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.