Scraps of Evidence

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Scraps of Evidence Abingdon Press (January 21, 2014) by Barbara Cameron

MY THOUGHTS:
 I have really enjoyed the Quilts of Love series. Each book stands alone and has the story of a quilt intricately woven into the action. However, I was greatly disappointed with Scraps of Evidence.

The story line is great -- it is a dangerous mystery story that must be solved by newly promoted detective Tess and her partner who just moved to town, Logan. My disappointment lies in the way this story doesn't hang together. There were at least five times as I read that I had to backtrack to earlier pages to clarify something. 

SPOILER ALERT: Several parts of the story seem inconsistent (e.g. it seems that Tess and her friend Samantha are dating twins at the prom, when later it turns out that Samantha was apparently with someone else, and  Tess and her partner apparently visit a shrimp shack 'for the first time' twice). In addition, some scenes, like potential food poisoning on the boat, could be linked into the story strategically but just fall flat and never get resolved. 

I guess the other part that really bothered me wasn't related to the editing or writing style, but is just an issue I have with police stories in general. Do male/female partners REALLY have to fall in love? I believe most mixed partners work very professionally together and don't fall into romantic relationships as easily as these two did. I would have preferred if the romance occurred elsewhere in the force or even outside of it -- we do a disservice to our police forces when books continue to romanticize this relationship, and female officers have a difficult enough time dealing with this perception of always being romantically inclined.

All that said, I'll definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series and hope that it is more like the others!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the author:

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 35 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tess has taken some ribbing from her fellow officer, Logan, for her quilting hobby. He finds it hard to align the brisk professional officer he patrols with during the day with the one who quilts in her off-time. Besides, he’s been trying to get to know her better and he’d like to be seeing her during those few nights a week she spends with her quilting guild. Then one afternoon Tess and Logan visit her aunt in the nursing home, and the woman acts agitated when Tess covers her with the story quilt. Aunt Susan is attempting to communicate a message to them about Tess’s uncle. There’s a story behind this quilt, they realize, one that may lead them to a serial killer. Will they have a chance to have a future together, or will the killer choose Tess for his next victim before they find him?

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

Fully Man

It truly is hard for me to comprehend the reality of Jesus being fully God and fully man. In most of the New Testament we see his godliness -- the miracles, prophesies, and judgements. In fact, almost every passage of the Gospel has been turned into a sermon that has been used to focus on Jesus being God incarnate.

So I love those passages when I can see human responses from the Son of God. they are true reminders that yes, he DID experience the things we do, and he DOES understand what we go through.

One of these passages is Mark 11:12 - 14

12 The next day when they came out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13   After seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, He went to find out if there was anything on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14   He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!  ”   And His disciples heard it. (ESV)*

This passage has been referenced in many sermons to discuss the ened for Christians to actually bear fruit in their lives, not just to look like they are 'good church people'. It has also been interpreted as a parable of sorts to represent the Jewish nation -- the pharisees loved to look holy, but in reality were barren in their faith -- and as a result the nation withered up and died.

I am not a trained Bible scholar, so my take on this verse may be totally incorrect (and please tell me so if you ARE a Bible scholar -- I don't want to be communicating anything incorrectly). But it is one of my favorite passages because I see two human traits demonstrated here.

Jesus was hungry. I don't know if he skipped breakfast, if he'd stayed up all night and prayed, or if Mary and Martha cooked burned the eggs that morning (most likely he'd spent the night at their home). But he was hungry enough to seek out food from the side of the road -- and I bet everyone heard his stomach growl! I've never been starving, but I've felt hunger so strong that I wanted to stop somewhere and get food before going on my way. I like knowing that Jesus did, too.

The other thing that helps me realize Jesus' humanity is his response to reality. The tree promised some fruit by it's full leaves (which come out only once the fruit has started to produce), but it was barren. Jesus was disappointed, and so frustrated that he cursed the tree. Did he do this to teach a lesson to the disciples that they would only realize when they returned to Bethany that night and saw the withered tree? Or was it a statement of his frustration, born out of the gut-wrenching fear he was feeling about what faced him in just a few days in Jerusalem? We know he felt this fear from his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of his death. He knew what was facing him, and as a man he had to be a bit concerned about his ability to handle this.

I love getting to know Jesus better, and verses like these help me realize that he was more than just the Son of God, he was also the Son of Man, and as such he knows what we experience. Knowing that he was able to overcome the world gives me hope in those times when I am needy or frustrated. He's been there, and he will help me overcome those situations!






*B & H Publishing Group (2010-10-01). The Holy Bible: HCSB Digital Text Edition: Holman Christian Standard Bible Optimized for Digital Readers (Kindle Locations 52165-52169). B&H Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Short Term Desires

I was shopping the other day and found a great clothes sale. While standing in line, I heard the woman in front of me talking to her daughter. She was telling her that they were only going to buy half of the clothes right now, and have the other half held until later that day. The woman planned to return to the store to purchase them when while her husband was at work so she could sneak them into the house and mingle them with the clothes already in her closet so he wouldn't be aware of her new 'threads'.

As she was explaining her plan to the cashier, she made a comment that they were saving for a new house, so she didn't want her husband to know how much she was spending! I had to wonder, did she really want these clothes more than she wanted that new house?

How often do we sacrifice our future for something that looks or feels good right now? We take a second helping despite being on a diet. We put off exercising because the weather is a bit too hot, too cold, too wet, or it's too late. We figure we'll take care of that 'check engine light' tomorrow when we aren't running so late. We go ahead and give in to temptation, thinking that it won't be so bad in the future and knowing that God will forgive us for this one little fall. I wonder how King David's life would have been different if he'd been thinking about making the right long term choice when he saw Bathsheba on her roof?

Proverbs 25:28 tells us that whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like city broken down, without walls. Each time we give in to our short-term desires, it is like knocking down another brick in the wall of protection surrounding us. After several poor choices we fail in our efforts, and then wonder why we can't succeed!

God tells us to stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and not to become tangled up again in the yoke of bondage we used to be caught in (Galatians 5:1). By standing strong, He promises to stand with us and give us the desires of our hearts. And eye has not seen nor ear heard nor has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him! (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Yesterday in St. Louis it was 50 degrees. Today the wind chill is -1 and there is enough snow that school has been cancelled. St. Louisians know that the common joke is, "if you hate the weather, just wait a day and it will change." How true that is!

So many things in this world change around us on a daily basis. Just think of the foods we eat. For years eggs were 'the perfect food', now they are to be avoided because of cholesterol. Red meat was pretty much the same until the Atkins diet, then meat was ok and carbs were evil. And diet soda -- it was the savior for those who were overweight until we discovered that not only are artificial sweeteners unhealthy, they can make us want to eat more! If you don't like what you are told to eat, wait a day and it will change!

Everywhere we look we see mixed messages. "Don't obsess about body image", but look at the photoshopped covers of magazines for pictures of the 'perfect' body. Work hard to succeed in school, but then those who succeed aren't recognized as valedictorians anymore because that might "hurt someone's self-esteem". Buy the biggest home possible, and redecorate it regularly to demonstrate your success versus save  for retirement because there may not be a pension or social security to help.

One thing we can be assured of in this world, there will be change. Our world today is changing faster than at any time in the past. How do we decide what is truth and what isn't? After all, if we look to the internet or the library for answers, we can find 'research and wisdom' that verify both sides of almost any issue.

For me, the truth is found in John 16, verse 33. Jesus is speaking:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

Jesus has been confiding with his followers about the future -- that he will return to Heaven and they will be scattered. Trouble is coming, but he tells us in advance so we can be confident in Him and to accept His peace if we truly believe He wins in the end. And if you read the Bible through to the end, you will see that this is true!

 

So look at all the changes the world is bringing to us, evaluate them carefully, and have peace that God is in control!

Time for Work?

Have you ever had to punch a clock? No, not in the morning when the alarm goes off, but at work. There have been several jobs I've worked where I had to clock in and out. I was much more likely to be on time to these jobs since someone would know right away if I was even one minute late. And often people would line up by the clock several minutes before the shift change so they could be sure to clock out at the first moment possible.

Unfortunately, I saw a lot of abuse of the system, too. People would clock in early so they could look good to the boss, then they'd take their daily newspaper and go to the cafeteria for breakfast. Others would leave early but conveniently forget to clock out so no one could prove they weren't at their desk. Some people believed that as long as they were clocked in they deserved to get paid for their time . . . regardless of if they worked or not.

In one tragic incident at a very large company, an employee was involved in a serious motorcycle crash on his way home from work. They found eight of his co-workers badges in his coat. He and his friends had a great gig -- work one day, off nine. They would pass all the badges around and clock in/out for each other!

It's a good thing God doesn't ask us to clock in (well, in reality he doesn't have to, being all-knowing of course). Some days I don't really start 'his' work until several hours into my day. Other days I probably 'clock out' within minutes of clocking in. I might have good intentions, but something in life interrupts my focus and I forget all about the boss of the universe.

God doesn't really want us to have specific times of day when we work for him and other times when we don't. He's a jealous boss who wants all of our time -- weekends, too. That doesn't mean we ignore the world and spend 24 hours a day in Bible study and prayer. He wants us to be connected to him through relationship all day and to see that the things we do are all about him: providing for our families, talking with co-workers, encouraging others, loving/respecting our spouses, and teaching others about him. He does like our one-on-one meetings with him on a regular basis, too.

How is your day going? Have you clocked in yet? Have you clocked out already? One good thing about this boss -- he'll be happy that we clock back in whenever we realize we aren't tuned in to his work and he forgets those times when we clock out if we just as his forgiveness! And the pay for this job is out of this world.

Ephesians 6:4-7

Context:
Paul has been giving the Ephesians instructions for life -- talking about husbands, wives, and children.

Text:
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. (NIV)

Taken from www.biblegateway.com

Everyday Confetti

Everyday Confetti - Your Year-round Guide to Celebrating Holidays and Special Occasions
by
Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer


MY THOUGHTS:
 I was a bit concerned that this book would just be another one of those 'Godly Hostess' books that would make me feel like I couldn't compete with those in the world who are gifted in such ways (you know the type -- Martha Stewart clones who actually DO the things they pin on Pinterest).

Boy, was I wrong! This is a FABULOUS book that works especially well for people like me. I want to be organized and celebrate things, but somehow time and energy runs out before it happens. Right from the first page, they talk about making the things you already do special -- family dinners. We all have to eat, right? And eating together as a family IS something we do almost every day. So how do we change things up just slightly so they are more special, more of a celebration? With simple hints about intentional conversation starters, recognition opportunities, and talks about how God impacts our lives, Glynnis and Karen made me realize that I CAN increase my 'celebration quotient'.

The book is designed to help you realize what your unique family needs and habits are and to utilize those moments to celebrate -- not extravagantly (unless that is your gift), but in meaningful and simple ways. Before it even gets to annual holidays, the authors discuss Everyday Joys, Celebrating Birthdays, Spiritual Milestones, Ways to Stay Connected, and Reaching Out to Others.

Tucked in with the creative ideas are a TON of fabulous sounding recipes -- something I didn't expect. These are simple things to make for nourishing meals or fun snacks that are designed to use the things a typical family has in the pantry -- no need to add a special shopping trip to an already busy schedule.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is 'celebration challenged'. It would be a fabulous book for a shower gift along with a few things related to celebrations - candy sprinkles, notecards, a special holiday plate, and maybe a pan for creating some of the awesome recipes.

You can buy a copy of the book here.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When a busy woman looks at her calendar and sees a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, she has the best intentions for bringing joy to her family and creating lasting memories. Then reality hits. Amidst demanding responsibilities and an overloaded schedule, when is she ever going to have time to plan the perfect celebration or find the creativity to make it special?

In this go-to guide, Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer give women the ideas and the motivation they need to make such occasions less daunting. They provide creative ideas and menu plans for
· Holidays
· Birthdays
· Special Events
· Everyday Occasions
Readers will even find suggestions for reaching out to others throughout the year through celebrations that are simple, doable, and stress-free.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
 Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer are fabulous members of the Proverbs 31 team. You can learn more about them here: http://www.karenehman.com/about-karen/ 
and here: http://glynniswhitwer.com/meet-glynnis/

Thank you to Revell Publications for providing a copy of this book for my review.

No One To Trust

No One To Trust

by

Lynette Eason

 

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a thrilling book from beginning to end! I read it on a plane and was seriously wishing the plane would circle the airport a few times so I could finish before we landed.

From the minute Summer Abernathy wakes to find a man with a gun at her head until the final word of the book, I was on the edge of my seat. The book includes twists, turns, sabotage, secret agendas, and enough running for a marathon. This is definitely a must read for 2014.

As you read, you will be confronted with some serious questions about trust and forgiveness. Why is it easier to forgive some people than others? And to forgive some acts more than others? Whom do you still need to forgive, and how do you do that?

Loved this book, and I'm grateful to Revell Books for providing a copy for my review. I've not had a chance to read any of Lynette's books in the past, and I've become a major fan!

 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She doesn't know who she's running from--and the man she loves may be someone else entirely

Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover?

The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe.

Always thrilling, bestselling author Lynette Eason outdoes herself in this taut, breakneck story of lies, loyalties, and love that will have you up all night to discover the truth hidden in the shadows.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 
Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted her life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Business Degree she used for a very short time (sorry Mom and Dad), she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. During this time, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door! She is married to Jack Eason, who speaks, leads worship, and consults ministries around the country. They have two children.

Lynette’s books have appeared on the ECPA and CBA bestseller lists and have won several awards.

Tempest's Course

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Tempest's Course Abingdon Press (December 17, 2013) by Lynette Sowell

MY THOUGHTS:
 I am really enjoying the Quilts of Love series by Abingdon Press, and this latest release is wonderful. Lynette Sowell's book, Tempest's Course, has a different twist on quilting -- instead of creating a quilt, the heroine of our story, Kelly Frost, is restoring one that  has been well used and somewhat abused, not unlike Kelly herself.

There are a lot of mysterious behind-the-scenes characters who add a level of complexity to the story that is sure to surprise the reader. I really enjoyed the historical perspectives of the whaling industry and those left behind. But most of all, this is a story about moving on from the past and creating a future where you let God take control.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in quilting, those interested in the 1800's and the Northeastern part of the country, and those who enjoy a sweet love story.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Sowell is an award-winning novelist. Her most recent novel, Tempest’s Course, is part of the Quilts of Love line from Abingdon Press. When Lynette’s not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but makes her home in Coppress Cove, Texas, with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner's Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain's home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she and Tom grow closer. And as she reads stories in a daily journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns the secrets of the quilt and Mary's own sad tale of regret. Then Tom learns secrets of his own family's past, and both Tom and Kelly learn they are tied to Gray House in ways they never imagined.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tempest's Course, go HERE.

Merry Humbug Christmas

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Merry Humbug Christmas B&H Books (October 15, 2013) by Sandra D. Bricker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. "I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost," she says. "So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line."

Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.


"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects ... and still pursue my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

And one of the author's pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy -- a red-haired collie with "killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown."

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.

In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell," A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.

In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer," Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Merry Humbug Christmas, go HERE.

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.”

 

Success!

'nuf said -- thanks for the motivation power of going public with a goal!

Need To Be Held Accountable

I'm feeling less than motivated today and I think I'd be happy to sit in my chair and watch the rain...ALL day! This is one of my rare days with no appointments, so I have hours to use and I don't want to waste them. SO, I'm relying on you to help keep me moving. It seemed to work on the desk in my office, so let's see how it works on my sewing room (aka Quilt Studio and corner of my bedroom).

A few weeks ago I decided to organize this room and try a different strategy for managing my fabric. As I moved stuff off the top of my fabric shelf, I noticed the ceiling was black. Over the past month or so, Lois's toilet and shower have leaked, and apparently they leaked through to my studio below. After Doug removed the drywall, we realized we needed to call in help.

Now there is good news and bad news. All the decluttering/organizing shows tell you to remove everything from a room before you start. Ok, well I have to remove everything so the contractor can come on Monday to rip the ceiling out and see what needs to be done! My sewing machine and a few tools have been moved, along with the shelf of fabric, but this remains:






Where do I even start? And where do I put all this stuff? And how will I remain somewhat organized in the meantime so I can make the seven things I want to finish by Christmas?  This is where you come in. I've decided that today is the day, and I can reward myself with a quilting video as soon as I'm done.

Ready, set, GO!

Maybe I'll eat lunch first :o)  !

How Did This Happen?

So, I worked really hard to get my desk cleaned during the month of September. Then I had two separate speaking/teaching engagements, a visit by Hurricanes Sophie (my granddaughter) and Bandit (my granddog), several migraines, and lots of people putting mail on my desk 'so I could find it'. Well, this is the result:

And to be honest, it got MUCH worse than this!

So today I had to find the results of a recent car inspection, since our license must be renewed this month (figured it was about time...it's the 29th!). So I started going through the piles. There was the wonderful pile where piles are supposed to be -- in the pretty basket by my computer. Most items there are at least a month old. Then there was the pile on the other side of my computer, the pile at the far end of my desk, the pile in the middle of my desk...well, you get the picture.

Bottom line is that I found a bunch of expired coupons, a couple of late bills, a BUNCH of fabulous quilting magazines I have yet to read (and I'm really proud of myself for not stopping to read them), medicines that need to be renewed, and plenty of other things that need attention. But no car inspection.

Luckily the wonderful people at JC Care Care are happy to print a copy and it's on the way to the Dept of Revenue office. And now my desk is clean again! Well, at least the top and the drawers I've already cleaned.

I wonder if I'll ever make it out of my office in this cleaning/organizing fantasy of mine?

Back to neat at least! (if not quite as perfect as I want).

Unspoken

Unspoken
by
Dee Henderson


MY THOUGHTS:
We have waited so long for some new Dee Henderson books, and unfortunately this one was not worth the wait.

Dee's O'Malley series was the first set of Christian novels I ever read, and I hung on every word. The way her characters struggled with real life issues in the midst of fabulous suspense helped me learn how to turn to God in all situations.

However, her newest books seem to lack any tie to reality. I didn't review Full Disclosure because I was so disappointed with it -- I even had other Dee Henderson fans read it to see if I'd missed the mark. But with Unspoken, I see the continuation of a sad trend. The story seems to drag, and the characters live such unrealistic lives that they aren't even worthy of dreaming about. This could have been a great story if the surrounding situation (insane wealth) were even somewhat realistic. Maybe this is based on truth, but it's not a truth that anyone I know can even comprehend.

I got quickly bored with the coin talk, having no comprehension of what was valuable.

I definitely appreciated the struggle Charlotte has with God's willingness to forgive her captors. It's a struggle I hadn't considered for someone in her position, and it makes great sense. I love it when an author opens up a new way of comprehending the love God has for each of us, regardless of who we are or what we do.

So disappointed, but I'll continue to check out Dee's books because she's had such a major impact on my life.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Charlotte Graham is at the center of the most famous kidnapping in Chicago history.

The task force of FBI and local cops found her two abductors, killed them, rescued her, but it took four very long years. The fact she was found less than three miles from her home, had been there the entire time, haunts them. She's changed her identity, found a profession she loves, and rebuilt her life.

She's never said a word--to the cops, to her doctors, to family--about those four years.
A family legacy has brought her back to Chicago where a reporter is writing a book about the kidnapping. The cops who worked the case are cooperating with him. Her options are limited: Hope the reporter doesn't find the full truth, or break her silence about what happened. And her silence is what has protected her family for years.

Bryce Bishop doesn't know her past, he only knows she has coins to sell from her grandfather's estate--and that the FBI director for the Chicago office made the introduction. The more he gets to know Charlotte, the more interested he becomes, an interest encouraged by those closest to her. But nothing else is working in his favor--she's decided she is single for life, she struggles with her faith, and she's willing to forego a huge inheritance to keep her privacy. She's not giving him much of an opening to work with.

Charlotte wants to trust him. She needs to tell him what happened. Because a crime cops thought was solved, has only opened another chapter...

"Dee Henderson is a master of Christian fiction... You will be hooked by her storytelling and will be anxiously awaiting her next novel." -- Fresh Fiction

"Minute details...plot twists galore, and a supporting cast whose capacity to fight evil and win is just this side of over-the-top make this stand-alone novel a rip-roaring good read. Old fans and new readers alike will be delighted." --Publishers Weekly

Stranded

Stranded
by
Dani Pettrey


MY THOUGHTS:
I have really enjoyed Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series, and this latest volume ranks right up there with the best! This book had me on the edge of my seat from the prologue, and I couldn't put it down.

I love the McKenna family and have really enjoyed these stories. You don't have to read the first books to understand what is going on, but it would definitely help. There are so many characters involved who show up in each book that it might be a good idea to keep a log -- it's easy to forget some of the personality quirks of each!

Pettrey's descriptions of the landscape and activities that occur make you feel the cold! She has a wonderful way of setting you into the story and making you feel like you see the landscape instead of are being told about it. I can't wait for the next book.



ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Her Friend Goes Missing,
Every Minute Counts
Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared. Troubled by the cruise ship's vague explanation, Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further.

The last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy. And in typical Darcy fashion, she's digging up more trouble.

He'd love to just forget her--but something won't let him. And he can't help but worry about her as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually into foreign waters. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they push, the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

"The third book in Pettrey's Alaskan Courage series ratchets up the action and suspense. It's difficult to stop yourself from peeking ahead to the end, but the ride is worth the anxiety." --RT Book Reviews
"Dani Pettrey has delivered another incredibly compelling adventure in Alaska. STRANDED is full of suspense, beautiful rugged wilderness and white-water rapids, and a heartfelt romance. I loved catching up with the McKenna family." - Dee Henderson, New York Times bestselling author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In real life, Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.
Just in case you’re curious…The real Dani does love traveling. She’s been to some amazing places (Greece, Hawaii, the Keys) and there are many more she hopes to visit in the future.
And while she’s not quite up to sky-diving, cave diving or heli-skiing (too high, too enclosed, too cold!) she and her family love hiking, canoeing, wave jumping and a ton of other outdoor adventures a little further down on the risk scale.

Learn more about Dani and her books at http://www.danipettrey.com/

Dark Justice

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dark Justice B&H Books (October 1, 2013) by Brandilyn Collins

MY THOUGHTS:Brandilyn Collins is known for her 'seatbelt suspense' -- that is, you better buckle your seatbelt before you open one of her books! And this book definitely lives up to expectations.

Hannah Shire decides to go home the 'long' way, and her life is never the same. She stops to help the victim of a car accident, who tells her a cryptic secret. Next thing she knows people are trying to kill her and she's being sought as a 'person of interest' in three murders!

Brandilyn's book are such winners because she starts with a situation that could happen to any one of us, then she masterfully winds a web of intrigue and suspense that is so plausible the reader can see herself in the midst of unprecedented trouble.

If you are a Brandilyn Collins fan, you will once again be thrilled with her latest book. If you've never read one of her books, pick this one up and you'll be hooked!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.

ABOUT THE BOOK

If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back.

While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved.

The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twentyseven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well?

Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country . . .

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dark Justice, HERE.

Thanks to B&H Books for providing a book for this review.

A Talent For Trouble

A Talent for Trouble
by
Jen Turano


MY THOUGHTS:
Wow...just wow! Jen Turano has quickly become one of my top five favorite authors! This is her third book, and I love it just as much as I enjoyed the first two! I have dubbed her the "Hysterical Historical" writer. I know that her books will include realistic details about the time period, and hilarious antics from strong characters. Plus there is a dash of downright amazing romantic relationship building -- especially where the characters don't think they are 'made' for one another.

There are wonderful characters who were in the first two books that show up again, and it is like seeing old friends! The books could definitely stand alone, but they are so fabulous you will want to read all three -- A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, and this latest one.

One of my favorite 'characters' is Thor...but you'll just have to read the book to figure out who he is!

If you like intrigue, meddling mothers, well meaning but interfering friends, cross dressers, naughty children, and the occasional run in with the police, this book is for you!

ABOUT THE BOOK
For years, Miss Felicia Murdock’s every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister’s wife. When the minister she’d set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change–and soon–before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she’s not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who’s to say nay?
Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.
Just as Grayson decides he’s had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia’s life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jen grew up in the small town of St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she spent an idyllic childhood riding her purple spider bike, ice-skating on a little pond and reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon books in her tree house. High School was, surprisingly enough, fabulous as Jen spent time with her girlfriends. She headed off to college with no idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up, but settled on pursuing a career in fashion because she thought it sounded glamorous. Her parents thought she’d lost her mind, but they resigned themselves to her choice and after earning a BA degree in Clothing and Textiles, Jen set off to take the fashion world by storm, only to discover retail was certainly not the glamorous career she’d imagined it would be. She moved to Buffalo, New York to take a job in the buying office of a large department store, learning all there was to know about cookware, which again, was hardly glamorous, especially to a girl who did not have a knack for cooking. She met her future husband, Al, a few months after taking this job and eight months later, they were married. After moving into management at another department store and working that for a few years, the company went out of business and Jen decided she’d had enough. One year later her son was born and Jen hung up her heels for good and concentrated on being a mom.
She began dabbling in writing when her son, then in elementary school, said he liked her made up stories as much as those in his books. It was then that she  fired up the computer and never looked back.
Jen loves to write humorous stories with quirky characters and a dash of intrigue and finds historical romances especially appealing, seeing as how she’s been reading them since she was a teenager. Her mother gave her a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss, The Flame and the Flower, and Jen was hooked on the genre. When not reading romance, she loves to read mysteries, young adult and her favorite series of all time, Harry Potter.
Besides writing, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends.