In the Field of Grace

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In The Field of Grace River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2014) by Tessa Afshar

MY THOUGHTS: Loved, loved, loved this book! It's one of my new favorites. Tessa Afshar has taken a well-known favorite story from the Bible and given it life. Of course I knew how it ended, but I couldn't put this book down! I loved the way Tessa developed the characters and side stories to make one of the most beloved stories truly come to life. 

This is historical fiction at its best!


 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TESSA AFSHAR was voted "New Author of the Year" by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader's Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God, Ruth arrives in Israel with nothing to recommend her but Naomi's, love. Her loftiest hope is to provide enough food to save Naomi and herself from starvation.

But God has other plans for her life. While everyone considers Ruth an outcast, she is astounded to find one of the most honored men of Judah showing her favor. Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz is irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his Cousin Naomi's chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from harm, but his heart knows better.

Based on the biblical account of Ruth, In the Field of Grace is the story of a love that ultimately changes the course of Israel's destiny and the future of the whole world.


If you would like to read the first chapter of In The Field of Grace, go HERE.

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." 

Firewall

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Firewall Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (July 1, 2014) by DiAnn Mills

MY THOUGHTS:
LOVED this book! DiAnn Mills is a fabulous suspense writer, and this is her best book yet. The depth of the plot, the speed of the action, and the commitment of the characters to resolve the multiple crises are unsurpassed.

This is a book that is almost impossible to put down -- don't plan to read it if you have other commitments!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills


ABOUT THE BOOK

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.

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

Love Comes Home

Love Comes Home
by
Ann H. Gabhart

MY THOUGHTS:
This is a story of love and redemption set post World War II. It is the third and last book in a series. I did not get to read the first two books, Angel Sister and Small Town Girl, and that had a big impact on my perspectives of the book. While you wouldn't necessarily have to read the first two books, I'd highly recommend it. There are apparently important back stories that significantly impact this last book.

I loved the cast of characters in the book! It is set in a small town, and the town of Rosey Corner has interesting folk. Each is well developed and lovable in his or her own way. Ann Gabhart takes you beyond initial perception into the heart of each in a fascinating way.

This is more of a romance story than a historical novel, and it is a fun read.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are joyfully welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline craves a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be. And Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.

Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Atlas Girl

Atlas Girl
by
Emily T. Wierenga


MY THOUGHTS:
This is a heartfelt memoir of Emily Wierenga's search for God and self. She bares her faults, longings, failures, and dreams, and leads the reader to a deeper sense of God.

That said, I had a difficult time with this book. Emily weaves past and present together in a way that seemed somewhat confusing to me. I had to continually go back and forth to figure out where in the world she was, who some people were, and what the time frame was of the chapter.

I appreciated her authenticity and transparency in her search for God. She gives a perspective that one doesn't often see -- how a missionary's daughter and Bible college graduate, too, can question her faith and lose sight of the end goal.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
Emily Wierenga left home at age eighteen with no intention of ever returning. Broken down by organized religion, a childhood battle with anorexia, and her parents' rigidity, she set out to find God somewhere else -- anywhere else. Her travels took her across three continents in buses cars, and planes, across mountains and over deep blue seas.

What she hadn't realized was that her faith was waiting for her the whole time -- in the place she least expected it.

Poignant and passionate, Atlas Girl is a deeply personal story of the yearning we all share to be truly known, entirely forgiven, and utterly loved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 Emily T. Wierenga is an award-winning journalist, columnist, artist, author, and blogger at www.emilywierenga.com. She speaks regularly about her journey with anorexia and lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Trenton, and their two sons.

Death Takes a Ride

Death Takes A Ride
by
Lorena McCourtney


MY THOUGHTS:
Another winner by Lorena McCourtney! I'm not sure you can legally call this a cozy mystery anymore since the main character is now a Private Eye, but it has that feel. This is the third book in the series The Cate Kinkaid Files, but honestly you wouldn't have to read the first two books to enjoy it.

I love how Cate gets herself into crazy scenarios, through no fault of her own, and how she uses her intelligence, gut feel, and tenacity to get through some really tough situations. The story is very well written and Lorena always surprises me with the ending.

I hope this series goes on for a LONG time!

You can buy the book here.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
It's official. This case is above her pay grade -- and Cate's in over her head.  Cate Kinkaid arrives at H&B Vintage Auto Restorations to give a friend a ride. But, as usual, trouble finds Cate even there -- this time in the form of one dead man, one wounded man, and what appears to be a pretty obvious case of self-defense.

Despite having been merely an unfortunate bystander, Cate finds herself sucked into the case. Ad the deeper she gets, the more she begins to suspect that the shooting in the H&B office may not have been as cut-and-dried as it appeared.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lorena McCourtney takes you o a wild ride in this clever cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won a Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), Dying to Read, and Dolled Up to Die. She resides in Oregon. Learn more at www.lorenamccourtney.com

Plain Faith

Plain Faith
by
Irene & Ora Jay Eash
with Tricia Goyer



MY THOUGHTS:
This is the true story of an Amish family that survives a terrible tragedy, seeking God in a deeper way as a result. They are strong in the Amish faith, but start to realize that maybe there is more. More grace, more freedom, more relationship.

I was fascinated with this book. I enjoy the genre of Amish fiction, but loved the honest peek into their world. This book caused me to evaluate my own level of faith and understanding of God, resulting in a deeper commitment to my relationship with Him.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about other cultures or is examining his or her own faith.

See the trailer and meet the Eash's here


ABOUT THE BOOK:
This is the true story of Ora-Jay and Irene Eash, Amish farmers from northwest Montana whose lives changed in an instant when a semi-truck struck the family buggy, killing their two young daughters. After the accident, the couple turned to their Amish community for comfort, but they remained haunted by the thought that they might not see their girls again in heaven. Would their deeds be good enough?
Eventually Ora-Jay and Irene learned that grace—not works—was enough to ensure their place in eternity. But with that knowledge came the realization that they could no longer live in an Amish community that didn’t share this precious belief. Could they sever their connection to the Amish family they loved? This is the story of their journey to the hope that is heaven, a hope stronger than the loss of children, family, and a way of life.
“Fans of Amish fiction will appreciate such a real-life look into the Amish community, co-written by bestselling author Tricia Goyer, and readers of all kinds will resonate with this tale of courage, resilience, and the redemption found in the grace of Jesus.”


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Ora Jay ad Irene Eash live in Northwest Montana where they have a small horse farm, offering sleigh and wagon rides. Six of their nine children are married and they have six grandchildren,. You can find out more at www.cripplecreekhorseranch.com

USA Today bestselling author Tricia Goyer is the author of 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series. She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high-traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com

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.

One More Last Chance

One More Last Chance
by
Cathleen Armstrong

MY THOUGHTS:
This is the second book in Armstrong's A Place to Call Home series, and it is every bit as good as the first! If you haven't read Welcome to Last Chance, you wouldn't know this is a second in the series. I was thrilled to see Lainie and some of my other friends from the first book make appearances, but the were reintroduced appropriately.

Armstrong must have an innate sense about people, because she is able to instill honest angst and happiness into multiple characters in a way that feels totally natural. I really enjoy how each character has depth and believability, not stereotypical behavior. I'm definitely looking forward to the third book.

I recommend this book as a great read for a front porch swing and some lemonade or a day on the beach!

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
Some things never change. . . and some things change you forever.
Sarah Cooley has come home to Last Chance, New Mexico, for one reason -- because it doesn't change. After a relationship gone bad with a man who wanted to change everything about her, Sarah is more than ready for the town whose motto may as well be, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Chris Reed, on the other hand, wants nothing more than to spark some change in the little town. As the new owner of the Dip 'n' Dine, he's shaking things up to draw folks from all over the Southwest into his restaurant.

As it turns out, the winds of change are blowing into Last Chance --just not in the ways that Sarah or Chris might expect.

With the same evocative writing and charming characters that won fans for her debut novel, Cathleen Armstrong invites you back to Last Chance for a heartwarming, romantic story of two people navigating the twists and turns of life in a small town.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Armstrong is the award-winning author of Welcome to Last Chance. Though she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, her roots remain deep in New Mexico where she grew up and where much of her family still lives. Learn more at http://www.cathleenarmstrong.com

Gathering Shadows

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Gathering Shadows Bethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014) by Nancy Mehl

MY THOUGHTS:
I found this book incredibly interesting. The story line is fascinating, especially with the recent discovery of those who were kidnapped years ago still being held captive. Definitely a good mystery to be solved.

I had a bit of difficulty with the romance thread of the story, though. It felt like the author needed to force a romantic link into the very short time frame of the story. I never felt a real 'spark' between the characters.

That said, I like the concept of the series -- people living in a town where they can be basically free from their past. I'm looking forward to the next book.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn't take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can't pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station's photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary. Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town's handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family's past hides in the shadows, it's clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she's searching for hidden forever--even if the cost is Wynter's very life. If you'd like to read the first chapter of Gathering Shadows, go HERE.

Fatal Exchange

Fatal Exchange
by
Lisa Harris

MY THOUGHTS:
Oh, my, hold on to your seat! This is one action-packed story with no time for distraction. The whole book takes place in just a couple of days, and it is amazing all that can go wrong in that time. I really don't want to tell much of the story because there are so many twists, turns, and surprises that I'm afraid I'd ruin parts.

Just know that this is an amazing book, complex and deceiving, that will keep you turning pages long into the night. It is the second in a series, and while I have not read the first of the series I had no trouble understanding what was going on. I am anxious to go back and read the first book, Dangerous Passage. And, based on the last couple of paragraphs of this book, I can't wait for the third one to be released!

I've added Lisa Harris to my list of favorite authors. Hope you like her books, too.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
Desperate times create desperate people. And desperate people are dangerous....
Though Emily hunt comes from a family of cops, the relatively quite life of a high school teacher suits her just fine She's saving up to buy a house, slowly moving forward after her brother's death, and settlinginto a life she loves. So the last person she wants to spend time with is Mason Taylor.
An undercover cop, Mason is enemy number one as far as her family is concerned. His involvement int he death of Emily's brother is still up in the air, and now he expects her to help him with a case. Mason has been working with one of her students, Rafael Cerda, whose brother has been kidnap-ed by a drug cartel And with time running out to meet their demands, Rafael is getting desperate.
Emily will have to draw on all of her strength to handle what happens next....

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a Christy Award finalist and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. The author of more than 20 books, including Dangerous Passage, Harris has spent over ten years living with her family as missionaries in Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com

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

One Perfect Spring

One Perfect Spring
by
Irene Hannon

MY THOUGHTS:

I have loved all the suspense/mysteries I've read by Irene Hannon. Perfect Spring is a different type of adventure, and I enjoyed it just as much!

Some characters are easy to love right from the beginning, and others are a bit bristly. But that is a major component of the book. It caused me to stop and think about those folks who are a bit 'unloveable' and to realize there is always something behind the facade. In fact, there is a back story in everyone's life. It is not up to us to conjecture or judge, but to love each person as he or she is, and to know that God is in control. I really appreciated that Hannon has each character evolve in a natural way.

I have always loved stories that allow me to change the perceptions I've formed about a character -- the musical 'Wicked' is a case in point. While this is definitely not a fantasy story, it offers the same opportunity to see behind the scenes and realize people are not all they seem.

ABOUT THE BOOK (from the back cover):
Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line -- until a letter from Claire's eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.
As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn't asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become -- nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child's kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives ...including his own?
Through compelling characters and suprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs -- the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of over forty-five books, including That Certain Summer. Her romance and suspense fiction has won many awards, including two coveted RITAs, a Carol, two HOLT Medallions, a National Readers' Choice, a Daphne du Maurier, a Retailers Choice, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

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

Where is God?

Today I read Psalm 13:
13 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Crossway Bibles (2011-02-09). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (with Cross-References) (Kindle Locations 94080-94109). Good News Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Scary thought -- what if God ignores me as often and as long as I have ignored Him? Praise God He is merciful and loving regardless of how shallow or selfish I am. God, help me seek you with as much diligence and love as you seek me.

Sometimes I acknowledge God in the beauty I see around me -- a field full of dandelions and wild purple 'weeds' can be amazingly beautiful, sunlight sparkling an ice-covered tree, the bright eyes of a newborn, the wrinkled smile of one of his saints. And often I wonder what he was thinking when I look at the tragedies of this world -- deadly tornadoes that wipe away homes and families in an instant, devastating disease and hunger,  and the evil things around us every day.

He wants me to turn to him during those times, but he also wants me to realize that he is here, every day and in every situation. In my waking and my sleeping, my eating and my breathing, my ability to see, hear, feel, and pray. I want to be aware and thankful all the time -- Paul tells us to pray constantly to be in touch with God in every action. I want that type of relationship. God, help me want that type of relationship more!

Manual to Manhood

Manual to Manhood
by
Jonathan Catherman

MY THOUGHTS:
I gave this book to my twin 14 year-old boys and asked them to read through several sections. I don't know exactly which sections they read, but both of them spent a decent amount of time with the book (that means an hour for one of them and a couple of hours for the other). Now, telling their mom what they thought of the book seemed like a dance for them. They didn't want to act like they had learned anything (because of course, 14 year-olds know everything), so both of them said it was kind of common sense. Well, maybe the chapter on wearing deodorant and brushing your teeth were, but I think that there were a lot of chapters on topics they hadn't even considered, like grilling a steak, changing a tire, and finding a stud in the wall!

I also had my 24 year-old daughter read through it, and I read several chapters. We both thought that it had great topics and that it was a good manual to have around so that you could learn things at just the right time. We did think that several chapters were very shallow -- especially in the section on impressing girls. It includes topics such as talking to a girl for the first time, planning dates, and meeting the girls' parents. I thought it was lacking in the areas of how to treat a girl with respect (for example, it never even mentions opening doors for her), ideas of what to do on a first date (such as determining what she is interested in), or double dating etiquette. As a mom, I was also a bit disappointed in the the social skills and manners section. It talks about how to make a bed, but doesn't deal with manners items such as eating appropriately, phone and text etiquette, or tips on maintaining a conversation. I would have appreciated a section on how to find out more details about things -- who to talk to or what books to read.

This is a good intro manual for preteen and young teen boys, but I would recommend a detailed follow up for those beyond 13 or 14 with much more information about character-building, leadership traits, common courtesy, and relationship skills.


ABOUT THE BOOK (From the back cover):
How to gain respect, avoid embarrassment, and impress everyone!
As a man in the making, you'll need to know how to do stuff. You also need a strong moral character to back up your new abilities. But who do you ask? If you want to have it all together The Manual to Manhood is your go-to resource. With great illustrations and step-by-step instructions for almost everything a guy needs to know, this book shows you how to:
- wear cologne correctly                 - change a tire
- tie a tie                                          - talk to a girl
- grill a steak                                   - fold a shirt
- manage a credit card                    - clear a sink drain
- plan a date                                    - behave during a traffic stop
- interview for a job                        - throw a football
- ask for a reference                        - find a stud in the wall
- clean a bathroom                          - and tons more

The world needs confident and capable young men. With The Manual to Manhood, you'll be well on your way to becoming one of the best.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jonathan Catherman is a leading education consultant and trainer specializing in the character and leadership development of youth. He speaks worldwide about the principles and strengths that empower greatness in children, teens, and young adults. As both a parent and a professional, Jonathan is committed to assisting young men in the making to experience success and significance as they mature into manhood and lifelong leadership. Jonathan, his bride, and their boys live in North Carolina. Learn more at www.jonathancatherman.com.



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

A Promise in Pieces

MY THOUGHTS:
A Promise in Pieces is one of the Quilts of Love stories. This is a lovely story of a WWII nurse who spends her life trying to find meaning, and the quilt that helps others heal.

The story is written in memoir format, and it's a sweet story. There is no mystery, intrigue, or suspense involved, and it is an easy read with a satifying ending. A perfect book to take one away from the stresses of life!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Promise in Pieces Abingdon Press (April 15, 2014) by Emily T. Wierenga
MY THOUGHTS:
A Promise in Pieces is one of the Quilts of Love stories. This is a lovely story of a WWII nurse who spends her life trying to find meaning, and the quilt that helps others heal.

The story is written in memoir format, and it's a sweet story. There is no mystery, intrigue, or suspense involved, and it is an easy read with a satifying ending. A perfect book to take one away from the stresses of life!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:

I’m Emily, and I’m honored and humbled to meet you, friend. We’re all stumbling along on this journey and you can approach me about anything okay? I’m an open book, with dog-eared pages and a worn cover.

I’m mama to two boys, ages two and four, and married to a farm-boy-turned-math-teacher. We live in a small Dutch hamlet with three churches, one Co-Op and no stop lights. There are a lot of fields out here, there’s a lot of space and sky for breathing and running and writing.

We foster two boys in addition to our own two, and before I had kids, I took care of my Mum who had brain cancer. She fought back and has recovered, all glory to God, and my pastor-father still holds her hand while they go for daily walks.

I battled anorexia nervosa as a child, and then again as a newly married woman, and I write a lot about body image now and have a passion for women to learn to love themselves.

My husband and I have battled infertility and are currently trying to adopt our third child through the local Alberta government.

I hurt for the church, and believe in it, and pray for it, as I’ve grown up inside its walls and have heard its groanings.

I have a heart for Africa, particularly Uganda, and went there in January on a bloggers’ trip with World Help.

My favorite things to do are read literary novels, play guitar, snowboard, paint with oil and acrylics and hug my babies.

I am the author of two books on eating disorders, a novel releasing this spring, and a memoir coming out this summer.

I hope you’ll connect with me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/emilytwierenga, or if you prefer, Twitter: @emily_wierenga. I’d love to have a virtual glass of wine, or cup of coffee, with you.

Peace to you friends,

e.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women’s Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier’s last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share.

Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she’s not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier’s baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.

Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child’s name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever happened to Mattie—and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt—years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Promise in Pieces, go HERE.

Lip Reading

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lip Reading David C. Cook (March 1, 2014) by Harry Kraus

MY THOUGHTS:
Harry Kraus is the master of medical mysteries/adventure! This new book, Lip Reading, is a combination of medical expertise, intrigue, and suspense. He has set this one inside the pharmaceutical industry and has covered both the excitement of life saving research and the downside of drug trials and unexpected results.

I received this book in the mail in the afternoon, picked it up after supper, and absolutely didn't put it down until I finished it 3 1/2 hours later! I wonder if that is frustrating to an author for readers to devour a book so quickly after it took months to write and edit? But I know it's all that effort that makes the book so intriguing.

I will always rush to get one of Harry's new books!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Harry:

I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.

ABOUT THE BOOK

She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself

She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.


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

What Follows After

What Follows After
by
Dan Walsh




MY THOUGHTS:
Dan Walsh is a magnificent storyteller. This latest book, What Follows After, is a poignant story of one family's life in Florida during the week of the Bay of Pigs crisis in 1962. Although that incident serves as the backdrop to the story, it isn't the main point of the plot. And I don't want to give that away!

Many of us looking back see the early 1960's as an idyllic time in history. Most families were married with 2.5 kids, living in suburbia. The economy was relatively stable, we weren't at war, and we like to think everyone lived like Leave It To Beaver. It simply is not true.

This story emanates from the pain of lies and the search for whatever 'normal' life should be. It is gut wrenching at times, and both tragic and heartwarming at others.

I had to know what happened at the end of this story, and the book kept me entranced all the way through the Author's Note! I'd highly recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift, The Discover, and The Reunion, as well as The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol awards and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year (20101 - 2013), Dan lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
IN 1962, life was simple, the world make sense, and all families were happy. And when they weren't, everyone knew you were supposed to pretend. 

For the past year, Scott and Gina Harrison have been living a lie. While they show up at family get-togethers in the same car, they've actually been separated for over a year. To keep up the charade, they've even instructed their sons, Colt and Timmy, to lie --to their grandparents, their teachers, and their friends.

Colt, for one, has had enough, so he hatches a plan. He and his little brother will run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents get back together. But when things go terribly, terribly wrong, Scot and Gina must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their marriage.

IN this emotional story, bestselling author Dan Walsh takes you on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life --love, truth, an family. With profound insight into the heart of a hurting child, he reminds us stat a time will come to look back on hard times and smile, because we'll know that what follows after . . . is not what we expected at all.

Learning to be Frugal

I've been thinking a lot lately about frugal living. Over the past few months I've read several interesting blogs about being self sufficient, eating healthy and inexpensive food, and making significant changes in life style in order to help others more.

As a result of this thinking and my continuing struggle to reduce clutter, I took on a challenge to reduce 30 things each day for Lent -- either giving away or throwing away 'stuff' we really didn't use or need. That has actually been going well, and hasn't been difficult at all. I probably ought to keep reducing until it becomes painful!

During this time I read this blog http://notquiteamishliving.com/2014/03/simple-lessons-from-mennonite-upbringing-shirley-hershey-showalter/ that talked about a popular book among the Mennonite community called Living More With Less by Doris Janzan Longacre. She has a very interesting explanation of frugality -- not necessarily living in a frugal manner because you have to, but because it's the right thing to do.

Not only can we cut our costs and donate the money to good causes, but she seems to indicate that it is almost sinful of us to live extravagantly, even if we can afford it, because there are so many around us who are unable to do so. She goes on to talk about the unseen costs of our extravagance -- the impact around the world because we use so many of the worlds resources and we, as a society, often support horrible labor policies in other countries. We take so many things for granted, and we ought to focus on what we need to live.

So, with all of these thoughts in my mind, I drove past a commuter parking lot in St. Charles. I drive past it probably 3 - 4 times per month, and frequently there is a man who lives there out of his car. He's been there for at least 3 years on and off. I've actually tried to deliver food and drinks to him once or twice, but those times he wasn't there.

I started thinking about how he lived and initially felt a bit sorry for him. But then I turned my thinking around a bit. What if someone CHOSE to live out of their car (not saying that he does). How much would one spend to live? What would I take with me if I all of a sudden had to start living out of my car? Does he use all the stuff he has with him, or does he, too, have more clutter than he needs? How much would one have to work to eat?

Now I know I would not like that lifestyle -- hot in the summer, cold in the winter, no regular place to shower or comfortable bed to sleep in. But how many people in the world live that way every day?

What could I learn from him, and others, about frugal living and what we REALLY need to live?