Hannah Alexander-Author Interview and BOOK GIVEAWAY

Today I welcome Hannah Alexander to my blog.
We will be talking about their newest book The Wedding Kiss and the giveaway follows the interview.
Here is the review link of that wonderful book. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/09/wedding-kiss-by-hannah-alexander-review.html



Tell us about The Wedding Kiss, the featured book.
The Wedding Kiss is set in the year 1901, when a young woman, Keara McBride, loses her home, farm, everything she's ever known because her father was tricked in a card game, and then accused of murder. Desperate, she asks Elam Jensen, her neighbor and the widower of her best friend, to marry her so she can help him with his three children and have a place to live. A match made out of necessity becomes something totally different when they share their first kiss in the wedding ceremony.  Enter Elam's sister-in-law, Susanna, who has been shot and is lying on their front porch when they arrive from the wedding in Eureka Springs. As Keara tends to Susanna, using the herbs and home-medicine knowledge taught to her by her mother, Elam runs interference and tries to find out who shot Susanna. Neighbors and family rally around as danger comes to White River Hollow and a wicked man and his followers close in. With prayers and faith, God's will is done, and love shows itself in many ways.


We know Hannah Alexander is the pen name for the husband-and-wife writing team of Mel and Cheryl  Hodde. Would you tell us how you came up with the name Hannah Alexander?
When Mel and I got married, I'd been writing for 14 years, though nothing had been published. Since he's an ER doc, he would come home at night excited about the cases he'd had. They were so interesting that I suggested we work together on a new book. Since he provided a great deal of input--we wrote medical romantic suspense with a lot of ER scenes--I suggested we come up with one name to describe us. I chose Hannah because I identified with pre-Samuel Hannah in the Bible. Mel chose Alexander, because it means Servant of Mankind. Mel doesn't provide as much medical for me anymore, but he still edits and reads everything I've written, so the name will continue.


Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?
All of our books are in the Christian market, and at last count that's 22. We have more coming soon, so that number will continue to change.


Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers?  If so, why?
I would probably recommend Hideaway, not only because it launched a ten-book series of Hideaway novels, but I took more time writing that novel and getting it right than any I've written before or since. It won the Christy award, and I still find myself thinking about the characters who began from that book and continued on through the rest of the series.


The Christian fiction field has rapidly expanded over the past few years.  What would you like to see happen in this field in the years to come?
I would love to see more reviews without the words, "typical Christian fluff" because I don't see much of that these days. Christian fiction is taught, hard-hitting, truth-telling stories that change hearts and minds. What some might call fluff, others would call warm and tender stories that heal the heart. I'd love to see that reflected in reviews.


How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?
Prayer is vital. Also, I love to hear from readers and I answer all emails. Also, if a reader likes a book I've written, a quick review on Facebook, a word or two on Twitter, or reviews on Amazon, B&N or Christianbook.com and Goodreads will go a long way toward sharing the stories with others as well as making it possible for me, or your other favorite writers, to continue writing.


Many writers are also avid readers.  Do you have any favorite authors?  If so, could you name a few?
Oh, my goodness, I have so many favorites! Lately I've read the wonderful Miralee Ferrell, Athol Dickson, James Scott Bell, Denise Hunter, Diann Hunt, Kristen Billerbeck, Terri Blackstock, Angela Hunt, Margaret Daley, and I know I've left out dozens more, those are just off the top of my head.


If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
The Bible, Dean Koontz Watchers, and three reams of blank paper so I could write, write, write. 

If you had 48 hours to hang out with any TWO people (besides Jesus), alive or dead in the history of the world who would you hang out with and what would you do?
I think I'd like to hang out with Enoch, because he walked with God. I love to walk with God, as well. I think I would also like to spend time with Mary Magdalene, because she was so close to Jesus, and I think I'd have understood her. She was rescued from great evil, and so was I.


What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
I'm thankful that God puts up with me no matter how angry or thoughtless or whiney I get. I'm thankful for the way of women with women, the friendships they develop and the nurturing they do for each other. I'm also thankful for the husband I've been given. He is totally God's blessing to me.

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
I love to hike. The most fun hike Mel and I and ever took was a place in the Canyonlands National Park, a trail called Syncline. We thought it would be an easy eight mile hike. We ran out of water halfway through. We found ourselves clinging to chains as we rock-climbed. It was most challenging for us, and I didn't get sick. Every time I've hiked the Grand Canyon, I've gotten sick, so it was nice to be challenged without the extra handicap.

What are you writing now?
I'm working on another historical novel titled Against the Wind set in 1855, where a group of people on a wagon train are traveling to Kansas to ensure it becomes a free state. Oh, and they'll be smuggling thirty former slaves with them.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.hannahalexander.com is the best way to find us. I Twitter on occasion. I also have a blog called Sunroom Reflections, and I blog with GirlsWriteOut, but mostly, you can find me on my website.


Thanks to much for having me!

=========================================================
Followers Hannah Alexander has agreed to give one of you their newest book The Wedding Kiss.
A fantastic book!

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
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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  October 15, 2011

The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy * A Review

ABOUT THE BAKER'S WIFE

If what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, why is Audrey growing weaker by the day?

When her husband Geoff, a pastor, lost his job after a scandal rocked their congregation, Audrey's never lost faith.

They decide to resurrect a failing bakery as a way to heal family wounds and restore their place in the community.

Running late to the bakery one foggy morning, Audrey strikes a vehicle. Emerging from her car into the fog, she discovers she hit a motor scooter. But there’s no rider in sight. Just blood.

The absence of the driver is a mystery, especially to Sergeant Jack Mansfield, the detective and church member responsible for firing Geoff from his pulpit. The scooter belongs to Jack’s wife, Julie, a teacher at the local high school, who has vanished…like morning fog.

Though there is no evidence to support Jack’s growing suspicion that Audrey and Geoff were involved in Julie’s disappearance, the detective is convinced of their guilt. When he takes the tiny bakery and its patron’s hostage, Audrey must unravel the secret of Julie’s disappearance and her own mysterious suffering before Jack hits his breaking point.


Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595547525
ISBN-13: 978-1595547521
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

ABOUT ERIN HEALY
Erin Healy is an award-winning fiction editor who has worked with talented novelists such as James Scott Bell, Melody Carlson, Colleen Coble, Brandilyn Collins, L. B. Graham, Rene Gutteridge, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Robin Lee Hatcher, Denise Hildreth, Denise Hunter, Randy Ingermanson, Jane Kirkpatrick, Gilbert Morris, Frank Peretti,Lisa Samson, Randy Singer, Robert Whitlow, and many others.
She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding storiesbefore their collaboration on Kiss, the first novel to seat her on “the other side of the desk.”
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.
http://www.erinhealy.com/


MY REVIEW
  This is the first book I’ve read that Erin Healy wrote alone. I’ve read her other books she wrote with Ted Dekker and loved those as well. The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy is just a superb book.
     Audrey and Geoff have such a strong faith and know God will see them through everything. They have been through so many hard times and experiences that trusting in God with it all was just natural.
 Diane another character in this book just got out of prison and goes to her home town to see if any of her family or former friends are still there. She has people to ask to forgive her, but she isn’t a Christian.
  Jack blames Audrey and Geoff for everything bad that has happened and wants them to pay. Even though he is a police officer can he get justice?
Then Jack’s wife Julie is missing and he blames Audrey and Geoff.
  These are just a few of the plots in this magnicient story. The last half of the book is such a suspenseful ride that you won’t put this book down. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat hoping that all things would work out for the best, but I couldn’t see how that would happen.
 The Baker’s Wife is about family, love and forgiveness, but also shows us what we do in our lives doesn’t just affect us, it affects everyone around us. We can help to make or break another person’s life. Also you really don’t know or realize what other people are going through. We need to see others with a lot more compassion. I believe The Baker’s Wife shows all of this and much more in this book.
I highly recommend this five-star book. Another keeper!

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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.

The Chair by James L. Rubart * A Review

ABOUT THE CHAIR

If someone gave you a chair and said it was made by Jesus Christ, would you believe them?

When an elderly lady shows up in Corin Roscoe's antiques store and gives him a chair she claims was crafted by Jesus, he scoffs. But when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair, he stops laughing and starts wondering . . . could this chair heal the person whose life Corin destroyed twelve years ago?

As word spreads of the boy's healing, a mega-church pastor is determined to manipulate Corin into turning over the chair. And that mysterious woman who gave him the piece flits in and out of his life like a shadow, insinuating it's Corin’s destiny to guard the chair above everything else. But why?

Desperate, he turns to the one person he can trust, a college history professor who knows more about the legend of the chair than he'll reveal. Corin's life shatters as he searches for the truth about the artifact and the unexplained phenomena surrounding it. What’s more, he's not the only one willing do almost anything to possess the power seemingly connected to the chair.

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (September 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433671522
ISBN-13: 978-1433671524
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James L. Rubart is a professional marketer, speaker, and writer. He serves on the board of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and lives with his wife and sons in Seattle, Washington.
http://www.jimrubart.com/index.html






MY REVIEW
  The Chair is the third book James L. Rubart has written and it’s the third book of his that I’ve read and reviewed, and all I can say is Mr. Rubart is a born storyteller and has many stories to tell.
  His books are not like your regular books. James L. Rubart puts really meaning and feeling in all of his books. I really enjoyed the story, but also the spiritual insight. He really makes you feel what the characters are feeling, whether it be hate, indifference, sorrow, fear or love, peace and forgiveness. You really get into James books and you will be reading them really fast.
  Like in the novel The Chair God will let things happen to you to get you to come to Him. Through pain, fear or complete loneliness. Sometimes when we have nothing left  that’s when God can talk to us.
  The Chair is so very interesting, and the characters are intriguing. The characters are very strong and well-developed.
I just enjoyed The Chair so very much and highly recommend it to you.
Personal Note: If anyone has the paperback copy of James L. Rubart’s first book Rooms, I would love to swap books with you. I have Rooms in ebook form, but want it for my bookshelf. If anyone is interested send me an email at wandaelaine at gmail dot com and I will send you the list of books I have. Thanks everyone!


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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

WINNERS-WINNERS-WINNERS

MORE GIVEAWAYS COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!!

Theo Presents DVD
winners are Patsy and Annette

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon
winner is janemaritz

The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander* A Review

THE WEDDING KISS
A kiss can be life-changing.
When Keara and Elam Jensen share their first kiss on their wedding day, a marriage of convenience
becomes much less convenient! It also becomes more than they expected when God shows them
what He really has in store for their lives. Will their mysteriously injured visitor ruin their future, or will
her influence—and her personal battle—draw them into deadly danger?
Visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in 1901, and discover for yourself what excitement and romance
await along the White River Hollow.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Summerside Press (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1609363086
ISBN-13: 978-1609363086
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces


HANNAH ALEXANDER is the pen name for the husband-and-wife writing team of Mel and Cheryl
Hodde, who began collaborating on their first blind date. Cheryl is the wordsmith, and Mel is the
medical expert who helps her with the medical plotlines and edits everything she writes.
http://www.hannahalexander.com/pages/home.html





MY REVIEW
  Hannah Alexander are great authors. I’ve read many of their books and this one is just one of the best. The cover of the book is so beautiful and it just makes the book come alive.
  The Wedding Kiss tells the story of two people who need each other and end up getting married, to solve all of their problems. They didn’t realize they loved each other until the kiss at their wedding.
  At home the same day of their wedding problems come, not in their marriage, but outside. One after another things keep happening to shake up this couple. No matter what their faith in God gets them through.
 The Wedding Kiss is full of action, adventure, mystery, love, hope and forgiveness. This is a novel that will keep you reading, because it is captivating. The characters are beautifully developed and the whole book is altogether entertaining.
  Hannah Alexander is a master at storytelling and painting pictures in your mind, and gives you a satisfying and meaningful ending.
  I don’t keep many of the books I read, but you can be sure that I will be keeping The Wedding Kiss. Hannah Alexander is one of my favorite authors. So, I highly recommend this amazing novel. You won’t be able to put it down and  The Wedding Kiss deserves a five-star review.

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Thank you to the authors 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

A REVIEW * The Light Bringer by Chris DiGiuseppi and Mike Force

WHEN POLICE SERGEANT ALAN CRANE IS ON DUTY, WHO HE "PROTECTS AND SERVES" REACHES FAR BEYOND THE WORLD OF THE LIVING..............

When police sergeant Alan Crane is on duty, who he "protects and serves" reaches far beyond the world of the living...

Sixteen people will die on Police Officer Alan Crane's watch. But while tragic and untimely death is no stranger to the jaded ex-Marine, his newfound supernatural ability to lead these people to their spiritual fates sends him on a sensational and frightening saga that will ultimately answer: Why these sixteen? What do they have in common? And why has Alan been chosen to bring them to the light?

COPS meets The Ghost Whisperer in this mysterious story about sixteen lives inexplicably and suddenly extinguished and the man chosen to be their Light Bringer.

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: HCI; 1 edition (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0757315739
ISBN-13: 978-0757315732
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces

CHRIS DIGIUSEPPI
Chris has over nineteen years in Law Enforcement at various levels up to and including Assistant Chief of Police. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University School of Police Staff Command. He is trained in various aspects of Law Enforcement and holds degrees in Human Resources and Business Administration. Chris lives with his wife and children in Missouri.
http://www.thelightbringerbook.com/




MIKE FORCE
Mike has spent over 30 years in Law Enforcement, the last 19 as a Police Chief Mike has numerous certifications in various areas of law, forensics, investigations and criminology. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and served 22 years in the U.S. Marines where he retired as a Captain. He oversaw operations for twenty-seven military installations worldwide. He holds degrees in Political Science and Human Resources. Mike lives with his wife in Missouri and has three grown children and a granddaughter.




MY REVIEW
  The Light Bringer is an excellent book about the supernatural. It’s a very good make-believe book about Heaven and earth.  I liked getting to know the sixteen people who died. It was interesting to see their life before and how it ended up.  I enjoyed seeing how the main character got along with his family and friends. How he was compassiate for all people who lost loved ones.
  The Light Bringer put a different spin on how people got to Heaven. It made a good story, but if a person doesn’t really know the Bible it could confuse them.
  I believe this is the first book these authors wrote and it is a superb one. I read this book through in just two days and that is fast for me. I as quite captived with the story and the characters.
  To me it seems more of a fantasy book than suspense or mystery.
The Light Bringer makes you think about what is to come. We live so much for the moment, but forget what is ahead for us Christians. We need to live each day as unto the Lord. That is what I got out of this book. It really made me think and appreciate life and death, because with death we will have a much better life.
  I highly recommend this wonderful book. It is full of surprises, adventure and joy. Mostly it will get you to thinking.

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Thank you to the authors 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 Priest's Graveyard by Ted Dekker * A review

ABOUT THE PRIEST'S GRAVEYARD
Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man. Soon, their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate.

Danny Hansen is a Bosnian immigrant who came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother's life. Now he's a priest who lives by a law of love and compassion. It is powerful men and hypocrites who abide by legal law but eschew the law of love that most incense Danny. As an avenging angel, he believes it is his duty to show them the error of their ways, at any cost.

Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in that pursuit.

But when Danny and Renee's paths become inexorably entangled things go very, very badly and neither of them may make it out of this hunt alive.

Judge not, or you too will be judged.

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Center Street (April 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159995334X
ISBN-13: 978-1599953342
Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.2 x 9.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds


ABOUT TED DEKKER THE AUTHOR
Ted Dekker was born to missionaries and grew up among cannibals of Indonesia, and his peculiar upbringing gives him a unique perspective outside the cultural bubble, allowing him the freedom to share provocative insights in his fiction. After leaving Indonesia, Dekker graduated from a multi-cultural high school and took up permanent residence in the United States, earning his B.A. in philosophy and religion, and then went into business.
In the early nineties, Dekker decided to pursue his desire to write fiction, selling his company, moving his family to the mountains of western Colorado, and writing full-time. Two years and three books later his first novel, a supernatural thriller called Heaven's Wager, was published. Dekker proceeded to write 6 more supernatural thrillers, rising to the top of many bestsellers lists and earning himself critical acclaim and legions of fans. "Thr3e" heralded his launch into mainstream fiction and was followed by "Obsessed," "Skin," "Adam," and "BoneMan's Daughters," all of which hit the New York Times bestseller list.
Ted Dekker's fans are comprised of readers of all ages, backgrounds, and belief systems who love his compulsively readable stories, authentic characters, and universal and relatable themes that he explores from a unique point of view.
He resides in Austin, Texas with his wife and children. You can find him at Teddekker.com and Facebook.com/teddekker.




MY REVIEW
  All of Ted Dekker’s books are fantastic, but this one is one of the best. I was pulled in even before the first chapter.
  Ted’s books are so smooth and it’s like reading about something that really happened, because it seems so real.
  I always am amazed at how Ted’s books end. I’m always surprised and the ending is never as I would expect them to be.
  The Priest’s Graveyard is different than most books I’ve read, because the main characters are the murders and you get to really care for them and want them to be happy. I know it’s weird, but Ted writes in such a way that you understand them and can imaigine yourself doing as they did. Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t ever do anything that was wrong, but when someone is pushed too much they snap.
  The characters are very strong and it keeps the story moving at a very fast pace. There isn’t a dull moment in this story and you will hate for it to end.
  The last few chapters things get so mixed up you wonder what will happen. Will things work out or will everything end in catastrophe? I would never have had things to end as they did, but it was just a perfect ending.
  If you love books full of suspense and much excitement you will love this book. The Priest’s Graveyard, I highly recommend and will be keeping this book on my bookshelf.


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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

goes to the winner of The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz,  
which is Gwendolyn. We are very happy for you.
Thanks to all of you my followers I appreciate
each and every one of you!

Animal Adventures The Beginner's Bible Review

Introduce children to the Bible in a playful and engaging way with stories from The Beginner's Bible. This four-book set of beloved Bible stories features animals to enhance the fun. It is the perfect collection to spark a lifelong love of learning the Bible. The Beginner's Bible is a wonderful starting point for children as they discover the life and fun of the Bible. Books in the set include: Elephant's Big Ride, Little Lamb's Big Scare, Fish's Big Catch, Lion's Big Sleepover

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover
Publisher: Zonderkidz; Brdbk edition (August 17, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310720370
ISBN-13: 978-0310720379
Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 6.4 x 1.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds



THE AUTHORS
Mission City Press is a Christian publishing company dedicated to teaching kids to live a life of faith with passionate devotion to Jesus Christ.


MY REVIEW
This four board book set is just fantastic. I love the big colorful pictures and the simple stories from the Bible that young children can understand and learn from.  The Beginner’s Bible is so wonderful to teach and entertain your children. They will understand stories before they get old enough to understand the Bible and won’t forget what they have learned.
The four stories are:
Daniel in the Lions Den
Noah’s Ark
The parable of the lost sheep
Jonah and the Whale, but have really neat name for the children to understand. Here’s a little about each story.
 I highly recommend these sweet books for your precious child/grandchild/friend.

The Lion's Big Sleepover (and Daniel's Scary Night) is the story of how Daniel was put in the lions' den. It tells how Daniel prays and is protected by an angel, and it ends with the king wanting to tell others about Daniel's God.

Little Lamb's Big Scare (and the Shepherd's Great Care) is the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd calls out the to the lost sheep to stop playing hide-and-seek, which helps bring it down to a child's level.




Fish's Big Catch (and Jonah's Second Chance) is the basic retelling of how Jonah disobeyed God's instructions to go to Nineveh and was swallowed by a big fish. Of course, in the end Jonah did obey.


Elephant's Big Ride (and Noah's Stormy Adventure) shares the story of Noah, focusing on the animals. It's a cute book, but I would have liked more of the biblical facts to be included because even a two year old can enjoy learning about 40 days and 40 nights.



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Thank you to Zonderkidz 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


Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn* A Review

ABOUT LION OF BABYLON
Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq--kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight--a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation.

Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?


Paperback: 378 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
 ISBN-10: 0764209051
ISBN-13: 978-0764209055
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR DAVIS BUNN
Born and raised in North Carolina, Davis left for Europe at age twenty. There he first completed graduate studies in economics and finance, then began a business career that took him to over forty countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Davis came to faith at age 28, while living in Germany and running an international business advisory group. He started writing two weeks later. Since that moment, writing has remained both a passion and a calling.

Davis wrote for nine years and completed seven books before his first was accepted for publication. During that time, he continued to work full-time in his business career, travelling to two and sometimes three countries every week. His first published book, The Presence, was released in 1990 and became a national bestseller.

Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Warning, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt.

A sought-after speaker in the art of writing, Davis serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University.

http://www.davisbunn.com/book/lion-of-babylon.htm

MY REVIEW
  I’ve read many of Davis Bunn’s books and have enjoyed them all. Davis Bunn is a great storyteller and this book Lion of Babylon is very suspenseful. It’s amazing how it talks about the Middle East in such a way that it brings peace and happiness to everyone.
  The Lion of Babylon is about kidnapping, governments against each other, bombings, friends-old and new, being a Christian and just about everything else. This books is full of action and really keeps you interested until the very end.
  This isn’t one of your light, fluffy reads that can be read in an afternoon, this book is full of events and history that take extra reading and understanding. It isn’t hard to understand, but has substance and real  essence in it.
  I like how Marc goes to Iraq and makes some wonderful friends and finds people he can trust and ones who are willing to help him when some in his own government don’t want to. Marc works with and becomes friends with Sameh. They have many things in common and many differences, but work together like they have known each other all of their lives. Sameh is a Christian and holds the respect of many people in his country and government.
 I really recommend this book. It is full of suspense and keeps you reading.

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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 Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall* A Review

The Harvest of Grace: Book 3 in the Ada's House Amish Romance Series (An Ada's House Novel) 

Reeling from an unexpected betrayal, can Sylvia find relief from the echoes of her past…or will they shape her future forever?
Although Sylvia Fisher recognizes that most Old Order Amish women her age spend their hours managing a household and raising babies, she has just one focus—tending and nurturing the herd on her family’s dairy farm. But when a dangerous connection with an old beau forces her to move far from home, she decides to concentrate on a new start and pour her energy into reviving another family’s debt-ridden farm.
After months in rehab, Aaron Blank returns home to sell his Daed’s failing farm and move his parents into an easier lifestyle. Two things stand in his way: the father who stubbornly refuses to recognize that Aaron has changed and the determined new farmhand his parents love like a daughter. Her influence on Aaron’s parents could ruin his plans to escape the burdens of farming and build a new life.
Can Aaron and Sylvia find common ground? Or will their unflinching efforts toward opposite goals blur the bigger picture— a path to forgiveness, glimpses of grace, and the promise of love.


Paperback: 352 pages
 Publisher: WaterBrook Press (August 9, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400073987
 ISBN-13: 978-1400073986
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds




THE AUTHOR
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal
She is the author of the Sisters of the Quilt series, The Sound of Sleigh Bells, and a nonfiction work, Plain Wisdom, which was written with her closest Old Order Amish friend.
Cindy, her husband, their three sons and two daughters-in-law reside in Georgia.
http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/books/harvest-of-grace.php

MY REVIEW
  The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall is a sweet Amish story.  The main story is about Aaron and Sylvia, but also about several other couples. It was easy to follow along and keep up with the different families. One thing Cindy did that I like is have a list of characters and told a little about each of them. That really helps to keep everyone straight especially when you first start a book. This is also the 3rd book in the Ada’ House series and I would have been lost without the list of characters. This is the first book I’ve read of Cindy’s and enjoyed it very much.
  I like Amish stories where the author makes them to be like real people. Some authors when they write Amish stories the Amish are like on a pestal and can’t do any wrong, but make the English do everything wrong, but Cindy Woodsmall tells it like it is. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes.
  The characters are quite open and honest in The Harvest of Grace. This book has heartbreaks and healing to couples as well as to parents and children. A very good story that makes you want to read another one in the series. Glad a found another great author. I recommend this book to everyone who love Amish stories.

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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

Furious by Jeremy Riddle music CD review and GIVEAWAY

RELEASE DATE 9/20/2011
Jeremy Riddle is a songwriter and worship leader. He first hit the scene in 2007 with the critically acclaimed record, Full Attention. This project had the radio hit Sweetly Broken, which was the number one song on the radio station K-Love for over 40 weeks in 2007. Other singles from that record were Stand in Awe and God of All Glory. Since then Jeremy has toured extensively all over the US. The Riddle Band has opened for Rebecca St. James, Big Daddy Weave and has played events with Brenton Brown as well.

In 2009 Jeremy released his second project, The Now and Not Yet with the radio singles Bless His Name and Christ Is Risen. in the fall of 2010 his first full length live project Prepare the Way will be released, which will include tracks from live shows in 2009.

Jeremy comes from a family of 7 children and was homeschooled all the way through high school. He graduated from Cal state Fullerton with a BA in political science. Jeremy attended and later served as a youth pastor at the Anaheim Vineyard. Riddle is married with 4 children and now lives in Redding California and is part of the worship ministry at Bethel Church.
http://www.jeremyriddle.net/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/jeremy-riddle/52180062101
http://twitter.com/#!/jeremymriddle

Track Listing:
1. Fall Afresh
2. Furious
3. Love Came Down
4. One Thing Remains
5. Acquitted
6. You Are Good
7. Walk In The Promise
8. One Thirst
9. Glory To The Lamb
10. The Lord Is My Shepherd
11. Here
12. Always

MY REVIEW
  Furious is the newest CD by Jeremy Riddle.  This is a fantastic CD of sweet Christian music. This CD has some old favorites and new music. It is soft and refreshing music to really lift your spirit. I’m listening to Furious right now and greatly enjoying it, as I write this review.
  Jeremy Riddle describes Furious saying, “It’s hard to come up with words that depict the magnitude of Christ’s love-the depth and width of it. Furious doesn’t work outside of the contest of love; we tend to translate the word as angry, but I see it as a super-powerful force; stronger, deeper, broader than our vocabulary can fully describe.”
  It’s just wonderful to see and hear younger people who really love the Lord and want others to know all about Him.
  I know you will really be blessed with this CD Furious. If you want to hear a little of Furious go to this website.  http://www.vineyardmusic.com/vm/
I recommend this CD for your worship library. It will be a great addition to your praise life.


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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

We have the CD Furious from Jeremy Riddle to giveaway. 
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 October 3, 2011

A Killer Among Us book WINNER

go to ybutler, winner of the book A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason.
This is a fantastic book and I'm glad you won.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Blessings,

The Shunning DVD Review and GIVEAWAY

The last two giveaway winners won with an extra entry comment!
ABOUT THE SHUNNING
Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her, she’s adopted.
 The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling “The Heritage of Lancaster county” book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panakaker & Sherry Stringfield.

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/theshunning


Actors: Danielle Panabaker, Sherry Stringfield, Bill Oberst Jr., Sandra Van Natta
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Language: English
Subtitles: English, French
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 1
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: September 13, 2011
Run Time: 88 minutes


Author Beverly Lewis












Actors/Actresses


Danielle Panabaker as Katie



Sherry Stringfield as Laura(Real Mom)


Sandra Van Natta as Rebecca(Adopted Mom)



Bill Oberst Jr. as Samuel(Adopted Dad)




MY REVIEW
  If you love books by Beverly Lewis you will love this movie made from her book The Shunning. This DVD is excellent and a must watch. The characters are very authentic and brilliant. You just feel like it is real, the characters and places feel very genuine.
     I was pulled into the story and was enthralled with it. The story is very heart-warming while being heart-breaking at the same time.
You will be drawn into two different worlds, Amish and English.
     Katie found out she was adopted as a baby. Her whole world seems to be falling apart. She loves singing and playing her guitar, but Amish frown upon musical instruments and will only allow singing from their hymn books. What will she choose, what will she do?
  The actors/actresses in The Shunning are wonderful. They played their parts exceptionally well.  You know how some Christian films really lack in the acting abilities!  Well that isn’t the case with The Shunning. The casting is just superb.
   In this DVD you will find such love, goodness and tenderness that it is unbelievable. I love the way the Amish family wants to keep everyone close and keep them from going astray. I’m really glad to have this DVD and highly recommend it. Another DVD every person should have in their library.

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“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


I’m able to giveaway The Shunning DVD to one of you followers.
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 September 30, 2011

WINNER of the DVD The Grace Card

Go to Charlotte Kay!

She is the winner of the DVD The Grace Card!
Thanks to everyone who entered.
Two more giveaways going up this week.
Make sure to stop by and enter.
I appreciate each and every one of you my followers.
Have a blessed week.

The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins*A Review

ABOUT THE BETRAYAL
Detective Boone Drake has just masterminded the most massive sting in Chicago history, bringing down the heads of not only the biggest street gangs in the city but also the old crime syndicate. The story is the biggest in decades, and the Chicago Police Department must protect the key witness at all costs. Despite top secret plans to transfer the witness ahead of his testimony before the grand jury, an attempt is made on his life. And the person suspected of leaking this information may be one of the CPD’s own.

Binding:Hardcover
ISBN:978-1-4143-0908-8
List Price:$24.99
Release Date:September 2011
Page Count:400
Trim Size:6 x 9


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Jerry B. Jenkins, former vice president for publishing and currently writer-at-large for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, is the author of more than 160 books, including the 63,000,000-selling Left Behind series.
Also the former editor of Moody Magazine, Dr. Jenkins's writing has appeared in Time, Reader's Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of Christian periodicals. Jerry and Dr. Tim LaHaye were profiled in a May 24, 2004 cover story in Newsweek magazine entitled "The New Prophets of Revelation."
Jerry's non-fiction books include as-told-to biographies with Hank Aaron, Orel Hershiser, Walter Payton, Nolan Ryan, and many others.
Jenkins also assisted Dr. Billy Graham with his memoirs, Just As I Am, also a New York Times bestseller.
Jerry owns Jenkins Entertainment, a filmmaking company in Los Angeles, and also the Christian Writers Guild, which aims to train tomorrow's professional Christian writers and has nearly 2,000 members worldwide.
www.JerryJenkins.com
www.Jenkins-Entertainment.com
www.ChristianWritersGuild.com


MY REVIEW
 This is book 2 in the Precinct 11 series and it is a fantastic book. Jerry B. Jenkins writes books that are full of truth, honesty and plenty of mystery and suspense. I’ve loved all the books I’ve ever read of his.
  In The Betrayal book 2 took off right where book 1 left off and it was at a very suspenseful moment.
  One thing I liked about this book was I didn’t know who was betraying whom until close to the end of the book. I thought it could be this person, than I thought it might be someone else. I didn’t know who was the betrayer for quite a while, which I really thought was fantastic.
  In The Betrayal Boone gets closer to the Lord and seeks to do his will. He keeps witnessing to his friend and former partner Jack.
  Even though Boone was greatly wounded, he didn’t give up, didn’t want others to feel sorry for him and kept investigating the case. It really shows his determination and how much the police force means to him.
This is one action-packed, fast-paced read that you absolutely won’t put down until you find out who the betrayer is and the one/ones being betrayed. It is a surprise right up to the end. If you want to read a book that you will really enjoy, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this 5-star book, The Betrayal.


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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