A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann*A Review

ABOUT A RUSH OF WINGS
Though her panic is real, Noelle St. Claire is uncertain what danger she is fleeing. Fragmented images and slivers of memory have driven her to abandon her wealthy, sheltered life in New York for the hope of a haven—remote and safe.
Noelle's arrival at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch owned by Rick Spencer and his brother Morgan causes more than a little stir. Beautiful, vulnerable, yet strangely secretive, Noelle is an enigma the two contrasting brothers seek to unlock. But as their attentions breach the wall she hides behind, the past becomes a menacing threat from which Noelle can no longer hide.

Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0845-4
ISBN-10: 0-7642-0845-4
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 384
Carton Quantity: 32
Publication Date: Oct. 10
Formats: Paperback





ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including Freefall, Halos, A Rush of Wings, and the Christy Award winner Secrets. She and her husband, Jim, and their family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she serves as worship leader in their church. Visit Kristen's Web site at

http://kristenheitzmann.net/default.aspx


MY REVIEW
I’ve read many of Kristen Heitzmann’s books and love them all. This one A Rush of Wings is one of her best.
Right from the start you really fall in love with Noelle, Rick, Morgan and Marta. When a book starts like this “Noelle pressed her back into the textured wall and tensed, her breathing fast and shallow” you know it is going to be a fantastic book to read. I really hated for A Rush of Wings to end. Such a book, full of fear, nightmares, safety, peace, love and hope.
A Rush of Wings is an avalanche of action with many twists and turns. You will fall in love with these compelling characters.
Noelle left her home of ease and wealth because of an overpowering feeling of fear and unrest. She just went and went until she was far, far away from her home. She landed at a Christian horse ranch. God was directing her paths always, but she wouldn’t believe that God is doing anything good.
Reading this book you will go through so much with Noelle and see why she acts as she does.
I really loved this book and it will be on my top list of favorite books for 2011. Thanks for another fantastic book Kristen. I highly recommend this unforgettable book.


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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

Author Interview-Gift giveaway-Laurie Alice Eakes

NOT A BOOK GIVEAWAY BUT GIFTS

Laurie, 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.


I'd like to think of myself as normal, but am probably not. Not sure
any author is normal. At the same time, I like to play--watch movies,
bake brownies, go for long walks in the woods or on the beach, go out
with friends. Most of the time, I'm chained to my desk.


How long did you write before you were published?

That's always complicated. I have written all my life. Seriously
pursuing publication? two years.


Tell us about “Lady in the Mist,” the featured book.

This is about a midwife, not midwifery, as some readers seem to
expect, but a midwife and how her profession affects her role in her
village on the Eastern Shore of Virginia in 1809. As did midwives at
that time, she knows secrets and people don't want her to divulge them
to the point her life is in danger. It is, of course, a romance, and
when she begins to fall in love, things get worse, yet God uses the
danger and her profession and her love for the hero to soften a heart
she has hardened against Him due to too much loss in her life. It's a
love story, a self-forgiveness story, a romantic suspense in an
historical setting.


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

Not just one, no. My parents and paternal grandmother instilled a love
of books in me. My maternal grandfather was a great storyteller, and
many people have crossed my path along my journey like Lena Dooley,
Marylu Tyndall, and my lovely agent, Tamela Hancock Murray.


What message do you want to be clear to your readers?

We can't earn forgiveness. It comes from God and from there, within
ourselves. And I want readers to also be entertained.


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


Besides books, I love movies, especially old ones with Audrey Hepburn
and/or Humphrey Bogart. I love the water and prefer vacations near
water. That probably stems from growing up near water. Of course,
going to rather different places is fun, too. I'm heading to Colonial
Williamsburg in March for research and fun. And I've been to Europe
three times. Lots more there I want to visit.

As for dislikes? Rude, ignorant people. Snarky people.


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

This is always difficult. Most things I want people to know are out
there for anyone to find on the Internet, but I've recently discovered
most people don't know that I was born legally blind. It's gotten
worse due to glaucoma as I've gotten older. Thanks to technology, that
doesn't stop me from writing and research.


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've written a whole novel in as few as 17 days and as long as seven
months. Tight deadlines keep me writing faster, as I have this year.
My writing routine is at my desk by 8:00, do promotion and some
writing until noon, take an hour break to walk the dog, clean house,
do laundry, etc., then back to work until about 5:30 or 6:00. I often
work after supper, too, if my husband is working, which is most
nights.


What are you currently reading?

For fiction, I just set aside a book that shall remain nameless, as it
was awful, and haven't decided what I'll read next. In nonfiction, I'm
finally reading In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson.
I attended his church when I lived in Washington, DC and heard his
sermon series based on this book.


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

LOL I have a reputation for being able to kill mint I'm such a bad
gardener. But I love flowers. Hyacinths and daffodils, irises and
tulips--the spring flowers. And I love chrysanthemums. Flowers from my
two favorite seasons--spring and autumn.


What are you writing now?

I'm doing the edits for the second book in the midwife series, for
Baker/Revell, still not officially titled, and then will write my
first novella for Barbour Publishing. Printed on My Heart will appear
in Highland Crossings in Jan. 2012. The second midwife book in Feb.
2012.


How can readers find you on the Internet?

My web site http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com has excerpts from my books
and more about me. I also have a blog
http://www.seizethechance.blogspot.com and just google my name. I'm
around a lot of places.


And thanks for spending this time with us,Laurie.

Thank you for having me.


We wish you much success.

Thank you.

Here is my review of Lady in the Mist if you didn't get to read it before. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/02/lady-in-mist-by-laurie-alice-eakesa.html

NOT A BOOK GIVEAWAY BUT GIFTS
*******If you win you may chose one of these as your prize: A mug, totebag or postit notes . All have the Lady in the Mist cover on them.
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.


Here are the ways to get extra entries:

For extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1

~Be a networked blog follower +1

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. ENTRY DEADLINE March 14, 2011

Winner of Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler

Congratulations to Jennifer at jmschwindt0306 you have won Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler. I've sent you an email and hope to hear from you soon.
To my other followers, I have two more giveaways coming soon. Thanks to all of you for commenting and being a part of my blog. I appreciate every one of you.
Many blessings,

Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes*A Review

ABOUT LADY IN THE MIST

By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the level of love and harmony within many a marriage, and now the identity of a man who may have caused his wife's death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, is doing on American soil working as a bondsman in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman with his eye on a higher office.
By chance one morning before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them?
With stirring writing that puts readers directly into the story, Lady in the Mist expertly explores themes of identity, misperception, and love's discovery.


Paperback: 402 pages
Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800734521
ISBN-13: 978-0800734527
Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laurie Alice grew up in Michigan, but always wanted to live somewhere else--somewhere history took place. The kind of history that interested her, that is. She began her odyssey out of state with acquiring her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French secondary education at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. From there, she moved to New Jersey to work. From there, she moved to Pennsylvania, and from there, she moved to Iowa. . .
She fully admits that she had—and perhaps still does—a bit of wanderlust.
During her wanderings, she met and married a man whose career took them to Washington, DC, then to Texas, where she currently resides and writes full-time


http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com/




MY REVIEW
I keep finding authors I have never read before and am so very glad. Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes is such a fantastic book. It is book 1 in The Midwives series. I can’t wait for book 2. Laurie writes with an interesting, sweet approach that makes you feel you are right inside the story yourself. Lady in the Mist takes place in 1809 in Seabourne VA.
Tabitha and Dominick are such a sweet, caring couple. The story makes you hope that they will get together and work out all of their troubles and they have many to work on.
I really love the title and cover of this fantastic book. To me you must have both to catch people’s attention and Lady in the Mist does that.
Tabitha doesn’t fit in anywhere because she’s not married so she doesn't fit in with the families, but she's not quite a servant either. Since the deaths of her father, mother, and lastly grandmother that left her alone, she has turned her back on God. That makes her not fit in with the people who go to church. Dominick Cherrett is a redemption, but he seems much more than he is. He seems like a true gentleman with a very good education. So in this wonderful book you have many puzzles to figure out.
I really recommend this book for reading pleasure over and over again.

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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

Winner of The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

to all of my many friends and followers
Just wanted to say come back often for more giveaways.
Jesus is our real Valentine.
Now on to our winner of the book The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

go to Jolee
joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

you are our winner.

I will be sending you an email soon.

Happy Valentine's Day to all and

Congrats to Jolee!

Golden's Rule by C.E. Edmonson~A Review

ABOUT THE BOOK
Fourteen-year-old Maddie Bergamo seems to have it all—looks, brains, mad moves on the basketball court, a cute crush, and true friends—and so far, her life seems right on track to make her eventual goals of the Olympics and a sports scholarship to her Ivy League dream school.
But then life topples her neatly stacked plans, and Maddie finds herself in a fight for survival. As events spiral out of her control, Maddie receives an unexpected gift: an ancestor’s extraordinary diary of life as a slave girl. And what Maddie discovers within those pages changes her world forever.






http://www.goldens-rule.com/
http://ceedmonson.authorweblog.com/


MY REVIEW
Golden’s Rule by C.E. Edmonson is a very sweet, tender story of a young girl who gets a brain tumor.
It is also switches between two very moving stories: a girl named Maddie that has the tumor and a historical story of a young slave girl escaping and finding freedom. If you lived these stories you could do either one of two things. You could just collapse and be very down or you could become stronger and a better person.
In Golden’s Rule you find out what is really important in life, faith, family and friends. They will really get so much out of the story and help them to see that boys, dances and fitting in isn’t all that important in life.
This book is for everyone, but especially for the tween/teen girls. I would highly recommend this book. I just wanted to say I’m sorry that I couldn’t come up with a picture of the author or the bio. I looked everywhere.




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

Becoming a Woman of Influence by Carol Kent~A Review

ABOUT BECOMING A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE

Description: Women have the power to influence others, whether we're trained leaders or not. Discover 7 principles for building solid relationships through simple steps to mentoring from author and speaker Carol Kent.

• 9 lessons


Becoming a Woman of Influence
ISBN-13: 9781576839331
Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4
Cover: Paperback
224 Pages

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carol Kent is hilariously funny, biblically sound, and heartbreakingly transparent in person and in print. Founder and president of Speak Up for Hope (a prison ministry) and Speak Up Speaker Services (a speakers' bureau), Carol is the best-selling author of many books, including When I Lay My Isaac Down, A New Kind of Normal, Becoming a Woman of Influence, Speak Up with Confidence, Secret Longings of the Heart, and Tame Your Fears. She is an expert on public speaking, writing, and evangelism. Carol travels the world, speaking to tens of thousands each year at events such as Extraordinary Women, Vision New England, Women of Faith, THRIVE, and Women of Grace. Carol and her husband, Gene, make their home in Florida.

MY REVIEW
This book is mainly about older Christian women becoming mentors to younger Christian women. Becoming a Woman of Influence has nine chapters and they are Impacting Live Like Jesus Did, Learning from the Master, The Principle of Time Alone with God, The Principle of Walking and Talking, The Principle of Storytelling, The Principle of Asking Questions, The Principle of Compassion, The Principle of Unconditional Love, The Principle of Casting Vision. Then after those chapters comes a Nine-week Bible Study.
This book shows us if we just follow Jesus’ example and do what He did we will be doing the right thing.
Here is three facts from the book that really jumped out at me.
1. One person (Jesus) trained twelve human beings who went on th so influence th world that time itself is now recorded as being before or after His existence.
2. This person (Jesus) worked with a staff that was totally human and not divine… a staff that in spite of illiteracy, questionable backgrounds, fractious feelings, and momentary cowardice went on to accomplish the tasks He trained them to do. They did this for one man the reason-to be with Him again.
3.His leadership style was intended to be put to use by any of us.
So the author is saying we can mentor twelve people and get fantastic results also.
Very good book that I believe would be an interest if you want to start a program like this or have someone older mentor you.



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Disclosure of Material Connection: 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

Blogoversary-2 book giveaway

This February is my one year of being a Blogger.
I’ve really loved this year and it has been a joy to read books, review them and also such wonderful author interviews.
I think some of my favorite people are authors.

So I want to thank all of you my followers.
I will be giving one person two books that I have.
Here are the list of books.

City on Our Knees by TobyMac
Storm Devotions by David Washington Jr.
Breathtaking by Amber Nicole Metz
Chasing Francis:A Pilgrim's Tale by Ian Morgan Cron
Don't Waste the Pain Learning to Grow Through Suffering by David Lyons and Linda Lyons Richardson
Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols
Ransomed by Els Van Hierden
Guarded by Kirsten Lasinski
Aliisa's Letter by Carol Van Der Woude
Songs of Deliverance by Marilynn Griffith
Violette Between by Alison Strobel
Sarah’s Christmas Miracle by Mary Ellis
Hot by Laura L. Smith
Masquerade by Nancy Moser
She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell
Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr
Beautiful Bandit by Loree Lough
Maverick Heart by Loree Lough
The Spoils of Eden -The Dawn of Hawaii Series by Linda Lee Chaikin
The Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris
Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr
The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom
In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Love Finds you in Hershey Pennsylvania by Cerella D. Sechrist
My Lady by Joyce Wheeler
A Woman called Sage by DiAnn Mills
Someone to Trust by Lesa Henderson
Meander Scar by Lisa J. Lickel
A Love for Tomorrow by Vanessa Miller
Wild West Christmas Four-in-one Collection
Christmas Dreams Four-in-one Collection
Christmas Mail-Order Brides Four-in-one Collection
Admission by Travis
Dead Ringer by Sharon Dunn
Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
The Bishop by Steven James
Don’t Look Back by Lynette Eason
The River Nile by Kenny Blair
The Missionary
by David Lambert and by William Carmichael
Loving Liza Jane by Sharlene MacLaren
Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon
Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander
The Last Woman Standing by Tia McCollors
Never Been Kissed by Melody Carlson
The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler
McKenzie by Penny Zeller
A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck






Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.
YOU MUST PUT IN YOUR COMMENT THE TWO BOOKS YOU WOULD LIKE IF YOU WIN!
Be a follower, subscribe to my blog updates or join my networked blog on facebook for extra entries.

Contest is only open in the US.
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 28, 2011

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck * A Review

ABOUT A BILLION REASONS WHY
He’s a handsome billionaire. She’s not impressed.
Katie McKenna has never loved any man but one: billionaire Luc DeForges. He was her first love. But there are a billion reasons why she's engaged instead to Dexter Hastings, a solid and stable man who wants the same things she does: marriage and a family but all of the things that she wants without the deep-seeded pain and fear of being abandoned that Luc brings.
Dexter and she have worked an arrangement that's akin to faith without action, love without deeds -- a dead faith. Going home to New Orleans to sing for her childhood friend's wedding, Katie must search her heart to find out if any of her reasons for being with Dexter are stronger than love. Only when Katie steps fully into faith and jumps off the cliff of life into the arms of Luc does she understand the fullness of God's grace.


Product Details
Format: Trade Paper
Trim Size: 5.40 x 8.20 x 1
Page Count: 320
Retail Price: $14.99 ISBN: 1595547916
ISBN-13: 9781595547910
Style#: 9781595547910
Carton Qty: 36




ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I grew up with a strong sense of justice. I simply knew the way things should be. And since I’m not smart enough to be a district attorney, I am a novelist. My childhood was slightly confusing. I blame my parents for this. Oh heck, I’m going to blame them for everything. I think I would have turned out normal if it weren’t for them. Okay, probably not. I am a fourth-generation Californian, and an American mutt, but identify most strongly with my Italian heritage. My mother’s family, of strong Norwegian/German descent, tried to teach me how to do things right. How to cook, clean, sew, budget accordingly – all the things a proper young girl should know to be a contributing member of society. I, however, failed miserably. For my 40th birthday, my grandmother gave me a cookie gun, so it’s clear she hasn’t given up on me yet! That is eternal optimism!
My dad’s Italian family taught me about the good life. The indulgent life. How to eat, shop and be merry. My Nana had very tiny feet and a penchant for shoes (she worked at the Emporium, no doubt to fund her shoe addiction). My afternoons at her house had no lessons, other than how to walk in her high heels, drape myself in her mink stole and drip myself with rhinestones. Tastefully, of course. I picked up on this lifestyle much quicker.
I graduated San Jose State University with a degree in Journalism & Mass Communications (emphasis in Advertising), gave my life to Jesus during college and found my true love in a Christian Singles’ Group, which yes, I skewer in “What a Girl Wants”. He is German. Practical. And a Contributing Member of Society. I am still Italian, fluffy and an aficionado of fine shoes & handbags.
Together, we have four children and now it’s our turn to confuse them. The circle of life. Dysfunctional family style.



MY REVIEW
“A Billion Reasons Why” by Kristin Billerbeck is beautifully written. I really love a good love story that doesn’t have a lot of stupidity in it. This book is a very good book that gives you a blissful, peaceful feel.
Some books take forever to read but not “A Billion Reasons Why.” I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it in a couple of days.
I liked the true love Luc and Katie share, even through Katie doesn’t want to admit it. Luc hurt Katie horribly bad when they were younger and Katie doesn’t want to trust or believe that Luc is sorry.
In “A Billion Reasons Why” Katie wants to marry someone who isn’t a threat to her, that will give her a peaceful life, even if they don’t love each other deeply. Will she follow her heart or her head?
This is a wonderful book that will keep you riveted to your chair. You will want to stay up late just to finish this fantastic read and when you are done you will be sorry it is over so soon. I really recommend this book for your reading pleasure.


Order from Thomas Nelson

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive books free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program/BookSneeze. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express are my own. This is true of any book I review for any publisher or author; I will not review books where a positive review is required and I will always express my own opinions of each book received and read.

McKenzie by Penny Zeller*A Review

ABOUT MCKENZIE
"Desperate times call for desperate measures" is the reasoning that prompts McKenzie Worthington, a young lady of Boston’s high society, to respond to an ad for a mail-order bride for a man in the Montana Territory. McKenzie is desperate, after all, to save her beloved younger sister, Kaydie, from her evil, abusive husband, who robs banks for a living. And so, it is with reckless determination that McKenzie runs away from the comforts of home and hearth to head West and meet her new husband—whom she’ll divorce, of course, after she rescues her sister.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures" is the reasoning that also prompts Zachary Sawyer, a rugged rancher after God’s own heart, to post an ad for a mail-order bride in various newspapers across the country. Managing a ranch and caring for his adoptive son, Davey, has become more than one man can handle alone, and Zach prays for God to send him a wife with whom to build a life and share his dreams.

When McKenzie arrives at Zach’s ranch, she immediately puts her plan in motion, searching for her sister and doing all she can to keep her new husband from forming an attachment. But his persistent kindness and significant self-sacrifices begin to change her heart—and ruin her plans. God has a way of working things out to the good of those who love Him, though, as McKenzie will soon see.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (September 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742166
ISBN-13: 978-1603742160
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-Penny Zeller
I am a Christ follower, wife to my wonderful husband, Lon, mother of two daughters, and am a Christian author/speaker. I am the author of several books and numerous magazine articles. I also write a humor blog A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author, am an active volunteer in my community, serving as a women’s Bible study small-group leader, co-organizing a women’s prayer group, and co-founding The Sisters in Christ Community Girls Night Out. My passion is to use the gift of the written word to glorify God and to benefit His Kingdom. I devote my time to assisting, encouraging, and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. When I'm not dreaming up new characters for books, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, and playing volleyball.

I was bitten with the writing bug at age seven when I began writing Bible stories in my own words. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Vernon, holds a special place in my heart – it was she who encouraged me to continue writing about Jesus. In fourth grade, I began to write fiction stories about a dog named Muffie and her adventures, as well as other short stories neatly composed in homemade wallpaper-covered cardboard books.
http://www.pennyzeller.com/index.html






MY REVIEW
“McKenzie” by Penny Zeller is such a fantastic book. It’s about a mail-order bride. I love stories like that for many reasons. The main reason is I sort of was a mail-order bride.
McKenzie was from a Boston family who had it all, money, a fancy home, all she would ever want. So why did she become a mail order bride. Usually women who don’t have anything become mail-order brides so they can get away from poverty.
We find out McKenzie wants to find her sister who is in a very bad abusive marriage and is in the West. So McKenzie sacrifices many things to go west and marry a stranger.
McKenzie realizes that money can’t buy everything and life is happy if you love and follow the Lord.
This book is full of many surprises, twists and turns.
I was quite taken with the calm assurance in Zach’s life. How he relied on the Lord and gave everything over to Him, as we all should. I really liked the unique names of the daughters in “McKenzie.”
The main characters are McKenzie, Zach, Davey, Rosemary, Asa, Kaydie, and Jonah. One of my favorite characters are Rosemary. She really is patient and kind, willing to help others.
This book is the first in a series and I’m looking forward to Kaydie. I recommend this book for a keeper. It is a sweet love story of the Lord, family and friends. You will love it.

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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

Alice J. Wisler author interview and book giveaway!

Hatteras Girl

Alice 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.


How long did you write before you were published?


Hi, Wanda! Thanks for taking the time to interview me on your site. I've
been writing fiction ever since I was six. I'd create little
stapled-and-stick-figure booklets and give them to my first grade teacher.
She'd have me read them in front of the class.

My first novel came out in 2008, but I self-published two cookbooks of
memory before that time. I also wrote for various publications like
Standard's Devotions and bereavement magazines.


Tell us about “Hatteras Girl,” the featured book.


Hatteras Girl came out in 2010, and takes place on the Outer Banks of
North Carolina, a great vacation spot filled with sunny days and lots of
wind. Jackie, the main character, has two dreams. She wants to meet a
great guy to marry and she wants to run the Bailey House, a local bed and
breakfast that has been shut down. Obstacles get in the way and Jackie
has to learn to wait on God.

I'd like to own a bed and breakfast (love staying in them), but am too
lazy, so I let Jackie do the work in Hatteras Girl.


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


My first grade teacher, Miss Terwilliger, was a big encouragement. Also,
my fellow missionary kid friend, Josephine.


What message do you want to be clear to your readers?


Life is messy. Faith is hard to hold onto at times.
God is never changing. His love for us reaches high above the heavens.
I don't think we can fathom the vastness of it--it is a perfect love.



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


I enjoy heading out to the Outer Banks when I can. I love the beach! We
have a boat and I like to speed along on it. I get some of my best ideas
while on our runabout boat that is named after my first novel, Rain Song.
Of course, since I grew up in Japan as a missionary kid, I also enjoy
traveling abroad. I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, watching movies with
my husband, and hot cups of Earl Grey. (I love Earl Grey tea.)


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


The first karaoke song I ever sang was "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover."
On my recent birthday, I sang a song in Japanese by a pop singer I grew up
with, Go Hiromi. No one in the audience could understand a word of it, so
when I sang a line incorrectly, no one knew but me.



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?


Once the kids are off to school, I write. I set word goals, usually 2,000
to 3,000 words a day. If I don't, I won't get anything on my novel
accomplished. I like to have eight months to write, edit, and complete a
novel. I also teach Writing the Heartache Workshops, so some of my weeks
are consumed with reading my students' assignments.


What are you currently reading?


I just finished a non-fiction book called "The Boy Who Loved Tornadoes."
Great read about how our medical system often does not know what to do
with children who have challenging and "different" mental illnesses.


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


I love irises and I do have them in my garden. I love them because they
hold a connection to my son Daniel who died from cancer treatments at age
four in 1997.


What are you writing now?


My current novel is about a North Carolina quilt-maker who sells her home
and lives in a RV. She travels in it to visit friends, and her goal is to
make it to the Grand Canyon. I'm calling it Fragrance of Marigolds after a
short piece I wrote about how life calls us to live now, even if we are
sorrowful or longing for days gone by.


How can readers find you on the Internet?


My website has been updated! Please visit: http://www.alicewisler.com



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


Thank you, Wanda! And thanks to each person for reading this interview.




My Review of Hatteras Girl
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/01/hatteras-girl-by-alice-j-wislera-review.html




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ENTRY DEADLINE February 21, 2011

WINNER of A Thousand Tomorrows & Just Beyond the Clouds Omnibus

to our winner of Karen Kingsbury's

A Thousand Tomorrows & Just Beyond the Clouds Omnibus

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at
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Maverick Heart

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