The Seeker by Ann H. Gabhart*Book Review

A CAPTIVATING STORY OF LOVE THAT BLOOMS
DESPITE DESPERATE CIRCUMSTANCES

Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3363-6
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3363-0
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 416
Carton Quantity: 40
Publication Date: Jul. 10
Formats: Paperback


ABOUT THE BOOK:
Author Ann H. Gabhart weaves a striking story about life, love and fateful decisions in her new book The Seeker.

Set during the 1860s, The Seeker introduces readers to Charlotte Vance, a pampered Kentucky gentlewoman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers—a religious group that does not allow marriage—she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte’s sister, it is more than she can bear.

With the country—and her own household—on the brink of civil war, Charlotte hatches a plan to avoid her new stepmother and win back her man by joining the Shaker community at Harmony Hill. Little does she know that this decision will lead her down a road of unforeseen consequences.
In this moving and well-researched story, Gabhart brings alive the strikingly different worlds of the Southern gentry, the simple Shakers, and the ravages of war during the 1860s to deliver a touching story of love, freedom, and forgiveness.


She joined the Shakers to escape her troubles …
But unforeseen consequences threaten all she holds dear



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky, Ann H. Gabhart has walked the same paths that her characters might have walked in generations past. Her thorough research provides a convincing and colorful backdrop for her Shaker novels. Gabhart is the author of several novels, including The Outsider and The Believer.

MY REVIEW:
The Seeker by Ann H. Gabhart is a very sweet love story. Even though Charlotte and Adam don’t spend much time together in the story it is full of sweetness and love. I really loved the part of The Seeker where Charlotte and Adam wrote letters to each other for a year. She was in the Shaker village and Adam was away drawing pictures of the war. The Shakers don’t allow any kind of love or sharing sweet words in letters. The only reason Charlotte was allowed to receive his letters were so the Shakers would know how the war was going. Even though I saw the love shining through in the letters. Another part I really liked was how Charlotte showed love to her young step brother.
I also like how Charlotte loved the slaves in her home as family. She did many things for them and helped them in any way she could.
This book is full of freedom, slavery, love faith, loyalty, valor, sacrifice and forgiveness. A book that tells of the Civil War, that will open your eyes to what war is really about. Death and life, sadness and love.
This is a good book and I recommend it. It is very long, over 400 pages, but that’s what I love. So buy yourself a copy or go to the library, but it would be so nice to have your own.

Order from Revell

Order from Amazon

“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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

Winner of Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

to

Debbie at

twoofakind12{at}yahoo{dot}com

She is the winner of

Delia Parr's "Hearts Awakening"

Congrats I'm very happy for you!

Author Interview & Book Giveaway/Laura Frantz/Courting Morrow Little

Courting Morrow Little is a super book. I loved it and so will you. Here is the link for the review I did of this great book. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/07/courting-morrow-little-by-laura-frantz.html

Here is my interview with Laura Frantz. She's a very special lady. Drop by her blog site and leave her a message.



How long did you write before you were published?
40 years. I began at age 7 so it was a very long journey. I never set out to be published – I just wrote for the sheer joy of writing. In fact, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be published even when my current editor contacted me. But I’m so glad my books are out there now as I’m hearing from readers (and reviewers like you) and that blesses me so much!

Tell us about Courting Morrow Little, the featured book.
Morrow is a young woman on the 18th-century Kentucky frontier who struggles with the trauma of her past – an Indian raid – and must come to terms with forgiveness, all the while being pursued by several suitors and nearly missing the love of a lifetime.

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
My granny was such a huge part of my life - she passed away shortly before my first book, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, was published. I dedicated the book to her. She was almost 100 years old and had come from Virginia to Kentucky as a young woman. She always felt I had a writing gift and needed to use it. My brother (a missionary in Spain) and my parents have been so supportive, too. Everyone needs people who believes in them and prays for them. It makes all the difference!

What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
That God loves them just as they are and has a plan for their life. Also, that the valleys of our lives are for our good and He will bring blessings from them. Like Morrow, the darkness and difficulties we encounter holds untold blessings in the end if we walk through them with Him.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
Oh, great questions! I love to cook and garden, take walks and read. Writing letters is also a favorite pastime. As for vacations, I love historical places in any country – from Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg to the Russian royal palaces in St. Petersburg, etc. Kentucky, of course, has such a rich history and I never tire of being there.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
I traveled quite a bit in my younger days. I attended college in a British castle and turned 21 in Russia where I saw the Bolshoi Ballet perform Swan Lake. Now I’m a homebody living and writing in a little house in the big woods!
How very interesting!

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 really have to pray about the use of my time – it’s such a gift. And writers have many distractions such as marketing and blogging, twittering and Facebook if they choose to go that route and connect with readers, etc. I don’t ever keep a word count as that’s too much like counting calories to me. I tend to be a very s…l…o…w writer. The Frontiersman’s Daughter took 5 years to write and Courting Morrow Little took 2 years. But I seem to be getting faster as I go.

What are you currently reading?
Delia Parr’s Hearts Awakening. In my mailbox this week I received Ransome’s Crossing by Kaye Dacus and She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell. Never enough time to read all the good books I’d like to!
I just read two of those books. Really great authors also.

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
I grow both though my husband is the master gardener since my writing kicked inJ. My very favorite flower is the Cecile Bruner climbing rose that is overtaking our little greenhouse wall. The fragrance is so sweet and the tiny buds so beautiful! I also love Lily of the Valley and lavender.

What are you writing now?
I’m on deadline now for my third Kentucky novel, tentatively titled, The Colonel’s Lady, due out next summer. It involves a Revolutionary War hero and a spinster. I’ve enjoyed the story so much and almost hate to finish and turn it in!
We can't wait to read your next book!

How do readers find you on the internet?
I love to hear from readers at my combined blog/website: http://laurafrantz.net
I’m also on Facebook and Twitter which you can link to from my website/blog.
Bless you for such a fun interview! I am so appreciative of the chance to meet new readers and give away one of my books!

Thank you so very much Laura. It was very special to have you join us.
Many blessings and great success in your writing!





All you have to do to win this book is be/become a follower and leave a comment, also leave an email address to enter!
This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is August 10, 2010. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email.

WINNING READINGS

I wanted to tell you about a great blog that I use often. When I have a giveaway on my blog I give the information to Jane or Megan at http://winningreadings.blogspot.com Winning Readings has two bloggers. And then they put a post up on their blog to tell about it. That way my giveaway is seen by many more people and that also gets more people to see my blog and become followers. So it’s a win-win situation for me. I’m very fortunate to be able to have Jane/Megan to help me.
Right now, but that changes a lot, Winning Readings has 406 followers. So I just wanted to post this to thank Jane/Megan for all they do.

Jane has another blog besides Winning Readings and it is http://moziesme.blogspot.com/

I'm the mom of three-year-old Esmé, and we both love to read!
We blog about our day-to-day adventures as MoziEsmé.

Here is a little about Megan and her other blog is
http://inspiredbyfiction.blogspot.com/

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. He has given me a wonderful husband and two children. He also allowed me work at a Christian-run bookstore for 8 years, before giving me the privilege and challenge of being a stay at home mom.

Jane and Megan have been such an inspiration and help to me in many ways. They both are always willing to help. I appreciate your time and talent Jane and Megan. Thanks very much.
Check out their blogs and get involved.

CHRISTIAN BOOK GIVEAWAYS

I wanted to tell you about a great blog that I use often. When I have a giveaway on my blog I give the information to Carman at Christian book giveaways
http://christianbookgiveaways.blogspot.com/
And then she puts a post up on her blog to tell about it. That way my giveaway is seen by many more people and that also gets more people to see my blog and become followers. So it’s a win-win situation for me. I’m very fortunate to be able to have Carman to help me.
Right now, but that changes a lot, Christian book giveaways has 117 followers. So I just wanted to post this to thank Carman for all she does.

Here is a little about Christian Book Giveaways and Carman.

Christian Book Giveaways
This blog is for people who are tired of searching lots of sites to find Christian Fiction book giveaways. I wanted to make a place where you could easily find giveaways that interest you. Enjoy!

I'm a Junior in high school, who loves to read. I am blessed with amazing friends, family, and a relationship with Jesus Christ! I am also greatly blessed to have been homeschooled my whole life. ~ If you would like for me to review your book, I would be happy to.

Carman’s other site is a book review site at this link.
http://continuousdelights.blogspot.com/

I really like Carman a lot. She has been a great help to me. Thanks Carman!

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz* a review

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Life and Love on the American Frontier

Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3340-7
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3340-1
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 368
Publication Date: Jul. 10
Formats: Paperback

ABOUT THE BOOK
In Courting Morrow Little, Frantz introduces readers to Morrow Little, who is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love.

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington state with her husband and two sons.




MY REVIEW
Morrow Mary Little written by Laura Frantz is one excellent book. The cover of the book is beautiful and I love the name Morrow. This book is a great historical romance. I was gripped from the very beginning when 5 year old Morrow lost her mom, little sister to death from the Shawnee Indians and her brother was kidnapped. So Morrow and her Pa try to go on and live their lives. Morrow is plagued with being terrified of Indians. Five years after the deaths and kidnapping an Indian Chief and his sick son come to their cabin. The son is deathly sick. Follow Morrow as she rides a roller coaster of emotions. From fear, faith, forgiveness, betrayal, love, fighting between Indians and white man, surviving many difficulties.
Halfway through the book you feel like things are just right, all is going well, but then Laura Frantz brings more problems and different things that happen that will make you want the story to never end. Courting Morrow Little is full of redemption and forgiveness. If you find it hard to forgive someone something you need to read about Morrow and how she comes to forgive and love.
There is so much more to this story, but I want you to read it for yourself.
Another book that is on my favorite list of the year.
This is a new author to me and one that I will read all of her books from now on. Laura Frantz is a very talented lady whom you need to keep a lookout for.
A great 5 star book that I highly recommend.
Laura Frantz has graciously agreed to giveaway one of her books “Courting Morrow Little” to one of you lucky followers. I will have a wonderful interview with Laura and that giveaway up soon.



“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

ORDER FROM REVELL

ORDER FROM AMAZON


I received my free copy from Donna Hausler of Baker Publishing Group for my review.

www.RevellBooks.com

Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller* a review

ABOUT THE BOOK
Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages inhabited by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in the community. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered and she is forced to make difficult choices about a new life and the man she left behind. Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, and when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, Berta's rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?


Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House; Original edition (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764206427
ISBN-13: 978-0764206429
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judith Miller is a award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, many of which have appeared on the CBA bestseller lists. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.
http://www.judithmccoymiller.com/


My Review:
Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller is a good book, but not one of my favorites. The book is written from each girls' standpoint, which I find interesting.
This story is about two girls who have very different lives, but who find themselves thrown together. Each takes a different path, but they end up finding out that secrets hurt everyone involved.
Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller is the first book in the Daughters of Amana series. I like the cover as it shows the dress of the Amana people.
Johanna grew up in a very religious community, almost like the Amish. She has always wanted to see what lies beyond their community. Berta moves to Amana, when she is 17, she's the spoiled daughter of a Chicago doctor and his wife. She wants anything but to be here in this quiet, silly community. Johanna has the job of teaching and training Berta on all of the rules and ways of her people.
Berta is very unruly, disrespectful and hard to get along with, but Johanna becomes her friend.
There is a love interest for both girls, but I find it unlikely that a young girl like Johanna at first doesn’t think about boys or marriage. She thinks it’s best to be single.
The first part of the book was very slow and it took some getting into, but it was an enjoyable read that is if you like this kind of lifestyle you would like the book. I don’t like a group of Christians telling you how you have to live and work or you’re not living your life right. A nice book for a rainy day when you have nothing else to do.

This book was sent to me by Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review program. I was sent a free copy of this book to review.

ORDER FROM BETHANY HOUSE

ORDER FROM AMAZON

Winner of Ransomed by Els Van Hierden

To Julia M. Reffner! She is the winner of

"Ransomed" by Els Van Hierden.

I've emailed her and am waiting for her address.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.

Blessings,

live Facebook Party for The Bishop

LIVE Facebook Party for The Bishop on Wednesday, August 4th from 7-9 pm EST



Event Link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138265872862508

STEVEN JAMES

Book Review ~My Lady by Joyce Wheeler

Book Information
List Price: $18.99
Your Price: $13.86
Savings: $5.13 (27%)
Format: Paperback I
SBN: 1414113846
ISBN-13: 9781414113845
Publisher: Pleasant Word Year: 2009

Book Recap:
Author, Joyce Wheeler, creates characters courageous enough to face life’s problems head-on in a compelling story filled with romance, heartache, and new beginnings. My Lady follows the life of vibrant Jolene O’Neil as she reaps the whirlwind of life’s storms.

Air Force Captain John Harris whisks Jolene away to Europe, unaware that another is brooding about her return. Is it just an accident or murder that suddenly takes her husband’s life? Jolene struggles through her questions and grief back at a youth Bible camp in South Dakota, when a dark, compelling man from her past returns to haunt her again.

From a honeymoon in Hawaii to the terror-filled back roads in the Black Hills, Jolene finds herself running from a compromised past into a hope for her future. Can an unrepentant sinner familiar with God choose a course against His will and find salvation? It will take every ounce of Jolene’s faith and trust in God to take the needed steps that will connect the pieces.

As readers trace Jolene’s footsteps along the western prairies, they will discover an inspiring, often humorous, tale of love, faith, and courage.

Author Bio:
Joyce Wheeler grew up on the prairies of South Dakota, learning at an early age to appreciate the greatness of God’s creation. The transition from rancher’s daughter to rancher’s wife when she married Justin came easy, and they have continued to pass their ranching tradition down to their children and grandchildren.

Joyce’s interest in adventure and intrigue persuaded her to conjure up meaningful stories about ordinary people in difficult circumstances. She has walked, ridden, and drove over prairie trails and used those times to not only praise our Creator, but also weave stories that would reflect her appreciation of God’s world.

As an avid reader, Joyce traveled the world in her armchair with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other, until her own unfulfilled desire to write a book began to unfold. At the urging of friends and family, Joyce took delight in developing characters of her own in and among the settings of a ranching lifestyle in which she is knowledgeable. The result was Joyce’s very first book, entitled My Lady.

In addition to being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Joyce has enjoyed being a homemaker, bookkeeper, and gardener. Her hobbies include activities like family gatherings, music, horseback riding, hiking and ranch work. Some of her fondest memories are skiing with her grandchildren and white water rafting on the Snake River. Her greatest joy, however, is the growing knowledge that God is a part of every aspect of our lives and serving Him is the most exciting adventure of all.

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

My Review
I just got done reading My Lady by Joyce Wheeler. I’m really amazed at how wonderful this story is. I’ve never read a book that has had so many things, good and bad happen to one person. The author really has a great imagination. The ups and downs will have you enthralled and waiting for the next revelation, or calamity. I was captured from the beginning and couldn’t wait to read the next chapter. Many books you read once and that’s enough, but this story will have you re-reading it many times.

The main character Jolene O'Neil experiences more than her share of life-altering events. Only someone really strong and has a deep faith could remain rational though what she has gone through, You will keep cheering Jolene on.

I really sympathize with Jolene and wish I could be with her and comfort her. Jolene goes through romance, new beginnings, mystery, heartaches, great sadness’s, great joys. This book will make you sigh, laugh, cry and wanting more. Many parts of the story were quite touching.

Many books end nice, but this ending was just the best. You will be well satisfied after reading it. This is the first book I’ve read by Joyce Wheeler and plan on reading more. I highly recommend this book. A great book for your collection!

Order from WinePress

Order from Amazon

I received a free copy from WinePress for review purposes.

*Winner* of Back on Murder

To scrapbookangel for winning "Back on Murder" By J. Mark Bertrand.

I will be emailing you soon.

Happy Reading!

Bonnie Leon author interview and book giveaway

GREAT BOOK
GREAT AUTHOR






Bonnie, 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. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.



Bonnie Leon dabbled in writing for many years but never set it in a place of priority until an accident in 1991 left her unable to work at her job. She is now the author of several historical fiction series, including the Sydney Cove series, Queensland Chronicles, the Matanuska series, the Sowers Trilogy, and the Northern Lights series. She also stays busy teaching women’s Bible studies, speaking, and teaching at writing seminars and women’s gatherings. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.


How long did you write before you were published?




My writing journey is not the “norm”. After attending my first conference in 1992 I returned home and wrote my first novel, a story that had been rambling around my head for years. The following summer I returned to the conference and presented the manuscript to the senior editor for Thomas Nelson Publishing. She loved it and asked for a proposal, which I sent her. Several weeks later she asked for the entire manuscript and a couple of months after that she called to offer me a contract for my first book, The Journey of Eleven Moons.” It all happened so quickly I barely had time to think.



Tell us about your featured book, "Touching the Clouds."



The easiest way to introduce the book is to provide the back cover description. Revell did a good job on it.
She went looking for adventure . . . and found more than she bargained for.

Kate Evans is an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. When she leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of being an Alaskan bush pilot, she knows it will be an uphill battle. But she never expected it to be quite like this. As the lone woman in a man’s world, she finds that contending with people’s expectations is almost as treacherous as navigating the wild arctic storms.

When she crosses paths with a mysterious man living alone in the forbidding wilderness, she faces a new challenge. Can Kate break through the walls he has put up around his heart? And will fear keep her from realizing her dreams?

Touching the Clouds will draw you in with raw emotion and suspense, all against the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilds.



Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?



There are so many writers, friends and family who have been beside me to guide and encourage I couldn’t name them all. I did not; could not make this journey alone.
God has been the greatest influence. He’s the one who planted the gift inside me and who helped me believe I could do it. He opened every door. I write because of Him.


What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?


Listen to God-given dreams. Believe in Him and in the abilities and desires He’s planted inside of you. Shut out the voices that say, “You can’t”, and listen to the one the only one that matters—God’s. Never give up, but believe in the One who makes all things possible.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?




The thing I dislike the most is meanness. I just don’t see any reason for people to be cruel to one another. There’s always a better way. My second least favorite things are scary books and movies. I don’t watch or read something that’s extremely disturbing. It’s just not beneficial.
My favorite stories are real life tales of triumph and love.
I like to read, but with my busy schedule my reading time has been whittled down to the evenings. Saturday mornings I enjoy staying in my PJ’s with a cup of coffee and watching a good movie, I also love to fish. My favorite place is on a mountain lake in a boat on a sunny day. I don’t even have to catch anything. Just being out there is enough.
A weekend at the coast is my favorite place to vacation. The beach has to be fairly remote with natural beauty rather than man-made adventures.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.



I’ve answered this one a few times lately so . . . something new I haven’t shared is I love lightening storms with lots of wind and rain. I’m talking about the kind we get here on the west coast, which are tame compared to the storms in the Midwest. Our storms are relatively safe, but exciting and beautiful.

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 used to be more disciplined with my time. Now days I’m easily distracted by the Internet, facebook, my family, the news or . . . well there’s a list. I do try to stay on task.
I begin my day with scripture reading and prayer, then sometimes work on a blog, check my email and marketing sites, that kind of thing. After I’ve done that I usually take a break and do some laundry or wash dishes or something, then I go to work on my manuscript. I try to complete a rough draft, first edit, or final edit on a chapter every day. Rather than doing word counts I work through chapters.
Evenings are spent doing critiques for my crit partners, working on Bible studies, or creating something for my fan page on facebook or my blog. And I usually end the evening by reading.
My goal this year is to set aside weekends and evenings for things other than work. I need more me time in my schedule.

What are you currently reading?



For fun, I’m reading A Tailor-Made Bride and in preparation for another series I’m reading a William Faulkner book, Three Famous Short Novels, and Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatzby. I’m also reading some non-fiction historical books for my present series.

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?


I love flowers, but because of my disabilities I don’t do a lot of gardening in my yard—baskets are nice. The time we invest in our flower garden is destroyed by the deer. They love flowers. I think they must taste like candy to a deer. My favorite flowers are roses. They are rich in texture and fragrance.
I love growing a vegetable garden, but without help I can’t keep one up. My husband will be retiring soon and we plan to put in a garden next spring. I can’t wait for that.

What are you writing now?




I’m waiting for edits back from my editor for book two in the Alaskan Skies series and I’m beginning to plot book three in the series. I’m excited to begin. I love the idea and it has a great ending that I can’t wait to write.

How can readers find you on the Internet?



I’m easy to find. My website address is http://www.bonnieleon.com/.


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

All you have to do to win this book is be/become a follower and leave a comment, also leave an email address to enter!
This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is July 31, 2010. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email.

Hearts Awakening Book Giveaway

YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK!
I LOVE IT!!!!

With no means to support herself, Ellie Kilmer agrees to work as a housekeeper for the young widower who lives on Dillon Island, hopeful she can obtain a proper reference. But Jackson Smith quickly realizes that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage. When a marriage of convenience is offered, Ellie is initially humiliated. Though she is past the age most women marry, she has more pride than to agree to his outlandish suggestion. Yet what options does she have? To marry would mean a home and stability. So despite the rumors circling Jackson and his first wife, Ellie accepts this unlikely proposal.

Check out my review here!
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/07/hearts-awakeneing-by-delia-parra-review.html

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

All you have to do to win this book is be/become a follower and leave a comment,also leave an email address to enter!
This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is July 28, 2010. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email.

Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon~ a review ~

Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3359-9
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3359-2

Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 368

Carton Quantity: 40
Publication Date: Jul. 10
Formats: Paperback

About Touching the Clouds

Author Bonnie Leon takes readers to new heights in her latest book, Touching the Clouds, the first book in the new Alaskan Skies series.


Leon introduces readers to Kate Evans, an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. When she leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of being an Alaskan bush pilot, she knows it will be an uphill battle. But she never expected it to be quite like this. As the lone woman in a man's world, she finds that contending with people's expectations is almost as treacherous as navigating the wild arctic storms.


When she crosses paths with a mysterious man living alone in the forbidding wilderness, she faces a new challenge. Can Kate break through the walls he has put up around his heart? And will fear keep her from realizing her dreams?

About the author:

Bonnie Leon is the bestselling author of more than ten historical fiction novels. She stays busy teaching women's Bible studies and speaking at writing seminars and conventions. She and her husband, Greg, live in Oregon.

My Review:
Kate Evans is suppose to get married to her life long friend, but she just couldn’t see herself married and leading a normal life. So she calls off her marriage and heads to Alaska in her small plane to be a bush pilot. Kate has flown planes her whole life and it is the love of her life. She leaves Washington State and heads to the rough Alaskan state to become a bush pilot, also to escape something that has devastated her in her life.

Paul Anderson has many memories that are very hard for him to live with. Paul lives in a remote area and is running away from life..

This book tells about Alaska during the depression, how Kate becomes a mail carrier with her plane. It shows you how it use to be for a woman to work in a man‘s job. Kate doesn’t get any respect from some men, but doesn’t give up.

Follow Kate and learn about her flying with the other pilots, the weather and how she meets two different men. One likes her and they date, but also she has feelings for Paul.

I think it’s great that this is book one of the Alaskan series so there is more things to find out about Kate, Paul and all of the others.
I really enjoyed this book and it’s a very quick read. If you love to hear about Alaska and how a woman has a career and works with some that don’t appreciate her, you will love this book. I recommend this book for a very nice read. It would make a perfect book for a rainy day to curl up and enjoy.

Order from Revell

Order from Amazon

“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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

Promise Books*a review*

PROMISES OF COMFORT FROM GOD'S WORD







Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-8010-7246-8
ISBN-10: 0-8010-7246-8
Dimensions: 4.0625 x 6.25
Number of pages: 176
Carton Quantity: 72
Publication Date: Feb. 10
Formats: Paperback

Comforting Verses of Scripture for the Valleys of Life
Scripture has always provided believers with words and guidance to help us through the valleys of life. But sometimes it's hard to find those verses when we really need them. When you struggle with difficulties in life, where can you go for words of comfort, encouragement, and healing?
Promises of Comfort from GOD'S WORD is a collection of Scripture verses that speak words of consolation and reassurance to hurting souls. This affordable book of comfort features the clear, easy-to-read text of GOD'S WORD Translation.
When life doesn't pan out as planned, you don't have to go it alone. This little book is your key to consolation--for yourself and the hurting people around you.

Order from BakerBooks

Order from Amazon
=================================================================

JOHN'S ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF JESUS ~HOPE FOR TODAY~


Price: $2.99
ISBN: 978-0-8010-7278-9
ISBN-10: 0-8010-7278-6
Dimensions: 4.25 x 6.5
Number of pages: 128
Carton Quantity: 88
Publication Date: Jun. 10
Formats: Paperback

In the pages of this small book, you will find the most significant story in all of history--God's plan to save all who put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Hope for Today answers some of the most common questions about Jesus and presents the basics of the Christian faith. The entire text of John's account of the Life of Jesus is accompanied by notes of explanation and application of the Good News, an introduction to lasting hope, and a guide to prayer based on the Lord's Prayer.
Discover the hope and peace that can be yours when you believe the Good News

Order from BakerBooks

Order from Amazon
==========================================================
PROMISES FROM GOD'S WORD


Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-0-8010-7229-1
ISBN-10: 0-8010-7229-8
Dimensions: 4.06 x 6.25
Number of pages: 352
Carton Quantity: 44
Publication Date: Sep. 09
Formats: Paperback

Our God is a God who makes--and keeps--promises.
When you need to be reminded of God's steadfast faithfulness, Promises from GOD'S WORD will lift your spirits and encourage you to trust in God. It lists more than two thousand promises to believers recorded in Scripture, giving you assurance of God's strength and comfort in uncertain times. It is a treasure trove of guidance for daily challenges, covering topics such as
peace
direction
wisdom
healing
perspective
prayer
faith
courage
consolation
forgiveness

Order from BakerBooks
Order from Amazon

MY REVIEW:

These three books may be little but, they are full of love, peace, comfort and joy. All of these booklets use the God’s Word Translation. The God’s Word Translation is very easy to understand and read. The Promises of Comfort booklet gives you many sections to look into. Some of them are Afraid, Childless, Lonely, Tempted and Waiting to name just a few. Each section has many, many Bible verses to help you in this area. The Hope for Today booklet gives John’s account of the life of Jesus. The first two chapters of this booklet are titled Hope for a Troubled World and Knowing What God Thinks about You. Then it goes into the book of John. After a number of verses they have a break to talk about something in the verses or to explain something. Then it goes on after the book of John to talk about The Basics of Faith and the Lord’s Prayer. The booklet Promises from God’s Word is just packed full of wonderful, inspiring Bible verses in many different categories. Some of them are Hope for Eternal Life, Hope for the Resurrection, Marriage as God Intended, The Mercy of the Son and on.
These three booklets can be carried anywhere and everywhere. They are very handy and offer a wealth of information that can be read over and over. These booklets have very colorful covers and the handy size makes them great booklets for yourself or as a gift. It would be a gift that is very much appreciated. I would recommend them very much.

Thanks to BakerBooks for the free books for review purposes.

Hearts Awakeneing by Delia Parr*A Review

About the book:
March 2010:

With no means to support herself, Ellie Kilmer agrees to work as a housekeeper for the young widower who lives on Dillon Island, hopeful she can obtain a proper reference. But Jackson Smith quickly realizes that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage. When a marriage of convenience is offered, Ellie is initially humiliated. Though she is past the age most women marry, she has more pride than to agree to his outlandish suggestion. Yet what options does she have? To marry would mean a home and stability. So despite the rumors circling Jackson and his first wife, Ellie accepts this unlikely proposal...


Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764206702
ISBN-13: 978-0764206702
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1 inches



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






My Review:
At the end of the year I’m going to post my 10 most favorite books of the year and “Hearts Awakening” will most certainly be one of them.
From the very beginning this book grabbed me. Telling about Ellie struggling/walking two hours just to get to a new job as a housekeeper and care taker of Jackson’s two sons Daniel and Ethan.
This book tells us of Ellie's faith, an attractive, hurt man Jackson with two sweet, lonely children add to that some scandal, gossip and on top of that a long-ago first love.
Island/orchard setting is just beautiful and you will be able to picture it quite easily. It is a place that we all would love to live.
Ellie wasn't a beautiful young woman, but a plain spinster with no prospects of a place to live, or work or anyone to marry, but she has common sense, wisdom and compassion.
“Hearts Awakening” has every emotion from sorrow to humor, anger and love.
Here are a few paragraph from “Hearts Awakening” that really spoke to me. I’m sure you will love them also.
“ Overhead, a fluff of a cloud was framed with pure golden light from the sun that was hidden from her view. Awed by the sight, she studied the dark nooks and crannies in the body of the cloud within the frame and smiled.
Like the cloud, her life was filled with troubles and doubt, as well as joy. At times like this, she needed to remember that God was always behind her, surrounding her with the light of His love, even though she could not see He was there.”
This book is so good you will want to read it again and again. A keeper for sure that will not gather dust. Wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I recommend “Hearts Awakening” very, very much.

Order from Bethany House

Order from Amazon

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany Publishers in exchange for a free and honest review of the novel.

Els Van Hierden* author interview and FREE BOOK

Els 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. Tell us a little about yourself and your
family.

My husband Edward and I have five children, ages 17-8. Two boys and three girls. Our
life is full of variety, with our oldest son graduated, the two girls schooling online from
home, and the youngest two in a Christian school in town. In addition to this, we own an
equestrian centre with about thirty horses, and have a horse trailer dealership. My
husband is a land developer, which has been very difficult for us the last few years with
the recession. The publication of “Ransomed” truly is a sign of God’s faithfulness to us
throughout our journey.

How long did you write before you were published?
I have been writing since I was a young child. I had this dream to be a writer since then. I
have written for various magazines, but not seriously pursued the publication of a novel
until now.

Tell us about “Ransomed,” the featured book.
“Ransomed” was born out of the pain of our failed adoption: the Canadian couple in the
book is us, although I have changed the identities of the people. The details of the journey
to Russia and what happened there is what really happened to us. It’s biographical. I
came back filled with pain, and wanted to have an outlet for healing from this journey,
but also to share what is going on in other countries around the world.

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
My grade six teacher: he believed enough in me to write, “When will you publish your
first book?” on one of my essays. I never forgot that. I would also say that Francine
Rivers has been influential in my writing. I love her style, her straightforward approach to
difficult topics.

What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
The main message I want to share is that healing is available for everyone through Jesus
Christ. No one is exempt. But I also wanted to share a picture of what that healing may
look like: the forgiveness that God extends to us, we need to extend to others.
Also, we have a responsibility to care about the orphans. Not many of us have the
privilege to do what I did and adopt, but perhaps we can all sponsor a child.


What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to
vacation?
I like to work. Nothing makes me feel better than a day of productive work, especially
since I have had a lot of health issues that have laid me low this past year. I love spending
time with my husband and kids. Every night we sit around and debrief our day. We don’t
watch television, so have lots of time to spend together as a family. I also really like to
spend time with people. I find almost everyone interesting, except those who are only
interested in themselves.
Dislikes? People who are rude to others.
My favorite vacation spot is Europe: that’s where I was born. We had the opportunity to
spend five weeks there a few years ago, and worked in Romania with an orphanage
organization. That was the best holiday we’ve ever had.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
All my writing comes from my own brokenness. There have been so many pieces over
the years, put God has put it all back together again. All the praise is to Him!

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?
A novel takes me the time of my own healing to be accomplished, if that makes sense.
The last two years since finishing the book have been the most difficult in my life, and I
believe another novel is being born out of this. I don’t have goals: when I write, I forget
the time and the words just keep coming. I will write at any time of the day, and
sometimes the middle of the night.

What are you currently reading?
John Maxwell: “Everyone communicates, Few connect.”

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
I have a shade garden with a pond. My favorite plants are the shade plants with big leaves
like hostas, pulmonaria, and ferns: they don’t need to have flowers. On the prairies, a
shade garden is very rare, but my European side craves that greenery.

What are you writing now?
The sequel to “Ransomed”, but in the very beginning stages. Not sure if I’m up to the
task yet!

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is www.elsvanhierden.com. You can also order the book through Winepress
or Amazon

And thanks for spending this time with us Els,
We wish you much success.
I enjoyed your book very much.
Thank you as well. If there is anything else I can do for you or your bloggers, let me
know. I appreciate you taking the time to do this.

My review of Ransomed:
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/06/ransomed-by-els-van-hierdenbook-review.html



All you have to do to win this book is be/become a follower and leave a comment and tell me what you liked most about the interview and also leave an email address to enter!
This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is July 21, 2010. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email.