CFBA: The Ticket by Debra Jeter

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Ticket Firefly Southern Fiction (May 20, 2015) by Debra Jeter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Vanderbilt University professor, Debra Coleman Jeter has published fiction and nonfiction in popular magazines, including Working Woman, New Woman, Self, Home Life, Savvy, Christian Woman, and American Baby. Her story, "Recovery," won first prize in a Christian Woman short story competition, and her nonfiction book "Pshaw, It's Me Grandson": Tales of a Young Actor was a finalist in the 2007 USA Book News Awards. She is a co-writer of the screenplay for Jess + Moss, a feature film which premiered in 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival, screened at nearly forty film festivals around the world, and captured several international awards. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband. She is currently working on a novel based on the life of her grandmother, Effie Shultz McClain (1900 to 1985).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tray Dunaway longs to be part of the popular set at school but, she's growing too fast and her clothes no longer fit. The only person who understands Tray's need for acceptance is her grandmother, but when Tray wears Gram's hand-sewn clothes to school, the kids make fun of her tall, boney appearance. Tray's luck improves when Pee Wee Johnson, a down-and-out friend of her father's, buys two lottery tickets and gives one to Mr. Dunaway as a thank-you for driving him to Hazard, Illinois. When her father's ticket turns out to be the winner, Johnson demands his cut of the proceeds, but Tray's dad refuses. What seems like a stroke of good fortune suddenly becomes a disturbing turn of events as Johnson threatens to cause problems for the family and Tray.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Ticket, go HERE.

CFBA: The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Midwife’s Tale Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015) by Delia Parr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.

The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog

The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sandi Rog has a way of grabbing her reader's attention right off! "David tried not to cry, tried not to breathe or make a sound as he crept along the dark street." What could be bothering David so?

As it turns out, David's parents were being abducted and punished for their belief in Yeshua. Set in Rome in AD 76, David is scrambling to try to save his parents. Not only is he unable to save his parents, he is sold into slavery. He spends many years in the household of Aloysius, being trained by the a slave named Titus. He learns many ways of fighting, as well as how to juggle and entertain his master.

David isn't the only youngster in Aloysius's palace. There are many other children, including a young girl named Alethea. Alethea befriends David, against proper social customs and they become very close friends. Alethea had come from a line of grief herself, seeing her grandfather, Aloysius, take her father's life for believing in Yeshua.

The relationship between David and Alethea is a difficult one for many reasons and the struggles they faced in their friendship bring about many emotions. I enjoyed seeing how this story played out for all the characters involved!!

There are many, many things I love about this novel!! First and foremost, the fact that the gospel can and is alive and well throughout this novel was very refreshing! My favorite scene in the book takes place between Alethea and Ace!! David is, by far, my favorite character in this book!! He reminds me of some of my favorite Biblical characters....the shepherd boy David as he faces the giants in his life, Daniel for his refusal to bend to the will of the rulers of the land, and Jacob in that he worked for many years trying to gain freedom for the one he loved.

The underlying theme of this book is forgiveness. This is something that I really struggle with at times, as I am sure some of you do as well. What I love the most about this book is that no matter the struggle, David shows true forgiveness. This book has really challenged me over these past few days to work even harder with the issues that I have been dealing with that still require some work. Forgiveness can be a difficult thing to grant someone, especially when the hurt runs very deep. The Bible does teach us to forgive and Christ gave us the ultimate example of forgiveness when he hung on that cross and DIED for our sins.

This book is one that can wrap you up and have you literally so engrossed that life around you may seem a blur! It's not a "happy feel good" book all the way through. There are dark moments, there are lighter moments, there are moments that will make you so angry you want to scream, some will make you want to laugh or cry. In the end, this book is one that you don't want to miss out on. It could very well change your life and your outlook on it.

Thank you, Sandi Rog for a very well-written book! I look forward to reading Yeshua's Bridge and Out of the Ashes soon!

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CFBA: London Tides by Carla Laureano

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing London Tides David C. Cook (June 1, 2015) by Carla Laureano

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I studied literature and criticism at Pepperdine University and earned a degree in English in 1997. Since then, I’ve worked in a number of different industries as a salesperson, marketing manager, copywriter, and small business consultant. In addition to my work for corporate clients, I wrote for publications produced by the World Health Organization.

I love the history, culture, and mythology of Ireland and Scotland, which form the settings for most of my work. I also enjoy incorporating my background in martial arts and fencing into the action elements of my stories.

I’m a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). I was selected as a finalist in ACFW’s 2012 Genesis contest in the speculative fiction category. My debut novel, a contemporary romance entitled Five Days in Skye, was released by David C Cook in June 2013 and went on to win RWA’s 2014 RITA Award for Inspirational Romance. My three book young adult fantasy series, SONG OF SEARE, is being released from NavPress in 2014 and 2015.

I live with my husband and two sons in Denver, Colorado.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken.

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace ... only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together ... or tear them apart for good this time?

If you would like to read the first chapter of London Tides, go HERE.

CFBA: Justified by Varina Denman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Justified David C. Cook (June 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on the three-book Mended Heart Series. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.

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

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I literally sat and read this book in one sitting!!

Maggie is an avid horse trainer. She and her dad are seeing things in a bleak light and she fears she may lose her land and everything with it. What would she do without her prized horses? That all changes when the Irishman Cullen appears in the cemetery where her dad is praying. When Mr. Linden offers Cullen the deal of a lifetime, there is a stipulation attached. Can Cullen handle that?

I appreciate the brief history lesson that author, Tamera Alexander offers at both the beginning and end of this book. It really put a few things in perspective for me!!

I asked my husband tonight at dinner if he had been in Cullen's situation, what would he have done? Of course, today is a much different place and time than back in Maggie's day. He would not have handled the situation the same way that Cullen did. The romantic in me was a little taken aback by his answer....but then, would I have accepted his actions?

I loved this story on many different levels. The way that Maggie grew to accept those different than her was very heartwarming. I hope we hear more about Kissa in future writings from Ms. Alexander!!

I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with the characters in this book. During the time I was reading, I have no idea what happened around me because I was fully vested into this story. Thank you for an enjoyable read, Tamera!

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