An Open Heart by Harry Kraus

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
An Open Heart
by
Harry Kraus

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An Open Heart
by Harry Kraus
Christian Fiction / Contemporary
Available June 2013
David C. Cook Publishers
448 pages

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About the Book
Their Messages—From Beyond the Grave—Might Destroy Him

They hover between life and death, their hearts stopped on the surgery table. And the messages Dr. Jace Rawlings’ open-heart surgery patients bring back from beyond the grave cannot be ignored. For they predict the deaths of people around him, and point a finger of suspicion straight at him.

It thrusts Jace into a firestorm of controversy and danger. A maeltsrom blown by the darker winds of political intrigue and spiritual warfare. And the forces working against him will do anything to stop him from uncovering a truth they will kill to hide. He’d come to Kenya to establish a heart-surgery program for the poor. But what he will find in that place where he grew up will put everything at risk–his marriage, his career . . . his life.

My Thoughts
To be honest, I haven't finished reading this book yet. I've been in a terrible "reading slump" for the past two weeks and sort of took a break altogether. However, I'm about 150 pages in and it's pretty interesting so far. Jace (the main character) is not the most likeable guy, but I'm definitely interested enough in the story to keep reading. I'm hoping that he's going to eventually come around!

I plan to pick this book back up in the next week or two and will update to let you know my thoughts!

I received a free copy of this book from David C. Cook Publishers via CFBA in exchange for my fair and honest review.

A Word from the Author
I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.

Harry Kraus Online

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Character Meet & Greet | Claire Gibson

It's time for a Character Meet & Greet, and I'm excited to welcome Claire Gibson from Deep Haven, Minneosta to i blog 4 books! Claire is featured in Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren.

Claire, I'm so glad you could stop by! Will you introduce yourself to my friends and let them know a little bit about your story?

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Hi. I’m Claire. You might have already seen me at the Deep Haven pizza joint – Pierre’s Pizza.

I make a mean Spinach Pizza. I also tend the flowers at the Deep Haven Community Gardens.

Yeah, that’s right, exciting stuff.

I’m going places.

Actually, okay, I know that’s not funny. My entire life seems to be on hold since I graduated from high school seven years ago. It’s not that I don’t want to do something amazing or exciting. It’s just that…well, I don’t know what that might be.

See, since my best friend, Felicity, died, I seem to be stuck in Deep Haven. I can’t seem to find my groove. I spend most of my time watching over my grandfather, Gibs, and looking in on Tiger and Darek. And Jensen – yes, I see him hanging around also. My heart just hurts for him, even though I can’t bring myself to talk to him.

I know the accident wasn’t his fault. Exactly. No, he has other reasons to feel guilty. And it’s for those reasons I can’t forgive him.

Even if I’ve never stopped loving him. But, he never loved me, so I’m not sure why I’m still pining for him.

No. Not pining. Just…wishing life could have been different for all of us. Wishing that once upon a time Jensen had possessed the courage to could take a chance on me. Then, maybe everything would have been different.

Maybe we all would have had a happily ever after.

So, I’m stuck here in the no-man’s land of grief, regret…confusion, and unless something changes, I guess I’ll be in Deep Haven forever, making pizza, playing in the Blue Monkeys and tending the garden.

And really, nothing exciting ever happens in Deep Haven, right?

Think you'd like to get to know Claire better? Read more of her story in Take a Chance on Me, available now from Tyndale House.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

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

What I Read Last Week ...

I've been in a DREADFUL reading slump this week! I suppose I knew it was coming; I've been reading at a pretty furious pace for me. I managed to finish one book and a novella, and start several others. It seems that I Really Do Miss Your Smile may have pushed me over the edge ... finally! Hopefully, next week will be a little better. :)

What I'm Reading Now ...

What I Hope to Read This Week ...

Well ... it's hard to say what I hope to read this week. I'm going to try to finish some of the books I started last week, at least start a new non-fiction, and who knows what else?!

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

Wishing on Willows Is a Stellar Sophomore Novel!

Wishing on Willows
by Katie Ganshert
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available March 2013
WaterBrook Multnomah
320 pages

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About the Book
Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?

A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa,  she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.
                                     
So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.

As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily. His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin’s gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.

With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances.

My Thoughts
It's not often that I sit down and read books in a series or even just books by the same author back to back. I just like a little variety in my reading. However, about a week after reading Ganshert's debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, I couldn't stand to wait any longer. I HAD to read Wishing on Willows. It was calling to me!

I was excited to learn that this book would indeed be Robin's story. After meeting her in Wildflowers from Winter—immediately following the unexpected death of her husband and following her surprise pregnancy, I almost felt like I needed some closure with Robin. And thankfully, Katie agreed and gave it to readers in Wishing on Willows! The story picks up three years later, and Robin's dream of owning a cafe is proving to be more difficult than she imagined. When Ian shows up and offers to buy it, everyone thinks she should sell. But selling her dream just isn't in the mix for Robin.

Again, the tension between the main characters crackles from the beginning. Ian and Robin seem like they would be great friends, but there's this huge elephant in the room whenever they're together. He wants to buy her cafe ... she doesn't want to sell ... and they're pitted against each other. Plus, they each have pretty tremendous baggage from their marriages. It was interesting to see how they worked through their individual grief. It was a good reminder that things cannot just continue on unsaid and undealt with (is that even a word?). Eventually, we have to deal with things and move on.

It was fun to reconnect with Bethany and Evan three years later as well. And Robin's son is a great addition to the book ... often providing a lighthearted moment when the tension or grief looks like it might get too intense. My fingers are crossed to read more about the Price family ... perhaps Amanda's story could be next?

Katie Ganshert's sophomore release was just as impressive as her debut. It seems I've found a new author to love. Now the big question is ... when will her next book be released?! [5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for my fair and honest review.

If you thought this review was helpful, would you please rate it?

About the Author
Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband and their young son. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter.

Katie Ganshert Online

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Loved this Debut Novel from Katie Ganshert!

Wildflowers from Winter
by Katie Ganshert
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available May 2012
WaterBrook Multnomah
320 pages

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Read an excerpt
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About the Book
Like the winter, grief has a season. Life returns with the spring.

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built the life she dreamed of during her teen years in a trailer park.  An unexpected interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa.

Determined to pay her respects to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years.  When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace that she’s not even sure exists?

My Thoughts
It seems that Bethany and Evan should have a lot in common. After all, they both love Bethany's grandfather and come from the same place. However, Bethany's determined to move on with her life and leave her past behind. When she inherits her grandfather's farmhouse—sans house—she's determined to sell ... even if that means selling Evan's dream out from under him.

Sparks fly between Evan and Bethany nearly from the beginning. I could tell that this was going to be an interesting relationship and couldn't wait to see how and if it developed further ... though I hoped it would! As much as I came to like Bethany, I liked Evan from the very start. He was the perfect hero for this story and may have been the most well-developed character in the story.

The third-person vignettes were a unique touch. I enjoyed the glimpses they gave to the past and they really helped fill out the story. Additionally, Robin was a great character, and I'm excited that her story be featured in Ganshert's next book.

Katie Ganshert's debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, was fantastic! If this first novel is any indication of what readers can expect in the future, I can't wait to read what's next!   [5 stars]

I did not receive this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

If this review was helpful, would you mind ranking it? 

About the Author
Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband and their young son. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter.

Katie Ganshert Online

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A Contemporary Novel That Addresses Real Issues

That Certain Summer
by Irene Hannon
Christian Fiction / Contemporary
Available June 2013
Revell Books
304 pages

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Read an excerpt

About the Book
Two very different sisters . . . an unexpected homecoming . . . one unforgettable summer
Karen and Val are family—yet they're anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had other reasons for moving away-as well as a secret to keep-and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.

Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with past mistakes as they care for their ailing mother. When two handsome men enter the picture, the summer takes on a surprising new dimension. As their lives intersect, can each of them learn how to forgive, let go, and move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?

With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, award-winning author Irene Hannon pens an inspiring true-to-life tale of complex relationships, the search for forgiveness, and the life-changing process of finding love.

My Thoughts
I'm a huge fan of Irene Hannon's books. In That Certain Summer though, Irene makes a departure from the romantic suspense novels that I've enjoyed in the past. This newest book features two sisters who are reconnecting after nearly 20 years apart. They've never been close, but as they join together to care for their mother, they realize just how much they need each other. Interspersed within Karen and Val's stories, readers are also introduced to David and Scott who become special friends to Karen and Val.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about all four of these characters. They were interesting, and each had a great back story and growth throughout the book. The friendship that developed between Karen and Val was really special, and I was reminded repeatedly of how unique relationships between siblings are! One of the downsides, though, was that there was almost too much going on. There were four complete stories, and I wished at times that I could stick with one character or the other and continue with their story for a few more pages and/or chapters.

Irene addressed some pretty heavy issues were introduced (i.e., divorce, faithfulness, abortion, lack of faith/trust in God), and I loved how she handled them with both sensitivity and realism.

Midway through, I wasn't sure how all of these stories were going conclude, and I was torn about how I wanted a few things to turn out (a great thing, in my opinion!). Irene did a wonderful job pulling everything together, but I felt that I missed out on a lot of how we got to the ending. It seemed that a second book could have been written—a sequel—to give a fuller picture of the story to readers. I was left feeling like I might have missed out on some of the best parts.

Overall, though, I did enjoy That Certain Summer. Irene is a wonderful writer and has a special talent for telling stories that feature Jesus at the center. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy contemporary novels that address real issues. [3.5 stars]

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

Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell,

a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the Author
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of over forty books, including more than two dozen contemporary romance novels and the Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have garnered many honors, including two RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. In addition, Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.

Irene Hannon Online

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Character Meet & Greet | Jensen Atwood

It's time for a Character Meet & Greet, and I'm excited to welcome Jensen Atwood to i blog 4 books! Jensen is from Deep Haven, Minnesota, and his story is featured in Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren.

Jensen, I appreciate you taking the time to stop by. Please tell my friends a little bit about yourself and what you're up to in Deep Haven.

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My name is Jensen, and I’m the reason why Darek Christiansen doesn’t have a wife, why Tiger doesn’t have a mother. Just for the record, the accident wasn’t my fault, but no one is listening to me, so it doesn’t matter what I say. I just want to finish my “prision” sentence—okay, community service—in Deep Haven and leave. Dust my feet off of the dirt of this town and forget the last three years.

People have no idea what it feels like to walk around with a target on your back. It feels like no matter where I go—the VFW to listen to the Blue Monkeys, or the Shelter to walk the dogs (part of my community service—don’t get excited, I’m not that altruistic), or even the local pizza joint, I’ve got eyes on me, watching. Waiting for me to make a mistake.

Wouldn’t Darek love that. He’d like more than anything to make me pay for Felicity’s death. But how can he make me pay more than the grief I already feel? He wasn’t the only one who loved her.

In fact, we all loved Felicity. Especially Clair, her best friend. Which is probably why she can’t talk to me, can’t stand to look at me. Once upon a time, we were best friends, after all, we spent every summer together on the lake, being neighbors and all.

The truth is, I had—have—a little crush on Claire. The thought of her forgiving me makes living in Deep Haven bearable.

Not that she will. If only she’d take a chance on me, hear me out, listen to my side.

Forgive me.

But I’m not holding my breath. Because really, who could forgive a guy who killed the town sweetheart?

Think you'd like to get to know Jensen better? Read more of his story in Take a Chance on Me, available now from Tyndale House.