CFBA: A Very Private Grave by Donna Fletcher Crow

Song Stuck on the Brain: If You Have Faith by Brother John

I love this song, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Today was a day I really needed the reminder of His promises. The song ran through my head all day.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
A Very Private GraveMonarch Books (August 1, 2010)

by

Donna Fletcher Crow




MY TAKE:

This is such a unique and exciting new view of mystery suspense. It reminded me a little of Stephen R. Lawhead with the detail involved in the research of St. Cuthbert's history. Sometimes in-depth detail into historical tails like this fall flat when mixed with a fast paced modern mystery, but Ms. Crow handled it beautifully. I found myself anxiously waiting for more historical details, just as much as I wanted to know the identity of the killer. The answers to the mystery don't come easy either and it's fun to feel as if you're in the process of solving it along with Antony and Felicity.

Despite a few theological issues that are brought up that I don't fully agree with, I didn't find that they kept me from enjoying the novel, and in fact found it really intriguing to see 'inside another world' so to speak, and understand how other Christian factions both differ and agree with one another.

The characters were fresh, uniquely flawed and heroic in their own way, and completely engaging. I look forward to the sequel.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Felicity Howard, a young American studying for the Anglican priesthood at the College of the Transfiguration in Yorkshire, is devastated when she finds her beloved Fr. Dominic bludgeoned to death and Fr. Antony, her church history lecturer, soaked in his blood.

Following the cryptic clues contained in a poem the dead man had pressed upon her minutes before his death, she and Fr. Antony—who is wanted for questioning by the police—flee the monastery to seek more information about Fr. Dominic and end up in the holy island of Lindisfarne, former home of Saint Cuthbert.

Their quest leads them into a dark puzzle...and considerable danger.

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of A Very Private Grave, go HERE.



Watch the book video:




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna Fletcher Crow is author of more than thirty-five novels. She has twice won first place in the Historical Fiction category from the National Association of Press Women, and has also been a finalist for "Best Inspirational Novel" from the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of The Arts Centre Group and Sisters in Crime. Find out more at http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/.

Endorsements:

"History and mystery and murders most foul keep the pages turning ... A fascinating read." –Liz Curtis Higgs, bestelling author of Thorn in My Heart

“A Knickerbocker Glory of a thriller, a sweeping, page-turning quest served up with dollops of Church history and lashings of romance. Donna Fletcher Crow has created her own niche within the genre of clerical mysteries.” – Kate Charles, author of Deep Waters

“As in Glastonbury, Donna Fletcher Crow’s descriptions of the English and Scottish settings in her new mystery are drawn with real artistry. Lovers of British history and church history will be impressed by her grasp of both.”—Sally Wright, Edgar Award finalist and author of the Ben Reese Mysteries

New Artist Angela Hope Taylor - They Haven't Seen This

Meet Angela Hope Taylor, a long time friend and musician. Angela currently lives in California and is using her vocal and writing talents to create a one of a kind, can't be missed album. She comes from a family of talented singers, writers and musicians, so it's no surprise to see she's taking her talent and spreading her wings. I posted earlier about a local gospel group known as Brother John. That's Angela's family, so you can see just how deep the talent runs. Her style is unique and takes a different turn from her roots, but the gift is still there and she's making a mark all her own on music.

Here is her latest work. You can subscribe to Angela on YouTube.com to follow her work and watch for upcoming releases. This release is just the tip of the ice burg from an artist that has a lot to offer. Be sure to let her know what you think of her music and share it with your friends.

New CD by Brother John

Music is incredibly important in our family. If we aren't singing or writing, we're listening. We love all styles. But inspirational music has a special place in our hearts. I'm the youngest of 5 kids (and numerous foster siblings) and growing up, there was one musical group we all listened to. You may never have heard of them, they're probably more of a local phenomenon, but they're popularity can't be denied and it's only grown over the years.

The group is called Brother John. If you've not heard their music, then I hope you'll take the chance to listen now. It's inspired and infectious.

Over the years the family group put out 8 cassette tapes. We owned them all. They went with us on every car trip and we played them in the house regularly. Eventually we came to know the Brother John family personally and love them as if they were our own family. We went to their concerts, I attended school with their kids and my love for their talent has only grown the longer I've known them. In fact Dad loved their music so much, both songs at his memorial service were done by Brother John. He would have been thrilled.

The only problem is that we wore our cassette tapes out. Multiple times. I think we've owned at least 4 complete sets. Now that cassette tapes are nearly obsolete, I've been anxiously awaiting a re-release on CD. Brother John assured us, and the rest of their huge fan base, that they were working on the remastering and re-release. But the project was arduous and it took a little time. Thankfully, the wait is over!


They've just released a new 2-disc set of their greatest hits in a collection called "Keep it Burning". Thirty-five of their most popular songs. Brother John is not only known for their great voices and harmonies, but their inspired songwriting and the spirit in which it's written.

Please visit their new website Brother John Songs and take a look around. Listen to their song clips, read the lyrics and learn all about this amazing and inspiring group. I know you'll love them as much as our family, and so many others, do.

P.S.

I was so inspired with their updated music release and site, I update our own music page as well. Our music is now available for digital download as well. You can listen to music clips here on the blog. The player is in the side-bar, or you can purchase the music at our web site. http://www.theerwins.com/erwinmusic.htm .