A Wild Good Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Wild Goose Chase Christmas Abingdon Press (November 2012) by Jennifer AlLee

A Word from Jennifer:

As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.

Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.

What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.

Heidi Says . . . I don’t know why, but I often don’t set my expectations very high when it comes to these “series” of books written by various authors.  However, this particular series, with the quilt patterns featured on the  covers, really appealed to me. 

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book.  The characters were all well-thought-out and believable.  I could definitely relate to some of the family “issues”.  Of course, I was cheering for a happy ending (aka love match). 

I won’t tell you what the outcome is.  It’s a Christmas story, after all, and this is the perfect time to add it to your book list! 

Badge of Honor by Susan Marlow

A quick search for “Susan Marlow” on my blog will yield you the links to many past posts, sharing my thoughts on her great fiction books for children.  My girls and I have much enjoyed reading about Andrea (Andi) Carter in the Circle C Adventure series.  Susan’s series for young readers, about a young Andi, were also very much enjoyed. 

Now, I’m pleased to announce that Susan has a brand new series out – this one a little more geared toward boys.  This new series is called Goldtown Adventures and the first book is AVAILABLE NOW! 

In Badge of Honor, twelve-year-old Jem Coulter knows that the gold rush is over since the last of it was panned. But when an old prospector named Strike finds flecks of gold in their claim on Cripple Creek, Jem hopes that maybe they can strike it rich.

When Jem's father accepts the job of sheriff for their lawless town, it's up to Jem to keep their broken-down ranch running. But Strike suddenly goes missing and the Creek mysteriously dries up, and Jem is determined to find out why. Will Jem be able to manage the responsibility of the ranch and discover the mystery of what is going on at the Creek?

The goal was to read this book aloud to Ian, but he was not paying any attention.  Truth be told, I’m kinda glad it worked out that way, because it allowed me the opportunity to curl up in bed with this book and finish it more quickly, on my own. 

And I confess – I don’t care if this book is geared toward 8-12 year olds.  I loved it!  It held my interest the entire time, and the plot twists had me guessing ‘til the end.

If you have a young boy (or girl - the main character in this series is a boy, but his younger sister has a recurring role and the story is definitely interesting enough for girls too), I’d highly recommend getting him started on this new series!

You can read some sample chapters here. If you decide to buy the book, you’ll also benefit from downloading the free study guide.

A Thousand Sleepless Nights by Michael King

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Thousand Sleepless Nights Realms (October 16, 2012) by Michael King

When Mike Dellosso won a one-year battle with colon cancer he set out to help readers of his books discover it before they had to go through what he experienced.

“I want others to avoid what I had to go through,” he says. “It was an experience that taught me a lot about myself, others, and God, but one I wouldn’t want to repeat. If I can help even one person battling this disease, it would have been worth it.”

Mike set about writing a novel quite different from what his fan base had come to expect from him. Not a thriller, but a character-driven novel, so he wrote it under a pen name, Michael King, and entitled it A Thousand Sleepless Nights. His publisher, Charisma Media, went for it and the first copies went on sale in October.

Mike’s next step was to determine whether a partnership between him, Charisma Media, and the Colon Cancer Alliance was possible. This month both announced their cooperative fundraising venture, with Charisma Media making a significant contribution to CCA and Mike committing a portion of the proceeds from the book through December to CCA.

Speaking about A Thousand Sleepless Nights Mike says, “I want people to see colon cancer (and all the other cancers) for the monster it is, but also to show it does not need to defeat us. There is hope, there is strength, and there is courage and love. And though cancer may rob us of our physical vitality, it has no power over our spirit.”

In the 1970s, escaping a home where he knew nothing but violence and hate, Jim Harding found work, and love, on the largest horse ranch in Virginia. The object of his affections, Nena St. Claire, is the daughter of the owner—a man who ruled his ranch with an iron fist and would do whatever it took to keep Nena and Jim apart.

Against the wishes of her family, Nena marries Jim, and after her father dies, she sacrifices everything—including her family—to keep the ranch alive. Now their three grown children have lives of their own and want nothing to do with Nena. She was never the mother they needed.

When cancer strikes and Nena is given a devastating diagnosis, can Jim reconcile the family before it is too late?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Thousand Sleepless Nights, go HERE.

Heidi Says . . . First of all, I somehow managed to read through this whole book and never once realized that Michael King, the author, was Mike Dellosso!  I had chatted with Mike in the past because we are both from PA and had some things in common – though his books probably weren’t one of them!

I loved A Thousand Sleepless Nights.  My best friend died from ovarian cancer – another cancer that, in my humble opinion, doesn’t get nearly enough attention.  I’m thrilled that this book was written and that cancer was portrayed for the very ugly monster that it is.  It isn’t pretty.  It isn’t predictable.  It chooses no favorites. 

The mix of past and present throughout the book was great.  While getting to know this family as they were today, we were also learning about their beginnings as a couple, etc.  I found that interesting, and something you often don’t get when reading a book. 

And Nena’s desire to make things right with her kids – also very believable.  When faced with death, we all have mistakes we look back on and wish we could change. 

Great job, Mike.  I’ll be anxiously awaiting his next novel!

From Screen to Theme by Brent Dodge

If you’ve been a reader of my blog for any length of time, you probably know that I’m a sucker for any kind of Disney book.  Recently, I discovered a Disney book that I hadn’t yet read – From Screen to Theme by Brent Dodge.  I contacted Brent, and he graciously sent me a copy so that I could read it an share about it here on my blog!  And I’m so glad he did!

From Screen to Theme: A Guide to Disney Animated Film References Found Throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort is your guide to finding references to some of your favorite Disney animated films. Also within the book, you will find recaps of some of your favorite Disney animated films, fun facts, and helpful hints on where you can meet some of your favorite Disney characters.

Brent Dodge has been a self proclaimed “Disney nerd” his entire life. He has been visiting Walt Disney World since he was one, and after spending more than 600 days in the parks and reading up on everything Disney, he has become known as a Disney “expert” by family and friends. He continues to visit the parks multiple times a year and currently resides in Delafield, Wisconsin.

I have to say that I am just loving this book!  I love the format that Brent has chosen. . .

• There is a separate section  for each animated movie.  So, for example, the first section is on “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”.
• The release date is listed.
• Then there is a 3-paragraph summary of the film.
• Following this basic information, the remainder of the section is divided up by parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), Downtown Disney, and Resorts. 
• There is a numbered list of everywhere within the Walt Disney World Resort that you see references to the movie. 
• Scattered throughout these lists are my absolute favorite part of the book, which is the Fun Facts. These are little trivia tidbits and are very interesting!

This particular book goes from Snow White (1937) to Wall-E (2008). 

How can this book best be utilized?  That depends! 

• You are more than welcome to read it through, from beginning to end!
• You can skip around, according to your favorite films.
• If you’re planning a trip, you may want to check out the specific characters from movies your kids are most into at the time and make a list of places you can find them in the parks.
• You can carry the book with you and do a scavenger hunt, of sorts, while you’re vacationing!

These are just a few ideas – but the possibilities are endless!

If you’d like to see a sample of the book, you can download a chapter here.

I know that Brent has plans to add further books to this series – specifically one on Live Action references in Walt Disney World, and a Disneyland Version also.  I, for one, will be anxiously awaiting adding them to my collection!

From Screen to Theme is also on Facebook.  Be sure to “like” the page for updates.

Beyond the Storm by Carolyn Zane

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Beyond the Storm Abingdon Press (October 2012) by Carolyn Zane

Author of 35 books, wife, mother and yes…hot (flasher) lives with her fabulous husband, Matt and their 5 children and 3 dogs in the scenic Willamette Valley in Oregon. When asked to describe her family, Carolyn likens her crowd to the Brangelia Bunch saying modestly, “Only we’re better looking.” Right now, Carolyn is back in the saddle with her new title: Beyond The Storm, coming out in October 2012! In the mean time, be sure to catch her on the critically acclaimed TOOHOTMAMAS Blog where Carolyn and Wendy tackle Marriage, motherhood and menopause: How to do all three and stay out of prison! They are hilarious! You'll wet yourself, guaranteed! Visit them at: www.toohotmamas.wordpress.com.

After a tornado rips through her town, store owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress among the devastation. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds – her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed – which she stashes in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?” 

As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness amidst the destruction, Abigail begins piecing together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in hopes it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart.  Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love?

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

Heidi Says . . . I haven’t had a chance to read this book yet, but it’s on my pile of must-reads.  I mean, look at that cover! And there’s a whole series of books with these lovely quilts on the cover.  I want to read them all because they look all warm and cozy and perfect for winter reading here in the northeast!

The Sparkle Box Review & Giveaway

For the past several years, I have really been convicted by how commercialized we have made Christmas.  It makes me sad to think of Jesus’s very humble beginnings – being born in a stable – and how we have turned that into a time when we shower our kids with gifts that they definitely don’t need.  I mean, where did the whole gift-giving aspect of Christmas come from anyway? I’ve tried to cut back on the amount of money that we spend; but then I still feel stupid for buying cheaper things that we don’t need – and likely didn’t even want – just for the sake of having wrapped gifts under the tree.

So, when the opportunity to review a book with a tagline that reads “a gift with the power to change Christmas” came my way, I jumped at the chance.  Because, quite frankly, I’m ready for a real change! And I was curious to see what such a book would suggest.

Here is a bit about the book from inside the book jacket:

Sam can’t wait for Christmas! He’s excited about the parties, the food, and, of course, the presents. One gift has him especially curious – a sparkling silver box on the mantel. Sam’s parents will only tell him that the Sparkle Box is a special gift they will open together, but that they need to fill it first. Meanwhile, as Sam and his family give to people in need throughout the season, he starts to see how fortunate he really is.  And on Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the mysterious Sparkle Box, what he finds inside sheds light on the true meaning of Christmas.

Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday.  The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace.  Jill hopes that The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life.  After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut. 

So, what did I think?  I loved it!  This book, with it’s simple story of a family doing random acts of kindness for those in need, filled me with ideas of what my family can do during the holiday season (and beyond).  Sam’s mom tells him that “the Sparkle Box is our gift to Jesus on Christmas Day, His birthday”.  Jesus should be the one receiving the gifts – not us – right? 

As I was reading the book to Ian, I was reminded of the words of Jesus, from Matthew 25:44-46:

⁴⁴ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ ⁴⁵ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (ESV)

Since the book came with an included Sparkle Box, my family is ready to get started filling ours with presents for Jesus!

THE SPARKLE BOX - Official Book Trailer from Ideals Books on Vimeo.

How about you?  Would you like to win a copy of The Sparkle Box?  I have one copy to give away to one of my readers.  If you’d like to win, please follow the Rafflecopter instructions below. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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

Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins

Every once in awhile, I find myself looking for a good suspense novel – but I don’t like them when they are scary or too far-fetched.  I’ve come to rely on the words of Brandilyn Collins!  Known for her “Seatbelt Suspense”, her books are suspenseful, yet realistic.  They keep me on the edge of my seat.  And, I can usually whip through one pretty quickly – simply because they are so hard to put down once started. 

When I heard that her latest novel – Double Blind – was out, I was excited to read it.  Here’s a bit about the book:

Desperate people make desperate choices.

Twenty-nine-year-old Lisa Newberry can barely make it through the day. Suddenly widowed and a survivor of a near-fatal attack, she is wracked with grief and despair. Then she hears of a medical trial for a tiny brain chip that emits electrical pulses to heal severe depression. At rope’s end, Lisa offers herself as a candidate.

When she receives her letter of acceptance for the trial, Lisa is at first hopeful. But—brain surgery. Can she really go through with that? What if she receives only the placebo?

What if something far worse goes wrong?

Written in the relentless style for which Brandilyn Collins is known, Double Blind is a psychological thriller with mind-bending twists. Lisa faces choices that drive her to the brink, and one wrong move could cost the lives of many.

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is a three-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner and has also won the Inspirational Readers’ Choice and Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice awards. Brandilyn and her family have homes in California and Idaho.

I really enjoyed this book.  In some ways, I could relate to Lisa and her desperate attempt to “fix” her depression problems.  I don’t want to share what actually happens to Lisa once she has the surgery, because that would give away the whole plot of the book.  You have to read it!

But, I do want to say that I really appreciated the underlying story here, which had to do with Lisa’s healing in many more ways than just her depression – mainly in her relationship with her mom. 

Brandilyn is definitely a talented author!  If you haven’t picked up any of her books yet, go do so now!  You won’t be disappointed. 

 

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from The DeMoss Group in exchange for my posting about it on my blog. I was not obligated to write a positive review and I only share things that I have personally used/read and enjoyed and feel would be a good fit for my readers.

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope by Kim Tews

Every once in awhile, a book comes along that changes your perspective on things.  That’s what Tears Water the Seeds of Hope did for me.  Much like the “reality check” trips to Vietnam to bring back our babies, this book made me really stop and think about what life is like for those living in third world countries.  And, taking it one step further, my thoughts went to what I might  be able to do, as an individual, to help. 

That’s what Kim Tews did.  She’s the author of Tears Water the Seeds of Hope.  This book is her story.  The tagline reads “A Journey Across Three Continents, from the American Dream to Fulfillment and Joy.”  I love that.  Because Kim was living the American dream – big house, nice cars, 2 great kids, and a high-paying job in real estate.  But, she discovered that it wasn’t enough.  In fact, it wasn’t even the important stuff. 

But, rather than sharing my thoughts on the book, I’m going to let Kim share from her own personal story . . .

The Outcome is Not the Measure of The Servant
By Kim Tews

In the fall of 2005 my husband, Randy, and I established a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, Outreach for World Hope (OWH) to save the lives of children found in end stage starvation in eastern Guatemala. My new book Tears Water the Seeds of Hope shares stories of hope, inspiration and even humor as the hard work of countless volunteers pays off through triumphant victories. The joy of changing the life of another for the better is a fuel that powers the tireless efforts of those working long and unpredictable hours in ministries of every kind. But we must not let the outcome of our efforts be the measure of our value as servants.

As OWH grew, several board members assumed roles as volunteers that would have cost the ministry thousands of dollars in terms of hired help. Our treasurer and the director of our child sponsorship program each worked full time without pay while retired.  My role was exciting as Randy and I traveled back and forth to Guatemala witnessing first-hand the difference that was being made. The ministry was my passion. Energy fueled by the success stories of children being rescued and rehabilitated often kept me working late at night and into the early morning hours. I was encouraged as I lived out the daily details of life-saving victories, but I feared that the others would soon become weary and burned out by the mundane administrative roles they filled. It occurred to me that God chooses His most selfless and faithful servants for roles that lack the limelight and excitement of tangible daily victories, but are equally necessary and integral to every success. The reward of the invisible volunteer is the knowledge that he or she has mattered by playing a crucial role seldom noticed by others, but dear to the heart of God.

I often imagine how tireless and steadfast we could be should we never face defeat. Unfortunately, not all stories have happy endings. Eventually we fell upon a season of repeated disappointments. We received news that a few of the families we had helped seemed to be back-sliding. Shortly thereafter it became necessary for our director in Guatemala to flee our  office in Jocotan as an American ministry was accused of harvesting children’s organs for sale within the United States. She eventually returned but several months later she would again flee the area in the midst of mass rioting over rumors of a local political issue that would never have affected ninety-nine percent of the perpetrators. The municipal building was burned to the ground and with it, a beautiful library that had just been inaugurated for the villagers’ use through the tireless efforts of Jana Allen, a young Peace Corps volunteer from the United States.

Jana was in despair as she learned that her year-long project had been reduced to ashes over the course of an hour. She left Guatemala, and although we had contributed to her library and considered her a friend, several attempts to reach her with words of encouragement were unsuccessful. It was as if she had disappeared, having lost the desire to advocate for the poor of Guatemala. She had become despondent, perhaps concluding that her hard work had been in vain, and a year of her life had been wasted because of the careless destruction brought about by the very people who would have benefitted from her efforts. Poverty breeds calamity that begins with ignorance and spawns a sense of hopelessness seemingly impossible to overcome.

I am often referred to as a “Pollyanna” because of my unwarranted optimism in the face of seemingly hopeless situations, but after several more setbacks within the same time frame, I was becoming discouraged. I bolstered my spirits envisioning thousands of children eating meals that they would not have had without our faithful sponsors. I thought of our medical teams and the countless lives saved through parasite treatment and the provision of other health care, the numbers of which we would never know. I thought of children at desks and computers where once there were none, and HIV patients still alive and healthy, thanks to the anti-retroviral treatments made possible by our supporters, and it occurred to me that God had never promised that this would be easy. He never promised easy victories or even lasting progress. Loving unconditionally requires a leap of faith with the knowledge that our efforts may never be rewarded by success, or even acknowledged with a simple thank you. We must choose to serve based on a higher reward—the knowledge that regardless of the outcome, we have offered our gifts of love and compassion to God and our fellow human beings expecting nothing in return. We must acknowledge that we are not in control and that our responsibility is only to make the effort, sometimes in vain, or possibly having planted seeds that will take root long after we leave this world. The rest is always up to God.

While reading the book, I marked the page with the above quote.  I had no idea, at the time, that Kim would highlight it in her guest post on my blog.  God was working!

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  You can learn more about Outreach for World Hope at their website or Facebook page. You can also follow more from this book tour at Great Escapes.

All Things New by Lynn Austin

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing All Things New Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012) by Lynn Austin

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.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places 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.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.

Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her.

With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.

If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.

Heidi Says . . . I’ve read a lot of books set in the time of the Civil War.  I’ve always been intrigued with that time period of history.  However, I think All Things New is the first book that I’ve ever read that is set in the AFTERMATH of the war and really, truly depicts what it must have been like for the south to rebuild and regroup. 

Seeing that time period from the eyes of Josephine, a young lady who grew up knowing nothing more than sitting around being tended to by slaves before the war, was a real a eye-opener for me.  Josephine was quick to adapt – to consider the slaves as real people, and to realize that she and her family would have to step up to the plate and learn to care for themselves.  She struggles with her relationship with God, and understanding how He could let all of this happen when she was praying that the South would win the war.

Her mother, Eugenia, on the other hand, had a much harder time adjusting to the changes.  It really made me realize how very pampered the Southern plantation owners were – I can’t imagine living a life were I had to do nothing for myself.  She thought she could come back to the plantation after the war and nothing would change.  In the end, she finally “got it”.

Lizzie, a former slave, has such mixed emotions.  How can they truly be free?  She and her husband Otis decide to stay on the plantation with their young children, but she struggles with fear and anger and a lot of different emotions which were just heartbreaking for me to read. 

The underlying cast of characters were strong and well-depicted as well.  People like the Blakes from a neighboring plantation, the “Yankee” man from the Freedman’s Bureau, Josephine’s brother Daniel, and the various former-slaves all play an important role in telling the true story of the aftermath of the war. 

I really, really loved this book and, while I hated to be done with it, I was happy with the ending.  Ms. Austin, as usual, has done an incredible job of allowing us into the hearts and heads of her characters and not being afraid to tell the not-so-pleasant details of the way things really were.  Some of it, I’ll admit, wasn’t fun to read – but it gave me a whole new understanding.  And, for that, I’m appreciative!

This book is definitely worth sharing – so I’ll be passing my copy along to my mom!

The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Bridesmaid Bethany House Publishers (September 11, 2012) by Beverly Lewis

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."

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

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

Heidi Says . . . I really enjoyed the first book in this series – it was classic Beverly Lewis Amish fiction, with a bit of a new twist.  I’m sure this second book will be equally wonderful,  though I haven’t had the time to read it yet (due to a recent vacation).  I’ll come back later with my full thoughts on it.

Magical Mouse Schoolhouse by Jodi Whisenhunt

If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, then surely you’ve picked up on some of the things that I’m passionate about:

1. Disney!  I love Disney.  I’d live at Walt Disney World if it were an option (and I pray that someday it will be!)

2. Homeschooling.  We’ve been homeschooling since my oldest was in Kindergarten and there’s no end in sight – since Ian’s only in first grade this year.  I know the time will pass much too quickly though.  I love the extra time it allows for me to spend with my kids – and that I can learn right along with them!

3. Reading.  I’ve been an avid reader since I was very young.  Anytime I can lose myself in a good book, I’m there!

Now, what do you get when you take these three things, put them in a jar with a lid, and shake them up?  Well, let me tell you . . .

You get a book called MAGICAL MOUSE SCHOOLHOUSE: Learn While You Play at Walt Disney World Resort. This book was written by my blogging friend – fellow Disney-lover and homeschooling mom – Jodi Whisenhunt. 

For the past several years, Jodi has been writing a blog by the same name – Magical Mouse Schoolhouse. After the prodding of friends to “write a book  based on the blog”, Jodi has done just that.  And the results are awesome!

So, what can you expect to find in Magical Mouse Schoolhouse?

The book is divided into 7 sections – one for each of the 4 parks at Walt Disney World resort, one for each of the 2 water parks, and one for “extras”.

Each park section is divided into 15 chapters.  Each chapter is devoted to a specific thing about that park – such as a certain attraction or a bit of information.  The water park sections each contain 5 chapters of similar content, while the last section contains 10 chapters of additional information that doesn’t pertain to a specific park. 

Each chapter starts with the information section.  I love these because Jodi writes in a personal style, so some of the chapters share her family’s personal experience with a certain attraction or topic.  In any case, they are always thorough and informational.  Then, the second section of each chapter is what Jodi calls “Today’s Takeaway”.  There is where the “homeschooling” comes into play in the book.  These takeaways are extensions of the topics – they cover areas such as science (biology, zoology, physics, etc.), home economics, the arts (drama, photography, etc.), physical education, social studies, family fun, and much more!

There are activity ideas for preschoolers, right on up through high school level.  While Magical Mouse Schoolhouse doesn’t claim to be a full curriculum, it is filled with TONS of supplemental learning ideas – enough to expand your homeschool classroom for a long, long time! 

I’m one who likes to bring Disney home with me after our vacations – and we spend a long, long time planning our trips too.  That way, we always seem to have Disney with us, even when we aren’t actually there.  Using the ideas in this book will be one more way to have a touch of Disney in our lives when we are feeling separated from the parks. 

Even if you’re not a homeschooling family, you can certainly benefit from this book.  Taking the kids out of school for a Disney trip often means you need to show some learning was taking place on your trip --- use some of the ideas in this book to present to your child’s teacher, then follow up by showing proof of the learning!  And, if you’re a classroom teacher, you can also utilize these ideas with the students in your classroom – because we all know that sometimes both you and the kids could use a break from the traditional textbooks! 

Reading, Homeschooling, and Disney all rolled into one resource!  You might guess I’m pretty excited about it!

You can purchase your own copy of Magical Mouse Schoolhouse at Amazon.com.  It’s available in both paperpack and Kindle editions. 

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book with the intent that I would read it and share about it on my blog.  I only share honest reviews. This post contains affiliate links.

Over the Edge by Mary Connealy

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Over The Edge Bethany House (August 1, 2012) by

Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.

After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.

Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.

Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.

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

Ashley’s Thoughts . . . Okay, so I’m a sucker for a good Christian romance. I’d say it’s probably because I’m a romantic at heart and can’t wait until I fall in love someday. But until that day comes, I read Christian romance, as well as write my own stories that have maybe just a tinge of romance in them themselves.

Boy, does Mary Connealy know how to write a good Christian romance, though. And not only is it a romance book – but it’s also about cowboys. Which makes the stories fun and easy to read.
She always knows how to bring the reader in from the first page, and keep them reading to the last page! I don’t know how she does it, but I can only hope that someday I can write half as well as she does!

This is the third book in The Kincaid Brides series, and I’ve loved EVERY one of these books. Truthfully, when I got my first Mary Connealy book about 2 years ago, after reading it, I bought all of her books!

If you’re in the mood for a good romance, a good story and a book about Cowboys, I’d say look no further than Mary Connealy. I don’t think that she can disappoint!

Bindi Wildlife Adventures Giveaway!

Recently, I had opportunity to review a book called Bindi Wildlife Adventures – Croc Capers.  This book is the 7th in a series of Juvenile Fiction books (recommended for ages 7 & up).  This series of books was inspired and co-created by Bindi Irwin, daughter of the iconic wildlife expert, Steve Irwin. Publishers Weekly applauds the series,  “young wildlife conservationist and media darling Bindi Irwin…is as exuberant on the pages of this peppy early reader as she is on-screen… briskly paced and delivers its message with Bindi-worthy verve.”

I started reading the book to Ian, but he seemed to lose interest pretty quickly.  He’s only 6, and some of the talk seemed a bit beyond him.  The books are definitely written from the perspective of a young person; which I think would be very appealing to kids in the 8-10 year old range.  The covers are bright and colorful and each one features a picture of Bindi (who is just too cute!) with an animal.  In addition the the actual story, there are several pages of “Animal Fact Files” in the back.  The book I read contained information about Crocodiles (obviously), the Palm Cockatoo, and the Goanna. 

The story I read was focused on Bindi and her brother Robert.  While preparing to help a team of researchers hunt down some crocs for tagging, they encounter a father and daughter who are camping in the area.  The father – Doug – is there to do some research into the possibility of mining in the area.  Bindi and her brother – and Doug’s daughter, Alice – are all opposed to this.  When one of the researchers gets hurt and can’t help with the mission, Doug is called in to help and soon discovers the real value of the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.  Everyone is relieved when he announces that there will be no mining taking place there! 

Here’s a bit more about Bindi and the books:

About the Author:
Bindi Sue Irwin is only 14 years old and is already an international award-winning celebrity. Born to wildlife conservationists Steve and Terri Irwin, Bindi was just 3 years old when she made her television debut on The Crocodile Hunter. She and her brother Robert continue their dad's legacy at Australia Zoo in Queensland.
About the Series:
A unique blend of action, travel, and global conservation, the Bindi Wildlife Adventures series will charm and engage new readers as well as encourage budding young naturalists. Each book is a new adventure for Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin and a chance for children to experience new places and new ideas and to learn more about how to help animals all over the world.

Teachers and homeschool parents will be especially excited by the accompanying study guide that goes along with these books. 

Now is your chance to win this entire series!
(7 books total)

		Bindi Wildlife Adventures VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

If you would like to win, simply follow the directions on the Rafflecopter widget below.  Entry is simple!  (Sorry, this giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

NOTE: I received the book mentioned above for free in exchange for my posting about it on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review.  I only share items that I think will be of interest and benefit to my readers.

The Deposit Slip by Todd M. Johnson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Deposit Slip Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012)
by Todd M. Johnson

$10,000,000 Is Missing.

Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father's death, she found a slim piece of paper--a deposit slip--with an unbelievable amount on it. Only the bank claims they have no record of the money, and trying to hire a lawyer has brought only intimidation and threats. Erin's last chance is Jared Neaton.

How Far Will One Lawyer Go to Find the Money?

When Jared wearied of the shady ethics of his big law firm and started his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big loss has pushed him to the brink, and it's all he can do to scrape by.

And How Far Will Someone Go to Stop Him?

He's not sure if Erin's case is worth the risk, but if the money is real, all his problems could vanish. When digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats, both Jared and Erin must decide the cost they're willing to pay to discover the truth.

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

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer.

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of
International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.

The Deposit Slip is his debut novel. He lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy, and children Ian and Libby.

Heidi Says . . . I’m not sure what initially led me to choose this book, as the description doesn’t sound like something I’d select.  However, when it came, I was immediately drawn to it and became very engrossed in it. 

While I’m not really “up” on all things legal, the underlying storylines in this book were really interesting and heartwarming.  Cheering for Jared to try to make things right with his father, and for Erin to discover the mystery behind her father’s deposit slip were in the forefront of my mind. 

I really enjoyed this book and would read more books by this author.  I wasn’t 100% thrilled with the ending.  But, isn’t that part of what makes reading books so fun?

Finding Joy in Depression by Amanda Pelser

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend the 2:1 Conference.  That weekend was a great time of rest, reflection, healing, and rubbing elbows with some old and new blogging friends.  Amanda Pelser from ThePelsers.com was in attendance as well.  Little did I know, at that time, that God was going to bring Amanda into my life in amazing ways this year! 

With the growth of Homeschool Mosaics, we felt that it was time to search out some new contributing writers. I got an e-mail from Amanda, expressing interest in one of the spots.  Amanda offered to write a column on sharing the Bible with your children (“Walking in the Way”).  Great fit!  So, watch for that column to debut in July! 

As Amanda and I were e-mailing back and forth, ironing out the details, I kept seeing little things about her book – Finding Joy in Depression.  Finally, I decided to check it out . . .

Finding Joy in Depression is a story. It’s a story of facing depression and learning to manage it day by day.

Hiding from your depression? Finding Joy in Depression will encourage you to face depression and take your first step towards finding joy.

Learning to manage your depression? Finding Joy in Depression will give you tips for managing your depression and encourage you to share your story with others.

Don’t deal with depression? It’s likely that someone close to you is battling depression and needs your support. Finding Joy in Depression will give you a glimpse into the life of someone with depression so you can support a loved one and create environments where it’s ok to talk about depression.

Amanda Pelser has been married to her high school sweetheart, Josh, for over eight years. They have two young boys, Jonathan and Jacob. She has a BA in Bible from Anderson University and a MA in Old Testament Studies from Talbot School of Theology. She is a former church communications director turned stay-at-home-mom. She spends her days running after and homeschooling her boys. She opens her home as an inspiring and encouraging shelter for the heart of women through her writings of faith, motherhood, and homeschooling at ThePelsers.com. She loves to read, so any time she can, she hides away with a book, her fuzzy blanket, and a homemade chai or vanilla latte in her favorite mug.

I e-mailed Amanda and said “I should probably read your book.”  To which she replied, “Do you deal with depression?”  I wrote back, starting with, “Well, I’d like to say ‘no’, but . . . “

The truth of the matter is that I’ve never been diagnosed with depressions issues, but I think that we all deal with various levels of depression at certain times in our lives.  Hormones, of course, play a role; but so do the things that are going on in our lives each day. 

On Sunday, in a review of a music cd, I shared a bit about some of the things that have been going on in my life over the past several years.  To expand on that a little bit --- in the fall of 2009, I was sure I was experiencing thyroid issues.  I had shared my symptoms with friends and many of them said “thyroid”.  I went to the doctor, had various blood tests done, and everything came back normal.  I went on my way thinking that the problems were “all in my head” and I needed to put on my big girl panties and get over it. 

Then, the following spring, my best friend passed away and I started to cry.  And cry.  And cry some more.  (To this day, just typing it has me crying!)  By summer, I was still crying.  I took Gracie to the doctor for something and when she was leaving the room, she bent down and asked me how I was doing (she had been Sue’s doctor also).  I lost it.  She said “wait here – I want to write you a prescription for something”.  I took that prescription with me; but I never filled it.  Why?  Because I’m one of those in denial, “I”m fine”, “I can handle it on my own” type people.  From someone who has “been there, done that”, let me tell you that if you find yourself in the place that I was in, do NOT think you can just handle it on your own.  You can’t!  And it’s ok to need help sometimes – even in the form of a pill. 

This past January, as a result of my amnesia episode, I was given a low dose of Ativan.  When you have a health scare like that, you do what the doctor tells you! Besides, at that point, I was in no condition to “handle it on my own”. At that point, I could care less what anyone thought of me.  I just knew that I needed to get better. 

I’m not saying that my amnesia was depression-induced.  I know that it was stress-induced.  But, looking back at the circumstances surrounding that time in my life, I know that depression was there as well.  I’m not a person who likes major change – and I was experiencing a lot of changes at that point. 

Anyway, I share all of that to get to this . . . Depression isn’t something to take lightly, it’s not something that you can handle on your own, and it’s ok to need help!  Amanda talks about all of this – and so much more – in this little book called Finding Joy in Depression.

When I told her that I’d read and review it, I warned her that I’m a little slow with non-fiction.  Then, I sat down with my Kindle and read the book in a few hours time.  I pretty much devoured it.  I could see myself – and my situation – reflected in the pages.  Nobody wants to admit to being depressed, but why?  If we all choose to hide away and not share our stories, then we are missing out on an opportunity to help and minister to others.

Amanda has chosen to step out and shout her story from the mountaintops (or, at least, from the pages of this book); and, in so doing, she is ministering to every person who picks up this book.  To me.  To you.  To anyone who is willing to read it.  Because maybe you don’t personally deal with depression – but surely you know someone who does – or maybe you will someday. 

This book is divided into two parts.  The first part is Exposing Depression.  In this section, Amanda shares what depression is, the various stages of admitting that you are experiencing depression, and ways to deal with it.  She shares her personal story, causes and symptoms, and factors that may play into depression.  The second part is Taking Care of You.  As the section title suggests, Amanda shares ideas on the best ways to take care of yourself – diet, exercise, Bible reading, rest, etc.

The chapters are short and easy to read. At the end of each one, Amanda has added a “Finding Joy . . . “ section that includes a few questions for you to ask yourself. 

By the end of the book, you’ll likely feel differently about depression.  You might even realize that you’ve been dealing with depression, but didn’t know what it was. If nothing else, you should realize that depression isn’t something to be hidden – it’s ok to talk about it, and it’s ok to experience it.

I am really proud of Amanda for sharing her story on the pages of this book and on her blog! 

GIVEAWAY!  Amanda has offered to give one of my readers a .pdf copy of her book.  If Finding Joy in Depression sounds interesting to you, please leave me a comment telling me why.  Have you experienced depression?  Are you dealing with depression now?  Do you have a loved on who struggles with depression.  Open up and share! 

I will select a random winner next Friday, June 29th, at noon (est).  Good luck! 

Swipe by Evan Angler

Last week, I shared a review on a Juvenile Fiction book published by Thomas Nelson.  I received two books from them for review; so after Gracie and I finished the first one, we started in one the second.  The goal was to finish it before our vacation so that I could get the review posted on my blog.  So, here goes . . .

“Apocalyptic dystopian fiction at its best. Angler’s sharp wit and dexterity with political themes are matched only by the thrilling suspense on every page.” —Lis Wiehl, New York Times bestselling author and FOX News correspondent

Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?

Set in a future North America that is struggling to recover after famine and global war, Swipe follows the lives of three kids caught in the middle of a conflict they didn’t even know existed. United under a charismatic leader, every citizen of the American Union is required to get the Mark on their 13th birthday in order to gain the benefits of citizenship. 

The Mark is a tattoo that must be swiped by special scanners for everything from employment to transportation to shopping. It’s almost Logan Langly’s 13th birthday and he knows he should be excited about getting the Mark, but he hasn’t been able to shake the feeling he’s being watched. Not since his sister went to get her Mark five years ago . . . and never came back.

When Logan and his friends discover the truth behind the Mark, will they ever be able to go back to being normal teenagers? Find out in the first book of this exciting series that is Left Behind meets Matched for middle-grade readers.

Heidi Says . . . To me, the best thing about this book was the quality time that if afforded with my daughter. 

That being said, I really have to say that I was not the least bit impressed with this book.  The characters didn’t seem to be very deep.  Of the  two main characters – Logan and Erin – the female character took the lead role in the relationship and treated Logan in a condescending and often downright rude manner.  (Quite frankly, I’ve been seeing this same type of situation portrayed in so many children’s books these days and it’s getting old.)

The book held my interest simply because I kept hoping that eventually we would “get to the point” or I’d find some imagery used that I hadn’t been able to pick up on throughout the story.  We never got there. 

The back of the book lists the book at Juvenile Fiction, with the subheadings of Religious, Christian, and Action & Adventure.  While Swipe contained a good bit of action and adventure, quite frankly I saw nothing in it that was the least bit Christian or Religious in nature (with the exception of God’s name being used 7 pages from the end, and not necessarily even in a reverent manner.

I’m glad that I read through this book with Gracie before just handing it over to her.  Not only was I not thrilled with the attitude of the lead female character, but the use of the word “suck” (and it’s variations) was used several times throughout the book as well. 

Overall, I just did not feel that there was anything positive or uplifting in this book.

While Gracie liked it enough to want to keep reading through it with me, she was surprised near the end when I said it was a “Christian book”.  She said she hadn’t been looking for the imagery throughout because it just didn’t “sound” like the author was a Christian to her.  (These are the words of my 11 year old, not mine.) 

The second book in this series – Sneak – is set to release later this fall.  I wonder if it might be better than the first.