A Book Lover

Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen (Review)

2012-01-25T19:55:00.000-06:00

With a few tricks up your sleeve, small can be the new big!
While we may admire the spacious rooms in large homes we see in magazines or on TV, let's face it: most of us don't live in rambling estates. Instead, we live in homes, apartments, or condos with small rooms and even smaller closets. But you can enjoy an organized, beauty-filled life no matter what the size of your space. In this practical book, you'll learn how to

perform a room-by-room audit of your space to see if it's functioning at its best
make the most of existing storage space and find clever ways to add more
find creative ways to arrange furnishings and accessories that maximize space and bring harmony and style to the home
live graciously in a small space with others (especially those who aren't organized!)

Whether you're an empty nester who's downsizing, a newlywed setting up your first nest, or someone who just needs some creative new ideas, you'll love these strategies, tips, and solutions to maximize space and enhance your quality of life.

My Review:

This is a very informative book to read. There are so many ideas for every room of your house. I can't pick a favorite chapter even though some situations do not apply to me like children's rooms. I love her KISS principle, keep it super simple. I am often guilty of making things way too complicated then never getting things done. I also like how she lists at the end of each chapter where you can buy different items she mentions and they are places most of us have access to like Target. I read this book straight through which is a feat for me because I have trouble doing that with nonfiction! It is well written and organized. Even if your home is not super small you will find ideas in this book. Recommended. :)

"Packed with practical and stylish tips, ideas, and resources to help you take your home from drab to dazzling, no matter what size your space or budget."--Laura Leist, author, CPO and founder of Eliminate Chaos; former president of the National Association of Professional Organizers

"Kathryn provides oodles of useful and affordable home organizing and decorating tips, information, and resources. She also shows that a home doesn't have to be large in size to be graciously grand in spirit."--Kitty Bartholomew, former HGTV host; decorating correspondent for ABC-TV's The Home Show
"This book will inspire you to rethink every inch of your dwelling to create space and live peaceably with your belongings. It's one of my new favorites to recommend."--Marcia Ramsland, author of Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Time, and Simplify Your Space; www.OrganizingPro.com

Kathryn Bechen is an award-winning journalist in the San Diego area. She specializes in lifestyle feature articles and has published several organizing and decorating e-books. She blogs about timely lifestyle topics at www. KathrynBechenInk.com.

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

Love Blooms In Winter by Lori Copeland

2012-01-25T19:11:00.002-06:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLove Blooms in WinterHarvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012)byLori Copeland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Blooms in Winter, go HERE.

Firethorn by Ronie Kendig

2012-01-23T21:15:00.000-06:00

Have not had a chance to start reading it yet but I loved the first three books in the series. I can't wait to read this one. :)

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Ronie Kendig

and the book:

Firethorn, Discarded Heroes #4

Barbour Books; Discarded Heroes edition (2012)

***Special thanks to Ronie Kendig for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An Army brat, Ronie Kendig grew up in the classic military family, with her father often TDY and her mother holding down the proverbial fort. Their family moved often, which left Ronie attending six schools by the time she’d entered fourth grade. Her only respite and “friends” during this time were the characters she created.

It was no surprise when she married a military veteran—her real-life hero—in June 1990. Married more than twenty years, Ronie and her husband, Brian, homeschool their four children, the first of whom graduated in 2011. Despite the craziness of life, Ronie finds balance and peace with her faith, family and their three dogs in Dallas, TX.

Ronie has a deep love and passion for people, especially hurting people, which is why she pursued and obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University. Ronie is an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has volunteered extensively, serving in a variety of capacities from coordinator of a national contest to appointment assistant at the national annual conference.

Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have been gained critical acclaim and national attention, including:

Finalist in Christian Retailing’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards (Nightshade)
RWA’s Faith, Hope, & Love’s 2011 Inspirational Readers’ Choice Awards in Romantic Suspense (Nightshade)
Named one of the Top 25 Christian Fiction Suspense, Mystery, and Thriller Writers by FamilyFiction (Sept 2011)
2011 FamilyFiction Readers’ Choice Awards – 3^rd place as New Favorite Author, 8^th place with Nightshade for Novel of the Year.
INSPY Award Shortlist final in Mystery/Thriller (Dead Reckoning)
The Christian Manifesto’s 2010 Lime Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Nightshade)

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Blown and dismantled, Nightshade is ready to repay the favor.

Former Marine and current Nightshade team member Griffin "Legend" Riddell is comfortable. So comfortable he never sees the set up that lands him in a maximum security prison, charged with murder. How can he prove his innocence behind bars?

Covert operative Kazi Faron is tasked with reassembling Nightshade—the black ops team someone dissected. Breaking Griffin out of a federal penitentiary amid explosive confusion may turn out to be her last assignment. What will it take to convince the fugitive that whoever set him up has also dissected the Nightshade team? As Kazi and Griffin race to rescue the others and discover the traitor,

love begins to awaken in their hearts.

Can a covert operative and the felon she's freed overcome their mutual distrust long enough to save Nightshade? Will anything prepare them for who—or what is coming?

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; Discarded Heroes edition (2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602607850
ISBN-13: 978-1602607859

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

To all American military heroes

At home and abroad,

Those who have gone before

and those serving today—

THANK YOU!

Because of you, we are FREE!

RECON CREED

Realizing it is my choice and my choice alone to be a Reconnaissance Marine, I accept all challenges involved with this profession. Forever shall I strive to maintain the tremendous reputation of those who went before me.

Exceeding beyond the limitations set down by others shall be my goal. Sacrificing personal comforts and dedicating myself to the completion of the reconnaissance mission shall be my life. Physical fitness, mental attitude, and high ethics—The title of Recon Marine is my honor.

Conquering all obstacles, both large and small, I shall never quit. To quit, to surrender, to give up is to fail. To be a Recon Marine is to surpass failure; To overcome, to adapt and to do whatever it takes to complete the mission.

On the battlefield, as in all areas of life, I shall stand tall above the competition. Through professional pride, integrity, and teamwork, I shall be the example for all Marines to emulate.

Never shall I forget the principles I accepted to become a Recon Marine. Honor, Perseverance, Spirit, and Heart.

A Recon Marine can speak without saying a word and achieve what others can only imagine.

Swift, Silent, Deadly

Chapter 1

The Shack

“It’s sad, really.” Marshall “The Kid” Vaughn trudged away from the thumping rotors of the helo that had deposited them back at the Shack, his pack almost dragging the ground. “Ya don’t realize how much a person adds until he’s gone.”

“Legend’s not gone.” Max “Frogman” Jacobs hoisted his rucksack into a better group, his mind locked on Sydney and their two sons waiting for him at home. Poor woman had to be going out of her mind with two of his Mini-Me’s running around.

“Yeah.” John “Squirt” Dighton hit the light breaker, then waited for the six-man team to clear the door. “He’s just temporarily detained.”

Lights sizzled and popped to life. Groaning bounced off the grimy windows as he hauled the door closed, locked it, then started toward the showers.

The Kid grunted. “Forty-years-to-life temporary.”

In the locker room, a depressive gloom hung over the team. They’d been on countless missions, hit just about every terrain and environment imaginable, but none had taken the toll the last couple had. And there was one reason—they were down a man. Griffin “Legend” Riddell. If Max could write the playbook, they wouldn’t do another mission without the guy. But with the man in federal prison for murdering a congressman, it’d be a long wait.

It was quiet. Too quiet. Max looked around the Spartan room. Walls of lockers, most unused. A few benches. A giant once-white bin for dirty duds. And the team. Six men, now. All very skilled. Good men. Even the one missing. Every man here knew Legend had been set up—he didn’t murder that congressman. But nobody could prove it. The evidence was damning. Justice—injustice was more like it—came swiftly. Lambert, ever the puppeteer, couldn’t pull the right strings to get Legend off.

“I’m heading up to visit him tomorrow. Anyone game?” Colton “Cowboy” Neeley slumped on a bench and ran a hand over his short, dark hair. His blue eyes probed the group.

“Nah, man. I’ve got a date,” the Kid said.

Squirt beaned him with a towel. “What girl would go out with you, mate?”

The Kid snapped the terry cloth back at the former Navy SEAL. “Your sister.”

Squirt froze. His jaw went slack. Then his eyes darkened.

Laughing, Canyon “Midas” Metcalfe rose to his feet from the corner. “You just proved his point by thinking your sister would actually go out with him.”

Squirt swallowed, his face drained of color. “I introduced them at a New Year’s party.”

Midas laughed harder. “Your mistake, mate.”

Shuffling closer, Squirt pointed a finger at the Kid. “I swear, you touch her, I’ll shove a fist full of witchety grubs down your gullet.”

“Give me credit, dude.” The Kid raised his hands. “I’m a gentleman.”

Max grunted. “Right.” As he strode around the lockers to the shower well, he heard more threats and much more laughter from the Kid. Max shook his head. Would the Kid ever grow up, learn when to leave things alone?

As he tossed his oily, grimy duds on the bench, Max paused, thinking maybe he should send his report to Lambert now so he wouldn’t have to mess with it tomorrow. The mission had been simple enough, a snatch-n-grab of an Iranian doctor. It’d been nice and clean, in and out. The report wouldn’t take long. Then he could shower, bug out, and know he had the whole weekend with Syd and the boys.

Max jogged up the iron stairs, which creaked and groaned beneath his weight. Down the hall to the right. He punched in the code and entered the secure hub, the door hissing shut behind him. The most high-tech part of this dump-of-a-warehouse.

Shouts drew his attention to the blinds. He jabbed two fingers between a couple and spread them to peeked down into the main area. Squirt and the Kid raced into the bay and back the way they came. Squirt looked ready to kill. The Kid’s face revealed his fear. Max shook his head again. Man, he wanted Griffin back. The guy seemed to bring balance to the team. Badly needed balance.

Max powered up the computer. Hand propped on the warped wood, he waited for the system to boot.

More shouts. Loud thuds.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. Would they never—?

Tat-a-tat! Tat-tat-a-tat!

Instinct drove Max to his knee at the sound of gunfire. He scrambled to the window. Through the slanted blinds, he peered down into the slab of cement. His brain wouldn’t assemble what he saw. Gunmen. A dozen or more. Rushing into the Shack from the parking bay. Moving swiftly, as if. . .

They know the layout.

Max darted to the door and jerked it open. He sprinted down the hall toward the stairs. As his boot hit steel, he froze. A shadow emerged. Floated into the hall.

Too late.

Max jerked back. Pressed his spine against the wall.

By the showers, the Kid looked up. Max signaled to him. Then made his best and loudest Nightshade whistle, hoping it would penetrate the building, give the men warning to take cover.

The Kid threw himself back into the locker room.

Men swarmed the corner. One looked to his left, one right. His weapon slowly rose as he traced the stairs with his M16.

Max leapt backward into the darkness and into office. He closed the door. As the lock clicked, darkness dropped like an anchor over the entire building. Behind him, a glow screamed his location. The monitor!

Max spun. Lunged across the desk. Stabbed the power button. And paused with his hand still near the monitor. If someone was coming after them. . .accessing this computer. . .

On his knees, Max yanked the cords free. With the box, he moved to the window and reassessed the parking bay. Another van with a half-dozen men with AK-47s. They streamed into the warehouse.

Max’s gut wound into a dozen knots. They were screwed.

Think! Hand on the door, he considered going back downstairs. But that would get him captured. Killed. Yet he’d rather be with his guys than running like a chicken.

No, not running. Considering options, gaining the advantage. Planning. The invasion force was armed to the teeth. They knew who they were coming after. They’d brought weapons. And those guys moved with precision. Swift, deadly precision.

Though Nightshade had a stellar ops record, perhaps they had finally met their match. Still. . .two to one? Nightshade had faced worse.

A large black Suburban screeched to a halt in the middle of the parking bay. Two men emerged, both wearing trench coats.

Max cursed his luck to be up here, away from his gear, his weapons. Up here, without firepower. Thus, powerless.

Okay, enough. He was going down there. He eased the door open and slid across the hall. Bathed in darkness, he crouched at edge of the landing, using the wall for cover. A dozen men so far, rushing here and there. Quick, quiet chatter between the men.

A smirk slid into Max’s face. His team had taken cover and these goons couldn’t find them. If he could just get a weapon. . .

“Can’t find them.”

“They’re here. I saw them go in,” the man nearest the SUV shouted. “Find them! Lights!”

Light rushed through the building as headlamps from the vehicles stabbed the dusty, damp building. Max yanked back, out of sight. He needed to get down there, defend his men. His boot hit the landing.

Shouts erupted. A shot bounced off the steel rafters, taunting as it echoed through the Shack. Stilled, Max waited. More shouts. The sound of a scuffle. The half-dozen men waiting by the SUV lifted their weapons to the ready.

The locker room door swung open. A man walked backward, his AK-47 aimed at a large form filling the doorway. Cowboy. Arms raised, dressed only in his jeans, he stalked forward. Someone shoved him from behind, which barely moved the big lug.

Spine pressed against the wood, Max peered down into the bay.

“You move one wrong muscle,” the one in front of Cowboy growled, “and so help me God, I’ll kill you.”

“No you won’t.” Cowboy lowered his hands. “If you wanted me dead, I wouldn’t be out here.”

Ride ’em, Cowboy.

From the side entrance to the showers, three men dragged a shouting, cursing Kid into the bay. Max smirked that it took three tangos to wrangle the Kid.

Hand clenched, Max’s mind went into overdrive. What could he do? God. . .I need. . .something. What could he pray for? Intercepting the team was impossible. Twelve, fifteen armed tangos against one unarmed man?

He latched on to the hope that they’d only found Cowboy and the Kid. No Midas, Squirt, or Aladdin. Good. Maybe they could regroup and—

A man flew through the bay door from the showers and landed with a thud a yard from the others. Midas flipped over, scissored his legs, and swept the thug off his feet. The Kid seized the confusion to attack the men guarding him. And impressively. With a hard right, he dropped the first and used that weapon to disable the second.

Cowboy took a step back and rammed his elbow into the gut of the nearest guard. The gunman bent forward—straight into Cowboy’s meaty fist. The big guy pivoted, slapped the interior of the gunman’s wrist, effectively seizing the weapon and flipping the muzzle around. He fired at the guy.

Crack!

In the split second it took for Max to realize the sonic boom that rent the air wasn’t the report of Cowboy’s .45 MEU but of a rifle, Max saw the man in the black trench coat drop to the ground. A circle spread out like a dark halo.

“Sniper!” someone shouted.

The dead guy had fallen backward. Most likely shot from the front. Which meant. . . Max’s gaze rose to the rafters. With no light, it’d be the perfect hiding spot. But. . .who? Squirt? Aladdin?

Crack!

The man guarding Colton stumbled forward, then went to his knees before hitting the cement.

The man in the black trench coat nearest the SUV dropped. A pool of blood spilled out.

“There!” One guard swung and fired his fully automatic at the ceiling. Four others followed suit, firing at the bank of grimy windows on the southeast wall of the building.

Max followed their direction and watched. Waited, his breath caught at the back of his throat. Cracks and shattering glass blended with the staccato punches of the guns to create a wild cacophony of noise. Max tuned it out, praying whoever—Aladdin or Squirt—wouldn’t be hit.

But then he saw it. A shift of a shadow. Like someone rolling. . .

The gunfire petered out as a body plummeted the eight feet to the ground.

The thud seemed to have supernatural powers as it pounded Max’s chest and pushed him back. Away from the window but not far enough that he lost line of sight.

Silence dropped on the Shack.

“Where’s Max Jacobs?”

As the question streaked through the warehouse, Max registered a red glow in the far corner. Even as he noticed it, he heard a beep. Another. His gaze darted to the source of the noise. Two men were walking the perimeter, their M16s dangling as they raised their arms and pressed something against the supports. Arms lowered and the men stepped back revealing gray bricks with wires.

Explosives.

Gotta stop this. Do something. His gaze collided with Cowboy’s. The big lug gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head.

Max’s nostrils flared as he wrestled with what to do.

“Where’s Dighton?”

How do they know our names?

“Dead,” someone answered.

Pulled back into the shadows, Max clenched his eyes and bit down on his tongue. Dighton was dead. What about Aladdin—had he survived the fall?

Sirens wailed in the distance.

“Load ’em up.”

“What about Jacobs?”

“Outta time.” The leader left as the gunmen dragged the team out of the building.

Stealthily, Max held on to the box and sprinted the length of the hall to the side of the Shack. In the conference room, he plunged toward the window. Craned his neck to peek out. Three vehicles—twin white vans and a black town car.

The guys were loaded into the van and one into the car.

The leader shifted, held something out, then it wavered.

Detonator.

Max spun around, searching for an out. Doors. Only one way down—the stairs. But they led to the bay, which would be engulfed.

Windows. Overlooked the dock. The canal. It was January. The water would be brutal cold. His split-second assessment told him no matter what route he took, it’d be deadly. Despite his training, if he didn’t find shelter out of the water once he broke surface, he’d die an ice cube. If he stayed, he’d die a fireball.

Good thing SEALs are insulated against cold water.

Max vaulted toward the window, hurtling the computer through the window. The glass shattered as a violent force blasted through the air. It lifted him. Up. . .up. . . Flipped him. Searing pain sliced through his arm. Heat stroked his back and legs. Fire chased him out of the building. Into the night.

Boom!

Another wave slammed into him. Threw him backward. Toward the water.

Something punched his gut. Knocked the breath from his lungs.

Bright white lit the night. Blinded him. Then—almost instantaneously—black. Pure black. And he was falling. . .down. . .down. . .

Ro n i e K e n d i g

Firethorn

Discarded Heroes # 4

OTHER BOOKS BY RONIE KENDIG

Nightshade (Discarded Heroes #1)

Digitalis (Discarded Heroes #2)

Wolfsbane (Discarded Heroes #3)

© 2011 by Ronie Kendig

ISBN 978-1-60260-0785-9

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.

For more information about Ronie Kendig, please access the author’s Web site at the following Internet address: www.roniekendig.com

Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683,

www.barbourbooks.com

Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses.

Printed in the United States of America.

The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson by Don Reid

2012-01-21T18:13:00.001-06:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Mulligans of Mt JeffersonDavid C. Cook (January 1, 2012)byDon Reid

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don is one of the original members of the STATLER BROTHERS, the most award-winning act in the history of country music. He and his brother and two friends began singing in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia when Don was only fourteen years old. Working all over their home and neighboring states as a part time group, they were discovered in 1964 by Johnny Cash and given their first record contract. By the time Don was 20 years old, the STATLERS had their first major, world-wide hit record with FLOWERS ON THE WALL, which started a string of hits that generated a career in the music industry that lasted for four decades. The STATLERS have been recipients of multiple industry awards:

It wasn’t until the STATLER BROTHERS decided to retire from traveling in 2002 that Don pursued his writing career to another level. Having songwriting and scriptwriting under his belt, the next obvious step was to write a book. And that book was the scripture based HEROES AND OUTLAWS OF THE BIBLE published in June of 2002 by New Leaf Press. He has since written two other non-fiction books and in 2008 saw another dream come true for Don when he released his first novel, O LITTLE TOWN. Novel number two came in the form of ONE LANE BRIDGE, and THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON, is a sequel to O LITTLE TOWN.

Don is the father of two sons. Debo and his wife, Julie, and daughters Sela Mae and Adra, live within a stone’s throw. You may have seen Debo’s name on many songs written with Don on albums over the years.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war—to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances.

Now it’s 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson, go HERE.

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

2012-01-09T20:00:00.000-06:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Denise Hunter

and the book:

The Accidental Bride

Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)

***Special thanks to
Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Shay Brandenberger has built her entire life on the shifting sands of what others think. Constantly seeking the approval of others, she has struggled through a rocky childhood, a failed marriage and single parenthood. Now it looks like she’s losing the ranch that has been in her family for three generations, a surefire way to mark her as a failure in the eyes of the community. When Travis McCoy, the high school sweetheart who very publicly broke her heart fifteen years before, returns to Moose Creek, she is less than pleased. Not only does his re-appearance dredge up a deluge of painful memories, it also reminds everyone in town that it was he who left her, not the other way around. To make matters worse, Shay and Travis are unwittingly paired to play bride and groom in the annual Founder’s Day wedding re-enactment where, much to her chagrin, she discovers he still has the power to take her breath away.

Product Details:

List Price: $15.99

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595548025
ISBN-13: 978-1595548023

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The bell above the diner’s door jingled
and—despite her most valiant effort—Shay Brandenberger’s eyes darted toward the
entry. An unfamiliar couple entered—tourists. She could tell by their khaki
Eddie Bauer vests and spanking-new hiking boots. Look out, Yellowstone.

When her heart rate returned to normal,
she checked her watch and took a sip of coffee. Five minutes till she met Miss
Lucy at the Doll House, forty till she met John Oakley at the bank. What if he
said no? What would they do then?

“Mom . . . Earth to Mom . . .” Olivia
waved her hand too close to Shay’s face, her brown eyes widening.

“Sorry, hon.” The one bright moment of
her Saturday was breakfast with her daughter, and she couldn’t enjoy it for the
dread. “What were you saying?”

Olivia set her fork on her
pancake-sticky plate and heaved a sigh worthy of her twelve-year-old self.
“Never mind.” She bounced across the vinyl bench, her thick brown ponytail
swinging. “I’m going to meet Maddy.”

“Right back here at noon,” Shay called,
but Olivia was out the door with the flick of her hand.

The diner buzzed with idle chatter.
Silverware clattered and scraped, and the savory smell of bacon and fried eggs
unsettled her stomach. She took a sip of the strong brew from the fat rim of
her mug.

The bell jingled again. I will not look. I will
not look. I will not—

The server appeared at her booth, a new
girl, and gathered Olivia’s dishes. “On the house today.”

Shay set down her mug, bristling. “Why?”

The woman shrugged. “Boss’s orders,” she
said, then made off with the dirty dishes.

From the rectangular kitchen window,
Mabel Franklin gave Shay a pointed look.

So Shay had helped the couple with their
foal the week before. It was the neighborly thing to do.

Fine. She gave a reluctant smile and a
wave. She pulled her wallet from her purse, counted out the tip, and dragged
herself from the booth, remembering her daughter’s bouncy exit. Lately her
thirty-two years pressed down on her body like a two-ton boulder.

She opened the diner’s door and peeked
both ways before exiting the Tin Roof and turning toward the Doll House. She
was only checking sidewalk traffic, not hiding. Nope, she wasn’t hiding from
anyone. The boardwalks were busy on Saturdays. That was why she hadn’t come to
town for two weeks. Why their pantry was emptier than a water trough at high
noon.

She hurried three shops down and slipped
into the cool, welcoming air of Miss Lucy’s shop.

“ ’Morning, Miss Lucy.”

“ ’Morning, dear.” The elderly woman, in
the middle of helping a customer, called over her rounded shoulder, “It’s in
the back.” Miss Lucy’s brown eyes were big as buckeyes behind her thick
glasses, and her white curls glowed under the spotlights.

“Okeydoke.” Shay forced her feet toward
the storeroom.

A musty smell assaulted her as she
entered the back room and flipped on the overhead fluorescents. She scanned the
boxes of doll parts and skeins of yarn until she found what she was looking
for. She approached the box, lifted the lid, and parted the tissue.

The wedding gown had been carefully
folded and tucked away. Shay ran her fingers over the delicate lace and pearls.
Must’ve been crisp white in its day, but time had cast a long shadow over it.
Time had a way of doing that.

Her fingers lingered on the thin fabric.
She remembered another time, another dress. A simple white one that hung on her
young shoulders, just skimmed the cement of the courthouse steps. The ache that
squeezed her heart had faded with time, but it was there all the same. Would it
ever go away?

Shaking her head, Shay turned back to
the task at hand. The gown seemed too pretty, too fragile to disturb.

Oh well. She’d promised.

She pulled it out and draped it over the
box, then shimmied from her jeans. When she was down to the bare necessities,
she stepped carefully into the gown. She eased it over her narrow hips and slid
her arms into the long sleeves. The neckline was modest, the gathered skirt
fuller than anything she ever wore. Here in the air-conditioning it was fine,
but she would swelter next Saturday.

Leaving the button-up back gaping, she
hitched the skirt to the top of her cowboy boots and entered the store.

Miss Lucy was ushering the customer out
the door. When she turned, she stopped, her old-lady shoes squeaking on the
linoleum. “Land sakes.”

Shay took two steps forward and dropped
the skirt. It fell to the floor with a whoosh.

“Fits like a glove,” Miss Lucy said.
“And with some low heels it’ll be the perfect length.”

Shay didn’t even own heels. “My boots’ll
have to do. Button the back?”

Miss Lucy waddled forward, turned Shay
toward a small wall mirror flecked with time, and began working the tiny pearl
buttons.

Shay’s breath caught at her image. She
forced its release, then frowned. Wedding gowns were bad luck. She’d sworn
she’d never wear another. If someone had told her yesterday she’d be wearing
this thing today, she’d have said they were one straw short of a bale.

Miss Lucy moved up to the buttons
between her shoulders, and Shay lifted her hair. The dress did fit, clinging to
her torso like it was made for her, wouldn’t you know. Even the color
complemented her olive skin.

Still, there was that whole bad luck
thing.

And what would everyone think of Shay
Brandenberger wearing this valuable piece of Moose Creek heritage? A white
wedding gown, no less. If she didn’t have the approval of her closest friends
and neighbors, what did she have? Not much, to her thinking.

She wanted to cut and run. Wanted to
shimmy right out of the dress, tuck it into that box in the storeroom, slip
back into her Levi’s and plaid button-up, and go back to her ranch where she
could hole up for the next six months.

She checked the time and wished Miss
Lucy had nimbler fingers. Of all days to do this, a Saturday, when everyone
with two legs was in town. And she still had that infernal meeting with John
Oakley.

Please, God, I can’t lose our home . . .

“I’m obliged to you, dear. I completely
forgot Jessie was going out of town.”

“No problem.”

“Baloney. You’d rather be knee-deep in
cow dung.” The woman’s marionette lines at the sides of her mouth deepened.

“It’s one hour of my life.” A pittance,
after all Miss Lucy had done for her.

Miss Lucy finished buttoning, and Shay
dropped her hair and smoothed the delicate lace at the cuffs.

“Well, bless you for being willing. God
is smiling down on you today for your kindness.”

Shay doubted God really cared one way or
another. It was her neighbors she worried about.

“Beautiful, just beautiful. You’ll be
the talk of the town on Founders Day.”

“No doubt.” Everyone in Moose Creek
would be thinking about the last time she’d worn a wedding gown. And the time
before that.

Especially the time before that.

Third time’s a charm, Shay thought, the corner of her lip
turning up.

“Stop fretting,” Miss Lucy said,
squeezing her shoulders. “You look quite fetching, like the gown was made for
you. I won’t have to make a single alteration. Why, it fits you better than it
ever did Jessie—don’t you tell her I said so.”

Shay tilted her head. Maybe Miss Lucy
was right. The dress did make the most of her figure. And she had as much right
to wear it as anyone. Maybe more—she was born and raised here, after all. It
was just a silly old reenactment anyway. No one cared who the bride and groom
were.

The bell jingled as the door opened
behind her. She glanced in the mirror, over her shoulder, where a hulking
silhouette filled the shop’s doorway. There was something familiar in the set
of the man’s broad shoulders, in the slow way he reached up and removed his
hat.

The sight of him constricted her rib
cage, squeezed the air from her lungs as if she were wearing a corset. But she
wasn’t wearing a corset. She was wearing a wedding gown. Just as she had been
the last time she’d set eyes on Travis McCoy.

The Sunday Salon January 8, 2012

2012-01-08T19:21:00.000-06:00

* The first Sunday Salon of 2012. So far I have been reading a lot this year. I only read 116 books last year so I hope to read at least 100 this year. I have not finished my post on my reading and life goals for the year. For some reason I feel like I am living in limbo. It makes no sense to me. I feel torn in different directions. I want to be fit and work out but I also want to read a lot again. I don't want to go back to an unhealthy lifestyle not that I have been doing so great with my eating the past couple months. I really need to get back on track but for some reason it is so hard. I know that life is made of choices and I make them every day and that is who I am.

* My sister and I got a Nook Tablet to share for Christmas and so far I love it. I have already finished three books on it and I working on two more. I did not link I would like it but am pleasantly surprised. I still love a "real" book though. I used it to listen to podcasts while I was cooking in the kitchen this afternoon. I loved that. I still need to figure out how to do audio books.

* I can't decide what to keep reading next. I have bookmarks in a ton of books. I still have some old review books I need to finish, some library books, and then a ton of my own I want to read. Some of my coworkers are reading Girl With a Dragon Tattoo so I started it but am having a hard time getting into it. What are you reading this week?

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

The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Review)

2012-01-08T19:07:00.000-06:00

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Revell (January 2, 2012)

ISBN-13: 978-0800719876

Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.

Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

Full of the plot twists and surprises her fans love, The Keeper is the first in a new series by bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Through touching family relationships and trials of the heart, Fisher's vivid characters grapple with yielding to God's will when it doesn't match their own.

My Review:
I really enjoyed this latest Amish book by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I loved her first series and although this is the same town this book starts a new series. The characters and plot are engaging and kept me reading. The book flowed good and the writing was good. The ending has a surprise that I did not see coming. Although kind of sad the ending was still good and fit the book. I look forward to reading book two in the series. Recommended. :)

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award nominee and is the host of an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

It’s a “Honey of a Giveaway” from Suzanne Woods Fisher!

Suzanne is hosting a "honey of a giveaway"during the blog tour for The Keeper! During 1/3-1/17 you can enter to win an iPad2 from Suzanne and connect with her on January 17th at The Keeper Facebook Party!

During the giveaway one Grand Prize winner will receive a Prize Pack valued at $600:

A brand new 16 KB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
A $25 gift certificate to iTunes
A copy of The Keeper

But wait there's more! Just click one of the icons below to enter, then on 1/17 join Suzanne for The Keeper Facebook Party! During the party Suzanne will announce the winner of the "Honey" of an iPad Giveaway and host a fun book chat and give away some fun "honey" inspired prizes - It'll be 'sweet"!

RSVP early and tell your friends!

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

2012-01-03T19:39:00.001-06:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Maid of Fairbourne HallBethany House (January 1, 2012)byJulie Klassen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Two of her books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.

She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE

2011 Reading Wrap Up Post

2012-01-01T12:24:00.000-06:00

I ended up reading 116 books in 2011. That is a very low number for me but good considering how rough a year I had. I did not make most of my goals I set. The only ones I semi met were to not buy as many books and cut back on how many review copies I signed up for. I also failed most of the over twenty reading challenges I signed up for. I listened to 18 audio books which is amazing for someone who used to hate them. lol I listen to them in the car and they make my commute so much better. I read 13 nonfiction books which is an okay number I would like to increase. Here is the link to all the books I read in 2011: http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2012/01/books-read-2011.html

My top ten for 2011 in no particular order:

1. A Shore Thing by Julie Carobini
2. There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
3. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Sklott (audio nonfiction)
4. You Know When the Men Are Gone by Siobhan Fallon (short stories)
5. The Kitchen Counter Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn (nonfiction)
6. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (audio nonfiction)
7. A Woman's Place by Lynn Austin
8. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (audio)
9. Smitten by Kristin Billerbeck, Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, Diann Hunt
10. The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

Books Read 2011

2012-01-01T11:00:00.000-06:00

Books Read 2011

My absolute favorites from each month are in bold.

January

1. Christmas Bodyguard by Margaret Daley

2. The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

3. The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

4. A Woman and her Workplace by Rosemary Flaaten

5. The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/01/search-by-suzanne-woods-fisher-review.html

6. Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

7. Food Rules by Michael Pollan

8. Just As I Am by Virginia Smith

9. Sincerely Mayla by Virginia Smith

10. Double Shot by Erynn Mangum

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/01/double-shot-by-erynn-mangum-review.html

11. Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/01/fatal-judgment-by-irene-hannon-review.html

12. Digitalis by Ronie Kendig

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/01/digitalis-by-ronie-kendig-review.html

13. The Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/01/tapestry-of-love-by-rosy-thornton.html

14. Never Been Kissed by Melody Carlson

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/01/never-been-kissed-by-melody-carlson.html

15. Stars Collide by Janice Thompson

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/01/stars-collide-by-janice-thompson-review.html

February
16. The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/02/orchid-affair-by-lauren-willig-review.html

17. The Prodigal Comes Home by Kathryn Springer

18. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

19. Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson

20. An Amish Love by Beth Wiseman, Kelly Long, Kathleen Fuller

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/02/amish-love-by-beth-wiseman-kelly-long.html

21. Operation Bonnet by Kimberly Stuart

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/02/operation-bonnet-by-kimberly-stuart.html

22. The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/02/persephone-review-making-of-marchioness.html

March

23. A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/heart-most-worthy-by-siri-mitchell.html

24. The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/pirate-queen-by-patricia-hickman-review.html

25. The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley (Non fiction)

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/principle-of-path-by-andy-stanley.html

26. Point of No Return by Susan May Warren

27. Mission: Out of Control by Susan May Warren

28. The Caregiver by Shelley Sheppard Gray

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/caregiver-by-shelley-shepard-gray.html

29. The Glory of Green by Judy Christie

30. Bound by Guilt by C. J. Darlington

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/bound-by-guilt-by-c-j-darlington-review.html

31. Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

32. False Pretenses by Kathy Herman

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/03/false-pretenses-by-kathy-herman-review.html

33. Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

April

34. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/old-possums-book-of-practical-cats-by-t.html

35. The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

36. A Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/cowboys-touch-by-denise-hunter-review.html

37. The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

38. Point Blank Protector by Stephanie Newton

39. The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/04/deepest-waters-by-dan-walsh-review.html

40. The Judgment by Beverly Lewis

41. Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

42. To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/to-win-her-heart-by-karen-witemeyer.html

May

43. Livvie's Song by Sharlene MacLaren

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/livvies-song-by-sharlene-maclaren.html

44. An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

45. The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/lightkeepers-ball-by-colleen-coble.html

46. A Shore Thing by Julie Carobini

47. Fade to Blue by Julie Carobini

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/fade-to-blue-by-julie-carobini-review.html

48. Undercover Pursuit by Susan Warren

49. A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/heart-divided-by-kathleen-morgan-review.html

50. Secrets of the Heart by Jillian Kent

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/secrets-of-heart-by-jillian-kent-review.html

51. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

52. Missing by Lynette Eason

53. A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/05/killer-among-us-by-lynette-eason-review.html

54. A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/great-catch-by-lorna-seilstad-review.html

55. The Corruptible by Mark Mynheir

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/corruptible-by-mark-mynheir-review.html

56. The Officer's Secret by Debby Giusti

June

57. The Fine Art of Insincerityby Angela Hunt

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/fine-art-of-insincerity-by-angela-hunt.html

58. The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden

59. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (reread) (audio)

60. 10 Lessons from a Former Fat Girl by Amy Parham

61. Chasing Sunsets by Eva Everson

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/chasing-sunsets-by-eva-marie-everson.html

62. Why We Get Fat and What to do About It by Gary Taubes

63. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak (audio)

64. Double Take by Melody Carlson

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/double-take-by-melody-carlson-review.html

65. The Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/06/protector-by-shelley-shepard-gray.html

66. Vigilante by Robin Parrish

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/vigilante-by-robin-parrish-review.html

July

67. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Sklott (audio)

68. Love Letters in the Sand by Diann Hunt

69. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (audio)

70. Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

71. Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/shadows-on-sand-by-gayle-roper-review.html

72. Falls Like Lightning by Shawn Grady

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/falls-like-lightning-by-shawn-grady.html

73. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (audio)

74. You Know When the Men Are Gone by Siobhan Fallon

75. A Woman's Place by Lynn Austin

76. Perfectly Invisible by Kristin Billerbeck

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/07/perfectly-invisible-by-kristin.html

77. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (audio)

78. Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/08/wolfsbane-by-ronie-kendig-review.html

August

79. Restless in Carolina by Tamera Leigh

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/08/restless-in-carolina-by-tamara-leigh.html

80. The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

81. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (audio)

82. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming (audio)

83. Fireman Dad by Betsy St. Amant

84. The Witness by Dee Henderson (reread)(audio)

September

85. Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum

86. The Wierd Sisters by Eleanor Brown (audio)

87. The Kitchen Counter Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/09/kitchen-counter-cooking-school-by.html

88. Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/09/blue-skies-tomorrow-by-sarah-sundin.html

89. The Illumination by Jilly Gregory and Karen Tintori (audio)

90. A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/09/lancaster-county-christmas-by-suzanne.html

91. Her Rodeo Cowboy by Debra Clopton

October

92. How Not to Get Fat by Gary Taubes (audio)

93. The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen (audio)

94. Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/10/deadly-pursuit-by-irene-hannon-review.html

95. Carney's House Party by Maud Hart Lovelace

96.There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

97. A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/10/necessary-deception-by-laurie-alice.html

98. Winona's Pony Cart by Maud Hart Lovelace

99. Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

100. Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani (audio)

101. The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn

November

102. Green Angel by Alice Hoffman

103. The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley (audio)

104. Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson

105. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (audio)

106. Christmas in Sugarcreek by Shelley Shepard Gray

107. Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Big by Peter Walsh (audio)

108. Miss Buncle Married by D. E. Stevenson

December

109. Christmas Haven by Hope White

110. Brava Valentine by Adriana Trigiani (audio)

111. The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

112. Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter

113. Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

114. An Amish Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron, Kelly Long

115. I Shall Not Want by Debbie Viguie

116. Lie Down in Green Pastures by Debbie Viguie

The Sunday Salon Monday December 26, 2011

2011-12-26T20:53:00.000-06:00

* Happy day after Christmas! We had a great holiday. My sister and I did Christmas breakfast with my Dad's side of the family and Christmas lunch with my Mom's side. We are so blessed to have so much family close by.

* My big presents this year were a Cuisinart food processor and a Nook tablet (to be shared with my sister). I have been slow to jump on the ereader wagon but I did read a novella on it last night and it was not bad. I doubt I will switch all the way over to it. I have a ton of books on my TBR shelves and there is nothing like holding a real book in your hands and turning the page. :)

* I am still on an unofficial blogging break until January. I needed a break to reevaluate and breathe. I am still working on my goals for next year and I almost positive I will only be doing a few reading challenges. I failed most of the over twenty I signed up for this year. I am worn out on them too. I get excited when I see them come out but I don't have the time and energy to follow through.

* I have been off the diet wagon for the past few months and today was the day to start back. I did not count calories but made better choices. The ocd medicine the doctor has me on is really working and I am having a hard time counting calories and keeping up with what I eat. I want to get in shape and live a healthy active lifestyle.

* Off to read. I hope everyone has a great rest of the week and plenty of reading time. :)

2011-12-25T17:47:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Lost Melody by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

2011-11-28T21:08:00.002-06:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLost MelodyZondervan (October 25, 2011)byLori Copeland and Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Virginia Smith is the author of more than a dozen Christian novels and over fifty articles and short stories. Her books have been named finalists in the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Award, and ACFW's Carol Award.

A Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church, Ginny's messages are always well-received by a variety of audiences in conferences, retreats and churches across the country. When she isn't writing or speaking, Ginny and her husband, Ted, enjoy exploring the extremes of nature – snow skiing in the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, motorcycle riding on the curvy roads in central Kentucky, and scuba diving in the warm waters of Mexico and the Caribbean.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The beautiful piano sitting in the corner of Jill King's apartment begs to be played. For over a year, it has sat untouched, ever since a terrible accident shattered Jill's ambition of becoming a concert pianist. The ragged scar on her left hand is a cruel and constant reminder of the death of her dream. But another dream is about to come to life---an unexpected, horrifying dream that will present Jill with a responsibility she never wanted. And choices she never wanted to make. Hundreds of lives depend on Jill's willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.

If you would like to read a chapter excerpt of Lost Melody, go HERE.

The Sunday Salon November 27, 2011

2011-11-27T19:50:00.000-06:00

* It is always hard to believe when it is Sunday night. Especially hard when we have a long holiday like Thanksgiving. It flew by but I am ready to go back to work. I am creature of routine. I am not ready for Christmas and a new year.

* We only have a little over a month left in 2011. I have a lot of goals to achieve. I want to start the new year with a clean slate. I want to be caught up on all my review books. My motto this year was Building a Better Brittanie. I have not achieved what I wanted to. I had it and lost it rather. I am trying to think what I want 2012 to be like for my life and come up with a motto. Book wise I have already decided to accept less review books to focus more on reading whatever captures my attention whenever with no pressure. I want to find the pleasure reading used to have for me.

* In my personal life I want to lose the five pounds I gained back and go completely Paleo and stay that way. It feels like it will never happen because I keep falling off the wagon and it seems if it was something I truly wanted I would make it happen. I lived the past week like mostly before summer 2010 when I started working out and changing my lifestyle and it stinks. The Texas cheese fries and chips and salsa at Chile's are good but not worth the hell that comes with it. It takes effort to change for good I know that. It seems like one part of me cares and the other doesn't and they are at war with each other inside me. It is not a pleasant place to live right now. I need peace and joy and happiness. I know I do not have a bad life and I am very blessed.

* Thank you for reading my ramblings. I hope everyone has a great week with lots of reading time. :)

2011-11-23T18:28:00.002-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

***I am on page 216 out of 376 and I hope to finish it this week. It is different than most of what I read. It is good so far and of course well written. Both of these authors are great. ***

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Ted Dekker
and
Tosca Lee

and the book:

Forbidden

Center Street (September 13, 2011)

***Special thanks to Sarah Reck, Web Publicist | FaithWords & Center Street | Hachette Book Group, for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

TED DEKKER is a New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty novels with a total of more than 5 million books in print. He is known for thrillers that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between good and evil.

Visit the author's website.

TOSCA LEE left her position working with Fortune 500 Companies as a Senior Consultant for the Gallup Organization to pursue her first love: writing. She is the critically-acclaimed author of Demon and Havah and is best known for her humanizing portraits of maligned characters. She makes her home in the Midwest.

Visit the author's website.

Check out the Forbidden Facebook!

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Many years have passed since civilization's brush with apocalypse. The world's greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace... and fear. But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: Every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity.

But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition, and greed.

Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of dark desires and staggering stakes peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare to take the ride.

Product Details:

List Price: $24.99
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Center Street (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599953544
ISBN-13: 978-1599953540

AND NOW...CLICK ON THE OPEN BOOK WIDGET TO VIEW THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The Sunday Salon November 20, 2011

2011-11-20T17:02:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving! Where is the time going? I am praying I make it to the new year without gaining anymore weight back. I have eaten around five pounds back. It is the weekends that are my weakest time of the week. Any advice on how to survive a weekend without overeating is welcome. Sugar is also my biggest weakness. I have always liked to bake and now I like to cook too. I have been experimenting with new recipes especially with alternate flours. I made banana nut bread with coconut flour today and I could have eaten the whole loaf. lol

I spend Sundays cooking, eating, and cleaning. I used to spend them reading and eating. I am still having trouble reading. I want to read but there are so many other things I need to be doing and I can't focus or rest because I am thinking about them. I think at this point I would settle for a book a week. I want my life to be more balanced. I want an active healthy lifestyle. Back when I was reading six or seven books a week I was not fit or healthy or trying for that matter. Why does life have to be so complicated or why do I make it that way?

I finished an audio book in the car this week that was pretty good. It is a nonfiction book called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. I am trying to get into jogging/running. The whole book was not a how to guide for running but told a story for the most part of him running with the Talmouri Indians. The only thing I did not like was how he took long side stories and then went back to the main story. It was sometimes confusing. There was also almost a whole Cd on evolution that I thought was unnecessary. Overall I recommend it.

Tonight I want clean some more and hopefully finish a review book. I still have a couple to catch up on. In the new year I will be signing up for a whole lot less tours. I can't handle it anymore. I just want to read what I want when I want whatever captures my attention without worrying about a due date. I feel very guilty and overwhelmed when I miss a date which has happened way too much this year. I am thankful for the books and authors and I do not want to alienate anyone but I have to get some balance for my sanity.

I hope everyone has a great week and a Happy Thanksgiving if you live in the USA. :)

Christmas in Sugarcreek by Shelley Shepard Gray

2011-11-18T20:50:00.000-06:00

Have not received my copy yet but I love the Seasons of Sugarcreek series and can't wait to read this book. :)

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingChristmas In SugarcreekAvon Inspire (October 25, 2011)byShelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. 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

Judith Graber has always been the obedient daughter. When her older brother Josh struggled with his love life, she offered wise counsel. When her younger brother Caleb flirted with the idea of leaving their order, she firmly told him he was wrong. Over the years, she’s watched her younger siblings, helped around the house, and worked in her family’s store during her spare time. Judith feels overworked, overlooked, and underappreciated this holiday season.

But everything changes when her father hires Ben Knox.

Ben Knox is the “bad boy” of Sugarcreek. Though he’s never considered jumping the fence, he’s certainly never tried to be anything close to dutiful. Two years ago he left Sugarcreek under a cloud of shame. Rumors circulated that his rumspringa had been filled with more than the usual harmless explorations.

Now he’s back and working side by side with Judith.

As the chaos of the holiday season threatens to sap all joy, sparks fly between Ben and Judith. But Judith steels herself to ignore her infatuation. The last thing she wants to be is just one more girl who falls under Ben’s spell. Ben, on the other hand, wants Judith to realize there’s more to him than his bad reputation. When he fled Sugarcreek, he was running from a disruptive home life. Now that he’s back, he wants a fresh beginning.

Could this Christmas season bring love and a new life for the unlikeliest pair in Sugarcreek?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Christmas In Sugarcreek, go HERE.

40 Days to Better Living: Depression by Dr. Scott Morris and the Church Health Center

2011-11-16T19:51:00.001-06:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Dr. Scott Morris
and the
Church Health Center

and the book:

40 Days to Better Living: Depression

Barbour Books (November 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings – The B&B Media Group – for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From the time Scott Morris was just a teenager, he knew he would do two things with his future—serve God and work with people. Growing up in Atlanta, he felt drawn to the Church and at the same time drawn to help others, even from a very young age. It was naturally intrinsic, then, that after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia he went on to receive his M.Div. from Yale University and finally his M.D. at Emory University in 1983.

After completing his residency in family practice, Morris arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1986 without knowing a soul, but determined to begin a health care ministry for the working poor. He promptly knocked on the doors of St. John’s Methodist Church and Methodist Hospital in Memphis inviting them to help, and then found an old house to refurbish and renovate. By the next year, the Church Health Center opened with one doctor—Dr. Scott Morris—and one nurse. They saw twelve patients the first day and Morris began living his mission to reclaim the Church’s biblical commitment to care for our bodies and spirits.

From the beginning, Morris saw each and every patient as a whole person, knowing that without giving careful attention to both the body and soul the person would not be truly well. So nine years after opening the Church Health Center, he opened its Hope & Healing Wellness Center. Today the Church Health Center has grown to become the largest faith-based clinic in the country of its type having cared for 60,000 patients of record without relying on government funding. The clinic handles more than 36,000 patient visits a year while the wellness center, which moved to its current 80,000-square-foot location on Union Avenue in 2000, serves more than 120,000 member visits each year. Fees are charged on a sliding scale based on income.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Depression is a serious condition—and 40 Days to Better Living: Depression provides clear, manageable steps for people to manage it, through life-changing attitudes and actions. Readers can select one or more elements of the 7-step Model for Healthy Living—Faith, Medical, Movement, Work, Emotional, Family and Friends, and Nutrition—and follow the 40-day plan to improve their lives, just a bit, day by day. With plenty of practical advice, biblical encouragement, and stories of real people who’ve taken the same journey, this book—from the Church Health Center in Memphis, the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the U.S.—may be one of the most important books your customers will read this year.

The 40 Days to Better Living series offers clear, manageable steps to life-changing attitudes and actions in a context of understanding and grace for all people at all points on the journey to optimal health. With plenty of practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and real stories of those who have found a better life, this simple and skillfully crafted book inspires readers to customize their own path to wellness by using the 7-Step Model for Healthy Living as a guide:

· Nutrition: pursuing smarter food choices and eating habits

· Friends and family: giving and receiving support through relationships

· Emotional life: understanding feelings and managing stress to better care for yourself

· Work: appreciating your skills, talents, and gifts

· Movement: discovering ways to enjoy physical activity

· Medical care: partnering with health care providers to optimize medical care

· Faith life: building a relationship with God, neighbors, and self

Along with tips from the Model for Healthy Living, the easy-to-read format features a Morning Reflection and an Evening Wrap-Up as well as a place for documenting plans, progress, and perspectives. Targeted scriptures and prayers that undergird the focus of each day’s message make this compact book an excellent choice for a daily devotional.

Subsequent titles in the Better Living series will be released bi-monthly and address key health topics including hypertension, diabetes, depression, weight management, stress management, aging, and addiction. All promise substantial support to those who are ready for a newer, better way of living—body and spirit.

Product Details:

List Price: $7.99
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616262664
ISBN-13: 978-1616262662

AND NOW...THE FIRST FEW PAGES: Click on the images to see them larger:

A Sound Among Trees by Susan Meissner

2011-11-14T20:40:00.001-06:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Susan Meissner

and the book:

A Sound Among the Trees

WaterBrook Press (October 4, 2011)

***Special thanks to Laura Tucker of WaterBrook Press for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning writer Susan Meissner is a multi-published author, speaker and workshop leader with a background in community journalism. Her novels include The Shape of Mercy, named by Publishers Weekly as one of the Best Books of 2008. She is a pastor’s wife and a mother of four. When she's not writing, Susan directs the Small Groups and Connection Ministries program at her San Diego church.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A house shrouded in time. A line of women with a heritage of loss. As a young bride, Susannah Page was rumored to be a Civil War spy for the North, a traitor to her Virginian roots. Her great-granddaughter Adelaide, the current matriarch of Holly Oak, doesn't believe that Susannah's ghost haunts the antebellum mansion looking for a pardon, but rather the house itself bears a grudge toward its tragic past.

When Marielle Bishop marries into the family and is transplanted from the arid west to her husband's home, it isn't long before she is led to believe that the house she just settled into brings misfortune to the women who live there.

With Adelaide's richly peppered superstitions and deep family roots at stake, Marielle must sort out the truth about Susannah Page and Holly Oak— and make peace with the sacrifices she has made for love.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307458857
ISBN-13: 978-0307458858

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Excerpt

The bride stood in a circle of Virginia sunlight, her narrow heels clicking on Holly Oak’s patio stones as she greeted strangers in the receiving line. Her wedding dress was a simple A-line, strapless, with a gauzy skirt of white that breezed about her knees like lacy curtains at an open window. She had pulled her unveiled brunette curls into a loose arrangement dotted with tiny flowers that she’d kept alive on her flight from Phoenix. Her only jewelry was a white topaz pendant at her throat and the band of platinum on her left ring finger. Tall, slender, and tanned from the famed and relentless Arizona sun, hers was a girl-nextdoor look: pretty but not quite beautiful. Adelaide thought it odd that Marielle held no bouquet.

From the parlor window Adelaide watched as her grandson-in-law, resplendent in a black tuxedo next to his bride, bent toward the guests and greeted them by name, saying, “This is Marielle.” An explanation seemed ready to spring from his lips each time he shook the hand of someone who had known Sara, her deceased granddaughter. His first wife. Carson stood inches from Marielle, touching her elbow every so often, perhaps to assure himself that after four years a widower he had indeed patently and finally moved on from grief.

Smatterings of conversations wafted about on the May breeze and into the parlor as received guests strolled toward trays of sweet tea and champagne. Adelaide heard snippets from her place at the window. Hudson and Brette, her great-grandchildren, had moved away from the snaking line of gray suits and pastel dresses within minutes of the first guests’ arrival and were now studying the flower-festooned gift table under the window ledge, touching the bows, fingering the silvery white wrappings. Above the children, an old oak’s youngest branches shimmied to the tunes a string quartet produced from the gazebo beyond the receiving line.

Adelaide raised a teacup to her lips and sipped the last of its contents, allowing the lemony warmth to linger at the back of her throat. She had spent the better part of the morning readying the garden for Carson and Marielle’s wedding reception, plucking spent geranium blossoms, ordering the catering staff about, and straightening the rented linen tablecloths. She needed to join the party now that it had begun. The Blue-Haired Old Ladies would be wondering where she was.

Her friends had been the first to arrive, coming through the garden gate on the south side of the house at five minutes before the hour. She’d watched as Carson introduced them to Marielle, witnessed how they cocked their necks in blue-headed unison to sweetly scrutinize her grandson-in-law’s new wife, and heard their welcoming remarks through the open window.

Deloris gushed about how lovely Marielle’s wedding dress was and what, pray tell, was the name of that divine purple flower she had in her hair?

Pearl invited Marielle to her bridge club next Tuesday afternoon and asked her if she believed in ghosts.

Maxine asked her how Carson and she had met—though Adelaide had told her weeks ago that Carson met Marielle on the Internet—and why on earth Arizona didn’t like daylight-saving time.

Marielle had smiled, sweet and knowing—like the kindergarten teacher who finds the bluntness of five-year-olds endearing—and answered the many questions.

Mojave asters. She didn’t know how to play bridge. She’d never encountered a ghost so she couldn’t really say but most likely not. She and Carson met online. There’s no need to save what one has an abundance of. Carson had cupped her elbow in his hand, and his thumb caressed the inside of her arm while she spoke.

Adelaide swiftly set the cup down on the table by the window, whisking away the remembered tenderness of that same caress on Sara’s arm.

Carson had every right to remarry.

Sara had been dead for four years.

She turned from the bridal tableau outside and inhaled deeply the gardenia-scented air in the parlor. Unbidden thoughts of her granddaughter sitting with her in that very room gently nudged her. Sara at six cutting out paper dolls. Memorizing multiplication tables at age eight. Sewing brass buttons onto gray wool coats at eleven. Sara reciting a poem for English Lit at sixteen, comparing college acceptance letters at eighteen, sharing a chance letter from her estranged mother at nineteen, showing Adelaide her engagement ring at twenty-four. Coming back home to Holly Oak with Carson when Hudson was born. Nursing Brette in that armchair by the fireplace. Leaning against the door frame and telling Adelaide that she was expecting her third child.

Right there Sara had done those things while Adelaide sat at the long table in the center of the room, empty now but usually awash in yards of stiff Confederate gray, glistening gold braid, and tiny piles of brass buttons—the shining elements of officer reenactment uniforms before they see war.

Adelaide ran her fingers along the table’s polished surface, the warm wood as old as the house itself. Carson had come to her just a few months ago while she sat at that table piecing together a sharpshooter’s forest green jacket. He had taken a chair across from her as Adelaide pinned a collar, and he’d said he needed to tell her something.

He’d met someone.

When she’d said nothing, he added, “It’s been four years, Adelaide.”

“I know how long it’s been.” The pins made a tiny plucking sound as their pointed ends pricked the fabric.

“She lives in Phoenix.”

“You’ve never been to Phoenix.”

“Mimi.” He said the name Sara had given her gently, as a father might. A tender reprimand. He waited until she looked up at him. “I don’t think Sara would want me to live the rest of my life alone. I really don’t. And I don’t think she would want Hudson and Brette not to have a mother.”

“Those children have a mother.”

“You know what I mean. They need to be mothered. I’m gone all day at work. I only have the weekends with them. And you won’t always be here. You’re a wonderful great-grandmother, but they need someone to mother them, Mimi.”

She pulled the pin cushion closer to her and swallowed. “I know they do.”

He leaned forward in his chair. “And I…I miss having someone to share my life with. I miss the companionship. I miss being in love. I miss having someone love me.”

Adelaide smoothed the pieces of the collar. “So. You are in love?”

He had taken a moment to answer. “Yes. I think I am.”

Carson hadn’t brought anyone home to the house, and he hadn’t been on any dates. But he had lately spent many nights after the children were in bed in his study—the old drawing room—with the door closed. When she’d pass by, Adelaide would hear the low bass notes of his voice as he spoke softly into his phone. She knew that gentle sound. She had heard it before, years ago when Sara and Carson would sit in the study and talk about their day. His voice, deep and resonant. Hers, soft and melodic.

“Are you going to marry her?”

Carson had laughed. “Don’t you even want to know her name?”

She had not cared at that moment about a name. The specter of being alone in Holly Oak shoved itself forward in her mind. If he remarried, he’d likely move out and take the children with him. “Are you taking the children? Are you leaving Holly Oak?”

“Adelaide—”

“Will you be leaving?”

Several seconds of silence had hung suspended between them. Carson and Sara had moved into Holly Oak ten years earlier to care for Adelaide after heart surgery and had simply stayed. Ownership of Holly Oak had been Sara’s birthright and was now Hudson and Brette’s future inheritance. Carson stayed on after Sara died because, in her grief, Adelaide asked him to, and in his grief, Carson said yes.

“Will you be leaving?” she asked again.

“Would you want me to leave?” He sounded unsure.

“You would stay?”

Carson had sat back in his chair. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea to take Hudson and Brette out of the only home they’ve known. They’ve already had to deal with more than any kid should.”

“So you would marry this woman and bring her here. To this house.”

Carson had hesitated only a moment. “Yes.”

She knew without asking that they were not talking solely about the effects moving would have on a ten-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. They were talking about the strange biology of their grief. Sara had been taken from them both, and Holly Oak nurtured their common sorrow in the most kind and savage of ways. Happy memories were one way of keeping someone attached to a house and its people. Grief was the other. Surely Carson knew this. An inner nudging prompted her to consider asking him what his new bride would want.

“What is her name?” she asked instead.

And he answered, “Marielle…”

Excerpted from A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner Copyright © 2011 by Susan Meissner. Excerpted by permission of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

The Sunday Salon November 13, 2011

2011-11-13T19:36:00.000-06:00

* I cannot believe it is Sunday night already. The days are flying by so quick. It is already November 13 and will be Thanksgiving before we know it. Yikes! I am so not ready for the end of 2011. I have so many goals and things left I want to accomplish. I have barely read a 100 books this year. I am still having problems focusing and finishing books. I have a stack of review books I am behind on and it is stressing me out. I have quit accepting so many but I do not want to quit altogether. I have a lot to think about for next year on how I am going to do things. Advice is welcome. I still love to read. I just spend more time exercising, cooking, cleaning, etc. Life is busier which is good because before I did not really have much of a life before Summer 2010 when I started trying to change my life. I still have changes I want to see happen. I guess we are never there life is a journey. :)

* Thank you for reading my random ramblings. I hope everyone has a great week and reading time. :)

Eggplant Hole in the Head from The Food Lovers Make It Paleo Cookbook

2011-11-13T11:08:00.000-06:00

I love my new cookbook. It is The Food Lovers Make it Paleo by Bill Staley and Hayley Mason. I have been trying to eat more Primal/Paleo the past few months. My weakness is sugar and grains both of which are not on it. I also love cheese which you can have in moderation on Primal and none on Paleo. lol Anyway this cookbook has tons of great recipes I want to try so this morning I made the eggplant hole in the head which is like egg in hat or eggs in a basket without the bread. It turned out really good. It is a little more time consuming than the regular but healthier. I will definitely be making this again. They have a great blog. http://www.primal-palate.com/ I highly recommend checking it out. You do not have to primal or paleo to enjoy these recipes. :)

Ingredients:
1 large eggplant
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. butter
4 eggs
salt and pepper to taste
Optional one green onion sliced

Process (Brittanie style):
1. Rinse the eggplant and slice into one inch pieces. The middle thicker parts work better for this recipe.
2. Brush it with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Grill it three to four minutes per side. I used George Forman which worked okay or you can broil it in the oven.
3. Use a glass or circle cookie cutter to cut a hole in the middle. I eat the yummy middle part too. :)
4. Heat a pan with a little butter then put the eggplant in it and crack a egg in the center.
5. Saute for three to four minutes then flip.
6. Can serve with sliced green onions as garnish.

The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

2011-11-12T20:34:00.000-06:00

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (October 4, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-1595547521

About the Book:

To save her husband and son, Audrey Bofinger must rescue her enemy.

The Bofinger family has lost their church ministry in a scandal exposed by Officer Jack Mansfield. Hoping to heal and to restore their reputation, Audrey, Geoff, and their son Ed take over a failing bakery in the small community.

Driving to the bakery one morning, blinded by fog, Audrey hits a motor scooter owned by Jack’s wife, Julie. The mangled scooter is crushed and bloody. But Julie is nowhere to be found. Her disappearance coincides with a sudden illness that nearly cripples Audrey.

Jack believes the Bofingers have hurt Julie to take revenge on him, but the evidence dries up and her trail goes cold. At a breaking point, Jack takes the tiny bakery and its patrons hostage, issuing only one demand: Audrey has six hours to return Julie to him, or lose Geoff and Ed forever.

With only an excruciating and intuitive gift, an ex-con, and Julie’s estranged daughter to help search for clues, Audrey starts the search of her life for a woman who has vanished like the fog.

Read an excerpt here.
My Thoughts:
I am not finished reading this book yet. I am still in the first third but so far it is good. I am still having a hard time reading for long periods. The story does draw you in but I am just having issues. I am sorry for not having this review ready in time. I have read a book by this author before and liked it. I will post my complete thoughts when I finish the book. :)

About the Author:

Well-known to critics and reviewers, Erin Healy has established herself as an award-winning editor and a best-selling co-author with Ted Dekker. Healy received wide acclaim for her two debut novels Never Let You Go and The Promises She Keeps. Her work focuses on the psychological and spiritual, driven by high moral stakes. She lives and writes in Colorado with her family.

For more information please visit www.erinhealy.com.

Link to buy the book:

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595547525&title=The_Baker's_Wife&author=Erin_Healy

Review copy provided by Litfuse Publicity.

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

2011-11-02T18:22:00.001-05:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Lasting ImpressionBethany House (November 1, 2011)byTamera Alexander

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered, the critically acclaimed Fountain Creek Chronicles historical series with Bethany House Publishers. Her second historical series, Timber Ridge Reflections (From a Distance, Beyond This Moment, and Within My Heart) continue her signature style of deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose which has earned her devoted readers—and multiple industry awards.

These awards include the 2009 and 2008 Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the 2010 and 2007 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2010 and 2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2010 HOLT Medallion, the 2007 Bookseller’s Best Award, the 2007 National Reader's Choice Award, and Library Journal’s Top Christian Fiction for 2006, among others.

Tamera's newest novel A Lasting Impression is the first of a brand new three-book Southern historical series, and the first two chapters are available for review. She's at work on her ninth novel which will release in fall 2012.

After living in Colorado for seventeen years, Tamera has returned to her Southern roots. She and her husband now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee, along with Tamera's father, Doug, and with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.

ABOUT THE BOOK

To create something that will last is Claire Laurent's most fervent desire as an artist. It's also her greatest weakness. When her fraud of a father deals her an unexpected hand, Claire is forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville, only a year after the War Between the States has ended. Claire's path collides with that of Sutton Monroe, and she considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But when they meet again and he refuses to come to her aid, she realizes she's sorely misjudged the man. Trading an unwanted destiny for an unknown future, Claire finds herself in the middle of Nashville's elite society and believes her dream of creating a lasting impression in the world of art may finally be within reach.

All that Sutton Monroe holds dear lies in ruin. He's determined to reclaim his heritage and to make the men who murdered his father pay. But what he discovers on his quest for vengeance reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined.

Set at Nashville's historical Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America in the 1860s, A Lasting Impression showcases the deep, poignant, unforgettable characters that set Tamera's stories apart and provides an inspiring love story that will capture readers' hearts and leave them eager for more.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Lasting Impression, go HERE.

Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

2011-10-27T20:11:00.000-05:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAttracted to FireTyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2011)byDiAnn 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 at: http://www.diannmills.com/ or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills

ABOUT THE BOOK

Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

Watch the book trailer:

It's Monday What Are You Reading? October 24, 2011

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

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

I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by. Each day goes by so quick. It is a little depressing. :)

What I read last week:

- Winona's Pony Cart by Maud Hart Lovelace

- Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

What I am currently reading:

- Walk Strong Look Up by Chantel Hobbs

- My Dearest Friend by Hazel Statham

- The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn

What I am reading next:

- A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

- The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

- Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

Reviews I posted last week:

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/10/necessary-deception-by-laurie-alice.html

The Sunday Salon October 23, 2011

2011-10-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

It has a been awhile since I last participated in the Sunday Salon. I have not been reading like I used too. I do listen to audio books in the car now which I really like. I seriously get sick of the radio and music because I have to have music when I work out and I work out six days a week. I also listen to the radio all day at work. Right now I am listening to Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani. It is a light escapist book which is needed every now and then. I am behind on review books and have stopped accepting so many. I think I only have four tours for November which should give me time to finish the ones I am still working on hopefully. I have been purging books like crazy. I decided I could not breathe with all the books in my room. Then my TBR shelves are out of control so I decided to work on them too. I am trying to live a more active lifestyle so reading is taking a backseat but I am not giving it up. It is still one of my favorite things. Life is a balancing act and not easy. Today I need to do my cooking for the week, finish a review book, and finish cleaning. I am having trouble motivating myself. I hope everyone has a good Sunday and a great week! :)

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

2011-10-19T19:35:00.001-05:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWonderland CreekBethany House (October 1, 2011)byLynn Austin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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

Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.

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

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. And two of her inspirational fiction books were chosen by Library Journal for their top picks in 2003, and 2005. One of Lynn's novels has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But happily-ever-after life she's planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend, Gordon, breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. Then to top it off, Alice loses her beloved job at the library because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.

Fleeing small-town gossip, Alice heads to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the library in the tiny coal-mining village of Acorn. Dropped off by her relatives, Alice volunteers to stay for two weeks to help the librarian, Leslie McDougal.

But the librarian turns out to be far different than she anticipated--not to mention the four lady librarians who travel to the remote homes to deliver the much-desired books. While Alice is trapped in Acorn against her will, she soon finds that real-life adventure and myster--and especially romance--are far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.

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

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes (Review)

2011-10-16T20:25:00.000-05:00

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800734664

From the back cover:

When young widow Lady Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreamed he would turn up in her parlor. But just as the London Season is getting under way, there he is, along with a few other questionable personages. While she should be focused on helping her headstrong younger sister prepare for her entré into London society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting her family in danger?

Readers will enjoy being drawn into this world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades. Author Laurie Alice Eakes whisks readers through the drawing rooms of London amid the sound of rustling gowns on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past and let love guide the future.

My Review:

I thought this was an overall okay Christian Regency book. It did not have enough details and development especially the mystery element. I am still confused on what actually happened. The romance part was good. I liked Lady Lydia and her sisters. I will read the next book in the series to see what happens to them. It is an interesting start to a new series and new to me author. :)

“Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

10 Books I would like to reread

2011-10-11T19:21:00.000-05:00

"It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one old one to every three new ones." C.S. Lewis

Carrie at Reading to Know posted her ten books she would like to reread today which is inspiring me to list mine. :)
http://www.readingtoknow.com/

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
2. The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett
3. The entire O'Malley series by Dee Henderson
4. The Hawk and the Jewel by Lori Wick
5. What a Girl Wants series by Kristen Billerbeck
6. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
7. The entire Anne of Green Gables series by L. M. Montgomery
8. The entire McAllister Files by Patricia Rushford and Harrison James
9. The Angel Delaney series by Patricia Rushford
10. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham

If you would like to join in post your list or leave a comment with what books you would like to reread. :)

A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

I am still behind on review books but I can't wait to start to this one. I enjoyed reading all of her other books. :)

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingA Wedding InvitationBethany House (October 1, 2011)byAlice Wisler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice was born in Osaka, Japan in the sixties. Her parents were Presbyterian career missionaries. As a young child, Alice loved to walk down to the local stationer's store to buy notebooks, pencils and scented erasers. In her room, she created stories. The desire to be a published famous author has never left her. Well, two out of three isn't bad. She's the author of Rain Song, How Sweet It Is, Hatteras Girl and A Wedding Invitation (all published by Bethany House).

Alice went to Eastern Mennonite University after graduating from Canadian Academy, an international high school in Kobe, Japan. She majored in social work and has worked across the U.S. in that field. She taught ESL (English as a Second Language) in Japan and at a refugee camp in the Philippines. She also studied Spanish at a language institute in San Jose, Costa Rica.

She has four children--Rachel, Daniel, Benjamin and Elizabeth. Daniel died on 2/2/97 from cancer treatments at the age of four. Since then, Alice founded Daniel's House Publications in her son's memory. This organization reaches out to others who have also lost a child to death. In 2000 and 2003, Alice compiled recipes and memories of children across the world to publish two memorial cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After returning home from teaching English at a refugee camp in the Philippines, Samantha Bravencourt enjoys her quiet life working at her mother's clothing boutique in Falls Church, Virginia. When she receives an invitation to a wedding in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she looks forward to reconnecting with her college friend. Instead her life collides with Carson, a fellow teacher and the man who broke her heart, and a young Amerasian refugee named Lien who needs Samantha and Carson's help to find her mother before Lien's own wedding. When the search for Lien's mother reveals surprising secrets from the past, Samantha must reevaluate her own memories and decide whether to continue to play it safe or take a risk that could change her life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wedding Invitation, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

It's Monday What Are You Reading? October 10, 2011

2011-10-10T20:08:00.000-05:00

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

I really need some audio book recommendations if anybody has one. I am listening to the radio right now because I can't find anything I like at the library. Help!

What I read last week:

- The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen (audio in the car)

- Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

What I am currently reading:

- My Dearest Friend by Hazel Statham

- The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn
- Carney's House Party by Maud Hart Lovelace

- Walk Strong, Look Up by Chantel Hobbs

What I am reading next:

- A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler

- A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes

Reviews I posted:

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/10/deadly-pursuit-by-irene-hannon-review.html

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon (Review)

2011-10-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

Paperback: 340 pages

Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800734572

From the Back Cover

A stalker with deadly intent . . .
A woman who protects children . . .
An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective.
Social worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children. But now it seems she needs protecting. When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements--her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.

Filled with nail-biting suspense and heart-melting romance, Deadly Pursuit is Irene Hannon's storytelling at its very best.

My Review:

Although this is book two in the Guardians of Justice series it can stand alone fine. The series follows two brothers and one sister who pursue justice in their careers. This book focuses on Alison who is a social worker. I love the kind of books that have a little mystery, suspense, romance, and action all together. Parts of this book were not easy to read because of subject matter. It is well written and the characters are well developed. The book held my attention and I wanted to know what happened next to the characters. I even had to put it down at one point because I wasn't ready for what came next for Alison. lol This is one of my go to authors for these kind of books. She reminds of my all time favorite author Dee Henderson. Recommended. :)

About the author:

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the CBA bestsellers Against All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, and In Harm's Way. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewer's Choice Awards from Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine. She lives in Missouri.

"Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

I love Quotations

2011-10-09T08:10:00.000-05:00

I have always loved quotations. I found one of my older journals from middle school and there were pages of quotations in it. lol I post most of them on my facebook page but here are a couple of my more recent finds that truly resonated with me.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
Robert Collier

"Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."
- Truman Capote

“How wrong it is for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants, rather than to create it herself.”
- Marilyn Monroe

“There’s only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.”
- Time Must Have a Stop, Aldous Huxley

“You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.”
- Text of Steve Jobs’ Commencement address (2005)

You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against.
- Laurie Halse Anderson

There must be something in books, things we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.
Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.”
- Francis Bacon

“We shall go on so quietly and happily together with our books and our music.”
- Sense & Sensibility Jane Austen

"She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain."
- Louisa May Alcott

“There is no man, however wise, who has not at some period of his youth said things, or lived in a way the consciousness of which is so unpleasant to him in later life that he would gladly, if he could, expunge it from his memory.”
- Marcel Proust

“What better way to get to know someone than through her choice and treatment of books?”
- Diane Setterfield, The Thirteenth Tale

“Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life - well, valuable, but small - and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven’t been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn’t it be the other way around? I don’t really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void.”
- Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail (1998)

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
- Frederick Douglass

The greatest battle is not physical but psychological. The demons telling us to give up when we push ourselves to the limit can never be silenced for good. They must always be answered by the quiet the steady dignity that simply refuses to give in. Courage. We all suffer. Keep going.
- Graeme Fife

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
- Anne Frank

“Night, the beloved. Night, when words fade and things come alive. When the destructive analysis of day is done, and all that is truly important becomes whole and sound again. When man reassembles his fragmentary self and grows with the calm of a tree.”
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis

2011-10-03T20:37:00.000-05:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe MercyBethany House (September 6, 2011)byBeverly Lewis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rose Kauffman pines for prodigal Nick Franco, the Bishop's foster son who left the Amish under a cloud of suspicion after his foster brother's death. His rebellion led to the "silencing" of their beloved Bishop. But is Nick really the rebel he appears to be? Rose's lingering feelings for her wayward friend refuse to fade, but she is frustrated that Nick won't return and make things right with the People. Nick avowed his love for Rose--but will he ever be willing to sacrifice modern life for her?

Meanwhile, Rose's older sister, Hen, is living in her parents' Dawdi Haus. Her estranged "English" husband, injured and helpless after a car accident, has reluctantly come to live with her and their young daughter during his recovery. Can their marriage recover, as well? Is there any possible middle ground between a woman reclaiming her old-fashioned Amish lifestyle and thoroughly modern man?

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

Watch the book trailer:

Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge 2011

2011-10-01T17:49:00.000-05:00

The Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge is hosted every October by Sarah at A Library is a Hospital for the Mind. It runs October 1 to October 31. The goal is to read any book by Maud Hart Lovelace or materials about her. I had not heard of her before this challenge few years ago and I am so glad I found it. She is most famous for the Betsy Tacy series. I have read all of them now so my goal this year is to read Carney's House Party and Winona's Pony Cart.

Please visit Sarah's blog here for more information:
http://libraryhospital.blogspot.com/2011/10/3rd-annual-maud-hart-lovelace-reading.html

40 Days to Better Living: Hypertension by Dr. Scott Morris and the Church Health Center

2011-10-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Dr. Scott Morris and the Church Health Center

and the book:

40 Days to Better Living: Hypertension

Barbour Books (September 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Millions experience high blood pressure—and 40 Days to Better Living: Hypertension provides clear, manageable steps for you to manage it, through life-changing attitudes and actions. If you’re ready to really live better, select one or more elements of the 7-step Model for Healthy Living—Faith, Medical, Movement, Work, Emotional, Family and Friends, and Nutrition—and follow the 40-day plan to improve your life, just a bit, day by day. With plenty of practical advice, biblical encouragement, and stories of real people who’ve taken the same journey, this book—from the Church Health Center in Memphis, the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the U.S.—may be the most important book you read this year!

The 40 Days to Better Living series offers clear, manageable steps to life-changing attitudes and actions in a context of understanding and grace for all people at all points on the journey to optimal health. With plenty of practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and real stories of those who have found a better life, this simple and skillfully crafted book inspires readers to customize their own path to wellness by using the 7-Step Model for Healthy Living as a guide:

Nutrition: pursuing smarter food choices and eating habits
Friends and family: giving and receiving support through relationships
Emotional life: understanding feelings and managing stress to better care for yourself
Work: appreciating your skills, talents, and gifts
Movement: discovering ways to enjoy physical activity
Medical care: partnering with health care providers to optimize medical care
Faith life: building a relationship with God, neighbors, and self

Along with tips from the Model for Healthy Living, the easy-to-read format features a Morning Reflection and an Evening Wrap-Up as well as a place for documenting plans, progress, and perspectives. Targeted scriptures and prayers that undergird the focus of each day’s message make this compact book an excellent choice for a daily devotional.

Subsequent titles in the Better Living series will be released bi-monthly and address key health topics including hypertension, diabetes, depression, weight management, stress management, aging, and addiction. All promise substantial support to those who are ready for a newer, better way of living—body and spirit.

Product Details:

List Price: $7.99
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616262656
ISBN-13: 978-1616262655

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman (Review)

2011-09-28T18:51:00.000-05:00

Paperback: 505 pages

Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800734169

From the Back Cover

Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?
Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston, running for her life. Her emotional wounds have finally faded, and her life is now full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known?

Filled with intense passion and longing, deception and revelation, A Heart Revealed will hold you in its grip until the very last page.

"In a powerful and skillfully written novel, Lessman exposes raw human emotions, proving once again that it's through our greatest pain that God can lead us to our true heart, revealed and restored. Thoroughly enthralling!"--Maggie Brendan, author of the Heart of the West series

"Julie Lessman brings all her passion for romance rooted in her passion for God to A Heart Revealed. Emma Malloy is her finest heroine yet. These characters, with their own personal struggles and the ignited flame of an impossible love, fill the pages of this powerful, passionate, fast-paced romance."--Mary Connealy, author of the Lassoed in Texas and the Montana Marriages series

"What an interesting mix of characters. Rather than a single boy-meets-girl romance, Julie Lessman's latest novel takes readers on an emotional roller coaster with several couples--some married, some yearning to be married--as they seek to embrace love, honor the Lord, and uncover a dark truth that's been hidden for a decade. Readers who long for passion in their love stories will find it in abundance here!"--Liz Curtis Higgs, bestselling author of Thorn in My Heart

Guest Review by Mimi (my grandmother):

It was a very complicated book but good. The characters were well developed. I read it over a few days and was able to keep up. There were a lot of side stories with other characters. Emma had a hard life to overcome and I am happy with the ending but I do not want to share too many details and give it away. I will read another book by this author.

Julie Lessman is the popular author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied, as well as A Hope Undaunted, which was one of 2010's Booklist Top Ten Inspirational Fiction winners. Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She lives in Missouri. You can contact Julie through her website at http://www.julielessman.com/.

Available September 2011 from your favorite seller of Revell books, a division of Baker Group Publishing.

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

Fall Into Reading 2011 My List

2011-09-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

This is a yearly reading challenge hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days. I love her reading challenges and have been doing them for years. The Fall challenge is from September 23rd through December 21st. Her website has a lot of information and background for it. http://callapidderdays.com/2011/09/fall-into-reading-2011-start-reading.html

My List(for now, it will grow):
- Carney's House Party by Maud Hart Lovelace
- Winona's Pony Cart by Maud Hart Lovelace
- Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon
- The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn
- The Mercy by Beverly Lewis
- The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy
- Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin
- Pirate of my Heart by Jamie Carie
- The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
- A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler
- Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills
- Throw out Fifty Things by Gail Blanke
- Walk Strong Look Up by Chantel Hobbs

A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Review)

2011-09-25T11:25:00.000-05:00

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800719951

Jaime and C. J. Fitzpatrick began their married life as most couples do--in love and looking forward to a bright future together. But four years later they've drifted apart and are almost ready to call it quits.

Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband Sol the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big family isn't likely to become a reality.

Then a winter storm raging outside blows the Fitzpatricks into the Riehl home--and into a much slower pace of life. Can these two couples from different worlds help each other understand the true meaning of love this Christmas?

With her trademark plot twists and attention to detail, Suzanne Woods Fisher offers readers a beautiful Christmas story of love, forgiveness, and what truly matters in life.

My Review:

I enjoyed reading this Amish Christmas book. It was good to revisit some of the same characters from this author's Amish series and to meet some new ones. The characters and plot were well developed and interesting. It is not a cookie cutter Amish book. The author does a good job of balancing the English and Amish couple. I liked how Mattie and Jaime ended up learning from each other. It captured my attention and held it throughout the book. I was sad when it was over. I hope she does another book with these characters. Recommended. :)

About the author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and A Lancaster County Christmas, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of an Internet radio show called Amish Wisdom, and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California.

Stay connected by reading Suzanne's blog, following on Facebook and Twitter.

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? September 19, 2011

2011-09-19T20:54:00.000-05:00

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:

- Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

- The Illumination by Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori (audio in car)

What I am currently reading:

- The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen (on audio)

- Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

What I am reading next:

- Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

Reviews I posted last week:

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/09/kitchen-counter-cooking-school-by.html

http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/09/blue-skies-tomorrow-by-sarah-sundin.html
- My Dearest Friend by Hazel Statham

I Pad Giveaway Details

2011-09-18T10:37:00.000-05:00

It’s Christmas in September!

To celebrate the release of her first Christmas book, Suzanne Woods Fisher has teamed up with her publisher, Revell, to bring you the "Christmas in September" iPad Giveaway! The winner will be announced on 9/27 at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party! Details below. Tell your friends and join in the fun (9/7-9/27).

Oh and be sure to follow the blog tour here - many of the bloggers have copies of the book to giveaway!

Suzanne and Revell will be presenting one merry winner with a Christmas Prize Pack (valued at over $600):

A Brand New iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
$25 gift certificate to iTunes
A copy of A Lancaster County Christmas

To enter, click one of the icons below. But, hurry the giveaway ends on 9/26.

But, wait! There's more! The winner will be announced at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *BIG* - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.

The Kitchen Counter Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn (Review)

2011-09-18T10:26:00.001-05:00

Hardcover: 304 pages

Publisher: Viking Adult (September 29, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-0670023004

The author of The Sharper Your Knife tells the inspiring story of how she helped nine others find their inner cook.

After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, writer Kathleen Flinn returned with no idea what to do next, until one day at a supermarket she watched a woman loading her cart with ultraprocessed foods. Flinn's "chefternal" instinct kicked in: she persuaded the stranger to reload with fresh foods, offering her simple recipes for healthy, easy meals.

The Kitchen Counter Cooking School is essentially "What Not to Wear" meets Michael Pollan. Inspired by a supermarket encounter with a woman loading up on processed foods, Le Cordon Blue graduate Kathleen Flinn decided to use her recent culinary training to help a group of nine culinary novitiates find their inner cook. These students invited Kathleen into their kitchens where she took inventory of each person's refrigerator, cabinets and eating habits. After kitchen "makeovers" and a series of basic lessons where they learned to wield knives, trust their taste and improve their food choices, the women found a common missing ingredient--confidence. In this new book, Flinn follows these women's journeys and includes practical, healthy tips to boost readers' culinary confidence, strategies to get the most from their grocery dollar and simple recipes to get readers cooking.

My Review:
I loved this book. It is my favorite book I have read this entire year. I was drawn into every one's individual stories and the authors. I learned as much from the lessons as they did. lol I am learning how to cook real food at the old age of 28. I will be keeping this book on a shelf nearby for future reference. The writing was easy to read, flowed good, and held my attention from the beginning. I will be finding a copy of her first book too. Highly Recommended! :)

Kathleen Flinn has been a writer and journalist for twenty years. Her work has appeared in more than three dozen publications worldwide, including the Chicago Sun-Times, USA Weekend, Men's Fitness, Smithsonian, and the Chicago Tribune, among others. Her first book, The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry was a finalist in the Washington State book awards. She lives in Seattle.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin (Review)

2011-09-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

Paperback: 427 pages

Publisher: Revell; Original edition (August 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800734237

In a time of peril, can they find the courage to confront their fears and embrace a love that lasts?
When her husband becomes a casualty of the war in the Pacific, Helen Carlisle throws herself into volunteering for the war effort to conceal her feelings. But keeping up appearances as the grieving widow of a hometown hero is taking its toll. Soon something is going to give.

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit. His stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life–and a convenient excuse to ignore his deepest fear. When the beautiful Helen catches his eye and captures his heart, he is determined to win her hand.

But when Ray and Helen are called upon to step out in faith and put their reputations and their lives on the line, can they meet the challenges that face them? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

Filled with drama, daring, and all the romance of the WWII era, Blue Skies Tomorrow is the captivating
final book in the popular Wings of Glory series.

Sure to live up to the high praise of the previous books in the Wings of Glory series, Blue Skies Tomorrow completes the story of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in World War II, covering the infamous Port Chicago Explosion, which occurred close to Antioch, Calif., where Helen and the Novaks live, to victory in Europe.

"Both Helen and Ray learn about true courage and how to do the right thing no matter the cost," says Sundin. "They both find they're subconsciously trying to earn God's grace through good works and have to deal with that.

"I hope readers will see how they, too, can find courage in the Lord and the strength to face whatever life throws at them."
My Review:
I really enjoyed reading this Christian Historical fiction book. It is the third in the series and I really liked all the books. I recommend reading them in order because you find out what happens to the other characters in each book. This book focused mainly on Ray Novak and Helen. The book is well written and believable. The author does a good job of balancing historical detail. I was drawn into Ray and Helen's stories. Helen is a victim of Polio and spousal abuse. In the 1940s it was still a thing to keep hidden. She feels a lot of guilt over her husband dying in the war because she was so happy to be free of his abuse. She loved Ray as a child. Ray feels the call to be a minister but with a war on a lot of people make him feel bad about not being on the front lines so he volunteers to fly overseas. The book held my attention through all the twists and turns. I really felt for Helen and Ray. I don't want to ruin the ending but it was a satisfying conclusion to the whole series. I can't wait to read another book by this author. :)

Sarah Sundin is the author of A Distant Melody and A Memory Between Us. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.

Pirate of my Heart by Jamie Carie

2011-09-09T19:46:00.001-05:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Jamie Carie

and the book:

Pirate of My Heart

B&H Books (September 1, 2011)

***Special thanks to Julie Gwinn, B&H Publishing Group, A Division of LifeWay Christian Resources for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jamie Carie is the author of Snow Angel, a ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, USA Book News National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. Her third novel, Wind Dancer, was a 2010 Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Indianapolis.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: B&H Books (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805448152
ISBN-13: 978-0805448153

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

PROLOGUE

Arundel, England 1777

The grey clouds of dawn shivered against the paned glass of the castle, shrouding the three figures at the side of the four-poster bed in an eerie light. The raging storm of the night before had settled into a dreary misting rain though an occasional jagged flash of lightning flaunted its power, not yet ready to relinquish its right to ravish the leaden sky. Dim light clung to the faces of those inside the bedchamber where the very walls seemed to echo the anguish felt inside the room.

All that could be heard in the chamber was the shallow, labored breathing of the one abed. A frail creature, now, pale and lifeless after the travails of childbirth. The others included the old family doctor, Radley, who hovered beside his patient and friend of many years with a strained look in his eyes. Hovering in the shadows was Bridget, the lady's long-standing nurse and companion. But their suffering was not to be compared to the tall, handsome gentleman who knelt at the woman's bedside, her hand clasped in his; a haunted look in his eyes that attested to the fact that he too feared the end was near for his beloved.

He gazed down at the limp form of his wife. She lay so still, so pale, sunk into the feather mattress as if she'd become a part of it. In a matter of hours she'd become a shallow breathing shell of the bright and glorious women she had once been. How was he to live without her? His heart spasmed with the thought.

He held his breath as her thin, white eyelids opened to reveal pain-racked eyes the color of bluebells. She exerted a small strength in squeezing his hand while a serene smile played at her lips. Her voice was a weak whisper. "I will not be leaving you forever, my darling. Our daughter will grow strong and always be a symbol of the love we shared."

"No." Edward groaned in anguish, his head falling forward, his hand clasping tight as if to force his strength into her. "I will not let you go."

"Love her, Edward, love her with all that you are." Lady Eileen closed her eyes seeming to gather what little strength she had to continue speaking. A small, whimpering sound came from the shadows of the room where Bridget held the newborn babe to her bosom. Lady Eileen opened her eyes at the sound. "Please, let me hold my sweet child."

The nurse skirted around the bed with the tiny bundle, her eyes bright with tears. "She's the mos' beautiful of babes, my lady, truly she is." She laid the wee babe in her mother's fragile arms.

His wife stared down at their daughter and then looked up at him. Her voice became fierce but still so quiet Edward had to lean in to catch the words. "This one has a special purpose in life and I expect you all to care for her as I would have."

Edward could only nod, mute and staring, aching with grief.

"I have one more request to ask of you, my love." Her breath rasped in and out causing the panic in Edward's stomach to claw into his chest like a nightmare's hand, but he nodded for her to continue and clung to her hand.

"My greatest joy in life has been you. I want her to find love, someone to share her life with who is as kind, as loving and wonderful as I have had in you." She rested a moment before continuing. "Let her choose, Edward, do not make a match for her. I know it is right." She gasped for a final breath. "I've made provision. In my will . . . no entailments, Edward. Give her the dragonfly brooch as a promise from me that I will be looking down from heaven to keep her safe."

"Of course, my darling, anything you ask I will do."

A small smile touched Eileen's lips as she gazed at their beautiful child for the last time. With a single tear sliding down her cheek she kissed the light fuzz on the child's head. "I love you." She breathed the words with her last breath, barely audible, and then she went still.

Edward collapsed over her limp hand still clutched in his strong one. "No," he cried with ragged breath. He brought the hand to his check, soaking it with his tears, willing her to come back to him.

CHAPTER ONE
Arundel, England - 1796

Kendra stopped halfway down the path that led to the stables, happiness lifting her heart at the autumn scene. The leaves had turned into a crimson, sunny yellow and carroty riot of color, as if a magician had waved a wand during the night and created a new world. She stepped across the lawn, feeling the kind of happiness that burst against the walls of her chest, stopping long enough to turn in slow circles so to watch the waving leaf show. She closed her eyes, still slowly twirling and smiled up toward heaven, humming a simple song of praise to God. The notes of her song danced around her and made a happy knot form in her throat. There was nothing she loved more than singing praises to God. Her father had instilled his love for God in her since she was a child - always making sure they had a curate in the village residence for weekly services at St. Nicholas Parish Church, praying with her each night before bedtime and teaching her scriptures and hymns. Most of all, he’d been an example of someone who was temperate, kind and patient. They had memorized the scripture about the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - and often reminded each other of the one they should practice when the occasion called for it. She wished so much to be like him but sometimes her best intentions went awry and she fell short, far short of her father’s shining example.

The sound of wheels crunching over dead leaves gave her pause. She stopped, turned toward the horse-shoe drive at the front of the castle and saw a shiny black post-chaise carriage. Who could it be? They had not seen visitors in so long. Kendra hurried toward the entrance to meet their guest, then came to an abrupt stop and clasped her hands in front of her dress. She held her breath as a tall, handsome man sprang from the carriage. He was dressed in a waist-coat of navy wool with an intricately knotted necktie at his throat, cream colored breeches and matching hose. She lifted her gaze to his face. Her jaw dropped with surprise. The face staring back at her looked like the one in her bedchamber mirror each morning . . . except for the color of his eyes.
Andrew Townsend matched his nieces startling gape as he found himself looking into the younger, female version of himself. Surely this was not Edward's daughter! She could have been his own child. Recovering from his shock with more effort than he'd exerted in months, Andrew questioned the young lady. "And who might this lovely creature be? A relative of mine, perhaps?"

She curtsied and smiled up at him. "I'm Kendra Townsend sir, and who might you be?" Her smile was soft and contagious, so irresistible that Andrew found himself thawing in her presence.

"I am Andrew Townsend, your uncle, my dear." He held out his hand in greeting. "I am most pleased to finally meet you. It seems we bear a striking resemblance to one another."

"You're very handsome." She stated with bold faced honesty.

Andrew let out a bark of laughter. "Well. Thank you, I'm sure. Now, would you be so kind as to show me to your father? I have some business to conduct with him."

"Of course, sir." Kendra replied as she reached for his arm. "Your papa's brother, his twin, aren't you?" Her eyes lit up as she led him through the front door, past their astonished looking butler, and down the wide corridor, the elegant carpet making silence of their footsteps. Just as well, the surprise element couldn't hurt to gage how his dear brother was going to react to his request. “Father will be in his study with his solicitor this time of day.” At her knock they heard a preoccupied "come in."

The Earl of Arundel sat behind an ancient desk with stacks of documents in front of him. Facing him was Mr. Walcott, the trusted family solicitor. As they walked into the study, Edward's face lit up with joy. Then, as he looked beyond her, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.

"Andrew?"

Andrew put on his best smile and chuckled, walking forward toward his brother. He needed Ed to accept him back into the family fold and that might require some persuasion. "Great heavens, man, is it really you?" Edward came from behind the desk and greeted him with a handshake and an awkward hug that turned into a haphazard slapping against his shoulder. "You remember Parker Walcott." He motioned to the man who had risen, eyes round behind his spectacles.

"Yes, of course, how's the family, Parker? Dorothy and the children doing well?" Andrew felt the smooth mask of charm take hold of his being and hoped Parker would take the hint. He looked as if he’d seen a ghost.

"Oh, very good, my lord, yes indeed. And yourself?"

"After meeting my lovely niece here, I couldn't be in better spirits." Andrew replied. "Ed, why have you failed to mention our likeness in your letters? It nearly frightened us both out of our wits when we clapped eyes on one another." The laughter in his voice was real this time.

"It's been so long since I've seen you." Edward hastened to explain. "Until this moment I didn't realize just how much you resemble each other." He glanced from one to the other, astonishment and something disapproving, consternation perhaps in his eyes before continuing. "Your eyes are more blue than her unusual shade of violet, but you’re quite right, you resemble twins more than you and I ever did. It's remarkable, isn't it?"

Edward motioned for Andrew to have a seat. "Please, join us." They both looked up at Kendra to find her staring at Andrew. Andrew winked at her as he plopped down in the chair beside Parker. Edward cleared his throat and frowned at his daughter. "Kendra, go down and have Willabee bring up some refreshments please."

Kendra nodded but clung to Andrew's side before she left. "How long can you stay Uncle Andrew? You should stay at least until the end of the week." Her eyes were bright with excitement.

"And what, pray tell, happens at the end of the week?" Andrew asked with a half grin that he'd been told sent the ladies into a swoon.

"I've persuaded papa to have a garden party." Her eyes slid to her father before she continued. "He hates to entertain you know, but I've been so forlorn for company my own age since my friend, Lucinda, moved away that he's feeling guilty and has agreed. Please say you'll stay. Lady Willowbee's girls will be absolutely speechless for once."

"I seem to recall a Lady Willowbee, lives down the way, only other gentry around here, eh?" At Kendra's nod Andrew chuckled with the memory. "A bit of a sour puss. Are her girls as malicious and back-biting as she and her sisters used to be?"

Kendra put her hand to her mouth in an attempt to suppress a horrified giggle.

"Can't offend them though," Andrew continued with grave mirth, "must do our duty and invite the only other cream de la cream in the area, even though it is soured cream, is that the dilemma you find yourself in, my dear?"

“Papa says I must love them as the Bible says.” Kendra raised her brows in beseeching charm that he recognized as one of his own trademark moves. "But if you were there it would be ever so much easier. They will be nice in hopes of an introduction. Please say you'll stay."

Andrew caught his brother's gaze and asked in a soft voice. "Can you deny her anything?"

Edward looked down and cleared his throat, a red flush filling his cheeks. "Very little, I'm afraid.

Swinging back to Kendra's expectant gaze, Andrew mused. "I will have to give you your answer later, moppet, but I promise I'll try.

That seemed to satisfy her as she gave him a happy nod and turned to leave the men to their business.

"You're going to have a devil of a time fighting off all the suitors at your door, Edward. She's amazing." Andrew remarked as he watched the whirl of Kendra's skirts around the door as she left.

Edward sighed. "I've already had my share of offers, but she's just nineteen. I'm not ready to see her betrothed to anyone yet."

"I can understand why, she brightens up the old place." Pausing, Andrew ran his fingers through his blond hair and added. "I was truly sorry about Eileen, Edward. I would have attended the funeral had I not been out of the county."

"I won't pretend I was anything other than devastated. But time has a way of taking the edge off the grief and Kendra has taken care of the rest. I don't know how I would have gone on if she had died with her mother.”

Andrew didn't know how to respond to his brother's heart-wrenching revelation. Edward had aged in more than the receding hairline and creases around his mouth it would seem. Andrew cleared his throat and looked down at the floor.

Edward leaned across the desk, his hands clasped together. "Enough about me, what have you been doing with yourself these last fifteen years?"

"A little of everything, I dare say. Traveled around a good bit." The rake's smile slide across his lips and he shrugged. "Been enjoying life with good drink, fine horseflesh and beautiful women."

Edward shook his head in an older brotherly way. "I know only too well of your love for the worldly passions. It's a life that will never satisfy you, you know. I have to hear of your exploits every time I'm in London. When will you settle down? Start a family of your own?"

A bark of laughter escaped Andrew's throat. Not here ten minutes and he was already getting the lecture. "Now is not a good time for thinking of that, Ed. I - uh, seem to have gotten myself into a bit of a jam." Glancing at Parker Walcott, Andrew girded up his courage and rushed out the rest before his nerve failed him. "I was hoping to have a word with you, big brother. I have some business I would like to discuss."

Parker rose rather abruptly for one keen to the family's business dealings. Andrew smothered a chuckle as the solicitor beat a hasty path to the door. "I will bid you both good day, my lord. You and your brother have much catching up to do." Andrew suppressed a chuckle as he scurried from the room.

After the door was closed silence descended upon the room. Andrew braced his arms on his legs and pressed his sweaty palms together.

Edward broke the silence with a voice both grave and guarded. "What can I do for you, Andrew?"

Shifting in the chair, Andrew ran a well-manicured hand though his blond hair, took a deep breath and plunged into his story.
It would seem Andrew had heard, through a reputable source, about an investment that was sure to make him a very wealthy man. The Brougham Company had been started to finance several voyages of trade to America with goods the colonist desperately needed. Five great ships had set sail over six months ago to deliver their goods. Andrew had invested all that he had and was given a great deal of credit as he bore the Townsend name.

The first two ships to sail had been attacked by pirates and overtaken. The following ship did not survive a great storm, and of the two that made it to America, one had perishables on it that were ill-packed, causing the contents to spoil, while the other had cheaper goods that even when sold at an exorbitant price did not come close to making up for the expense of the trip. "I've lost everything and my creditors are threatening Newgate Prison if I don't come up with the funds."

Edward listened with sinking despair. It seemed fate would never grant his twin the power he so desperately coveted. "Of course I will help you, Andrew. Have your creditors send me the contracts and I will take care of them." He paused before continuing in a fatherly tone. "I understand you want to handle matters on your own, but please consider consulting me or even Walcott before plunging into a scheme like this in the future." Edward pressed his lips together with that eagle-eyed stare that always made Andrew squirm in his chair. "I could have had the company investigated for you, at the very least."

"Of course." Andrew shook his head, eyes downcast. The act was growing tedious but pressed on. "It's just that I was so excited. I wanted to surprise you and mother with my good fortune. I realize the family thinks me a spoiled dandy so I wanted to do something to make you all proud. Instead I proved what an idiot I am."

"Now don't be too hard on yourself. We've been through worse and we'll come through this together."

"I can't thank you enough, Ed, just the thought of that prison sent me fleeing here on wings. There is just one more thing," Andrew rushed out, fidgeting with his fingers. "I was wondering if the creditors could go through old Parker instead of you. That way it won't become common knowledge that my brother had to pay off my debts. It's a matter of pride you see." He raised his brows and gave Edward a shrug of his shoulders.

"Of course. There's no need for our business to become something for the gossip mills."

Andrew stood up, gave his brother a quick, firm hug, and hurried from the room.
Edward gazed at the closed door, sadness and bewilderment weighing down his shoulders like a heavy blanket. He had not seen his brother for years, and then when he finally did come home, it was only because he was in trouble and needed money. Would they ever be close?

Dear God, help me reach him.

He let his thoughts drift back to their childhood, a good and proper upbringing he had always thought, but not without its animosities. Animosities that led all the way back to their birth.

They had heard the tale countless times. Edward had been the first-born twin, the heir to the earldom, but it had come about by a strange quirk of fate. His mother, who now lived on her own estate miles from Arundel, had pushed for hours with no sign of the babies coming.

The midwife, in an effort to feel the baby's position, placed one hand on the extended abdomen and the other inside the womb. She pulled back in surprise. "Your ladyship, I do believe you are having twins. There's a head and feet near the opening."

His mother gasped and her face whitened. "Twins! I shan't be able to do it."

The contractions continued though, strengthened instead of daunted by the thought of two.

Hours dragged by as they all wondered if Lady Lenora would be able to deliver the babies. In a wondrous moment, a hushed moment between pushes, a tiny foot poked out of the womb. The midwife didn't say anything but knew the importance of the firstborn's place so she tied a scarlet thread around the tiny ankle. Gently slipping the foot back up, she concentrated on delivering the baby in the head-down position. The child seemed ready to cooperate and after several more minutes emerged from the womb.

"A boy, my lady." One of the servants rushed to take the child to clean him before he was presented to his mother. After another hour, Lady Lenora held two healthy sons. She noticed the thread and looked up at the midwife. "But what's this, Ida?"

The midwife told the story of how that child had poked his little foot out first and thought to tie the yarn around his foot in the event that Lord Townsend would regard him the first born.

And he had. Lord Albert Townsend named the babe with the string around his ankle Edward Alexander Townsend, and proclaimed him the rightful heir. Lenora named his twin brother, Andrew Richard Townsend and thought that son cheated.

Edward's knuckles whitened with the memory as he clinched his hands into fists. They'd been so close when they were boys! Inseparable until the day Andrew heard the story of his birth bluntly put by a stable hand. Andrew had changed then, pulling away and becoming distant and ever more brooding. After awhile it seemed they had little in common and less to like about each other. And that wasn't even the worst of it. The resentment his mother held destroyed their marriage. Lenora devoted herself to spoiling her younger son which forced the earl to take Edward's causes.

Edward sighed, his head dropping forward, sadness pulling at his heart. They were so different in every way. Andrew was strikingly handsome with his fair hair and pale blue eyes, so much like their mother. Edward supposed he was the epitome of an Englishman with his dark brown hair, aristocratic nose, and hazel eyes. And that was only their outward differences. Inwardly they couldn't be more distant. He a long-grieving widower and Andrew a financially destitute dandy in dire straits. But he was back.

His brother had come home.

Maybe if he loved him enough, if he showed it and gave him all the attention and praise and . . . well, whatever it was that Andrew needed, maybe he could, uptight Englishman that he was, humble himself and shower his brother with love.

Father, help me love him the way he needs it. Help me show him You.

It's Monday What Are You Reading? September 5, 2011

2011-09-05T20:12:00.000-05:00

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:

- Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum

What I am currently reading:

- The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown (on audio in the car)

- Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

- My Dearest Friend by Hazel Statham

- The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn

- The Kitchen Counter Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn

- The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen (on audio)

- To Be a Runner by Martin Dugard

- The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson

What I am reading next:

- Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

September is Read Your Own Books Month

2011-09-03T18:13:00.000-05:00

Susan at WastePaper Prose is hosting this challenge where you read your own books in the month of September. For more details visit the link here: http://www.wastepaperprose.com/2011/08/i-read-what-i-want-in-september.html

I can't read just my own books but I only have seven review books so hopefully I can read one or two of my own too. I have a huge TBR stack of books that I own. I have been purging and it is still too big. Some I have had for years. I still want to read a lot of them and I feel guilty but I just can't read like I used too. I am blessed if I finish one a week. :)

R.I.P. VI 2011 Reading Challenge

2011-08-31T19:44:00.000-05:00

This is a yearly challenge hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings.
http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com/

Brittanie:
I am ready for something different and I am determined to read at least one book for this challenge so I am doing Peril the Third. I love the graphics Carl designs for the challenge each year. :)

From Carl:
Summer 2011: record-breaking heat waves, drought, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes–we have had it all. For most of us who have experienced it, the turning of the calendar to reveal a September 1st date is not going to feel all that different. Summer has not yet relinquished her hold. And she has a right to hold on. After all, Autumn does not begin for another three weeks, and even then Summer may greedily hunger for a little more time. Let us pray otherwise.
Regardless of what my thermometer tells me, my heart tells me that autumn is here and that it is once again time to revel in things ghostly and ghastly, in stories of things that go bump in the night. It is time to trail our favorite detectives as they relentlessly chase down their prey, to go down that dark path into the woods, to follow flights of fantasy and fairy tale that have a darker heart than their spring time brethren. To confront gothic, creepy, horror stories in all their chilling delight.
Every September 1st through October 31st for the last 5 years I have hosted the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril Challenge, affectionately known as the R.I.P. Challenge. I began this reader event, I blinked, and now I am hosting this for the 6th time. Wow, that is so hard to believe.
The purpose of the R.I.P. Challenge is to enjoy books that could be classified as:
Mystery.
Suspense.
Thriller.
Dark Fantasy.
Gothic.
Horror.
Supernatural.
The emphasis is never on the word challenge, instead it is about coming together as a community and embracing the autumnal mood, whether the weather is cooperative where you live or not.

There are two simple goals for the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VI Challenge:
1. Have fun reading.
2. Share that fun with others.

As I do each and every year, there are multiple levels of participation (Perils) that allow you to be a part of R.I.P. VI without adding the burden of another commitment to your already busy lives. There is even a one book only option for those who feel that this sort of reading is not their cup of tea (or who have many other commitments) but want to participate all the same.

R.I.P. VI officially runs from September 1st through October 31st. But lets go ahead and break the rules. Lets start today!!!

Multiple perils await you. You can participate in just one, or participate in them all.

For more information and to sign up go here:
http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com/r-eaders-i-mbibing-p-eril-vi?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+StainlessSteelDroppings+%28Stainless+Steel+Droppings%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

The Survivor by Shelley Shepard Gray

2011-08-31T18:41:00.000-05:00

I am really looking forward to reading this book. I am running way behind on my review books. I can't seem to focus to finish any books these days.

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe SurvivorAvon Inspire; Original edition (August 30, 2011)
byShelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page

ABOUT THE BOOK

One of today’s most beloved authors of inspirational Christian fiction, Shelley Shepard Gray completes her acclaimed Families of Honor series with The Survivor—a poignant and beautiful story of love and faith in a small Amish community. Delving once more into the lives of these devout and fascinating folk, as she did in her popular Sisters of the Heart and Seasons of Sugarcreek novels, Gray tells the story of a young Amish woman who has survived the ravages of cancer, but now longs for the love of the one man who can heal her lonely heart. Like Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall, Shelley Shepard Gray introduces readers to characters they will never forget as she masterfully depicts a world of simple living, abiding faith, and honest emotions.

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

It's Monday What Are You Reading? August 29, 2011

2011-08-29T20:56:00.000-05:00

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

I can't believe August is almost over. I went on vacation last week and did not finish a single book. I don't know if I will ever be able to focus again. I am happy to finish a book a week right now. Audio books are helping but I really only listen to them in the car. My main focus has been getting in shape and staying there.

What I read last week:

- The Witness by Dee Henderson (on audio in the car)

What I am currently reading:

- The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown (on audio in the car)

- Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum

- Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

- My Dearest Friend by Hazel Statham

- The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen (on audio)

- To Be a Runner by Martin Dugard

- The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson

What I am reading next:

- Thunder in the Morning Calm by Don Brown

- The Survivor by Shelley Shepard Gray

Thunder in the Morning Calm by Don Brown

2011-08-29T20:45:00.000-05:00

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThunder in the Morning Calm Zondervan (August 2, 2011)byDon Brown

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DON BROWN, a former U.S. Navy JAG Officer, is the author of Zondervan’s riveting NAVY JUSTICE SERIES, a dynamic storyline chronicling the life and adventures of JAG officer ZACK BREWER. After TREASON, his first novel in the NAVY JUSTICE SERIES, was published to rave reviews in 2005, drawing comparisons to the writing style of John Grisham, Don Brown was named as co-chairman of national I LOVE TO WRITE DAY, an event recognized by the governors of nine states to promote writing throughout the nation, and especially among the nation’s schools.

Paying no homage to political correctness, Don's writing style is described as “gripping,” casting an entertaining and educational spin on a wide-range of current issues, from radical Islamic infiltration of the military, to the explosive issue of gays in the military, to the modern day issues of presidential politics in the early 21st Century.

Don graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1982, and after finishing law school, continued his post-graduate studies through the Naval War College, earning the Navy’s nonresident certificate in International Law.

During his five years on active duty in the Navy, Don served in the Pentagon, was published in the Naval Law Review, and was also a recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lieutenant Commander 'Gunner' McCormick is assigned as an intelligence officer to Carrier Strike Force 10, being deployed to the Yellow Sea at the invitation of South Korea for joint exercises with the US Navy. During his pre-deployment briefing, he discovers a TOP-SECRET MEMO revealing rumors that the North Koreans may still be holding a handful of elderly Americans from the Korean War in secret prison camps.

As it happens, Gunner's grandfather, who was a young marine officer in the Korean War, disappeared at Chosin Reservoir over 60 years ago and is still listed as MIA in North Korea. Sworn to silence about what he has read, the top-secret memo eats at him. Gunner decides to spend all his inheritance and break every military regulation in the book to finance his own three-man commando squad on a suicide mission north of the DMZ to search for clues about the fate of his grandfather.

Risking his career, his fortune, and his life, Gunner will get his answers, or he will die trying.

Don Brown is building a loyal fan base by writing what he knows best: thrillers with heart. A former Navy JAG officer and action officer in the Pentagon, Brown pens action-packed plots and finely-drawn characters that are credible and compelling. Thunder in the Morning Calm is a novel of bravery, duty, and family love that will keep readers of all ages reading straight through to the last page.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Thunder in the Morning Calm , go HERE

Its Monday What Are You Reading? August 22, 2011

2011-08-22T21:43:00.000-05:00

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:

- Fireman Dad by Betsy St. Amant

What I am currently reading:

- Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

- The Witness by Dee Henderson (on audio in the car)

- The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen (on audio)

- To Be a Runner by Martin Dugard

- The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson

What I am reading next:

- Thunder in the Morning Calm by Don Brown

- The Survivor by Shelley Shepard Gray

What I reviewed last week:
http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2011/08/consequence-by-hazel-statham-review.html

A Book Lover

Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen (Review)

Love Blooms In Winter by Lori Copeland

Firethorn by Ronie Kendig

At home and abroad,

Those who have gone before

and those serving today—

THANK YOU!

Because of you, we are FREE!

OTHER BOOKS BY RONIE KENDIG

Nightshade (Discarded Heroes #1)

Digitalis (Discarded Heroes #2)

Wolfsbane (Discarded Heroes #3)

© 2011 by Ronie Kendig

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.

For more information about Ronie Kendig, please access the author’s Web site at the following Internet address: www.roniekendig.com

Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683,

www.barbourbooks.com

Our mission is to publish and distribute inspirational products offering exceptional value and biblical encouragement to the masses.

Printed in the United States of America.

The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson by Don Reid

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

The Sunday Salon January 8, 2012

The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Review)

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

2011 Reading Wrap Up Post

Books Read 2011

The Sunday Salon Monday December 26, 2011

Lost Melody by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

The Sunday Salon November 27, 2011

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee

The Sunday Salon November 20, 2011

Christmas in Sugarcreek by Shelley Shepard Gray

40 Days to Better Living: Depression by Dr. Scott Morris and the Church Health Center

A Sound Among Trees by Susan Meissner

The Sunday Salon November 13, 2011

Eggplant Hole in the Head from The Food Lovers Make It Paleo Cookbook

The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills

It's Monday What Are You Reading? October 24, 2011

The Sunday Salon October 23, 2011

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes (Review)

10 Books I would like to reread

A Wedding Invitation by Alice Wisler

It's Monday What Are You Reading? October 10, 2011

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon (Review)

Paperback: 340 pages Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011) ISBN-13: 978-0800734572

From the Back Cover

I love Quotations

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis

Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge 2011

40 Days to Better Living: Hypertension by Dr. Scott Morris and the Church Health Center

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman (Review)

Paperback: 505 pages Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011) ISBN-13: 978-0800734169

From the Back Cover

Fall Into Reading 2011 My List

A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Review)

It's Monday What Are You Reading? September 19, 2011

I Pad Giveaway Details

The Kitchen Counter Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn (Review)

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin (Review)

Paperback: 427 pages Publisher: Revell; Original edition (August 1, 2011) ISBN-13: 978-0800734237

Pirate of my Heart by Jamie Carie

It's Monday What Are You Reading? September 5, 2011

September is Read Your Own Books Month

R.I.P. VI 2011 Reading Challenge

The Survivor by Shelley Shepard Gray

It's Monday What Are You Reading? August 29, 2011

Thunder in the Morning Calm by Don Brown

Its Monday What Are You Reading? August 22, 2011

Paperback: 340 pages

Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800734572

Paperback: 505 pages

Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800734169

Paperback: 427 pages

Publisher: Revell; Original edition (August 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0800734237