"The Chase" Book Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Chase Zondervan (March 27, 2012) by DiAnn Mills
MY REVIEW:
Diann Mills has another hit on her hands! The Chase is a fast moving, mind bending race from start to finish. Kariss Walker is a NYT Bestselling author of woman's fiction (I think of a female Nicholas Sparks) who has a raging desire to write a mystery/suspense novel based on a cold case that she reported on when she worked at a tv station. She ends up burning bridges with all of her women's fiction connections and she dives into following an FBI agent as they get the case "Cherished Doe" reopened. Things spiral quickly and Kariss finds herself in danger and the FBI agent she is following becomes very protective of her. It may not be enough to save her though as past and present collide in "The Chase".


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills



ABOUT THE BOOK

To the FBI it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker it's a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it's a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl's missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch's brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss's pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag? Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in The Chase.

Watch the book video!







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

"Love's Sacred Song" Book Review

LOVE'S SACRED SONG
BY
MESU ANDREWS

Standing in the massive shadow of his famous father, young king Solomon wavers between fear and bravado, wisdom and folly. In the uncertain world of alliances and treachery, Solomon longs for peace and a love that is true and pure--a love that can be his cornerstone.

A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah remembers the first time she laid eyes on Solomon in Jerusalem when she was just seven years old. Since then she has known that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father, a leader of their tribe, secures a promise from King Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams may come true.

*****I was given a copy of this book for review*****

MY REVIEW:

This is a beautiful Biblical fiction account of what might have happened to lead Solomon to write the book "Song of Solomon". I was moved by this book and devoured it to the end. I cried at the end, I'll admit it. A lovely, heart warming and, at the same time, sad tale of Solomon and his treaty bride, Arielah, who believes that God has chosen her to teach Solomon how to love. I loved the way Mesu really drew me into that particular time and place and brought the traditions to life for me. There were times when I questioned how someone who had the wisdom of God blessed over him could be so dense when it came to the treachery all around him, but sometimes I suppose things that are so close to you that you are blind to it. All around this book was moving and wonderful. I will now go back and read her first book "Love Amid the Ashes" about Job. Another thing about both of Mesu's books - the covers are stunningly beautiful!

"Before The Scarlet Dawn" Book Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Before The Scarlet Dawn Abingdon Press (February 2012) by Rita Gerlach
MY REVIEW:
I was so excited about this book because it is set in the American Revolution and there aren't a lot of books written about that time period (unlike WWII). So I dove in with great anticipation and was introduced to an amazing character in Eliza. She is the kind of person that I would love to have as a friend and she shows that in the friendships she develops throughout the book. My issue was that I didn't like her husband... at all. I tried, but I just couldn't. That may have been the point but he didn't deserve her - at all. And then when the story could have been ripe in forgiveness and redemption, it wasn't and left me really disappointed. Rita Gerlach has an incredible gift for settings and characters - this particular storyline just didn't do anything for me personally, but I know others out there will probably love it.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rita Gerlach lives with her husband and two sons in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.

"Romantic historical fiction that has an inspirational bent, is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully."

In many of her stories, she writes about the struggles endured by early colonists, with a sprinkling of both American and English history. Currently she is writing a new historical series for Abingdon Press entitled 'Daughters of the Potomac'. See her 'Novels In Progress' page on her website to learn more.

There are other novels on her list to be published, and a proposal for another book series.

She was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in a large family in the Maryland suburbs. Her family claims that storytelling is their blood, handed down from centuries of Irish storytellers. Rita believes there just may be something to that theory.



ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father’s estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar’s daughter,

Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life.

Circumstances throw Eliza in Hayward’s path, and they flee to America to escape the family conflicts. But as war looms, it's a temporary reprieve. Hayward

joins the revolutionary forces and what follows is a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Before The Scarlet Dawn, go HERE.

Watch the book video:

"Prize of My Heart" Book Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Prize of My Heart Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Lisa Norato
MY REVIEW:
This is such a fun book! Packed full of adventure with mystery and romance and plenty of twists and turns, all the way to the end I was not sure what would happen. I loved the characters that Lisa brings to life in this book, people full of history and imperfection that make you feel for them in their present situations. Well, except for the bad guy who I didn't feel bad for and then of course the heroine is pretty perfect but in a good way and she is still hiding something. All around I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing more from Lisa Norato.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A life-long New Englander, Lisa Norato lives in a historic village with homes and churches dating as far back as the eighteenth century. She was born into a close-knit Italian family that hungered as much for the things of God as they did for lasagna. After church, the family spent Sunday afternoons gathered in fellowship around a never-ending feast that featured her grandmother's homemade spaghetti and pizza.

From the time she learned to read, her mother impressed her with the joy of getting lost in a good book. She passed novels along to her as early as age thirteen, but it wasn't until many years later that Lisa felt compelled to write one herself.

She first discovered a love of writing when assigned to write and illustrate a children's book at the art college she attended. She balances writing with a career as a legal assistant specializing in corporate law. When not creating stories, she enjoys domestic pursuits like precious time with her dog and family, cooking, baking and eating vegan, reading, her Bible, her favorite television shows and crocheting.

Lisa is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Rhode Island Romance Writers (RIRW) and American Colonial Christian Writers.



ABOUT THE BOOK

An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley.

Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day anothers evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.

As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Prize of My Heart, go HERE.

"The Messenger" Book Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Messenger Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Siri Mitchell
MY REVIEW:
In a time when WWII historicals are all the rage I was thrilled to get an American Revolution historical fiction book. Add to that the Quaker girl, bitter former soldier, prison, spies and an attempted prison breakout and it all rolls into one incredible book. I hated putting this one down and I savored every page of it! Siri has a gifting with unusual historicals and she succeeds again with this gritty, beautiful tale of questioned faith, duty and doing unto the least of these... excellent book.


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 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 speaker 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.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith

...until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?

Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.

With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.



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

"Chasing The Sun" Book Review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Chasing The Sun Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Tracie Peterson

MY REVIEW:
This book is an example of Tracie Peterson at her best... historical fiction, well researched with amazing characters, rich storylines and even settings that almost become a character. She also has a knack for keeping me not knowing what's going to happen next. It may start off as a boy meets girl, boy gets the girl story, but with Tracie I never know if that is actually what will happen. I love that about her books. I mean, historical romance is historical romance, right? Wrong. She has done it again with a great first book in this new series!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.



In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.



She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.



Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.



Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.





ABOUT THE BOOK

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.



Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.



Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?



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

"A People Tall And Smooth"

During March we are excited to be featuring Cladach's line of personal Memoirs. These stories happened in Africa, Israel, China, Taiwan, Western Europe, Russia, Southeast Asia and America.

Each week you can download free Amazon Kindle e-books, enjoy updates from the authors, try new recipes from the countries where the stories are told, see slideshows and more!

For 5 days, starting today, we are offering a free download of the Kindle version of A People Tall and Smooth by Judith Galblum Pex: http://amzn.com/B0076RB9P0.

It is the story of Gabriel, Muna Maria, Yien, and Rose – all persecuted Christians from south Sudan – and Muna from Darfur, who tell their heart-wrenching but inspiring stories of how they escaped through Egypt and smuggled into Israel, the one country their Islamic government prohibited them entering. In desperation they fled across the border anyway, with nothing but the clothes on their backs. These are stories that the world – and the church – need to hear.

Why would Christians, from a war-torn Islamic-governed country risk everything to come to Israel, of all places? When a group of refugees entered The Shelter Hostel run by John and Judy Pex, these courageous peoples’ stories, both tragic and miraculous, began to unfold. In their hearts and minds they carried the prophecy of Isaiah: “At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty [to Mount Zion] from a people tall and smooth-skinned” (Isaiah 18:7). These people believe they are a fulfillment of that prophecy.

Read more about the book and author, and find special tidbits offered during Memoirs in March at: www.cladach.com.

" Throughout the book I was struck by the dignity and strength

of each person....You will be brought along on a journey that

will challenge and change you." ~ Mary Nakamura