sand. It says some important things about cults, forgiveness, and God's timing in our lives, all wrapped in a great story. I also recommend Allah's Fire, a military intrigue that considers Islam and the Palestinian situation. And there's Spring Rain that speaks to the issue of a gay family member. But even when I talk about controversial topics in my books, I'm primarily a story teller. Action, adventure, conflict and emotion are uppermost in all these books.

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'm delighted with the expansion of Christian fiction into so many genres and styles of story telling. I've been writing for over 40 years, and it's been exciting to be along for this wonderful ride. I would like to see the quality of our writing and the breadth of our audience continue to increase while we stay true to the eternal message of Christ.

How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?
I'm always encouraged by brief notes from those who have read one of my books. And of course I'd love prayers that my writing touches hearts both as good story telling and as a vehicle that turns hearts to God.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
Obviously the Bible. Knowing God, JI Packer. The One Year Christian History, Rusten and Rusten. Dream a Little Dream, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Ferocious Sudoku, Will Shortz.

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?
Carolyn Custis James and Anne Boleyn.

What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
My family, both my birth one and the ones I married into and raised.
My freedom as a woman born in this time and country.
My salvation.

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
Too hard to name only one thing. There's the family cruise taken before my husband's health failed. There's the white water rafting adventure last summer. There's the week at Sanibel Island with my husband. And the list goes on.

What are you writing now?
I'm working on two projects. The first is a trio of novellas set in Seaside. The second is preparing to launch a blog called Widow's Journey based on my experiences and emotions for the first two years of being widowed..

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I can be found at www.gayleroper.com.

Gayle Roper has graciously donated her book Shadows on the Sand to one of you
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
~NEW Comment on one of my other posts +1 for each comment {so if you comment on 10 of my posts you will get 10 extra entries}

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 November 20, 2011

For the Rest of my Life by Harry Kraus, MD * A Review

2011-11-03T16:54:00.000-04:00

ABOUT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE
The riveting, emotional sequel to the best-selling Could I Have This Dance? Claire McCall, M.D., is haunted by the question: Does she have the gene for Huntington’s Disease, the disease that disabled her father? This exciting sequel picks up with Claire moving back to Stoney Creek to work as a family physician and help her mother care for her disabled father. She rekindles her relationship with John Serelli and—just before she’s going to find out if she carries the HD gene—discovers an engagement ring hidden in his car. When John fails to “pop the question” before learning the results of the test, Claire believes he is only interested in marrying her if she does not have the HD gene. She runs away from him without learning the results of the test, or the strength of his love. Claire copes with her romantic disappointment by plunging into her work. But a brutal rapist attacks three of Claire’s patients, just as each young woman is recovering from a recent accident or surgery. When Claire has surgery for appendicitis, she herself is attacked. Only her trust in God can keep Claire safe.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; 1ST edition (December 16, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310249783
ISBN-13: 978-0310249788
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Harry Lee Kraus, MD, (www.cuttingedgefiction.com) is the bestselling author of ten books, including Could I Have This Dance? For the Rest of My Life, and All I’ll Ever Need. He draws from his career as a board-certified general surgeon to flavor his writing with exceptional authenticity and technical knowledge. He and his wife, Kris, are missionaries serving in East Africa.

MY REVIEW
For the Rest of my Life is the sequel to the bestselling novel Could I Have This Dance by Harry Lee Kraus, MD is a fantastic read. It didn’t disappoint me and often second books do.
I really wanted to find out if Claire had the gene for the Huntington’s Disease that was passed down from generation to generation and got to find that out.
Also I loved all of the new cases Claire had in her doctors office that she is now working as a LMD-local medical doctor. This book has the same major characters, but has many new and interesting characters.
We see in this book how Claire grows closer to the Lord and how she and John get reacquainted again. Claire has many problems and they just seem to grow and grow.
The author really did a good job with hiding the rapist from everyone. He had me believing two others could fit in the category to be the likely person, but I actually did choose the right one.
I love how this story was put together and really look forward to the next book. Harry Kraus, MD is an excellent author and one of my new favorites.

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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

My Thanksgiving Prayer by Crystal Bowman*Children's Book Review

2011-11-03T16:42:00.000-04:00

ABOUT MY THANKSGIVING PRAYER
This book is focused around the tradition of thanksgiving, and features a young child offering praise and thanks for small and big things in her life.

Description:
Oversized die-cut format with a great value price. My Thanksgiving Prayer—This book features a child thanking and praising God for the big and small joys of life. Children will delight in the colorful pictures and catchy rhyme. And they’ll love the oversized board book.

Suggested Uses: Spiritual Growth
Perfect for: Thanksgiving
Ages: 2-5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Crystal Bowman loves writing books for kids. Her books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again. "But the most important part," she says, "is to teach children that God loves them and cares about them very much."

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Claudine Gévry
You can find Claudine diving the oceans with Technicolor fish, camel riding in the Sahara, trekking in a jungle populated with wild monkeys, or exploring the African savanna in search of huge elephants. Although adventurous, she sometimes gets scared when coming upon a giant spider or other scary beasts. At that time she heads back to the comfort of her studio, where she draws all the wonderful things she saw and dreams of her next visit to faraway lands.

MY REVIEW
This twelve page book is a priceless treasure and a book to keep for a special child.
The pages are big as the board book is. It is 11 by 8 inches and has such bright, bold colors.
This book is full of family and being thankful for all we have as families. To be thankful for Thanksgiving Day, food, families, birds, mountains, rivers, trees, bumblebees, summer, winter, rain, snow and everything.
Your child/grandchild will love the size, colors, words and sweet and beautiful characters in this book.
I’m giving this book to my grandson for Thanksgiving and know he will love it. I most look forward to reading it to him and talking about the pictures. He loves bees, butterflies and birds so he will be thrilled.
I like this book because it won’t be lost because of the size and can’t be ripped, because it is a board book.
Just a precious book. The author and Illustrator did a fantastic job and look forward to more of their work.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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

Bound for Glory by Timothy R. Botts with reflections by Patricia Raybon*A Review

2011-11-03T16:27:00.000-04:00

ABOUT BOUND FOR GLORY
Bound for Glory is a powerful gift book inspired by a collection of calligraphic paintings by world-renowned calligrapher Timothy R. Botts. The book features 52 paintings that are visual interpretations—in words and pictures—of African American spiritual songs. These amazing songs are an important part of our American heritage, and they continue to give us hope in the face of life’s many challenges. The book also includes 52 reflective readings from Botts and African-American writer and speaker Patricia Raybon. It also includes lyrics from the spirituals along with inspirational Scripture verses from the New Living Translation.

Binding:Hardcover
ISBN:978-1-4143-5453-8
List Price:$16.99
Release Date:November 2011
Page Count:128
Trim Size:9 x 9

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Timothy R. Botts has a BFA in graphic design from Carnegie–Mellon University, where he also studied calligraphy with Arnold Bank. After graduation, he and his wife taught conversational English with Brethren in Christ Missions in Japan for three years. He has designed more than 600 books at Tyndale House Publishers since 1972, where he is currently senior art director. In addition to teaching calligraphy part-time at College of DuPage, he has held workshops throughout the United States and internationally.

His work has been widely exhibited in such places as the Washington National Cathedral and in Obernai, France, and one of his originals is part of the Newberry Library's permanent collection. He was curator of "Scribes of Hope"—a traveling calligraphy exhibit for Christians in the Visual Arts, a national organization that explores the relationship between art and faith.

His own books include Doorposts, Windsongs, Messiah, The Holy Bible: Botts Illustrated Edition, and Portraits of the Word. Most recently he helped begin Masterpiece Ministries, an arts outreach to high school students, for which he is program director. Tim and his wife, Nancy, who live in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, have three grown children and eleven grandchildren.
www.timbotts.com

MY REVIEW
This is just an amazing book. It has so much in it. It has 52 calligraphic paintings, which are beautiful.
52 African American spiritual songs, some of those include We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder, Wade in Water, There is a Balm in Gilead, I Shall Not be Moved, He’s God the Whole World in His Hands, Down By the Riverside, The Gospel Train’s aComin’. When the Saints Go Marchin’ In just to name a few.
52 reflective readings, here is one from the page that has the song on it called
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
* Why hide
When God knows everything about you
Anyway?
So He understands
Deep hurt
And a bruised body
And the pain of hunger and the sting of sorrow when
Folks betray you and leave you
Alone in the world to die.
And here’s the reason He knows:
He’s been there, too.*

and Inspirational Scripture verses, the verses are from Genesis to Revelation.
This book is big, bright, colorful and full of history of the African American songs. It is a hardcover with 128 pages.

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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers 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

Against the Gates of Hell by Mylow Young*A Review

2011-10-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

He had always looked down on those who partook and pedaled drugs which claimed the lives of many in the streets. Now Kerby Wilson finds himself duped by his own pride and going down a very desperate path of his own. Distraught over the death of his parents and, the murder of a fellow police officer, Kerby alienates those closest to him, pushing them away¿his wife, brother, police force buddies and old friends. As the bottom falls out of his life and darkness consumes his soul, he sells all that he holds dear for an elusive state of peace.Herby, Kerby's identical twin brother is angry with Kerby for turning on his family, friends, and the police force and for going down this destructive path. As his heart hardens and he is caught up in his own battle of resentment and bitterness, he tries to shut Kerby out. But Rene, his God-fearing wife won't allow that to happen. Instead she continually appeals to his conscience, reminding him of God's unfailing love and Kerby's need for his help.When Kerby uses his past identity as a police officer to rob the biggest drug dealer in Philly, a price is put on his head. Learning of Kerby's latest antics, Herby, family and friends are challenged to push past their struggles to help keep him alive and break free of his addiction.This hope-filled story reveal the internal and external struggles of two men who find themselves in need of God's grace, love and forgiveness as they fight for their lives against the very gates of hell.

Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Lift Every Voice; New Edition edition (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802401694
ISBN-13: 978-0802401694
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

MYLOW YOUNG is a native of Philadelphia and has struggled with drug addiction for more than half of his life. After several stays at Bethel Colony of Mercy and even serving in that same ministry, consistency in his life was not to be found. After totally surrendering his life to Jesus Christ and discovering his identity in Christ, he has found newness of life. Mylow and his wife Sondra attend The Connection of Statesville Church where Mylow serves as a Deacon. Mylow is available for speaking engagements at your church, youth group, Sunday school service or recovery group and can be contacted at gaitsofhell1@gmail.com.

MY REVIEW
Against the Gates of Hell by Mylow Young is a book about the inside and outside struggles of life, drugs of twins. It is about police officers and how you can so easily get off of the right track. It also is about not judging anyone when we don’t really know what is going on in their lives.
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve never read any books by Mylow Young before, but would gladly read any more of his.
Against the Gates of Hell showed me what it is like to be an addict, but also how people may want to stop, but don’t believe anyone cares for them or is wanting them to be free.
In this book Kerby was a police officer turned addict after some horrible things happened. Even after all of that he still had family who loved him, prayed for him and wanted him back. Even through all of that he still couldn’t believe he was worth anything, but God wouldn’t let him go. I can just imagine if an addict didn’t have anyone who cared how would they even get help or out.
This is a very tender, touching story full of action, adventure, love forgiveness and real life situations. I really enjoyed all of the preaching and Bible verses mentioned in this book. You won’t be sorry you read this book. It really gives you an inside look at how hard some people have it, but they can make it with the grace of God.
I highly recommend this book. It will change how you feel about drug addicts and those people who are alone in life.

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Thank you to Moody Publishers 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

DVD GIVEAWAY and Review of Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge

2011-10-24T20:17:00.002-04:00

ABOUT THE DVD
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now-dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

http://www.christmaslodgethemovie.com/

"I believe we all have a higher purpose to our lives than merely existing day to day. Each of us, in our own unique way, is called to let our light shine. The unique, one-of-a-kind canvas of our existence is meant to be an inspiration to others – a true joy to behold and a heaven-sent blessing to those we meet and to the world around us."
– Thomas Kinkade

THE ACTORS

Erin Karplunk plays Mary

Michael Shanks plays Jack

Actors: Victoria Banks, Michael Shanks, Erin Karpluk, Peter Benson
Directors: -
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Vivendi Entertainment
DVD Release Date: October 11, 2011
Run Time: 90 minutes
ASIN: B005BXY1QU

MY REVIEW
Christmas Lodge is a wonderful family movie and sweet love story all in one. Mary loves spending time in the mountains, because when she was young her family always spent time in the mountains at the Christmas lodge. By accident she finds the Christmas lodge again and finds out it is falling apart. This really upsets her and she wants to do something about it.
Mary’s grandfather had heart surgery and then a stroke and they don’t know if he will live or not. I love the sweet relationship Mary and her grandfather have. You can tell they love each other so very much.
Mary also falls in love with Jack who owns the Christmas lodge. They work together in life, love and rebuilding the lodge, but so many problems keep coming up.
The actors/actresses do a fantastic job in this movie and it is just a beautiful place to have a movie, and what isn‘t wonderful with Thomas Kinkade involved?
This is a movie to watch with your family for Christmas and beyond. A G-rated movie and one full of love, faith and family. Highly recommended for one and all.

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“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.”

One person will receive a copy of the Christmas Lodge DVD!

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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 November 13, 2011

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks by Jan & Mike Berenstain * A Review

2011-10-24T19:59:00.000-04:00

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS GIVE THANKS

The Living Lights Berenstain Bear series helps children learn how God wants them to live every day. The Berenstain cubs act out the first Thanksgiving---complete with costumes, props and a full Thanksgiving feast. But will Sister Bear's pet turkey play the part of dinner? The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks teaches how God provided for the pilgrims and reminds children of God's many blessings.

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (July 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310712513
ISBN-13: 978-0310712510
Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 8 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces

THE AUTHORS
Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005, Jan and Mike continue to create the delightful Bear adventures from their family home in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks much like the sunny dirt road deep in Bear Country.

MY REVIEW
I’m just delighted at these new Berenstain Bears books from Living Lights. This one of course is about Thanksgiving and is full of such wonderful colors, pictures and we all love the Berenstain Bear characters. I like the story also. Sister doesn’t want the turkey for Thanksgiving because she wants it as a pet. I can see my daughter doing the same thing. Also brother and sister put on a play for the family who comes for dinner about the pilgrims and how they wanted to be able to worship the way they wanted so they came to America.
I like these books because they are longer, but really hold the attention of children. So if you have a child/grandchild or young friend, this book is just prefect for Thanksgiving. You will be entertained and also learn something about this special holiday. I recommend this for everyone.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer*A Review

2011-10-20T15:49:00.000-04:00

A Whisper of Peace by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in the small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother's dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separates her from her tribe.

Clay Selby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay arrives in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athabascans. He is totally focused on this goal... until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he's ever seen.

But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe. And befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart?

Paperback: 349 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764207857
ISBN-13: 978-0764207853
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.

MY REVIEW
A Whisper of Peace is a good book, but for me it really started slow. It didn’t seem like a lot happened in this book and it was easy to guess the ending. It took me longer than normal to read because it just wasn’t that interesting. I know Kim Vogel Sawyer is a sweetheart of a person and has written many wonderful books, but this just isn’t one of them.
Don’t get me wrong this is a fun read if you don’t have any other books to read. It is full of encouraging thoughts.
I would have liked the characters to have had a little more depth of character and to be stronger in their feelings and the way they lived their lives.
I just don’t think it is a book I would ever read again.
I recommend this book for a easy going kind of read if you don’t have anything more interesting to read.

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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

BOOK WINNER The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander

2011-10-19T16:33:00.003-04:00

The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander was won by

Patsy

If you didn't win, go out and buy The Wedding Kiss or another book by Hannah Alexander.

Love their books.

New giveaway coming soon.

Have a blessed day,

Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper * A Review

2011-10-14T16:53:00.000-04:00

ABOUT SHADOWS ON THE SAND
She serves him breakfast at her cafe every morning … but he never seems to notice her.
Carrie Carter’s small cafe in Seaside, New Jersey, is populated with a motley crew of locals … although Carrie only has eyes for Greg Barnes. He’s recovering from a vicious crime that three years ago took the lives of his wife and children—and from the year he tried to drink his reality away. While her heart does a happy Snoopy dance at the sight of him, he never seems to notice her, to Carrie’s chagrin.
When Carrie’s dishwasher is killed and her young waitress disappears, Greg finds himself drawn into helping Carrie solve the mysteries … and into her life. But when Carrie’s own painful past becomes all to present, her carefully constructed world begins to sink.
Will the fragile relationship she’s built with Greg implode from the weight of the baggage they both carry?

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Books (July 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601420846
ISBN-13: 978-1601420848
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gayle the Writer: Gayle is the award winning author of more than forty books. She has been a Christy finalist three times for her novels Spring Rain, Summer Shadows, and Winter Winds.
Her novel Autumn Dreams won the prestigious Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Summer Shadows was voted the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Book of the Year (tied with fellow author Brandilyn Collins).
Gayle has won the Holt Medallion three times for The Decision, Caught in a Bind, and Autumn Dreams. The Decision won the Reviewers Choice Award, and Gayle has also won the Award of Excellence for Spring Rain and the Golden Quill for Summer Shadows and Winter Winds. Romantic Times Book Report gave Gayle the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her Amhearst mystery series, Caught in the Middle, Caught in the Act, and Caught in a Bind, originally published by Zondervan, was reprinted in 2007 by Love Inspired Suspense with a fourth original title added, Caught Redhanded. Another original single title, See No Evil, was also released. Caught in the Middle has been optioned for film.
A Woman and her Emotions, an updated and expanded version of Gayle's title Balancing Your Emotions, also saw release in 2007. Gayle's other nonfiction title, Riding the Waves, has been called the "thinking woman's book on contentment".
2008 sees the release of Fatal Deduction (Waterbrook Multnomah) in May. Publishers Weekly states, "Roper's dialogue and character development are spot-on, which is no small feat, considering that Libby's world is peopled by everyone from elderly patricians to two-bit gangsters…This novel is a pleasure from start to finish."

Gayle the Teacher: For her work in training Christian writers Gayle has won special recognition from Mount Hermon CWC, St. Davids CWC, Florida CWC, and Greater Philadelphia CWC. She directed St. Davids for five years and Sandy Cove CWC for six. She has taught with Christian Leaders, Authors and Speakers Services (CLASS), serving for several years as their writer in residence.
Gayle enjoys speaking at women's events across the nation and loves sharing the powerful truths of Scripture with humor and practicality.
When she's not writing, or teaching at conferences, Gayle enjoys reading, gardening, and eating out.
http://www.gayleroper.com/home.html

MY REVIEW
Another author I haven’t read any of her books before. She is new to me and I really loved this book.
Right off I really liked/sympathized with one of the main characters Carrie. She is full of spunk, but also tender, but acts tough. It is hard for her to trust people after the way her mother brought her and her younger sister up.
It was very easy to get involved in this story and it was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to read it, but didn’t want it to end.
This book Shadows on the Sand is full of love, patience, suspense and forgiveness. Each of the main characters had something happen in their past that they need to let go of and move on in life. In each other they find how they can do that.
Also a cult is after two of Carrie’s employees, but she doesn’t know this. It’s sad how things like this happen and no one knows what is going on.
In this whole book people are dealing with love, loss and forgiveness. Each person deals with things differently.
I really love the setting of this book. It’s called Seaside, New Jersey and just sounds like a place you would love to live or vacation at. Carrie’s café sounds so very special, warm and inviting. Just a place you would love to visit and share with a friend.
I highly recommend Shadows on the Sand. You will love it.

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Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah 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

No Escape From Berlin by Rudi London * A Review

2011-10-10T21:28:00.000-04:00

ABOUT THE BOOK

A FRIEND IS A TREASURE FOUND

If you are a romantic history buff, you'll love Alex's challenging journey to purpose. We previously met Alex (from Philippi, West Virginia) in Rudi London's first book, The Operator Is Calling. Now we're telling his story. We learn how he grew up to fall in love with Tamlyn, which was not an easy task. Tamlyn had a mind of her own, but so did Alex. It was complicated; on their wedding day, suddenly one of them was missing. Many other members of the US Army Air Forces had issues with pilot Highland and his unit flying over Berlin that night in early June of 1944. We don't know for sure what specific night it was because all records of that raid were immediately destroyed afterward and Adolf Hitler took the secret with him to his grave-or did he really go to the grave?

Hardcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Amazing Road (October 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982302274
ISBN-13: 978-0982302279
Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rudi London was born upstairs at his parent's home in the city of Nedstrand, on the southern west coast of Norway at 12:37 A.M., July 7, in the year of Rudolph. His father, Far, had called in the mid-wife and his mother, Mor, gave birth. The birthing process went flawlessly up to a certain point. This is discussed in London's book, 3 Angels (July 2010). Upon graduating High School Rudi started his computer career in January 1969 at Forsvarets (Norwegian Military/NATO) Datasentral, Oslo. Working on IBM 360 mainframes, Mr. London sent his first email from Oslo to Bergen in November that same year. July 1970, Mr. Rudi London joined the Norwegian Air Force to fly fighter jets. After completing military duty, his Computer Systems boss thought young London needed more knowledge and sent him to evenings classes at BedriftsÃ¸konomisk Institutt to study college importance.

MY REVIEW
This is the third book I’ve read written by Rudi London and I must say this is his best one yet. Don’t get me wrong I have enjoyed all of Rudi’s books, but this one is superb.
I really enjoyed how the book No Escape From Berlin tells the story of a very young boy, his growing up and then when he goes off to war.
Alex meets an older man down by the creek and they become very good friends. Alex never tells anyone about his friend, but so enjoys all of their talks and the lessons his friend Charlie teaches him. It’s fascinating how these lessons helped Alex all through his life.
I was captivated with the action, adventure and sweet romance. I usually don’t like to read books that are set in the time of Hitler’s rein, but I loved reading this one. I was sitting on the edge of my seat through the last half of this book, wondering how things would turn out.
I love books with Norwegian characters in them and Alex and his family are Norwegian. I’ve learned some new Norwegian words and phrases, which is cool.
One of my favorite characters in No Escape From Berlin is Adriana. She is strong, brave and full of life. I like the way she never gave up.
I highly recommend this wonderful book. It is a keeper and one you will want to read again and again. Thanks Rudi for another great book.

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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

The Day No One Played Together by Donalisa Helsley * A Review

2011-10-09T19:31:00.000-04:00

ABOUT THE BOOK

For ages 3-9. . Jadyn and Genesis want to play together but neither one wants to play what the other wants to. What will they do? Will they be able to brainstorm and find a way to play together? Will they play alone? "The Day No One Played Together" teaches an important lesson in a fun way. Join these sisters in the first of their series.

Paperback: 26 pages
Publisher: Mirror Publishing (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1612250645
ISBN-13: 978-1612250649
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Donalisa lives in Oklahoma with her husband, David, her daughters, Jadyn and Genesis and their miniature schnauzer, Shadow. She is Wild About Reading. Donalisa has written many stories since she was a child. She is a social worker and has worked with children for over 12 years. Donalisa is finishing her Masters in Social Work so that she can be a therapist for children and adolescents. Her mission is to encourage a love of reading in our children and re-ignite the love in you.
www.wildaboutreading.net
www.facebook.com/wildaboutreading
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5234700.Donalisa_Helsley?origin=

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Sarah is a conceptual artist who recently graduated with a degree in 2D animation at Columbia College. She lives in California. She has freelanced as an art director, conceptual artist, and background painter. Her favorite music consists mostly of punk and alternative, she creates her best art work while laying on the couch, her favorite food is anything cheesy, and her favorite color is all of them.
www.s-harkey.blogspot.com
www.sarahharkey.com

MY REVIEW
This is such a sweet book talking about children getting along and playing by compromising. Two girls each want to do what they want, but get bored and lonely, because her sister isn’t playing with her. It’s such a great lesson to teach children to do what they want, but involve the other sister also.
The book The Day No One Played Together teaches a great lesson, but also is easy to understand and very entertaining.
The pictures in this book are very beautiful and the expressions on their faces are so real. The author uses her girl’s names in the book and I bet she got the plot of this story from her own girls.
This book teaches you can have fun playing what you like, but it is so much more fun if you have someone to share in your fun.
I’m glad to have this book to teach my grandson and further grandchildren what compromising is all about. A wonderful teaching tool, but also very interesting.
I recommend this book for children ages three through nine.

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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

Tiny Bear's Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones * A Review

2011-10-09T17:10:00.000-04:00

ABOUT TINY'S BEARS BIBLE
An adorable story Bible for kids 6 and under written by bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones. Tiny Bear's Bible is a warm, fuzzy reminder of how God loves his children---in a format that kids can cuddle. Together with their friend Tiny Bear, children discover eleven Bible stories in a book they can carry with them wherever they go. The closing story leaves us with this loving reminder: 'No matter what, no matter where, God is with us, Tiny Bear.' Sally Lloyd-Jones presents some of the most familiar Bible stories to children, which provides parents and grandparents lots of teachable, cuddly moments as they explore God's love together. SaLLy LLoyD-JoNES is a leading writer of inspirational books for children, with an expertise in conveying biblical truth to young children. She is the author of three bestselling children's Bibles, including the Gold Book Award--winning Baby's First Bible and, most recently, The Jesus Storybook Bible. She has written many picture books for children, including Handbag Friends and Time to Say Goodnight. A native of England, Sally lives in New York City, and can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (August 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310710820
ISBN-13: 978-0310710820
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.9 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sally Lloyd-Jones is a leading writer of inspirational books for children, with an expertise in conveying biblical truth to young children. She is the author of three bestselling children's Bibles, including the Gold Book Award-winning Baby's First Bible and, most recently, the Moonbeam Award Winner---The Jesus Storybook Bible. She has written many picture books for children, including Handbag Friends, Time to Say Goodnight and the critically acclaimed, How to Be a Baby: By Me, the Big Sister. A native of England, Sally lives in New York City and can be found at www.sallylloyd-jones.com. www.sallylloyd-jones.com.

Igor Oleynikov has been drawing since early childhood. He grew up in Lubertsy, Russia, a satellite town of Moscow where he lived with his mother, a carpet designer, and his father, an engineer. Oleynikov has illustrated more than 25 children's books from publishers around the world. He now lives Moscow with his wife and is a proud father and grandfather.

MY REVIEW
I just love, love, love this Tiny Bear’s Bible. Sally Lloyd-Jones is such a excellent author and always has books that every child will love.
On the outside of this Bible it has a fuzzy, warm covering that children will cuddle and love. It is almost a stuffed animal and Bible combined. It is just precious.
The stories that are inside are:
God Makes the Whole Wide World
God Promises to Rescue Noah
God Keeps Moses Safe
David Fights a Horrible Giant
God Protects Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Jesus is Born
Jesus Stops a Scary Storm
The Lord’s Prayer
The Friend of Sinners
God Makes Jesus Alive Again!
I am With you Always
This Bible makes a great gift for any child between the ages of two through five and even older children will love it. I’m going to be giving this wonderful Bible to my little grandson for Christmas. I know he will love it. He already loves books and this one is extra special.
The stories are only one page long, but very interesting. The sentences are rhyming and fun. Here is one story that is very special.
Jesus Stops a Scary Storm

The disciples thought that they might drown.
Their tiny boat tossed up and down.
“HELP! Wake up! Quickly! Lord!” they cry.
“This storm is big. Those waves are high!”

Jesus said, “Stop!”
The waves-obeyed!
Why had they ever been afraid?
The storm was big, but God was there.
Just like He’s with us, Tiny Bear.
Highly recommend this sweet Bible for your precious child, grandchild or friend. A five-star book for sure.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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

Could I Have This Dance? By Harry Kraus, MD * A Review

2011-10-06T07:17:00.000-04:00

ABOUT COULD I HAVE THIS DANCE?
You can’t dance this dance unless it’s in your blood. Claire McCall is praying it’s not in hers. Claire McCall is used to fighting back against the odds. Hard work, aptitude, and sheer determination have helped her rise from adverse circumstances to an internship in one of the nation’s most competitive surgical residencies. But talent and tenacity mean nothing in the face of the discovery that is about to rock her world. It’s called the "Stoney Creek Curse" by folks in the small mountain town where Claire grew up. Behind the superstition lies a reality that could destroy her career. But getting to the truth is far from easy in a community with secrets to hide. As a web of relationships becomes increasingly tangled, two things become apparent. One is that more than one person doesn’t want Claire to probe too deeply into the "Stoney Creek Curse." The other is that someone has reasons other than the curse for wanting Claire out of the picture permanently. Somewhere in the course of pursuing her career as a surgeon, Claire lost touch with the God who called her to it. Now she realizes how desperately she needs him. But can she reclaim a faith strong enough to see her through this deadly dance of circumstances?

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (March 1, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310240891
ISBN-13: 978-0310240891
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces

ABOUT HARRY KRAUS, MD
Harry Lee Kraus, MD, (www.cuttingedgefiction.com) is the bestselling author of ten books, including Could I Have This Dance? For the Rest of My Life, and All I’ll Ever Need. He draws from his career as a board-certified general surgeon to flavor his writing with exceptional authenticity and technical knowledge. He and his wife, Kris, are missionaries serving in East Africa.

MY REVIEW
Another first for me. I hadn’t heard of Harry Kraus before reading this book. He is now one of my new favorite authors.
There are two kind of books I love and they are medical and police dramas. This is a mix of medical and suspense which I really love.
This book is in a series so it didn’t really answer the main question if the main character has an inherited disease so I have to read book number two.
The cover is beautiful and title of this book Could I have this Dance?, is a great play on words. It makes you think of a dating relationship, but actually has to do with the inherited disease.
The characters are very well developed and it is a very exciting book. It is a long book, but kept me interested throughout and I look forward to book two.
Claire has gone to church most of her life, but doesn’t want to hand over the full control to God. She wants to have the control in her hands. I love all of the medical drama and medical terms, which is very well explained. It also shows that mistakes can be made in hospitals, because we are all human. She goes through relationship problems, family problems, faith problems, work problems, you get the picture, it’s a very tangled web.
I really thought it was neat how the author wove together the prologue and epilogue, it was the same, but very different. It gets the story going and ends the story with one of the main questions answered.
I really love this book and will be keeping it. It is a story that is well written with plenty of interesting characters, plots and suspense. Highly recommended to everyone.

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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

A Marriage Carol by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman * A Review

2011-10-01T18:08:00.000-04:00

ABOUT A MARRIAGE CAROL
On Christmas Eve twenty years earlier, Marlee and Jacob were married in a snowstorm. This Christmas Eve, they are ready to quit, divorce is imminent. Their relationship is as icy as the road they’re traveling and as blocked with troubles as the piling snow. They take a shortcut to get to the lawyer’s office, on a slippery, no-fault path. She thinks they need to stay on the main road. He disagrees. They fight. Story of their lives and they slam into a bank of snow , spinning, drifting, falling, out of control. Just like their lives. Reluctantly, freezing cold, hungry, scared, she trudges up the hill. Paul is nowhere to be found. Her ears frozen, fingers and hands red, she comes to a house on the hillside, built like a Bed and Breakfast, a green wreath on the red door and the door-knocker is in the shape of a wedding ring.

The red door opens and the first thing she notices is the fire in the room, blazing hot, a warm, inviting, friendly place and the voice of an old man welcomes her in. There are three golden pots on the hearth, shining, glimmering things. The old man claims that they are used to restore marriages. She laughs—and begins a journey through her past, present, and future that will test how she views her lifelong love. There are two futures available. Which will she choose?

Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 080240264X
ISBN-13: 978-0802402646
Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces

About the Authors
CHRIS FABRY is a graduate of W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and Moody bible Institute’s Advanced Studies Program. Chris can be heard daily on Love Worth Finding, featuring the teaching of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers. He received the 2008 "Talk Personality of the Year" Award from the National Religious Broadcasters. He has published more than 60 books since 1995, many of them fiction for younger readers. Chris collaborated with Jerry B. Jenkins and Dr. Tim LaHaye on the children's series Left Behind: The Kids. His two novels for adults, Dogwood and June Bug, are published by Tyndale House Publishers. Chris is married to his wife Andrea and they have five daughters and four sons.

GARY CHAPMAN, PhD, is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling The 5 Love Languages. With over 30 years of counseling experience, he has the uncanny ability to hold a mirror up to human behavior, showing readers not just where they go wrong, but also how to grow & move forward. Dr. Chapman holds BA and MA degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively, MRE and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has completed postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke Univeristy.

MY REVIEW
My first Christmas book this year and it was so worth reading. A Marriage Carol is such a incredible, little book and I love it. I read it in only a few hours, it wouldn‘t have taken that long if I didn‘t have to interrupt my reading to get things done.
A Marriage Carol takes a few sentences and has some of the same plots as the famous book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
They are on their way to town to get a divorce and end up in a ditch. The next things they go through causes Marlee and Jacob to really think about what their life really is about and how they need, want to look at all parts of it.
This book gives a person hope that everything isn’t lost and you always can try again. How we need to really put our spouses ahead of us and think of what they are feeling. How God made marriage and he wants us to keep working at it.
I love the way the book brought about the feelings and heartaches of this couple. How one choice changes a life. How everything can work out if we just have hope and work very hard.
This little book is really worth buying and keeping to read many times over. I know this book will be a winner of many awards. Highly recommending A Marriage Carol for one and all. Deserves much over five stars. Buy this book for yourself as a Christmas present. It'll be the best present you have ever bought.

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Thank you to Moody Publishers 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

I Can Read Made By God Polar Pals * A Review

2011-10-01T13:00:00.000-04:00

Polar Pals
Level 2

Series: I Can Read! / Made By God

Did you know ... A polar bear's favorite food is seal? That the emperor penguin is the largest penguin in the world? Read more about some very chilly creatures found in the coldest parts of God's world.
These exciting photos and facts show children the wonders of God’s creation. Includes simple text perfect for level two readers. Parents, Home school families, and classroom teachers alike will love the fact-filled books in this series.

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (July 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310721881
ISBN-13: 978-0310721888
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces

MY REVIEW
These I Can Read books are just fabulous. I remember when my children went to school they would bring these kind of books home, but the ones from school didn’t mention God as the Creator.
This book is called Made By God-Polar Pals. It has four chapters called Emperor Penguin, Arctic Tern, Polar Bear and Arctic Fox. Besides helping your child to learn to read it gives so many facts about each animal, some even I didn’t know.
Like the Arctic Tern flies from their summer home to their winter home which is 21,750 miles, that is almost the circumference of the earth and the Polar Bear doesn’t drink water.
These I Can Read books are very good for ages four through eight, but is helpful if your child is having trouble learning how to read.
Also the pictures are very big and colorful. They are very interesting besides.
In the series of Made by God here are the other titles. I’m going to be reviewing some of those also.
Barnyard Critters
Forest Friends
Jungle Beasts
Curious Creatures Down Under
Rainforest Friends
Sea Creatures
Our Feathered Friends
Big Bugs, Little Bugs
Poisonous, Smelly and Amazing Plants
Spiders, Snakes, Bees, and Bats
Cats, Dogs, Hamsters, and Horses
I like everything about these books, but the best thing is it talks about God and how He made the animals.
These books are really good for any parent/grandparent, but also would be great for a home school family and Christian schools. So I highly recommend this book.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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