Long Time Coming - review

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Long Time Coming   Abingdon Press (November 1, 2010)  by  Vanessa Miller  



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Vanessa Miller of Dayton, Ohio, is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. Her stage productions include: Get You Some Business, Don’t Turn Your Back on God, and Can’t You Hear Them Crying. Vanessa is currently in the process of turning the novels in the Rain Series into stage productions.


Vanessa has been writing since she was a young child. When she wasn’t writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels, reading great books consumed her free time. However, it wasn’t until she committed her life to the Lord in 1994 that she realized all gifts and anointing come from God. She then set out to write redemption stories that glorify God.

To date, Vanessa has completed the Rain and Storm Series. She is currently working on the Forsaken series, Second Chance at Love series and a single title, Long Time Coming. Vanessa believes that each book will touch readers across the country in a special way. It is, after all, her God-given destiny to write and produce plays and novels that bring deliverance to God’s people. These books have received rave reviews, winning Best Christian Fiction Awards and topping numerous Bestseller’s lists.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Two women from different worlds find hope together.


Faithful Christian Deidre Clark-Morris is a professional career-minded woman with a loving husband, but no children. Kenisha Smalls has lived in poverty all her life. She has three children by three different men and has just been diagnosed with inoperable cervical cancer.

While the meeting between these two women appears accidental, it becomes their catalyst of hope. Neither woman expects the blessing that God has in store for her. While Deidre will guide Kenisha on the path to eternal life with Jesus Christ, Kenisha will teach Deidre how to stand strong against the hard-knocks of life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Long Time Coming, go HERE


Watch the book video:



My Review

Vanessa Miller did an excellent job with this book.  I was hooked from the beginning.  Loved reading and finding out how life would play out for these women, both with struggles, both with doubts, both with fears.  Loved how she wove their lives together even though they were so different, one from the projects and one middle class.  Love how what started out as a bad situation ended with Deidra becoming such a wonderful friend.  

This book is not only enjoyable, it is motivational.  It really makes you want to find your “Kenisha” and make a difference in her life.  It makes you think about the blessings you have and how you can use those to impact someone else, not only physically but spiritually.  It really helps you to remember why we are here!!  

She does a great job addressing the issue of what appears to be “unanswered prayers”.  God’s timing is “on time”, it just may not be our time.

I really enjoyed the emotional roller coaster this book took me on.  The ups and downs, the laughter and the tears.  I would recommend this book to everyone.    Definitely one of the best I have read/reviewed this year!!

Thank you Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!!

Angel

Amy Inspired

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Amy Inspired Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010) by Bethany Pierce



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After completing a master's in Creative Writing and working as a visiting instructor at Miami University in Ohio, Bethany Pierce now lives with her husband in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she is a member of the McGuffey Art Center and continues to write. Her first book, Feeling for Bones, was one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2007.



ABOUT THE BOOK

With rejections piling up, she could use just a little inspiration...



Amy Gallagher is an aspiring writer who, after countless rejections, has settled for a career as an English professor in small-town Ohio just to pay the bills. All her dreams suddenly start to unravel as rejections pile up--both from publishers and her boyfriend.



But just as Amy fears her life is stuck in a holding pattern, she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. She struggles to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as staying true to her faith becomes unexpectedly complicated.



When secrets, tragedy, and poor decisions cause rifts in Amy's relationships, she must come to terms with who she's become, her unrealized aspirations for her life, and the state of her faith. Can she dare to hope that she will find love and fulfillment despite it all?



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

Happy Reading
Angel

Letters to Ethan - review

About Tom McQueen

Tom McQueen died shortly after he was born. Apparently God wasn't expecting such a quick trip home so He returned Tom to his parents, Joe and Marie McQueen.

The enlightenment of that journey from birth to death and back to life again permanently colored Tom's world as a Christian therapist, consultant to Fortune 500 companies,personal coach, and author. His inspirational workshops and seminars have touched the hearts of audiences throughout North America.

Tom is the president of the American Family Foundation,Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of children and families in the United States.

An avid Tampa Bay Lightning hockey fan, Tom celebrates the blessings of his family, friends, and colleagues on Florida's beautiful west coast. And one of his very first gifts to Ethan was, of course, a miniature hockey stick.

Other Books by Tom McQueen:

◦ Near-Life Experiences: Discovering New Powers for Personal Growth

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◦ The Customer is WHY! Six Steps to Creating Legendary Service in Your Organization

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◦ Passion at Work: Ten Things Legendary Leaders Do To Improve Performance, Productivity, & Profit

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◦ BayCare Coaching: Helping Our Team Members Learn, Grow, and Develop

Have you ever thought about writing letters to your children or grandchildren as a lasting legacy?

Tom is starting a national campaign to encourage parents and grandparents to write letters to the next generation.

Please visit: www.legacynationusa.com to read letters from others and to begin work on your legacy.

Letters To Ethan:
A Grandfather's Legacy of Life & Love

Dear Ethan:

Like the rest of us, you didn't come with an owner's manual. You'll probably wonder – more than once – why you're here. What is your life's purpose? How will you face the adversity your life will surely bring?

Despite appearances, no one's life is ever simple. We have our parents and our friends to learn from; they have much to teach us. And you'll hear a lot from, and about, public figures – athletes, newscasters, actors, politicians, artists…celebrities of every kind.

But making sense of the world we live in is something each one of us struggles with. The truth is, life is complicated. It's wonderful; it's awful; it's a thrill; it's a bore. And it can feel almost unbearable at times. Almost.

Fortunately, you're blessed with a family that loves you. Your grandfather, Tom McQueen, wrote you this book. No one has all the answers, but he's already faced many of the challenges you'll encounter.

Even those of us who've been around awhile can learn a thing or twelve from your grandpa. He's helped a lot of folks as a therapist; he's inspired audiences with his seminars; and he's shared his thoughts in several other books.

In these letters to you, Ethan, your grandpa reveals the mistakes and miracles that have shaped his life. Anyone can give advice, but true wisdom is hard-won. And the book you're holding contains plenty of it.

Sincerely,
Coach Lou Holtz

My Review:

I really enjoyed Letters To Ethan.  Being a grandma, it has given me the desire to leave something similar to my grandkids.  This book is full of good advice, principles/morals to live by, and just plain fun.  To leave a legacy to our grandkids to help them deal with the issues of life and to also teach them to have fun and find the JOY in all things is wonderful.  I would recommend this book to anyone with kids and/or grandkids.  It would also be a good starting place for leaving your own kid/grandkids a piece of who you are and how you lived your life.

Happy Reading

Hatteras Girl - review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hatteras Girl Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010) by Alice Wisler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice J. Wisler is an author, public speaker, advocate, and fundraiser. She has been a guest on several radio and TV programs to promote her self-published cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and has traveled the country in jobs that minister to people. Alice was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

Facts about Alice
* Born in Osaka, Japan and lived in Japan for 18 years
* Went to Kyoto International School and Canadian Academy
* Majored in Social Work and graduated in 1983 from Eastern Mennonite University
* Worked at a group home for disadvantaged kids outside of Philadelphia
* Taught English and Culture Orientation at a refugee camp in the Philippines
* Taught English as a Second Language in Japan
* Speaks and teaches on Writing the Heartache
* Has three kids on earth, and one in Heaven
* Recently got married to Carl on 2/7/09

ABOUT THE BOOK

There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

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

My Review:

When I first started Hatteras Girl, I had a hard time getting into it.  The first few chapters seemed somewhat slow.  However, I am glad I stuck with it because I ended up really enjoying this book.  It is full of life.  Love, death, family, friends, and JOY!!  It is a story of dreams come true.  All Jackie wants in life is to own the Bailey House and to find a good man.  I have always loved staying at a Bed and Breakfast, and would love to own one someday, so seeing how Jackie goes about it was fun.  I also really enjoyed all the quirkiness of the characters.  I would recommend this book to anyone.  It is a fun, light read.

Thank you CFBA for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Happy Reading

Grace review

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Grace Avon Inspire; Original edition (October 26, 2010) by Shelley Shepard Gray


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelley Shepard Gray is the beloved author of the Sisters of the Heart series, including Hidden, Wanted, and Forgiven. Before writing, she was a teacher in both Texas and Colorado. She now writes full time and lives in southern Ohio with her husband and two children. When not writing, Shelley volunteers at church, reads, and enjoys walking her miniature dachshund on her town's scenic bike trail.



ABOUT THE BOOK

It's Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed & Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holiday.

Anna and Henry will be celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple, and for Katie and Jonathan Lundy, it's their first Christmas with baby Stefan. Winnie and Samuel Miller plan to stop by as well for a wonderful two weeks of family and rest.

But when two unexpected visitors show up, hoping to stay for Christmas, the family must test their commitment to hospitality. Levi is a widower who lost his wife four years ago and can't bear the thought of another Christmas alone. And Melody is a young pregnant woman who won't open up about how she ended up on her own at Christmas at almost nine months pregnant.

Anna, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets, doesn't trust her, and strives to find out the truth about these two strangers who have disrupted their holiday. But as the Christmas spirit descends on them all, as well as snow that traps them in the inn, a healing and hopefulness takes over, allowing new relationships to be built, and the boundaries of family to be extended.

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

My Review:

This is my first Shelley Shepard Gray book.  Although I didn’t feel it was a gripping, edge of your seat, page turner, I did really enjoy it.  It was a very relaxed read.  A story that makes you feel good.  A story full of JOY and hope.

I think spending the holidays tucked away at an Amish Bed and Breakfast for the Christmas season, learning to let go of past hurts, sounds like an amazing time.  Add that to the beautiful snow and the simpler way of life, and it makes me want to be there.

But will what started out as an unexpected and somewhat unwanted situation turn into a beautiful Christmas, or will it be a disaster for all involved.  Will Melody get back home before the baby comes?  Will Levi deal with his hurt and anger?  Will Katie and the family make the best of the holidays with their guests?

This book is definitely worth reading!!  Light a fire, grab a blanket and a cup of coffee, and enjoy this feel good book!!

Thank you CFBA for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Happy Reading

Within My Heart - Review

About the Author:

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Tennessee, where they enjoy life with their two college-age children and a Silky named Jack.

Tamera invites you visit her Web site at www.tameraalexander.com.

About the Book:

Sometimes the greatest step of faith is taken neck-deep in fear.

Determined to fulfill her late husband's dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she's forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He's a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks....

Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand's dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient's life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd's stubborn heart.

From the beloved, bestselling author of From a Distance and Beyond This Moment comes an unforgettable story about faith in the face of fear, about tarnished hopes and second chances, and ultimately about the resilient courage and tenacity of hearts broken——and mended——by love.

My Review:

After losing her husband, Rachel Boyd is trying to fulfill his dream for her and their boys.    Living out on land by themselves and trying to keep their ranch afloat while her heart and love is really in the medical field.  The twist, her dad was a doctor and her experience growing up in his home left her with a bad taste in her mouth towards physicians.  Along comes Dr. Rand Brookston, not only to treat her, but to treat her dear friend.  Can she handle the feelings she has toward him because he’s a doctor?  Can she handle the feelings she is developing for him even though he’s a doctor?  Is he really different than her dad?  

This was my first Tamera Alexander book.  After getting past the beginning, which I felt had some unnecessary content, I loved the book.  It was full of life, love, and health.  A grieving widow, some little boys trying to find themselves, and the complications associated with life in the 1800’s.  

Thank you Bethany House for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  

Happy Reading!!

In Every Heartbeat - Review

About the Author:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.

About this book:

Three best friends, three cherished dreams, three searching hearts...

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated? 

My Review:

The story of three young friends starting college together.  Three different pasts that landed them all at the same orphanage.  All three hurting and hungering for a place to belong, a place where they feel wanted.  Libby - a life as a journalist, Petey - a life as a minister, and Bennett - a college fraternity, the military, just anywhere to belong and feel important.

One common need - Jesus!!

Petey fill the holes in his life with the Lord but will the others ever let go of their worldly desires and find Him?  Will Bennett find a place or family to belong to.  Will Petey and Libby be able to put their differences aside and find love?

Great book, very well written and hard to put down.  Would definitely recommend.  Hoping she writes a sequel.

Thank you Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Happy Reading!!

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!  So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list here.

RULES:

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
 

1.  Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below

In your link, please state the main genre that you review:  eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc. 

Please do not list every genre you review - if you are review a variety, please put eclectic!  The Hop gets jumbled up if the title is too long, so please limit to one genre.  I will be limiting the number of characters in the title to ensure the Hop doesn't look messy!  Thank you!

Example:  Crazy-for-Books (adult fiction) 

NOTE:   You no longer have to enter the length of time you've been blogging, but do let us know if this is your first time hopping with us!

2. Post about the Hop on your blog.  Spread the word about the book party!  The more the merrier!  In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!).  If you have a suggestion for a future HOP question, click here to fill out the form!  Thanks!

This week's question comes from Tina who blogs at Book Couture.

"How do you spread the word about your blog?
(e.g. Social Networking sites, Book Blog Directories, comments on other blogs...)"

My Answer:  I have recently started doing blog hops in hopes of gaining more followers and finding more blogs to follow!!  I also have a personal blog that I post on daily and refer to my book blog at times!!

3.  Visit other blogs in the Linky List!  Make new friends!  Follow new book bloggers!  Talk about books!  Rave about authors!  Take the time to make a quality visit!  Check out other posts and content, make a new friend!  Don't randomly follow someone if you never intend on actually following them!  No spamming please!  (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)


And just as an FYI - this event is not something you should feel that you have to participate in every week.  If you want to join in and link up once a month, GREAT!  It's up to you how often you participate!

So, have fun HOPPING and enjoy your BOOK PARTY weekend!!!

Counting it all JOY!!

Loves First Bloom - review

About the Author:

Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author of 10 historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she lives in Collingswood, New Jersey. Visit www.deliaparr.com for more information.

About the Book:

She must conceal her past, her identity. What hope can there be for love?

Life changes drastically for Ruth Livingstone the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her under an assumed name to a small village in New Jersey. There she dutifully awaits his acquittal, certain that her father, Reverend Livingstone, soon will be cleared of the outrageous accusations against him. 

When tragic events transpire, Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River—a place where she can find a measure of peace amid her growing heartache. It is also here that she meets Jake Spencer, a man who both frustrates and intrigues her. Fearful of the newspapermen intent on tracking her down and unsure of whom to trust, Ruth knows she must carefully maintain her identity as Widow Malloy. But as love begins to slowly bloom, can the tenuous affection growing between Ruth and Jake withstand the secrets that separate them?

My Review:

Loves First Bloom is a story full of twists and turns.  Ruth Livingstone finds herself with a new identity, a daughter, and a new home.  Trying to protect her dad, herself, and the baby, she lives her life as Widow Mallow, living with the Garners and hiding from the press.  Along comes Jake, the lies and deception escalate to an unbelievable level.  

Will her dad be found guilty of murder?  Will she be found out?  Will Jake expose her?  Will the two be able to forgive the lies and deception?  Will he ruin her life or convince her to love him?  You will have to read it to find out.

This book is full of romance and mystery so if you are interested in romance in the 1800’s, this is the book for you!!

Counting it all JOY!!

Monday - What Are You Reading??

Today I am joining Sheila with Book Journey.  She asks us to share what we read last week and what we will be reading this week!!  How fun!!

I just finished reading for review:

No Girls Allowed - a very good devotional for boys 9-12

I also read Take Four by Karen Kingsbury!!  

This week I am reading (also for review)

Delia Parr’s Loves First Bloom

What are you reading this week??

Counting it all JOY!!