Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins*A Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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