CFBA: While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin

Song Stuck on the Brain: Put You in a Song by Keith Urban

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

While We're Far ApartBethany House (October 1, 2010)

by

Lynn Austin





MY TAKE:


Lynn Austin gives us a window into life that is particular to WWII, but could easily be a window into our present day world as well. War and love, prejudice and fear of the unknown, and courage are at the heart of each of the characters lives. A rather unassuming cast really, but each so unique and tender that you find yourself sinking into each of their lives to live out each moment with them. The story captured me quickly and I couldn't put it down. Although it's a romance, it wasn't the romance I expected. Girl gets boy and there is definitely a happily ever after, but it was as much a romance between God and His children. In a way each character, Penny, Esther, Mr. Mendel - each had their own love story fulfilled, their own happy ending. What a journey and what a fantastic read. I love this one.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother.

Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie's wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war.

And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary. But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse.

Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love...even when He is silent.

If you would like to read the first chapter of While We're Far Apart, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

CFBA: Nightshade by Ronie Kendig

Song Stuck on the Brain: I Wanna Kiss a Girl by Keith Urban

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:

NightshadeBarbour Books (July 1, 2010)

by

Ronie Kendig

MY TAKE:

I was impressed with Ronie's first book Dead Reckoning. I think she just outdid herself. Nightshade is intense not only with suspense and action, but with very compelling spiritual and emotional intensity. You can't help but enjoy the ride with the Nightshade team, but the personal journey of Max and Sydney make the book worth reading. The balance between fun and self discovery is perfect. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

And here's to hoping that Cowboy is in the next book. There are times I wish I could meet a character in real life and this is one of them. Cowboy, you can make a girl stutter. :)




ABOUT THE BOOK:

After a tour of duty in a war-torn country, embattled former Navy SEAL Max Jacobs finds himself discarded and alienated from those he loves as he struggles with war-related PTSD. His wife, Sydney, files a restraining order against him and a petition for divorce. Max is devastated.

Then a mysterious a man appears. He says he's organizing a group that recycles veterans like Max. It's a deep-six group known as Nightshade. With the chance to find purpose in life once again, Max is unable to resist the call of duty and signs on.

The team handles everything with precision and lethal skill...until they're called upon to rescue a missionary family from a rebel-infested jungle and
avoid a reporter hunting their identities.

Will Max yield his anger and pride to a force greater than him...love?

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



Watch the trailer:






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ronie has been married since 1990 to a man who can easily be defined in classic terms as a hero. She has four beautiful children. Her eldest daughter is 16 this year, her second daughter will be 13, and her twin boys are 10. After having four children, she finally finished her degree in December 2006. She now has a B.S. in Psychology through Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. Getting her degree is a huge triumph for both her and her family--they survived!!

This degree has also given her a fabulous perspective on her characters and how to not only make them deeper, stronger, but to make them realistic and know how they'll respond to each situation. Her debut novel, Dead Reckoning released March 2010 from Abingdon Press. And her Discarded Heroes series begins in July from Barbour with the first book entitled Nightshade.

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.