Monday, March 26, 2012

The Chase by Diann Mills


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Chase
Zondervan (March 27, 2012)
by
DiAnn Mills




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.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Missing by Shelley Shepard Gray (Review)


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Missing
Avon Inspire; Original edition (March 20, 2012)
by
Shelley Shepard Gray




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.



Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.



Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.



When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.



Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page





ABOUT THE BOOK



In the first book in her new Secrets of Crittenden County series, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country



Perry Borntrager had been missing from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, for months when his body was discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. Everyone had assumed Perry left Crittenden on his own, seduced by the wider world he discovered during his rumspringa, but now the truth has thrown this once-peaceful town into chaos. The first death from mysterious circumstances in Crittenden in more than two decades has invited the scrutiny of the outside world: a police detective arrives to help their local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englisher Walker Anderson.



Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare to open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.



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

My Review:
I thought this was a great start to a new series by this author. I have read all of her Christian fiction books. They are not typical Amish books. The characters and plot were well written and carried me along. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Recommended. :)

Monday, March 19, 2012

Spring Reading Thing 2012 My List


This is a great reading challenge hosted every year by Katrina at Callapidder Days. This is my fifth year participating in it. I love her buttons, details on the challenge, and the low key inspiration to finish some books! Please visit her website to learn all about it and sign up. :)
http://callapidderdays.com/

My List:
* Cooking the Books by Bonnie Calhoun
* Fairer than Morning by Rosalyn Elliot
* Night Road by Kristen Hannah (on audio)
* The Maid of Fairbourne by Julie Klassen
* The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren
* Disaster Status by Candace Calvert
* Code Triage by Candace Calvert
* The Paleo Answer by Loren Cordain
* My Own Worst Enemy by Janet Davis
* Wheat Belly by William Davis Phd

This list is subject to change. I will definitely read more than this just not sure what they are yet. lol One of my main things this year is reading from my shelves whatever gets my attention. :)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? March 19, 2012


This is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books. http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/

What I read last week:
- Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughety (reread)
- Always the Baker Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
- Always the Wedding Planner Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
- Always the Designer Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker
- Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah (on audio)

What I am currently reading:- Critical Care by Candace Calvert
- The Paleo Answer by Loren Cordain

What I am reading next:
- My Own Worst Enemy by Janet Davis (nonfiction)
- Night Road by Kristen Hannah (on audio)

Reviews posted last week:
http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2012/03/downtown-green-by-judy-christie-review.html

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2012/03/blue-moon-promise-by-colleen-coble.html

Sunday, March 18, 2012

The Sunday Salon March 18, 2012

The Sunday Salon.com

* Wow time is really flying these days. I think this pretty much every week but I can't believe it is Sunday night already. I was off work Friday again. I am not going to know what to think working a five day work week again. lol It is so hot here in the Deep South and it is still technically Winter. We did not really have that season this year. Are weather conditions off where you live too?

* I am so excited. Tuesday is the first day of Spring and Katrina's Spring Reading Thing challenge. My list of books will be up on that day. Check out her site for more information (linked to on my sidebar).

* Looking ahead April will be a big month for me. I am turning 29 on April 9, Easter is April 8, I am going to the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, and doing the Warrior Dash on April 21.

* I finished a really good audio book today. It was Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah. I also read the first three books in the Emma Ray series by Sandra Bricker. They are Christian fiction and were really good and cute. I  can't wait for the next book to come out. I really want to start another book tonight but I am still doing laundry, need to load the dishwasher, and get my stuff ready for tomorrow.

* I hope everyone has a great week and lots of reading time. :)

Friday, March 16, 2012

Downtown Green by Judy Christie (Review)



  • Paperback: 224 pages


  • Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 2012)


  • ISBN-13: 978-1426708992



  • When the highway bypass around Green opens with much fanfare, downtown dries up faster than cement on the roadway. Businesses close and the hospital becomes a clinic. While the road is progress to some, it seems to be leading Green toward a national trend–a town that is merely a shadow of itself.

    With the town going backwards, Lois Barker Craig is determined to save Green while juggling life as a new mom and owner of The Green News-Item. But can her plan rescue the town from the path it’s on? And what about Dr. Kevin and her son, Mayor Eva, Coach Chris and other familiar Green faces? How does this affect them?

    My Review:
    I loved this book and the whole series. I eagerly await each book. I have grown attached to the town and characters. This is book five in the series and if you have to read it on its own it would be okay but I recommend the whole series. Each new book in the series has more of an impact if you have read the previous ones. The central character in all of them is Lois Barker Craig, part owner and editor of the Downtown Green newspaper. She is a transplant to the little town of Green, Louisiana from the Midwest. There are other characters that repeat in the books too. They are all well written and the plot lines are engaging. Highly Recommended!



    Author Judy Christie loves to help busy people slow down and enjoy each day more – in her series of novels about Green, Louisiana, and her Hurry Less Worry Less nonfiction books. Judy started her writing career as the editor of The Barret Banner in elementary school and has kept a journal since she was nine (and still has all of them). She likes strolling around flea markets, walking in the park near her North Louisiana home and visiting friends and family on her vintage green Kitchen Couch. Her most recent books are Downtown Green, fifth in the Green series, and “Hurry Less Worry Less for Moms.” For more information, see www.judychristie.com.



    Review copy provided by Pump Up Your Book in exchange for an honest review.

    Sunday, March 11, 2012

    The Sunday Salon March 11, 2012

    The Sunday Salon.com

    * I can't believe it is Sunday night already. The weekend flew by again and I was off work Friday. I am so tired today. I wonder if it is just me or others too. I hate time changes because it takes my body so long to get used to them. I am hungry even though I ate most of the day. lol

    * I am currently reading A Grownup Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson and it is pretty good. I won't finish it tonight but that's okay. I am  listening to Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah in the car and its good too.

    * Not looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully my desk is not too bad at work. I am planning on getting there and working super hard to get caught up but it still might take a few days.

    * The Spring Reading Thing starts next week. I am working on my list. I don't really know what to put because I am reading whatever gets my attention these days and a few review books. It might be a small list but I finish more than  whats on it.

    * I ate way too many carbs today which might be why I feel like crap right now. When will I ever learn my lesson? How many fat rolls do  I need?

    * On that note I really am hungry so off to make a salad with baked chicken. :)

    * I hope everyone has a great week and lots of reading time.

    Wednesday, March 7, 2012

    Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble (Review)

    About the book:
    Book Number One in the Under Texas Stars series
    A love like Lucy and Nate’s only comes along once in a blue moon . . .
    Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.
    Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.
    My Review:
    I really liked this book. I thought it was a cute Christian historical fiction book. I have read many of the author's other books and liked them, historical and contemporary. The characters and plot were well developed and interesting. I loved Lucy and how she took care of her two half siblings like they were her own children.  This book is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read the second book. Recommended. :)
    About Colleen:
    Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.
     
    Kindle Giveaway and More! Save the Date - 3/13!

    To see what others think visit the blog tour page:
    http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13458569/bluemoonpromise

    Review copy provided by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

    Monday, March 5, 2012

    It's Monday What Are You Reading? March 5, 2012

    This is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books. http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/

    What I read last week:
    - Sweet Baklava by Debby Mayne (on my Kindle app I phone)
    - Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
    - Love Finds You in Sugarcreek Ohio by Serena Miller
    - Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

    What I am currently reading:
    - Welcome to Fred by Brad Whittington
    - The Paleo Answer by Loren Cordain
    - Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn (on Nook)
    - Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James (on Kindle app I phone)

    What I am reading next:
    I have no idea. :) This year is more about reading from my shelves and whatever appeals to me at the time.

    Sunday, March 4, 2012

    The Sunday Salon March 4, 2012

    The Sunday Salon.com

    * The past week flew by and the weekend seemed to go by even quicker. I can' t believe Sunday is almost over. I have banana almond coconut flour bread in the oven and it smells really good.

    * Last night my cousin Mollie (14) came over and we made coconut flour blueberry pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs and watched the movie, Sarah's Key. We agreed it was sad but overall a good movie.

    * I am not doing so good staying Paleo. I ate two containers Ben and Jerrys his weekend and a whole bag of Terra Vegetable chips. I need to do another Whole 30. I have gained fifteen pounds in the past six months. It seems all I do is cook and eat. I still work out Thank God. I really do not want to end up overweight again.

    * I finished the latest Hannah Swenson mystery, Cinnamon Roll Six Murder, this weekend. It was okay. I still like the series even though they are getting repetitious.

    * March 20 starts the first day of Spring and the Spring Reading Thing hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days. I love her reading challenges and they might be the only ones I do this year. Normally by now I am signed up for over twenty but I just don't have it in me this year.

    * I still have some cleaning to do but I need to read Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble for review this week. Hopefully I can do both. I need to go to Kroger and return the movie and bring my cousin some of the banana bread like I promised. :)

    * I hope everyone has a great night and week and lots of reading time!

    Thursday, March 1, 2012

    Coming March 20, 2012


    This is a yearly reading challenge hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days. For more information visit her blog.
    http://callapidderdays.com/

    I will have my sign up post up on March 20(the day it starts)! This is my fifth year to participate in it. I love the picture. Katrina always does a great job :)

    Classics Club Spin 18

    My Classics Club Spin List for August This is a hodgepodge of books left on my list I made in 2017 for the Classics Club. Tomorrow the clu...