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Sunday, March 16, 2014
World Watch List | Iran
Friday, March 14, 2014
Cover Reveal | Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith
I was introduced to Sandra Leesmith's novels last year and have thoroughly enjoyed the two I've read. So of course I was thrilled to learn that she's releasing a new book—Love's Promises! But today, I'm taking part in the cover reveal. All very exciting stuff! Without further ado, I give you the cover!
Isn't it pretty? It may seem "cliche", but I'm a fan of having both the man and woman represented on the cover. After all, the story generally isn't only about one of them! And water! Perhaps one day, I'll be able to have a house (or even a tent!) on a piece of waterfront property. I dream of having a view like this from my bedroom, but in the meantime, this cover is a pretty substitute. Finally, the colors. Orange and blue. Perhaps Sandra is an Auburn fan? Or not? Either way, I'm a fan!
I like that all three of Sandra's covers from this year have a certain continuity. Each cover definitely has its own flair, but I still know that they're Sandra's books. It's a hard choice, but I think Love's Refuge might be my favorite ... but only by a smidge. Perhaps because I too am a blond? Or used to be?! :)
About the Book
Available now in Kindle format from Amazon
For Monica Scott, building her late father’s house at Lake Tahoe isn’t an option—it’s a necessary distraction from confusing memories and an uncertain future. But a handsome planner working for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is keeping Monica from moving forward with the project. Never mind that he’s young and charming with a great sense of humor. No one is going to stop Monica from making her father’s dream—and her own—a reality.
All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance.
As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn to accept each other’s promises and avoid the growing danger to their lives and hearts?
About the Author
Sandra Leesmith loves to travel in her RV and explore all of nature’s
beauty, discover America’s history, and fellowship with the wonderful
people she meets while on the road. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking,
swimming, and pickleball. Learn more about Sandra and her books at her website.
About the Cover Designer
Lena Goldfinch writes fantasy and romance for teens and adults. She's a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it's a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she's writing something light and contemporary like her latest releases, Haunting Joy and Take a Picture. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. Learn more about Lena and her books on her blog.
Giveaway
To celebrate the cover reveal and e-book release of Love’s Promises, Sandra is giving away a red leather-bound journal perfect for recording your own promises! The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, and you can enter via the Rafflecopter form below. (Note: I'm not moderating this giveaway, but posting as part of this special cover reveal.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, March 13, 2014
The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry (Blog Tour & Review)
by Alana Terry
Christian Fiction / Contemporary
Available April 2013
230 pages
About the Book
The Beloved Daughter, an inspirational suspense novel by award-winning author Alana Terry, is a story of persecution and triumph set in the oppressive North Korean regime.
In a small North Korean village, a young girl struggles to survive. It is her father's faith, not the famine of North Hamyong Province, that most threatens Chung-Cha's well-being. The Beloved Daughter follows Chung-Cha into one of the most notorious prison camps the contemporary free world has known. Her crime? Being the daughter of a Christian.
The Beloved Daughter has won awards from Women of Faith and the Book Club Network. It was also a #1 amazon bestseller in Christian suspense and is the top-rated ebook in several different kindle categories. The Beloved Daughter is available in kindle or paperback. You can also get the audiobook narrated by four-time Audie award-winner Kathy Garver.
My Thoughts
To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect from The Beloved Daughter, with it being set in North Korea and focusing on persecution. However, I was so (pleasantly) surprised by this book! Alana Terry delivers a moving story that shines a light on the challenges that Christ-followers face around the world. North Korea is one of the hardest places for Christians to live, and the book paints a realistic picture, while also sharing a beautiful story.
Due to the nature of the story, this isn't an easy read. BUT, while there were times I needed to set the book aside, I always wanted to go back to it. The Beloved Daughter is well worth your time and a 5-star read! [5 stars]
Due to the nature of the story, this isn't an easy read. BUT, while there were times I needed to set the book aside, I always wanted to go back to it. The Beloved Daughter is well worth your time and a 5-star read! [5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
When Alana isn't writing, it's likely that she's on the floor wrestling
with her kids. Or playing outside with her kids. Or chauffeuring her
kids. Or trying some random science experiment with her kids. But she's
probably not cooking or cleaning.
Alana is a homeschooling mother of three who loves to write, hates to cook, and enjoys reading a good book almost as much as she enjoys writing one.
Alana won the Women of Faith writing contest for The Beloved Daughter, her debut inspirational novel. What, No Sushi? is Alana's first book in a chapter-book series for kids published by Do Life Right, Inc.
Alana is a homeschooling mother of three who loves to write, hates to cook, and enjoys reading a good book almost as much as she enjoys writing one.
Alana won the Women of Faith writing contest for The Beloved Daughter, her debut inspirational novel. What, No Sushi? is Alana's first book in a chapter-book series for kids published by Do Life Right, Inc.
Alana Terry is getting ready to release her next novel, Slave Again, about a North Korean refugee who escapes prison camp only to get trafficked across the border.
Alana TerryOnline
Giveaway
Alana is giving away free copies of her next release to anyone who makes a donation to Liberty in North Korea,
an organization dedicated to rescuing refugees who escape North Korea.
She's also giving away a mini kobo e-reader and several copies of Slave Again, so be sure to enter the giveaway below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
IT HAD TO BE YOU $100 Visa Giveaway from Susan May Warren!
Susan May Warren is celebrating the release of her newest Christiansen Family novel, It Had To Be You, with a $100 Visa cash card giveaway and offering readers a free book club kit.
One winner will receive:
One winner will receive:
- $100 Visa cash card
- Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren
Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Susan's blog on April 1st to see if you won.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck (Review)
by Rachel Hauck
Royal Weddings series, Book 2
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available February 2014
Zondervan
368 pages
About the Book
Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto
restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will
leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of
fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy
of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he
must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s
future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister
plans to abolish the throne forever.
Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to
restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine
intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and
the healing power of true love.
My Thoughts
Oh, I love this series so much! I adored Once Upon a Prince last year and have been anxiously waiting the release of Princess Ever After. I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this book even more!
While I always thought it would be amazing to be the queen (of what, I was never sure) when I was a kid, I'm not sure what I would do if I discovered that I was indeed a princess. This story explores what happens when an average, ordinary woman learns—quite unexpectedly—that she is royalty and the fate of her country rests squarely on her shoulders. While Princess Ever After is most definitely a modern-day fairy tale, Hauck weaves truths throughout that apply to all of us. How many times have I hesitated to take a leap of faith because I'm afraid? How many times have I relied on myself more than relying on the Lord? I loved that the underlying message was so strong.
In addition to having a great message, Princess Ever After was packed with romance! Regina and Tanner have such a fun relationship, and I loved watching their relationship progress. They were just so sweet and lovey, but without being too over the top. But the romance isn't the only thing happening in this book. Tanner and Regina have plenty of depth as well, and it felt as though they each had a story of their own in addition to the story of their relationship. This made for a very full and satisfying story.
Overall, I think it's safe to say that I LOVED Princess Ever After!!! [5 stars]
While I always thought it would be amazing to be the queen (of what, I was never sure) when I was a kid, I'm not sure what I would do if I discovered that I was indeed a princess. This story explores what happens when an average, ordinary woman learns—quite unexpectedly—that she is royalty and the fate of her country rests squarely on her shoulders. While Princess Ever After is most definitely a modern-day fairy tale, Hauck weaves truths throughout that apply to all of us. How many times have I hesitated to take a leap of faith because I'm afraid? How many times have I relied on myself more than relying on the Lord? I loved that the underlying message was so strong.
In addition to having a great message, Princess Ever After was packed with romance! Regina and Tanner have such a fun relationship, and I loved watching their relationship progress. They were just so sweet and lovey, but without being too over the top. But the romance isn't the only thing happening in this book. Tanner and Regina have plenty of depth as well, and it felt as though they each had a story of their own in addition to the story of their relationship. This made for a very full and satisfying story.
Overall, I think it's safe to say that I LOVED Princess Ever After!!! [5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically
acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated "The Wedding Dress" and RITA
nominated "Love Starts with Elle," part of the Lowcountry series, the
Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum
recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel "Softly and Tenderly,' was one
of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State
University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate
software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to
write full time in 2004. Rachel serves on the Executive Board for
American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual
conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and
conference speaker. Rachel writes from her two-story tower in an
exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Rachel Hauck Online
The Language of Souls by Lena Goldfinch (Blog Tour & Review)
by Lena Goldfinch
YA / Fantasy / Romance
Available October 2010
148 pages
About the Book
A fast-paced tale of adventure, impossible choices, and a soul-stirring romance that will leave you breathless.
Solena trespasses into hostile territory to search for a rare herb to cure the grandfather she loves. When a young enemy soldier captures her and she's accused of being a spy, she discovers just how much she’s risked.
As a soldier, Rundan struggles to please his father, a ruthless army commander. When his father orders him to take the beautiful trespasser to the royal courts, where she’ll surely be tried and executed, Rundan is plagued by an inconvenient desire to protect her.
The handsome young soldier confuses Solena. First, he cruelly captures her, and then treats her with uncommon kindness. When he risks his life to save hers, she fears she may have risked more than her life on her journey…she may have lost her heart.
My Thoughts
I've enjoyed seeing some of Lena Goldfinch's beautiful covers and am now diving into her books! The Language of Souls is a YA fantasy romance novella that takes readers on an adventure. Rundan and Solena should be enemies but despite their inability to communicate with each other, they become unlikely allies, sacrificing everything for each other.
Lena does a great job of introducing this new world to the readers. I had a vivid mental picture of the place the whole time I was reading. She also introduces the characters and lets us get to know them, facing the unique challenge of the characters not being able to talk to one another for much of the book. Yet she still managed to keep my interest. :) I wish the story had been just a few pages longer, perhaps another chapter, to give a little more depth to the relationship that developed. But overall, this was an endearing story with a great message! [3.5 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About Lena Goldfinch
LENA GOLDFINCH writes fantasy and romance for teens and adults. She's a
sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it's a novel, novella,
or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary
or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of
creeping into her writing, even when she's writing something light and
contemporary. Her latest release is TAKE A PICTURE, a lighthearted
contemporary romance for teens and new adults, which includes a bonus
short story, CHAIN REACTION, a prequel to HAUNTING JOY. You can learn more about Lena and her books on her website.
Giveaway
Lena is giving away two great prizes. ALL readers are eligible to enter one of the two giveaways! (Note: I am not moderating this giveaway, but only posting as part of the blog tour.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, March 10, 2014
Praying the Attributes of God by Ann Spangler (Review)
by Ann Spangler
Non-Fiction / Prayer / Devotional
Available October 2013
Tyndale House
336 pages
About the Book
Many
people feel both drawn to God and afraid of him. How can they feel
close to a perfect God whom their flawed self is incapable of pleasing?
Fortunately,
God has revealed truths about himself in Scripture that can untangle
our confusion. In this daily guide to studying and praying according to
the attributes of God, Ann Spangler resurrects old-fashioned words like
holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. Far from boring
us, these words, when excavated for their biblical meaning, paint a
thrilling vision of God that can help us experience spiritual growth in a
deeper way. They can also prevent us from making the colossal mistake
of concluding God is too weak, distant, or uncaring to help us when we
need him.
In the tradition of her bestselling books Praying the Names of God and Women of the Bible, this new daily devotional focuses on one particular attribute each week.
Praying the Attributes of God
will help you see that God is far bigger and far better than you could
ever hope or suspect.
My Thoughts
This is a great devotion book. The author chooses 17 attributes, focusing on one each week. Each week includes five daily devotions that will help readers more fully understand the character of God by learning more about the attributes of God.
Of course, this book is good for personal use and study, but I also think this could be a great option for a small group Bible study or even to use with one or two accountability partners. If you are looking for a devotion book that will draw you into Scripture and help you know God better, check out this book. [4 stars]
Of course, this book is good for personal use and study, but I also think this could be a great option for a small group Bible study or even to use with one or two accountability partners. If you are looking for a devotion book that will draw you into Scripture and help you know God better, check out this book. [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my fair and honest review.
About the Author
Ann
Spangler is an award-winning author, publishing her first book and
bestseller in 1994. She has continued to author several bestselling
books, including Women of the Bible (co-authored with Jean Syswerda),
Praying the Names of God, and Praying the Names of Jesus. Together her
books have sold millions of copies. Her sensitivity to the ever-changing
spiritual and cultural climate in which we live has enabled her to
address themes of profound interest to many readers. She and her two
daughters live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ann Spangler Online
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