9.30.2013

Love's Awakening by Laura Frantz ~ Revell Blog Tour & Review

Love's Awakening (The Ballantyne Legacy, #2)


My Review:

Ellie Ballantyne comes home from boarding school to find that her life has gone along without her and that her skills are not wanted by her siblings, so she opens a day school for young ladies.
One of her young student's is Chloe Turlock, the daughter of her family's old rival who has always been jealous of the Ballantynes. Ellie finds her self growing more and more involved with the Turlocks, especially Chloe's handsome older brother Jack. Will she be able to bridge the gap between the feuding families?

A fantastic addition to The Ballantyne Legacy that stands strong as a novel in its own right, but I would strongly advise against missing Love's Reckoning!

Both Ellie and Jack were strong and showed their mettle by breaking free of their family's prejudices. Love's Awakening drew me in from the page, sweeping me away to a young America, fraught with taunt tensions running high and young men and women forging their own futures.

Overall, an epic historical drama that took me with Ellie and Jack every step of their journey, and was nearly impossible to put down--it really made me hate my homework more than usual! Ms. Frantz brought to life a world from years gone by, that realistically brought to the life the struggles and heartaches of the human condition. Highly recommend!

Available from Baker Publishing Group at your favorite Bookseller September 2013

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Dark Road Home by Elizabeth Ludwig ~ Review

Dark Road Home (Edge of Freedom #2)My Review: Who can be trusted in a world where even your own family could be the enemy?

Ana Kavanagh is the sole survivor of a fire that took her widowed mother and her sister from her, a priest helps her make her way to America with a new name leaving her past far behind, or so she thinks...

Ms. Ludwig has penned a riveting novel fraught with danger, and tangled loyalties. Dark Road Home brings back many of the characters from No Safe Harbor including Cara and Rourke, keeping up the momentum from the first novel in this fantastic next chapter in the saga.

Politics, conspiracy, and family secrets, all come together in this suspenseful read. I really liked getting to know Eoghan after reading so much about him in No Safe Harbor, and what his side of the story was and how it affected him. Ana was a strong young woman who had been through so much in her short life, yet it was so clear that God was with her every step of the way even when she didn't see it.

Overall, a well written story that was meticulously researched, with a rich setting that brought the story to life. Not only did this book have great plot twists but I also thought there was great character development in both Eoghan and Ana, as they both learned to put their pasts to rest. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to people who like to read about Celtic history!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

9.27.2013

Help Jon Lewis Publish A Grey Griffins Book!

I have read Jon Lewis's CHAOS Series and immensely enjoyed them. So when I heard of Jon Lewis's latest project, I knew I had to share it with you! --Faye


Now, here's Jon to tell you a little more about the project ---

My name is Jon Lewis, and I would like to publish the next adventure in the Grey Griffins series as an independent story. I need $10,000 to hire professional artists and editors in order to ensure the same high quality you've come to expect from the Grey Griffins novels published by Scholastic and Little Brown.

The part I'm really excited about? If we raise an additional $15,000 we'll unlock a collection of Grey Griffins short stories written by some of the biggest names in the publishing industry today . . . I'm talking authors like Brandon Mull (Fablehaven), Aprilynne Pike (Wings), Frank Beddor (Looking Glass Wars), Shannon Messenger (Let the Sky Fall) and more!

Like Any Good Story, There's a Twist

As crazy as it might sound, I want to do more than publish my own book. I want to spearhead a new way to publish novels, and it's all based on a unique strategy employed by the comic book industry.

I don't use the word giddy often, but in this case it works. I'm absolutely giddy about an anthology of short stories written by some of the biggest names in publishing.

Forget that it's set in a world that I helped create (although I have to admit that's pretty amazing), the best thing about the anthology is that 100% of the profits will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Kids Need to Read.

Check out the roster:



* Brandon Mull | NY Times Bestselling Author, Fablehaven
* Aprilynne Pike | NY Times Bestselling Author, Wings
* Frank Beddor | NY Times Bestselling Author, Looking Glass Wars * Michael Spradlin | NY Times Bestselling Author, Youngest Templar
* Dean Lorey | Co-Executive Producer, Arrested Development
* Shannon Messenger | Let the Sky Fall, Keeper of the Lost Cities 
 * Tom Leveen | Party, manicpixiedreamgirl, Sick
* Joseph Nassise | International Bestselling Author, Templar Chronicles
* Matt Forbeck | Leverage: The Con Job based on the TNT television series
* Janette Rallison | My Fair Godmother, Slayers
Why I'm Self-Publishing Both the Anthology and My Next Novel 




I've been lucky enough to publish nine books through Scholastic, Little Brown, and Thomas Nelson. I hope to work with them again one day, but I'm going to self-publish the Grey Griffins anthology. I'm also going to self-publish my next novel (Grey Griffins: Night of Dragons). 


Why? The industry has drastically changed since my first book was published in 2007 and its time for me to change as well. Besides, by self-publishing the anthology, we'll be able to donate 70% of the cover price to the charities instead of 17.5%, which is what we'd earn if it went through a traditional publisher. The Drawback with Self-Publishing Each short story in the Grey Griffins anthology will be professionally edited. It will also have its own cover painted by the incredibly talented Scott Altmann. The final product will look every bit as good as what the major publishing houses produce, but there's a drawback. When you publish your own books you have to come up with the money to pay the artists and the editors. That's why I'm turning to Kickstarter. 


Crowdsourcing with Kickstarter 


Running a Kickstarter campaign gives readers the chance to pre-order the book and I'll be able to invest the money into making an amazing product. 


I know what it means to have a tight budget, so I made sure the pledge levels started at $1. There are some fun rewards, too, like custom Grey Griffins short stories, collectible character trading cards and sketches from the cover artist. For the writers out there, we're offering the chance for a query letter review, a partial manuscript review, and even a Skype brainstorm session where I'll help you come up with ideas for your story. 


You can help fund the Kickstarter campaign here.  


You Can Even Get Your Story Published in the Grey Griffins Anthology 


Because I also have a passion for helping new writers break into the industry I thought the best way to do that with this project was to give someone a chance to get a short story published in the anthology. Your story will end up in the same book with all those New York Times bestselling authors. If it sounds like something you're interested in, you can find the submission guidelines here


Thank you 


Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your consideration to back the Kickstarter campaign. I'm going to need your help to make this project a reality, and I know that together we can do something incredible!


Jon S. Lewis

9.26.2013

Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson and Own It by Michael & Haley DiMarco ~ Review + Giveaway!

Grace Unplugged

My Review:

Grace Trey, the daughter of one-hit-wonder Johnny Trey, gets her big break as an artist doing what she's always wanted to do, but are the compromises of what it takes to become a start ones she is willing to make?

Grace Unplugged was a fairly quick read, that could also be enjoyed as an older teen read. The writing style was easy to read, and the plot was good but a bit predictable, but overall had a terrific message.

This story had many great elements, a romance, the story of a father's love, and Grace's personal coming-of-age. For the most part this book focused on Grace and her prodigal journey, I thought that her story was told realistically, and I liked how they showed that it wasn't one huge compromise, but many small ones that are the most dangerous.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, with a great message about leaving a borrowed faith and making it your own. And it definitely made me want to see the movie :)

About Grace Unplugged the Novel
Grace Trey is an 18 year old singer as passionate about her Christian faith as she is her phenomenal, God-given musical talent. Both traits come from her father, one hit wonder Johnny Trey who found Jesus after losing his chart success two decades ago. 

When Grace encounters her own music break of a lifetime, the sudden dive into the "real world" puts her deeper beliefs to the test. Pop superstardom is just within reach but appears to require some spiritual compromise. Will Grace reject her faith, or will she own it? 
 
Grace Unplugged is based on the motion picture of the same name starring AJ Michalka (Super 8) and Kevin Pollak (A Few Good Men) with performances by award-winning artists Chris Tomlin and Jamie Grace
 
About the Grace Unplugged Author
Melody Carlson has sold more than five million books. A professional writer for twenty years, she recently received the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Melody has two grown sons and lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest.
 
Own It: Discover Your Faith in GodMy Review:
Own it is a relatively short read, following in the footsteps of the film Grace Unplugged talks about leaving behind a borrowed, rented, or inherited faith and taking the steps toward owning it!
 
This was a nicely written book that I could see helping someone who might struggle with questions about their faith. But personally, I felt that I did not benefit from reading it. But it did a good job of explaining everything in a simple, easy to follow conversational tone, that made it easy to read.
 
Overall a well written book, that asks tough questions, to help you truly Own It.
 
About Own It, Discover Your Faith in God
The movie Grace Unplugged tells the story of Grace Trey, an ideal Christian teenager who is also a phenomenal singer. But when she is pushed into the “real world” at the tender age of eighteen after getting the music break of a lifetime, her faith is put to the test.
Own It mirrors the film by asking what it means to really “own” your personal faith rather than just automatically following in the footsteps of parents, friends, or other influencers. Best-selling authors Hayley and Michael DiMarco help readers understand what to do when faith meets real world challenges.
Without solid beliefs, poor choices are likely to follow. You must take the time to really know who you are, who you are becoming, and who God made you to be. It's your personal faith . . . own it!

About the Own It Authors
Hayley DiMarco is the best-selling author of more than thirty books including Dateable, Marriable, Mean Girls, and The Woman of Mystery. She has been a featured speaker at Women of Faith, Precept National Women's Conference, and MOPS Intl. among others and has consulted on the creation and enhancement of some of the largest stadium events for teens and young women in North America.
Michael DiMarco is a skillled communicator and teacher who has authored more than a dozen bestselling books including the 2010 Christian Book of the Year for Youth, B4UD8 (Before You Date). He and his wife, author Hayley DiMarco, have one daughter and live in Nashville, Tennessee.
 
Stay Connected
Grace Unplugged Movie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graceunplugged
Grace Unpluggled Movie Twitter: @GraceMovie
Grace Unplugged Website: www.graceunplugged.com
B&H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhpublishing
B&H Twitter: @BHpub

And here's the trailer for Grace Unplugged: 


 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."


Now is your chance to enter to win a copy of BOTH Grace Unplugged (the novelization) by Melody Carlson and Own It by Haley & Michael DiMarco!

US residents only please.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

9.25.2013

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer ~ Review

A Home for My HeartLucie's Review:

When the current matron of the orphanage leaves in order to get married, Sadie steps up to fill the position thinking that it will be a while before she and her long time beau tie the knot. But when Blaine comes up with the land, and house so that they can get married, Sadie has already committed to serving as matron, that does not allow for marriage.
Adding to her difficulties are the orphanage's need for money, with the threat of it being closed down.
Will Sadie be able to save the orphanage or her relationship with Blaine.

A Home for My Heart was a sweet story, with a Gift of the Magi spin to it. Filled with so many great characters, who drew me with their realness and humanity.

The story is told from Sadie's point of view throughout in first person perspective, through her struggles and triumphs. I loved the many side characters, Miranda was a very smart, wise woman. And Blaine always did his best to please.

Overall, this was a very good story, that in many ways was very different from your typical Christian Fiction Romance, because it told a story at what was very possibly the end of a relationship instead of the beginning. This was the kind of book that when I had finished it, I wasn't sure how much I liked, but the more I thought back on it the more I realized that I had really enjoyed it. Great novel!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg ~ CFBA Blog Tour & Review

Made to LastLucie's Review:

Randi is the star of her own TV shows with fans all over the country, who are curious about the husband that Randi talks about on her show all the time, but no one has ever seen. So Randi's producer comes up with a solution--a fake husband for Randi, and against her better judgment she agrees. But then she finds out that her manager has invited a reporter to stay in her cabin to follow her around and get the inside scoop.
Matthew has a set of problems of his own, not the least of which is his growing attraction to Miranda...

This plot set up has much to offer, with ample opportunities for humorous interactions that will put a smile on your face, embarrassing misunderstandings, and character growth. And I loved it!

There was a full cast of characters, and intriguing side characters, some of my favorites were Randi's fake husband, Blaze, who was something of a misplaced surfer dude, but had his moments where he was insightful, helpful & faithful. I fell in love with Matthew's niece, Celine, a sweet little girl who had lost her hearing. Celine was such a big fan of Randi's show, and played a big part in why Matthew took the job :)

My favorite scene in the book was the scene where Matthew and Randi danced...*swoon*

Ms. Tagg's writing style is engaging, weaving believable characters, with great interactions full of chemistry. Faith, forgiveness, trust, and truth are well engrained in the heart of the story. The character development was fantastic, Randi and Matthew both had ghost in their past that they had find freedom from.

I would definitely recommend this book, because it is a book that is engaging every minute of the way, yet sits back and watches the characters grow naturally into what they need to be. It was set up sort of like a comedy, but it was not a "light read" because it also had a great depth to it. I immensely enjoyed this debut from Melissa Tagg and I can't wait to read her next book!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
 

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Made to Last
Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013)
by
Melissa Tagg


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I’m a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to my nonprofit day job, I’m also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists.

It all started when my dad, at the ripe old age of sixteen, picked up my mom up for their first date. She was thirteen. Thirteen!* Dad drove a cherry red car up the lane to my grandparents big ol’ green house and honked his horn…whereupon Mom jumped out of the apple tree she’d been waiting in and off they went…fishing. True story. (I’d give more details, but I’m saving it for a novella I plan to entitle Two Leaves. Mom, I really hope you read this.)

Four years of college, a few trips abroad and a stint as a reporter later, that dream is soon to be a reality. My debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, is now out from Bethany House. Book two, Here to Stay, comes out on May 1, 2014.

In between writing and staring out the window brainstorming, I also work as a grant-writer at one of Iowa’s largest private nonprofits and serve as the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for novelists founded by Susan May Warren.

And I love, love, love talking about finding our purpose and identity in Christ. (And well, okay, food, old movies, boots and scarves, my awesome nephew Ollie, and, fine, Tim Tebow, too.)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that's how it looks when she's starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she'll do anything to boost ratings and save her show--even if it means pretending to be married to a man who's definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda's every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth--and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she's built come crashing down just as she's found a love to last?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Made to Last, go HERE.

9.24.2013

The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson ~ Reivew & Litfuse Tour

The Courier of Caswell Hall (American Tapestries)

Lucie's Review:

A full cast of characters both real and fictitious blend together seamlessly to bring the Revolutionary War to life.

Lydia pulls a mysterious stranger from the river, who changes her life forever.

The main plot of the book is greatly enhanced by the subplots, and the many secrets that come to light over the course of the book. I loved the realistic-ness of the setting and story, and it made sense that Lydia and Nathan wouldn't see each other too often, as it was a time of war. So their interaction was limited, but that actually made a lot of sense to me, considering the circumstances.

One of my favorite characters was Sarah, whose story was heartbreaking and touching. Another character who shone brighter and brighter as the story progressed was Lydia's mother. And I greatly respected Elisha, a man who was a Caswell slave, but showed himself to be one of the stronger character who didn't let his position in the house prevent him from showing what he stood for.

Nathan was an honorable man, who was always thinking and using his head to get out of tight scrapes.

Overall, I loved how the touches of humor and faith were interwoven throughout the storyline, as well as the reminder that freedom isn't free. It was a bit slow to start, but by the end I was glad I picked it up!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book: An unlikely spy discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

As the British and Continental armies wage war in 1781, the daughter of a wealthy Virginia plantation owner feels conflict raging in her own heart. Lydia Caswell comes from a family of staunch Loyalists, but she cares only about peace. Her friend Sarah Hammond, however, longs to join the fight. Both women's families have already been divided by a costly war that sets father against son and neighbor against neighbor; a war that makes it impossible to guess who can be trusted.

One snowy night Lydia discovers a wounded man on the riverbank near Caswell Hall, and her decision to save him will change her life. Nathan introduces her to a secret network of spies, couriers, disguises, and coded messages---a network that may be the Patriots' only hope for winning the war. When British officers take over Caswell Hall and wreak havoc on neighboring plantations, Lydia will have to choose between loyalty and freedom; between her family's protection and her own heart's desires.

As both armies gather near Williamsburg for a pivotal battle, both Lydia and Sarah must decide how high a price they are willing to pay to help the men they love.

Part of the American Tapestries™ series: Each standalone novel in this line sets a heart-stirring love story against the backdrop of an epic moment in American history. This is the fifth book in the series.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1aLxC9s

About the author: Melanie Dobson is the author of twelve novels; her writing has received numerous accolades including two Carol Awards. Melanie worked in public relations for fifteen years before she began writing fiction full-time. Born and raised in the Midwest, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Oregon.

Connect with Melanie at: http://melaniedobson.com

Check out all of the other great tour stops!  http://litfusegroup.com/author/mdobson
Melanie Dobson's latest release, The Courier of Caswell Hall, is a riveting story you won't want to miss. The newest offering in the American Tapestries™ series, it follows an unlikely spy who discovers freedom and love in the midst of the American Revolution.

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of the book!

courier-of-caswell-rafflecopter

  Five winners will receive:
  • The Courier of Caswell Hall by Melanie Dobson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th at the Litfuse blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the Litfuse blog on the 7th to see if you won one of the books!

9.23.2013

Goddess Tithe by Anne Elisabeth Stengl ~ Cover Reveal + Giveaway!

 Goddess Tithe:

When a stowaway is discovered aboard the merchant ship Kulap Kanya, Munny, a cabin boy on his first voyage, knows what must be done. All stowaways are sacrificed to Risafeth, the evil
goddess of the sea. Such is her right, and the Kulap Kanya's only hope to return safely home.

Yet, to the horror of his crew, Captain Sunan vows to protect the stowaway, a foreigner in clown's garb. A curse falls upon the ship and all who sail with her, for Risafeth will stop at nothing to claim her tithe.

Will Munny find the courage to trust his captain and to protect the strange clown who has become his friend?

Author Bio:
Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her
husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she
enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied
illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of
the Tales of Goldstone Wood, including  Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, Starflower, and
Dragonwitch. Heartless and  Veiled Rose have each been honored with a Christy Award, and
Starflower was voted winner of the 2013 Clive Staples Award.


Anne's story behind the cover: I had the fun of designing this cover—finding reference photos, inventing the composition, applying the text, etc.—but the actual artistic work was done by talented cover artist Phatpuppy (www.phatpuppyart.com), whose work I have admired for many years. It was such a thrill for me to contact and commission this artist to create a look for Goddess Tithe that is reminiscent of the original novels but has a style and drama all its own.

The boy on the front was quite a find. I hunted high and low for an image of a boy the right age, the right look, with the right expression on his face. Phatpuppy and I worked with a different model through most of the cover development stage. But then I happened upon this image, and both she and I were delighted with his blend of youth, stubbornness, and strength of character! It wasn’t difficult to switch the original boy for this young man. He simply is Munny,
and this cover is a perfect window into the world of my story.

You can’t see it here, but the wrap-around back cover for the print copy contains some of the prettiest work . . . including quite a scary sea monster! Possibly my favorite detail is the inclusion of the ghostly white flowers framing the outer edge. These are an important symbol in the story itself, and when Phatpuppy sent me the first mock-up cover with these included, I
nearly jumped out of my skin with excitement!

Illustrations: There are eight full-page illustrations in Goddess Tithe featuring various characters and events from the story. This is the first one in the book. I decided to share it with all of you since it depicts my young hero, Munny the cabin boy, under the watchful eye of his mentor, the old sailor Tu Pich. Munny is on his first voyage, and he is determined to learn all there is to know about a life at sea as quickly as possible. Thus we see him utterly intent upon the knot he is learning to tie. Tu Pich is old enough to know that no sailor will ever learn all there is to know about the sea. Thus he looks on, grave, caring, and perhaps a little sad. He might be looking upon his own younger self of many years ago, fumbling through the hundreds of difficult knots his fingers must learn to tie with unconscious ease.
I enjoyed creating all the illustrations for Goddess Tithe, but this one was my favorite. I
love the contrasts of light and dark, the contrasts of young and old . . . youthful intensity versus
the perspective of age.

And now an exclusive excerpt from the book!

Here is an excerpt from the middle of the story. In this scene, Munny has been ordered
to Captain Sunan’s cabin to clear away his breakfast . . . an unexpected task, for a lowly cabin
boy would not ordinarily dare enter his captain’s private quarters! Munny hopes to slip in and out
quietly without attracting the captain’s notice. But his hopes are dashed when Sunan addresses
him, asking how their strange, foreign stowaway is faring:
  

“And what do you make of him yourself?”
Munny dared glance his captain’s way and was relieved when his eyes met only a
stern and rigid back. “I’m not sure, Captain,” he said. “I think he’s afraid. But not of . . .”
“Not of the goddess?” the Captain finished for him. And with these words he turned
upon Munny, his eyes so full of secrets it was nearly overwhelming. Munny froze, his
fingers just touching but not daring to take up a small teapot of fragile work.
The Captain looked at him, studying his small frame up and down. “No,” he said, “I
believe you are right. Leonard the Clown does not fear Risafeth. I believe he is unaware
of his near peril at her will, suffering as he does under a peril nearer still.”
 Munny made neither answer nor any move.
“We will bring him safely to Lunthea Maly, won’t we, Munny?” the Captain said. But
he did not speak as though he expected an answer, so again Munny offered none. “We
will bring him safely to Lunthea Maly and there let him choose his own dark future.”
“I hope—” Munny began.
But he was interrupted by a sudden commotion on deck. First a rising murmur of
voices, then many shouts, inarticulate in cacophony. But a pounding at the cabin door
accompanied Sur Agung’s voice bellowing, “Captain, you’d best come see this!”
The Captain’s eyes widened a moment and still did not break gaze with Munny’s.
“We’ll keep him safe,” he repeated. Then he turned and was gone, leaving the door
open.
Munny put down the pot he held and scurried after. The deck was alive with hands,
even those who were off watch, crawling up from the hatches and crowding the rails on
the port side. They parted way for the Captain to pass through, but when Munny tried to
follow, they closed in again, blocking him as solidly as a brick wall.
“Look! Look!” Munny heard voices crying.
“It’s a sign!”
“She’s warning us!”
“It’s a sign, I tell you!”
Fearing he knew not what, Munny ran for the center mast and climbed partway up,
using the handholds and footholds with unconscious confidence. Soon he was high
enough to see over the heads of the gathered crew, out into the blue waters of the
ocean. And he saw them.
 They were water birds. Big white albatrosses, smaller seagulls, heavy cormorants,
even deep-throated pelicans and sleek, black-faced terns. These and many more,
hundreds of them, none of which should be seen this far out to sea.
They were all dead. Floating in a great mass.
Munny clung to the mast, pressing his cheek against its wood. The shouts of the
frightened sailors below faded away, drowned out by the desolation of that sight. Death,
reeking death, a sad flotilla upon the waves.
“I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Munny looked down to where Leonard clung to the mast just beneath him, staring
wide-eyed out at the waves. “How could this have happened? Were they sick? Caught
in a sudden gale? Are they tangled in fishing nets?”
There was no fear in his voice. Not like in the voices of the sailors. He did not
understand. He did not realize. It wasn’t his fault, Munny told himself.
But it was.


Giveaway:
I (Anne) am offering two proof copies of Goddess Tithe as prizes! U.S. and Canada only, please.




 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

9.21.2013

Fired Up by Mary Connealy ~ Litfuse Blog Tour & Review

Fired Up (Trouble in Texas, #2)Lucie's Review:

Dare Riker, once a prison camp regulator, is now a doctor who wants to be a rancher.
Glynna is a young widow, with two children, and now that her husband is dead, she is determined to never tie herself down to another man, no matter how good he may seem on the outside.
Danger seems to follow Dare wherever he goes,  could it be possible that Glynna's late husband's men are plotting their revenge?

Picking up right where the last book left off, Fired Up is full of action and I loved getting to know Dare and Glynna better, in this book, as he was one of my favorites in the previous book. There was a lot of action and an amazing plot, making this book hard to put down.

The character interaction was terrific and I loved how they connected with each other, not just Glynna and Dare, also Dare's friends, Jonas, Vince, and Luke. And I couldn't keep a smile from my face in the scenes between Vince and Tina, they were terrific! I can't wait for the next book :)

Overall, what a fantastic read from beginning to end! Filled with endearing characters and plenty of humor. In my opinion, with every book Ms. Connealy just gets better and better, I loved how Dare and his friends all had such a strong faith and wanted to show Glynna's son how a real man acts. I would definitely recommend this fantastic book!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

About the book: Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy

Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she's terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner---never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.

Glynna can't help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna's diner into Dare's back. Are Flint's cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna's son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/oOqGx

Meet Mary: Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Kincaid Brides, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and she has been a finalist for a Rita and Christy Award and a two time winner of the Carol Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Connect with Mary: http://maryconnealy.com/

Check out all of the other great stops on this tour! http://litfusegroup.com/author/mconnealy

 
Mary Connealy is back with the second book, Fired Up, in her Trouble in Texas series, and she's celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a LIVE author chat party on October 8th.



Fired-Up-rafflecopter

  One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD
  • Swept Away  and Fired Up by Mary Connealy
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 8th. Winner will be announced at the "Fired Up" Live Webcast Event on October 8th. Connect with Mary for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Mary will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Fired Up and join Mary and friends on the evening of October 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

9.20.2013

A Family for Christmas by Winnie Griggs ~ Review

A Family for Christmas

Lucie's Review:
 Eve get's off the train at Turnabout, Texas to keep Leo, a stowaway orphan from being put in jail.
Chance comes to Eve and Leo's rescue by offering them rooms at his establishment, and he even goes as far as to find a proper chaperone, Ms. Dolly, a widow who's home recently burned to the ground.
Chance and Eve both have secrets from their pasts, that could poison their futures, can it all be made right by Christmas?

For those of you who may have read the previous books in the series, you will be happy to see many of the previous characters coming back to give a Chance and Eve a warm Texas welcome.

Chance was such an honest, genuine man, with a big heart. And Eve was a kind, timid young woman, finally finding her wings.
One of the best characters in the book was Ms. Dolly, who was just full of good advice, wisdom and tied everything together.

Overall, a  heartwarming story, full of Christmas spirit and family, sure to get you ready for the holiday season!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma ~ Review

Snow on the Tulips

Lucie's Review:

Gerrit Laninga is sentenced to be executed. He has made his peace with God and is ready to die, but when the shot is fired it doesn't take his life. A young man and his sister take him into their home  and care for his wounds.
Cornelia was widowed four years ago when the Germans invaded the Netherlands, but for the sake of her late husband she takes pity on Gerrit and agrees to help care for him.
Will Gerrit and Cornelia be able to whether the storms on their horizons?

Snow on the Tulips is a beautiful novel that slowly won me completely over, with its flawlessly engrained themes of faith and courage set during WWII. The characters were so well developed, each with their own unique battle to face.

This story swept me away to another time and place, with its easy to read, engaging style, and I loved how raw and realistically it dealt with the human condition and the intensity of the times and setting. When I paged to the very back of the book to the authors notes, I read that this book is based on a TRUE STORY, and that just blew me away and made me love the book even more.

Overall, a strong novel from author Liz Tolsma, definitely a book that I would recommend to someone looking for a fantastic read that is hard to put down and will tug at your heartstrings. I could tell that there was a lot of research put into this book and the fact that this book is based on a true story is just amazing. A memorable read, and I mean that in a completely positive way!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

9.18.2013

Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris ~ Revell Blog Tour & Review

Dangerous Passage (Southern Crimes #1)Astor's Review:

Detective Avery North, is a young widow swept into her latest case, investigating the mysterious murders of two young women who could have been unconnected, except for a black magnolia tattoo. Avery, has always suspected that her late husband's death was the result of his friend's betrayal, and she is determined to find the proof that will bring his killer to justice.
Jackson is a coroner who offers his help to Avery in untangling the murders, and as the danger grows they find themselves relying on each other and on God in this edge of your seat suspense-filled adventure!

What a story! I had a hard time putting this one down,  and if my eyes didn't get tired so quickly I would have read it straight through in one sitting.

Jackson's grandfather was a great addition to the story and brought humor, wisdom, and warmth to the story. The characters were well developed and I felt like they were truly brought to their limits.

Overall, this book was very well written with plenty of plot twists and well paced throughout, there was never a moment when I got bored or didn't want to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next. I would highly recommend this book, and I'm counting down the days till I can read the next book in the series!

Available September at your favorite bookseller, from Revell, a Baker Publishing Group

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

9.17.2013

The Cowboy's Christmas Courtship by Brenda Minton ~ Review

The Cowboy's Christmas Courtship
Lucie's Review:

Gage Cooper is on his way home to Cooper Creek, after a bad run in with a bull at his last rodeo has him re-evaluating his life. He stops to help a young woman, who turns out to be Layla Smith a girl that he knew and hurt in high school. It doesn't take long for Gage to see that she and her brother, Brandon, could use some help keeping their fences up, so he volunteers to help her out to make amends for what he did to her in the past.
Layla doesn't trust Gage, and she knows that he is just helping because he feels guilty, and that he'll just leave again. She's had to be strong ever since her parents died, will she find the strength to give Gage another chance?

The Cowboy's  Christmas Courtship is a heartwarming Christmas tale that brings back many of the past characters from the previous books about Cooper Creek, that we've come to know and love. Full of moments that would make even a Grinch smile. I loved the scene where Gage tries his hand at waiting tables, definitely one of my favorite scenes!

Even though you might not think that you are ready for Christmas, this book might just change your mind! I liked how the characters interacted naturally, and how Gage connected well with Brandon, who was something of a troubled teen. I would definitely recommend this book, I never want to miss a single book by this talented author and neither will you once you pick one up!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

9.16.2013

The Invention of Sarah Cummings by Olivia Newport ~ Revell Blog Tour & Review

The Invention of Sarah Cummings (Avenue of Dreams Series #3)Lucie's Review:

Sarah Cummings grew up an orphan with a longing for what she believes to be the better things in life. Sarah is a maid in the Banning household, and she is good with a needle and thread so when the society ladies cast off their old clothing, Sarah takes it and remakes it. But when she befriends a society lady by the name of Lily, Sarah feels the need to impress her, and makes up a whole new identity for herself as Serena Cuthbert. Before she knows it Sarah is balancing two lives. In a world that judges by appearances, will Sarah find out who her real friends are?

The newest installment in the Avenue of Dreams Series bring back many of the characters from the previous books, and delves into the life of Sarah Cummings.

I really liked the characters of Lily and Simon, because they were honestly and completely themselves. They were always true to their character, and values.

I guess the main part of the book was about Sarah and how she came to terms with her life and found contentment with where she was, than about a romance or relationship.

Overall, to be honest this was a hard book to read because Sarah kept digging herself deeper into the hole that she made for herself. But in the end it was a good story and it all came together well. So a tougher read with a good ending.

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

9.10.2013

Unspoken by Dee Henderson ~ Review

UnspokenAstor's Review: The companion to Dee Henderson's Best-seller, Full Disclosure does not disappoint.

Eighteen years ago, Charlotte and her twin sister were kidnapped and in the years since Charlotte has tried to put what happened out of her mind. Upon the death of Charlotte's grandfather, she inherits billions in antique coins so she makes a deal with Bryce to help her sell them, but the better he gets to know her the more he longs to protect her from the secrets of her past.

An eighteen year old mystery, a dark secret, and a marriage of convenience, all make for a great story, but mix them all together and you've got Unspoken by Dee Henderson. There are high speed chases and romance, in this twisting, winding, action-packed read.

I've long been a Dee Henderson fan and this one was definitely a good one. Bryce was an admirable hero because he stood by faithfully and gave Charlotte her space when she needed it and yet was there for her. He was also a strong man of faith.

The character interaction was very well done and I really liked Charlotte and Bryce together!

Overall, a terrific book with great characters and a great plot. Part romance, and part mystery, suspense. It was different from any of Dee Henderson's other books in that it had a little more romance in it and more character development, and a little less mystery and action, but I think that might have been why I enjoyed it so much! I like it when authors go outside their normal formula to mix it up a bit. I would give this book five stars. Excellent all the way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

9.07.2013

Update: Hey there!

Hey there! I know I've been a bit absent from the blog lately, the last 2 weeks I've been getting used to college and juggling reviews, work, helping out at church and a few other things!

Right now I'm studying to be a Dental Assistant, and depending on how well that goes I might pursue more options in that field. The main thing that is different for me is being more careful with my time management. Since I got a lot done when I was in 7th, 8th & 9th grade, my main high school years were pretty light, now I'm finding that it is harder to balance everything, but be assured that I am making to time to fulfill my obligations, and am actually finding time to read again!

I don't know if I told y'all this, but I also work part time at Cracker Barrel, and I have been for almost a year now. It's a nice job that is relatively low stress and I can make a little extra money. I've had a lot of adventures with my great co-workers, and even met some famous reality star, that I had no idea was even famous until someone told me that he had his own reality show, and I don't even remember his name! And I like the environment, so that's what I did for most of the summer. I'm a cashier, in case you were wondering.

Right now though I work part time, and for the most part focus on my studies. And I'm counting down the days till December 11th when finals are over and I have a nice Christmas holiday! But it's nice that I am able to live at home for now so I don't have to worry about rent, roommates or other things like that, for which I am very thankful!

I'm still helping with AWANA, which is something I will probably do till the day I die, because it is such a rewarding and fulfilling program. I love how as a leader, I am privileged to be able to help a child hide the word of God in their heart! Such a great thing! If you are looking for a way to make a difference, I would strongly recommend getting involved with your local AWANA group, (AWANA groups are all across the US and in many other countries) because it is such a wonderful program that introduces children to God's word, and hopefully to Jesus Christ.

So just to clear up the questions about this blog, I will totally still be blogging, but it just might be less often or in spurts. But my mom has been reviewing lately, and she actually has been really enjoying it! So until next time!

Faye




 

9.06.2013

Adoring Addie by Leslie Gould ~ Review

Adoring Addie (The Courtships of Lancaster County #2)Lucie's Review:
A sweet Amish romance, with a twist of Shakespeare!

Addie Cramer's family and friends all think that she should marry Phillip Eicher, a man who only seems to talk about the plans that her has for her farm, and not about anything that would indicate that he even thinks of her. But when she falls for Jonathon Mosier, a young man whose family is involved in a feud with Addie's family, trouble ensues. Will Addie and Jonathon's love find a way through their families' feud?

Such an upbeat, fun romance that I enjoyed immensely. The characters were well written and I liked the connection with Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet -- without such a tragic end, what could be better?

I loved how Addie's story was filled with familiar characters from the previous book, like the twins and many of the main families.

Jonathon was a very honorable man, and I liked how he didn't want to be only courting her in public and he sought to heal the rifts between their families. Addie was great too, and it was so great how they worked together to fix the problems between their families.

Overall this book was such a fun read, I was hesitant to read it at first just because sometimes Amish books are a bit predictable, but I really was surprised at how much I liked it. And I will definitely reading the rest in the series!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Jasmine by Diane T. Ashley & Aaron McCarver ~ Review

Jasmine (Song of the River #3)Lucie's Review:

Jasmine selfishly runs away, to pursue a glamorous life as an actress on a showboat. She manages to get a few small roles and attracts the sultry attention of the lead actor, Vance Hargrove, and the jealously of the lead actress.
David is now a detective with the Pinkertons and he feels fiercely protective of her, because he has loved he since they were both children.
Can Jasmine ever unravel the dangerous path she has set her foot upon?

The final book in the Song of the River series, follows Jasmine's journey. And I would definitely recommend reading this book if you read the previous book and enjoyed them, because it catches up with Camellia, Lily and their families, along with some of the side characters and old friends from those books as well.

I think my favorite character was David, because he had a strong faith and he was so noble and steady throughout. Yet his struggles were relatable, because he worried about Jasmine and had to realize that God was in control and he had to trust God with Jasmine.

Overall, good read with misunderstanding and tension throughout, because I never knew what she would do next. The end was really well done, and there was poignant growth for both Jasmine and David. As well as containing a great mystery, that kept me guessing! All in all, a good read.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

9.05.2013

When the Clouds Roll By ~ Myra Johnson ~ Review

When the Clouds Roll By (Till We Meet Again #1)Lucie's Review:

When Gilbert and Samuel come back from war, they come back crushed in spirit, struggling with the demons they faced at the forefront. Annamarie's fiancé Gilbert isn't the same man he used to be, he lost his leg along with his faith. Samuel is Gilbert's friend who he met on the plane and he was an army chaplain, who comes to visit and tries to help Gilbert find the answers, while searching for them himself.

This book tells of the struggles that men returning from war struggle with, and how it affects the ones they left at home. Both Gilbert and Samuel were coming from a dark place emotionally at the start of the book, yet both of them dealt with their struggles in different ways, making choices that affected the rest of their lives.

There were some difficult themes that this book dealt with and so I felt that this book dealt with some strong topics, that might not be for young people.

Overall, it was kind of a sad book because much of the book dealt with the aftermath of war and the devastation that it can bring to relationships and help others form. One of the characters that stood out to me was Mary, because she honestly did have feelings for a man who had no intention of ever following through, so maybe someday she'll find someone great! Samuel and Annamarie's relationship was well developed and I really liked how Annamarie was able to get past her disappointments and move forward with her life. A good read, that showed a wide range of character development and emotion.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

9.04.2013

Trapped by Irene Hannon Revell Blog Tour & Review


Trapped (Private Justice, #2)Astor's Review:

Laura Griffin is a librarian, who is determined to do anything to find her younger sister who suddenly when missing on a cold winter night, leaving nothing but a brief note.
She finds herself teaming up with PI James Devlin, but the more that they search, the more they convinced they become that something more sinister than they ever could have imagined is at play...

With action, every step of the way and fraught with romantic tension Trapped is a book that you won't want to miss. The dialogue was sharp and witty, and I felt that the characters really connected with each other.

There was plenty of action, and mystery in this thriller of a novel, though it is the second in a series it could easily be read as a stand alone because there is very little connection, exception that one of the main characters is related to the related to the main character of the previous book.

Overall, if you are a fan of Ms. Hannon or just love a good action packed, suspense filled, novel with winding twists and turns that made for a thrilling read.

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."