Thursday, December 30, 2010

BOOKS I LOVE~2010~


You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”
Paul Sweeney





Here are the books that I have read and loved in 2010.
I know there are many more books that are just as good or
better that I didn't get to read.
I put them in alphabetical order.
Thanks for all of the great reads authors.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE1
More giveaways coming soon.

Beautiful Bandit by Loree Lough
Christmas at Harrington’s by Melody Carlson
Code Triage by Candace Calvert
Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Cowboy for a Rainy Afternoon by Stephen Bly
Creede of Old Montana by Stephen Bly
Cursebreaker by Nancy Wentz
Deceit by Brandilyn Collins
Don’t Look Back by Lynette Eason
Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr
In the Company of Others by Jan Karon
My Lady by Joyce Wheeler
Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols
The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly
The Inn at Angel Island by Thomas Kinkade & Katherine Spencer
The River Nile by Kenny Blair
The Spoils of Eden -The Dawn of Hawaii Series by Linda Lee Chaikin
Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury


A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted. You should live several lives while reading it.”
William Styron



Monday, December 20, 2010

Unto The Hills*A Daily Devotional by Billy Graham

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.




Format: Trade Paper
Trim Size: 5.90 x 8.90 x 1.30
Page Count: 432
Retail Price: $14.99 ISBN: 0849946212
ISBN-13: 9780849946219
Style#: 9780849946219

ABOUT BILLY GRAHAM
William Franklin "Billy" Graham, Jr (born November 7, 1918) is an American evangelical Christian reverend/evangelist. As of April 25, 2010, when he met with Barack Obama, he has been a spiritual adviser to twelve United States presidents going back to Harry S. Truman, and is number seven on Gallup's list of admired people for the 20th century. He is a Southern Baptist. He rose to celebrity status as his sermons were broadcast on radio and television.
It is said that Graham has preached in person to more people around the world than any other preacher in history. According to his staff, as of 1993 more than 2.5 million people had "stepped forward at his crusades to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior". As of 2008, Graham's lifetime audience, including radio and television broadcasts, topped 2.2 billion.

MY REVIEW
“Unto The Hills” by Billy Graham is a Daily Devotional. This devotional was written 25 years ago, but brought back into print this year. I really love this book because it is a devotional for every day, 365 devotionals. Also love “Unto The Hills” because it was written by Billy Graham. I believe everyone knows who he is. The only thing Billy Graham has ever wanted to do is bring others to Christ.
Each page of the devotional has a Bible passage to read, what Billy Graham thinks about that passage and also a beautiful prayer.
Billy’s insights are full of love, wisdom and peaceful thoughts. You will be encouraged and enlightened each and every day.
I highly recommend anything written by Billy Graham, but this book will be with you each day.

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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.


In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer* A REVIEW



As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a cherished dream. Libby wishes to become a famous journalist, Pete plans to study to become a minister, and Bennett wants to join a fraternity and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well. And when Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?


Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764205102
ISBN-13: 978-0764205101
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces




Best-selling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, singer of songs and lover of chocolate...but most importantly, she's a born-again child of the King! A former elementary school teacher, Kim closed her classroom door in 2005 to follow God's call on her heart to write and speak. Now blessed with multiple writing contracts with Bethany House, Barbour, and Zondervan Publishing, Kim enjoys sharing her journey to publication as well as the miraculous story of her healing from a life-long burden of pain and shame. Kim's gentle yet forthright testimony lends credence to the promise of Ps. 117:2--"Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever."
http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/



MY REVIEW
The book “In Every Heartbeat,” three orphans that grew up together begin their college life.
Libby wants to be a famous journalist. Petey wants to be a minister. Bennett wants to pledge a fraternity, find a place where he belongs and have all the things he felt he missed out on growing up.
Both Petey and Bennett would like for Libby to notice them, but Libby only sees them as brothers and best friends at first. All of them go through many hardships and failures at school to start, but they don’t quit.
Petey is considered an orphan because his parents threw him out when he was a young child. So he wants to go back and tell them how much they hurt him. One of my most favorite parts of the book is when Petey confronts his family and how very touching it is.
During the book you will see how each of them grow up in maturity and spirituality. The book is suppose to take part during WWI but you don’t hear about the war until the end of the book. I always look for the title in the book and this one is very special. It tells us how the Lord is in every heartbeat.
I really liked this book and it’s an easy read. Kim Vogel Sawyer is an excellent author and I love to read her books. I recommend “In Every Heartbeat.”


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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



Monday, December 13, 2010

Deceit by Brandilyn Collins-A REVIEW

ABOUT DECEIT

Joanne Weeks is a skip tracer-someone who looks for deadbeats, a profession worth reading the book to learn more about-and knows that Baxter Jackson killed his wife, who was Joanne's best friend. The investigation stalls until Jackson's second wife turns up dead and frightening events begin to unfold in Joanne's life. Who is the man who jumps in front of her car on a rainy night? Why is he urging her to find Melissa Harkoff, a foster child long gone from the scene? Did someone break into Joanne's home? What does the Jacksons' foster daughter know about Linda Jackson's murder?



Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (June 29, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310276446
ISBN-13: 978-0310276449
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 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
I have always enjoyed every book Brandilyn Collins has ever written and “Deceit” is one of the best. I was very surprised at the ending in this great book. I hate it when half way through a book I discover who the killer is, but this was a surprise to the very end.
This book takes place six years after Joanne’s best friend Linda dies. Joanne blames the death on her friend’s husband, Baxter because of the way he treated her. Then his second wife dies by an accident, but no one wants to look into it because Baxter is everyone’s favorite person in town.
“Deceit” starts out with a Hooded Man that shows up at night, in a thunderstorm, on a winding road, then to make it even better when Joanne finally makes it home after her confrontation with the Hooded Man, she thinks there is someone in her house. Then what makes it ever creepier is the electricity goes out. From the start to the finish “Deceit” will take you on an adrenaline rushing, action packed ride.
I highly recommend “Deceit” to all of my followers who love a great suspenseful, exciting book. This book is very hard to put down and you will read it at one time if you aren’t busy.
Love Brandilyn Collins books!

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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



Wednesday, December 8, 2010

“Aliisa’s Letter” by Carol Van Der Woude A REVIEW

About Aliisa's Letter
Karin began her career as a nurse in Chicago. She was gaining skills and becoming comfortable with all the technology associated with childbirth. When her room-mate becomes ill and dies from mysterious causes, Karin's plan for a successful life in Chicago falls in disarray.
One hundred years earlier Karin's great-grandmother came to Michigan as an immigrant from Finland. When Aliisa arrived in Calumet, the town was booming with wealth generated by the copper mines. Aliisa found a job as a maid in the house of a wealthy merchant. She dreamed of having her own home in town one day. But the copper miner's strike and mine conditions have an impact on her future. Aliisa's dream is dashed.
Despite the years separating the two women, Aliisa has a message of hope for Karin.



Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Pleasant Word-A Division of WinePress Publishing (June 15, 2010) Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414115318
ISBN-13: 978-1414115313
Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

About the author

Carol is the descendant of Finnish copper miners and resilient Finnish women that immigrated to Northern Michigan. She has spent many summers vacationing in the Keweenaw Peninsula and has explored the rich history of the area. Hiking through wilderness that is bordered by Lake Superior, she enjoys berry-picking. She finds refreshment walking along the beach of Lake Superior listening to the waves roll in.
Carol enjoys gardening, preparing meals, and making pies and jam. She has been married to Dan for 32 years and they have three children. The arrival of grandchildren has motivated her to renew knitting projects.
Carol graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in nursing. She has worked in labor/delivery units in Michigan and Illinois. For many years she taught Lamaze classes. She is grateful for the experience of attending homebirths with a physician practice.
Carol’s experiences as a nurse have given her the opportunity to witness God’s marvelous design for childbirth. A woman’s intricate hormonal system, her response to pain, and the physics of infant rotation and descent, are part of the process. In the best situations, health care supports birth as it unfolds. She feels fortunate to have had the experience of assisting birth in the home setting.

MY REVIEW
“Aliisa’s Letter” by Carol Van Der Woude is a wonderful story. It takes place in two parts of the US. Chicago and In the U.P. , Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I’m quite familiar with the U.P. because I’ve lived in parts of it and travel through it every summer. So this book talked a lot of places that I’m familiar with.
Karin, a nurse in Chicago starts off with having to go to two funerals. Her grandmother that she didn’t know and her roommate. Both of these funerals send her on a journey of discovery trying to find out how her grandmother lived and how her roommate died. It is very interesting how these two stories come together to make one story.
Different parts of this book tells about different ways to give birth. Hospital setting to home setting, different complications and benefits. This book also talks about abortion and some effects it can have on women.
Karin goes to the U.P. to attend a friend’s wedding and also finds out her grandmother was also a resident of the U.P. She has the opportunity to visit the U.P. several times and sees how different hospitals and doctors offices work.
I love babies and birthing and was quite taken with this story. You get many views about what is best for mother and baby and see how things turn out if you rely on your own strength and not on the Lord.
This is a really sweet book that I would recommend. It opens your eyes to many different ways to live life.


http://www.carolvanderwoude.com/index.htm

http://carolvanderwoude.authorweblog.com



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Thank you to Wine Press 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


Maverick Heart by Loree Lough-Book 2 Lone Star Legends A REVIEW

ABOUT MAVERICK HEART
Nurse Levee O’Reilly and her husband, Dr. Liam O’Reilly, are headed west to the California Territory to practice medicine when their stagecoach is tragically attacked by the infamous Frank Michaels. All alone now and grieving, Levee makes her way to Eagle Pass, Texas. The local doctor cant afford to pay a staff nurse, however, and so she turns to the only other option -teaching. Devoted wholeheartedly to her students, Levee has little time for romance.
Daniel Neville has battled doubts and distrust for most of his life. Wracked with guilt over his twin sisters death and then punished with a limp from an injury sustained during a stampede, Dan dedicates himself to serving his family and working with horses on their ranch. Marriage is far from the top of his to-do list, and he aims to keep it that way. When a coincidental meeting brings Levee and Dan together, they’re awakened to a long ignored desire for love and acceptance by the realization that they might have finally found it. Can these two mavericks accept the plans God has for their lives?




Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Word Alive (January 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742263
ISBN-13: 978-1603742269
Product Dimensions: 20.6 x 13.2 x 2.8 cm S
hipping Weight: 272 g

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A prolific writer, Loree Lough has more than seventy books, sixty short stories, and 2,500 articles in print. Her stories have earned dozens of industry and Reader's Choice awards. A frequent guest speaker for writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, corporations, college and high school writing programs, and more, Loree has encouraged thousands with her comedic approach to learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and industry.

For decades, Loree has been an avid wolf enthusiast, and she dedicates a portion of her income each year to efforts that benefit the magnificent animals. She splits her time between a home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and she shares her life with a spoiled pointer named Cash and her patient, dedicated husband, who has supported her writing and teaching endeavors throughout the years.


Released Jan 2011

MY REVIEW
“Maverick Heart” is book two in the Lone Star Legends Series. Book one is called “Beautiful Bandit.” I read and reviewed “Beautiful Bandit,” here is the review link if you would like to read it. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/09/beautiful-bandit-by-loree-lough-book.html As with book one in the Lone Star Legends Series I really loved “Maverick Heart.” It is full of emotions, like love, loss, happiness, sadness and finally peace and forgiveness.
One of my favorite parts of the story is when Levee goes on a trail drive with Dan and his hands as the cook. She doesn’t let her being a woman get in the way of her doing her job. She becomes a great help and asset to the group of others.
Levee is teaching school and really loves it, but she is a nurse and she helps the town out when the doctor isn’t available. She never quits even when she is exhausted.
Dan loves his horses and brothers and cousins children. He thinks Levee is the most beautiful woman he has met. I like the way he says Levee’s eyes are the color of lilacs. I’ve never heard of that before and it just brings to mind such beauty.
Levee and Dan become friends and share many things in life about their past and the way they are going in the future.
I really like “Maverick Heart” and I recommend you read it if you want a very enjoyable time. It is a book that is easy to read and lots of fun, with some serious moments.
Buy it today!

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


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Missionary by William Carmichael and David Lambert a review


Yesterday David Eller was an American missionary serving the poor in Venezuela. Today he is an international fugitive.
David Eller rescues impoverished children in Caracas, Venezuela, with his wife, Christie. But for David, that isn’t enough. The supply of homeless children is endless because of the massive poverty and the oppressive policies of the Venezuelan government.
When the CIA gives David an opportunity to do something more—to heal the disease rather than working on the symptoms—he decides to go for it. But little by little, he falls into an unimaginable nightmare of espionage, ending in a desperate, life-or-death gamble to flee the country with his wife and son.
Was he wrong to resort to political solutions?
And was it really the CIA that asked him to get involved?


Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers; 1 edition (March 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802455697
ASIN: B003E7EZCA
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces


ABOUT THE AUTHORS
William Carmichael, along with his wife Nancie, are the founding publishers of Good Family Magazines, which included Christian Parenting Today and Virtue. He is the author of several non-fiction books, including the bestselling Seven Habits of a Healthy Home. Books he co-authored with Nancie include Lord, Bless My Child and Lord, Bless This Marriage.

William has a Masters degree in Education from the University of Santa Clara, and degrees from Southern California College and Bethany College, as well as an honorary doctorate from Corban College. William has served on the board of directors of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association; the Board of Trustees of Bethany College; and is current Corporate Vice President of Assist International. The Missionary is his first novel.


David Lambert is the author of ten published books, including the gold medallion award-winning Jumper Fables, co-authored with Ken Davis. Four of the ten have been fiction for juvenile or young adult readers. His short fiction has been published in periodicals as diverse as TQ, The Chariton Review, Sand, Virtue, Moody, Guideposts for Kids, and Story.

David has an M.F.A. in fiction writing from the University of Montana. He has held a variety of positions in publishing, including managing editor of a youth magazine and founding editor of two others. He spent eighteen years as an acquiring editor at Zondervan, most of that time as Executive Editor for fiction. He is now senior fiction editor at Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. David also sits on the Editorial Board of Jerry Jenkins's Christian Writers Guild and wrote the Guild's fiction curriculum.
http://missionarynovel.wordpress.com/home/
http://www.missionarynovel.com/default.html



MY REVIEW
The first part of this book really caught my attention and makes you think about everything you do. Here are a few first sentences of “The Missionary”,
“Life turns on small choices. A last-minute decision to take a shortcut over a snowy pass. A shrugging dismissal of the odd-looking man in the long coat standing off to one side. A decision to postpone a physical exam till a less busy time. A word spoke with the best intentions.”
All of these we do every day and think nothing of them, but David Eller made a choice that cost him much.
David and Christie Eller are missionaries in Venezuela. The country is full of political unrest and drug cartels. They work with poor and sick children. David wants to somehow help more than he already is and this choice is life changing. “The Missionary” is very suspenseful and action packed. It shows how we sometimes can go ahead and make our own decisions without waiting on God's direction. David meets a stranger with a helping hand with the children and also with money for the clinic. A short time later the same man comes visits Hope Village. Where the Eller’s are working. The man says he is Carlos Edwards. He makes a deal with David that will make everything he has been working for well worth while. The president Armando Guzman is not well liked. Before David knows it, he is caught in a violent war, one that could cost him and everything he holds precious.
This was a really interesting, thrilling read. I would recommend “The Missionary” for a fast-paced, page-turning read.



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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




Sunday, November 28, 2010

Masquerade by Nancy Moser*a review


ABOUT THE BOOK
1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America’s wealthiest heirs-a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid, Dora. She wants a chance at “real Life,” even if it means giving up financial security . For Charlotte, it’s a risk she’s willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.
For Dora, it’s the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery-and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (August 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764207512
ISBN-13: 978-0764207518
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and twenty-one novels, including Mozart's Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest.
http://www.nancymoser.com/

MY REVIEW
Charlotte Gleason and Dora Connors mistress and maid
They have to travel to America, Charlotte is suppose to marry into a rich family, her family is losing everything. Dora is going along to help and be a companion. Charlotte wants to marry for love and doesn’t want to marry Conrad even though he is one of the richest men in American. So Charlotte and Dora decide to switch places. Dora is greeted by the Tremaine family and they accept her. Charlotte sets off in search of family Dora has to get a fresh start. Things didn’t even start out right. Charlotte was robbed when they got off of the ship. When she finally found Dora’s family they had moved on. So that start the story off to a great start. In the book we follow both girls as they go through so many things and both draw closer to God.
In life many people ask Why am I here? What have I been born to do? In “Masquerade” the characters ask these questions and find answers. We can start in one situation in life but end up differently.
In the back of the book the author shows us pictures and descriptions of fashion in the 1800’s. Which is very interesting. Also she talks about different parts in the book that are real and gives facts about the different things, like the first American slum. It was called Five Points in New York. It was a middle class neighborhood, but because of water problems was abandoned to the poor. In 1880 at Five Points 37,000 tenements were there that housed nearly 1.1 million people. They lived in places that were not fit for humans.
Here is a quote from the book that I really like “If you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans.”
I’ve heard some authors say this and think it is neat, that the characters take over and write the story for them. That was the case with “Masquerade.” This was the first book I’ve read by Nancy Moser and won’t be the last. “Masquerade” is a great book to read on a rainy day. It would be easy to read in one day if you had the time. I recommend “Masquerade.”

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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

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Winner of Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury



Just wanted to say I'm sorry for not posting the winner of Unlocked sooner.
We are right in the middle of a family crisis now. So I would appreciate your prayers.




Go to our winner Leah at
dymesich(at)juno(dot)com
I will be emailing you shortly.
Enjoy your book Leah, it's a great one.
Many blessings,

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Winner of Don't Look Back


go to Pam at
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
you are the winner of

by Lynette Eason

Monday, November 15, 2010

In the Company of Others by Jan Karon*a review


ABOUT IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS
With Home to Holly Springs, New York Times bestselling author Jan Karon launched a new series, The Father Tim Novels, featuring the retired Episcopal priest that her readers have come to love. In the second novel in the series, Father Tim and Cynthia travel to Ireland to do genealogical research and discover family secrets. Jan's new book will surely delight her avid fans, earn her new ones, and send them running or the first book in the series as well as all the Mitford books.





Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Viking Adult (October 19, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0670022128
ISBN-13: 978-0670022120
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 1.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The American writer & novelist Jan Karon was born in 1937 at Lenoir, North Carolina. Janice Meredith Wilson and was named after a famous novel entitled Janice Meredith. She was brought up with her younger sister, Brenda, by her maternal grandparents.
When she was a young girl and her family moved to live in a farm. The farm environment unleashed her creativity. She tried her hands at writing a novel when she was only ten years old. At the age of 18 years she took up a job as a receptionist at an ad agency. She left her writing on her boss's desk regularly. Her superiors acknowledged her skills and soon she was launched on a forty-year career in advertising. She worked in New York and San Francisco. Her work was appreciated and she won numerous awards. She served at an executive position with a national agency. She finally left advertising and settled at Blowing Rock, North Carolina and opted writing as her career as it was her long term ambition to become a writer.
http://www.mitfordbooks.com/


MY REVIEW
I have read all of Jan Karon’s Mitford series books. Each one is like a treasured friend. This book “In the Company of Others,” the second of the Father Tim series is just as wonderful and entertaining as the Mitford series was.
The Father Tim series are not an easy read. They are books that really make you think and realize that life isn’t always fun and games.
We get a few glimpses of Mitford and it’s people throughout the book, but it is mainly about their time in Ireland. I’ve read many reviews of people who were disappointed about the book not being more about Mitford and it’s people.. I missed them, but when you are on vacation new things happen and you aren’t with your regular family or friends. That is the same way Father Tim and Cynthia felt. They love Mitford, but also love their new friends.
Father Tim & Cynthia finally visit Ireland, it is for her birthday, so when Cynthia breaks her ankle and becomes bed-ridden for part of the time and mostly has to stay in her room for the entire stay at a bed & breakfast you begin to see lots of things happening. They become drawn in to their host's problems and do counseling, being a friend, and just helping where they can.
Father Tim and Cynthia found a historic journal. It was written by Fintan O”Donnell from 1860. Some of it was hard to understand, but the journal had many heart breaking moments, but also joyous ones. I could see Father Tim and Cynthia reading it together.
I just love to read about Father Tim and Cynthia together. They are so loving and think the world of each other. This is a book to cherish and read over and over. Another winner for Jan Karon. Always look forward to her next book.
This book “In the Company of Others” is one of my most favorite books. I highly recommend it.


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Thanks to Viking/Penguin for the review copy of this book. 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



Christmas at Harringtons's by Melody Carlson

ABOUT CHRISTMAS AT HARRINGTON'S
Sometimes the best gift is a second chance
Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?
Reading Christmas at Harrington's, a story full of redemption and true holiday spirit, will be your newest Christmas tradition.


Price: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1925-8
ISBN-10: 0-8007-1925-5
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 176
Carton Quantity: 52
Publication Date: Oct. 10
Formats: Hardcover



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. Visit Melody's website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/.

MY REVIEW
Melody Carlson’s “Christmas at Harrington’s” is a beautiful story.
This is the first book I’ve ever read of Melody Carlson’s and wonder where I have been all of this time to not have heard of her. I’m so very glad to be able to receive this book and find another favorite author.
This is the first Christmas book I’ve read this time of the year. This was a fantastic book to start with.
Lena has just been
released from prison and decides to go for a fresh start faraway from her home town. Lena wants to keep this a secret so her life can start anew, but secrets are hard to keep. She ends up in New Haven, Minnesota and meets a wonderful, kind older lady on the bus. Mrs. Stanfield is full of kindness and love for a woman that hasn’t have anyone to care for her for years if she ever has. Lena lives in a "boarding house" and becomes Mrs. Santa at the large department store "Harrington's". It’s special how she got the job, but will let you read the book to find out for yourself.
It tells of how an ex con has trouble getting and keeping a job, how people put you all in one category if you’ve been in prison. This book is also full of wanting a new life full of love, happiness and joy. The main part of the story is about redemption and the true holiday spirit.
If you want to read a wonderful, special Christmas story that you won’t forget get yourself a copy of “Christmas at Harrington’s.” It’s a small book, but full of big problems and telling us the love of the Lord will get us through. I highly recommend this Christmas story of redemption.


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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

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Winner of Rust DVD

Congratulations go to
Raspberrygirl
at ohiobuckeye91 (at) gmail [dot] com
you're the winner!
Hope you enjoy Rust, it's a great movie.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Giveaways ending soon!

Just wanted to let everyone know that the 3 giveaways I have here on my blog will be ending soon. So if you haven't put a comment in for them yet, best do it soon.
The giveaways are:



Friday, November 5, 2010

Cursebreaker by Nancy Wentz * a review


ABOUT CURSEBREAKER
A ten-year-old boy known as Luke escapes from his
abusive father, and a local pastor takes him in only to
discover that the boy is a prophet with a powerful anointing
from God. Luke s gift of prophecy leads him into direct
confl ict with the Fratellis, a powerful mafi a family with a
generational curse of demon possession dating back to the
sixteenth century.
As Luke navigates the spiritual world and the streets of
Depression-era Denver, Colorado, he is befriended by
three unlikely people: a member of the Fratelli family, the
crusading attorney trying to take down the family, and Clara
Crawford, an intriguing woman who is caught between
the two sides. Will this boy and his gift be enough to save
lives and souls before the cycle of revenge and demonic
possession destroys everyone he knows? His only weapon
is the all-powerful name of Jesus....
Author Nancy Wentz s drama unfolds in both the physical
and spiritual realms, treating the reader to a thrilling tale of
mystery, passion, and historical intrigue.



Paperback: 397 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (January 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603740805
ISBN-13: 978-1603740807
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in Colorado, award-winning author Nancy Wentz
graduated cum laude from the University of Colorado. Two of her short
stories, Henry Cushing and Babi Yar, were winners in the National
Writers Association Short Story Contests. She has also written plays for
the youth group to perform at her church and has freelanced articles for
her current employer. Nancy has a great love for history and English
literature, and, in their pursuit, found her creative outlet by incorporating
aspects of both into her writing. Her voice is unique in that it reflects a
classic nuance not typically seen in modern writing.
Nancy became a Christian in her childhood and for years has prayed for
God s will in her life. Through trials of brokenness and faith, God has
shown her that He uses the most insignificant, the most defeated, to bring
about His will and glory. This theme was the inspiration for her first
novel that God chooses the foolish things of the world to confound the
wise. Nancy and her husband have a wonderful young son. She and her
family are active members of Littleton Baptist Church in Littleton,
Colorado.


MY REVIEW
This is Nancy Wentz’s first novel and it is an excellent read, but not a light hearted story. I was quite intrigued with the back cover telling of the story and the picture on the cover is great. I usually don’t read books about demon possession unless it has the good winning the battle in the end, as it really does. Cursebreaker does that but has quite a twist in the Epilogue that I wasn’t ready for.
Demon possession is a topic that many find difficult and unreal. In Nancy Wentz,s story she makes this matter very believable.
Cursebreaker is about the Fratellia family and all of the past generations of hundreds of years of demon possession that has cursed their families. God sent a prophet {a young boy) to break the curse, and the fight that proceeds is horrendous. The ten-year-old boy, Luke is quite sweet and likeable. He has had a really hard start in life and wants to find Jesus and follow him.
Cursebreaker is full of graphic and violent scenes, it is best not to read this book alone or right before bed. This book shows both the physical and spiritual dominions, with very graphic descriptions. If you keep reading you will also find hope, salvation and light that comes from Jesus Christ to the most despicable people and situations.
During the book I kept hoping different people would become Christians. It was wonderful when some did.
I was really glad to hear that there are two more books in this series. I want to make sure to read them and any other books Nancy Wentz writes. She has a wonderful gift and uses it very well. I recommend this book to you if you like books in the 1930’s setting, mafia families, demon possession, spiritual warfare. A very interesting story that you won’t want to put down.




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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


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury*a review and Giveaway

About Unlocked
Before You Take a Stand ... You Got to Take a Chance. Holden Harris is an eighteen-year-old locked in a prison of autism. Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal---on the inside, in a private world all his own. In reality, he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different. Ella Reynolds is part of the 'in' crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him ... the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery---she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake. Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden's praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.


Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (October 12, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310266955
ISBN-13: 978-0310266952
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

About Karen Kingsbury
Karen is best known for her Life-Changing Fiction (TM) and for creating unforgettable characters. When speaking before women's groups - some with more than 10,000 in attendance - Karen makes audiences laugh and cry with her compelling story-telling. She likes to tell attendees they have, "One chance to write the story of their lives," and her talk focuses on reminding women to live every day loving well, laughing often, and finding true life in Jesus Christ. Karen routinely speaks before more than 100,000 women each year. Karen is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen and her husband, Don, live in the Pacific Northwest with their six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.
http://karenkingsbury.com/

My Review
I’ve read many of Karen Kingsbury’s books, but in my opinion “Unlocked” is her best yet. In this book you will read about Autism, teen suicide, bullying, such deep love for others, second chances and forgiveness.
There are many ways in our lives to be locked into ourselves. Each one of us has something that locks us in.
The main character Holden has autism and it’s neat how the author gives you his outlook on his life and the world. Holden wants everyone to look past the way he is on the outside to see the real him on the inside. I love Holden’s love of people and the way he prays for them.
Ella is another main character who is a precious girl who learns to love the so called unloved people. Ella was part of the in crowd, but hated the way her friends bully those who are smaller or those who are different than they are.
I love the way Karen shares the gospel and tells those who read her books about the Lord. She puts things very clear so anyone can understand them.
With Ella’s love and Holden’s friendship can they change the school? You will have to read this super book to find out.
This wonderful book will make you laugh, cry and just rejoice. “Unlocked” is the best book I’ve read this year. It is more than just a story, it is a book full of lessons we can learn. If you don’t buy any other book this year this is the one for you. It would make a fantastic Christmas gift. A must read. What an enjoyable book. I really LOVED reading it. So you know I highly recommend it.

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Thanks to Zondervan Publishing House for giving me a review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Thanks to Zondervan for donating Unlocked to one of you, my followers. Here are the rules.
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.
Please become my follower, subscribe to my email updates and become a facebook blog follower.
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 19,2010


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Winner of Code Triage by Candace Calvert

Go to
CarolNWong
at
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

You are the winner of Candace Calvert's book

CODE TRIAGE