What would the stethescope play for you?

A friend sent me this video and I loved it. It's a commercial, but you probably won't be able to guess what it's advertising until the very end. Be sure and watch to the end, it really made me smile.

CFBA: Song of my Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Song Stuck on the Brain: Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding... cue whistling...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

Song of My Heart
Bethany House (February 1, 2012)


by


Kim Vogel Sawyer


MY TAKE:

Kim did a beautiful job painting the relationships in this book, especially between Sadie and her Papa, the man who adopted her as his own when he married her mother. The scene in the beginning as she and her parents discuss her moving to Kansas for work was especially moving. It made me remember my father and our time together. It felt as if that scene could have been my family, had we lived over a 100 years ago.

Sadie's father is always in her heart and her mind as she faces the tough decisions. A remembered word of council or a shared scripture from memory. The example is there to also remind us that regardless of our relationship with our earthly fathers, we all have a Father in Heaven that loves us with that same devotion and acceptance.

I also loved how she showed mercy and forgiveness don't always mean no consequences, but that even the consequences can be made for a blessing if its all turned over to God.

The story is fun, full of lighthearted romance and a little bit of mystery. All told on a solid message of faith. I really enjoyed it.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and numerous grandchildren.

CFBA: In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

Song Stuck on the Brain: Merlin tv series theme song

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


In Too Deep


Bethany House (February 1, 2012)



by



Mary Connealy



MY TAKE:

In Too Deep is Mary's follow up to Out of Control, the first book in the Kincaid Brides series. I loved book one, the suspense and humor mixture always hooks me right in, but I was anxious to read Ethan's story, because as much as I enjoyed Rafe, Ethan was the one that really intrigued me.

Ethan may be clueless about women, but he's a good hearted soul looking for healing and validation as a man. Audra has been beaten down by pushy men her whole life and she's had enough. Both want to be seen for the strength inside of them, but struggle to stand their ground with bossy Rafe and Julia always making choices without consulting anyone else. That's how Ethan and Audra end up married in the first place. But their good for one another, they see each other for who they really are and together are stronger. I loved watching them find their true feelings for one another.

And of course it wouldn't be a Mary Connealy book without a lot of humor and action to go with it. One of my favorite lines in the book is where Audra is describing Ethan at a moment when she's frustrated with him. "Ethan looked like six full feet of stubborn and another few inches of dumb." :)


ABOUT THE BOOK:

In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned.

Ethan doesn't expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he's terrified of the pain he's felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He's determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch. Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!

What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?

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



Watch the book trailer:



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

CFBA: Ruth's Redemption by Marlene Banks

Song Stuck on the Brain: NCIS theme song. We're watching season 2 on dvd. Love NCIS, and it's a real toss up who's the favorite character. Gibbs is probably the best looking, but McGee is geekalicious. :) Even Ducky has a special spot in my heart.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:





Ruth's Redemption

Moody Publishers/Lift Every Voice (February 1, 2012)



by



Marlene Banks

MY TAKE:

I've read a lot of civil war era fiction, some did their best to shine a light on the reality for African Americans at that time, but none presented it as well or realistically as Marlene Banks did in Ruth's Redemption.

Although there are some surface attempts at connecting it to the Bible story of Ruth and Boaz, such as character names and a few well timed phrases, I didn't really see it as retelling of the story of Ruth. And I was perfectly fine with that, because the story of Ruth I did get was just as compelling. The author doesn't avoid any of the 'ugly' that was reality for slaves. It's not sugar coated or watered down, neither is it crass or gratuitous. The vernacular and setting sends you back in time and although it's not always a comfortable place to be, the story of redemption make it worth the trip. Ruth isn't the only one finding redemption either. Bo finds healing as well and their journey together provides a love story that shines all the brighter for the ugliness they over come.

The story provoked very strong emotions for me, anger, disgust, fear and finally compassion. Be prepared to walk more than a mile in Ruth and Bo's shoes in the dusty lanes of Virginia.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Set in the 1800s, Ruth's Redemption, is an unusual depiction of the lives of slaves and free blacks in pre-Civil War America. Bo, a main character, was educated while a slave. He was given his freedom and now owns a farm buying slaves for the sole purpose of giving them their freedom.

Bo is also a man of God and widower whose life is destined to change when he meets the proud and hard-hearted slave girl, Ruth. Ruth has known nothing but servitude and brutality since being separated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding, Ruth struggles to adjust to life outside of bondage. She wants no part of Bo's Godly devotion. Yet Bo is unlike any man she's known and her experiences with him will leave her forever changed.

A gripping slave era novel, Ruth's Redemption is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God's unconditional love in the darkness of a culture's cruel socially accepted inhumanity.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Ruth's Redemption, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marlene Banks has worked 30+ years combined in nursing and the business arena. Her goal as a writer is to create inspiring, gripping and realistic stories with an emphasis on African American literature. She believes her gift and desire to write is from God and desires to use it to fulfill His purposes. Marlene lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she is a member of Bethel Deliverance International Church.

The Crossing by Serita Ann Jakes

The Crossing

by

Serita Ann Jakes

MY TAKE:

This is the first book I've read by Mrs. Jakes, and it was a very pleasant surprise. The story is told through several of the character's points of view. The shifting between characters was really well done and I think it was an important writing decision, because the story is so much richer for it. Claudia and Casio both suffer from PTSD and emotional trauma from the accident 10 years before. Reading their thoughts and seeing how they rationalized their choices was enlightening and heartbreaking. I think one of the most interesting character point of view we're shown, though, is that of the Victim. As the young teach lays dying on the school bus floor, unable to speak or respond to those around her, we see her coming to terms with her life. Facing her sins, accepting responsibility and forgiveness. Feeling the transition from a mortal life to immortal grow within her as the love of Jesus fills her spirit. It was a beautiful thread woven through the story. Mrs. Jakes shows pain and horror, then the path to finding healing and acceptance. It's not all happy endings and sunshine, but it is very moving. I highly recommend it.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In 2000, a horrible unsolved crime is committed on a Texas school bus. At the time, Claudia Campbell was the beautiful head cheerleader, a hopeful girl who idolized her slain teacher. Now ten years later, Claudia's secret life threatens to destroy her marriage and possibly her very life.

Casio Hightower, now a prominent member of the community and a police officer, was a superstar quarterback and tapped by several colleges as their next golden boy. Casio's rages are tearing him apart and are close to landing him in jail.

The only way to move forward with their lives is to readdress the crime of their past, with the help of God and his perfect grace.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Serita A. Jakes has been involved in Christian ministry all of her adult life and has served alongside her husband, Bishop T. D. Jakes, throughout their entire marriage of nearly 30 years. As an insightful speaker, she draws heavily from her education and background in theater and mass communications. A soft-spoken woman offstage, First Lady Jakes, as she is affectionately referred to by The Potter’s House congregation, possesses the rare ability to reach and stir her audiences as she works to complement her husband’s ministry.

In August 1999, she released her first book, The Princess Within, which to date has sold more than 200,000 copies. The book, which is a poignant and revealing autobiographical reflection of encouragement and victory over pain, trauma, and abuse, is scheduled for re-release spring 2011. Serita wrote the book as a vehicle of encouragement for hurting women who want to break the silence surrounding their secret pain and obtain healing from it. In November 2003, Warner Faith published First Lady Jakes’ second book, Beside Every Good Man: Loving Myself While Standing By Him. It challenges women to explore the seasons that shape their views of male influence in their eyes.


“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”