CFBA: Simple Secrets by Nancy Mehl

Song Stuck on the Brain: I can do anything you can do better...

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Simple SecretsBarbour Books (June 1, 2010)



by



Nancy Mehl



MY TAKE:

Simple secrets are anything but simple. I was completely sucked into the story of Grace and the town of Harmony. Nancy does a fantastic job of breathing life into a setting, turning it into a character as well. I want to take a day trip to Harmony so bad, I can nearly taste the fresh baked baklava.

It was more that just the great characterization that drew me in, though. Secrets just are not simple in this town and every time you think you might have figured out who's done what, a new and greater secret pops into the mix. I couldn't put it down.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Graphic designer Gracie Temple wants it all: the big city lifestyle and a successful job in advertising. And it looks like her life is on the right track when she takes a job at a struggling, midsize firm in Wichita.

But Gracie Temple's uncle left her a house in a rural Mennonite community. She soon learns he secluded himself for years to protect a secret about her own father. Now it's up to Gracie to decide if she'll keep the secret or if she can afford to expose it.

Sam Goodrich loves his fruit farm in Harmony, Kansas. But when he meets city-girl Gracie, he begins to wonder if he could leave it behind for a woman who makes him feel things he's never felt before.

When someone tries to keep Gracie from discovering the truth behind the town's collection of secrets, will Sam and Gracie cling to their faith to help them decide what's most important...before it's too late?

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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and her son, Danny. She’s authored nine books and is currently at work on her newest series for Barbour 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.”

CREATING FICTION FULL OF FAITH, HOPE AND HEART…

Nancy Mehl is a mystery writer who loves to set her novels in her home state of Kansas. Her three-in-one book, COZY IN KANSAS, contains the first three Ivy Towers’s mysteries: IN THE DEAD OF WINTER, BYE BYE BERTIE, and FOR WHOM THE WEDDING BELL TOLLS which was nominated for the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award in mystery.

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

CFBA: Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart

Song Stuck on the Brain: Great is thy Faithfulness

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Chasing LilacsFaithWords (June 17, 2010)


by

Carla Stewart



MY TAKE:

Carla's style is almost lyrical in the way she paints pictures with her words, placing you right in the heart of the experience. The story was touching. Seeing life and tragedy through Sammie's eyes was a unique experience. One that vaguely reminded me of reading To Kill a Mockingbird. Chasing Lilacs might not be my typical genre choice, but I enjoyed the read a great deal. Especially for the writing style.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker. Sammie has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems. About shock treatments. About whether her mother loves her.

When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on. Then there's the elderly widower who seems nice but has his own dark past.

Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla Stewart’s writing reflects her passion for times gone by. She believed in Jesus, the power of the written word, and a good cup of coffee. She's a country girl living now in a mid-sized city with her engineering husband who just happens to be her best friend and biggest fan.She and her husband have four adult sons and delight in the adventures of their six grandchildren.

FROM CARLA:

I grew up in the Texas Panhandle with two younger sisters and loving parents. Small town school. Great neighbors. Today, those small-town, fundamental things resonate within me -- the twang in people's voices, the art of being neighborly and just being a decent human being.

Growing up, I preferred the company of books over TV and playing outdoors. I imagined myself in many different careers, but given my down-to-earth raising, I settled on nursing. I didn't faint at the sight of blood and did well in science, so it seemed a natural choice.

I worked as a registered nurse off and on through the years, but primarily I stayed home with my four rambunctious boys and dreamed of the day when I could write the novels I loved to read. When our youngest son was in high school, I quit my job as a nursing instructor and settled in to pen my first novel. It's been quite a journey. One I wouldn't trade for anything.

I'm committed to writing the stories of my heart and am truly thankful to Jesus, my Savior, for allowing me this freedom. May all the glory be His.

Chasing Lilacs is her first book!

CSFF: Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Song Stuck on the Brain: Sweet Thing by Keith Urban

This month, the CSFF is touring:

Imaginary Jesus

by

Matt Mikalatos

About the Book:

From Publishers Weekly

The Apostle Peter punches Jesus in the face, then chases him out of a coffee shop. And that's just chapter 0. In this quirky tale the publisher describes as not-quite-true, former missionary and comic book store clerk Mikalatos disguises his critique of Christian life in an action-based quest to find the real Jesus. It's A Christmas Carol meets Oz, but instead of ghosts and tin men, it's a talking donkey, a motorcycle rider, and Mikalatos himself. The cast of characters drags the reader through the streets of Seattle and ancient Judea to introduce a host of fake Jesuses: Magic 8 Ball Jesus, Harley Jesus, even Liberal Social Services Jesus. They're constructs of the human mind. People invent a Jesus for one specific reason and then discard him when they don't need him anymore, says one of the Jesuses (the one with an expensive suit). Peter teaches Mikalatos that he must quiet falsehoods and mold a deeper relationship with the living, historical Jesus. Mixing questions of suffering and free will with a nexus of weirdness, Mikalatos throws Christian fiction into the world of Comic-Con and Star Wars. His silly quest is startling, contemporary, meaningful, and occasionally exhausting when the reader is puzzled. It begs for a comic book counterpart. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

I didn't receive or review this book because it's just not my style. I am, however, passing on the information for any of you who might be interested in knowing more. If you've read this one, let me know what you thought.

Be sure to visit the other tour members sites to read more.

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Valerie Comer
R. L. Copple
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
John W. Otte
Donita K. Paul
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher

CFBA: Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

Song Stuck on the Brain: My bologna has a first name, it's MAYER....

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Maid to MatchBethany House (June 1, 2010)



byDeeanne Gist




MY TAKE:

I've been a big fan of Deeanne from her very first book. She hasn't disappointed me yet. In her introductory comments, she mentions that all the intellect went to her siblings, if that's the case, her siblings must be off the charts. Deeanne's work is always so well researched, that I feel like I'm living in the moment with the characters. The smallest details are always there, and in such a way that it seems completely natural. Nothing hinders the plot.

Her latest book is just as thrilling. I love feeling the opulence of the Vanderbilt home and yet knowing just how that opulence affected those around them that served without thought of achieving a higher status than servant. The romance between Mack and Tillie is hot as well. Deeanne deserves another kudos for creating passion in a romance that sizzles without once crossing the boundaries of propriety. This one comes as highly recommended as all of her other novels.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Falling in love could cost her everything.

From the day she arrived at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled, by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in proper servant etiquette, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid, After all, the one rule of the house is no romance below stairs.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangles in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs, their aspirations...their hearts.

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



Join this SPECIAL GETAWAY (Click on the Button):

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm--all from the comforts of home.

Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.

After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a "corporate executive" was not where her gifts and talents lie. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she sold A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers. Since that debut, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, two RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

Her 2010 books, Beguiled and Maid To Match are now available for order.

Gist lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-seven years and their two border collies. They have four grown children. Visit her blog to find out the most up-to-the-minute news about Dee.

Lucas Boyce makes Orlando Floridas Top 40 Under 40

Congratulations goes out to Lucas Daniel Boyce for being chosen as one of Orlando, Florida's Top 40 under 40 list on June 11, 2010. He was one of 150 candidates.

You probably wonder why someone that lives in Missouri even cares about Orlando's list. Well, I care because Lucas is an old schoolmate and c0-worker, and I'm very excited and proud of his accomplishments.

Lucas' career has skyrocketed over these last few years and his story is one that inspires many people. After getting a bachelors degree in political science and speech communication from the University of Central Missouri, Lucas went on to serve at the White House in the Office of Political Affairs where he monitored political activity and tracked key races across the Plains-Southwest region of the United States. Lucas also coordinated pro-active communication, public relations and education outreach across diverse communities, constituencies and issues on behalf of the President.

After his work at the White House Lucas was signed with the Orlando Magic as the Director of Community Relations, Multicultural Insights and Government Affairs. Lucas, who is 31, is in his third season with the NBA’s Orlando the Magic, joining the organization in July 2008.

Pretty impressive right? Hold on, there's more. Lucas is also a noted public speaker, having spoken extensively throughout Central Florida and across the Nation.

Lucas' announcement coincides with his recent Web site launch of LucasDanielBoyce.com, a digital-media hub that highlights his journey from being prematurely born to a drug-and-alcohol-addicted call girl to working at the White House and now the NBA.

His first book, “Living Proof: My Journey From Foster Care to the White House and the NBA” is expected to be published by December 2010.

Yep, one more friend with a book contract. Go Lucas!

“It is an incredible honor to be named with so many impressive individuals who are trying to impact the Central Florida Community. I’m thankful once again for God’s grace and humbled by the acknowledgement” Lucas Daniel Boyce.

You can follow Lucas on Twitter @LucasBoyce, and on Facebook here.

Sign up for his monthly e-journal, “Eyewitness to Grace,” here. Lucas will be offering words of wisdom and useful tools each month. He will also be sharing glimpses into his story with excerpts from his upcoming book, Living Proof.

Be sure to visit http://www.lucasdanielboyce.com/ to find out more about Lucas' projects and see pictures of his journey so far.

CFBA: Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico by Lena Nelson Dooley

Song Stuck on the Brain: Always Be My Baby by David Cook

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Love Finds You In Golden, New MexicoSummerside Press (May 1, 2010)



by



Lena Nelson Dooley



MY TAKE:

Lena has another hit on her hands. Maddy's story as a mail order bride had a unique twist, one that made this book stand out from the crowd. The relationships that developed both romantic and otherwise were so enjoyable, that I had a hard time putting the book down. There's a nice balance between humor and drama and spiritual message making the book one I would recommend to fans of this genre.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

All that glitters is not gold. It’s 1890, and Golden, New Mexico, is a booming mining town where men far outnumber women. So when an old wealthy miner named Philip Smith finds himself in need of a nursemaid, he places an ad for a mail-order bride—despite the protests of his friend Jeremiah.

Hoping to escape a perilous situation back East, young Madeleine Mercer answers the ad and arrives in town under a cloud of suspicion. But just as she begins to win over Philip—and Jeremiah himself—the secrets she left behind threaten to follow her to Golden...and tarnish her character beyond redemption.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You In Golden, New Mexico, go HERE.

"Love Finds You In Golden, New Mexico is a well-researched novel brimming With emotive conflict. Lena Nelson Dooley has crafted a historical romance that demonstrates that courage comes in many forms, but the courage to love is the most difficult of all.”

─DiAnn Mills, author of Sworn to Protect and A Woman Called Sage

“Two strangers are presented with a ‘golden’ opportunity for love in this quintessential East meets West tale by well-loved author Lena Nelson Dooley. I found myself swept away by the beautiful writing and enmeshed in the lives of the players, who face many twists and turns in their journey toward the ultimate happily-ever-after. Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico is truly one of the loveliest historical romances I’ve read in ages. Highly recommended.”

─Janice Hanna Thompson, author of Love Me Tender and Swinging on a Star

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For several years, Lena worked on the support staff of a church, but in November of 2002, God changed things so that she could stay home and write full-time. It has been the desire of her heart for a long time. In Proverbs 37:4, it says, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” She believes that this blessing is a result of her delighting herself in Him, and she praises Him for the opportunity.

She have been a professional writer with a free-lance writing and editing business since 1984. In that time, she has written curriculum for public schools, private schools, and three different denominations. For one company, I managed a writing team that produced a two-year American History course for at-risk students. One of her clients was a Christian comedian for whom she wrote several routines. An airline training company had her edit and design International business reports for them.

Her first novel was published by Heartsong Presents in 1992. Since then Lena Nelson Dooley has written more than 25 works of fiction and nonfiction.

Lena has been married to her husband James since 1964. Theirs was one of those love-at-first-sight relationships. They were married three months and three days after they met. He truly was God’s gift to her. They are absolute opposites, but that means that his strengths are her weaknesses, and her strengths are his weaknesses. Together they make a more perfect whole. She believe that is what God intends for all of us.

They have two daughters. Marilyn Van Zant is married to Roger, and they have a son named Timothy. Tim is now in Tennessee at Ft. Campbell. His son Sebastian is almost 2 years old. Jennifer Waldron is married to Eric, and they have three children—Austin, Marissa, and Amanda. James and Lena love to spend time with their family, and they are blessed that both families live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex, so they see them often.

CFBA: A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Song Stuck on the Brain: Never Say Never by Justin Beiber and Jaden Smith. Theme song to the new Karate Kid movie. Which was awesome by the way. Great movie and music.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



A Tailor-Made Bride Bethany House (June 1, 2010)



by



Karen Witemeyer






MY TAKE:

I loved this book. Karen has used a very popular genre to put perspective on something that is common to every woman despite the era. How many of us have grown up hearing the proverb of the virtuous woman? And how many of us have debated on how to be that woman?

Hannah and Jericho's relationship is so much fun to follow, and the laughs are abundant. But it also made me THINK. That is a real mark of a writer's artistry. Make the reader enjoy the ride and come out at the end realizing that they learned something about themselves as well. Great story. I highly recommend this one.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly!

Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with the new dressmaker in Coventry, Texas. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothes, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.

Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner, while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to consequences neither could have foreseen--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Tailor-Made Bride , go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid-to-late 1800s.

In January, 2009, Karen signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers for three inspirational historical romance novels, and she is thrilled to announce that her first book, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE has released this month. For an inside look into the background and quirks of some of the major players in this upcoming story, click over to Character Corner

CFBA: Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts

Song Stuck on the Brain: It Matters to Me by Jason Castro

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


Seeds of SummerZondervan (May 25, 2010)


by


Deborah Vogts



MY TAKE:

Deborah has a gift for making us take a deeper look at our own lives. It made me remember the times I gave up a dream to pursue a responsibility, only to have God show me He had something bigger and better in mind. Natalie's journey is one that's easy to fall right into, and you can't help but cheer and cry the whole trip.





ABOUT THE BOOK:

When opposites attract, sparks fly--like an electrical malfunction. That's what happens when former rodeo queen, Natalie Adams meets the new pastor in Diamond Falls.

Upon the death of her father, Natalie returns to the Flint Hills to raise her two half-siblings and run the family ranch, giving up her dreams for the future. She soon realizes her time in college and as Miss Rodeo Kansas is not enough to break the bonds that held her as a girl.

Jared Logan, a new pastor in Diamond Falls, is set on making a good impression to his first congregation, but finds that change doesn't come easy for some people. In fact, most in his congregation are set against it. Natalie and her troubled family provide an outlet for his energy and soon become his personal mission project.


Having raised her stepbrother and sister from an early youth, Natalie's self-sufficient nature isn't inclined to accept help, especially from a city-boy do-gooder like Jared Logen. Though attracted to him, there's no way she'd ever consider being a pastor's wife. Bible studies and bake sales just aren't her thing.

Jared repeatedly comes to Natalie's rescue, forcing her to see him with new eyes. At the same time, Jared's plan to plant Christ's word in Natalie's heart backfires when he loses his own heart to this wayward family. When problems arise in his congregation, he must face his greatest fears---of letting down God, his congregation, or those he loves. His time with Natalie has shown him the importance of standing by those you love, a lesson he chose to ignore in order to please his father years ago.

This is put to the test when Natalie faces a battle of custody of her half-siblings against the mother who abandoned them twelve years ago. Natalie's fight for the children turns into a fight for custody of her heart as she learns the true meaning of unconditional love. In turn, Jared must decide which dreams are his own---and whether Natalie is part of those dreams.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of Seeds of Summer, go

HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from Deborah:

If you haven't guessed by now, the books I write are set in the country. I believe my most dedicated readers will be those who live in the country, those who have moved from the country and still hold it in their hearts, or those who have never lived there but long for the simple life it offers. Because of this, I've chosen Country at Heart as my writing brand, which is also the title of my Blog.

On Writing: http://deborahvogts.blogspot.com/

I began my first book when I was in high school. In college I studied English literature and journalism. Then came marriage, kids . . . life. During that time, I piddled with my writing but didn't take it seriously until 2002 when I joined a local writer's group and American Christian Fiction Writers. I also joined a critique group, took online writing workshops, read writing book how-to's and attended writer's conferences. Now I have an agent, Rachelle Gardner, at WordServe Literary and have been contracted with Zondervan for a three-book contemporary romance series.

The Seasons of the Tallgrass series captures the spirit and dreams of ordinary people living in the Flint Hills of Kansas--one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world.

The first book, Snow Melts in Spring, is available in stores now. Seeds of Summer released May 2010.

CFBA: Finding Jeena by Miralee Ferrell

Song Stuck on the Brain: Live Like We're Dying by Kris Allen

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


Finding JeenaKregel Publications (March 8, 2010)


by


Miralee Ferrell


MY TAKE:

Miralee has created a very moving story. Jeena felt real enough to touch. Her story and her redemption had me captured from the begining.





ABOUT THE BOOK:

Jeena Gregory thought she’d made it. She has everything a woman could ask for and a budding career promises more. But when rumors around town cast her boss in a shady light, Jeena starts to question her employer’s integrity. Was she wrong to trust this man and this job?

When the boss disappears, salaries go unpaid, and Jeena overhears several hush-hush phone calls, she realizes her carefully crafted world is crumbling. Shaken to the core at the threat of losing everything, Jeena is suddenly confronted with her prejudices─and with a God she had long forgotten.

If you would like to read an excerpt of Finding Jeena, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In October 2007 Kregel Publications published The Other Daughter with excellent reviews. The Romantic Times Review magazine gave it Four out of Four and a half stars, with a very strong review. Two different major motion picture studios are currently considering the book as a possible family movie, and my second book in the series (Past Shadows) is on my publishers desk being reviewed for a possible contract offer now.

In February of 2009, Love Finds You in Last Chance, California was published by Summerside Press and Finding Jeena released in March 2010 from Kregel Publications.

Miralee Ferrell lives in Washington with Allen, her husband of more than 37 years, ans has two grown children. She serves on staff at her local church ans is actively involved in ministry to women.

CFBA: A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Song Stuck on the Brain: Theme to Quantum Leap

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



A Hopeful HeartBethany House (June 1, 2010)



byKim Vogel Sawyer


MY TAKE:

A very sweet and endearing prairie love story. Aunt Hattie is a very likable mother figure and the romance between Able and Tressa is very sweet, if not a little frustrating at first. Able is a very stubborn man. Then again, that's part of his charm.

Kim did a very good job of creating tension through not only the romance, but the mystery that was woven throughought. You can't help but empathize with Able when the truth comes out, you've grown to know and love the characters too much to take the ending lightly.

The school for rancher brides was really unique and a lot of fun. I didn't even know such a school existed, too bad there weren't more around at the time, I can only imagine how much heartache that could have prevented.

I enjoyed the book a great deal. If you enjoy the genre, you're sure to enjoy this one as well.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Dowryless and desperate, Tressa Neill applies to the inaugural class of Wyatt Herdsman School in Barnett, Kansas, in 1888. The school's one-of-a-kind program teaches young women from the East the skills needed to become a rancher--or the wife of one.

Shy and small for her twenty-two years, Tressa is convinced she'll never have what it takes to survive Hattie Wyatt's hands-on instruction in skills such as milking a cow, branding a calf, riding a horse, and cooking up a mess of grub for hungry ranch hands. But what other options does she have?

Abel Samms wants nothing to do with the group of potential brides his neighbor brought to town. He was smitten with an eastern girl once--and he got his heart broken. But there's something about quiet Tressa and her bumbling ways that makes him take notice.

When Tressa's life is endangered, will Abel risk his own life--and his heart--to help this eastern girl?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Hopeful 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 six grandchildren.

CFBA: Deceit by Brandilyn Collins

Song Stuck on the Brain: Someday by Me.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:


DeceitZondervan (June 18, 2010)


by


Brandilyn Collins




MY TAKE:

Ah, another book by a favorite author. This has been a very good month. :) Brandilyn's books are always a great read. Strong suspense, bold characters with identifiable personalities and traits. I've not read a book yet that I didn't love.

That said, Deceit was not what I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but the writing style itself threw me off skew a little this time around. Jumping back and forth between Joanne and Melissa's stories took getting used to. The style and tense was slightly jarring. Joanne was a fantastic character, I loved her strength and gutsy determination. Her Jelly Belly habit was fun to start with, but was a little overdone in the end.

All that considered though, I still have to say I really enjoyed the book. Melissa's story had a very interesting twist. And the underlying spiritual message was present without overshadowing the story, leaving me questioning the fine line we all walk in our every day lives.

If your a fan of Brandilyn's like I am, read the book. I think you'll completely enjoy it. Just be prepared that, in my opinion, the style felt a little different and it might take a moment to get the feel.

And of course if you find my opinion was completely wacko, post and let me know what your thoughts are.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Skip Tracer Joanne Weeks knows Baxter Jackson killed his second wife---and Joanne's best friend---seven years ago. But Jackson, a church elder and beloved member of the town, walks the streets a free man.

The police tell Joanne to leave well enough alone, but Joanne is determined to bring Jackson down. Using her skip tracing skills, she sets out to locate Melissa Harkoff, now twenty-two, who lived in the Jackson home at the time of Linda Jackson's disappearance.

As Joanne drives home on a rainy winter night, a hooded figure darts in front of her car. In her headlight beams she glimpses the half-concealed face of a man, a rivulet of blood jagging down his cheek. She squeals to a stop but clips him with her right fender. Shaking, she gets out of her car in the pouring rain. The man will not let her see his face. Before he limps off into the night he warns her not to talk to police.

As Joanne tries to find Melissa, someone seems to be after her. Who was the man she hit on the road. Is Baxter Jackson out to silence her? Or is some other skip she's traced in the past now out for revenge?

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



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e..."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.



In addition, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Final Touch, third in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.