The Queen by Steven James*A Review

THE QUEEN
The Bowers Files, Book 5
“A masterpiece of a thriller.”—Special Agent R. Wayne Smith, FBI (retired)
While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties together long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East. Amid the hazardous winter weather and harsh landscape, Bowers must piece together the puzzle before it’s too late.
In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a pulse-pounding, multi-layered storytelling tour-de-force that will keep you guessing.
The Queen is a breathless thriller from the author Publishers Weekly calls a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.”



Number of Pages: 496
Vendor: Revell
Publication Date: 2011
Dimensions: 8.50 X 5.50 (inches)
ISBN: 0800719204
ISBN-13: 9780800719203
Series: Bowers Files


THE AUTHOR
Steven James has penned 30+ books spanning the genres of psychological thrillers, prayer collections, dramas, monologues, a nine book series on creative storytelling, YA fantasy, and inspirational nonfiction.
He has received wide critical acclaim for his work including four Storytelling World Honor awards, two Publishers Weekly starred reviews, and 2009 and 2011 Christy Awards for best suspense. His latest thriller, The Bishop, was named both Suspense Magazine's and The Christian Manifesto's 2010 Book of the Year.
Steven earned a Master’s Degree in Storytelling from ETSU in 1997 and is an active member of International Thriller Writers, the Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, and International Association of Crime Writers. He is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest, and has taught writing and storytelling principles on three continents.
He lives in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife and three daughters. When he's not writing or speaking, he's rock climbing, playing disc golf, or (shh....) slipping away to a matinee.
http://www.stevenjames.net/

MY REVIEW
 This is book 5 in Steven James’ Patrick Bowers series, The Queen. Steven is a great storyteller and I thought I knew who the main criminal, Valkyrie was, but was I wrong.
  The Queen is a really long book it has 516 pages and 104 chapters. I thought it would take a long time to read, but got it done in a couple of days, because it is so good.
  This is a very exciting psychological suspense book and it’s not for the squeamish. Steven James does not hesitate to explore evil and tries to honestly portray the fractured nature of man.
  The whole book was amazing, but I really loved the ending. There were so many things going on, so much drama and suspense that I couldn’t put the book down if I wanted to. The details and wording are perfect. Steven James knows exactly what he is talking about and has a very fascinating way of expressing himself.
  I like that it was written in the state of WI where I was born and raised and I knew the cities he spoke of in The Queen. The snow and cold brought back many memories for me.
 Also besides all of the suspense, I like how Patrick and his daughter Tessa gets along and love each other. Another sweet part is how Patrick and Lien-hua have fallen in love.
 This book isn’t for everyone, but it is fantastic if you love suspense and fast-paced thrillers.
Highly recommended for an exciting read.

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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

Irene Hannon-author interview and GIVEAWAY

Today I'm interviewing Irene Hannon and featuring  her newest book Deadly Pursuit. Fantastic Book!
Irene, thanks for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you answering these few questions. It will be fun to get to know you better.

How long did you write before you were published?
I can’t remember ever not writing. I think people are born writers. But in terms of book-length fiction, I was writing for about five or six years before I made my first sale.



Tell us about Deadly Pursuit, the featured book.
Here’s the blurb from the back cover: Social worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children. But now it seems she needs protecting. When her tormentor’s attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements—her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
My freshman English teacher in high school, who instilled in me a passion for the power and possibilities of words. Book 1 in this series, Fatal Judgment, is dedicated to her,



What message do you want to be clear to your readers?
As with every book I write, I want to leave readers uplifted, hope-filled, and with a renewed understanding of the power of love to transform lives. In addition, in Deadly Pursuit I deal with the issue of personal responsibility and how all of us are accountable for the decisions we make.



What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
I love my family, singing, chocolate pastries, long walks, Saturday mornings with my husband at our favorite coffee shop, travel…too many things to list! I love to go anywhere on vacation—but over and over, I seem to be drawn to the seashore.



Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
I love to perform in community musical theater productions and have had the great good fortune to play the leading role in some classic musicals, including The King and I, Brigadoon, Oklahoma, South Pacific and Anything Goes, to name a few.



How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
I’m at my desk from about 8:30 in the morning until I’m done for the day. If all goes well, I meet my page count by 5 p.m. (minimum of 5 good pages, preferably more). Then, after dinner, I take care of any business-related tasks that I didn’t get to during the day. For example, it’s 9:30 in the evening as I work on this interview. And I have more to deal with when I finish this. Because I write for two publishers, I allow about nine months between books for each; so in nine months, I write two books.



What are you currently reading?
I just finished Winter’s End by Ruth Logan Herne. One of my contemporary romance novels (A Father for Zach) is up against this debut book for the Carol Award from American Christian Fiction Writers, and I have to say I’m very impressed by her work!



Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
Flowers…always flowers! To paraphrase Will Rogers, I’ve never met a flower I didn’t like!



What are you writing now?
I’ve finished Book 3 in the Guardians of Justice series, Lethal Legacy, so I’ve moved on to my next romantic suspense series, which will feature three former law enforcement operatives who’ve joined forces to form a PI firm.



How can readers find you on the Internet?
I’m at www.irenehannon.com. You can also find a link on my site that will allow you to become a Twitter follower. Please do!



And thanks for spending this time with us, Irene.
We wish you much success.



Irene Hannon is giving away a copy of her book Deadly Pursuit

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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 September 26, 2011

Theo Presents Cartoon-DVD-Review and GIVEAWAY

Theo Presents is centered around the adventures and teachings of the main character, Theo, a student of Godʼs Word. Theo lives in a cozy corner of a quaint English village, in the heart of the Cotswolds, and entertains many guests, including two mice, Belfry and Luther.


The animation series of Theo guides children and adults through a careful study of systematic theology. Theo discusses doctrines about sin, Godʼs character, the Bible, salvation and godly living with easy-to-understand illustrations that make children want to learn more about the Christian faith.

Theo Presents recognizes a universal fact: children and adults alike love cartoons. Theo captures the attention of young minds with liberal amounts of humor and high quality animation to present the Gospel of the Christian faith through the teachings of Theo and with the use of his two object lessons, Belfry and Luther.

Theo Presents is designed to serve as a multi-media resource tool that will help men, women and children fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, to go into all the world and make disciples and to teach those disciples Godʼs Word. The multi-media outlets include a DVD series, curriculum, books and audio CD series. Each of these facets are designed to work with one another or individually.

Theo was created to reach kids of all ages. The lessons and teachings of Theo can be used for Sunday school lessons, Christian school curriculum, missions, evangelism and homeschooling. The overall purpose of Theo Presents is to provide as many tools as possible to help present the Gospel to many kids and audiences around the world.
Web
Facebook
Amazon
Free App



MY REVIEW

I was asked to review this wonderful DVD. It is of a man named Theo who loves the Lord and wants to teach children about the important things of the Lord. Theo Presents is a most lovable, interesting cartoon. Many cartoons are poorly put together and seem to lack imagination, but not Theo. This is a brilliant cartoon that is full of teachings and love of the Lord.

The one I reviewed is called Saving Faith and it is about 10 minutes long. It tells about the life of Abraham and how he had faith and always believed in God.

The creator has worked on many very famous, award-winning series and commercials, but always wanted to teach the word to children in cartoon form.

I know without a doubt this is going to be a very big, winning series. The cartoon I reviewed was intriguing, but very simple to understand and the characters so very special. Theo an Englishman and two cute mice.

This series is awesome and can’t wait to view the other ones when they come out. The titles below are the ones to come next.

Really highly recommend this DVD and besides being very entertaining, these DVDs are full of many lessons. These cartoons are for children of all ages. Don’t you love cartoons? You will love these.

1. Saving Faith

Did you know that the same type of faith that saved Abraham, saves you and me? Kids will be entranced by Theo, a kind English theologian who teaches what it means to have genuine, or saving faith. Theo shares the story of Abraham to illustrate the life of a man who trusted the promises of God and walked by faith. Just as the Lord promised Abraham a son and fulfilled His promise, He promised a Savior to us. And sent Jesus into the world at just the right time.


2. Loving Obedience

Loving God and obeying Him are two peas in the same pod! If we love God, we will obey Him. Luther and Belfry, two field mice that have befriended Theo, lack obedience and get into trouble wherever they go. Children will learn a valuable lesson and be entertained at the same time as Theo uses the story of Jonah to illustrate the consequences of disobedience, and the blessings that come when we love God through doing what He asks of us.


3. Forgiveness

Nothing is more basic to the Gospel than forgiveness. Did you know that forgiveness in the biblical sense means to set something free? However, learning to forgive is not easy for Theo's furry friends Luther and Belfry. In this episode, Theo teaches the important lesson of forgiving others through the parable of the Unforgiving Servant. For if we do not forgive others, we cannot expect God to forgive us!




Whitestone Media is a Christ-centered, animation studio committed to creating quality Christian animation. Our mission is to teach children Godʼs word and how they ought to live in the light of it. Through our cartoons we hope to impact men, women, and children for Christ all over the world.



About the creator-Michael Joens

Mike Joens has produced and directed scores of animated commercials for toy companies such as Milton Bradley, Hasbro, Kenner, McDonald’s and Playskool. In addition to commercial work, he produced and directed the animation segments for the award-winning video series McGee and Me, as well as the animated Adventures in Odyssey for Focus on the Family. After a waiting period of over 30 years God opened the doors to Joens for the production of Theo Presents. At last the dream of a cartoonist, called to teach the Word has come true. It is Mike’s hope that God will use Theo to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and adults in every country of the world!



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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.”



TWO WINNERS TWO DVDs TO GIVEAWAY

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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 September 23, 2011

The Berenstain Bears Reap the Harvest*A Review

'That's the way it is with farming. Same way it is with faith . . . our true reward may come later on-in God's good time.' Brother and Sister take a summer job on Farmer Ben's farm. But will their hard work pay off at the end of summer?



Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Zonderkidz; Reprint edition (July 22, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310722772

ISBN-13: 978-0310722779

Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.6 x 0.4 inches

Shipping Weight: 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

Brother and Sister Bear find out that working on a farm is hard work and sometimes you have to get paid later on, just like with faith. Our reward is for later.

This book has the same lovable Berenstain Bears, with colorful pictures, excellent lessons, but with a faith lesson to get our children to think.

Brother and Sister could play all summer or get a job to make money. So they work doing all kinds of things around the farm, from feeding the animals, cleaning their pens and taking care of any chore that needs doing.

I like near the end when brother and sister don’t want to spend their money right away, because it took so long to earn it. That is another good lesson.

This book is for the age group 4-8, but I know younger and older children will love it also. I always love The Berenstain Bears series and the ones with faith and living are my favorites.

I recommend this book for all 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
 

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon*A Review

Deadly Pursuit: A Novel (Guardians of Justice) Book 2

GIVEAWAY OF THIS BOOK COMING SOON

A stalker with deadly intent . . .
A woman who protects children . . .
An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective.





As a social worker, Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children and seeing that justice is served on their behalf. But when she starts getting harassing phone calls and bizarre "gifts," it seems she may be the one in need of protection. When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, her brother Cole comes to her aid, along with his new partner, an ex-Navy SEAL, Detective Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Protecting Alison has become more than just a job--because his own happiness now depends on keeping her safe.





Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0800734572

ISBN-13: 978-0800734572

Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches

Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico series and Fatal Judgment. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine. She lives in Missouri.

http://www.irenehannon.com/index.html



MY REVIEW

This is an amazing book. Deadly Pursuit is book 2 in the Guardians of Justice series, but is a very good stand alone book. This series is about two brothers and a sister. Book 1 Fatal Judgment was about the older brother and this book is mainly about Alison the sister.

Deadly Pursuit has lots of action, adventure and suspense, and throw in a sweet love story and you have a winner.

Alison has been through a lot in her life, but remains close to the Lord. Mitch who is an ex-Navy SEAL, but now a police-detective works with Alison’s younger brother. Mitch stays away from God, because he has seen so much death and destruction.

This book has 24 chapters and each one is full of action and keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter, but when I got to chapter 17 it was such fast-paced action I couldn’t stop reading. The last 7 chapters just had one thing after another happening. So very exciting and interesting. I just didn’t know if Alison would die or if someone would save her. It looked like she has no way out. It is an amazing story right up to the last paragraph.

I recommend this book for a wonderful, suspenseful, romantic read. Deadly Pursuit is a keeper and I’m so glad I got to read it. This book is a 5-star book in my view. I just couldn’t put it down.

Readers this is another book to put in your TBR pile very close to the top.



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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

Laura Frantz-author interview and book giveaway-The Colonel's Lady

Today's interview is an excellent author, Laura Frantz the author of several books, and she has offered her book for a giveaway. Here is the book she is talking about today The Colonel’s Lady. I love that book and here is my review http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/08/colonels-lady-by-laura-franza-review.html




Tell us about The Colonel's Lady, the featured book.
In 1779, a search for her father brings Roxanna to the Kentucky frontier – but she discovers instead a young colonel, a dark secret…and a compelling reason to stay.


Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?
Three so far (The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady) with 4 more to come in my next series.


Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers? If so, why?
My latest release, The Colonel’s Lady, is probably the one I’d tell readers to start with as it contains romance, intrigue, danger, and more. The plot was very carefully woven and the characters, or so readers tell me, are the most vivid yet.


The Christian fiction field has rapidly expanded over the past few years. What would you like to see happen in this field in the years to come?
I’d like to see attention given to more books with settings outside the 19th-century. Since books in this time period sell best, there are so many of them, but it would be so interesting to see more colonial and medieval novels, etc. I’d also like to see books expand beyond America’s borders to settings in other countries.
How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?
If readers enjoy a book, telling friends and family about it is a huge help! Drop a note or email to an author. Oftentimes, authors keep these notes in a “sunshine” folder for encouragement. We really do write our stories with readers in mind!


Many writers are also avid readers. Do you have any favorite authors? If so, could you name a few?
My favorite historical writer in the CBA is Liz Curtis Higgs who writes with a rare depth and beauty. Her latest novel Mine is the Night is the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz and takes place in 18th-century Scotland (the prequel is Here Burns My Candle). It took my breath away! Other writers I enjoy are Siri Mitchell (Love’s Pursuit) and Susan Meissner (The Shape of Mercy). I read mostly outside the CBA and my favorite historical writer in the general market is James Alexander Thom.


If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
Excellent – and easy – question! My Bible, Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Jane Eyre, Christy by Catherine Marshall, and George Whitefield’s Journals.


If you had 48 hours to hang out with any TWO people (besides Jesus), alive or dead in the history of the world who would you hang out with and what would you do?
I’d love to have an 18th-century dinner party and dance with George Whitefield, the famous evangelist, and my hero, Daniel Boone. The only problem is that Whitefield abhorred dancing and Boone would rather have been out hunting and exploring.


What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
My Lord and Savior, my family, and my health.


What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
Two things tie as the most fun - attending college in an English castle and the recent tour I took of historic Philadelphia this past July on a research trip. Both were the experiences of a lifetime!


What are you writing now?
I’ve begun a 4 book series tentatively titled, The Ballantyne Legacy, about a Scottish apprentice and 2 sisters in 18th-century Pennsylvania. It’s a mail-order groom, rags to riches type story. I hope you and readers fall in love with the setting and characters.


How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love hearing from readers over at my website/blog - LauraFrantz.net - or Facebook.

The giveaway today is The Colonel’s Lady.
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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~Be or become a follower +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 September 17, 2011




Thank you so much Laura. I'm really looking forward to your new series. I know it will be fantastic!

Pattern of Wounds by J. Mark Bertrand*A Review

A Brutal Murder. An Unraveling Conviction

In Pattern of Wounds, it's Christmas in Houston, and homicide detective Roland March is on the hunt for a killer. A young woman's brutal stabbing in an affluent neighborhood bears all the hallmarks of a serial murder. The only problem is that March sent the murderer to prison ten years ago. Is it a copycat -- or did March convict the wrong man?
Alienated from his colleagues and with a growing rift in his marriage, March receives messages from the killer. The bodies pile up, the pressure builds, and the violence reaches too close to home. Up against an unfathomable evil, March struggles against the clock to understand the hidden message in the pattern of wounds.




Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House; Reprinted edition (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764206389
ISBN-13: 978-0764206382
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

J. Mark Bertrand lived in Houston, where the series is set, for fifteen years, earning an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Houston. But after one hurricane too many he left for South Dakota. Mark has been arrested for a crime he didn't commit, was the foreman of one hung jury and served on another that acquitted Vinnie Jones of assault. In 1972, he won an honorable mention in a child modeling contest, but pursued writing instead

http://www.jmarkbertrand.com/



MY REVIEW
I really admire Christian writers who write mystery/suspense. J. Mark Bertrand is one of the best. I love his Roland March series. His imagination is amazing. Where does he come up with all of these ideas?
Roland March is a guy that is very human and he makes mistakes and learns from his mistakes. He is just like a regular person. It seems like most of the police force is against him, but he always stays with his convictions and it works out in the end.
This was quite a grisly murder, but extremely interesting. You will see how the author lets you believe the different suspects may be the murderer. As soon as he introduced the real murderer I knew it was that person, not that it seemed obvious. I always try to guess the murderer and sometimes I guess right.
I like the way Roland and his wife have troubles, but they still love each other. They may have disagreements, but always try to work it out or discuss it.
It was very easy to get involved in this story and it was hard to put down. I really like it.
If you like suspense/mystery books this book is a great keeper. I recommend it highly.

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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