Rival Hearts

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Rival Hearts Abingdon Press (June 17, 2014) by Tara Randel

MY THOUGHTS:
 I enjoy the Quilter's Heart series of books. Each is written by a different author and uses a unique quilt style as a focal point of the story. 

Rival Hearts is a fun story based on a contest established by the head of a magazine enterprise. There is a new magazine starting, and he is pitting two of his best editors against each other for the coveted role of editor. Each is given a challenge to accomplish a specific task related to the OTHER'S field of expertise and then write about it. The editor of the quilting magazine must compete in a kayak race, and the editor of the outdoor adventure magazine must create a quilt.

The story is full of fun competition, funny experiences, and budding romance. I love the concept of the story, but I was a bit disappointed in its execution. At times it felt rote and stereotypical, and I was disappointed that I'd figured out the ending by page 104.

But I'd recommend it as a good beach read!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!

Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.

When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.

Finding Spiritual Whitespace

Finding Spiritual Whitespace -- Awakening Your Soul to Rest
by
Bonnie Gray



MY THOUGHTS:
I enjoy the way Bonnie Gray writes from her heart and connects with the reader as if they are in the same room sharing a cup of coffee. She has some great ideas at the end of the book for finding a piece of quiet and rest for your soul.

That said, I found it difficult to connect with the majority of this book. Gray had a tragic childhood and she uses her healing process as a foundation for the book. The basic elements of the book and many of the activity prompts at the end of each chapter seem best fit for someone who has been through their own life trauma. I found myself feeling guilty that I had a great childhood and pretty happy life!

This book would be a wonderful gift to a friend who needs to heal from difficult events in her life.

ABOUT THE BOOK (From the back cover):
Move beyond surviving to a rejuvenation place of soul rest.
How many of us find ourselves running on empty with no time for rest, no time for ourselves, no time for God?

Bonie Gray knows what that's like. On the brink of fulfillig a liofelong dream, she saw her plans shatter into a journey through painful memories and anxiety. In her search for answers, she made an important discovery: we all need spiritual whitespace.

Whitespace. Its the space left on a page left unmarked. Untouched. Whitespace makes art beautiful. It gives the eye a place to rest. Just like beautiful art, our souls need balance and beauty.

With heartbreaking honesty, Bonnie guedes you to discover a better story for yourself, one that feeds your soul and makes room for rest. Infused wiht biblical enouragement and thought-provoking prompts, this book shows us how to create space i teh everyday for God, refreshment, and faith -- right in the midst of our stress-frayed lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bonnie Gray is the soulful writer behind FaithBarista.com, serving up shots of faith for the daily grind. Her work is featured on DaySpring (in)courage and nationally syndicated on Crosswalk.com.After graduating from UCLA, Bonnie served as a missionary, ministry entrepreneur, and Silicon Valley high-tech professional. She lives in Northern California with her husband, Eric, and their two sons.

You can check out her website HERE.http://www.faithbarista.com/

Yankee in Atlanta

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Yankee in Atlanta River North(June 1, 2014) by Jocelyn Green

MY THOUGHTS:
I am fascinated by this series. Jocelyn Green does an amazing job of researching history, using actual events from journals, and turns snippets about life into fabulous stories that make the reader feel like she is there.

A Yankee in Atlanta provides a shocking look into the life of those left behind during the Civil War. We hear bits and pieces of the horrors of war, but seldom get a look at the specific things wives and children had to deal with when their men were off fighting. 

This book shows the realities of the strength and resourcefulness women on both sides of the war found within themselves when things got tough.

I would like to read more about Caitlin's year BEFORE this story takes place!

This book is a must read for history buffs.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed...Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin's only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta. Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?

Id you would like to read the first chapter of Yankee in Atlanta, go HERE.

The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart Love Inspired (June 3, 2014) by Allie Pleiter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.


ABOUT THE BOOK

When Katrine Brinkerhoff's cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton's heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint's plan to protect her family. But she can't let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.

Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?

Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart, go HERE.