COTT: Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra Bricker

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Merry Humbug Christmas B&H Books (October 15, 2013) by Sandra D. Bricker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. "I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost," she says. "So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line."

Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.


"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects ... and still pursue my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

And one of the author's pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy -- a red-haired collie with "killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown."

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.

 In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell," A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.

In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer," Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Merry Humbug Christmas, go HERE.

This is such a super cute little collection of novellas!! There is nothing like reading a holiday book during this time! Sandra Bricker is a fabulous and witty author who will keep you interested in her stories!!

I love Joss's character in "Once Upon a Jingle Bell." She's the perfect Grinch and someone after my own heart!! LOL Patrick is an adorable bloke who makes Joss go crazy about his thoughts about the holidays. Joss's way of dealing with the holidays is humerous!!

In "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,", the extension of Joss's story entertwined with her friend Reese's story is quite joyful as well. Poor Reese has the kind of luck that only someone on Friday the 13th would!! 

Read these cute novellas to get you more in the holiday spirit! These books were fast reads for me and something I would read again! :) 

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

COTT: Youth Fiction with a Timely Message

For all those who need to unplug from our high tech world, Clash of the Titles presents a novel about reconnecting with those dearest to us, about turning off the cellphone and living in reality. Although written from the perspective of a new teen, Edna in the Desert applies to all ages.

About Edna in the Desert:
Edna is a precocious trouble-maker wreaking havoc at her Beverly Hills school. Her therapist advocates medication, but her parents come up with an alternative cure: Edna will spend the summer in the desert with her grandparents. Their remote cabin is cut off from cell phone service, Internet and television. Edna's determined to rebel until she meets an older local boy and falls in love for the first time. How can she get to know him from the edge of nowhere?

PURCHASE:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Electio Publishing

What readers have to say:
*  "Maddy Lederman is a 21 st Century Judy Blume"
* "The author displays literary maturity in her subtle, nuanced and patient treatment of Edna's movement from self-centered to other-centered.I recommend this book to all - not just the YA group & I hope to read other books from this author."
* "Loved this book, brought up so many things I think about in terms of kids, technology and our materialistic society."

About the author: 

Maddy Lederman's writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, The Los Angeles Times and The Sun

Runner, a magazine about California deserts. Maddy has an MFA in Acting from Brooklyn College. After school she discovered what it's like to wait around at auditions all day, and so she did not pursue an acting career. Edna In The Desert is Maddy's first novel.

Q&A with Maddy:
What has drawn you to writing for the YA market?
I wanted to write a warm, amusing story about how a modern teenager would react to being totally unplugged. Some of my friends’ kids don’t even look up from their phones to say hello, and I wonder where this is taking our culture. My character, Edna, is thirteen, so the YA market was naturally drawn to my book, but I wasn’t drawn to a particular market. I’ve found that adults enjoy Edna In the Desert as much as teens.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I’ve done many quirky things, a lot of them in the desert! I took a “sound bath” at The Integratron. I hiked up a mountain in 110 degrees on a first date and eventually married the guy. My job in film and TV creates endless quirky opportunities, for example, covering Adam West, TV’s Batman, in creamed corn. We met years later in Palm Springs and laughed about it.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
On Facebook and my website, MaddyLederman.com.

Visit Clash of the Titles for the latest in Christian fiction!

*taken from Amazon reviews

Review: Stress Test by Dr. Richard Mabry

Stress Test by Richard L. Mabry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Richard Mabry has done it again!! I have yet to read a book by Dr. Mabry that I have not enjoyed!!

Dr. Matt Newman is working his way through the world while falling in love with a legal assistant named Jennifer. He wants to marry her and start a life with her but she is wishing he didn't have such long, unpredictable hours. Dr. Newman decides to close up his practice and go into a more laid back physicians role to honor her.

He ends up kidnapped, in the back of a car, going who knows where one night after shift. Was this planned or a freak coincidence and the kidnappers got the wrong guy? Why him? What did he do? He narrowly escapes and wakes up in a hospital room attached all sorts of wires and machines to find out he is now being charged with murder.

In the meantime, everything he had planned is now on hold. His girlfriend won't return his calls, the police are after him for a murder he doesn't know anything about, and he gets a call that his new job is now on hold.

Sandra Murray is a redheaded lawyer who has just learned about Matt's case. She's leery of taking it because, after all, she isn't fond of doctors right now. Especially the one covering Matt's medical case. She decides that she will represent Matt anyway, after the way her responds with her line of questioning in the hospital room. Is she making a mistake?

Matt gets discharged from the hospital and that's where the real nightmares begin. Will he ever get his life back? Will he be cleared of the charges? What about those who kidnapped him?

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat!! I loved how the story never really lets up. I think my heartbeat finally went back to normal a couple hours after finishing this book!!

I will say that there is only one fault I find in the book. If you read this book (or any other book for that matter) and see that the "Sinner's Prayer" will save you, I strongly encourage you to search your Bibles more. Nowhere in the Bible is the "Sinner's Prayer" mentioned. What is mentioned, however, is that to be saved and covered in the blood of Jesus, one must first Hear the Word of God. Second, one must Believe in that Word of God. Next, one must make a public confession and repent of their sins. This is where most people stop. However, in Acts 2:38-39, it reads, "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.'" There was a line also mentioned something to the effect of "you don't have to go to church to be a Christian" (I paraphrased that). That is also not true according to the Bible. Hebrews 10:23-32 discusses the implications of forsaking the assembling of the saints. I would love to talk to you about this further should you have questions. Also, please understand that there are many other versus besides the ones I have listed above that will help to answer these questions.

I do wish you, my readers, well and I hope that you will diligently search for the truth yourselves and not rely on what any man has to say in Biblical matters. Our Bibles should serve as our roadmaps.

View all my reviews

Review: Muscle and a Shovel by Michael Shank

Muscle and a Shovel by Michael J. Shank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you always wondered why certain things you hear from the Sunday morning pulpit don't always match up when you read your Bible? This book is about several characters, all of whom are looking for change in their life. They don't all understand why or how at first, but eventually it all comes to light.

Randall is such a caring individual. He is always cheery and helpful no matter what his lot in life is. He is someone most people either naturally gravitate towards or completely ignore. I need more Randall's in my life!! He shares something most precious to others he works with and the outcome may surprise you.

Christianity takes a lot of muscle, and sometimes the shovel, but in the end, it will be well worth it!

I don't want to give much of this book away because it's one that, once you start it, you won't be able to put it down. I highly recommend this book for EVERYONE and I hope you take some time to read it!

View all my reviews

Stone of Destiny--COTT Champ

A hearty congratulations to Mary Ball, author of Stone of Destiny!

And a special thank-you to these authors for entering their great new releases:

Bonnie Doran, author of Dark Biology
Laura V. Hilton, author of Awakened Love
Maddy Lederman, author of Edna in the Desert
Julie Cantrell, author of When Mountains Move

About Stone of Destiny:

Taylor has given up on everything but her work. After becoming the youngest CEO of Mugful’s Beverage Company, she believes life is complete--until her grandmother asks her to oversee the renovations of the family home, in addition to searching for a missing heirloom.
Her first contact with what she believes is an insignificant ring, lost for fifty years, sends her life spinning. Taylor experiences strange. Unexpected feelings surface that she doesn't understand. Thoughts that should remain unspoken are voiced. Taylor’s emotional journey begins, testing a heart as cold as the ring itself and forcing her to question everything she believes. Is this a fairytale, or simply her soul reaching out for a different world--a life she can only find through faith and a divine trust in God?

What Voters Had to Say:

Mary L. Ball, I am looking forward to reading Stone of Destiny! The story sounds amazing.

Mary, your title sounds interesting. I like the idea of following the trail of an heirloom.
Stone of Destiny is one I look forward to reading.

Mary does such great work. What a mind ! I have been looking forward to her new book ever since I first heard about the storyline.

Mary Ball's Stone of Destiny excerpt takes a Christian believer out of the box.

Mary Ball is an excellent author. I am looking forward to her next book.

Stone of Destiny is good reading. You'll love it.

To to a wonderful beautiful lady Mary L. Ball keep on writing you are the best and your books are wonderful

About the author, Mary Ball:

She is a member of ACFW and lives in North Carolina between the wondrous mountains and beautiful beaches. When she’s not writing, Mary enjoys supporting her husband’s ministry,singing, fishing, and reading a good novel.
For more about Mary visit her at http://MaryLouwrites.weebly.com
Find her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/inspires4mary <https://twitter.com/inspires4mary
and facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspirational-author-Mary-L-Ball/

Reviews for Stone of Destiny

Stone of Destiny by Mary L. Ball is a wonderful story of romance and one finding their way back to God through faith and trust. Taylor Harrison is the youngest CEO at the Mugful Beverage Company and she feels that her life is complete. With great trepidation she agrees to oversee the renovation of her grandmother's family home. Fifty years earlier, a sapphire ring was lost in the house and Granny Kay wants Taylor to search for the ring as the renovations are being made. After finding the ring, Taylor begins to have strange dreams and she is even making phone calls in her sleep at night.

Brent Roberts is the nephew of Granny Kay's best friend and he has been hired to do the renovations to the house. When he and Taylor meet, she is definitely not impressed even though she thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen. Brent is very much in tune with what God wants him to do with his life. His faith and the way he shares his knowledge of God cause Taylor to start questioning some of her beliefs. She soon realizes that she can only find happiness through a true faith in God.

The development of the plot, the characters, the dialogue, and the description of all the scenes were done in an excellent manner. The characters were so real that at times I wanted to shake Taylor and would not have minded if Brent gave me a hug. Granny Kay is the kind of grandma that everyone would love to have and her love for Taylor was a very important part of the story. All the action taking place in the book was so well done that in my mind I was struggling right along with Taylor as she worked to make her decisions and I was pulling for Brent to win Taylor's heart. I really appreciate the way that the author handled the romance in the story and how Taylor regained her faith in God and finally trusted Him with her life. Searching for the missing ring added a little suspense to the story.

Would she find the ring or would it be lost forever?

I highly recommend this book. If you like a wonderful story with lots of romance, a little bit of suspense, and a story in which faith in God plays a big part, then this is the book for you.

***********************

Mary Ball has written a book that people must read. I have watched a lot of Nicholas Sparks movies and this book ranks up to the top of a Nicholas Sparks love story.

**********************

This is the second book by Mary Ball that I have read. The first one was a mystery/suspense that had me guessing all the way to the end. This one had me intrigued and wondering all the way to the end what path Taylor was going to choose. This story starts out with a bang, literally, and I was wondering how I was going to put this book down to sleep that night. I love decorating and watching HGTV so I was especially interested in Mary's description of how this old house was being renovated by our very special hero. This book also takes place over a period of time so it is not an insta-love, but one that grows. Though sometimes I did get aggravated with Taylor for some of the choices she was making that would have resulted in a very lonely life.

Brent, our hero, was very patient, knew what he wanted, and pursued Taylor by not be overbearing or controlling. The dreams Taylor would have added an air of mystery to the whole plot and kept me turning the pages just to find out with Taylor why she was having them and what they meant. This book was provided to me by the author and the opinions are my own.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

All Romance Ebooks
Prism Book Group

COTT: Clash of the Titles Newest Gems

Clash of the Titles's Newest Gems

This November Clash of the Titles presents a fantastic selection of brand new books to check out.

Add an American classic, a biological science fiction with suspense, young adult, inspirational romance and Amish story to your to-be-read or Christmas wish list

When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

For most of Millie’s life, being free felt about as unlikely as the mountains moving. But she’s about to discover that sometimes in life, we are given second chances, and that the only thing bigger than her past … is her future.

Dark Biology by Bonnie Doran

Renowned vaccinologist "Hildi" Hildebrandt has set her sights on beating  her brother to a Nobel Prize, and the opportunity to conduct experiments on the International Space Station might just provide the means to obtain that goal. On Earth, Chet Hildebrandt will teach a lesson to his hot-shot astronaut sister, their philandering hypocritical father, and the CDC by releasing what he thinks is a mild influenza strain.

Edna in the Desert by Maddy Lederman

Edna is a spoiled, tech-addicted teen wreaking havoc at her Beverly Hills school. How can she survive a summer at her grandparents' cabin, cut off from cell phone service, Internet and television?

Stone of Destiny by Mary L. Ball

Can a mysterious ring change lives? Taylor’s emotional journey begins; testing a heart cold as stone when discovers a missing heirloom.

Awakened Love by Laura V. Hilton

He’s hiding from a cold-blooded killer; her Amish identity has been stripped away. Both must find a way to balance their hearts, their jobs, and their faith while risking their lives for another.

Voting closes November 19 at midnight 
(Tuesday night/Wednesday morning)

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

2013 Laurel Award Feature--Veil of Pearls

On October 18, 2013 Veil of Pearls took home Clash of the Titles's Laurel Award. Over the course of six weeks, the novel's first chapters were read and judged by avid readers of Christian fiction who determined Veil of Pearls to be the worthiest to receive the 2013 Laurel Award.


Clash of the Titles extends a heartfelt congratulations to author MaryLu Tyndall for her exemplary writing. We wish God's richest blessings on her future work. 

About Veil of Pearls:

Be swept away to Charleston of 1811, a city bustling with immigrants like Adalia, who is a runaway slave so light-skinned that no one guesses her past. Terrified her secret will be discovered, she settles into a quiet life making herbal remedies for a local doctor. But when Morgan, the handsome son of a prominent family, sweeps her into his glamorous world—a world in which the truth about Adalia’s heritage would ruin them both—suspicions and petty jealousies are aroused. What will Morgan do when he discovers that the woman he has fallen in love with is a runaway slave?

PURCHASE YOUR COPY

Listen to Cynthia L. Simmon's" Heart of the Matter" radio interview of Laurel Award Winner, MaryLu Tyndall!

About MaryLu:

MaryLu Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist, and best-selling author

of the Legacy of the King's Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. 

MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats. Her passion is to write page-turning, romantic adventures that not only entertain but open people's eyes to their God-given potential. MaryLu is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. 

For more information on MaryLu and her upcoming releases, please visit her website at http://www.mltyndall.com or her blog at http://www.crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/

Review: Doctor to the Rescue by Cheryl Wyatt

Doctor to the Rescue by Cheryl Wyatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I recently posted a review on Cheryl Wyatt's latest book, The Nurse's Secret Suitor. As I was reading it, I thought I was missing something!! I sure was!! I skipped this book accidentally in between the others but thankfully found it on my bookshelf this weekend. It was yet another very quick read!!

This story features the lives of Brianna and Ian. Brianna is devastated after the loss of her mom and her brother, Caleb, being transferred into dangerous military combat. Her mom left a lodge that Brianna is about to lose to foreclosure. While out working on the lodge, Brianna slips and breaks her arm. Ian, the fabulous Eagle Point Emergency anesthesiologist, helps Brianna to the ER and gets her settled in and ready for surgery. Little does Brianna know, Ian is her "bodyguard" set up by Caleb before his departure. Not sure how she will complete all the necessary repairs to the lodge in time for the banks to extend her loan, Brianna soon finds herself surrounded by help from Eagle Point and the neighboring town, Refuge. Uncomfortable with accepting charity, Brianna strikes a deal with Ian to be his daughter Tia's babysitter. Did Brianna bite off more than she could chew?

I loved this story and how it developed. Eagle Point reminds me of my own hometown and how everyone bonds together during times of distress and tragedy. I also enjoy the medical theme throughout the book (it's the nurse in me!) and how Ms. Wyatt ties that into the military as well. I look forward to more great books in this series!


View all my reviews

Review: The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt

The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book intrigued me from the first paragraph!! First of all, for anyone new to my blog, please understand that my favorite books are those with a medical slant. Add Christian fiction to that, and I'm in reader heaven!!

This book is a part of the Eagle Point Emergency series. Mitch is getting married and having a masquerade ball themed wedding. Kate, a trauma nurse for EPE, gets a devastating text message in the middle of the reception. She's upset and needing someone to talk to. As soon as she thinks that, a masked crusader shows up, holds her, lets her talk and cry, then gives her a kiss and leaves. Brianna, Kate's best friend, shows up looking for her. Brianna tries to comfort her friend but really doesn't understand Kate's dilemma. Besides, Kate doesn't want to burden Brianna with her troubles. Who was the masked man who swept her off her feet? Will Kate ever see him again? Kate is so consumed with family issues and helping Bri to plan the rest of her wedding that she almost forgets about him until finding a note, simply signed "BB" one day. The gifts and notes keep coming but soon Kate realizes that she has found the love of her life. Can she break it gently to her masked man?

I loved this book and simply could not put it down until I read it cover to cover! I am excited to read more books in this series and to see where Kate's story goes!

Thank you to Ms. Wyatt and the publisher for providing a complimentary review copy through the Christian Fiction Book Alliance blog tour. I have provided this review without coercion and this review reflects my personal thoughts on this book.


View all my reviews

CFBA: The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Nurse's Secret Suitor

Love Inspired (October 1, 2013)


by

Cheryl Wyatt


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Not even Cheryl Wyatt’s closest friends would dream that this sweet, shy intercessor plots mayhem during announcements at church. She is a Registered Nurse turned stay-at-home-mom, wife and writer who loves Jesus with all of her heart.


Joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She is convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentines Day destined her to write Inspirational Military Romance.


Cheryl loves to laugh and to make others laugh, so she often plans comedic moments for her defenseless characters in spite of their grumbling. She says it’s payback for when they refuse to obey the plots she’s set out before them.


Prior to publication, six of Cheryl’s manuscripts placed in ten RWA Contests. Two of Cheryl’s stories also placed First in ACFW’s Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), as well as ACFW‘s Genesis Contest 2006 (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category).


She currently writes for Love Inspired. Her Wings of Refuge Series, about a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts, can be purchased anywhere books are sold.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A Strong-Willed Heart
Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won't take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend's brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she's always hoped to unmask?
Eagle Point Emergency:  Saving lives—and losing their hearts— in a small Illinois town


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Nurse's Secret Suitor, go HERE.



I plan on reading this book next week during a vacation from work. I'll give a full review then!

CFBA: Raw Edge by Sandra Bricker

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Raw Edge

Abingdon Press (September 17, 2013)

by

Sandra D. Bricker


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The Big 5-OH! was released by Abingdon Press in the Spring of 2010, and the novel was very well-received, garnering a couple of nibbles from Hollywood.

Always the Baker, Never the Bride was released by Abingdon Press in September 2010. With its phenomenal reviews, the novel spawned a series of three more books based on the popular cast of characters at The Tanglewood Inn, a wedding destination hotel in historic Roswell, Georgia. The series cemented Sandie's spot in publishing as a flagship author of Laugh-Out-Loud romantic comedy for the inspirational market.

"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"  

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grayson McDonough has no use for teal ribbons, 5k runs, or ovarian cancer support groups now that his beautiful wife Jenna is gone. But their nine-year-old daughter Sadie seems to need the connection. When Annabelle Curtis, the beautiful cancer survivor organizing the memory quilt project for the Ovacome support group, begins to bring out the silly and fun side of his precious daughter again, Gray must set aside his own grief to support the healing of Sadie’s young heart. But is there hope for Gray’s heart too along the way?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Raw Edge, go HERE.



Watch the book trailer:

CFBA: Fired Up by Mary Connealy

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Fired Up

(Bethany House March 1,

by

Mary Connealy


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.


The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.


The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.


Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.


The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.


She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy


Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.


Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she's terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner--never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.


Glynna can't help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna's diner into Dare's back. Are Flint's cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna's son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Fired Up, go HERE.


I've been a fan of Mary Connealy for quite some time now. I love her characters and how real they become to me!! This book is no exception! It's an added bonus that it's set in the Civil War area (one of my favorites to read!)! 
I can't help but always get a great laugh out of her characters!! Mary knows how to write an entertaining novel and I look forward to her future ones!! Her covers are also very attractive! Check out Dare on this one!! Hunky doctor looking for love...If I wasn't already married, I'd say sign me up! 

Check this one out today!

CFBA: Pattern for Romance by Carla Gade

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Pattern for Romance

Abingdon Press (August 20, 2013)

by

Carla Gade


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla Olson Gade has been imaging stories most of her life. Her love for writing and eras gone by turned her attention to writing Inspirational Historical Romance.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Writers, and the Maine Fellowship of Christian Writers. She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary.


Her publishing credits also include a variety of newspaper articles, newsletters, and web content.  She also enjoys developing discipleship materials for women. She has been a book judge for the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest (RWA), and ACFW's Genesis Contest.


In addition to writing, Carla is a freelance website designer and webhost and an advocate for adult literacy.  An experienced event and program planner/promoter, Carla designs marketing materials for her writing group, women's ministry, and other functions.  Carla has also spoken at several women's events and facilitated many workshops and classes through the years.


An autodidact, creative thinker, and avid reader, Carla also enjoys genealogy, web design, and photography. A native New Englander, she lives in beautiful rural Maine with her "hero" husband and two young adult sons, and a new grandson.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. As he risks his relationships, reputation, and livelihood to prove her innocence, the two discover a grander plan—a design for love.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Pattern for Romance, go HERE.

Full Review: An Open Heart by Harry Kraus

An Open Heart by Harry Kraus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jace is living the prime of his life as a cardiothoracic surgeon. His beautiful wife, Heather, is a missionary kid like him. A serious of unfortunate events has Jace operating on the Governor. Meanwhile, the Governor's wife is making her move on Heather's husband. What happened on that fateful night? Was Jace unfaithful? Can Heather's heart be mended?

After the incident, Jace decides to return to Africa to carry out his medical mission of love...performing heart surgery. He has an eventful return and welcome back to his "homeland". Is this a sign of what is to come? Will Jace find a way to mend his heart as well as those of his patients?

This is a riveting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time you are reading it! I love how Dr. Kraus gives such vivid details that you actually feel you are right there in the book. He also addresses a controversial issue in this book, one in which I am still intrigued by. As a nurse who has worked in both pediatric and adult cardiology, I've heard some very similar stories (though not in the same format or details as the characters in this book) of those who have undergone surgery or those who are near death.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read a great suspense story!! It does include medical terminology, which is explained in layman's terms and is written from a Christian perspective.

Many thanks to the publisher, David C. Cook, and the author, Dr. Kraus, for a complimentary copy of this book. This is my fair and honest review with no enticements by the publisher or author.


View all my reviews

Full Review: Pieces of the Heart by Bonnie S. Calhoun

Pieces of the Heart by Bonnie S. Calhoun
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The stories that quilts hold...

I loved this book! I envy the relationship that Cordelia has with her Grammy and the special bond that a quilt can hold. Grammy would say that it's a 'life covering' and full of prayers. This book focused on the power of prayer and how it can bring someone through some very dark moments.

Cordelia is a young girl, bullied by the neighbors, until her rescuer shows up. Bernard is the love of Cordelia's life from first glance. There is a lot of heartaches in both of their lives and Bernard decides one day to sign up for the War. His number is pulled and he finds himself in the thick of WWII, but not in a way that he would imagine. Will he make it back home to Cordelia?

There are so many things to talk about with this book but I don't want to give anything away. I love how the author focused this book on the "other" side of WWII...how our black soldiers were treated. This book had me in tears several times. I laughed. I cried some more. My favorite character would have to be Grammy. Her lessons and the relationships she had with others is something I needed from this book.

I do hope you'll support this author and read this fabulous book!! Many thanks to the author and Abingdon Press for a complimentary copy of the book to review for the CFBA Blog tour!


View all my reviews

CFBA: Pieces of the the Heart by Bonnie Calhoun

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Pieces of the Heart

Abingdon Press (June 1, 2013)


by

Bonnie S. Calhoun


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bonnie S. Calhoun is Owner/Director of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, owner/publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the ACFW ‘2011 Mentor of the Year,” President of (CAN) Christian Authors Network, and Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference(GPCWC).


For the last six years she has taught workshops in Facebook, Twitter, Blogging, and creating Social Media promotions at both CCWC, and GPCWC, and in 2011 at the Montrose, Pa Christian Writers Conference. She also taught a Facebook workshop at the 2012 ACFW conference.


Bonnie and her husband live in a log cabin in upstate area of New York with a dog and cat who think she’s wait-staff.


Her sites are:

https://www.facebook.com/bonniescalhounsnarkandsuspense
 https://www.facebook.com/bscalhoun

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Cordelia Grace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Each row of triangles signifies a layer in her life, sets of memories, hopes, dreams, and prayers for her future, enough spoken words to cover them forever. Her image of their “happy-ever-after” grows proportionally as the quilt expands.


But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades of color that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? Can love and faith overcome all?


If you would like to read teh first chapter of Pieces of the Heart, go HERE.


I just returned home from vacation and found this book in my mail today. Therefore, I have not read the whole book yet. I am getting into though and, wow...

Cordelia is a young girl who has been bullied by the neighborhood kids because of the tone of her skin. She is rescued one day by a young man named Bernard. Cordelia spends a lot of time with her grandmother, who is making a "life covering" for her. She prays over each piece as she puts the quilt together for her granddaughter. Bernard comes from an abusive home but he has a strong faith in the Lord. Cordelia and Bernard are in love and anxiously awaiting the day they can join their lives together. However, a war is ensue and the future is scary. 

Reading this book today has really had me missing my grandmothers. My dad's mom did not quilt or sew of any kind for that matter, but she instilled a love in me for jigsaw puzzles. My mom's mom did a lot of sewing but I'm not sure she quilted. I do have several dolls that she made me as a child. I love Cordelia and her grandmother in this story and I'm excited to see how all of this plays out. It's been awhile since I've read a book that I just didn't want to put down! I hope to finish this tomorrow! :) 

CFBA: An Open Heart by Harry Kraus

                         

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

An Open Heart

David C. Cook (June 1, 2013)

by

Harry Kraus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

A Word from Harry:

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.

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.

If you would like to read the first chapter of An Open Heart, go HERE.

I'm currently reading this book right now. It starts out with a lot of suspense and questions that I hope to have answers for soon!! I'll post a full review once I've had time to thoroughly enjoy it! For those of you who know me well, you know I LOVE medical fiction!! This one has my attention! 

CFBA: When Morning Glory Blooms by Cynthia Ruchti

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

When The Morning Glory Blooms

Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013)

by

Cynthia Ruchti


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia writes stories of hope that glows in the dark, merging her love for storytelling with inextinguishable hope for inexpressible hurts.


Cynthia spends her days diving into words, worship, and wonder and celebrating 40 years of marriage, three grown children, and five outrageously adorable grandchildren. One of her greatest joys is helping other writers grow in their craft. To that end, she served as the assistant director and a faculty member of the Quad Cities Christian Writers Conference, has served as worship and devotions staff for the Write-to-Publish conference, and teaches at other conferences as opportunities arise. She speaks to women’s groups, at mother-daughter banquets, and for women’s refresher days and retreats. It is her delight to serve on her church’s worship team. Rather than “busy,” she likes the term “active.”


For 33 years, Cynthia wrote and produced the radio broadcast The Heartbeat of the Home. The scripted radio drama/devotional broadcast aired on as many as 50 radio stations and two cable/digital television stations over the years. Cynthia was the editor of the ministry’s Backyard Friends magazine, a twenty-page, twice annual publication that reached 5,000 homes, churches, and parachurch outreaches.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Becky rocks a baby that rocked her world. Sixty years earlier, with her fiancé Drew in the middle of the Korean Conflict, Ivy throws herself into her work at a nursing home to keep her sanity and provide for the child Drew doesn't know is coming. Ivy cares for Anna, an elderly patient who taxes Ivy's listening ear until the day she suspects Anna's tall tales are not the ramblings of dementia. They're fragments of Anna's disjointed memories of a remarkable life. Finding a faint thread of hope she can't resist tugging, Ivy records Anna's memoir, scribbling furiously after hours to keep up with the woman's emotion-packed, grace-hemmed stories. Is Ivy's answer buried in Anna's past? Becky, Ivy, Anna--three women fight a tangled vine of deception in search of the blossoming simplicity of truth.


If you would like to read the first chapter of When The Morning Glory Blooms, go HERE.



I will be posting a short review of this book later on this week.

CFBA: A Healing Heart by Angela Breidenbach

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Healing Heart

Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013)

by

Angela Breidenbach


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Angela Breidenbach is a speaker/coach in mental and physical health, author of A Healing Heart April 2013 from Abingdon Press in the Quilts of Love series, Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life, Creative Cooking for Simple Elegance, and Creative Cooking for Colitis. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She is certified in mentor/peer counseling as a CTA life coach, as a Stephen Minister, and a weight loss/nutrition coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister (worship/prayer leader) for her congregation in Missoula, MT. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom’s brain for the study of schizophrenia, but she’s also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Mara Keegan is an uber-successful mother and a widow of three years. She's been chasing success and all the "good things in life" for her family to make up for the cruel whim God played on them by taking her husband. In an effort to be the perfect mom, she decides to make a photo memory quilt, a graduation present for her daughter, Cadence.


She’s not yet finished when she experiences a heart attack. While Mara recuperates, she revisits the choices she's made that led to this physically and spiritually broken heart. The memory quilt must be finished in time for Cadence's big day, but Mara struggles with her burgeoning feelings for the man who must keep Mara's business going during her recovery, Joel Ryan. Can Joel find his way into Mara's heart and onto Cadence's quilt?


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Healing Heart, go HERE



I will posting a brief review of this book later on this week.

CFBA: Josiah's Treasure by Nancy Herriman

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Josiah's Treasure

Worthy Publishing (April 16, 2013)


by

Nancy Herriman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Herriman abandoned a career in Engineering to chase around two small children and take up the pen. She has been writing for longer than she would like to admit. Her work has been a finalist in several Romance Writers of America contests and she won the 2006 RWA Daphne du Maurier award for Best Unpublished Mystery/Romantic Suspense. In 2009, she was an ACFW Genesis finalist. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.


When she is not writing, or gabbing over lattes about writing, she is either watching history shows on cable TV or singing. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and sons, and wishes there were more hours in the day.



ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1882, Sarah Whittier dreams of opening an art studio run by immigrant women. She plans to use the house left to her by family friend Josiah Cady as collateral for her studio. But will all be lost when the inheritance is challenged by an angry man claiming to be Josiah's son and legal heir? Rumor of gold nuggets hidden in the house, place Sarah's life in danger. Her future uncertain and her safety threatened, Sarah has nowhere to turn. That is, unless she can soften a vengeful man's heart-and they both learn that love is finer than any gold.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Josiah's Treasure, go HERE.



I am not certain that I have received this book as of yet for review. I will post a review once I receive it.