Blog Tour- Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Hauck is a forty-something, a child of the '60's, '70's, '80's, '90's and '00's, who roller skated through the '70's into the '80's with Farrah Fawcet hair and a three-speed orange Camero. She graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism.

After graduation, she hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, destermined to see the world. But, she's traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine.

Rachel met Tony, her husband, in '87, at church, of all places. They married in '92.
They don't have any children of their own, just lots of kids-in-the-Lord and they love them all. However, they do have two very spoiled dogs, and a very demanding cat.

With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ' 04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. My current release is Sweet Caroline from Thomas Nelson. Romantic Times Book Club gave both books their highest rank of 4.5 stars, with Love Starts With Elle being honored as Top Pick!



ABOUT THE BOOK

Elle's living the dream-but is it her dream or his?

Elle loves life in Beaufort, South Carolina-lazy summer days on the sand bar, coastal bonfires, and dinners with friends sharing a lifetime of memories. And she's found her niche as the owner of a successful art gallery too. Life is good.

Then the dynamic pastor of her small town church sweeps her off her feet. She's never known a man like Jeremiah-one who breathes in confidence and exhales all doubt. When he proposes in the setting sunlight, Elle hands him her heart on a silver platter.

But Jeremiah's just accepted a large pastorate in a different state. If she's serious about their relationship, Elle will take "the call," too, leaving behind the people and place she loves so dearly. Elle's friendship with her new tenant, widower Heath McCord, and his young daughter make things even more complicated.

Is love transferrable across the miles? And can you take it with you when you go?

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

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My Thoughts:

Rachel Hauck is one of my new favorites in the world of fictional writers.  She creates stories with heros and heroines that every person would like to be.  This one is set in a small town very close to my home and the reference to familiar places is so enjoyable for me.  I loved this book from the very first page and was truly sorry to find myself at the end.  I look so forward to reading the next wonderful piece from this talented writer.

A must read for the summer!!

Enjoy!!

10:49 - Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hidden is Shelley’s first foray into inspirational fiction. Previously, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelors and masters degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio where she writes full time. Shelley is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and is part of the Telecare ministry, which calls homebound members on a regular basis. Shelley looks forward to the opportunity to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.



ABOUT THE BOOK


Hidden is a remarkable story about the unlikely love between a modern girl on the run and an Amish boy from the family who shelters her.

When Anna decides it's time to leave her abusive boyfriend, she doesn't know where to turn. Rob is a successful and respected person in her community. He has completely won over her parents with his good looks and prestigious position at a top law firm. Only Anna has seen his dark side. But when Rob hurts Anna yet again, she realizes that she must finally help herself.

Desperate, she runs to the one place she’s always felt completely safe, the Amish Brenneman Bed and Breakfast, where years ago she and her mother once stayed, and where Anna met life-long friend Katie Brenneman. When Anna shows up years later unexpectedly, the family welcomes her in, with few questions asked, and allows her to stay, dressed as the Amish in Plain clothes, and help around the inn.

But Katie’s older brother Henry doesn’t take too kindly to the intrusion. Anna wonders if it’s because he’s already had his heart broken. To Henry’s shame, from the moment he sees Anna, he feels a strong attraction. To cover his infatuation, he tries to ignore her, knowing no good would ever come from keeping an eye on a fancy woman like her. But as he sees that Anna has a good heart and is not the selfish, spoiled woman he imagined her to be, he feels his heart pointing towards her.

Anna comes to realize that she’s found a home and true love in the last place she’d expected. How can she deny the life she left behind? And will her chance for happiness be stolen away by the man who can’t seem to let her go?

If you would like to read the Prologue, go HERE

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My Thoughts:

This is a wonderful story of finding peace in the midst of a storm.  The characters are wonderfully enchanting and truly draw you into their hearts as soon as you meet them.  This story is set in Amish country, which I have previously had no knowledge of, however I felt as home there as I do in my own living room.  The story line had plenty of twists and turns and kept my interest until the very last page.

This story is excellent and a true gem to add to anyone's library. 

Enjoy!!

10:42 - Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

MARY CONNEALY is an award-winning author and playwright, married to Ivan a farmer, and the mother of four beautiful daughters, Joslyn, Wendy, Shelly and Katy. They live in Decatur, Nebraska. Mary is a GED Instructor by day and an author by night. And there is always a cape involved in her transformation.

Mary has also written Petticoat Ranch, Golden Days, and her latest, Alaska Brides that will debut in August.






ABOUT THE BOOK

Let yourself be swept away by this fast-paced romance, featuring Grace Calhoun, an instructor of reading, writing, and arithmetic, who, in an attempt to escape the clutchs of a relentless pursuer, runs smack dab into even more trouble with the 6R's - widower Daniel Reeves, along with his five rowdy sons. When a marriage is forced upon this hapless pair - two people who couldn't dislike each other more - an avalanche isn't the only potential danger lurking amid the shadows of Calico Canyon. Will they make it out alive? Or end up killing each other in the process?

Running from her Abusive foster-father, a man intent on revenge, the prim and perfectly proper Grace Calhoun takes on the job of schoolmarm in Mosqueros, Texas.

As if being a wanted woman isn't bad enough, Grace has her hands full with the five rowdy and rambunctious Reeves boys─tough Texan tormenters who seem intent on making her life miserable. When, in an attempt to escape from the clutches of her pursuer, Grace is forced to marry widower Daniel Reeves, father of the miniature monsters, she thinks things couldn't get any worse. Or could they?

Daniel Reeves, happy in his all-male world, is doing the best he can, raising his five boys─rascals, each and every one. Since his wife's death in childbirth, Daniel has been determined never to risk marriage again.

When God throws Grace and Danielt together─two people who couldn't detest each other more─the trouble is only beginning.

Will this hapless pair find the courage to face life together in the isolated Calico Canyon? Or are their differences too broad a chasm to bridge?

If you would like to read the first chapter go HERE

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My Thoughts:

This book was a wonderful throw back to the days where life was simpler if not less complicated.  I fell in love with these characters from the first page and loved how the relationships between this family grew throughout this story.  This was truly a tale of courage in the midst of some very trying circumstances and the story line was wonderfully laid out for the reader.

I would encourage anyone looking for a good summer read to pick this one up today!!

Enjoy!!

08:06 - Friday, June 27, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist

“Christy Award winner Gist’s historical romances have increasingly gained popularity, combining witty dialog, well-balanced plots, and fully developed characters who seem almost real. Recommended for CF and romance collections.”
-- Library Journal

"Gist does it again! Her signature prose is consistent and she delivers a thoroughly delightful and entertaining story that’s worthy of our time and attention. Not only won’t you want to put this book down, you’ll want to enjoy this story again and again."
-- JUNE TOP PICK, 4-1/2 STARS, Romantic Times, Jennifer Reyes

"Gist has once again written a delightfully humorous historical romance. After reading the first book in this series of two, I was anxious to get my hands on this one. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed ... It is a spectacular, feel-good story which I highly recommend. You will definitely be glad you read it."
-– FIVE STAR RATING, The Romance Studio, Brenda Talley

06:47 - Monday, June 16, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- I Heart Bloomberg by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melody Carlson is the best-selling author of more than 100 books for adults, children, and teens, including three of her latest, These Boots Weren't Made For Walking, A Mile In My Flip-Flops, and Mixed Bags. She and her husband, the parents of two grown sons, make their home near the Cascade Mountains in Central Oregon. Melody is a full-time writer as well as an avid gardener, biker, skier, and hiker.

Favorite Bible verse: John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." It’s the “whosoever” part that gets me. That’s who I write for – “whosoever” and to me that means everyone and anyone.

Carlson, author of more than 100 books, begins her 86 Bloomberg Place series with I Heart Bloomberg that functions mostly to set up future storylines. Three women rent rooms at 86 Bloomberg Place:


ABOUT THE BOOK

Kendall's managed to wrangle her grandmother's house-free and clear-except for the rules. No male roommates. But that's ok, with the right ad she'll pull in some girls, their rent and if she's lucky, she won't have to go to work any time soon.

For their part, Anna, Lelani, and Megan all have their reasons for wanting to move in: Anna has got to get out from under her overprotective parents; Lelani can't take another day in her aunt's tiny crackerbox house overflowing with toddlers and Megan needs a place free of her current roommate from Hades.

Though they come with assorted extra baggage filled with broken hearts and dreams, they will discover they also have a vast array of hidden strengths. And they struggle to become the women they want to be, they'll find new hope and maybe even Kendall will learn a thing or two about life, love and the true meaning of friendship.

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

02:27 - Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and eighteen novels, including Solemnly Swear, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest.








ABOUT THE BOOK


It has been said that without George Washington there would be no United States. But without Martha, there would be no George Washington. He called her "my other self."

Who was this woman who captured the heart of our country's founder? She dreams of a quiet life with her beloved George, but war looms...

Though still a young woman, Martha Dandridge Custis was a wealthy, attractive widow and the mother of two small children with no desire to remarry. But when a striking war hero steps into her life, she realizes that she is ready to love again. She is courted by, then marries the French and Indian War hero.

Yet she wonders whether this man, accustomed to courageous military exploits, can settle down to a simple life of farming and being a father to her children. Even as she longs for domestic bliss, Martha soon realizes she will have to risk everything dear to her and find the courage to get behind a dream much larger than her own.

Her new life as Martha Washington took her through blissful times at Mount Vernon, family tragedies, six years of her husband's absence during the Revolutionary War, and her position as a reluctant First Lady.

Known for moving first-person novels of Nannerl Mozart and Jane Austen, in Washington's Lady, Nancy Moser now brings to life the loves and trials of the First First Lady of the United States.

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

08:38 - Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- Ruby Among Us by Tina Ann Forkner

“What an incredible story. As both mothers and daughters, Ruby Among Us struck a special cord in each of the four of us. Tina writes in a way that makes us feel like we’re there; from the first line, we were captivated and drawn into an intricate weaving of the precious and fragile relationships that define us.”
~Point of Grace~

“Reading is a passion of mine, and when I find myself identifying with the characters, anxious to get to the next page to find answers to my questions, I know I’m into a good book! The daughter-mother-grandmother theme in Ruby Among Us pulled me in. Wonderful story-telling.”
~Jordin Sparks~, 2007 winner of American Idol

“Highly recommended. If you’re a mother or daughter, you’re going to love Ruby Among Us. Forkner does an extraordinary job…. I look forward to more from this author.”
~Ane Mulligan~, Novel Journey

“Don’t miss this one! Tina Ann Forkner is a strong new voice in fiction and Ruby Among Us is an amazing story of trials, regrets, and, ultimately, redemption. Lucy and her family history in the historic wine country of Sonoma bring to life the Scriptures about the Vine and His branches.”
~Kristin Billerbeck~, author of The Trophy Wives Club

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

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My Thoughts

     This book was such an enjoyable read for me.  Lucy DiCamillo hooked me on the first few pages and kept me interested until the very end.  It  was a very easy read, with a wonderfully spun storyline and delightful characters.  I felt as if I was living the ups and downs of life with Lucy throughout this book and the sweet community of characters in this book felt like family. 

    I loved the settings and descriptions of locations in this book as well.  I have never had the pleasure of traveling to the west coast, yet I was easily drawn into the fanciful world in which these characters lived.  I have added new destinations to my ever-growing list of vacation spots.  I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a sweet, heart-warming story to enjoy this summer.

ENJOY!!

08:50 - Friday, May 30, 2008 - comments {1} - post comment

Blog Tour- Embrace Me by Lisa Samson

Lisa Samson is a Christy Award-winning author of 19 books, including the Women of the Faith Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer. Lisa has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks."


In Embrace Me, the latest novel by acclaimed author Lisa Samson, readers are privy to the realization that regardless of outward appearances…hideous, attractive, or even ordinary…persons are all looking for the same things: love, forgiveness, and redemption.

This story explores a world that is neither comfortable nor safe, a world that people like Valentine know all too well. Masterfully crafted by Samson and populated by her most compelling cast of characters yet. It is a tale of forgiveness that extends into all spheres of life: forgiving others, forgiving oneself, forgiving the past.

She lives in Lexinton, Kentucky, with her husband and three kids.

Biting and gentle, hard-edged and hopeful...a beautiful fable of love and power, hiding and seeking, woundedness and redemption.

When a "lizard woman," a self-mutilating preacher, a tattooed monk, and a sleazy lobbyist find themselves in the same North Carolina town one winter, their lives are edging precariously close to disaster...and improbably close to grace.

Valentine, due to her own drastic self-disfigurement, ahs very few friends in this world and, it appears as if she may be destined to spend the rest of her life practically alone. But life gives her one good friend, Lella, whose own handicap puts her in the same freakish category as Valentine. As part of Roland's Wayfaring Marvel and Oddities Show, a traveling band of misfits, they seem to have found their niches in an often curiously cruel world.

Residing in a world where masks are mandatory, Valentine has a hard time removing hers, because of her disfigured face but more so because of her damaged soul. It is much easier for her to listen endlessly to different versions of a favorite song, Embraceable You, and escape reality. Yet, life has more in store for her when she meets Augustine, replete with the tattoos, dreadlocks, and his own secrets. With his arrival, Valentine's soul takes a turn.

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

    This is one of the best, most original books I have read since beginning my journey with CFBA.  This book captures the heart of some of the most unusual, endearing, real characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading.  The book literally kept me guessing until the very end, with twist and turns in the plot that were so well embedded that they caught me off guard every time. 

      This is the first book of Lisa Samsons that I have read, but I am quickly scanning the bookshelves of my local library for more gems from this talented writer.  I strongly recommend this book as a summer read for anyone looking for a book that is a deviation from the normal christian romance and a wonderful addition to any library.

ENJOY!!

08:49 - Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

The Mountains seem high....

It seems as we are in a time where we are desperately searching for the bottom.  We feel as if the ground has been pulled out from under us and just as we think we have hit the bottom and there is no further we must go, the bottom falls again.  We found out yesterday that the little (and I mean little) bit of remaining money we had has now been taken as the IRS put a levy on our bank account for the small amount of taxes we have been paying on for some time but have recently not been able to keep up the payment on.  They took our last few dollars in an attempt to reconcile our account.  I really believed that they would just be patient with us- we owed less than $1,000 to them and I know there are so many other people who owe so much more, I don't know why they needed to take our little remaining stash of money. 

In addition, my sweet s-i-l's car was repossesed last Friday- a result of non payment- as they are in the same or worse financial condition then we are.  My hubby's truck started stalling out last week and we found out yesterday that it is the fuel pump- a $500 fix that we just don't have right now.  My m-i-l was changing her contacts on Saturday morning and the chemical that was used to clean her contacts did not react properly to change to water and she has a severe chemical burn on her eye- in addition to the large cyst on my f-i-l's back that had to be lanced yesterday- both trips resulted in trips to the ER and both times they deferred payment as they are also with us in this situation.  Lastly, there is now a legal judgement personally placed against my husband, my b-i-l, and my f-i-l for loans that they personally guaranteed beyond the protective scope of the LLC they were working under.

Why am I listing all of the trials we are going through??  Why is the fire so hot for us all right now??  I can only believe that it is a direct result of the Lord working things out in our lives.  He is bringing us to a newer, higher place in Him that requires an immense refining process.  I know that He is still in control, regardless of our current circumstances that might- to the unbelieving eye- look as if He has forgotten us.  IT'S NOT POSSIBLE- He CAN'T forget us- we are His children and He LOVES us.  I rest in that knowledge at this time and I cannot wait to report the wonderous work He has done in and through us in these trying times.

Blessings to all!!

03:32 - Tuesday, May 6, 2008 - comments {1} - post comment

Blog Tour- The Big Picture by Jenny B. Jones

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jenny B. Jones is the author of A Katie Parker Production series. The other books in the series are In Between and On The Loose. Though now an adult, she still relates to the trauma and drama of teen life. She is thrilled to see her writing dreams come true, as her previous claim to fame was singing the Star Spangled Banner at a mule-jumping championship. (The mules were greatly inspired.)

Jenny resides in Arkansas, where, as a teacher, she hangs out with teens on a regular basis.











ABOUT THE BOOK
Sometimes there’s a fine line between comedy and tragedy—and Katie Parker is walking it.

School is winding down for the summer but Katie Parker is having a bad day. After leaving the drive-in, where her imploding love life was the main attraction, Katie arrives home to a big surprise on the Scott's front porch.

Her mother, Bobbie Ann Parker, a former convict and recovering addict, wants to take Katie away from her family, friends, and church. Now Katie's life will be changed by a series of dramatic choices as she struggles to understand what family and home really means.

Katie is forced to walk away from In Between, leaving behind a family who loves her, a town drive-in to save, and a boyfriend who suddenly can’t take his eyes off his ex. When the life her mother promised begins to sink faster than one of Maxine’s stuffed bras, Katie knows she needs to rely on God to keep it together.

But where is he in all this? Can Katie survive a chaotic life with her mother—and one without the Scotts? And if God is there, will he come through before it’s too late?

A Katie Parker Production series offers teen girls real-world fiction balanced by hope and humor. The The Big Picture helps us realize that the difficult chapters in our journey are only part of God's big story for our lives.

You can read the first chapter HERE

"A heroine to love. Jones just gets better with every book, and The Big Picture is her best one yet."
~BARBARA WARREN, author of The Gathering Storm

"Such inspiration in a package of fun and faith!"
~EVA MARIE EVERSON, author of the Potluck Club series

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MY THOUGHTS:

This is one of my favorite books thus far in my reviewing history.  I LOVED this one from beginning to end- I was hooked on the first page and read through the entire book in just a few hours.  It was an easy read and a great depicition of the grace of God and His ability to bring us through really tough circumstances.

 

I thought the characters were wonderfully developed- and I was so easily able to jump into the story even though I hadn't read the previous books in this series.  I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good summer read and I can't wait to go back and catch the other two stories in this series.

ENJOY!!

 

08:08 - Sunday, May 4, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Cleaning house... and blog...

So it was time for a clean sweep of the house and the blog as well.  I felt the surge of spring and needed to change the apperance.  It isn't perfect yet, but we're all a work in progress aren't we.  Things on the homefront are still tedious, but with God's grace we face every day with a renewed energy full of hope of better things to come.  We also spend many days in awe of the wonderful things God has done and is doing and always thankful of the love and grace He gives in the misdt of the storms.

Praying you all are enjoying your spring and naming your blessings!!

In God's Grace!!

11:33 - Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- Trouble the Water by Nicole Seitz

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Trouble the Water
Thomas Nelson (March 11, 2008)
by
Nicole Seitz

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Nicole Seitz is a South Carolina Lowcountry native and the author of The Spirit of Sweetgrass as well as a freelance writer/illustrator who has published in numerous low country magazines. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Journalism, she also has a bachelor's degree in illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design. Nicole shows her paintings in the Charleston, South Carolina area, where she owns a web design firm and lives with her husband and two small children. Nicole is also an avid blogger, you can leave her a comment on her blog.

Seitz's writing style recalls that of Southern authors like Kaye Gibbons, Anne Rivers Siddons, and Sue Monk Kidd, and this new novel, which the publisher compares to Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, surely joins the ranks of strong fiction that highlights the complicated relationships between women. Highly recommended, especially for Southern libraries.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the South Carolina Sea Islands lush setting, Nicole Seitz's second novel Trouble the Water is a poignant novel about two middle-aged sisters' journey to self-discovery.

One is seeking to recreate her life yet again and learns to truly live from a group of Gullah nannies she meets on the island. The other thinks she's got it all together until her sister's imminent death from cancer causes her to re-examine her own life and seek the healing and rebirth her troubled sister managed to find on St. Anne's Island.

Strong female protagonists are forced to deal with suicide, wife abuse, cancer, and grief in a realistic way that will ring true for anyone who has ever suffered great loss.

"This is another thing I know for a fact: a woman can't be an island, not really. No, it's the touching we do in other people's lives that matters when all is said and done. The silly things we do for ourselves--shiny new cars and jobs and money--they don't mean a hill of beans. Honor taught me that. My soul sisters on this island taught me that. And this is the story of true sisterhood. It's the story of Honor, come and gone, and how one flawed woman worked miracles in this mixed-up world."

"...a special sisterhood of island women whose wisdom and courage linger in the mind long after the book is closed."
-NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author SUSAN WIGGS

08:21 - Thursday, April 10, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- When Zeffie Got a Clue by Peggy Darty

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Peggy Darty is the award-winning author of twenty-seven books, including two other cozy mysteries set in Summer Breeze, Florida: When the Sandpiper Calls and When Bobbie Sang the Blues. She has worked in film, researched for CBS, and led writing workshops around the country. Darty and her husband call Alabama home but spend a great deal of time in Colorado, Montana, and on Florida’s Emerald Coast.






ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s an ordinary afternoon in Summer Breeze, Florida, when a young, wide-eyed girl steps into I Saw It First, the trash-to-treasure shop Christy Castleman and her Aunt Bobbie have opened. Clutching a jewelry box, Zeffie Adams tells Christy she needs money to pay her grandmother’s medical bills, prompting Christy to offer this curious visitor more than the jewelry box is worth–or so she thinks.

But complicated questions form when Christy rips out the box’s lining and uncovers a clue to a cold case murder mystery from eight years ago. Despite warnings from her family and handsome boyfriend Dan Brockman, Christy decides to do a little detective work of her own. After all, the infamous murder happened close to her grandmother’s farm. How risky could it be to take the jewelry box back to the Strickland plantation and ask around about it?

Soon Christy finds there is more to the small box than someone wants her to know. A jewelry theft. A mansion murder. Dangerous family secrets buried in history. Can Christy convince others to let go of the past before it’s too late?

MY THOUGHTS

     This book was such an easy read- I read through this in a number of hours.  I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book- and it really kept me guessing until the very end.  I loved the idea that a community of people could come together to change the life of a child in need- and that theme was well played out in this book.  I am looking forward to reading much more from Peggy Darty's library. 

ENJOY!!

08:27 - Friday, April 4, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- For Pete's Sake by Linda Windsor

ABOUT THE BOOK

For Pete's Sake is a remarkable story about the unlikely live between a grown-up tomboy and the millionaire next door.

Ellen Brittingham isn’t sure true live exists until she contracts to do the landscaping of the estate of the sophisticated widower next door, Adrian Sinclair. Adrian has it all—at least on the surface, He’s engaged to a beautiful woman who helped him build a successful business and he’ll soon have a mom for his troubled son Pete.

Yet, from the moment Ellen rescues a stranded Adrian on her Harley, his well-ordered world turns upside down, cracking his thin façade of happiness and revealing the void of faith and love behind it. Even more, his son seems to have his own sites set on Ellen – as his new mom.

As Ellen’s friendship grows with Pete, she realizes that his father is about to marry the wrong woman for the right reasons. And despite her resolve to remain “neighbors only” with the dad, the precocious boy works his way into her heart, drawing Ellen and Adrian closer. Close enough for heartbreak, for Pete’s sake!

But how can her heart think that Adrian Sinclair is the one when he’s engaged to a sophisticated beauty who is everything Ellen isn’t. When Ellen’s three best friends see she’s been bitten by the love bug, they jump into action and submit her to a makeover that reveals the woman underneath her rough exterior and puts her in contention for Adrian’s love.

But Ellen must ask herself whether she’s ready to risk the heart that she’s always held close. Will Ellen be able to trust that God brought this family into her life for a reason? Or will her fear of getting hurt cause her to turn away from God’s plan and her one true chance at love?

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My Thoughts:

     I LOVED this book- having dealt with a child that does not fit into the "norm" of children his age, this is a refreshing look at how even the farthest gone relationships can be altered with a little time and love well spent.  I fell in love with the characters in this book from page one and I was rivited to see how the plots twists and turns would allow the ending to unfold.  This is a great read and one that I would recommend to any avid reader.

ENJOY!!

11:52 - Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sweet Caroline(Thomas Nelson February 12, 2008
by
Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism. As a member of Phi Mu sorority, I partied my way though the last few years of college.

But, the truth is, and always will be, I belong to Jesus. At the age of six, I knelt at the altar of a Tulsa Methodist church and gave my life to the One who loves me.

After graduation, hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. And I did it without a laptop, a cell phone, an IPod or portable DVD player. Those were hard times.

But, I traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine. But, life on the road is difficult. Working twelve to fourteen hour days, one doesn't get to see many of the sites. In Ireland, our company's distributor drove me around at night so I could see something of Dublin.

I met Tony, my husband, in '87, at church, of all places. We got married in '92. Tony has been a pastor for twenty years. I've worked with him in eighteen of those twenty. Our heart is to see teens and adults passionate, radical and whole hearted for Jesus.

Tony and I don't have any children of our own, lots of kids-in-the-Lord and we love them all. However, we do have a very spoiled dog, and an even more spoiled cat.

I've always wanted to be a writer. My dad used to tell me, "You're a writer." I have letters he wrote me post college, exhorting me to write. In this, I believe he had the heart of God.

In '93, I started an epic WW2 novel with two plots. It was well rejected. After that ordeal, I took a break and put efforts into my job as a software project manager. But, I missed writing and in late ' 99, I took up the craft again.

With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ' 04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. I love writing chick lit and romance. I love writing. What an honor.

Rachel has several other books that have been received with great praise, including Diva Nash Vegas and Lost In Nash Vegas

You can purchase copies of Rachel's books, signed personally for you,
at this site: Signed by the Author.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a Southern waitress inherits the Lowcountry cafe where she works, she suddenly has to balance more than just her next food order.

Caroline Sweeney has always done the right thing--the responsible, dependable thing--unlike her mother who abandoned her family. But when her best friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Barcelona, Spain, Caroline says "yes" to destiny.

Then, without warning, ownership of the run-down cafe where she's been waitressing falls right into Caroline's lap. While she's trying to determine the cafe's future, handsome Deputy Sherriff J.D. Rand captures Caroline's heart.

But when her first love, Mitch O'Neal, comes back to town, fresh from the heat of his newly-found fame as a country music singer in Nashville, Caroline must make some hard choices about love and the pursuit of the sweet life.

08:35 - Thursday, March 13, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

beautiful days in the midst of the storm...

I believe that my family is currently walking through a storm, dark clouds shadow our steps and all looks bleak on the horizon.  As I awake this morning to the third day in a row of BEAUTIFUL weather- bright blue skies and 70 degree temperatures I am reminded of a lesson the Lord taught me a few years ago. 

I have always been a bit wary of thunderstorms- they tended to strike fear in my heart for many, many years.  One day I as I was driving down the interstate toward home, I came over the crest of a hill and to my dismay the skies in front of me were black as night with the meanest storm clouds I had ever seen.  Immediately I felt my heart begin to beat faster and I felt the fear begin to creep up in my stomach.  As I continued driving I was getting closer and closer to the storm and I was on the verge of a panic attack.  I felt my breathing quicken and my palms were getting sweaty.  I was trying desperatly to remember all the scripture verses the Lord had given me as to His protection and safety, but my mind was blank.

As I saw the first drops of rain begin to hit my windshield I noticed that I had reached my exit on the interstate.  I took the exit and began to loop around toward home I was amazed at what I saw.  There were blue skies coming into my view.  Before I reached the end of the interstate exit all I could see was blue skies.  I was so taken aback that I had to pull over.  I looked over my shoulder and saw that the dark clouds of the storm took up only a tiny portion of the skies.  That is when I heard the Lord beginning to speak to me.... He said- "That which you focus your eyes upon will be all that you see."  I realized that I had been so distracted by the storm clouds that I hadn't taken my eyes off of them to see that the rest of the skies were blue.  Only a small portion of the skies contained storm clouds, yet they were all that I could see. 

In this time that we are currently walking through it would be so easy to only focus on the storm clouds, when in reality, there are beautiful blue skies all around us.  I truly have so much to be thankful for and so many blessings everyday.  If I choose to focus on the storm, that will be all I can see, but if I choose to focus on God and all His blessings then the dark skies will fade into the background of my sight.

Remember today not to focus on those storm clouds in your life, but focus on your blessings and you will be amazed at how beautiful the skies will become...

Oh- and I hope you enjoy my first to book reviews below.  I am having such a good time reading these wonderful books and sharing them with you.

Blessings!!

10:16 - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- The Perfect Life by Robin Lee Hatcher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon.

She also likes to blog. Go leave her a comment at Write Thinking!


ABOUT THE BOOK:


Katherine Clarkson has the perfect life. Married to Brad, a loving and handsome husband, respected in their church and the community. Two grown daughters on the verge of starting families of their own. A thriving ministry. Good friends. A comfortable life.

She has it all--until the day a reporter appears with shocking allegations. Splashed across the local news are accusations of Brad's financial impropriety at his foundation and worse, an affair with a former employee. Without warning, Katherine's marriage is shattered and her family torn apart. The reassuring words she's spoken to many brokenhearted women over the years offer little comfort now.

Her world spinning, Katherine wonders if she can find the truth in the chaos that consumes her. How can she survive the loss of what she thought was the perfect life?

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My Thoughts

I LOVED this book!!  Major kudos to the author.  I thought this was a wonderful depiction of the truth of life in the roughest times and the quest to find peace in God when all the circumstances stand in your way.  The characters in this book were wonderfully developed allowing the reader to feel as if they could be personal friends.  The language of this book is so beautiful and rich it was as if you could hear the author reading the story aloud.  This was the first story I have read by this author but I will be searching her out in our library to see what other treasures she has penned.  This is one you are sure to enjoy!!

 Blessings!!

09:47 - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

Blog Tour- Truffles by the Sea by Julie Carobini

"Truffles by the Sea is delightful! Julie Carobini has a new fan in this reader, and she's earned a spot on my keeper shelf." --Kay James, RomanceReaderatHeart.com

"This book is a delight to read, and the author has us rooting for Gaby from page one. This girl's never-say-die attitude is incredible, and her life is filled with all kinds of foibles. This is chick lit with heart – about so much more than finding a man.... While keeping the light chick lit tone, this book satisfied while avoiding the tired old formulas. Just when I’m ready to give up on the genre, I stumble across an author who can write without relying on stereotypes." --Cara Putman, writerinterrupted.com

"I liked Julie Carobini's first novel, Chocolate Beach, but her sophomore release, Truffles By The Sea, greatly surpasses it. I thoroughly enjoyed Carobini's second book and felt her writing was much stronger throughout. The characters are deeper and yet funnier – a great combination.... It's a great read for a cold winter day – you can curl up with the book, a nice fire and pretend you're the one by the sea." --Jill Hart, RadiantLit.com

 

 

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My Thoughts

I am a new reader of Julie Carobini's books with Truffles by the Sea being my first introduction to this author.  I thoroughly enjoyed this read- a wonderful depiction of today's struggles and joys of being a young, single working woman.  The blending of the characters allowed the reader to feel as if they were part of the story rather than just a bystander.  I truly lost myself in this story and the end of the book left me wishing for more.  I do hope there are more books to come  from this talented author and I so look forward to reading Chocolate Beach- the first in this series of books. 

 

Hope you all enjoy- this is a great read!!!

 

Blessings!!

10:39 - Friday, March 7, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment

the next step...

So we are finally moved into our new home and we are trying to find our groove as we settle in.  While things are surely difficult during this time, God is proving (as always) to be faithful and to bring joy in the midst of the storm.  We have been able to smile and laugh as we watch God be God and create beauty out of the ashes. 

The company is in the final stages of foreclosure- as much as we still pray for the miracle we know is possible- we are still faced with the reality of our present circumstances.  We have until March 11th for God to move and save us from this step- but we are fully committed to doing this with the most integrity that we possibly can.  If we must take the step into foreclosure, we will do so believing that God is in it with us and will help us to settle all accounts possible as not to shortchange any of our vendors. 

My husband shared with me our personal financial situation yesterday and although it is extremely personal, I feel I should share it only because I know God will have the glory in the end and I want to record how wonderfully faithful He is to our famliy.  Our current net worth- with all assets and debts to our personal name- is -$193,000 (give or take a couple of thousand).  Yes- that is a negative dash before that number and that is a HUGE hill to climb.  I am glad that my tiny mustard seed of faith that I can drudge up is enough to believe that we will see the other side of this mountain and it will be a beautiful sight.  I KNOW that God has a plan and I KNOW that He is able to bring us through and out of this in His timing. 

I heard a teaching the other day at our Wednesday night service about being between a rock and the deep blue sea.  It's not a very comfortable place to be for sure (as I am sure it wasn't for the Isrealites either)- but I am determined to sing the right song on the right side of the water.  It is so much easier to sing God's praises once you reach the shores on the other side of the ocean- but so much harder to sing them when you are facing the first step into the water.  I will sing God's praises now and every step we take into the water so that the praises I sing once we reach the shore on the other side will be that much stronger and filled with faith and gratitute. 

On the more basic side- we have taken an extended homeschooling break to give us time to adjust to our new surroundings and we hope to resume our studies soon.  I also hope to update this blog to reflect the beautiful spring weather we are enjoying.  Oh- and my first book review for CFBA should be up soon- that has been a wonderful distraction as well and I am excited to share my thoughts on the wonderful books I have been reading.

Blessings to you all!!

09:04 - Thursday, March 6, 2008 - comments {3} - post comment

please pray for us....

So I am quickly learning that the plans that the Lord has for our life is not necessarily the plans I have laid for our path.  I think I have always known this, but I am finding out more and more what that really means and in all of it He allows ALL THINGS to work together for good for those who are called according to HIS purposes (paraphrased). 

We went to check out the house I spoke of previously and it was a wonderful prospect, it would have been TONS of work to make it liveable, but the property and the house were so charming.  We or should I say HE has other plans for us....

Tuesday, February 5th, 2008- The official dibanding of my husband's company- it is to be no more.  This is shocking, heartbreaking, and most of all confusing as the creation of this company was fully based on directions from the Lord.  My husband and his brother and father opened their construction company about 4 years ago- on faith from a word spoken from the Lord.  My husband worked as project manager, my father-in-law is an architect and was the design portion of the company, and my brother-in-law handled the sales and customer service portion of the business.  They we so blessed the first few years of their venture, with supernatural circumstances and constant divine appointments, it was very clear that this was the Lord's plan for our family. 

Then, about a year ago, things began to go south on us, the housing market has been a factor in the demise of our company, but the days and weeks of prayer and fasting have not brought about the results that we believed they might.  I do know that the Lord answers prayer in three ways, YES, NO or NOT AT THIS TIME.... this resolution of the company has to be a resounding NO or at least NOT AT THIS TIME!!!  I do know that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, and in all things we have to say- BLESSED BE HIS NAME!!!

So where does that leave us now... we currently have not recieved a paycheck in far too many weeks, we have expended ALL of our savings, we are now almost negative $2,000 in our personal checking account, and we are HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of dollars in debt as a company as well as holding over 2.5 million dollars in housing inventory.  The integrity of my husband and his brother and father is so far beyond what I see from most people living in our times- they refuse to file bankruptsy- they are personally contacting every vendor, every person they owe money to and explaining our situation with the intent to pay back all monies owed as soon as we are able.  I do know that some of the vendors may not allow this and might force us to file bankruptsy, however we will do everything in our power to not let that happen. 

My sweet husband is working so hard to finish the houses they currently have under construction while also trying to find a job that will bring some stability to our family's financial situation. We have just gotten word that we are losing our home and we are making plans to move in with my mother.  My mother allowing this is a blessing, however it will be a challenge in so many ways as my mom is not a christian, in fact she is a very liberal feminist who does not agree in any way with the way we live or raise our family.  I am believing that maybe through this trial and our response to it she will see a little more about the goodness of the Lord and His mercy and grace that flows through our life. 

Please pray for us if you think of us, I am sure this is not going to be an easy road ahead, there are so many things that could make me fearful and heartbroken, but I believe that the Lord still has a plan for us and for our life.  I know that HE knows how hard this is on my sweet husband and He will provide him with the grace to get through this feeling, as he should, as the wonderful husband, father and provider that he is.  I know that HE knows how hard this is on my little ones and that he is pouring His love and mercy on them- allowing them to thrive and prosper in this trying time.  And I know HE knows how hard this is for me- to see my family suffering, to see my house fall away, to have to once again submit to my mother as head of her household, and I KNOW that HE has enough faith in me to believe that I can be a wonderful wife and mother in this time that could be so devestating to my family. 

I am planning on updating often to keep a record of the goodness of God through our journey.  I had no idea that this year was going to start this way- and I have no idea how it will end, but the journey in between, with all it's hills and valleys, will be one which I will want to look back on for years to come. 

Blessings to you all!!

08:13 - Friday, February 8, 2008 - comments {0} - post comment