Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist

I've read several books this year for the Just For Fun Challenge that I haven't posted a review for. Instead of posting a full review, I thought I'd just feature them and share my overall good, bad, or ugly.

If it's possible, I loved Deep in the Heart of Trouble even more than Courting Trouble. Essie is just so spunky and I loved getting to know her even better in this book. I've never thought about how scandalous it was for women to ride bicycles early on, but that aspect of the book was fascinating—and quite funny at times. This was a fantastic conclusion to Essie's story!! [5 stars]

---

Deep in the Heart of Trouble
by Deeanne Gist
Trouble series, Book 2
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available June 2008
Bethany House
394 pages

About the Book
A Texas-sized tale of unexpected love.

Essie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm. Independent and outspoken, she's known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than for catching a man's eye.

And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer's oil company. The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune--not lose his heart to this headstrong blonde. She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him. Sometimes he doesn't know if she's driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope.

About the Author

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm--all from the comforts of home.

Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.

After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a "corporate executive" was not where her gifts and talents lie. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It! product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she sold A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers. Since that debut, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere.  Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, four RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

Her latest releases, Beguiled, Maid To Match, and Love on the Line are now available. Gist lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-eight years and their border collie. They have four grown children.

Deeanne Gist Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist

I've read several books this year for the Just For Fun Challenge that I haven't posted a review for. Instead of posting a full review, I thought I'd just feature them and share my overall good, bad, or ugly.

This series was recommended to me by a friend a while back. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Courting Trouble is different than a lot of other romance books. I won't tell you how exactly, but I thought it was a bit more realistic in some ways. Deeanne Gist always delivers a great book, and this was no exception! [4 stars]

---

About the Book
Courting Trouble
by Deeanne Gist
Trouble series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Available June 2007
Bethany House
336 pages

Tired of waiting for a match-made-in-heaven, she'll settle for one made in Texas.

Whether it's riding bikes, catching snakes, or sliding down banisters, Essie Spreckelmeyer just can't quite make herself into the ideal woman her hometown--and her mother--expect her to be. It's going to take an extraordinary man to appreciate her joy and spontaneity--or so says her doting oil-man father. Unfortunately such a man doesn't appear to reside in Corsicana, Texas.

It's 1894, the year of Essie's thirtieth birthday, and she decides the Lord has more important things to do than provide her a husband. If she wants one, she needs to catch him herself. So, she writes down the names of all the eligible bachelors in her small Texas town, makes a list of their attributes and drawbacks, closes her eyes, twirls her finger, and ... picks one. But convincing the lucky "husband-to-be" is going to a bit more of a problem.

About the Author

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm--all from the comforts of home.

Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.

After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a "corporate executive" was not where her gifts and talents lie. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It! product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she sold A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers. Since that debut, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere.  Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, four RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.

Her latest releases, Beguiled, Maid To Match, and Love on the Line are now available. Gist lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-eight years and their border collie. They have four grown children.

Deeanne Gist Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

The Beginning by Karen Kingsbury

I've read several books this year for the Just For Fun Challenge that I haven't posted a review for. Instead of posting a full review, I thought I'd just feature them and share my overall good, bad, or ugly.

The Beginning is a short-story prequel to Karen Kingsbury's new novel, The Bridge, which will be released tomorrow. This short little e-book was so good and made me even more excited about reading The Bridge! Can't wait to read more about Charlie and Donna's story!!! [5 stars]

---

About the Book

The Beginning
by Karen Kingsbury
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Short Story
Available September 2012
Howard Books
64 pages

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes this e-short prequel to her upcoming novel, The Bridge, shedding light on the love story behind the bookstore and how it came to be a place of hope and encouragement.

About the Author
#1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America’s favorite inspirational novelist, with more than 20 million copies of her award-winning books in print. Karen has written more than fifty novels, ten of which have hit #1 on national lists. She lives in Tennessee with her husband Don and their five sons, three of whom are adopted from Haiti. Their daughter Kelsey is married to Christian artist Kyle Kupecky.

Karen Kingsbury Online

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

The Chase by Diann Mills

I've read several books this year for the Just For Fun Challenge that I haven't posted a review for. Instead of posting a full review, I thought I'd just feature them and share my overall good, bad, or ugly.

The Chase was on my "Most Anticipated" list for 2012. It was a good book but not as great as I was hoping. It's the first book in a series, though, so it may have helped to set up the series. I'll definitely check out the next in the series, though. A solid 3-star book!

---

About the Book

The Chase
by Diann Mills
Crime Scene: Houston series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Suspense / Romance
Available March 2012
Zondervan
368 pages

To the FBI it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker it's a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it's a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl's missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch's brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss's pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag? Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in The Chase.

About the Author
Award-winning author DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn’s first book was published in 1998. She currently has more than fifty books published.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won placements through the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Awards and Inspirational Reader’s Choice awards. DiAnn won the Christy Award in 2010 and 2011.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also the Craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.

She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

Diann Mills Online

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Backstage Pass series by Janice Thompson

Stars Collide
by Janice Thompson
Backstage Pass series, Book 1
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available January 2011
Revell
336 pages

---

About the Book
Her future's so bright, she's gotta wear shades

Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don't just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom--they are actually head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat's grandmother, an eccentric star from Hollywood's golden age, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things begin to spiral out of control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed family members?

From the soundstage to a Beverly Hills mansion to the gleaming Pacific Ocean, Stars Collide takes you on a roller-coaster tour of Hollywood, packing both comedic punch and tender emotion.

My Thoughts
With The Director's Cut on my review schedule for the end of this month, I wanted to read the first two books in the series. The Backstage Pass series takes us behind the scenes of a Hollywood television series, and Stars Collide features the story of Kat and Scott, the stars of the show.

Janice Thompson knows how to write romantic comedy! Stars Collide was funny from beginning to end, and I truly liked the characters. I did find the story to be a bit unbelievable on several points, and it seemed highly unlikely that so many Christians would be working on the same television show in Hollywood. But once I got past some of those initial "disbeliefs," I found myself more and more invested in the story and interested in the outcome. If you like to laugh, you're sure to like Stars Collide! [3 stars]

I reviewed my personal copy of this book. I was not asked to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hello, Hollywood!
by Janice Thompson
Backstage Pass series, Book 2
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available September 2011
Revell
278 pages

About the Book
Athena Pappas is the head writer on one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. But when Vegas comedian Stephen Cosse is brought in to beef up the show's suddenly sagging ratings, she starts to worry about her job. Sparks fly as the competition--and attraction--between the two writers heats up. Athena has never had a problem scripting the romances of her characters. So why is her own love life so hard to script?

With humor and a Hollywood-insider viewpoint, Hello, Hollywood! delivers lots of laughs as the characters discover that not being in control of the plot of their lives might just be the best thing that ever happened to them.

My Thoughts
Diving into Hello, Hollywood!, the second installment of the Backstage Pass series, I found that I liked this book even better than the first. Athena Pappas, the talented screenplay writer, was introduced in the first book and the focus of this book. Simultaneously attracted to and threatened by her new co-writer Stephen, she's not sure what to think. Her big Greek family is convinced they are made for each other, but it will take more to overcome past hurts than a handsome face.

I thought the book started off a tad slow, but once I got into it, it was a great read! In reading "part two," I think I figured out what bugged me in the first book. It seemed like every character, struggle, and situation was a complete extreme. The more I read, though, the more I realized that the extremes were what made the book so funny! Think of your favorite TV sitcom, and you'll see what I mean.

I loved Athena and Stephen. Athena's family added a new dimension to the story as well. Plus, it was nice to catch up with Kat and Scott from Stars Collide. Hello, Hollywood! is another funny, romantic story from Janice Thompson. I think the whole series makes a great summer read—or anytime read. [4 stars]

I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library. I was not asked to review it. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at TV land, drawing on her experiences as a screenwriter. She is the author of the Weddings by Bella series, Stars Collide, and Hello, Hollywood! She lives in Texas.

Janice Thompson Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

So I took on the "Just for Fun" challenge this year where I'm challenging myself to read at least one book per month that I pick out . . . just for fun! No review necessary, no obligation to a publisher or author, just a book I've been wanting to read. So I may not review every book I choose for this challenge, but I probably will because I plan on choosing some great books!

---

About the Book
In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher--whether her assistance is wanted or not. Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John's protests of her aid. She's even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family.

Yet Elizabeth's new role as nanny takes a dangerous turn when John's boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher's enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she's more determined than ever to save the child--and man--she's come to love.

My Thoughts
Anyway. My choice for January was The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund. The book is Jody's debut release from 2010, which I somehow missed. The story was inspired by the life of John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress, anyone?), but Jody chose to focus primarily on his second wife, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is a fairly "plain" Puritan woman whose greatest desire is to serve the Lord. When John Costin's wife dies shortly after childbirth, Elizabeth volunteers to step into the role of housekeeper and take care of his four children, including his oldest daughter Mary who is blind. The children quickly come to love Elizabeth, but it takes John quite a bit longer to realize the depth of his feelings for her.

As far as debut novels go, this is one of the best I've read. The story is gripping from the very start and Jody does a fantastic job introducing characters (there are quite a few), explaining the political and religious affairs of the day, and describing the town of Bedford in such a way that you feel like you're walking through the community with a personal tour guide. The dialog was incredibly well-done as well . . . with a few "methinks" and "mayhaps" and "perchances" thrown so you don't forget that you're in England in the mid-1600s.

The relationship between John and Elizabeth certainly didn't come easily. As I read their story I was both frustrated with John and hoping that he would come around (and quickly!). At the same time, I wanted Elizabeth to find something in herself that was worthy of love and for others to see that in her as well. The romantic relationship between John and Elizabeth was unlike anything I've ever read before. While completely innocent and chaste (as was proper for Puritan men and women), it was simultaneously steamy. I'm not sure how she pulled it off but it was perfect!

The story itself is incredibly inspiring. To get a glimpse of what it might have been like to be the wife of one of the heroes of the faith at a time when Christians were regularly persecuted. It made me think more about what it was like to be a Christian in England during that time and also what it's like to be a Christian in many parts of the world . . . even today.

I can't wait to read more from Jody Hedlund. The Doctor's Lady (2011) is definitely on my TBR list! I can't wait to see what she publishes this year.

This book was loaned to me by a friend. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author
Jody Hedlund is an author of inspirational historical romances. Her first book, The Preacher’s Bride (Bethany House Publishers), released in Oct. 2010. She currently makes her home in central Michigan with her husband of eighteen years along with her five young children and their rambunctious pets.

As a busy mother, she’s living testimony that amidst the crazy chaos of running a large family, it’s still possible to squeeze in time for writing and fulfill the dream of publication. She chronicles both the joys and difficulties of her journey toward publication on her blog.

Connect with Jody Hedlund

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter