World Watch List | Brunei

[ World Watch List Challenge • #24 Brunei ]

Quick Facts on Brunei Rank: 24 Previous Rank: 27 Leader: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Government: Constitutional Sultanate Religion: Islam Population: 427,000 (41,300 Christians) Source of persecution: Islamic extremism   Brunei In recent years, the position of Christians in Brunei has slightly but steadily deteriorated as the country Islamizes more and more. Brunei has been present in the World Watch List for seven years, fluctuating between ranks of 20 and 30. Brunei is an Islamic nation, based on an ideology called ‘Malay Islamic Monarchy’. By decree, contact with Christians in other countries, the import of Bibles and the public celebration of Christmas are banned. In 1991, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah introduced this conservative ideology to Brunei, which presents the monarchy as the defender of the faith. Having this mindset, the Sultan has recently favored Brunei government democratization, and declared himself Prime Minister and President. In 2004, the Legislative Council, which had been dissolved since 1962, was reopened. Sharia law has been fully implemented since 2011 for all Muslims in the country. Islam governs all spheres of life in Brunei. The government follows a plan of Islamization among the tribal people in supporting the so-called ‘Dahkwa’ movement (Islamic evangelism). As one may assume, Christian pastors and workers are considered ‘enemies’. Entering a tribal village will be monitored by government spies and police. In Brunei, there is a community of expatriate Christians, as well as a community of converts who have to remain largely in hiding. Anglican and Catholic churches are the only recognized Christian communities in the country, but even they have to be very careful. They are able to celebrate services, but apart from that, they are restricted. *Names, photographs and other information have been changed for security purposes   Share This Story Pray Christians in Brunei need your prayers. Post a prayer or word of encouragement. Share Be a voice for persecuted Christians in Brunei. Share their stories and make others aware of their plight Give Help us in assisting Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Donate to help the persecuted church Your gift goes to Bible and gospel development, women and children advancement, and Christian community restoration.

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren (Review)

When I Fall in Love
by Susan May Warren
Christiansen Family series, Book 3
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available July 2014
Tyndale House
400 pages

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About the Book

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

Ahhhh! I love this series so much! I'm a huge fan of family series, and Warren is sucking me right in so that I feel like I'm a part of the Christiansen family ... or at least a close family friend. :)

Grace and Max's adventures in Hawaii had me itching to hop on the next plane to the islands! Since that wasn't quite possible, though, I did make a wish list of things to do based on this book when I finally get there. Warren really made the setting an integral part of the story, which was a lot of fun.

Grace and Max were so much fun to get to know! Their story was so moving. At times I wanted to shake them for pushing each other away, despite the reasons. But they had this great friendship with chemistry just bubbling under the surface, so I couldn't stay mad at them for too long. 

The situation with Max's family's illness was so sad. I wasn't sure how it would be handled throughout the book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how Warren treated such a tough subject. It was sad, but it worked in this story.

When I Fall in Love is one of those books that is so good yet sort of sad but totally hopeful and amazing in the end. This book will likely make my "Top 10" list for the year. It really was that good! Read. It. Now! [5 stars]

About the Author

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com

Susan May Warren Online

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Life Support by Candace Calvert (Review)

Life Support
by Candace Calvert
Grace Medical series, Book 3
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available March 2014
Publisher
400 pages

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About the Book

Nurse Lauren Barclay put her life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It’s why she’s back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding physician assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family—and left Lauren with memories her heart can’t forget.

PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including one with his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won’t stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother—or from making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.

But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?

Buy a copy  |  Read an excerpt  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

As I’ve come to expect, Candace Calvert has brought readers another wonderful novel. Life Support is a perfect blend of romance, medicine, family drama, and natural disaster! I felt like there was something new coming at me constantly, and while some readers may have been overwhelmed by so much going on, I really enjoyed it.

To me, the family aspects were the strongest part of this story. Lauren and her relationship with her sister and Elijah and his relationship with his brother were prominent throughout. It was nice to see this as a focus rather than a side story. Lauren and Elijah were both in very difficult situations and it was interesting to see how they both coped.

Fans of medical dramas, romance, and family stories will enjoy Life Support. Be sure to check it out! [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House through NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse who believes love, laughter and faith are the best medicines. Her Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine—along with a soul-soothing prescription for hope. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, she makes her home in northern California.

Candace Calvert Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Blogside Chat w/ Rachel Heffington (Blog Tour + Giveaway)

I'm back today with another stop on the blog tour celebrating the release of Five Glass Slippers, a collection of five Cinderella-themed stories! Today, I'm hosting Rachel Heffington, author of "The Windy Side of Care", for a quick one-question interview. Be sure to stop by the other stops on the tour to get to know Rachel even better! (And don't forget to enter the awesome tour-wide giveaway. Details are below!)

i blog 4 books: Welcome to i blog 4 books, Rachel! If you could invite any five celebrities to attend a party you were hosting, who would you invite and why?

Rachel Heffington: You guys have really conspired to reveal my love for Tom Hiddleston, haven't you? Golly Moses. Right. I'd invite Tom Hiddleston because ... Tom. I would invite Lupita Nyongo because she seems like such a dear, brave woman. I'd invite Liam Nisson because I want to feel his voice vibrate, and I'd invite Matt Bomer because golly, every party needs a sharp-dresser with a killer smile. Then I'd bring in Julie Andrews because no matter how old she gets, she'll always be my favorite ever in my whole life. <3

ib4b: This guest list would definitely make for an interesting party! And Julie Andrews would be the icing on the cake for any get together!

About the Story

Alisandra is determined to have her rights. She knows that she is the king’s secretly dispossessed daughter, the true heir to the throne. Prince Auguste is an imposter, and if she plays her cards right, Alis will prove it to the world! That is, if charming Auguste doesn’t succeed in winning her heart before she gets her chance ...

About the Author

Rachel Heffington is a Christian, a novelist, and a people-lover. Outside of the realm of words, Rachel enjoys the Arts, traveling, mucking about in the kitchen, listening for accents, and making people laugh. She dwells in rural Virginia with her boisterous family and her black cat, Cricket.

In February 2014, Rachel released her debut novel, Fly Away Home, and is excited to collaborate on Five Glass Slippers with her fellow authoresses. She hopes to release her second full-length novel and first mystery (Anon, Sir, Anon) in autumn 2014. For more on Rachel, her current projects, and writing in general, visit her on her blog: www.inkpenauthoress.blogspot.com.

About the Collection

ONE BELOVED STORY, FIVE EXCITING WRITERS. A COLLECTION TO CHERISH.

What happens when Cinderella is so painfully shy that she cannot bear the idea of attending the royal ball? Or when the slipper fits ... but on the wrong girl? What happens when Cinderella is determined to oust an imposter prince from her rightful throne? Or when she is a cendrillon miner working from a space station orbiting a cthonian planet? What happens when Cinderella, a humble housemaid, is sent with a message for a prisoner trapped in a frightening fairy circus?

Here is Cinderella as you have never met her before, wearing glass slippers and off on unforgettable adventures!

The Five Glass Slippers collection will be on sale for only $.99 in Kindle format for the duration of the blog tour (June 23-28)!

Giveaway

Here’s your chance to be Cinderella of the ball! One lucky winner will receive a paperback copy of Five Glass Slippers, several Cinderella-themed items (including a bookmark crafted by Belle on a Budget, a journal, and a DVD copy of the Disney movie), as well as special gifts handpicked by a few of the collection’s authors (a glass slipper cookie cutter with recipe, freeze-dried astronaut ice cream, and an Apple Tree Inn cup and saucer). This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday | When I Fall in Love

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is ...

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

Tyndale House | July 1, 2014

About the Book

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

Why I Can't Wait to Read It

This series is absolutely amazing! I'd read pretty much any story from Susan May Warren, but I've been looking forward to Grace's. Throw in Hawaii, and I'm there!

Blogside Chat w/ Elisabeth Brown (Blog Tour + Giveaway!)

I'm excited to be participating in a fun blog tour this week to celebrate the release of Five Glass Slippers, a collection of five Cinderella-themed stories! Today, I'm hosting Elisabeth Brown, author of "What Eyes Can See", for a quick one-question interview. Be sure to stop by the other stops on the tour to get to know her even better! (And don't forget to enter the awesome tour-wide giveaway. Details are below!)

i blog 4 books: Hi, Elisabeth! Welcome to i blog 4 books! Imagine that you are celebrating something huge, monumental and it's time to throw the party of all parties ... something to rival Cinderella's ball, if you will. Tell me a little about the party you would plan.

Elisabeth Brown: Hello, Brooke! My party to end all parties would look something like this… First, we would have a chocolate milk punch bowl. Actually, we’d probably need several. Second, Ramin Karimloo and Josh Groban would be there to sing. Third, it would be decorated mainly in shades of purple, with glitter a-plenty. Fourth, there would be cats. I’m not exactly sure what function they serve yet, but they’ll be there. (There will be a cat-free zone for the allergic and the haters, which latter group includes my own sister.) Fifth, my mom will help me with the menu because she makes the best food ever. Sixth, we’ll play a bunch of games, and no one will be left out, and everyone will have fun.

About the Story

Painfully shy Arella begs her stepmother to let her stay home from the prince’s ball. But kindly Duchess Germaine is determined that her beautiful stepdaughter should be presented at court along with her own two daughters. So, dressed in a gorgeous gown and a pair of heirloom slippers, Arella catches the eye of the crown prince . . . and finds her life suddenly far more complicated than she ever desired.

About the Author

Elisabeth Brown has always loved words. The third of seven children, she enjoyed being homeschooled through her senior year of high school, and is now studying piano performance at Appalachian Bible College. When she’s ignoring the fact that she should probably be practicing more or doing Greek homework, you’ll find her sewing, baking, reading, singing along to basically any musical ever created, hiking through the woods, or laughing at incredibly silly puns.

"What Eyes Can See" is her first published story, but she also rambles at www.metaphoricalcello.wordpress.com.

About the Collection

ONE BELOVED STORY, FIVE EXCITING WRITERS. A COLLECTION TO CHERISH.

What happens when Cinderella is so painfully shy that she cannot bear the idea of attending the royal ball? Or when the slipper fits ... but on the wrong girl? What happens when Cinderella is determined to oust an imposter prince from her rightful throne? Or when she is a cendrillon miner working from a space station orbiting a cthonian planet? What happens when Cinderella, a humble housemaid, is sent with a message for a prisoner trapped in a frightening fairy circus?

Here is Cinderella as you have never met her before, wearing glass slippers and off on unforgettable adventures!

The Five Glass Slippers collection will be on sale for only $.99 in Kindle format for the duration of the blog tour (June 23-28)!

Giveaway

Here’s your chance to be Cinderella of the ball! One lucky winner will receive a paperback copy of Five Glass Slippers, several Cinderella-themed items (including a bookmark crafted by Belle on a Budget, a journal, and a DVD copy of the Disney movie), as well as special gifts handpicked by a few of the collection’s authors (a glass slipper cookie cutter with recipe, freeze-dried astronaut ice cream, and an Apple Tree Inn cup and saucer). This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

World Watch List | Myanmar

[ World Watch List Challenge • #22 Myanmar (Burma) ]

Quick Facts on Myanmar (Burma) Rank: 22 Previous Rank: 32 Leader: President Thein Sein Government: Unitary constitutional republic Religion: Buddhism Population: 49.5 million (4.6 million Christians) Source of persecution: Religious militancy   Myanmar (Burma) Twenty-three-year-old Cho* was the only Christian in her household. She surrendered her life to Christ when Nu*, an attendee of Open Doors’ Standing Strong Through the Storm training, shared the gospel with her family. “When I was 12, Teacher Nu, who came from the Chin state, went to our house, and told my family who Jesus was and what He did. After that, I attended the Sunday school in her house church every week. Year after year, I grew to know Jesus more. Teacher Nu taught me about Jesus and the Bible.” “In my early Christian life, I was not accepted, and was not treated as a daughter,” Cho recalled. Though the gospel was shared with her parents, they remained Buddhists. “I wasn’t treated as a normal person, and I was disappointed.” Aside from her hardships at home, Cho also faces persecution in school. “My classmates didn’t accept me as a Christian at first. They didn’t want to be friends with me. I used to run to Teacher Nu’s home to ask her for prayers. As some of them have gotten to know me, they have harassed me less.” “Even though I have difficulties concerning my family and education, I praise God, and I listen to His Words, along with my teacher, who is always there to inspire and encourage me.” *Names, photographs and other information have been changed for security purposes   Share This Story Pray Christians in Myanmar (Burma) need your prayers. Post a prayer or word of encouragement. Share Be a voice for persecuted Christians in Myanmar (Burma). Share their stories and make others aware of their plight Give Help us in assisting Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Donate to help the persecuted church Your gift goes to Bible and gospel development, women and children advancement, and Christian community restoration.

Yankee in Atlanta by Jocelyn Green (Blog Tour)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Yankee in Atlanta
by
Jocelyn Green
Available June 2014 from River North
Christian Fiction / Historical   416 pages
About the Book

When soldier Caitlin McKae woke up in Atlanta after being wounded in battle, the Georgian doctor who treated her believed Caitlin's only secret was that she had been fighting for the Confederacy disguised as a man. In order to avoid arrest or worse, Caitlin hides her true identity and makes a new life for herself in Atlanta. Trained as a teacher, she accepts a job as a governess to the daughter of Noah Becker, a German immigrant lawyer, who is about to enlist with the Rebel army. Then in the spring of 1864, Sherman's troops edge closer to Atlanta. Caitlin tries to escape north with the girl, but is arrested on charges of being a spy. Will honor dictate that Caitlin follow the rules, or love demand that she break them?

Buy a copy  |  Read an excerpt  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts
Unfortunately, I haven't finished this book yet, but I'll be sure to share my thoughts as soon as I do!

About the Author

Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed...Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.

Waiting on Wednesday | Firewall

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is ...

Firewall by DiAnn Mills

Tyndale House | July 1, 2014

About the Book

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company?

With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.

Why I Can't Wait to Read It

I love romantic suspense, and DiAnn Mills is one of the best! I'm looking forward to a new FBI series from her!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?!

"It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Journey where we share what we're reading and our goals for the week.

What I Read Last Week ...

What I'm Reading Now ...

Audio

What I Hope to Read This Week ...

That's what I'm hoping to read this week. What are you reading?

World Watch List | Egypt

[ World Watch List Challenge • #22 Egypt ]

Egypt Twelve-year-old Yusuf looked around helplessly at his classmates, gathered around him a few months ago at his school in Minya, which is located in Upper Egypt. The other boys taunted and harassed him, mocking the Christian boy for believing what they called his “corrupt” Bible. Finally, he fled the school grounds, sobbing and crying. By the time he got home, he felt so humiliated and defeated that he tore up his Bible in angry frustration. Egypt’s Christians of all ages often face such attacks on the fundamentals of their faith. They are confronted with hostile lies about their Christian beliefs in the media. Repeatedly, they are forced to listen to attacks publicly broadcasted from the loud speakers of mosque minarets, deliberately generating doubts about Christian theology throughout the country. Walking down the streets or riding public transportation, Christians are frequently hit by recorded Quran tapes or speeches by famous Islamic preachers mocking issues of Christian faith: “The Bible is not the Word of God”, they argue. “Jesus was not crucified, and God can’t be a trinity”. Children like Yusuf have their share in this suffering, whether in school from their playmates or even from their neighbors, who keep ridiculing Christian convictions without permitting them to answer back or defend their beliefs. 'I Know and Am Not Afraid' is an apologetics program establish in 2012 to help Christians know how to answer the most common accusations and false claims they face every day about their Christian faith. Designed to expand country-wide, the project aims to equip a younger generation that is facing daily pressure to stand up for its faith. The program includes material related to surviving hardship, as well as an awareness course related to civil rights. Pray that this initiative will impact the lives of young Christians like Yusuf, so they will be able to stand strong in the face of persecution. *Names, photographs and other information have been changed for security purposes   Share This Story Quick Facts on Egypt Rank: 22 Previous Rank: 25 Leader: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Government: Republic Religion: Islam Population: 86.8 million (10 million Christians) Source of persecution: Islamic extremism Pray Christians in Egypt need your prayers. Post a prayer or word of encouragement. Share Be a voice for persecuted Christians in Egypt. Share their stories and make others aware of their plight Give Help us in assisting Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Donate to help the persecuted church Your gift goes to Bible and gospel development, women and children advancement, and Christian community restoration.