Now I Walk on Death Row by Dale S. Recinella * A Review

As one of the most influential finance lawyers in the country, Dale Recinella was living the American dream. With prestige, power, and unthinkable paychecks at his fingertips, his life was perfect... at least on paper. But on the heels of closing a huge deal for the Miami Dolphins, Dale's life took an unfathomable turn. He heard--and heeded--Jesus's call to sell everything he owned and follow him. Thus began a radical quest to live out the words of Jesus--no matter what the cost.

In this quick-paced, well-written story, Recinella shares his amazing journey from growing up in the slums of Detroit to racing through "the good life" on Wall Street to finally walking the humble path of God--the path of ministry on death row.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Chosen (May 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795059
ISBN-13: 978-0800795054
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

Dale S. Recinella has served for twenty years as a volunteer chaplain and for thirteen years as a lay chaplain for Florida’s death row and solitary confinement. A licensed Florida lawyer for more than thirty years, he and his wife, Susan, have five children and live in Macclenny, Florida.



MY REVIEW
Now I walk on Death Row by Dale S. Recinella is a fascinating read. A true story of a man and his families search to do what Jesus commands us to do. How Jesus wants us to show love and compassion to those who are unloving or those in the worse places in life.
I really enjoyed Dale’s search as he worked as a top lawyer and how he felt something was missing. How he wanted to do something but the church wasn’t behind him, but he still tried to go out and find places to show the love of God.
I had definite opinions about capital punishment before reading Now I Walk on Death Row. The things Dale brings up, not only the horrors of capital punishment, but the reasons why he believes it is wrong. Now I can see what he says is true.
If you like books that are written about someone’s life or the truth you will really enjoy this one. It’s amazing how Dale and his family had a huge home, but sold it to be closer to the people who really needed him. I love the part in this book where Dale has a dream that he is chained to his house, but he hears the most beautiful music and hears God calling, but he can’t get loose from his house and can’t go to the music. That really made me think. If we are chained to our lives and think that’s what is important we are missing all of what Jesus wants us to do.
This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend to get you thinking about how you are living your life.


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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

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble*A Review

Lightkeeper’s Ball – Mercy Falls #3

It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to an empire. Her family numbers among the Four Hundred – those considered the wealthiest and most distinguished in America. Unfortunately their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests solely on the Stewart daughters’ marrying well.
Olivia’s sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation’s wealthiest men, but has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor’s fiancé. Using her family’s long-forgotten English title, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, as Lady Devonworth, hoping to learn more before committing to marriage. There she finds that Eleanor’s death was no accident. And Harrison is not the man she thought he would be.
When Mercy Falls holds a charity ball masquerade to raise funds for the new lighthouse, secrets–and truths long hidden–will be revealed. But can Harrison really love Olivia when he finds her true identity? Can she live with the repercussions of failing her family, or will she finally realize that nothing–not money, family, or romance—will ever compare to God’s unconditional love?


Book Details:
Lightkeeper’s Ball Links:
ISBN 10:
159554268X
ISBN 13: 978-1595542687
Cover:
Paperback

Pages:
304
Series:
Mery Falls
Released:
2011 Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Author Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.

http://www.colleencoble.com/content/

MY REVIEW
The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen Coble is a delightful book. It is full of romance and suspense. What could be better than that! I like the many ways someone tries to kill Olivia, but she gets away. I try to always play detective in the stories I read and find who did the killing or attempted killings and usually I can tell who did it, but with The Lightkeeper’s Ball it was a complete surprise.
The cover of this book and title are fantastic. You probably wonder why the light keeper had a ball. Olivia was trying to help her new friends raise money to build a new lighthouse and together with that and her finding out who murdered his sister this book is full of fun and adventure. The cover of The Lightkeeper’s Ball has Olivia in a gorgeous red dress.
I recommend this book for your reading enjoyment. Another book that is hard to put down.

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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.

WINNER of The Final Note

Go to our winner

Grannyvon

She won the book The Final Note by Kevin Alan Milne

More book giveaways coming up!

A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason

A Killer Among Us (ISBN: 978-08007-3371-1, $14.99, May 2011)
is the latest thriller in the Women of Justice series from author Lynette Eason. In the conclusion of this series, A Killer Among Us is full of the heart-stopping suspense and gritty realism that fans of television shows like NCIS or CSI enjoy. Eason brings to life the lives of a negotiator and a detective hunting down a killer in the streets of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. The new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into this grisly murder case. As evidence mounts and more victims are found, Kit and Noah realize they are on the hunt for a serial killer. The problem is he's hunting one of them...but which one?
The pace never slows in A Killer Among Us as the story offers up clever plot twists, and hint of romance. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as this page-turning suspense keeps readers up late trying to discover who the killer is--and whether Kit and Noah will live to tell about it.

Lynette Eason is the author of Too Close to Home, Don't Look Back, and thirteen other romantic suspense novels. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother, she has a master's degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina.


“Available May 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”




MY REVIEW
This is the third book that I’ve read of Lynette Eason and I must say this one is my favorite. A Killer Among Us is so well written that I couldn’t figure out who the serial killer was. Usually I try to always figure out the killers, but was surprised this time. A Killer Among Us is the third book in the Women of Justice series, which is a fantastic series.
Kit is a hostage negotiator and Noah is a very good detective and they become partners. Both of them have things in their past concerning their families that have bothered them and made life hard. Noah is a Christian who is strong in his faith. Kit grew up with God in the home, but because of things that have recently happened she doesn’t want anything to do with God.
You would be very interested to find out how this all works out in the book, I know I was.
I like the way the three sisters in this book get along and have such great love for each other, even though they have only known each other for a short time. That last sentence is enough to get you interested in A Killer Among Us, I know I would have to find out what it means.
A Killer Among Us has compelling characters, with adrenaline rushing, suspenseful twists and turns. This is a book you would love to read in one sitting and want the book to go on forever.
I highly recommend A Killer Among Us for all of you people who love face-paced, tense books.



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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

Jessie's House by Zenobia L. Silas-Carson*A review

A Little Book Packed With Power!, March 23, 2010
By Zenobia L Silas-Carson (Brooklyn Center Minnesota)

Jessie's House has been reviewed as a joy-ride through faith and forgiveness, and you will fall in love with the "have it her way" Jessie Mae Hardaway, as you look into her life, through her eyes and find that this vibrant sixty-plus year old woman has carried her family for years, and knows how God got her through.

Jessie's faith is tested, however, when a tragic accident involving her youngest daughter, changes the way she looks at faith and she finds herself becoming bitter and filled with feelings of revenge and regret. Jessie is faced also with the criticism of her friends and family when she does not handle her feelings in a more "Christian" way.

Jessie will make you laugh, cry and examine the way we feel about faith in the face of trials!
Time was passing in funny little blocks. Jessie was slowly awakening and then off again dreaming. It was like living in a piece meal quilt. She caught snatches of awake-sounds and stitched them right into her dreams.
The nurses came in and out of the room. They checked on Libby and disappeared.
"She’s going to be fine, Mom" Sheila said. Jessie wondered if anyone could promise her that. and really mean it. Could she hold them to the promise that her youngest child would get better and not die like Gretchen and Robby Sr. Could she, Jessie...hold them to that promise of "everything being okay, and if something went wrong, then tell them to their faces how wrong they had been?
Jessie had experienced enough of God's promises to know that mostly He didn't keep them



Category:
Inspirational
Publisher: Chloe Enterprises
Pages: 93
Copyright: 2009
ISBN-13: 9780982490914
Type: Fiction

Zenobia L. Silas-Carson was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She currently resides in Minneapolis, MN where in addition to writing fiction she writes weekly online devotionals. She has won two mentorship awards for African American Literature from the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis.

MY REVIEW
Zenobia is a personal friend of mine and when I found out she had written a book I was very anxious to read it and I am so glad I did. Jessie’s House is full of action, heartache, friendship, forgiveness, family and love. Jessie goes through so very much and she is wondering why and has trouble forgiving, like we all do at times.
I really love the way this book is set up. It was hard to break away from it to do other work. This is a short book, but it’s packed with so much wonderful lessons for life and just such a sweet story. Jessie’s Story is very well written with much emotion filling the pages and things we might wonder and do if we were in her place.
In this book it made me think, we all can do and be the way we are suppose to be if everything is going right for us, but if something happens to our health or someone we love, or even death how will we respond. Will we blame God, or ask Him why?
I really recommend this book. It is just so fantastic. This book has a lot to teach us and help us to see that we all need help and love now and then.

To buy this book please write an email to this address. Thanks for reading my review!
ZisSAVED@aol.com



BIG NEWS
The next Jessie ( Jessie's Joy") should be available before Christmas..perhaps in the beginning of Fall.

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

Departures by Robin Jones Gunn*A Review

Departures by Robin Jones Gunn
Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen cross paths on their way to summer vacations that reveal what a gift it is to have a true Forever Friend.

Now Boarding at Gate 10
After her high school graduation, still aching from Todd’s departure, Christy joins her family on a trip to Wisconsin to visit relatives. While there, she reunites with Matthew, an old friend from junior high. When Matthew starts to show a romantic interest in Christy, she realizes this summer vacation could change everything she thought her future would be.

In the Event of a Water Landing
Fifteen-year-old Sierra Jensen can’t wait to spend her summer vacation with her friend Jana at a pristine lake in Montana. But when they arrive, it becomes clear that Jana’s only interest is acquiring a boyfriend. Sierra just wants to hang out with the guys as friends, but Jana turns every encounter into a possible romantic relationship. As their friendship begins to suffer, Sierra wonders if it’s possible to find a Forever Friend who will listen to you, laugh with you, and keep your confidences


Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 271 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 1999)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764222716
ISBN-13: 978-0764222719
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Over the past 25 years Robin has written 70 books with over 4 million copies sold.
She started writing for teens when the girls in her church youth group challenged her to write stories for them. It took 2 years and 10 rejections before the first Christy Miller novel was published in 1988. Since then the tales of these Forever Friends have continued. The Christy Miller series was followed by the Sierra Jensen series, Christy and Todd the College Years and the Katie Weldon series.
As Robin's readers grew older they asked for more stories about characters their age. The 8 book Glenbrooke series was launched followed by the Sisterchicks(R) series and a variety of standalone destination novels including "Under a Maui Moon" and "Canary Island Song".
Join Robin Jones Gunn on her facebook public figure page where she frequently posts updates on her latest travel or writing adventure.

MY REVIEW
Departures by Robin Jones Gunn is two different stories that were written years ago and Robin and her agent decided to publish them again. I’m very glad they did because these two stories, one about Christy Miller and the other about Sierra Jensen are really fantastic stories. I’ve never read Robin’s books about Christy or Sierra, but have heard many good things about them.
I like that in this book at one point both Christy and Sierra are in the same scene, but don’t talk or become friends. That’s a neat way to write two stories, but have them connect.
These stories are for young adults and are really full of common problems that young people face and the trials and temptations that they face. I love the Christian outlook that these teen girls have and their strong faith.
If you are looking for a very good book with lessons for your teens and older girls/boys this is a fantastic book. I like a book where teens have convictions and do the right thing. You will also really enjoy the trouble and the fun situations that they all get into.
I highly recommend this super book for your young adults to read, enjoy and learn from.

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Thanks to WaterBrookMultnomah 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

WINNERS OF THE BABY BIBLE BOARD BOOKS

TO THE WINNERS OF THE BABY BIBLE BOARD BOOKS

meredithfl

csthankful

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Vicious Cycle by Terri Blackstock*A Review

Vicious Cycle–Book 2 in The Intervention Series   ABOUT THE VICIOUS CYCLE

To protect her newborn baby … Jordan has to abandon her. A sequel to Intervention, this latest novel of suspense and family loyalty by bestselling author Terri Blackstock offers a harrowing look at drug addiction, human trafficking, and the choices that can change lives forever.


When fifteen-year-old Lance Covington finds an abandoned baby in the backseat of a car, he knows she’s the newborn daughter of a meth addict he’s been trying to help. But when police arrest him for kidnapping, Lance is thrust into a criminal world of baby trafficking and drug abuse.

His mother, Barbara, looks for help from Kent Harlan—the man whom she secretly, reluctantly loves and who once helped rescue her daughter from a mess of her own. Kent flies to her aid and begins the impossible work of getting Lance out of trouble, protecting a baby who has no home, and finding help for a teenage mother hiding behind her lies.


Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780310250678
ISBN-13: 978-0310250678
ASIN: 0310250676
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terri Blackstock (www.terriblackstock.com) has sold six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestseller. She is the award-winning author of Intervention and Double Minds, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series.

Author Website:
http://www.terriblackstock.com

MY REVIEW
Terri Blackstock’s book Vicious Cycle is such an excellent book. She knows how to capture and hold your attention. I finished this 300 plus page book in a little over a day and a half. Which is great for me. It was so hard to put down.
In Vicious Cycle fifteen-year-old Lance just wants to help a friend who is really in a hurtful time in her life. Lance and Jordan know each other from school and he wants to help her get out of drug use especially now that she is carrying a baby.
Lance doesn’t even have a driver’s license, but drives a car and tries to help his friend Jordan with her baby, but she doesn’t seem to want his help and her family tries to get him to leave quickly. Lance knows something bad is going on. He leaves, but part way home he hears a baby cry. What will he do? What is the right thing? Will he choose the sensible thing? One decision leads to another in this roller coaster ride.
Vicious Cycle isn’t a light read and is a book to make you think. This book also has other stories in it. This is book 2 in the Intervention Series. The first book was about Lance’s sister Emily who had a drug abuse problem and how they struggled with her and that book was also loaded with lots of adventure and suspense. Anyway in Vicious Cycle Emily is just getting out of the rehab program and I love what she goes through in this book. Another part of this book is the mother Barbara and her friend Kent who is a police officer.
You know if you read my book reviews I always look at the Book covers and titles in every book and see if they fit the book. In Vicious Cycle the title is very fitting and appropriate, and the cover is beautiful.
In this book you will read about drug abuse, teen pregnancy, baby trafficking, living for God, abuse programs, staying clean, temptations, love, family and joy. If you are looking for a fantastic book to read that is full of action and suspense this is the book for you. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.


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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

Kaydie by Penny Zeller*A Review

For the first time in years, Kaydie Worthington Kraemer can breathe easily. Although she is still haunted by memories of her abusive husband, Darius, she takes comfort in knowing the man is dead. Staying with her sister McKenzie and brother–in–law, Zach Sawyer, at their ranch, Kaydie is still wary of men, especially now that she has another life inside of her to protect. As she looks forward to her baby's birth, she builds a protective wall around herself that won't be easy to tear down.

Ranch hand Jonah Dickenson views his boss, Zach, like a brother. He does not, however, envy Zach's new role as a husband. Deserted by his mother at a young age and forever despised and rejected by his own father, Jonah has few close relationships. But there's something about Kaydie that draws him to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor.

When Cedric Van Aulst, an old friend of Kaydie's, comes to town, an unforeseen prospect of marriage arises. Cedric is someone Kaydie trusts. Will she settle for a safe union with him, or can she trust God to guard her heart and her life in the arms of Jonah?

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742174
ISBN-13: 978-1603742177
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. She is also the author of the humor blog "A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author."
Penny is an active volunteer in her community, serving as a women's Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women's prayer group. She devotes her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His kingdom.
The touching and heartwarming Montana Skies Series is Penny's first series with Whitaker House and includes "McKenzie," "Kaydie," and "Hailee." Penny says she hopes after reading her novels, readers will be reminded of "the power of God's love, redemption, hope, and forgiveness. I want them to catch a glimpse inside my characters' lives and see that God can and does change hearts. In addition, I hope my readers will take away from my books the importance of depending on God and putting our full faith and trust in Him. As Psalm 46:1 tells us 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.' What a reassuring promise!"
When she's not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball. She and her husband reside in Wyoming with their two children. Penny loves to hear from her readers through her website and on her Penny A. Zeller Facebook Author Page.



MY REVIEW
Kaydie is the second book in the Montana Skies series and it’s another winner. I read the first book written by Penny Zeller in this series and it’s called Mckenzie.
Kaydie’s first husband lied about who he was. He seemed charming and was handsome, but after they got married he didn’t pretend to be nice anymore. He married Kaydie for her money. When that ran out he robbed banks. This book Kaydie is about after her first husband died and she is now living with her sister McKenzie and her family. Kaydie is now with child and is afraid of all men, even the nice ones because they could be lying about who they are.
I really liked this book because you watch Kaydie as she goes through fears and joys and always keeps close to the Lord. Kaydie only recently found the Lord and she clings to him in everything.
Kaydie and the ranch hand Jonah become really good friends, because neither of them wants to get married.
They share and help each other with many things.
I like this book because Kaydie is shy, but still she tells people what is on her mind. Family and friends really care and love her and try to show her in every way.
There are some really neat flashbacks in this book that were well thought out. Penny just has a way with telling a story and making you feel a part of it.
I highly recommend this book. It will be good to add to your collection.

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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

2 Books-2 Winners Angel Island series by Thomas Kinkade

I have a fantastic giveaway for you. The wonderful publishers at Berkley/Penguin have decided to giveaway on my blog the two books in the Angel Island series.
The Inn at Angel Island and
The Wedding Promise both written by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer.
The Inn at Angel Island is a paperback and
The Wedding Promise is a hardcover!
Here is my review link for The Wedding Promise http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/05/wedding-promise-by-thomas-kinkade-and.html
Here is what you can do to win one of these great books

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:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become 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 May 31, 2011

Kevin Alan Milne*Author Interview and BOOK GIVEAWAY

Kevin, thanks for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you answering these few questions. It will be fun to get to know you better.

How long did you write before you were published?
My first attempt at writing anything longer than a college term paper was the novella The Paper Bag Christmas, which took me about 3 weeks to write. At that time I had no aspirations of becoming a published author; I really just wanted write something for my children to read. But once I had a manuscript done, those who read it urged me to shop it around; from there it took about six months to find someone willing to publish it.

Tell us about “The Final Note,” the featured book.
I’m a little nervous admitting to this before I see how readers react to it, but The Final Note is probably my favorite of the books I’ve written. It tells the story of a man who loses sight of the priorities in his life, and as a result pays a very dear price. Among other things, his negligence lands his wife in the ICU on life support, and he is faced with the unenviable task of letting her go (pulling the plug). Most of the story is a flashback, as the main character reviews the details of his life that have led up to the present-day crisis. Emotionally, I think this book is a roller-coaster, with some wonderful highs and bitter lows, and I hope readers will latch on to its message of forgiveness.

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
My wife has probably had the biggest influence, simply by believing in me. She helps motivate me when I need it, and she’s an excellent sounding board. I draw a lot of the emotion for my books from the things I see and feel about her.

What message do you want to be clear to your readers?
I hope readers take away a variety of different thoughts and impressions when they read The Final Note, but if I had to narrow a message down to one thing it would be this: the effects and power of forgiveness are real.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
Likes: lazy days with nothing to do but sit and play with the kids, Harry Potter, college football, and fresh strawberries. Dislikes: deadlines, re-reading my own bad prose, and frozen computer screens. Hobbies and interests: writing, playing guitar, and coaching soccer.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
Little known fact #1: I lived in Vienna, Austria for two years, which is one of the key settings in The Final Note. Little known fact #2: A song reference in the book is Falco’s 1980’s hit “Amadeus.” As it happens, I met the man (Falco) in a tiny Austrian town while he was on tour in his native country. Little known fact #3: I was pretty excited about getting Falco’s autograph, but he was less than thrilled to give it to 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?
When I’m in the thick of writing (i.e. when deadline is looming), I like to reach a certain daily word count. In fact I have a spreadsheet that charts my daily progress relative to my plan – when I see my trend line dipping, I know I have to spend more time writing. Usually I start a writing session by reading whatever I wrote the day before, just to get my head back into it. Sometimes I’m able to pick up right where I left off, other days I sit there thinking for an hour or two before any new words are typed. Excluding my first novella (because it was definitely an exception), it takes me roughly four months to complete a novel.

What are you currently reading?
My editor suggested that I read My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult, because it is written from multiple first-person perspectives, which is kind of cool. I’m really enjoying it.

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
Great question! I grow vegetables, my wife grows flowers. My favorite flowers are roses, largely because of the thorns. It just seems appropriate that something so beautiful should come with a little pain.

What are you writing now?
I’m just about four chapter in to my next novel, tentatively titled The One Good Thing. I’m really excited for this story, but I don’t think the planned release date is until spring 2013.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
The best place to go is my webpage, http://kevinamilne.com . From there you can also visit my blog or join me on FaceBook. Drop on by today!

Kevin Milne
http://kevinamilne.com

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

I’m very happy to announce that Kevin has donated his book The Final Note to giveaway to one of my followers. I must say this is a fantastic book. Here is my link for my review of The Final Note. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/05/final-note-by-kevin-alan-milnea-review.html




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:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become 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 May 22, 2011

The Wedding Promise by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer*A Review

The Inn at Angel Island is officially open for business, and owner Liza Martin has booked her first major event-a June wedding. Jennifer, the bride, met her fiancé on the island when they were teenagers, and she's always dreamed of being married at the Inn. Liza wants to make sure that Jennifer has a perfect wedding day, but she soon notices tension between the bride and groom and begins to wonder: What good is the most spectacular setting or cake if the love between the couple isn't as beautiful and strong?

Liza is hoping everything will come together, but on the day of the wedding a storm rolls in-and the groom is nowhere to be found. Everything is going wrong, and Liza realizes that it will take nothing short of a miracle to make this wedding a success. Then again, if you have faith and love, Angel Island is just the sort of place where miracles can happen.

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425239128
ISBN-13: 978-0425239124
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

Thomas Kinkade is America’s most collected living artist, a painter-communicator whose tranquil, light infused paintings bring hope and joy to millions each year. Each painting Thomas Kinkade creates is a quiet messenger in the home, affirming the basic values of family and home, faith in God, and the luminous beauty of nature.
Kinkade is a devout Christian and credits the Lord for both the ability and the inspiration to create his paintings. His goal as an artist is to touch people of all faiths, to bring peace and joy into their lives through the images he creates. The letters he receives every day testify to the fact that he is achieving this goal.
A devoted husband and doting father to their daughters, Kinkade hides the letter “N” in his paintings to pay tribute to his wife, Nanette, and the girls find their names and images in many of his paintings.


Katherine Spencer was a fiction editor before turning to a full-time career as a writer. The author of over twenty books for both children and adults, she lives with her husband and daughter in a small village on the Long Island Sound, very much like Cape Light

MY REVIEW
The Wedding Promise by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer is a very, very excellent book.
Liza takes over an Inn on Angel Island that her Aunt and Uncle use to run. They have passed away, so Liza and her brother could sell the Inn or run it. They decided to run it. That was what Book 1 The Inn at Angel Island was about. It was a super book also. In this book The Wedding Promise two young people fell in love in this area and thought it would be wonderful to be married at the Inn. Liza is very new at the Inn business and had never done a wedding, besides the Inn needs a lot of repairs. So we find out how the wedding was planned, how some repairs were made and saw the love of the young couple and also a sweet story of Liza and her favorite handy man.
This book is so well written and it is really high quality work. I enjoyed it completely and wanted the story to continue, but it ended at a fantastic place. Can’t wait for book 3, hopefully there will be one.
Dreams, secrets, sadness, joy and miracles all happen in The Wedding Promise.
I also always love Thomas’ art work on the cover of their books. Fantastic painter and author. I’m very pleased with his work and fine attention to detail. This book is definitely a keeper. I love to see this book on my book shelf. I highly recommend The Wedding Promise and wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

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Thanks to Berkley/NAL Publicity, Penguin Group for the review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Monsters Removal Guide by Garett Gruber*A Review

ABOUT MONSTER REMOVAL GUIDE

Your child's safety is of the utmost importance. We here at Monster Removal Guide (MRG) know this. Which is why we've printed this book filled with very important information. In it you will find the ten most highly-effective techniques for monster removal, as well as a monster identification section for reference. It's a must read for parents and all kids scared of witches, hamper elves, goblins, monsters, evil robots, or the dark. And it's only $9.99. That's less than a buck for each technique! And can you really put a price on your child's safety and education? Ok, well then, isn't it way more than $9.99? Through exhaustive worldwide research, trial, error, and discovery, we here at Monster Removal Guide (MRG) have searched the world over in order to enlighten and better equip the young in their never ending battle to identify and remove monsters around the globe. To our knowledge, no one has put together an authoritive resource of shared knowledge on how to do this. So, we give you Monster Removal Guide, the go-to guide for kids of all ages fighting the good fight. In no way is this publication comprehensive as we are constantly on the lookout for new techniques and new monsters to identify. We encourage our readers to assist us in our efforts to keep our information current and accurate. Any questions, concerns, or discoveries can be directed to our website.


Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: DLSgroup (January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1450707572
ISBN-13: 978-1450707572
Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.9 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“Garett Gruber lives in Orange, CA and is the father to Griffin, an amazing twelve-year old. He developed the idea for MRG, with the help of his son, during an atypical windy and stormy night. Doors creaked and windows banged, and the hunt to secure and de-monsterize the house began. As the storm raged, he watched his son transform from scared to empowered with each ridiculous monster-removing technique. And he knew he was on to something. When not searching for new monsters, he spends his time hiking, lizard hunting, and generally making his son laugh, and perhaps, a little embarrassed. He is 39.”


Patrick Carlson the Illustrater. He began his work in 1991 when he sold his first cartoon for $20 to a local screen printer. In 1996, he received his first computer and built his first website to display his work. In 2004, this part-time hobby turned into a full-time business. Working out of a small office, he creates the images and characters that have made thousands of projects come to life. You may be familiar with his work from Alphabet Woof or Too tall Joe! Patrick has a background in education and church youth ministry. He lives with his wife and twin boys in Valdosta, Georgia.


MY REVIEW
What a totally fantastic book. Monster Removal Guide by Garett Gruber is one of the neatest children’s books I’ve read in a very long time.
The story line is really sweet. It tells children how they can get rid of monsters in totally different ways than I have ever heard of before. Just a couple to give you a idea of how to get rid of monsters: reading cute poetry about puppies, kittens and unicorns-the next is called The Little Stinker, using your baby brother or sister who still is in diapers, or using a stinky sock, because monsters have good sniffers and can’t stand dirty smells. My most favorite is using Prayer because it is 100% fail-safe.
The pictures in this book are superb. They are so rich and full of bright colors, that you will love to read this book to your children over and over and they will love to read it as well.
In the back of the book it has a Monster Identification Chart. It shows and tells about all of the different monsters that are known.
This book shows monsters like they are in Monsters Inc. that great movie. The monsters are mean, but not scary to look at.
I highly recommend this cute book and look forward to Garett’s next book. Thanks for the fantastic, fun book Garett.

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

The Final Note by Kevin Alan Milne*A Review

ABOUT THE FINAL NOTE

In this brand-new novel from bestselling author Kevin Milne, readers will be inspired yet again by the themes of love, loss, and renewal. Ethan met and fell in love with Anna while studying music abroad in college. He married her, and fully expected to grow old with her. After all, they were young, life was good, and faith in each other came easily, as evidenced by the Love Notes Anna periodically left between the strings of his guitar.

On their wedding day, Ethan promised to love, honor, and cherish his wife...and to write a song for her. Fast forward to the present day. Despite his grand promises, reality has proven to be much harder than he anticipated. Instead of composing hit songs, he's working long hours to provide for his family, and still promising to finish Anna's song. His formerly hopeful spirit is almost too heavy to carry, weighed down as it is by regret.

His grandfather, a veteran of World War II, knows a thing or two about regret and bitterness, and has his own stories to tell. One in particular, has the potential to change Ethan's attitude and help him put the past to rest, if he can open his heart to the truth of it.

Can an old soldier's tales of war help Ethan relinquish his anger? Is it too late to finish the song he began for Anna on their wedding day? Will he be able to remember why he fell in love so many years ago? In this tale of loss and heartbreak, love and forgiveness, Ethan is about to discover that the final note has yet to be written.


Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Center Street (May 11, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599952955
ISBN-13: 978-1599952956
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin Milne was born in 1973 and grew up in Sherwood, Oregon, a quiet country town south of Portland. He earned a diploma from Sherwood High school in 1991, in a graduating class of fewer than one hundred students.

In college, after studying such varied fields as film, journalism, communications, pre-dentistry, pre-law, and German, Milne eventually earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Brigham Young University. One of the few things he didn’t study as an undergrad was business, which, ironically, is what he chose to pursue in graduate school, earning an MBA at Penn State University in 2000.

Today, Kevin is a business professional by day, an author by night, and a husband and father around the clock. He and his wife, Rebecca, were married in Washington DC in 1995. They have five children: Mikayla, Kamry, Mary, Emma, & Kyler (aka "the boy").


http://kevinamilne.com/

MY REVIEW
The Final Note by Kevin A. Milne is a wonderful, inspiring novel of love, forgiveness and loss. This is one of my most favorite books of 2011. The Prelude and Postlude are the most beautifully written ones I have ever read in any book. You will cry or rejoice with the characters in this charming book.
The Final Note is divided into 5 different parts. First verse, second verse, etc… Which I thought was really neat.
Ethan is a music major and Anna is an art major. Ethan wanted to write and sell his songs, Anna wanted to write and illustrate children’s books. In The Final Note you will see if they got to do what they always dreamed of.
It seems in chapter after chapter they lost so much in their lives, but what ever happened they continued to love each other and look to the future.
One part of the book that I truly loved was whenever Ethan played his guitar for her she would leave him a love note in the guitar neck.
The title of the book is just wonderful and it fits in so well. The Final Note is just full of love and forgiveness.
Even though two people love each other dearly, you have to make time for each other and just do things together. That’s how a marriage grows. Ethan and Anna were drawing apart because of his job. He was never home and never had time to do anything. So they needed to remind each other what was the most important thing in a marriage.
After they had been through so very much, more than you can imagine Anna got in a horrible car accident. The last part of this book was just heart-wrenching. You have never seen such pain and suffering.
The parts on forgiveness are just wonderful. When you forgive someone you free yourself as well as them. This book The Final Note shows all of this and more. I would highly recommend this book and it is definitely a keeper.



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I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Center Street/HachetteBookGroup, 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

40 A Novel by Travis Thrasher*A review

ABOUT 40 A NOVEL

Nine months shy of his 40th birthday, freelance music producer Tyler Harrison has started to experience horrific hallucinations. At first, he thinks it's just the stress of his job, but the hallucinations continue until they culminate at the three-day concert in Chicago, Lollapalloza, which he is covering for work. There he is approached by an older man who tells him that he's going to die on his fortieth birthday.
The man claims to be an angel named Matthew, and even though he gives Tyler enough evidence to convince him he's telling the truth, he doesn't know what to do with the information.
Tyler's underlying doubt and confusion about Matthew's prediction turn to anger, both at God and those around him. As he begins to exhibit destructive behavior, he befriends Ellis, an internationally known DJ. Tyler is scared that he really is about to die. He's scared for his sanity. He's scared that if he does die, he's not going to Heaven. He also soon becomes scared of Ellis, who is wild and opens up a door of temptation to Tyler.
As Tyler begins falling in a downward spiral of fear and confusion, he reaches out to a pastor he met, Will, and tries to right his wrongs with some of the important people in his life in a desperate attempt to find peace before his 40th birthday.


Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (May 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044650551X
ISBN-13: 978-0446505512
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.2 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
His goal continues to be to tell powerful and moving stories that will reach fiction readers of all types. As a fulltime novelist for over two years, Travis feels he’s still just warming up.
“There are things I learn about the writing process and about myself with every novel. I believe my best stories are still in front of me, waiting to be discovered like a buried treasure. I’m thankful that I’m able to dig a little more every day.”
Travis lives with his wife and three-year-old daughter in a suburb of Chicago

http://www.travisthrasher.com/



MY REVIEW
40 a novel by Travis Thrasher is a fantastic book I would have given a 5 plus rating, but for two reasons. First I don’t believe a Christian book should have any bad language at all, even through the person isn’t a Christian at the time. Sure Christians swear at times, but that doesn’t mean we have to read it in a book. I feel it is offensive and if I knew before about the swearing I wouldn’t have agreed to read it.
The other reason I won’t give this book a 5 star rating is because I would have loved the book to have a page or two more. I feel it wasn’t finished. I know a lot of books let the reader think up their own ending, but I don’t feel the story is really finished that way.
Tyler Harrison music producer, turned thirty-nine and he sees his guardian angel, Matthew. His angel insists that Tyler will die on his fortieth birthday, which is nine months away. During this time he thinks of his failures and that he really hasn’t done anything in his life worth remembering. Matthew shows him several things that could have happened to him if he wasn’t protected and I found that very interesting. 40 has some very dark happening, but I found them very fascinating. This book isn’t for everyone just for those who long for a book
that will make them think.
It is full of lots of suspense, twists and turns. I really liked the way Travis wrote about the DJ named Ellis a pastor named Will, how they became his friends and how they impacted his life.
I really liked this book very much, but for the previous two points I mentioned. If I knew about either of these points, the language or the ending I wouldn’t have agreed to read it, but also glad I did.
With all of that I still say this is a good book to read and I will recommend it.

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I received my free copy from Sarah Reck at Faith Words/HachetteBookGroup, 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

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