Hidden Falls: Season 1, Episodes 1-5 by Olivia Newport (Review)

Hidden Falls

by Olivia Newport

Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Mystery / Romance

Available weekly beginning January 24, 2014 

 Barbour Publishing

80 pages per episode

About the Book

An Exciting New 13-Part Serial Novel from Shiloh Run Studios

Thirty years of small-town secrets—now the key to the mystery is gone. The small town of Hidden Falls is abuzz. Former students, friends, and loved ones are prepping for tonight's big event to honor Ted Quinn's many years of compassionate service. Quinn is reluctant about a night in the spotlight—but is tenderly prodded by Sylvia, mayor of Hidden Falls and Quinn's dearest friend and confidante.

Ethan and Nicole won't let the shadows of their pasts stop them from returning to Hidden Falls—but only for Quinn—no matter how much it hurts. Liam, a former student, and Jack, a town newcomer, are both hoping the night works toward their own gain—or, if they'll admit it, their chance for redemption. Like Quinn, Dani and Lauren are mainstays in Hidden Falls. They keep close to home—and have secrets to keep close, too.

Now it's time. The guests are seated, introductions are made, the spotlight shines on center stage ... and the unthinkable leaves the entire town scrambling for the truth.

A new must-read episode releases every week starting January 24!

Buy a copy  |  Download the first episode for FREE  |  Find out what others think

Episode 1: Ordinary Secrets

The first episode introduces a ton of characters and jumps quickly between different scenes and character pairings. Thankfully, while I wanted more of the story (and right away, please!), I knew that more was coming. I just had to be patient and wait for the next episode. :) This is a great start, and I'm interested to see how the serial format works. [3 stars]

Episode 2: Losing Quinn

After a month's wait for the second episode, I was able to easily remember the characters and pick up where I left off in the first episode. The action picked up a bit, and I was so wanting just a little bit more. But alas, I must wait for the next episode! I fear this format is going to try my patience, but I'm really loving the story so far! [4 stars]

Episode 3: A Town in Trouble

The format reminds me a bit of a soap opera, in that each "scene" involves only two or three characters and the author jumps between scenes several times per episode. (Of course, this would be a very clean soap opera!) I'm still enjoying the story, and the pace has picked up a bit. I'm really liking Lauren, Nicole, and Ethan and would love to see more about them. [4 stars]

Episode 4: Unexpected Hero

I didn't feel like much happened in this episode. I suppose this would be a "slower" part of a book if it were all bound together. Jack's not my favorite character and he played a large role in this episode, so that may have had something to do with it as well. [3.5 stars]

Episode 5: The Mayor's Quandary

I've about decided that I'm not the best serial-novel reader. I'm too impatient to see what happens, and all of these cliffhanger endings are driving me crazy! I read the last three episodes in one week, and I enjoyed it a bit more. Perhaps I should have waited until they were all published before beginning to read?? Too late now, though. Despite the fact that this episode didn't have a ton of "action" in it, I did enjoy reading more about Ethan and Nicole. I'm definitely curious about where Quinn is, and I'm pretty much committed to reading the rest of the series now. Which I suppose is the whole point anyway, right?! [3.5 stars]

Overall Thoughts So Far

I'm definitely intrigued by this series. While there are a lot of characters to keep up with and the episodes jump quickly between "scenes," I'm interested to find out what happened to Quinn and am hoping for a few romances to develop too! I'm not sure the serial format is my favorite, but it hasn't deterred me from continuing to read! 

At this point, I'm still a little wary of the high price tag. The publisher recently lowered the price to $1.99 per episode (with the first one still a free download), but that's still $24 for the complete book when all is said and done. A little pricey for me, but some may not object.

Kudos to Olivia Newport for a great new story. I look forward to reading the rest of it!

I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and two twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Olivia Newport Online

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Trinity: A Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig

Trinity: Military War Dog
by Ronie Kendig
A Breed Apart series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Military Suspense / Romance
Available September 2012
Barbour Publishing
352 pages

Buy a copy

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About the Book

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.

My Thoughts
I'm a little new to the military suspense genre. I've heard wonderful things about Ronie Kendig's talent for story-telling, so I decided it was high time to check her out. Although, I'm not a huge dog lover (don't hate me!), I thought Trinity sounded like an interesting book. The story was great! I liked Heath from the very beginning. He's struggling to figure out what to do with his life after suffering a traumatic brain injury and jumps at the chance to go back to Afghanistan—even if it's simply to talk to the troops. All of his challenges seemed so realistic, and I had such compassion for him! Darci was a unique character as well. It took me a while to warm up to her, but once I did, I loved her! The back and forth between Heath and Darci and the action-packed story made for a great read!

There were a few things that kept me from completely falling in love with the story. One, the vast number of characters! I had a really hard time keeping everyone straight—even more so because many of the characters went by multiple names. The Chinese operatives had such similar names (some even overlapping between first and last name!) ... it was too much for me to keep straight. The story also jumped through so many different people's perspectives that I often found myself having to go back to re-read to refresh what was actually going on; the transitions were not clear. Finally, I found the background story to be a little convoluted. I eventually gave up trying to figure it out and just focused on the current happenings, which helped me keep moving.

Even with these "negatives", the good out-weighed the bad and I enjoyed the book! I will definitely read other books by this author. Now I just have to decide which one to read next! [3.5 stars]

I received a temporary e-copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband have a full life with four children and two dogs in northern Virginia. Author and speaker, she loves engaging people through her Rapid-Fire Fiction.

Ronie KendigOnline

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Blog Tour | Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Accidentally Amish

by

Olivia Newport

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Accidentally Amish
by Olivia Newport
Valley of Choice series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Amish
Available October 2012
Barbour Books
368 pages

About the Book

Escape the helter-skelter of the modern culture and join software creator Annie Friesen, hiding at the home of an Amishman. With her high-tech career in jeopardy, Annie runs from fast-paced Colorado Springs—and straight into the hospitality of San Luis Valley’s Amish community. There she meets cabinetmaker Rufus Beiler, and the more time she spends with him, the more attracted she becomes. When Annie finds she shares a common ancestor with Rufus, she feels both cultures colliding within her. But is her love for Rufus strong enough for her to give up the only life she’s ever known?

You can read the first chapter here.

My Thoughts
After reading The Pursuit of Lucy Banning earlier this year and loving it, I was excited to read another book by Olivia Newport. Unfortunately, this book just didn't grab my interest in the same way. The book tells the story of a young, up-and-comer in the software industry who is shocked to learn that her business partner is trying to steal her latest product. When she escapes, she finds herself rescued by an Amish man who befriends her and tries to teach her about a simpler lifestyle.

I really didn't connect with this story or the main characters. It seemed pretty slow to start, and then once it picked up I still had a hard time getting into it. While I liked the idea of a woman finding refuge with the Amish, the idea of a non-Amish girl and an Amish man being friends and potentially liking each other was just a little too odd for me. Sorry! The book also alternates between the past and the present. While the two stories were connected, it was a while before I really latched onto the "past" story, and even then I found myself skimming pretty heavily.

The story is well-written and the idea is interesting, but it just didn't click with me. I will, however, be checking out the remaining books in Newport's other series. [2 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Books and CFBA in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and two twenty-something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where day lilies grow as tall as she is.

A Word From the Author
I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.

We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.

Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.

I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)

Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.

Thanks for stopping by my site, where conversations and adventures begin with a click. I hope we’ll run into each other often. 

Olivia Newport Online

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A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California
by Keli Gwyn
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available July 2012
Barbour Publishing
320 pages

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About the Book
An ever-resourceful widow, Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado ready to go into partnership with Miles Rutledge. When he refuses, Elenora becomes the competition across the street. Is this town big enough for the two of them? Miles can’t help but stick his well-polished boot in his mouth whenever he comes face-to-face with Elenora. Can he find a way to win her heart while destroying her business? Miles’s mother, Maude, is bent on Elenora becoming her new daughter-in-law while Elenora’s daughter, Tildy, thinks Miles would make a perfect papa. How far will these meddlers go to unite this enterprising pair? 

My Thoughts
Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado, California with her precocious daughter Tildy, ready to start a new life and planning to become a partner in the Rutledge Mercantile. When Miles refuses to take her on as partner, she decides she will open her own shop and prove to everyone that women can run successful businesses. The more they get to know one another, though, the more they fight the mutual attraction that seems to draw them together time and time again. With pasts that continue to haunt them and competitive natures that threaten to destroy their friendship, will Miles and Elenora overcome all that stands in the way of their happily-ever-after?

A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California is Keli Gwyn's debut novel. And what a debut! The story started off with a bang as Elenora and Tildy arrive in El Dorado, and I found myself loving these two from the very first pages. As Miles and Mrs. Rutledge and the other quirky characters of El Dorado were introduced, I found myself falling in love—not just with the characters, but also with the town!

Keli has a writing style that many strive for but few achieve. The writing is tight and full of action. She successfully moves the story along with each scene, without giving in to the temptation to have long "thought" monologues from the main characters. She delivers humor in all the right places (that had me chuckling aloud!) and poured just the right amount of emotion into the story to connect readers with the characters.

I was impressed with A Bride Opens Shop from beginning to end and was sad to reach the last page. I can't wait to read Keli's next release. (Maybe another visit to El Dorado? Hint, hint!) I'll be honest, though, if this is her debut, she has set the bar pretty high for whatever's next! [4.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author
Award-winning novelist Keli Gwyn is a California native who lives in a Gold Rush-era town at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her stories transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. She fuels her creativity with Taco Bell® and sweet tea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two skittish kitties.

Keli Gwyn Online

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Montana Rose by Mary Connealy

Montana Rose
by Mary Connealy
Montana Marriages series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available July 2009
Barbour Publishing
320 pages

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About the Book
Fire up your love of romance with Montana Rose, where Cassie Griffin, a seemingly spoiled pregnant woman, is widowed one day and wedded the next. Marrying handyman Red Dawson seems the only alternative to Cassie’s being hitched to a brutal rancher. But can this “china doll” bear exchanging smooth silk for coarse calico? Red was reluctant to be yoked to an unbeliever, but sometimes a man has no choice. Will Red change Cassie’s heart by changing her name? Wade Sawyer is obsessed with saving Cassie from a marriage of convenience. How far will he go make her his own?

My Thoughts
I started this book a while back and planned to read this on my Nook while working out at the gym. I quickly realized that reading isn't something I can do at the gym because my hatred for working out spills over to my impression of the book. Oops! I set the book aside and picked it up a few days ago only to find that I really liked this book!

Red reluctantly marries Cassie immediately following the burial of her husband. Only days into the marriage, Red realizes that everything he assumed about Cassie is wrong. His compassion for her wins out and he vows to make this marriage of convenience a real marriage that works for both of them. Cassie only wants to stay out of trouble and make Red happy. Will they be able to overcome all that stands between them and find love?

What a wonderful introduction to Mary Connealy! Montana Rose is hilarious at times and suspenseful and romantic at other times. The escapades that Red and Cassie go through while Cassie is learning to take care of the animals are reminiscent of the Amelia Bedelia books I read as a child and had me rolling. It was interesting to get both perspectives on the same events and see just how different their thinking was. Connealy also provided a realistic picture of ranch life in the late 1800s. I never thought about what it would be like to have a baby in those times! I enjoyed this light-hearted, hope-filled story and am interested to read the rest of the series.  [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner. She is the author of the Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, the Montana Marriages Trilogy, and the Sophie's Daughters Series.

Mary lives on a Nebraska ranch with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters: Joslyn (married to Matt), Wendy, Shelly (married to Aaron), and Katy. And she is the grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren.

Mary Connealy Online

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By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

By the Light of the Silvery Moon
by Tricia Goyer
Historical Fiction / Christian / Romance
Available March 2012
Barbour Publishing
320 pages

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About the Book
Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.

Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?

My Thoughts
Tricia Goyer is an incredibly talented writer who tells a beautiful story of redemption set on the Titanic. She brings the Titanic to life in a way that surprised and impressed me. I felt the magic of what it would be like to be a passenger on that impressive ship and the tragedy of what it was like in those last final moments of the ship's sinking. Tricia also incorporates touching stories of people who were actually on the Titanic. I loved reading these little-known stories of passengers . . . and I thought it was a wonderful tribute to them. As is true with all of Tricia's novels, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the Titanic or just loves a touching story.  [4 stars]

Interested in learning more about Tricia Goyer and By the Light of the Silvery Moon? Check out my interview with her and giveaway here. The giveaway ends on Monday (4/9). If you'd like to buy your own copy of the book (provided you don't win my giveaway), you can purchase a copy here. Finally, if my opinion of the book doesn't urge you to at least add it to your TBR list, you can see what other people on this blog tour thought of the blog here.

I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author
Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Tricia Goyer Online

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FIRST Wildcard Blog Tour: Cherry Blossom Capers

Cherry Blossom Capers by Gina Conroy, Cara C. Putnam, Lynette Sowell, and Frances Devine
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction, Mystery / Suspense
Published January 1, 2012
Barbour Books
352 pages

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!

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Today's Wild Card authors are:
Featured Author:

Gina Conroy

Authors of the other novellas in the Cherry Blossom Capers are:

Cara C. Putman, Lynette Sowell, Frances Devine

and the book:

Cherry Blossom Capers

***Special thanks to Gina Conroy for sending me a review copy.***

About the Book
Collection Summary
Four townhouse neighbors encounter romance and mystery near our nation’s capital. In State Secrets, White House assistant chef Tara Whitley and FBI agent Jack Courtland stop a plot to sabotage a State dinner—and find love still hidden in their hearts. In Dying for Love, attorneys and opponents Ciara Turner and Daniel Evans uncover love while searching for justice. In Buried Deception, archaeologist Samantha Steele and security guard Nick Porter dig up love while uncovering a forged artifact. In Coffee, Tea and Danger, amateur sleuths Susan Holland and Vince Martini find love while investigating a string of mysterious accidents.

Featured Novella: Buried Deception by Gina Conroy
Mount Vernon archaeology intern and widow Samantha Steele wants to provide for her children without assistance from anyone. Security guard and ex-cop Nick Porter is haunted by his past and keeps his heart guarded. But when they discover an artifact at Mount Vernon is a fake, Nick and Samantha need to work together, set aside their stubbornness, and rely on each other or the results could be deadly. Will Samantha relinquish her control to a man she hardly knows? Can Nick learn to trust again? And will they both allow God to excavate their hearts so they can find new love?

My Thoughts
Overall, Cherry Blossom Capers was a fun, fairly quick read. With four stand-alone novellas set in Washington DC, it was fun to visit our nation's capital through the eyes of the four women featured in each story. Novellas are a bit difficult in some ways because it's hard to tell a great story from beginning to end in 90-100 pages. Often, they feel either rushed or incomplete. Two of the novellas in this collection felt that way, but the others did not. I also assumed (incorrectly) that the stories would be more intertwined than they were. It wasn't a problem, but that may have helped the flow a little. They combination of mystery and romance was perfect, and I felt like this collection was a good introduction to four new-to-me authors. I look forward to reading more from them in the future. [3 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Authors

Gina Conroy used to think she knew where her life was headed; now she's leaning on the Lord to show her the way. She is the founder of Writer...Interrupted where she mentors busy writers and tries to keep things in perspective, knowing God's timing is perfect, even if she doesn't agree with it! ;) She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary, and her first novella, Buried Deception, in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection, releases from Barbour Publishing in January 2012. On her blog Defying Gravity and twitter she chronicles her triumphs and trials as she pursues her dreams while encouraging her family and others to chase after their own passions. Gina loves to connect with readers, and when she isn’t writing, teaching, or driving kids around, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Visit the author's website.

Cara C. Putnam: Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I've been writing books. My eleventh novel released in April 2011, and I have also written one non-fiction title (the Complete Idiots Guide to Business Law). Look for three more titles in spring 2012. In addition to writing, I am an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women's ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School. Visit the author's website.

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of four novels and six novellas for Barbour Publishing. In 2009, Lynette was voted one of the favorite new authors by Heartsong Presents book club readers. Her historical romance, All That Glitters, was a finalist in ACFW's 2010 Carol Awards. When Lynette's not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born in Massachusetts, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. You can find Lynette at her Facebook author page. Visit the author's website.

Frances Devine is first a Christian, second a Mom, grandmother and great grandmother. After that, the most important thing in her life is books. Like most authors, she can’t remember a time when she didn’t love to read. And right from the beginning, she was crazy about mysteries. When she was in her sixties, she decided it would be fun to write them and the Miss Aggie series was born. She has also written two historical romance series and several novellas. Frances grew up in Texas and still loves her home state, but when she moved to Missouri in 1984, she fell in love with the changing seasons, the trees and hills. The Misadventures of Miss Aggie series is set in the Missouri Ozarks. Frances loves to hear from her readers at fdevine1@gmail.com. She also welcomes comments on her blog . Visit the author's website.

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AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER OF "BURIED DECEPTION" OF CHERRY BLOSSOM CAPERS:

“Buried Deception” of Cherry Blossom Capers

Alex, come back!” Samantha Steele’s heart jolted, and she darted after her seven-year-old son. The little renegade ignored her pleas and ran full-throttle toward the dig site behind the slave quarters at Mount Vernon Estates. She glanced at Callie, her nine-year-old, who huffed after her. Why’d her sitter get sick the first day of her archaeology internship?
Samantha pursued Alex through the upper garden toward the archaeology pit where tourists gathered. Her chest tightened. Squatting in the dirt, her boss seemed oblivious to the runaway locomotive about to cause a train wreck.
Samantha prayed that her first encounter with her boss wouldn’t be her last, but two years earlier, God didn’t intervene.
Why would He now?
“Watch out!” Her warning came late as Alex crashed into a dark-headed man in a navy uniform. God’s answer to prayer wasn’t a surprise. The God she knew remained distant, often
turning up the heat when all she wanted was to escape the fire.
Something thumped against Nick Porter’s hip. His drink blew its top, spilling Coke on his security uniform as he dropped his sack. His double cheeseburger and fries tumbled out. “Hey,
watch it!”
The kid who’d plowed into him jumped back.
Two weeks on the job and he’d made a mess of things.
A petite brunette in khaki shorts scurried to his mangled meal. She stuffed it back in the sack, hunching as she offered it. “So sorry.”
Nick’s stomach growled. Just what he wanted. A side of dirt with his burger.
She nudged the freckle-faced kid forward.
The boy resisted. Nick’s frown softened. So much like—
She sighed. “My son is sorry, Officer.”
“It’s Nick Porter, and I’m just security.” Security. He hated the sound of it.
“What happened to the Mount Vernon police?”
“One of many cutbacks.”
She wrote on a business card and handed it to him. Samantha Steele.
“Send me the dry-cleaning bill.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
The blond girl waved her brochure. “This says there’s no food allowed except in the designated eating areas.”
“This one yours, too?” He pointed to the cherub-faced girl. “Charming kids, Mrs. Steele.” He couldn’t hide his sarcasm, the one emotion that remained.
“It’s Ms. Steele. My husband died two years ago.”
Nick spotted Samantha’s naked ring finger. Stupid. As a cop, he never missed a detail. “Sorry.” He paused. “I lost my wife, too.” Why was he confessing to a stranger?
Her eyes sympathized as if she understood his pain.
Impossible.
The kid dug into his pocket. “Here.” Tiny fingers tickled Nick’s palm as the boy released the coins. “I’m really sorry, mister.” The boy’s hazel eyes pierced Nick’s soul.
Nick fought the stirring as memories surfaced. A heaviness descended as they walked away. He should’ve thanked the kid, or at least refused his money. If he could rewind the last few moments, he would. But God didn’t give second chances.
If He did, they certainly weren’t free.
Gripping Alex’s hand, Samantha plodded toward the mansion to catch the tour before her orientation. She inhaled the magnolia breeze, her nerves calming. Something about that security guard unsettled her. Sure, he had Cary Grant looks, but minus the cleft chin and charm he was nothing to swoon over. Besides, she wouldn’t play anyone’s leading lady again. Oh boy.
Classic-movie night with her town house neighbors at Cherry Blossom Estates was getting to her.
The three of them followed the tour into the large mint-green dining room. Samantha admired the intricate white agricultural moldings and crystal dinnerware as the African-
American docent dressed in period attire shared the history.
Alex looked up. “This ceiling is huge.”
“They’re double the size of ceilings at the time.” Samantha studied the detailed carving. “Washington was a great innovator.”
“They had elevators?” Alex whipped his head around. “Can I ride?”
Callie rolled her eyes. “An innovator, not elevator.”
“May I have your attention?” The guide adjusted her head scarf. “Please don’t touch anything.” Her plump figure squeezed through the crowd.
“When my younguns misbehave, I take a switch to them.” The woman’s words grew thick as biscuit gravy. “Can’t have them disrespecting the president now, could I?”
Samantha withdrew from the woman. But Alex pointed to her name tag. Althea Washington. “Are you related to George Washington?”
“She can’t be related; she’s a slave, bozo.” Callie elbowed Alex.
Samantha’s face flushed. “She’s only playing a slave.”
“Next time I sees Masta Washington, I’ll introduce you so you can ask him yourself.” Althea returned to the front. “We’ll pass through the little parlor with the harpsichord President Washington bought for his stepdaughter, Nelly Custis.” Her Southern accent morphed to normal. She glared at Alex. “Please, keep your hands to yourself.”
Something seemed off about Ms. Washington’s role playing. “Stay close and act civilized.” Wouldn’t want to upset her if she had some screws loose underneath that head scarf.
Walking through the little parlor, Samantha squeezed Alex’s hand. Once inside the central passage, her grip relaxed. Marveling at the beautiful mahogany-grained walls, she imagined Washington entertaining guests with doors open as a summer breeze cooled the house.
Callie walked into the front parlor. Samantha followed, her arms swinging, carefree and—empty. Alex?
When did she let go? She spun. Surveyed the entryway. No Alex.
“Where’s your brother?”
Callie shrugged.
“Stay with the group.” Samantha hurried across the hall into the small dining room. Footsteps echoed. She peeked out, her heart beating a warning.
Just her luck Nick Porter’d be patrolling the mansion while Alex went AWOL.
Samantha waited until Nick disappeared; then she jogged up the staircase and surveyed the second floor. The sign on the first door said Closed for Renovations. She checked the
other rooms. All empty.
A door slammed. She turned. Alex scurried from the first room.
“Alex!” she whispered, following him downstairs and through the bedchamber. The study door closed. She raced in and gasped.
Perched on Washington’s chair, Alex reached toward the terrestrial globe.
“Stop!” She reached for him, holding her breath as if a tiny wind would send him falling onto the antique.
He froze.
She lowered her voice. “I’m not mad.” Yet. “Climb down.”
Alex eyed the globe, then jumped off and shuffled toward her like Sylvester with a mouthful of Tweety.
Heat exploded inside her. “Do I need to buy a leash?”
For the past two years she’d dealt with Alex’s unpredictable behavior. She understood he missed his father, so she’d been patient. “Let’s find Callie.”
Swinging around for the door, she slammed into a human wall. Her purse fell. Nick Porter retrieved it as she scrambled after her lipstick.
“Ma’am, you shouldn’t be in here.” He reached to help her up. Their eyes met. “You?”
“Sorry, we’re leaving.” But before Samantha grabbed Alex’s hand, he raced toward the presidential chair.
Climbed.
Reached.
Touched.
“Don’t!” Nick ran to him.
The globe went whirling.
Samantha gasped as the globe’s stand wobbled, her world teetering on the edge of destruction. She fought to breathe as she reached for the antique. It was too late. Like dominoes the globe toppled, knocking against the table by the window, which sent the brass telescope on top catapulting to the ground.
Nick snatched the telescope pieces from Samantha’s hands. It didn’t take a brain surgeon to see the antique was beyond repair.
He set the globe upright, examining it and the table that broke the globe’s fall. No scratches or nicks. Now he got his miracle?
“Sorry, Mommy. Are they still gonna let you work here?”
Nick stared at Samantha. “What’d he say?”
“I—I’m doing an archaeology internship. This summer.”
This wasn’t the last he’d see of her and Captain Chaos? “I’ll have to report this.”
“Wait. Maybe it can be fixed.”
As the kid crawled under the desk, remnants of Nick’s paternal heart wanted to comfort the boy. “You’d better come out.” Had he remembered to soften his tone?
The kid scooted from under the desk. Samantha stroked his hair. “I’ll make everything okay.” She took the eyepiece and barrel from him, tried to fit them together.
“What am I thinking? This isn’t a flea market item I can fix with glue. It’s Washington’s original brass telescope. It survived over two hundred years and millions of tourists, but it couldn’t survive my son.” Tears welled.
Nick shifted his weight, wishing she’d dam that river. He wasn’t heartless; he just never knew how to handle women’s emotions. “I’m calling this in now.”
“Isn’t there something we can do?” Her eyes locked on his like a deer caught in his headlights. He rushed to close the doors on either end of the room. He was insane to risk his job to help this stranger, no matter how much she needed rescuing.
There was something about her. . .needing him. Voices echoed outside the door. “Stay here.”
“My daughter—I need to get her.”
“She’ll be fine.” Nick stepped out. “Room’s closed.” He shut the door.
“Did you see Callie?”
“She’s fine.” His gut knotted. “She won’t try a stunt like young Knievel here or turn George’s bed into a trampoline, right?”
Color pinched Samantha’s cheeks. “Callie would never—just because Alex is curious and clumsy doesn’t make me a terrible mom.”
“I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to.” She crossed her arms.
He shook his head. “We’ll stay put until the tour is finished. Then you’ll find Callie, and we’ll figure this out together.” Together? He definitely needed his head examined. “They have
insurance. I’m sure they’ll understand when we explain.” He took the eyepiece and barrel from her.
Samantha gripped Nick’s arm. “There has to be another way.”
An unexpected longing panged. He couldn’t abandon her now.
With a sigh, he worked the eyepiece into the barrel and sighted toward the Potomac. What? He looked again, his pulse accelerating. A hearty laugh erupted.
“My life’s falling apart, and you’re laughing?” Samantha’s nostrils flared.
“It’s not what you think.”
“Then what’s so funny?”
“The telescope is a fake.”

[FIRST Wildcard Tour] 40 Days to Better Living: Depression

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:

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.***

MY THOUGHTS:
This little Reader's Digest sized book really packs a punch. Highlighting the 7-step Model for Healthy Living, the Church Health Center provides a balanced way at looking at personal health. This edition focuses on depression. Other issues focus (or will focus) on hypertension, weight management, diabetes, aging, among others.

The book consists of six weeks worth of daily lessons. Each week features a story of a real person struggling with depression. Each day features a morning reflection, questions to think through about faith, medical, movement, work, family and friends, nutritional, and emotions, and an evening wrap-up. Each day's "lesson" is around four pages in length.

I appreciated the balanced view of health. Health is not just about what we eat and how much exercise we get. It's so much more than that, and this book does a great job of helping you explore all aspects of having a healthy lifestyle. The questions are all fairly simple and easy, so one day's exercise could take as much or as little time as you wanted to put into it. I also liked how each day was just one step more on the journey to good health ... a few stretches, starting a journal, drinking water, etc. All were simple and easy steps and totally manageable because you were doing them one at a time. It seems that a lot of "health" resources encourage setting really huge goals (running a marathon or losing 50 pounds or being vegetarian or whatever) which seem so unattainable and impossible. This "plan" actually seems feasible. Overall, I feel like I have a few new tools to help me combat the winter doldrums and look forward to several future titles in this series.

*NOTE: If you are struggling with depression, I recommend this resource, but I would also highly encourage you to find a trusted friend, family member, pastor, counselor and talk with them about your struggles. Don't try to deal with this alone!

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.

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.

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

Love Remains by Kaye Dacus

Love Remains by Kaye Dacus is a sweet romance. The book is part of a series in which grandmothers who are desperate for great-grandchildren begin plotting together to marry off their grandchildren. When Zarrah and Bobby run into each other in the singles ministry at their church after years apart, they must overcome past misunderstanding in order to move forward. Bobby's investigation into Zarrah's workplace throws another kink into the mix, adding another level of drama.

The book started off a little slow for me and there were times that I thought the plot dragged a bit. I think parts of the book could be eliminated in order to move the story along better. Overall, though, the story was very sweet and I liked the characters. Zarrah had some pretty big problems and it was great to see Bobby recognize issues that stemmed from her past and try to help her overcome them. I thought the grandmothers would play a bigger role in the book, but instead they played good supporting characters. I'll definitely check out others in the series and give them a second chance.

I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Books and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book
Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job: lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission. Zarah Mitchell, who’s worked at the Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she’s built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson—her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago. When Bobby realizes Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother’s not-so-subtle setups as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in the fraud. Zarah, at her grandmother’s suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he’s been investigating her, will she be be able to forgive him a second time?

About the Author
Humor, Hope, and Happily Ever Afters! Kaye Dacus is the author of humorous, hope-filled contemporary and historical romances with Barbour Publishing and Harvest House Publishers. She holds a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, is a former Vice President of American Christian Fiction Writers, and currently serves as President of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and even though she writes romance novels, she is not afraid to admit that she’s never been kissed.

A Wedding Blunder in the Black Hills by Kim O'Brien

Millie's mom and adopted aunts continually set her up on blind dates with everyone in their small town. When they try to set her up with the new dentist in town, she decides she's had enough. Millie and David (the dentist) decide that they'll start a fake relationship to get everyone to quit setting them up. All is going according to plan until they begin to develop real feelings for each other.

A Wedding Blunder in the Black Hills was an easy, summer read. Although it started off pretty slow for me, it eventually picked up and I found myself enjoying the book more and more. The book was fairly predictable and definitely falls into the normal "Christian romance" category. BUT, the story was sweet and I found myself rooting for Millie and David to overcome their past in order to move onto a happy future. (One other note is that the title was a bit weird for me. The "wedding blunder" doesn't actually happen until the end of the book and is somewhat insignificant to the plot, so I wasn't sure why the title was based on that. Not a major point ... just strange.) I would definitely recommend this book if you're looking for something enjoyable to breeze through this summer.

I received a free copy of this book from Barbour Books and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Book
David and Millie both have big problems. A widowed dentist with an almost-teen son, he’s being stalked by an amorous patient. Millie’s mom keeps sending her on blind dates, even though the café owner has trust issues. So when a lost filling lands Millie in David’s office, the two of them find a solution—a faux relationship. No one gets hurt and no one gets nagged. It’s a great plan—until they really start to care. Now what will they do?

About the Author
Kim O’Brien grew up in Bronxville, New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and a master’s degree in fine arts from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. She worked for many years as a writer, editor, and speechwriter for IBM.  She is the author of eight romance novels and seven nonfiction children’s books. She’s happily married to Michael, has two fabulous daughters, Beth and Maggie. She is active in the Loft Church in The Woodlands, Texas.  Kim loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her Facebook author’s page.