CFBA: Spring's Renewal by Shelly Shepherd Gray

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing: Spring's RenewalAvon Inspire (April 2010)

by Shelley Shepherd Gray

MY TAKE:

I'm not always a big fan of Amish fiction. They seem to be everywhere right now, and it begins to feel a little "been there, done that." I have to say, Shelley's writing isn't like that. It's nice to know that there are still fresh stories available to keep the genre alive.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Tim Graber arrives in Sugarcreek to help his aunt and uncle with spring planting. At first, Tim doesn't fit in with his many cousins and their crowded lifestyle. But when he meets Clara Slabaugh, the local school teacher, he understands why the Lord brought him to Sugarcreek.

Clara is shy and quiet. Scarred from a fire when she was small, Clara has resigned herself to living alone and caring for her mother, who tells her that no man will ever see past her scars, and that Clara needs to keep teaching in order to make ends meet.

Her father passed away years ago, and her mother depends on her. But the scars mean nothing to Tim. He appreciates her quiet nature and her wonderful, loving way with children. Yet Tim has a sweetheart back home in Indiana. As these two hearts struggle to determine their path, tragedy strikes, and every other worry seems insignificant in comparison.

Though they now face a life they never imagined, will Tim and Clara have the faith to step out and risk everything for a chance at true love?

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold twenty-six novels to numerous publishers. She has written a seven book contemporary series for Avalon books. She also published The Love Letter, a western for Avalon. Five Star Expressions published Suddenly, You in February of 2007. This novel is a historical western set in the mountains of Colorado.

Shelley has written nine novels for Harlequin American Romance. Cinderella Christmas, her first novel with them, reached number six on the Waldenbooks Bestseller list. Her second book with them, Simple Gifts won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice award for best Harlequin American Romance of 2006. The Mommy Bride, was chosen by Romantic Times Magazine as one of their TOP PICKS for May, 2008.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for Harper Collins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. HIDDEN and WANTED the first two novels of her ‘Sisters of the Heart’ series, were chosen to be Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/ Literary Guild Book Club. FORGIVEN, book 3, has received glowing reviews. Avon Inspire will release four novels by Shelley in 2010.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two teenagers, and is an active member of her church.

New Painting by Ron DiCianni

Ron DiCianni is an amazing painter of Christian pictures, such as Spiritual Warfare, one of his most famous. He's an illustrator for authors too, like Frank Perreti. When I watched the video, it gave me goosebumps. His newest painting, is amazing. Check it out.

Ron DiCianni: Painting the Resurrection

CFBA: The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

Song Stuck on the Brain: You'll Think of Me by Keith Urban

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


The Anonymous BrideBarbour Publishing, Inc. (April 1, 2010)


by Vickie McDonough

MY TAKE:

There's not much to say. I loved the book. It's funny, insightful and touching. Does that sound too simple? You know I'm not I'm always a big fan of the typical Western Historical, but once again someone's proved themselves above average - by far. I don't want to give anything away. All I can say, is that you won't regret this one. It will make you laugh outloud.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

How many brides does one man need?

It's been years, but Luke Davis is back--older and wiser--and still alone. Returning as Lookout's new town marshal, Luke is determined to face the past and move on. He flippantly tells his cousin he'd get married if the right woman ever came along. But then he discovers that the woman who betrayed him is now a widow, and all his plans fall at his feet.

Rachel has carried her guilty shame for eleven years. Her marriage to James Hamilton was not what Luke or the town thought it to be. Now James is dead, and her long-time love for Luke is reignited with his return to town. So when three mail-order brides appear, she panics.

Could they possible find love a second time?

Rachel begs his forgiveness, but Luke finds he has none to give.

And then the brides arrive. Three of them--ordered for Luke through newspaper ads by his incorrigible cousins. The only place in town for them to stay is Rachel's boardinghouse. And none of the ladies is willing to let Luke go. When choosing a bride becomes a contest, the chaos that ensues is almost funny.

When the mayor forces Luke to pick a bride or lose his job, will Luke listen to his heart that still longs for Rachel or choose one of the mail-order brides?

Will Rachel find the courage to tell Luke that she loves him? Or take an anonymous part in the contest for his hand?

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author Vickie McDonough believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. She loves writing stories where the characters find their true love and grow in their faith.

Vickie has had 18 books published. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is currently serving as ACFW treasurer. Vickie has also been a book reviewer for nine years.

She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four sons, and grandmother to a feisty four-year-old girl. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling.

CSFF: Raven's Ladder by Jeffery Overstreet

Song Stuck on the Brain: Two Hands by Jars of Clay


This month, CSFF is touring:

Raven’s Ladder

by

Jeffery Overstreet

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A DEADLY MENACE IS BREAKING THROUGH THE GROUND. THE PEOPLE OF ABASCAR MUST ABANDON THEIR STONE REFUGE AND FLEE INTO VULNERABILITY IN THE FOREST. BUT THEIR KING HAS HAD A VISION…

Following the beacon of Auralia’s colors and the footsteps of a mysterious dream-creature, King Cal-raven has discovered a destination for his weary crowd of refugees. It’s a city only imagined in legendary tales. And it gives him hope to establish New Abascar.

But when Cal-raven is waylaid by fortune hunters, his people become vulnerable to a danger more powerful than the prowling beastmen––House Bel Amica. In this oceanside kingdom of wealth, enchantment, and beauty, deceitful Seers are all too eager to ensnare House Abascar’s wandering throng.

Even worse, the Bel Amicans have discovered Auralia’s colors, and are twisting a language of faith into a lie of corruption and control.

If there is any hope for the people of Abascar, it lies in the courage of Cyndere, daughter of Bel Amica’s queen; the strength of Jordam the beastman; and the fiery gifts of the ale boy, who is devising a rescue for prisoners of the savage Cent Regus beastmen.

As his faith suffers one devastating blow after another, Cal-raven’s journey is a perilous climb from despair to a faint gleam of hope––the vision he sees in Auralia’s colors.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jeffrey Overstreet is the author of The Auralia Thread, a four-volume fantasy series that includes "Auralia's Colors," "Cyndere's Midnight," and the upcoming "Raven's Ladder" (Feb. 2010). He also writes about art and culture at LookingCloser.org, and his "memoir of dangerous moviegoing" is a book called "Through a Screen Darkly: Looking Closer at Beauty, Truth and Evil at the Movies." Jeffrey's perspectives are also published at Filmwell.org, and his work has appeared in Image, Paste, and various other periodicals. He lives in Shoreline, Washington, and works as the contributing editor for Seattle Pacific University's magazine Response.

Check out the other tour member's blogs:

Brandon Barr
Rachel Briard (BooksForLife)
Keanan Brand
Beckie Burnham
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
Ryan Heart
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

CFBA: Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris

Song Stuck on the Brain: Shine by the Newsboys

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:





Blood Ransom
Zondervan (April 1, 2010)



by


Lisa Harris




MY TAKE:

Lisa Harris has done a great job here. She took an unsettling and very compelling setting and made it real to the reader. I will probably never see Africa, nor be able to volunteer at a missionary hospital. But I felt like I was part of the story. The suspense is gripping and I found myself holding my breath. The romance is woven in well, working with the story without interrupting the flow of the suspense. Great job.



ABOUT THE BOOK :

Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.

Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade---and a high-ranking political figure involved in it---disaster nips at their heels.

Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie, and Joseph win their race against time?

Romance and adventure drive Blood Ransom, by Lisa Harris, a powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of Blood Ransom, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author Lisa Harris has been writing both fiction and nonfiction since 2000 and has more than fifteen novels and novellas in print. She currently lives with her family in Mozambique, Africa, where they work as missionaries.

From Lisa:

Have you ever noticed how God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things? In writing Blood Ransom, I wanted my heroes and heroines to be ordinary people, faced with extraordinary circumstances. Chad and Natalie’s lives were changed not only through the challenges they faced, but also through their reliance on God. And when they set off on their journey to the capital to save Joseph’s family, they never imagined that God would call them to a task that was beyond the scope of their own power.

But while this story is fictional, the issue of a modern day slave trade is very real. It is estimated that there are currently more than 27 million slaves on the world today from Africa, to Eastern Europe … to the United States of America. The fact is, we don’t have to travel around the world to see people hurting and exploited. They’re real people we pass every day, living in our neighborhoods, and attending our churches and schools. They’re empty and broken, searching for freedom and hope in an often hopeless world.

CFBA: The Sword by Bryan M. Litfin

Song Stuck on the Brain: Four Minutes to Save the World by Madonna and Justin Timberlake

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

The SwordCrossway Books (April 30, 2010)by

Bryan M. Litfin

MY TAKE:

Bryan has taken a great genre and given it a truly unique spin. I wouldn't have expected that, what I would term as a medieval fantasy, would be set in the distant future. The story is fantastic, and I loved the characters. Watching them grow as they sought a new truth that most want desperately to stay hidden, was like living it myself.

I will say that, despite how much I loved it, I wouldn't recommend it for a young reader. There's nothing inappropriate, but some topics are more suited to a more mature audience. Ultimately, though, that is up to the individual reader to decide.

I'm anxious to read the next two books in the trilogy. If they remain of the same caliber, then the trilogy will be well worth re-reading.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

This novel of page-turning action and adventure poses the question, "If a society had no knowledge of Christianity, and then a Bible were discovered, what would happen?"

Four hundred years after a deadly virus and nuclear war destroyed the modern world, a new and noble civilization emerges. In this kingdom, called Chiveis, snow capped mountains provide protection, and fields and livestock provide food. The people live medieval-style lives, with almost no knowledge of the "ancient" world. Safe in their natural stronghold, the Chiveisi have everything they need, even their own religion. Christianity has been forgotten—until a young army scout comes across a strange book.

With that discovery, this work of speculative fiction takes readers on a journey that encompasses adventure, romance, and the revelation of the one true God. Through compelling narrative and powerful character development, The Sword speaks to God's goodness, his refusal to tolerate sin, man's need to bow before him, and the eternality and power of his Word. Fantasy and adventure readers will be hooked by this first book in a forthcoming trilogy.

Visit the book website at The Sword to see amazing videos and a wealth of information about the trilogy!

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bryan Litfin was born in Dallas, but lived in Memphis, Tennessee and Oxford, England, where he discovered that the house of his favorite author, J.R.R. Tolkien, was only five doors down from his own. Bryan still enjoys epic adventure stories, as well as historical fiction. However, most of his reading these days is taken up by academia.

After marrying his high school sweetheart, Carolyn (a true Southern belle), he went on to study for a master’s degree in historical theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. From there he went to the University of Virginia, taking a PhD in the field of ancient church history. He is the author of Getting to Know the Church Fathers: An Evangelical Introduction (Brazos, 2007), as well as several scholarly articles and essays.

In 2002, Bryan took a position on the faculty at Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago, where he is a professor in the Theology Department. He teaches courses in theology, church history, and Western civilization from the ancient and medieval periods.

On the morning of January 6, 2007, Bryan woke up with an epiphany. Having finished writing his primer on the ancient church, he had the idea of trying his hand at fiction. The thought occurred to him that the writer of speculative fiction typically has two options. He can create an imaginary land like Middle Earth (which offers great creative freedom but is unrealistic), or he can delve into genuine history (which is realistic, yet limited to what ‘actually occurred.’) However, if a writer were to create a future world as in the Chiveis trilogy, it could be both realistic and creatively unlimited.

This little dream stayed in Bryan’s mind while he researched how to write fiction, and also researched the European landscape where the novel would be set. He planned a trip to the story locations, then went there in the summer with a buddy from grad school. Bryan and Jeff rented a Beemer and drove all over Europe from the Alps to the Black Forest with a video camera in hand. With that epic setting fresh in his mind, Bryan returned home and began to write.

Today Bryan lives in downtown Wheaton in a Victorian house built in 1887. He is blessed by God to be married to Carolyn, and to be the father of two amazing children, William, 11, and Anna, 9. For recreation Bryan enjoys basketball, traveling, and hiking anywhere there are mountains (which means getting far away from the Midwest – preferably to his beloved Smokies).

CFBA: Sworn To Protect by DiAnn Mills

Song Stuck on the Brain: Hallelujah by Jason Castro.

His album is finally out and it's great. Definitely worth checking out.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Sworn To ProtectTyndale House (April 2010)



by DiAnn Mills



MY TAKE:

DiAnn Mills created some very compelling characters in this book. Danika is a woman faced with more challenges than most can bare. Her brother-in-law is in the same boat. So how do they each deal with the same tragedies? In totally different ways. DiAnn has shown how finding God again can help you deal with anything, no matter the fire you walk through.

The suspense is just as compelling. You can't stop turning the pages, you have to know who did it and why and who's involved... Between the suspense, the budding romance, the betrayal and the gift of grace - who wouldn't be captivated by Sworn to Protect?

My only complaint? I didn't realize this is book 2 in a series. I'd loved to have started at the begining first. SO, find Breach of Trust and read it too. It didn't seem like I missed anything, it's possible that the books don't overlap enough to make a difference. But I still prefer to read them in order. Call it a pet peeve. Go check out both and tell me what you think.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales sends illegal immigrants back to Mexico; a job she's paid dearly for. Her husband, Toby, was murdered two years ago trying to help and his murder's never been solved. Now a string of attacks and arrests leads her to believe that someone from McAllen profits from sneaking undocumented immigrants into the country and somehow this illegal activity is tied to her husband, Toby's death.

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

Watch the book trailer video:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

CFBA: Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer

Song Stuck on the Brain: The Dance by Garth Brooks

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Wildflowers of TerezinAbingdon Press (April 2010) by



Robert Elmer

MY TAKE:

Maybe it's because I have such a passion for this period in history, but I loved this book. It was a unique look into the holocaust era, an angle I hadn't seen before. I love to see not only the historically acurate information, but the heart rending emotional connections of the people behind the facts. I think Robert did a good job with that. I'd recommend it easily. Especially for those who are haunted and yet drawn to one of the most horrific times in our history.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

When nurse Hanne Abrahamsen impulsively shields Steffen Petersen from a nosy Gestapo agent, she’s convinced the Lutheran pastor is involved in the Danish Underground. Nothing could be further from the truth.

But truth is hard to come by in the fall of 1943, when Copenhagen is placed under Martial Law and Denmark’s Jews—including Hanne—suddenly face deportation to the Nazi prison camp at Terezin, Czechoslovakia. Days darken and danger mounts. Steffen’s faith deepens as he takes greater risks to protect Hanne. But are either of them willing to pay the ultimate price for their love?

To read the first chapter of Wildflowers of Terezin, go HERE.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Elmer is a former pastor, reporter and as copywriter who now writes from he home he shares with his wife Ronda in northern Idaho. He is the author of over fifty books, including eight contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience and several series for younger readers. Combined, his books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Like his popular "Young Underground" youth series, Wildflowers of Terezin was inspired by stories Robert heard from his Denmark-born parents and family. When he's not sailing or enjoying the outdoors, Robert often travels the country speaking to school and writers groups.

CSFF: Lost Mission by Athol Dickson

Song Stuck on the Brain: New Divide by Gavin Mikhail

Gavin is a spectacular performer and song writer. This is his cover of Linkin Park's song. Now I love Linkin Park's version, who would have guessed it could be redone in a totally different style and still be amazing. Love his version. Check out his other vids on YouTube.com.

This week the CSFF is sponsoring:

Lost Mission

by

Athol Dickson

MY TAKE:

Athol Dickson is a very good author. I've read other novels by him and enjoyed them very much. I was a little disapointed with Lost Mission, though. The story idea was promising, but I had a very hard time getting in to the narrative. There is a lot of transfering back and forth between time periods, locations and characters and with very little warning. It made it hard to follow and took to long to get hooked.

Of course, this is my opinion and everyone has different tastes in their literature. If you've enjoyed Athol's books before, give this one a try. You may find you love it, then you'll know that my taste must be poor compared to yours. :)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Among the dirt-poor barrios and ultra-wealthy enclaves lining the hills of southern California, a construction project unearths a long-lost Spanish mission. This discovery sets off a chain of events that presents four unrelated people—Reverend Tucker Lockwood, Concha Rivera, Delano Jones, and Detective Harmony Killeen—with difficult choices. In every case, a greater good could be served with a compromise of some basic moral value. Lockwood could steal to feed the poor. Delano Jones could lie—or at least bury the truth—to protect his monument to God's law. Concha Rivera, a Christian with a strong sense of mission, could trespass to preach the Gospel. Detective Killeen could betray her sense of legal responsibility to defend her family. It seems these devil's alternatives will inspire these modern people to perpetuate the very crime that left the mission buried and forgotten 250 years ago—a mystery that is gradually revealed through research into a mysterious triptych excavated at the mission site, as well as through historical flashbacks. At least two themes of magical realism appear repeatedly through the story. First is the appearances of Santos, a mysterious being characterized by a crooked nose, in both the contemporary and historical storylines. And second, the gradual appearance of faces on the triptych as the story's four protagonists—often with the help of a mysterious Hispanic man with the crooked nose—decide whether they will repeat the mistakes of the past.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Athol Dickson's university-level training in painting, sculpture, and architecture was followed by a long career as an architect—then his decision several years ago to devote full time to writing. River Rising, named one of the top novels of 2006 by Booklist magazine, received a Christy Award; and his novel They Shall See God was a Christy Award finalist. Athol's haunting mystery novel set on the most remote inhabited island off the coast of Maine, Winter Haven, released in Spring 2008. His novels are known for their richly evocative settings, unforgettable characters, intense suspense, and pervasive sense of “magical realism.” He and his wife, Sue, live in California.

Check out the authors blog to learn more about his books and views.

And check out what the other tour members have to say as well:


Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
Timothy Hicks
Jason Isbell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

CFBA: She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

Song Stuck on the Brain: How Much is that Doggie in the Window.

My siter and I are babysitting my nephew's one year old horse of a dog. Her name is Cocoa and she's adorable. (some kind of a boxer bird dog mix) She's also VERY strong. She kept climbing into my lap, smooshing me in the effort to look out the window at the kids walking home from school. The song popped into my head and it's been stuck there ever since.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


She Walks in BeautyBethany House (April 2010)by


Siri Mitchell





MY TAKE:

Siri Mitchell has done a fantastic job with this book. Presenting romance and real life characters that you can identify with are just the begining. The era and setting is perfect for this story. Too often you see this type of story set in London or Paris. Setting it here in the US with the Rockefellers was refreshing.

She also addresses the dark side of the era for women. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it's also a killer. I applauded Clara's decision at the end of the book. I truly enjoyed this one and have recommended it to several friends and family.

Check out her other books too. They're just as enjoyable.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city's most eligible bachelor.

Debuting means plenty of work--there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity's spotlight turns Clara into a society-page darling.

Yet Clara soon wonders if this is the life she really wants. Especially when she learns her best friend has also set her sights on Franklin De Vries.

When a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is and gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it's not just her marriage at stake--the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.

If you would like to read the first chapter of She Walks in Beauty, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

Big Tom Movie

A friend sent me this link to watch a movie on AppreciateLife.com. It's called Big Tom. I wish I had watched it early enough to share it with you all sooner. I think it's beautiful and I hope you will all take the time watch it as well.

Since it is a Flash Player file, I can't embed it here, but click on the link below to go directly to the movie.

Big Tom Movie

God Bless!

Friends Becoming New Authors!

I am so excited to share my friends news with all of you. I know I've mentioned before that several of my critique writing partners have books being released this year. Well, their news just keeps getting better, so here is an update on books you just have to check out!

You can also find their links in the side bar under Favorite Authors.

A new Twilight competitor? Could be! This book is amazing (trust me, I read an early draft!)

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

The Healer's Apprentice

When destiny sleeps, it can only be awakened by true love’s kiss.

In this historical romance loosely based on the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, a woodcutter's daughter becomes the town's healer's apprentice. Rose's job is to care for the sick and injured in Hagenheim Castle. But she gets sick at the sight of blood and is more suited to making up stories than sewing up wounds. She is determined to overcome her weakness and prove herself a competent healer, or she faces marrying a disgusting old merchant her mother has picked out for her.

Lord Hamlin, the future ruler of the region, is injured and Rose must overcome her squeamishness to save him. He is everything that is noble and good, but loving him is forbidden. He is already betrothed to a mysterious woman in hiding.

With two noble-born brothers vying for her affections, Rose learns that the people of Hagenheim are not always who they seem.

Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley

http://www.kellyannriley.com/


Ex-FBI agent Luke Tanner doesn’t need any more complications in his life. He has moved to Pine Lake to be closer to his minister father, hoping a smaller community and supportive church family will help his rebellious teen-age son. Acting as the temporary fire chief, he suddenly finds in himself in the biggest complication of all as Kitty McGuire’s arrival in town not only sparks a new series of arson fires and murder, but rekindles a love in his heart that he thought was gone forever.

Kitty McGuire is determined to convince the new Pine Lake fire chief that someone has killed her father and framed him for arson. But by returning to her hometown, she has to deal with her painful past and gain the courage to love again.

Effigy by Theresa Danley

Coming May 2010 from Whiskey Creek Press

A serial killer is on the loose, depositing his victims’ hearts amid the Toltec ruins of central Mexico. Meanwhile, a priceless Mesoamerican artifact is stolen from the University of Utah, sweeping archaeologists Anthony Peet and Lori Dewson on a desperate recovery mission south of the border. Accompanied by a reluctant colleague, an enthusiastic young journalist and a Yaqui woman in mourning, the team must decipher clues hidden within the Aztec sunstone, mystical Toltec Pyramids and astronomical calendar rounds to find the priceless effigy of Quetzalcoatl. They suddenly find themselves in a race against the coming solar eclipse, all the while dodging a corrupt Mexican police force still on the hunt for the sadistic murderer – a killer who’s chosen one of them for his next human sacrifice.


Can't wait to see these released. Be sure to keep an eye out for them. :)

CFBA: Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Song Stuck on My Brain: Single Ladies by The Chipettes

Watched the Squeakwell last night. LOVED it. I'm a huge Chipmunks fan. My favorite as a kid. These new versions are great. :)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


Sixteen BridesBethany House (April 2010)


by


Stephanie Grace Whitson




MY TAKE:

Loved this book. Sometimes historical prarie romances begin to feel a little 'been here, done that'. The story may be good, but it's not always very original.

This one didn't feel that way at all. I thought it was a very refreshing way of looking at that particular time and what widowed women faced. Especially the very young widows. The characters were strong and had very individual voices. It's great when you can tell which characters is speaking just by hearing their words and not being told who's words they are. It had me laughing out loud. Very much recomend reading this one.




ABOUT THE BOOK:

In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community."

Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival! Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them.

These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.

She was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.

Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends.

Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.