My Own Little Corner of the World: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Meg has a strong desire to be a teacher for the young in her community. She was sent away to school and she wants more than anything for young girls to be able to stay at home while learning. Joseph is a wealthy landowner who wants his future wife to spend her time entertaining governers, presidents, etc. She won't have time for knitting, teaching, and spending time with her friends. When Meg's dad announces to her that she is to marry the Sunday after Easter, Meg does her best to hide her disappointment. She and Joseph have been friends from childhood but she just doesn't feel like he's "the one". However, being a good young lady, Meg will do as her daddy wishes.

One day while rescuing a cat from a tree, Meg gets herself in a predictament. She will either not reach the cat and the cat will fall, or Meg will. From out of nowhere this gorgeous man comes to her rescue. She learns this is the new glassblower in town and she is not to fraternize with her dad's employees. As time goes on, Meg and Colin run into each other and form a friendship. It's this friendship that jeopardizes Meg's family's future as well as Colin's. She just can't seem to resist the Scot though!

It's not until her father is out of town on business that many things start coming to Meg's attention. The accidents, the roof of the schoolhouse, etc are all starting to add up. Whatever should Meg do? Follow her heart or follow her father's wishes?

This is my first read by Laurie Alice Eakes and hopefully not my last. This made for enjoyable Sunday reading while stranded several hours from home awaiting a way back home.

This is my first completed read for the Christian Historical Fiction challenge!

View all my reviews >>

The Giant Slayer by Iain Lawrence

The Giant-Slayer by Iain Lawrence

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up to read it. From the cover and title, one would expect a fantasy involving a giant, a unicorn, a gnome, and a dragon. However, the book opens telling you that it's 1955 and polio is rampant. What does polio have to do with all these mythical creatures?

Laurie is a young girl who's dad is pretty big with the March of Dimes. They are frantically searching for a cure for polio. Laurie spends her days with her Nanna (her mom died when she was young) and she pretty much isn't allowed to do anything fun. She definitely can't go swimming! One day she runs into a little boy named Dickie and together they have some pretty wild adventures featuring Davey Crockett.

One day, Dickie doesn't come out to play and Laurie learns that he is in the hospital with polio. Laurie misses her friend and begs to go see him. She's finally allowed in and she finds her friend in an iron lung. That's where the stories begin!

Laurie spends time at the hospital weaving this tale of giants, unicorns, dragons, and gnomes to entertain the young children in the hospital. They spend hours listening to her tale becoming more and more entranced by it. It helps them to forget for just a few hours that their lives depend on this iron shell to keep them alive.

I found this story absolutely captivating. It's a story within a story but it all ties in together. I was interested in the background provided about polio (I have several family member affected) and even more so about the iron lung. I think I experienced just about every emotion while reading this book and have found another author that I enjoy reading!

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Regardless of age. I'm hoping that this book will get some wide reviews because the story is just that good!

Consider making a donation to the March of Dimes foundation in your area!

View all my reviews >>

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

North or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson

This is a repost of the entry I wrote in August concerning this book. I still have not yet read the first book in this series but plan on it soon!

This week the Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy is featuring the second book in the Wingfeather Saga, North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson.

This is my first read by Andrew Peterson. It will not be my last however! This is the second book in a series and I was a bit concerned that I might be a little behind. However, the author does such a great job with this book that I don't feel like I've missed anything. (I may have and just not known it though!)

This is quite the adventure with all sorts of interesting characters. The goal of the Igiby children is to make it Aerwair. Alive. Safely. Can they do it? Of course they can...but not without the help of a few friends (and enemies) along the way.

This is a great book for any one of any age. It is a young adult book but as a parent, I thoroughly enjoyed it. As my children (ages 5 and 3) get older, I will pass it down to them to read and read it to them myself. I loved the vivid descriptions of the scenery and creatures, not to mention just the story itself.

Overall, I give this read 4 out of 5 stars!!

Be sure to check out these other bloggers on tour this week!
Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Tina Kulesa
Melissa Lockcuff
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Nissa
John W. Otte
Cara Powers
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher

In conjunction with the Kidz Book Buzz Tour and CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Sand to Stone and Back Again by Nancy Bo Flood

This week, Kidz Book Buzz bloggers have been reviewing and discussing this beautiful children's picture book. Today, I'm going to wrap this up with a little more information on our author, Nancy Bo Flood.

Throughout her life Bo Flood has enjoyed reading, writing, and the sharing of stories. Her work has focused primarily on children and young adults, as counselor, teacher, or parent. She has conducted workshops of child abuse, learning disabilities, play therapy, as well as creative writing.
Through either work or research, Bo has lived in Malawi, Africa, Hawaii, Japan, the western Pacific, and, most recently, the Navajo Nation Reservation. Legends and folklore are of particular interest to Bo, for they hold the magic and mystery of other people’s – or generation’s – beliefs. When we read, we learn – about ourselves and about someone, somewhere – or sometime – else.

Awards:

Outstanding Literary Artist, Governor’s Award: Saipan, Micronesia, 1997
Outstanding Children/Young Adult Nonfiction Article: Children's Choice Award, 2007
Notable Social Studies Trade, 2007

Books:

New Book: Warriors in the Crossfire

Warriors in the Crossfire looks at one boy’s experience of impending war – war fought by two nations, Japan and the U.S. – on the Pacific island of Saipan

The Hogan That Great-Grandfather Built

The Hogan That My Grandfather Built by Nancy Bo Flood

This children’s picture book tells the story of one multigenerational Navajo family that works, plays, eats, sleeps and shares their lives together in around their family hogan.

I'm gonna have to check this one out!

Sand to Stone

Secrets of Sand to Stone takes readers on a journey through time to understand how the landscape of the desert Southwest is the result of many forces and great change over long periods of time.

The Navajo Year

The Navajo Year, Walk Through Many Seasons follows the Navajo calendar, and provides poetic descriptions of the many sights, sounds, and activities associated with each month.

Read more...

This one sounds interesting too!!

From the Mouth of the Monster Eel

Beautifully complemented by Margo Vitarelli’s rhythmic woodcuts, these magical retellings of adventure, creation, and courage give readers of all ages a delightful glimpse of the island folklore of Micronesia.

Pacific Island Legends

Creation myths, myths of origin, adventures of gods and heroes, kings and queens, naughty children, husbands and wives – all illustrate the relationship of the people to the islands, the ocean, and each other.

Marianas Islands Legends

Marianas Island Legends: Myth and Magic compiled by Bo Flood

The culture of history of these beautiful Pacific islands is celebrated in retellings of traditional myths and legends of the Chamorro and Carolinian people, folklore and historical tales, and descriptions of present-day arts, customs, and beliefs.

I’ll Go To School If…

Offers young readers realistic tours of classrooms, blending imagination and humor into an effective coping technique for some very real anxieties surrounding going to a school for the first time.

Read more...

This one looks super cute!!!

Born Early

Carrie’s story unfolds in the intensive care nursery at the hospital immediately following her premature birth. The text and photographs trace her survival, growth, and coming home. Written by Linda Lafferty and Bo Flood, with photographs by Rebecca Young.

Read more...

The nurse in me is saying this is a MUST HAVE...as in IMMEDIATELY! :)

Working Together Against World Hunger

Describes the immense problem of world hunger that kills a child every two seconds. In the United States, 1 out of 5 children are damaged by hunger. Individual ways to help are given.

The Counseling Handbook

The Counseling Handbook: Practical Strategies to Help Children with Common Problems

Please visit these other bloggers too, who are sure to have wonderful insight on this book as well!

SMS Book Reviews, Never Jam Today, SmallWorld Reads, Our Big Earth Media Co., Whispers of Dawn, Cafe of Dreams, The Hungry Readers, My Own Little Corner of the World, Dolce Bellezza, KidzBookBuzz.com

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medaris

Tea with Hezbollah: Sitting at the Enemies' Table, Our Journey Through the Middle East by Ted Dekker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Is it possible to love with the love that Jesus commanded back 2000 years ago still yet today?

Some will agree and yet others will disagree.

Ted Dekker and Carl Medaris went on a journey to the Middle East to see if the concept of the Good Samaritan was still present in today's society. Are they CRAZY?!?!

This journey was not without challenges but tea was had and words exchanged with some of the world's vilest people (at least vile in terms of the media). The authors found out that these high ranking officials, whether Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hezbollah, Hamas, etc are just that...P-E-O-P-L-E. Just like you and I. Regular down-to-earth people with families who like to joke around, watch TV, listen to music, and enjoy the comforts of life that is has afforded.

I admit that, before reading this book, I had a very narrow view of these leaders that we hear about on TV on an almost daily basis. That's the problem, you can't believe everything you see or hear in the media! One of the biggest complaints made by these people during tea was that Americans are so gullible to everything in our media. Do WE as Americans love the way Christ commanded? After reading this book and seeing what I see on a daily basis, I don't think so. Can our Middle East compadres love with the love of Christ? Yes, they can, just as any of us can, but not without their prejudices.

This is an eye opening book and one that I recommend to EVERYONE! The parable of Nicole in the book really got to me. How often am I a Nicole? Probably more often than I'm willing to admit.

I hope you will all run out and grab this book to read. It's life changing!

Grab your copy of this book here

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

View all my reviews >>

A Highlander's Destiny by Melissa Mayhue

A Highlander's Destiny (Daughters of the Glen, #5)

A Highlander's Destiny by Melissa Mayhue

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Destiny's sister Leah is missing. What ever in the world will she do? If anyone learns of her powers, there could be trouble!

This is the fifth book in Melissa Mayhue's Daughters of Glen series. I have not read any of her other books and I didn't feel like I was missing anything by reading this one. Looking back at some other reviews, some of the characters appear in earlier books but never in "main character form".

Destiny needs help finding her sister and this tall, beautiful man falls into her lap, or rather she onto the back of his motorcycle. Her world is a whirlwind of travels and learning more about her rescuer, Jesse. He's a Guardian Fae who knows that the people behind Leah's disappearance are bad news.

This book has some of the most beautiful descriptive scenery. I wish I could find a portal and escape there right now...with Jesse of course! This is a paranormal, highlander romance full of fae and vamps. What could possibly go wrong with these two mystical groups working their own magics in the world?!

Moreover, will Destiny ever see Leah again? Will Jesse break a company policy? Read this great book for a wonderful adventure of mystical love and devotion.

You might want to be aware that there are a couple of "racy" romance scenes (sex included) and the language is fairly strong at times.

Overall, highly recommended, quick, lighthearted read!

My thanks to the publisher for providing this review copy!

View all my reviews >>

Please visit these other bloggers on tour today with this book!

My Book Views: http://my-book-views.blogspot.com/
Brizmus Blogs About Books: http://brizmusblogsbooks.blogspot.com/
Rundpinne: http://www.rundpinne.blogspot.com/
Renee’s Reads: http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/
Seductive Musings: http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/
All About {n}: http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/
Book Junkie: http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/
Pam’s Private Reflections: http://hip2bhomeschooling.blogspot.com/
My Book Addiction and More: www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com
Starting Fresh: http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
Frugal Plus: http://frugalplus.com/
Books, Books Everywhere: http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/
Broken Teepee: http://www.brokenteepee.blogspot.com/
Readaholic: http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/
I Heart Book Gossip: http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/
My Guilty Pleasures: http://www.mgpblog.com/
Just Another New Blog: http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/
My Overstuffed Bookshelf: http://myoverstuffedbookshelf.blogspot.com/
The Bibliophilic Book Blog: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/
My Own Little Corner of the World: http://molcotw.blogspot.com/
A Book Bloggers Diary: http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/
Book Soulmates: http://booksoulmates.blogspot.com/
The Cajun Book Lady: http://thecajunbooklady.blogspot.com/
Wendy’s Minding Spot: http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/
Between the Pages: http://www.betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/
Marta’s Meanderings: http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/
Chaotic Book Obsession: http://chaoticbookobbsession.blogspot.com/
Savey Spender: http://saveyspender.com/
Books & Needlepoint: http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/
Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews: http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Final Bloggy Birthday Giveaway: Saving the Best for Last!

In my opinion, I'm saving the best giveaway for last. You may agree or disagree, that's your right! :) It's my birthday and today is the best!

Up for grabs is a signed copy of Critical Care, compliments of author Candace Calvert. She will personally mail this book to the winner. I'm going to throw in a copy of her newest, soon-to-be-released book, Disaster Status, which will be pre-ordered and shipped from Amazon.com on release day! Therefore, this is a DOUBLE giveaway! I'm so thankful for Candace's contribution to my bloggy birthday and I'm proud to call her a friend and a fellow nurse! Read my review of Critical Care (if you would please!)

This giveaway will end Feb. 8 at 11:59 PM EST. Just fill out the form below for your chance to win!

Bloggy Birthday Giveaway #11: Coppola A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq

This giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on Feb. 5. This great giveaway is an ARC copy of Coppola: A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq. This is a gut-wrenching tale of one doctor's experiences while there on tour. Read my review here and then sign up for the giveaway!

Blogger Buddy Award

I received this super cute award from Sheila over at Journey Through a World of Books. This woman is one awesome blogger and has been a huge encouragement to me since I've met her. If you haven't met Sheila yet, you should make your way over to see her Morning Meanderings, read about her wonderful book club (oh how I wish I could be in a book club like hers!), and read her wonderful book reviews. Thank you Sheila for your encouragement in the blogging community!! You should win an award for Blogger of the Year!!

I'm going to pass this award along to:

Thanks again Sheila!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!!

Destiny landed on her stomach, her arms thrown out in front of her to protect her face. The wind was knocked from her lungs with the force of her body hitting the ground.

I am an Amazon Associate. By clicking on the above book link, you will be taken to Amazon's website, where, should you make a purchase, I will receive a minuscule amount of money in return. This is always used to feed my book buying habit!

Sand to Stone and Back Again by Nancy Bo Flood

Today I have some pictures of sandstone to share with you. I would also invite you to visit Tony Kuyper's website to see his work. I am not going to post it here because I do not have per

mission to do so. I will say that the first two pictures are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen! Our Creator has really made some beautiful sites to see...and beautiful just isn't the word to describe it!

This was a beautifully done book overall. My only "beef" with the book is that it talks about how it has taken millions of years for this sandstone to form. The Earth is only about six thousand years old so this just simply isn't true. I know there are many schools of thought out there on this issue and I'm simply stating the truth.

Besides the amazing photography, I enjoyed the story of how, just as the sands change, so does the person reading the book. There are stages to sands shifting just as each person goes through life stages. The glossary at the back of the book was also very helpful! I wasn't quite sure what a "hoodoo" or a "goblin" was until I was able to reference this glossary.

My favorite picture in this book, hands down, is the "Candy Cane Column". It's just beautiful! I hope to see something like it one day in person. I'm sure the pictures just can't quite do it justice, although they are a good alternative for those who won't be able to see it.

Tomorrow, I will share more information about Nancy Bo Flood, our book's author! Be sure to come back! Did you miss yesterday's post? You can find it right here!

Be sure to visit these other bloggers touring this book as well! We always appreciate your comments and support!

SMS Book Reviews, Never Jam Today, SmallWorld Reads, Our Big Earth Media Co., Whispers of Dawn, Cafe of Dreams, The Hungry Readers, My Own Little Corner of the World, Dolce Bellezza, KidzBookBuzz.com

Monday, January 25, 2010

Bloggy Birthday Giveaway #10: A Little Bit Wicked

This is a giveaway for an ARC copy of Kristin Chenoweth's book, A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages. In this book you will learn more of Kristin's life on the popular show Pushing Up Daisies, as well as her role of Galinda on Broadway's Wicked! Did I love this book? You bet! This giveaway will end on Feb. 4 at 11:59 PM EST.

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page each Monday so that other book lovers and bloggers can see and comment on what's in the mailbox. Thanks Marcia for a great way of posting our new (or new to us) books!!

Have you read a book on my list? Please comment on it. It's possible I will use your comment and link back to you when I post my review of a particular book!

To Review:

The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan (many thanks to Thomas Nelson publishers for sending this one to review!)

Purchased:

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen (oh, how I've been waiting for this one!)
The Giant Slayer by Iain Lawrence (bought for a blog tour this month. Hope I can fit it in!)
Dinosaurs for Kids by Ken Ham (bought for my son...he LOVES dinosaurs! bought on recommendation of MJ)

Giveaway Books I Have Won:

The Readers' Choice: 200 Book Club Favorites by Victoria Golden McMains (won from Sheila's Top Commenter Contest...I can hardly wait to dig into it!)

Other:

What's in your box this week?

I am an Amazon Associate. By clicking on links you will be taken to the Amazon website where you can make a purchase. Any purchase made by clicking on links will result in me receiving a minuscule profit, which is reinvested into book buying.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sand to Stone and Back Again by Nancy Bo Flood

Have you ever seen the Grand Canyon up close and personal? If so, I applaud you. I have not yet seen it, nor am I sure I ever will (except in pictures). Would I love to see it one day? You bet! Did you know that the Grand Canyon is a combination of sands that have shifted over the years? I'm sure it's a beautiful site in person as the pictures are just delightful! This is one of the many points of interest that Nancy Bo Flood speaks of in her book, Sand to Stone and Back Again. The illustrations in this book are wonderfully done by Tony Kuyper. He is a talented artist and photographer!

I'll be back again tomorrow with more information on this wonderful work of art!

Please take a moment to visit with these other bloggers on the Kidz Book Buzz tour happening this week, Monday through Wednesday!

SMS Book Reviews, Never Jam Today, SmallWorld Reads, Our Big Earth Media Co., Whispers of Dawn, Cafe of Dreams, The Hungry Readers, My Own Little Corner of the World, Dolce Bellezza, KidzBookBuzz.com

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing a review copy of this book. By clicking on links to the book, you will be directed to Amazon's website, of which I am an Amazon Associate. Any purchase you make as a result of clicking on the link will provide a minuscule profit for which more books are purchased and reviewed on this website. I am not being compensated by anyone for my honest opinion of this book during this blog tour.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Bloggy Birthday Giveaway #8: How To Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong

Our next bloggy birthday is another great devotional/relationship book! This one was also very well written! I know you will enjoy it! Check out my review!

To enter, fill out the form below. You may leave comments in the comment box but they will not count as entries. This one ends Jan. 29 at 11:59 PM EST. Good Luck!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Bloggy Birthday #9: Beautiful Mess

***There will not be a giveaway post on Sunday due to this one posting early. I had intended for this one to post on Sunday. This will also explain the numbering. This one posted before giveaway #8. Oh well, just a few extra days for you to enter! :) Best of wishes!***

Do you have a love for Diamond Rio? Would you love to learn more about this wonderful group of men? I have loved listening to their music for many years. It was interesting to read the "behind the scenes" story of how they "made it" and the things they experienced in trying to keep themselves out in the public eye. This is a wonderful book full of many great stories! Read my review here and then enter to win using the form below! Ends Jan. 28 at 11:59 PM EST!

Bloggy Birthday Giveaway #7: What's He Really Thinking? by Paula Rinehart

This is a great book that I would love for one of my readers to have. What's He Really Thinking is a wonderful relationship book! Most of them are the same ole stuff, but this is not like that at all! Read my review!

Contest ends Jan. 3o at 11:59 pm EST. Good luck! Enter by filling out the form below. Comments are strictly that, comments, and not entries into the contest.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, #1)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
WARNING: This is not a "Dear Diary" book!! Greg would want you to know that right away. You see, Greg is a young middle schooler who is writing this book because his MOM is making him. What a shame!

Greg's sidekick and best friend is Rowley. When Greg is in trouble, he goes to Rowley's house so he can play video games. That is, after Rowley's dad approves of them. Can't have any violence you know! It doesn't appear that Rowley spends a lot of time at Greg's house though. Makes you wonder! These two are tighter than the cheese that has solified itself to the playground blacktop. You don't mess with that cheese! No one wants the "Cheese Touch"!

Greg just seems to have a rough life. Rowley has it so easy in comparison. All of a sudden, Rowley becomes more popular and spends less time with Greg. Maybe he realizes that Greg just uses him?!?! Greg ends up hanging out with the nerdy Fregley.

What happens with the Cheese? What about those "wonderful" comics that Greg writes for the school paper? Will Safety Patrol ever be the same again?

I thought this was a cute book. Not my typical type of read, but I'll probably read the rest of them in the series. A lot of things in this book brought back some funny memories from high school. I thought it was funny that Jeff Kinney chose the name of Chris Hosey as one of the students in Greg's class. I went to school with a kid named Chris Hoser and he kinda resembles Chris Hosey!! I no longer have a desire to go back to middle (or high!) school but living the memories again through this book was an enjoyable experience!

View all my reviews >>

Bloggy Birthday Giveaway #6: 99 Bible Promises for Tough Times by Randy Petersen

This bloggy birthday bash giveaway ends on Feb. 3 at 11:59 PM EST. This is a great book to start off the new year! Read my review and then fill out the form below to enter! Thanks for celebrating my first bloggy birthday with me!!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Bloggy Birthday Giveaway #5: Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis

Another great giveaway! This book releases Jan. 26 and you can win it here on Feb. 2! I will draw the winner at 11:59 PM EST. To enter, please fill out the form below. That is the only acceptable way of entry. Any comments placed in the comments field will be just that, comments. Thank you for celebrating my birthday with me and good luck! :) The winner will be chosen using random.org

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Interview with Nathan Hale, Illustrator of Calamity Jack

This is coming a little later than planned, but the Hale's and Nathan Hale have been on a whirlwind tour promoting their book, Calamity Jack. I have previously included an interview with Shannon and Dean Hale. I just received Nathan's response back today and wanted to share it with you!

FOR NATHAN: What is your favorite drawing technique?

I don't have one. I'm always changing formats, media. I paint, I draw,
do some watercolor, digital, pretty much everything. I try to fit the
drawing/painting style to whatever project I'm working on.

I highly recommend you going out and getting a copy of Calamity Jack! Or, you can win an ARC copy right here on my blog! Best of wishes and happy reading!

Thicker Than Blood by CJ Darlington

TitleTrakk.com Blog Tours Presents:

Thicker than Blood
by C.J. Darlington
Published by Tyndale House

Winner of the
2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel Contest!

Christy Williams finally has her life on track. She’s putting her past behind her and working hard to build a career as an antiquarian book buyer. But things begin to unravel when a stolen Hemingway first edition is found in her possession, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she yearns for her estranged younger sister, May, whom she abandoned after their parents’ untimely deaths. Soon, Christy’s fleeing from her shattered dreams, her ex-boyfriend, and God. Could May’s Triple Cross Ranch be the safe haven she’s searching for? Will the sisters realize that each possesses what the other desperately needs before it’s too late?

I've been ~~biting my nails with anticipation~~ ~~going stir crazy~~ patiently waiting for this book for quite some time. I would get these emails from Title Traxx about this new book that was going to be released the first week of January 2010. Let me tell you, this book was WELL WORTH THE WAIT!! This is a 5 out of 5 stars book! RUN OUT AND GET IT NOW AND READ IT!

So, why is it so good? You have a story of 2 sisters who've not seen each other in years. Christy doesn't really want to see May for fear of how she'd view her. May just wants her sister back, no matter what. In some ways, I could empathize with May. I don't have Christy for a sister (mine is just not involved in all the things that Christy is!) but I do miss my sister. We've had a falling out and don't speak anymore. I could feel May's pain in this regard. I love how the author was not afraid to tackle difficult subjects. Ms. Darlington did so with grace and love. I appreciate that this book was not full of profanity and the situations discussed were not done so in a way to turn off someone from reading the book. However, there is one situation that is (somewhat) graphically described but I feel that it was more than appropriate in order to understand Christy more.

I also loved the book titles that were dropped throughout this book in discussions of the books coming in through the bookstore. I just loved the smell of these books that permeated through the pages and descriptive language. Having formerly worked in a bookstore, I understood the love the author put into this part of the book.

If you aren't convinced yet that you should read this book, here is the opening paragraph...I couldn't put the book down after this!

Christy Williams didn't see the cop until his red lights flashed in her rearview mirror. By then it was too late. He was tailing her, and she had no choice but to ease her Honda Accord onto the snowy shoulder of the freeway and let the cruiser slide in behind.

If that doesn't grab you...

With careful attention to detail, emotion, and scene-setting, C.J. Darlington scores with her debut effort. Here is a special writer you won’t want to miss.
--Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best selling author

If you love a good read filled with adventure and ultimately redemption, I encourage you to brew the tea, settle into your favorite chair and pick up the page turner that is C.J. Darlington’s imaginative new novel of a modern day sisterhood that triumphs over separation and the raw challenges of life to find the real endurance of both family ties and God’s amazing grace.
--Rebecca St. James, Grammy award winning Christian singer and bestselling author

With Thicker than Blood, C.J. Darlington proves she's a novelist for the long-haul, a strong new voice in Christian fiction. This book speaks to the heart, from the heart, about the heart. Readers will not soon forget it.
--Sibella Giorello, Christy award-winning author of The Rivers Run Dry & The Clouds Roll Away

Watch the book trailer:

About the Author:
C. J. began writing the story that would become Thicker than Blood (her first novel) when she was a fifteen-year-old homeschool student. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over a decade, scouting for stores similar to the one described in the novel before cofounding her own online bookstore. Thicker than Blood was the winner of the 2008 Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel.

C. J. co-founded the Christian entertainment Web site TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. She makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her website www.cjdarlington.com for more info.

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