Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler~A Review

ABOUT HATTERAS GIRL
Fall in love with Alice J. Wisler's charming characters in this delightful story set in the beach communities of North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?



Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0732-7
ISBN-10: 0-7642-0732-6
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 320
Publication Date: Oct. 10
Formats: Paperback
Publisher: Bethany House


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina. Visit www.alicewisler.com


MY REVIEW
“Hatteras Girl” is the first book I’ve read written by Alice J. Wisler and I loved it. Ms. Wisler has a wonderful way with her writing. She writes fresh, riveting stories.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina where this book took place. It seems like a place I would really love to visit. You will find yourself transported to North Carolina.
This book is about Jackie and her best friend, Minnie. She {Minnie} is experiencing dreadful grief after losing her husband. Jackie and Minnie have always hoped to own the Bailey House a bed and breakfast, but the price tag is high above there reach.
Jackie interviews Davis Erickson the owner of The Bailey House.
From that comes many things.
You will see deceit, heartbreaking grief, love, peace and finally happiness with surprises mixed in.
There are very many special people in “Hatteras Girl,” like Aunt Sheerly, Uncle Ropey, Buck, Minnie, her son Zane and Irvy. You won’t want to miss out on all of the fun and sadness’s they all go through.
It’s interesting to read a book that is different and gives you surprises along the way. I really love the cover and title of “Hatteras Girl.“ This is a book that I recommend for all to read and enjoy. You will be very pleased to add this wonderful book to your collection.




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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

In Memory of Leisha Kelly

On January 25, 2011 a wonderful author Leisha Kelly passed away.
Here is a news release from Revell Publishing Company.
I've read many of Leisha's books and I will miss her writing very much.
I'm glad she's home with Jesus!
Here's the books she wrote:

1 The House on Malcolm Street 2010
2 Julia’s Hope
3 Emma’s Gift
4 Katie’s Dream
5 Till Morning is Nigh
6 Rorey’s Secret
7 Rachel’s Prayer
8 Sarah’s Promise
9 Tahn
10 The Scarlet Trefoil
11 Return to Alstair
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Leisha Kelly
July 1, 1963-January 25, 2011

Grand Rapids, MI — Leisha Kelly, 47, was killed in car accident Tuesday night near Fowler, Illinois. Her son, 16-year-old Justice, was also killed in the crash. Kelly, a resident of nearby Clayton, Illinois, was the author of 11 books, among them a best-selling inspirational historical fiction series centered around the Wortham and Hammond families, set in Southern Illinois. Her most recent book, The House on Malcolm Street, was published by Revell in September 2010.
Kelly leaves behind her husband K. J. and a daughter, Hosanna. Kelly home-schooled her two children and served as a children's ministry director and a youth minister at her family's church. The couple had also recently become foster parents.
Vicki Crumpton, Executive Editor for Revell, who worked with Kelly since her first book, Julia's Hope, was published in 2001 said, "I remember receiving Leisha's first proposal in 2001. I read what her agent sent and called him that day to ask to read more of the manuscript. When I presented the proposal to our publishing committee, the team read the proposal and a few sample chapters. The first thing people asked was, 'When can we read the rest?' And every time we received a new proposal from Leisha, people always asked, 'When can I read more?' Leisha's fans felt the same way. They always wanted to know when her next book would be out."
"Leisha Kelly was an amazing talent. More than that, she was an amazing person, loved by family, friends, and her fans. Her unique writing voice will be greatly missed," Crumpton said.
Twila Bennett, Senior Director of Marketing for Revell, remembers a story Kelly told her once. "She had a vivid memory of one of her first writing experiences that has stayed with me after all this time. She was young, it was the year that Mount Saint Helens erupted and she had heard the news stories about how the ashes might fall on other states. She felt a story burning in her and went out to her front porch and wrote and wrote. And then, the ashes from Mount Saint Helens really did indeed begin falling on her paper like snow."
"I keep seeing that young Leisha now and look in wonderment at this girl, who overcame so much and gained the world on Tuesday with her son at her side," Bennett said.
For more information on Leisha and her books, please visit www.leishakelly.com.

~~~~~Memoriam for Leisha and Justice Kelly~~~~~
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/whig/obituary.aspx?n=leisha-and-justice-kelly&pid=148125319

Suzanne Woods Fisher-author interview & book giveaway

Today I welcome Suzanne Woods Fisher.
Here are the questions she answered so graciously.
I LOVE the cover of this book.

Giveaway guidelines below!

Tell us about “The Search,” the featured book.
The Search is the third in the ‘Lancaster County Secrets” series. It’s set in Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania, in 1972. The story begins as Bess Riehl is arriving in town to help her grandmother for the summer. Unbeknownst to Bess, her grandmother has a few plans for the summer up her sleeve!

Who influenced your writing?
I remember a moment in a college library when I looked up old Christianity Today magazines that had my grandfather’s name in the masthead. It gave me that bone-tingling chill to see his name…to realize how the written word carries forward. I had a great respect for my grandfather’s work—I think it was the inspiring moment for me to write for a career.

Your hobbies, interests?
Raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind! Love it! Love the people, love the pups.

Where do you like to vacation?
On the beach (any beach) on a perfect, sunny day. With a good book and a glass of iced tea.

What are some of your likes and dislikes?
Huge mortifying dislike: my last name is Fisher and I hate fish.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
(See previous question!)

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day?
When I have the luxury of time, I try to have a writing goal of about 1500 words a day (good, solid writing). And then I like to spend time each day on promotion (answering e-mails, Facebook, planning for speaking engagements, working on my weekly program). But life is seldom filled with a luxury of time!

Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
Six months would be awesome…but it’s usually been about a three-month turnaround. In a good way, it’s fun to be thoroughly immersed in a story. But I never want to rush a book out. My goal is that each book is better than the one before it. I want to keep improving my craft.

What are you currently reading?
A book by Jamie Langston Turner. She is a master of detail! I think I read that she’s a professor at a Christian college…you can just see her mind, collecting all kinds of trivia to weave into her books!

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
I have a very large vegetable garden—love to grow summer tomatoes, zucchini, basil, pumpkins, strawberries, etc. I do love growing flowers, too—I have zinnias and marigolds in each garden bed. Right now, as I write, I have flowering narcissus bulbs on my desk. Hints of Heaven’s perfume!

What are you writing now?
Working on the second in a new series—I just turned in the first one on January 1st, so my mind is still stuck in that novel. I haven’t heard back from my editor yet…and she will probably have edits. I can’t quite let go of that story yet…but I am trying to get my mind wrapped around this new story. I have the basic idea mapped out…now, for the details and character development!

How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.suzannewoodsfisher.com I love to hear from readers! Means so much to me to connect with booklovers.

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

Suzanne has offered to giveaway her wonderful book "The Search" to one of you my followers.


Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.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 February 13, 2011

A fantastic gift to one of you for Valentine's Day!
I would love for you to be my follower and get my email updates.

Loving Liza Jane by Sharlene MacLaren*A Review

ABOUT LOVING LIZA JANE

When Liza Jane Merriwether rode into the town of Little Hickman Creek, her first thought was, "Oh, Lord, what have I done?" Kentucky was much different than what she was used to back East, but she knew God had led her here for a reason. Soon, the new schoolteacher is beloved by all-including Benjamin Broughton, a handsome widower with two young children. Despite his protectiveness and the fact that Ben has rescued Liza from several scrapes, her contract implicitly states that she is to have "no improper contact with the opposite sex." Liza has a lot to learn about God and His plan for her life.


Paperback: 351 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (March 12, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0883688166
ISBN-13: 978-0883688168
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds


ABOUT SHARLENE MACLAREN
Born and raised in west Michigan, Shar attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree way back in 1971, she traveled internationally for a year with a small singing ensemble, then came home and married one of her childhood friends. Together they raised two lovely, wonderful daughters, both of whom are happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 from 31-years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing in the church choir and worship team, travel, and spend time with her family, in particular, her wonderful, adorable grandchildren, Dylan, Alexis, and Gavin!

A Christian for forty+ years, and a lover of the English language, Shar has always enjoyed dabbling in writing—poetry, fiction, various essays, and freelancing for periodicals and newspapers. Her favored genre, however, has always been romance. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. “Psst,” someone would whisper from two rows over, and always with the teacher’s back to the class, “Pass me the next page.” 


Shar is a an occasional speaker for her local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the Apples of Gold program, and is active in two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with their lazy, fat cat Mocha.

http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com/

MY REVIEW
I have never read any of Sharlene MacLaren’s book, but I really enjoyed this first one. “Loving Liza Jane” is full of fun. Loving Liza Jane, the first installment in MacLaren's Little Hickman Creek Series. These books were written in 2007, but still are fantastic and super books to have. Suspense, loss and overall joy.
Eliza Jane Meriwether was raised by her Aunt and Uncle, but felt God calling her to a different place to live and start her life. The place she felt called to was Little Hickman Creek, Kentucky.
Eliza is a school teacher at her first assignment. In this school the children or lack of materials have already had three teachers leave.
Ben Broughton, a fascinating, good-looking widower having troubles running his farm and raise his two daughters, seven year old Lili and fifteen month-old Maggie. He is a spiritual man, who's accepted the death of his wife and not allowing his loss to make him a bitter man.
This book has lots of good clean romance, combines lots of scripture and Eliza has incredible determined character, which is really fun to read about.
ELiza Jane holds to the strict rule that a single teacher shouldn’t entertain or become friends with a bachelor and Ben needs help desperately so he looks to a mail-order bride ad. Altogether these elements really make a fantastic story.
I highly recommend this book to be one for reading and keeping in your favorites. Really loved the story and characters.
They have great deals at Amazon of these wonderful books, so check it out.


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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

Winner of Don't Waste the Pain

Greetings Friends!
We have a winner of the wonderful book "Don't Waste the Pain" by David Lyons and Linda Lyons Richardson.

Aik
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I will be emailing you soon to get your home address so you can get your book soon.
Thanks to everyone who commented. If you want to buy this book for yourself just go to Amazon.
More book giveaways coming really soon.

Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon A Review

ABOUT FATAL JUDGMENT

Fatal Judgment: By Irene Hannon
Guardians of Justice Series Book 1

U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.
As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.
Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.


Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3456-5
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3456-4
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 336
Carton Quantity: 48
Publication Date: Jan. 11
Formats: Paperback

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 25 novels, including the CBA bestsellers Against All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, and In Harm's Way. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine. She lives in Missouri.

For more information about Irene and her books, visit her website at http://www.irenehannon.com/.

MY REVIEW
In Fatal Judgment Jake Taylor, a U.S. Marshal, has a new assignment, to protect federal judge Liz Michaels. She is the widow of his college best friend. When Liz's sister is murdered at Liz's house, the police think Liz may have been the one the killer was after. Jake hates the thought of having to protect Liz because of his friend's description of her cold heartlessness and putting her career higher than all else. Liz amazes Jake by being friendly and considerate, the total reverse of what he expected.
This is the second book I’ve read by Irene Hannon and loved it as much as the first. Every part of the book is full of exciting, heart stopping events, but the last half is just so gripping that you just don’t want to quit reading. Fatal Judgment is about how sometimes when bad things keep happening to a person some people just can’t go on in a normal way. The reason why is because they don’t trust God to see them through. Fatal Judgment is a book you will want to read and keep.
If you love books that have compelling characters, faced -paced, roller-coaster chapters, this book is defiantly for you. The suspense of Fatal Judgment will keep you on the edge of your seat. Can’t wait for the next books in the Guardians of Justice series.


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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

Never Been Kissed by Melody Carlson*A Review

ABOUT NEVER BEEN KISSED
New School = New Chance for That First Kiss
Summer is ending, and for once that doesn't seem like such a bad thing to Elise. She's hoping that starting fresh at a new high school will turn her first-kiss prospects around. New guys, new friends, and a new lease on life.
What she wasn't counting on was all the new pressure--to hang with the right crowd, wear the right clothes, and date the right guy. Just when it seems she's on top of the world, everything comes crashing down. Could one bad choice derail her future?


Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3259-2
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3259-6
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8
Number of pages: 224
Carton Quantity: 52
Publication Date: Jan. 11
Formats: Paperback

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 www.melodycarlson.com.





MY REVIEW
Another winner by Melody Carlson. “Never Been Kissed” is a young adult book. My daughter who is 18 and I both love it. As soon as I would put “Never Been Kissed” down my daughter would pick it up. Hannah-my daughter doesn’t like to read many books I do, so if she read this you know it has to be excellent.
In this book you will see many of the dangers and traps that happen when a person in high school thinks about being the most popular.

Elise Storton is going to a new school which is hard enough and now she is turning sixteen has never been kissed. She meets a super, fantastic guy named Asher Gordon, but he has a girlfriend.
We find out what small lies, being harassed by peers, wanting to fit in can do to a teen. This book talks about some of the very real problems of teen life, like being teased, humiliated, sexting, making wrong decisions. Also the very real issue of teen suicide because of teasing. This book teaches us to know who you are emailing/texting etc…
Also “Never Been Kissed” have a very strong religious theme, but not overpowering that would turn unbelievers off.
I really recommend that you and any young person male/female read this book. It really speaks to them to not let others push you around and get the best of you.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher-A Review

ABOUT "THE SEARCH"

As a child caught up in a crisis, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision with far-reaching effects. Fifteen years later, when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge--the very town in which that decision was made--she is forced to face the past and discover how her decision has impacted so many.
Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm helping her intimidating grandmother Bertha recover from surgery. It doesn't take long for Bess to realize that her grandmother coaxed her to Stoney Ridge for an entirely different reason. But once Bess meets hired hand Billy Lapp, the summer starts to hold some promise.
Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.
Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes you through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Immerse yourself in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and healing.



Paperback: 298 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800733878
ISBN-13: 978-0800733872
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results.
Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.
After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn't even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. "That's why there's no food in this house!" said her slightly insensitive sons.
Undaunted...Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple). With help from an agent, she has five books currently under contract with Revell. On September 1st, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a non-fiction book of stories and examples about the Old Order Amish, will be released by Revell. The Choice, a novel about the Amish, will follow on January 1st.
Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.
Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com



MY REVIEW
This is the first book I’ve read written by Suzanne Woods Fisher. So glad I found a new author that writes so wonderfully. “The Search” is the third book in the series Lancaster County Secrets. Even through it is the third in the series it was still very easy to follow along. So you can read this alone or with the other two. I believe it would be so neat to read the other two first. They are called “The Choice” and “The Waiting.”
It seems so many people write about Amish stories. I’m not a fan of many of them, because of the attitude of the Amish that only Amish can be right about their life and faith. In “The Search” I don’t feel that opinion at all. Matter of fact one of the main characters is a Christian outside of the Amish community. She is a stronger Christian than some Amish in the book.
I love the mother/grandmother who is harsh/brisk on the outside, but has a most tender heart. She puts many people together to change their lives for the better.
The setting of the book is just so beautiful. The cover of the book shows a picture of one main character {Lainey O'Toole } who is holding a rose, and it’s just beautiful. I like hearing the description of the rose farm and the beautiful country side. I would love to live on a rose farm.
The whole book really revolves around the decision made by a very young girl. Then years later all of these people are back together in the same place. You will see how one decision can change life for all of those involved.
In “The Search” you will find love, heartaches, illnesses, death, peace, forgiveness.
It is a book that I highly recommend for many days of reading pleasure and a book you will want to reread.
Also in a few days I will have a giveaway for this book.



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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

Book Giveaway~A THOUSAND TOMORROWS & JUST BEYOND THE CLOUDS OMNIBUS

In A Thousand Tomorrows, Cody Gunner, a talented but angry cowboy, meets Ali Daniels, a lovely and mysterious barrel-racer. The two are national champions, top of their game, alone and intent on staying that way. Cody has rejected everything about his past, and only has room for his little brother, Carl Joseph, born with Down Syndrome. Ali embraces life, making the most of every moment because of a secret she keeps hidden from the public, connecting her with a sister who died before she had a chance to live. Before their paths intersect, competing is all they need, but what fears must they face if together they ignite a love that burns brighter than both of them?
In Just Beyond the Clouds, Cody is nursing a broken heart over the death of the love of his life, when he meets Elle Dalton, Carl Joseph's teacher. Cody can't bear the thought of losing his little brother, too, so when Elle begins championing Carl Joseph's independence, she finds herself at odds with Cody. But even while they battle it out, they can't deny the instinctive connection they share, and Cody faces a crisis of the heart. What if Elle is the one woman who can teach Cody that love is still possible?
In the brand-new omnibus edition, Karen Kingsbury's continuing story of devotion, tragedy, and renewal, comes to life, teaching that while love often causes the heart to break, it's also the only thing that can mend it again.


Paperback: 592 pages
Publisher: Center Street (January 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599954028
ISBN-13: 978-1599954028
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.8 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds





New York Times Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's favorite inspirational novelist with over fifteen million books in print. Her Life-Changing Fiction has produced multiple bestsellers, including Take One, Between Sundays, Even Now, One Tuesday Morning, Beyond Tuesday Morning, and Ever After, which was named the 2007 Christian Book of the Year. An award-winning author and newly published songwriter, Karen has had several movies optioned for production, and her novel Like Dandelion Dust is in post production as a major motion picture release. Karen is also a nationally known speaker with several women's groups. She lives in Washington State with her husband Don, and their six children, three of whom were adopted from Haiti.
Author Website:
http://www.karenkingsbury.com


Thanks to Sarah, Publicist for the Hachette Book Group for donating this book. As you know I LOVE any book by Karen Kingsbury, but these two are my all time favorites. They will really capture your heart and bring many tears.
Leave a comment with your name and email address.

Contest is only open in the US & Canada. No PO boxes 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 February 1, 2011

If you don’t win you should order this book from Amazon

Take Four by Karen Kingsbury-Above the Line Series* A Review

ABOUT TAKE FOUR

The Above the Line Series follows two dedicated Hollywood producers as they seek to transform the culture through the power of film.

After Chase Ryan returns to his family and a job in his hometown, his best friend and fellow filmmaker Keith Ellison pairs up with former Hollywood heartthrob Dayne Matthews to finish following the dream—making movies that might change the world.

In Take Four, filmmakers Keith Ellison and Dayne Matthews have finally inked a deal to have the nation’s top young actor star in their current film. But at the same time, the actor takes a very public fall that threatens his reputation among his fan base. Meanwhile, healing happens for Andi Ellison in her relationship with God, her family, and those she loves, but is it too late? The new producers find they must truly act as missionaries in order to help save the film, their families, and the young movie star.

Breakthroughs take place that the public will never know about, as the possibility of saving the world through film is finally a very real possibility.



Book & Bible Cover Size: Medium
Page Count: 368

Paper Edge Description: Plain
Size: 5.8 wide x 8.8 high x 1.3 deep in. 147 wide x 223 high x deep 33 mm
Weight: 1.075 lb 487 gms

Available: June 2010
World
Publisher: Zondervan

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's favorite inspirational novelist with over fifteen million books in print. Her Life-Changing Fiction has produced multiple bestsellers, including Take One, Between Sundays, Even Now, One Tuesday Morning, Beyond Tuesday Morning, and Ever After, which was named the 2007 Christian Book of the Year. An award-winning author and newly published songwriter, Karen has had several movies optioned for production, and her novel Like Dandelion Dust is in post production as a major motion picture release. Karen is also a nationally known speaker with several women's groups. She lives in Washington State with her husband Don, and their six children, three of whom were adopted from Haiti.
Author Website:
http://www.karenkingsbury.com


MY REVIEW
Am I surprised at another fantastic book from Karen Kingsbury? No, not at all. As a matter of fact that’s why I love Karen’s books. Each and every one of them is spell binding. I want to read them in one sitting, but also don’t want the book to end.
This book tells us of the continuing story of Keith Ellison and Dayne Matthews as they make their second Christian movie. How they believe that making movies is their mission field.
Then we read about Brandon Paul, America’s newest heartthrob who will be the lead in the newest Christian movie, but doesn’t want anything to do with being a Christian.
Also we read about Andi, Keith’s single daughter who is going to have a baby. Will she keep her baby, that she grows to love or give him up.
The best part of the book to me is the beautiful, sweet love that Bailey {Bailey is the other lead in the movie, but is a hometown girl} and Cody share. Will their love continue to blossom or will circumstances stand in the way. I love how Bailey loves the Lord so completely and follows Him in everything.
This book is a touching, {Keep tissues handy} precious continuing story, but can be read as a stand alone novel. I highly recommend any book by Karen Kingsbury and this book isn’t an exception. If you had a bookcase of books by Karen you would have a fantastic library.


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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

Loree Lough-author interview & BOOK GIVEAWAY

Loree, 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.
Thanks so much for inviting me, Wanda! It’s truly a pleasure to be here.

Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I share a humble little house in the Baltimore suburbs with my real-life hero, Larry. We have 7 grandkids and love to whisk them off to our teeny tiny cabin in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. Once upon a time, I literally sang for my supper, but these days, I pick up the ol’ Yamaha guitar mostly to entertain my grandkids.
I’m 5’1” tall and weigh…
Oh. You mean my WRITING self, don’t you! hehehe.
I’ve been writing since the early 80s, but didn’t get published until 1988, when my first articles appeared in Richmond newspapers. My husband’s job transfer brought us back to Baltimore, where I continued writing for local, regional, and national publications…until a disturbing trend began to erode my enjoyment of the work: Editors, forced by their bosses to change facts to appease advertisers. I figured if I was gonna write fiction, why not take a shot at novels? And the result was Pocketful of Love for Barbour’s Heartsong Presents line, which earned “Best Contemporary” in 1994 when it was released. And the rest, as they say, is history.

How long did you write before you were published?
I wrote half a dozen novels during those early-80s years, and these days, I use them as examples when teaching writing classes or leading workshops: “How NOT to Write a Novel” has become one of my most popular lessons!

Tell us about “Beautiful Bandit" and "Maverick Heart,” the featured books.

Beautiful Bandit:

It’s June, 1888 when Kate Wellington is taken hostage by outlaw Frank Michaels. the sun is high in the Texas sky when he turns her into an unwilling accomplice in a robbery that leaves four men dead in a San Antonio bank.

After escaping, Kate sees her likeness on a wanted poster and realizes she’s wanted by the Texas Rangers and the cold-blooded killer. With nothing but the clothes on her back, she heads southwest on foot, hoping to find safety in Mexico.

One cold dark night, she stumbles hungry and exhausted into the campsite of Josh Neville, on his way home from bank business in San Antonio. His heart goes out to the terrified woman who calls herself Dinah and claims she doesn’t remember how she came by her cuts and bruises. His gut tells him to stay away from the secretive beauty, but his heart compels him to escort her to the border.

Along the trail, he finds himself torn between feelings of fondness and suspicion. When she’s injured during a ferocious storm, he feels duty-bound to bring her to his ranch to recover…and unwittingly lures the outlaw right to his door.

Trust and forgiveness are put to the ultimate test in this wild West adventure that’s rich with Texan vistas, laughter, tears, family loyalty…and danger….

Maverick Heart:

Boston-born nurse LEVEE O’REILLY and her doctor husband are headed to Mexico to open a medical clinic when their stagecoach is attacked. There on a barren stretch of Texas road, the infamous outlaw Frank Michaels kills Liam and leaves Levee for dead. All alone now, she makes her way to Eagle Pass, where she’s forced to trade her nurse’s cap for a teacher’s apron. In no time, she’s so completely devoted to her students that she has no time for romance.

Rancher DANIEL NEVILLE has battled doubts and distrust for most of his life. Wracked with guilt over the death of his twin sister, he believes the scars and limp sustained during a stampede are penance for the sins of his past. Dan dedicates himself to serving his family and working with the horses on the Lazy N. Marriage isn’t even on his to-do list, and he sees no reason to add it.

When a coincidental meeting brings Levee and Dan together, they’re awakened to a long-ignored desire for love and acceptance. Have they actually found it in one another’s arms? And can these two mavericks accept the plans God has for their lives?

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
Without a doubt, our Lord and Savior! Every day, by the grace of His love, I’m guided in the crafting of stories and characters and situations that will bring His word to those who love Him, those He might want to call home, and those who haven’t discovered the power of His almighty love.

What message do you want to be clear to your readers?
I guess to answer that one, I’d have to repeat a version of the answer to the last question. I see what I do for a living as my missionary work; God knew when He made me that I wouldn’t be of any use to Him in dark jungles or dry deserts, because I’m scared of bugs and snakes and other creepy-crawlies. So He blessed me for a talent to write, and it’s through the words He inspires that I bring His message to His children, old and young, male and female, all across the world.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
I love being around people who can “take it on the chin” even when life throws them mean, hard curve balls. I find that I avoid people who are whiny and weepy in the face of adversity. I like old movies like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Sound of Music (though, surprisingly, I’m not a huge fan of musicals!), and could probably watch Somersby and Shadowlands a hundred times and never tire of the plot or the characters.
For fun, I love to garden (which explains my raggedy fingernails and dry, parched hands). I love to cook and bake, too (which explains my Lifetime Weight Watchers membership). I paint and draw and sketch, and given unlimited time and tools, I could probably devote hours to “art.”
I’m pretty much a homebody (some might say I’m a bit of a hermit). Whether that’s because I traveled so much during the years when I sang for my supper or because I’ve seen a little bit of the world thanks to invites from writers’ groups all over the globe, I can’t say. “Home” is my all-time favorite place, but I do enjoy our time at the cabin, where the mountains always provide a beautiful view and plenty of excitement in the form of black bears, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and too many other critters to list here!

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
I never learned to swim and I’m terrified of water!

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
I’m up early…5-5:30 a.m. most days. After some TV news and a few mugs of coffee, I tidy the house and get myself presentable, then head down to my basement office, where I spend anywhere from 5-15 hours a day.
My daily word count varies, depending on the complexity of the stories I’m working on. I shoot for 5,000 words a day, and when I reach the goal, I’m always pleased. I don’t beat myself up if I don’t make it, though, because (to paraphrase Scarlet O’Hara), I figure I can worry about that stuff tomorrow.

What are you currently reading?
Too many deadlines right now, so I’ve promised myself that when I meet them all, I’ll reward myself with something from my To Be Read stack…which, if it actually stood in a stack, would probably be as tall as I am!

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
My hubby’s in charge of the vegetables, and I take care of the flowers. I’m particularly fond of my roses (I have 12 bushes, different colors and varieties). Strangely, I can’t seem to grow daisies in this yard, which is a shame, because daisies are my favorite!

What are you writing now?
I’m putting the finishing touches on Unbridled Love, #3 in the “Lone Star Legends” series, and just sent An Accidental Family (#3 in the “Accidental Blessings” series) to my Love Inspired editor and the first novel in the “First Responders” series, From Ashes to Honor to the editor at Abingdon. Next up: Love Finds You in Folly Beach, South Carolina and the 2nd and 3rd books in the “First Responders” series.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Web site: http://www.loreelough.com
Blog: www.theloughdown.blogspot.com
Monthly Column: Christian Fiction Online Magazine
Facebook, Twitter, Shoutlife.

And thanks for spending this time with us, Loree.
No…thank YOU for inviting me! It’s been a genuine pleasure, privilege and honor! May 2011 deliver joys and successes too numerous to count to all of you!
Blessings,
Loree

Loree is giving away two books to two winners.
The first two books in the Lone Star Legends Series.
Here are my reviews of these two wonderful books.

Beautiful Bandit
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/09/beautiful-bandit-by-loree-lough-book.html

and Maverick Heart
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/12/maverick-heart-by-loree-lough-book-2.html



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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. ENTRY DEADLINE January31, 2011

These books are given generously by the author Loree Lough.

Thank you Loree Lough!

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander* A Review

SOMETIMES THE GREATEST STEP OF FAITH IS TAKEN NECK-DEEP IN FEAR!

Within My Heart (Timber Ridge Reflections, Book 3)


Determined to fulfill her late husband’s dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she’s forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He’s a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks . . .
Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand’s dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient’s life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd’s stubborn heart.
From the beloved, bestselling author of From a Distance and Beyond This Moment comes an unforgettable story about faith in the face of fear, about tarnished hopes and second chances, and ultimately about the resilient courage and tenacity of hearts broken––and mended––by love.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House; Original edition (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764203916
ISBN-13: 978-0764203916
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author.
Tamera currently has seven books in publication. Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, Within My Heart). The Inheritance (a stand-alone novel from Women of Faith Fiction). And Fountain Creek Chronicles (Rekindled, Revealed, Remembered).
Tamera's series books are also considered "stand-alone" novels, meaning they can be read out of order. However, if you're planning to read all of the books in a series, it's suggested that you read them in order for the most fulfilling read.

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville with Tamera's father, Doug. They enjoy life there with Joe and Tamera's two adult children, and Jack, a precious—and precocious—silky terrier.

http://www.tameraalexander.com/index.html
http://www.tameraalexander.blogspot.com/



MY REVIEW
Five stars plus!
What a wonderful book, "Within My Heart" (Timber Ridge Reflections, Book 3) by Tamera Alexander is. I didn’t get to read the first two books in this series, but didn’t have any trouble knowing what was going on. I now look forward to reading many more books by Tamera.
"Within My Heart" is a book that is full of love and compassion. I was intrigued from the very first line and my interest was held all the way through this wonderful book.
When reading this book you will follow Rachel Boyd as she keeps on going no matter what hardship or calamity hits her and her family. You will rejoice when she rejoices and cry when she cries. Rachel is a widow with two young sons and a ranch to run.
Dr. Rand Brookstoon is a kind, caring physician. He wants so much for this small town, but the money just isn’t there. He gives everyone the best medical care he can and tries to teach the town residents of more modern ways to stay healthy and strong.
One of the main characters has a heart attack and you will follow along at the things he goes through and the love he gives and gets from everyone. I just loved this part.
There are many different plots in this wonderful book.
First why doesn’t Rachel ever want to get involved with a man again?
What dark secret plagues Rand?
How do Ben and Lyda go on after his heart attack?
Why does Kurt (the younger son get into so much trouble)?
Why does Charlie drink so much?
Can you believe all of these questions? They will be answered and they make a fantastic story.
In the closing of the book Tamera Alexander writes a personal note to her readers and it’s very, very touching. I really appreciate Tamera telling us these things. I really recommend this book. It is a keeper and a top winner for the year.


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

BOOK GIVEAWAY~ Don't Waste the Pain

Don't Waste the Pain Learning to Grow Through Suffering by David Lyons and Linda Lyons Richardson
Everyone experiences pain in their lives. But how we handle it and what we do with it makes all the difference.

In Don’t Waste the Pain , you'll see how two people dealing with life-threatening illnesses and the loss of a child found joy and peace in the midst of their suffering.

Through intimate journal writings and personal reflections, you will learn that faith and spiritual growth can come out of brokenness, pain, and grief.
http://www.dontwastethepain.com/

THIS BOOK IS FULL OF PRECIOUS INSIGHTS THAT WILL HELP YOU THROUGH MANY DIFFICULTIES. HERE IS THE LINK TO MY REVIEW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL BOOK.
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/01/dont-waste-pain-by-david-lyons-and.html

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ENTRY DEADLINE: JANUARY 23, 2011
The winner will be chosen with the Random Number Generator at Random.org
This book is given generously by NavPress Publishers

Possession by Rene Gutteridge*A REVIEW

ABOUT POSSESSION
In the aftermath of investigating the D.C. sniper case, police detective Vance Graegan is burned out on life and love. Hoping to save his marriage, he quits the force and moves his wife and son to the other side of the country. But when the movers decide to hold his belongings for ransom, Vance is determined to ensure that his family’s new beginning is not ruined. Soon, though, losing his possessions becomes the least of his problems as everything they are fighting for begins to unravel in the hands of Vance’s past. In an unforgettable climax, a little boy’s innocent faith brings a group of desperate people to their knees. What is at stake counts for everything, but nothing can prepare Vance for who is behind it.



Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (December 6, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414324340
ISBN-13: 978-1414324340
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces





ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rene is the author of sixteen novels, including her latest release, LISTEN, from Tyndale House Publishers. Her other suspense titles include, THE SPLITTING STORM, STORM GATHERING and STORM SURGE, plus her very first novel, GHOST WRITER (Bethany House Publishers). She is also known as a comedy writer. Her latest comedic novel is NEVER THE BRIDE, co-written with screenwriter Cheryl McKay (of The Ultimate Gift).
Her other comedy titles from WaterBrook/Multnomah Publishers include The BOO SERIES: Boo, Boo Who, Boo Hiss, Boo Humbug and THE OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS SERIES; (Scoop, Snitch, Skid). Another very popular comedy title is MY LIFE AS A DOORMAT, a Women of Faith selection for 2006, from Thomas Nelson. She has written one novelization, THE ULTIMATE GIFT, for Thomas Nelson.
She also has extensive experience writing comedy sketches, and worked for five years as the director of drama for a downtown church. She has a degree specializing in Screenwriting, for which she earned the Excellence in Mass Communication Award, and graduated magna cum laude.
She is married to Sean, a musician and worship leader, and has two children. They reside in Oklahoma, where Rene writes full time and enjoys instructing in college classrooms and writers conferences.
http://www.renegutteridge.com/




MY REVIEW
I love books by Rene Gutteridge.

Possession is a mystery/suspense, one of my favorite kind of books.
Vance and Lindy Graegan along with son Connor, are moving to California to begin a new life and different career choice. Vance was a police officer, during the D.C. sniper investigations. He hasn’t gotten over the stress and the things he has seen. His partner, Erin, saved his life once, she had trouble with drinking too much. Vance tried to help her, but Erin doesn’t see it like that.
A problem starts when Joe, the mover, will not unload their possessions because the condo is too far from the curb and he will charge an large amount each day he has to store the items. Things start happening when Vance and Lindy confront Joe, and Vance begins to investigate.
In this book you will ask yourself what would I do if my possession were held for ransom? Also we find out some things about post-traumatic stress disorder, also how a child believes and prays.
Things really build in the ending few chapters and you won’t believe the way things happen. “Possession” is an adrenaline rushing, page-turning book. I highly recommend this to read and reread. Thanks to Rene Gutteridge for another fantastic suspenseful read.



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

Don't Waste the Pain by David Lyons and Linda Lyons Richardson

ABOUT: DON'T WASTE THE PAIN

Don't Waste the Pain Learning to Grow Through Suffering by David Lyons and Linda Lyons Richardson
Everyone experiences pain in their lives. But how we handle it and what we do with it makes all the difference.

In Don’t Waste the Pain , you'll see how two people dealing with life-threatening illnesses and the loss of a child found joy and peace in the midst of their suffering.

Through intimate journal writings and personal reflections, you will learn that faith and spiritual growth can come out of brokenness, pain, and grief.
www.dontwastethepain.com




ISBN-13: 9781615215485

Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4

Cover: Paperback

272 Pages

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

LINDA RICHARDSON is a former merchandise-display artist and garden gift shop owner, now retired. She often works in her own quarter-acre garden when she is able. Other favorite pastimes include hiking the waterside peninsula where she lives with her husband, lying in her hammock, cooking, writing, and reading whatever she can find. She has two children, one in grad school and one in college. Living with cancer is a day-to-day adventure she puts on the back burner when she can while simply enjoying the rest of her life.


DAVID LYONS is an international vice president of The Navigators. He oversees international initiatives, communications, and networking of their five thousand staff in more than one hundred countries. David loves photography and hiking in the mountains of Colorado. David and Renee have seven children. Even with so many children, they often have friends live with them and frequently have guests around their table laughing loudly or quietly discussing their questions about life.
David’s personal experience with Internet ministry led him to envision helping others to grow through their pain through this book and through www.dontwastethepain.com. Come visit the website to see how God is bringing beauty out of ashes.


MY REVIEW
This is a really wonderful non fiction book. Linda in 2000 was diagnosed with stage-IIIC clear-cell ovarian cancer and in 2008 David’s twelve-year-old son Ian was diagnosed with stage-IV alveolar rhabdomyosarcaoma, a very rare cancer that kills 98 percent of its victims. This is a very precious story that tells of Linda and Ian’s lives and that of their families. Linda and David are brother and sister whom share so much.
The chapters are:
Welcome to OZ
Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants
Oxygen
The Ragged Edge of Faith
A Thin Place
Beauty From Ashes
But The Physicians
Praying In the Face of Pain
What if God Says No?
When Will it End?
Got Joy?
The Fellowship of Suffering
Whenever pain comes into our lives we should learn from it and grow. We shouldn’t let it keep us down and depress us. No one wants to live through pain or deal with it constantly, but if that happens how will we cope and how will we continue in life?
I love the chapter called A Thin Place. It is about the times that Heaven and Earth seem so close together. Like when you are somewhere and you feel God’s presence so close. So that makes only a thin place between Heaven and Earth.
The chapter called Got Joy is talking about when you are going through pain or experience a death of a loved one do you have Joy? Sure you will be sad, depressed and sorrowful, but through all of that you can still have joy with the Lord in your life. You may question God why did that or does that happen. Do welcomes our questions and wants us to see He is there loving us and helping us through.
This book is very insightful and helpful, but also we can have pain, suffering and heartaches, but still have peace and joy. God is always there for us.
You don’t have to have a death in the family or cancer to enjoy this book. Maybe you lost your job, have family problems or marriage problems all of these chapters will be a help to you. So I really recommend this book.






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I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. 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 Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising