Aloha Rose

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Aloha Rose Abingdon Press (November 19, 2013) by Lisa Carter

MY THOUGHTS:
 I love to quilt and I love books about quilts! This is NOT a book about quilting, but a beautiful baby quilt plays a key role in the story.

Laney Carrigan knows nothing about her birth family except that she was left on a doorstep wrapped in a Hawaiian quilt by a friend of her adoptive mother. She has spent her life feeling abandoned and unwanted at the core, despite the love of her adoptive family. Now, at the  prompting of her birth father, she flies hours away to Hawaii to meet the family of her heritage.

In the process she meets Kai, an adult who was a foster child in her Hawaiian family. He suffers PTSD from his time in Afghanistan and from a terrible childhood trauma. 

The story evolves as these two, who feel like 'stray cats' in the world, learn about their pasts, seek to heal their wounds, and try to fit into an 'ohana' family.

This is part of the Quilts of Love series published by Abingdon Press. The series has been well written and includes fascinating 'back stories' of quilts. Aloha Rose includes fabulous scenic descriptions of the 'big island' of Hawaii and it almost feels like a vacation with a loving Hawaiian family. It is a great, fun read.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.

I am a teacher. With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.

I am a writer. Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.

I am on a journey of faith. My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Aloha Rose, go HERE.

Thanks to Abingdon Press for providing a copy of the book for this review!

Singularity

Singularity
by
Steven James


MY THOUGHTS:
This book is the second in the Jevin Banks series. Jevin is an illusionist who does amazing stunts, and he is training others to do them, too. When one of his best students is murdered during a publicly aired event, Jevin is thrown into a search for the killer with terrifying results.

There is a lot of action and many fascinating characters (some are really pretty creepy) in this story, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Steven James does a wonderful job of researching leading edge topics and takes current day research to a terrifying level of potential reality. I'm not overly fond of books written in first person, but I enjoy James' storytelling so much that it's worth it to work through this.

I hope there are more books in this series -- I'd especially like to see more of Fiona and her home-schooled family!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written three dozen books, including the Patrick Bowers and Jevin Banks thriller series. He has also penned books spanning the genres of prayer collections, dramas, monologues, a nine-book series on creative storytelling, YA fantasy, and inspirational nonfiction. He has a master’s degree in storytelling and has taught writing and creative communication around the world. When he's not writing or speaking, you'll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking a dark roast coffee near his home in eastern Tennessee.




ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jevin Banks is searching for a killer--and answers to terrifying questions he never even thought to ask.

·        
When his friend is murdered, illusionist Jevin Banks is determined to find out what really happened. Drawn deep into a web of conspiracy and top-secret research on human consciousness, Jevin won't stop digging until the truth is revealed. Soon he uncovers a dark secret that could change the very fabric--and future--of human life on the planet.

Based on frightening scientific realities and bristling with mystery, suspense, and intrigue, Singularity is the riveting sequel to Placebo.


"Steven James knows how to tell a story that gets under your skin and challenges the way you think as only the most talented writers can. If you're looking for a mind-bending tale, strap in and take the ride with Singularity. I can't recommend it highly enough."--Ted Dekker, New York Times bestselling author


Praise for Placebo, the first book in the Jevin Banks Experience

"James's new series explodes onto the fiction stage. . . . The writing, pacing, and plot lines are impeccable."--Publishers Weekly

"An edgy, multilayered thriller that may have you fearful every time someone says, 'Oh, I've been thinking about you.'"--RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars

"A full-frontal assault that combines unique characters, a compelling theme, and an incredible story."--Life Is Story

"The kind of action, suspense, and surprises that Steven James fans have come to expect."--CBA Retailers+Resources

"The science is amazing, well-researched, and rather unsettling."--The Christian Manifesto

"A tantalizing blend of plausible current events and speculative sci-fi."--Crosswalk.com

For more information, please visit http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/singularity/319450

 

“Available November 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”