What Is Love?

Don't you love hearing what kids think about things? Samaritan's Purse asked kids to answer the question, "What is love?" I think you'll agree that their answers are too cute . . . and pretty insightful!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Rachel Hauck Fires Up the Romance with “A Brush with Love” Kindle Giveaway!

"Fire" up the romance in the new year with Rachel Hauck's newest book, A Brush with Love, by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway! And be sure to catch a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-released How to Catch a Prince!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway only runs for a week, 12/30 – 1/5. Winner will be announced January 6th on Rachel's blog.

  {NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Fire Up the Romance this Holiday with @RobinLeeHatcher’s “Love Without End” Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Fire up the romance this holiday with Robin Lee Hatcher's latest offering in the King's Meadow Romance series, Love Without End. For two single parents with bruised hearts, it’ll take more than a little courage to get back on the horse when it comes to love.

Celebrate love rising from the ashes of tragedy with Robin by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway.

 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Love Without End and the rest of the King's Meadow Romance series from Robin Lee Hatcher

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 14th. Winner will be announced December 15th on Robin's blog.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Quilts of Love | SWEPT AWAY – Kindle Giveaway & “Merry Quilted” Facebook Party!

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven. November’s QOL release is a spark of romance and fun just in time for the holidays.

Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th. 

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
• Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
• Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 9th. Winner will be announced during the "Merry Quilted" Christmas Facebook party on December 9th. RSVP today and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors (Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn) for a "merry" evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}  

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on December 9th!

You're Invited to a Book Launch Party w/ Kellie Coates Gilbert!

Happy Blogaversary To Me!

How time flies when you're having fun! And the past four years here on i blog 4 books have been a ton of fun!

Who could have guessed when I decided to create a blog dedicated to books, reviews, author interviews, and all things bookish that I would still be blogging here four years later?! And even more importantly, who could have guessed that I would have met so many wonderful people along the way?!

Certainly not me!

But when I look back over the years that's what stands out more than anything. The people.

The authors who have participated in interviews, blog parties, and giveaways. The readers who have shared how much they loved one book or the other. The bloggers who have encouraged me when I was struggling to write a review or celebrated with me when I reached a milestone. Those who have become friends. And all of you. Every single one of you who has read a post, left a comment, followed me on one social media platform or another, or simply lurked in the shadows. You have made this journey worth it! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Giveaway
Work is too crazy right now to plan a big party, but I couldn't let this day pass without some sort of celebration. So a giant giveaway it is! And there will be FIVE winners in honor of this upcoming fifth year of blogging!!!

The prizes? Two sets of 4 tickets to see the movie Son of God (These tickets are only good for Son of God at participating theaters, so you'll need to use them quickly!), a gorgeous (in)Mercy necklace, 2 incredible books from my personal library, and a $10 Amazon gift card.

The first four prizes are only available for US residents. The Amazon gift card is available to anyone who is able to receive an Amazon gift card. Giveaway ends FRIDAY, APRIL 11. As I said, there will be FIVE WINNERS, so be sure to enter through the Giveaway Tools widget below for a chance to win.

Entry-Form

photo credit

Visit Seekerville Today!

I should have posted this earlier today, but I'm just now getting to it. :) Sandra Leesmith graciously contacted me last week about being part of a post she was working on for The Seekers' blog (Seekerville) about "The World of Book Reviews". She interviewed several book bloggers about how they got started, why they write reviews, and tips for others to consider. 

I'm so honored that Sandra featured i blog 4 books as part of her post, and I enjoyed getting to know some of my fellow bloggers a bit better as well! I'm definitely in GREAT company! So ... if you haven't read it already, stop by Seekerville and check it out!

Celebrate with Christian Bookshelf Reviews!

Melanie from Christian Bookshelf Reviews is celebrating her 3rd Blogoversary with a party on February 1-9! 

Melanie has become a great blogger friend over the past couple of years! We have similar reading tastes, and she has encouraged me to check out some new authors/books through her reviews. Plus, we've had a blast participating in several read-a-thons and challenges in the past year.

Melanie throws a great party, so be sure to stop by to see what she has planned!

Celebrating 25 Years of Christy Miller

I can still remember my excitement when I opened a present from my grandparents one Christmas only to discover the Christy Miller BOXED SET! I believe I was in the 7th grade that year, and this was the one gift on my wish list that I wanted more than anything. The books had been featured in Brio magazine several months prior, and it sounded like something I would enjoy. I circled the set on the order form that month and gave it to my mom ... and did the same thing for the next several months until Christmas. (Very subtle, huh?)

I immediately set out to read the entire series. I remember reading them on the school bus to and from school, reading them in the gym before school each morning (I even lost the seventh book in the series in the bleachers in the gym ... I'm still a little devastated about that one.), and every night before bed. I loved them. (Y'all ... I was the biggest nerd bookworm!)

Christy was a girl I could relate to. She was a "good girl"—though not perfect—who was learning what it meant to follow Jesus. In many ways, our journeys through those angst-filled teenage years was similar. She wanted boys to like her, struggled in her friendships with girls, argued with her parents, picked on her brother. She had friends who got into some major trouble and worried about how to help them. She was tempted to sin and made bad choices. But overall, her love for the Lord and her desire to follow Jesus shone through the entire series. 

My friends and I passed the books back and forth (except for #7, which had to be borrowed from the library) and talked about Christy as though she was a close friend. We shared "God things" that were happening in our lives and all around us. In a lot of ways, sharing the books cemented our friendship, which could have easily gone by the wayside as we were scattered across four different middle schools. Even as we got older, made it through high school, and parted ways for college, Christy Miller would come up from time to time.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first Christy Miller book being published! While it makes me feel a little old to realize how long ago middle school was (not quite 25 years ago!), I've been thinking back on some fond memories centered around these books. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Robin Jones Gunn for writing this series that meant so much to me and my friends during such a crazy time in life!!! While Christy was a fictitious character, this series assured us that other girls were going through the same things that we were going through and gave us hope that things would eventually turn around.

Robin is hosting a celebration giveaway on her website to celebrate this momentous occasion. Download an mp3 of the first book in the series. Plus, TEN $25 gift cards are up for grabs so be sure to check out the details here!

Have any of you read the Christy Miller series? Did you love them as much as I did? What do you remember most about Christy and/or the series?

Happy Mother's Day!

One of the funniest Mother's Day tributes I've seen!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Release Day to DiAnn Mills!

The Survivor by DiAnn Mills is available today! 

Happy Release Day, DiAnn!

About The Survivor
In The Chase, award-winning author DiAnn Mills introduced you to the world of Kariss Walker, the best selling suspense author with a nose for trouble. In The Survivor, Kariss gets the chance to tell her most powerful story yet. But will it revitalize her writing career? Or bring it to a violent end?

Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger.

Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

A Contest: What's Your Survivor Story?
In celebration of the release of The Survivor, DiAnn is hosting a contest! All you have to do is share your "survivor story" with DiAnn in 100 words or less. You might win one of the following prizes: 

- a Kindle Fire
- a collector's edition kaleidoscope 
- a $35 Amazon gift card 
- one of two personalized copies of The Survivor 

The submission deadline is March 8, so hurry and turn those stories in! (Complete details are here.)

Celebrate Lisa Wingate's Latest Release w/ iPad Mini Giveaway and FB Chat!

Lisa Wingate is celebrating the release of Firefly Island with an iPad Mini giveaway and a fun Facebook Author Chat Party (March 19th).  

  One fortunate winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• The Moses Lake series (Firefly Island, Blue Moon Bay and Larkspur Cove)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Firefly Island Author Chat Party on March 19th. Connect with Lisa, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Firefly Island and join Lisa on the evening of the March 19th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

Celebrate Dani Pettrey's Newest Release!

Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of Shattered with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party {3/14}. 

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Nook HD
• Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the "Shattered" Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!

Easter Egg Blog Hop | Feb 25 - Mar 8

I'm so HONORED to be part of the Easter Egg Blog Hop in celebration of Lisa Tawn Bergren's new children's book, God Gave Us Easter. My stop on the hop isn't until next week, but I wanted to go ahead and let you know about it so you can stop by all the stops!

Through the various stops, you will learn fun facts about Easter, get to know Lisa Tawn Bergren through several interviews, discover interactive goodies to can share with your children, and learn new ways of discussing the true meaning of Easter with young kids. Plus, two lucky participants will win a fun-filled prize! One winner will receive a God Gave Us Easter Basket, filled with books, treats and sweets for your own little cubs. And another lucky winner will win a Moments for Mom Gift Basket, complete with devotionals, books, and a luxurious treat for your feet.

There are 10 stops on the tour, and you'll collect an "egg" at each stop. By the end of the tour, you'll have 10 "eggs" which you can then turn in for a chance to win one of the prizes mentioned above. For the rest of the details and a list of blog hop stops, visit this page. (And be sure to stop by NEXT MONDAY for my stop on the tour!)

TONIGHT!!! Celebrate with Janice Thompson!

Looking for something fun to do tonight? Why don't you pop on over to Janice Thompson's Bella's Back Facebook Group and do a little celebratin' about her latest release, Picture Perfect?!

TONIGHT

7:00pm CT

Bella's Back Facebook Group

Here's a note from Janice with all the details:

Hi everyone! This is author Janice Thompson, here with a special invitation to my readers. To celebrate to release of my newest book, Picture Perfect, I’m hosting an online party! I’m calling this my “Bing & Bob” party and it will be held on the night of February 18th at 7:00 p.m. central time. Why Bing and Bob, you ask? These two funny fellas hold a special place in the heart of my characters and they will provide the entertainment at our gathering! This fun, interactive party will take place inside the “Bella’s Back” group on facebook.

Join me for an interactive chat, video teasers, Bing Crosby music and giveaways! Yes, giveaways! Drawings will be held every ten minutes to give away free copies of the book. At the end of the hour, a very special drawing will be held to give away a brand new Kindle Fire. How do you enter? Simple! Just join the “Bella’s Back” group. Once inside the group, you can enjoy a video welcome from yours truly and a sample from the Picture Perfect. This will give you a little taste of what’s coming at the party. I can’t wait to share this special evening with my readers to kick off my new Weddings by Design series! Bella’s back, y’all…and things in her world are as wacky and exciting as ever!

So ... there you have it. A personal invitation from Janice Thompson! Be there or be square. :)

Blogside Chat | Nora St. Laurent of The Book Club Network

I have a treat for you today! While my Blogside Chat guests are usually authors, today I'm excited to introduce you to Nora St. Laurent of The Book Club Network. Nora is one busy lady. She runs two book clubs near Atlanta and runs The Book Club Network with her husband. She also writes a column for the Christian Fiction Online Magazine and Novel Rocket. And on top of all that, she blogs regularly at Finding Hope Through Fiction and posts reviews on several sites around the blogosphere. Nora has a special announcement that I'm pretty excited about, so please join me in welcoming her to i blog 4 books!

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i blog 4 books: Nora, welcome to i blog 4 books! Before we get to your big announcement, tell us a little about the inspiration behind starting The Book Club Network.

Nora St. Laurent: The Book Club Network was born out of a desire to share Christian Fiction authors with other book clubs, share book club ideas with other leaders and to encourage the authors who are writing such amazing books. The economy has been really tough for a few years and people are not parting with money like they used to. Through TBCN they can take their time and find the right book or win it. We have give away opportunities each month. All of our contests are from the 19th – 21st of the month.

I run two face to face book clubs one at the Christian Book Store I work at and the other at the church I attend. It’s a position I never imagined I’d be in since I didn’t read for pleasure much before I started working in a Christian book store 11 years ago.

But since I love talking with people and the main thing to talk about in a book store is books I started reading Christian Fiction (publishers sent ARC copies to our store and I started checking them out) The first book that rocked my world and got me hooked in Christian Fiction was a book by Linda Nichols called Not a Sparrow Falls. Her next book did me in and I couldn’t stop talking about it, At the Scent of Water was her next book that prompted me to contact the author and let her know how much her book touched my spirit.

After reading these two books and telling customers about these reads I had a reason to read.  These books spoke to me because I wasn’t expecting it. It reminded me of the stories in the Bible. Jesus is the greatest story teller and He knew a story could change a life or prick our spirit and move us in a direction we never thought we’d be in.

I tell you all that to say I’m dyslexic and I have not been a fan of reading. Movies were more my thing. I could watch a movie of a book and have a lot more fun. Reading Christian Fiction changed my life in more ways than one.  I wanted to tell everyone about the greatest book I read, and I’d do that at the book store.  It was possible to talk about the new book I read and loved for about a month or more but when At the Scent of Water and Not a Sparrow Falls were not on the shelf anymore, I had to find some other books to talk about at work. I’m not a very fast reader so; discovering the next new book was a challenge. Would I get the book read before it disappeared from the shelf?  How long do books live on a book shelf? The shelf life of a book was a mystery to me and still is.

I was whining to my husband Fred about my problem. How can I get the word out about great books for a very long period of time??? Being a man who likes to face challenges head on, we began to talk about how we could do this and the fact that I can’t read books fast enough to keep up with it’s shelf life at the store.

I also told him as a book club leader I wanted to promote great books and share them with other groups. Not everyone has the advantage of working at a book store and see what new books hit the shelves each week. Another struggle I had was if I had an author speaking at my book club I wanted to share them with other book clubs in the area. How could I do that? Where are book clubs meeting?
Our answer to many of these questions and more was the birth of The Book Club Network - TBCN. Connecting authors to book clubs and readers to their books; it’s also a network of book clubs as they post what they’ve read and how the meeting turned out.

It’s a place to find where a book club is located. We have a member map where you can find a book club near you. Message them and see if they are accepting new members. I envision it to be similar to be similar to the Weight Watchers program (don’t laugh Grin) you can go to a meeting anywhere in the country right? All you have to do is look on line and get connected. This is my hope for the future of TBCN.

ib4b: Wow! I can tell that you really have a passion for spreading the word about Christian fiction! Have there been any surprises for you @TBCN?

NSL: I’ve been encouraged and fascinated by our growth. I can see there were other people out there like me wanting to connect with other book club members.

I’ll tell you what has surprised me is the author/reader interaction each month. This is something I didn’t foresee as I’ve watch the authors are having a blast interacting with the readers and visa/versa. The beauty of this discussion is it’s there forever for all to read no matter when you join TBCN.
The authors have done a great job coming up with questions for reader to answer that give them a peek into their book – create interest and then the discussion helps book club leaders connect with the author. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the amount of authors that want to be featured @The Book Club Network. It’s been a great thing.

ib4b: What benefits have you seen by bringing readers and authors together?

NSL: The interaction with the authors is almost like having a book club meeting on line. It’s a huge benefit for both the authors who’ve wanted to ask clubs questions and readers who want to get to know authors. The authors are catching on. Our sponsors have loved the interaction as well. Members have told me that they love the author interaction from the 19th-21st as much as having a chance to win all these books. It’s hard to know if a book will be a fit for your group so these interaction times are helpful for that and so much more. Another thing I love about TBCN members is the fact they are not afraid to share what they think in a good way. I’ve learned so much and laughed out loud in some discussion where the questions lead to sharing funny moments.

My hope is that book club leaders and/or members participate in the discussions and make that book connection with the author and their book. I want TBCN to be a tool for them in picking out their books. Maybe invite the author to speak to their book club on the phone. It’s my hope. The discussion will be there forever. No worries about a books shelf live here @TBCN. So, everyone has time to get to know each other!! It’s a beautiful thing!

ib4b: We're all about books here too! What were some of your favorite books growing up?

NSL: I only started reading for fun about 8 years ago when my boss asked me to start running book clubs at the Christian Book Store I work at. Reading was difficult – it’s still a struggle – but I’m getting better at it every day. I didn’t get diagnosed as being dyslexic until I was 26 years old. Christian Fiction books have given me a reason to read, not only are the books fun, action packed and filled with so many different genres and I’m encouraged by the message and characters as they struggle with situations and challenges of life.

There were two books I remember my teacher reading that I LOVED. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konisgburg and My Side of the Mountain by Jean George. I was captivated by the adventure of these stories.

ib4b: I know this isn't really a fair question with the number of books you probably read, but what was the last "must read" Christian fiction book that you read?


NSL: Oh, Wow, I’ve read some pretty amazing books lately. Here are books that stayed with me long after I read the last page and closed the book. They are going on my voting list for this year –  these books are not listed in any special order, just as they came to my mind.

False Witness by Randy Singer
The Judge by Randy Singer
Wedded for War by Jocelyn Green
Walks Alone by Sandi Rog
Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn
Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay & Rene Gutteridge
Listen by Rene Gutteridge
A Stray Drop of Blood Roseanna M. White

I could go on and on --- We are so blessed to have so many great writers

ib4b: Yes, we are! Do you have a "life verse" or favorite Scripture?


NSL: I don’t know about life verses but I do have some Bible verses that I cling to daily.

"God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13

ib4b: Those are great verses that we should all cling to daily. Write your memoir in six words or less.

This verse sums up my life’s mission. Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

ib4b: Thanks for playing along with my questions. Now, I know TBCN is celebrating a big anniversary this month and you've got some fun things planned. How can readers join in the anniversary celebrations this month?

NSL: It’s easy to sign up to be a member of TBCN.  We ask a few questions for you to answer and for other information that helps us keep spammers and other information seekers out of the network. It’s also FREE. You have opportunities to win lots of books. For our BIRTHDAY BASH we are giving away 10 books a day and announcing winners once a week. You’ll have all week to enter the daily featured contests.

ib4b: Do you have any other comments for my readers?

NSL: If you are an avid reader, this is the place for you to learn about the latest in Christian Fiction and interact with the author each month.

Are you a book club leader? Well this is the place for you to find your next book club pick. We’d also love for you to set up your Book club page at our site for others to see. It’s a place to share your latest featured book. Post pictures of your club and the field trips you’ve taken. The authors you’ve met and the book fun you’ve had. Learn from other book clubs that have already set up their pages.

Want to start a book club but felt it was too overwhelming? You can learn from other experienced book club leaders, and you can start right away making your book club list!

Do you like to win books? This is the place for you. You’ll have a chance to get to know the authors and their books and read genre’s you normally wouldn’t. We’ve been giving away about 100 books a month and for our birthday bash it’s going to be 10 books every day; starting August first. Winners are picked weekly and announced each weekly.

ib4b: Nora, thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this exciting news with my readers! I know I'll be stopping by each day to see what books are up for grabs, chat with authors, and meet some new friends!

NSL: THANK YOU! You’ve been a grand host to have me here and let me talk about The Book Club Network and our Birthday Bash!! I hope to see you there @TBCN. You are a Blessing!!

A Little Fun for the Weekend

It's Friday!!!

I don't know about you, but I am ready for this weekend! 

In lieu of my normal Friday posts, I thought I would tell you about an awesome blogaversary party that's going on this week. Megan at Hardcover Feedback is celebrating one year of blogging and has some incredible giveaways going on! The party ends on March 3 (next Saturday), so be sure to stop by before then.

Oh, and don't forget about my giveaway that ends on Monday.

Hope you guys have a great weekend!

500 and Counting

Yesterday, I posted my 500th post!

Seems like a lot to you? Yeah, well, it seems like a lot to me too!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the past (almost) two years of blogging here at i blog 4 books. I'm thankful for all of you who read this little ol' blog! I'm quite positive that I wouldn't still be blogging if no one was out there reading.

Because I'm doing a little happy dance in my chair right now, I thought I'd share the love and have an impromptu giveaway!

All the Details:

We'll keep things simple, so just post a comment on this post if you want to enter. Make sure I have a way to get in touch with you if you win! Feel free to share the news any way you like, but comments will be the only entries.

The giveaway will run through Monday, February 27. The winner will be contacted and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. You must reside in the US to win.

Oh . . . you want to know what you can win? Well, it's your choice! You can win ONE of the following books from my shelves:

The Chair by James L. Rubart (ARC)

Heart of Gold by Robin Lee Hatcher

The House of Hope by Elisabeth Gifford

Threads of Hope by Andrea Boeshaar