Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball


Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: a Novella
By: Donita K. Paul

Back of the Book:
In a sleepy , snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. As she searches for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they've decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers' best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?


My Thoughts:
To start, I must admit that I was a little unsure of how a book could logically include a Wizard's Ball and a Christian theme all at the same time, but Ms. Paul has done a wonderful job of mixing the fanciful with reality. This little book is a wonderfully written, modern-day fairy tale. To top it off it has a beautiful cover!

The two main characters that are brought together to attend the ball have many personal obstacles to overcome. Simon is the main caretaker of his family and is very much an introvert. Not to mention he is Cora's boss. Cora has been hurt deeply by her family making it hard for her to let someone get close. Situations keep happening that bring Simon and Cora together in unusual ways - especially since they had had such little contact with each other in the 5 years they have worked together. The Sage Street matchmakers definitely have their work cut out for them and even end up with a little help from Simon's sister Sandy.

This book is absolutely delightful and I highly recommend it!




Thanks for stopping by!





This book was sent to me by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Surrender the Heart

Surrender the Heart
by: Mary Lu Tyndall

Back of the Book:
On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can't receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won't have to marry at all.

When Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah's ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple is impressed into the British navy.

While a young lad's prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to escape and fulfill their destinies -- destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever.

My Thoughts:
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed another journey with MaryLu. Her characters always become so real to me. While I must admit I was disappointed that this was not to be another pirate book (surprising I'm sure to those who know me - that I enjoy pirate books - but I do!), I also love historical fiction based in war times and this is no exception. MaryLu does an excellent job depicting real life hardships that people face - material, physical and especially spiritual. This book really focuses on the need to trust God. Trust that He will take care of you when an unwanted marriage is in your future. Trust Him when an accident happens. Trust Him to take care of those you love when you can't be there with them. Trust Him to be with you when you face your deepest, darkest fear. I definitely recommend for anyone to take the journey across the sea with Noah and Marianne and learn a few lessons along side them about keeping your faith planted firmly in God.





Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Maggie Rose


Maggie Rose
by: Sharlene MacLaren

Back of the Book:
Maggie Rose, the spunky, friendly, twenty-year-old middle daughter of Michigan resident Jacob Kane, feels compelled to leave her beloved hometown of Sandy Shores to pursue what she feels in her heart are God's plans for her life -- in New York City.

Maggie Rose adjusts to her new life at Sheltering Arms Refuge, an orphanage that also transports homeless children to towns across the United States to match them with compatible families. Most of the children have painful pasts that make Maggie aghast, but she marvels at their resiliency. As she gets to know each child, her heart blossoms with new depths of love and compassion.

When a newspaper reporter comes to stay at the orphanage in order to gather research for an article, Maggie is struck by his handsome face -- and concerned by his lack of faith. She can't deny their mutual affections, though. Will she win the struggle to maintain her focus on God and remain attuned to His guidance?

My Thoughts:
This book was very well written. Being the second in the series, she gives you just enough information about the people in the first book, while making it a book of its own. Something that was refreshing to me was that while there was definitely a great love-story woven through the pages, the focus is on following God's call for your life. Maggie Rose left the comforts of home in the early 1900's for New York City to work in an orphanage, something considered rather surprising to many people in that day. Her heart was very tender to what God had for her life and she put that above all else. Sharlene also places a large focus on faith. Saving faith and sustaining faith. We all face difficult situations in our life and we all have a choice to make when we do. We either trust God to take care of us or turn our back to Him and try to take care of things on our own. This book gives a good lesson in the necessity of trusting God.




Thanks for stopping by!!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher


The Waiting
by: Suzanne Woods Fisher


About the Book:

Book 2 in The Lancaster Secrets collection and hot on the heals of the best-selling The Choice, The Waiting, a stand alone story, is a compelling page turner. Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man?

A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

About the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com


My Thoughts:

Another great book by Suzanne!! This one will definitely pull at your heartstrings. So much loss and sorrow, but surrounded with so much love and compassion. She has an eye-opening portrayal of how one 'event' can change the lives of so many people. We so often selfishly go through life only considering our little bubble, but she shows over and over again in this book how to 'love thy neighbor as thyself' by putting others needs first. Her characters are so realistic that you really feel like you know them personally. I found myself talking to the book a couple of times. I highly recommend this book.



To purchase the book click here.

AND. . . A Great Giveaway!!

Suzanne Woods Fisher is thrilled to announce the release of The Waiting, book two in The Lancaster Secrets Collection. In The Waiting Jorie finds herself caught be two loves and two lives in this compelling page turner about complex people living the simple life.





The Waiting is the next stand alone story in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and follows in the footsteps of the best-selling, The Choice. The Waiting is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway.























One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles and a Amazon.com gift certificate! The Prize Pack (valued at over $185.00) includes:



* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* A $15 dollar Amazon.com Gift Certificate








To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 28th at Suzanne's Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party.








Join Suzanne for the Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Waiting and The Choice, and giving away copies of both books and HEAPs of readerly prizes! Be sure to join us on Thursday, October 28th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.






This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

Monday, October 4, 2010

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.


By Mary M. Byers

Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who don't know why they are working. Most assume that they are working for money. But when I talk to people about the topic, I hear a lot of different reasons for work. Some work for the mental stimulation. Some to keep their skills up to date. Other work to support their scrapbooking habit or to be able to purchase cosmetics
at a discount.

There's a big difference between working to put food on the table vs.working for the "extras" such as summer camp or a vacation. Both are legitimate but it's essential to be honest about
your motivation. Knowing what drives you will help you keep your priorities in order. When my children were young, I worked for the extras. However, instead of stopping when I earned enough to help with vacation costs I kept right on going, becoming a workaholic in
the process. It didn't serve me or my family. When I recognized my error, I was able to cut back on work in order to create a healthier balance. Now that my children are school-age and I'm working to help cover orthodontia, tuition and retirement, I've increased my hours accordingly.

Understanding why you are working makes it easier to make tough work-related decisions. Will you work on the weekends? Stay up late to get it all done? If you're working to put food on the table, the answer will more likely be yes. But if you're working for the fun of it, you may choose not to compromise family time by late night or weekend work. When you know why you are working, it gets easier to decide what kind of boundaries you'll adhere to.


~~
Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. You can learn more about making work at home work by subscribing to Mary’s free blog at http://www.makingworkathomework.com/.

Interested in more articles like this? Join the blog ring here.



Saturday, August 21, 2010

Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher


Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life
by: Suzanne Woods Fisher


This is a wonderful collection of Amish Proverbs. What I liked best about it was the story at the beginning of each section - something to help you apply to real life what you're reading about. My favorite proverb in the book is "Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." Another great feature of the book is the beautiful pictures - so vibrant and brilliant. I have always had a fascination with the Amish, having grown up less than 2 hours from Lancaster County, PA. It was great to have another window into their simple lives. Suzanne is an excellent author. If you haven't already, be sure to read my review of her 1st book in the Lancaster County Secrets Series, The Choice.

About the Book:
Simplify your life with Amish wisdom

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.


About the Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com


To Order the Book Click Here

Contest:


Suzanne's Amish Proverbs just hit the shelves. To celebrate she's giving away a
KINDLE and throwing a party! Let the fun begin. See below for info and links.


Find out more about the book, Suzanne and the blog tour here.

Enter Suzanne Woods Fisher's Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway!


Simple Wisdom giveaway=


One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher
titles. The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:


* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher


* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher





To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or
more friends about the contest.


Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 1st.



Sweet Kindle Giveaway
Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st!

She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies of Amish Proverbs
and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM
EST at Suzanne’s Author Page

Be sure to check out the blog tour here
or purchase a copy of Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life
!



Giveaway:
You can also leave a comment here telling me about your favorite family tradition or words of wisdom to win your own copy of Amish Proverbs. Good Luck!

Thank you for stopping by,


This book was sent to my by the publisher for the purpose of review. I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

Monday, April 19, 2010

A Distant Melody


A Distant Melody
by: Sarah Sundin


My Thoughts:
I want to start out by saying that I cannot wait for her write more! I enjoyed this book so much, I just couldn't put it down. I love how she tied in some musical descriptions and her characters were great! The way she described the characters and the way she wrote for each of them was amazing. I love war stories and this was no exception. She did a good job of showing the realities of a relationship in that time frame and not just romanticizing it. Sarah Sundin has very much become one of my all time favorite authors. I highly recommend this book!



About the Book:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love.

Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

About the Author:
Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel.

For more info please visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com!


For some other great reviews of A Distant Melody click here.

AND There's a CONTEST!!!

THE CONTEST:

A Distant Melody, Book 1 in Sarah Sundin’s exciting Wings of Glory series, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re offering one Grand Prize winner the chance to get NOSTALGIC!


Enter the Netflix and Nostalgia contest from author Sarah Sundin!

THE PRIZE:

The Winner of the ‘NETFLIX® & Nostalgia’ giveaway will receive a vintage prize package, including:

*A 6 month NETFLIX® subscription

*$25 Starbucks® gift card

*A box of See’s Famous Old Time Chocolates®

*A jar of homemade strawberry jam

*A Big Band music CD

*A Mini B-17 Model airplane

*Vintage stationery and pen

*British specialty tea

*WWII style playing cards

To enter just click on the icon above! Contest will be live April 5th and run through April 25th!




This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Kentucky Chances


Kentucky Chances
By: Cathy Marie Hake and Kelly Eileen Hake

My Thoughts:
I love the style of Cathy Marie Hake and it looks like her daughter, Kelly, is doing a fine job following in her mother's footsteps. This book will keep you turning pages as quick as you can say Salt Lick Holler. The characters have internal struggles that we can all relate to, making it easy to fall in love with them all. You find yourself wishing there were more brothers so you could be a part of the Chance clan. So, pick up a copy for yourself and find out what makes them such a great bunch of characters! I highly recommend this book to all.


Back of the Book:
All Love Need Is A Chance

In Salt Lick Holler, Kentucky, three young women healing from past hurts aren't looking for love. . . but love comes looking for them.

Lovejoy Spencer, widowed and wounded by the worst that marriage can offer, is trying to protect her sister from making the same mistakes. But will her determination to shelter others - and to return home to Salt Lick Holler - keep her from embracing her own Chance?

Young, widowed, and content with her role as Salt Lick's healer, Hattie Thales thinks there's nothing more to add to her life. But in Reliable, California, Logan Chance feels life has barely begun. When he and his youngest brother, Bryce, leave to search for the Lord's plans, will two lives come together in an adventure they hadn't dreamed?

Daisy Thales doesn't need any help. She'd prefer to heal from her losses and raise her palsied child on her own - without help or pity. But Bryce Chance, the last Chance bachelor, has a quiet way with her son - and with her heart. Will Daisy open her heart in time for all three of them to find their chance at love?

Will faith in God's healing comfort take root? And will love have a chance to grow?




Thanks for stopping by!!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Texas Brides


Texas Brides
by: Cathy Marie Hake

My Thoughts:
This was a very good book, but I must say I was a little bothered with how it began. Be prepared for a pretty large dose of reality on an uncomfortable subject. Once you get past that, the book is excellent! The Gregor brothers are characters that you fall in love with from the start. They meet some pretty hard-headed women, but they are able to break through the shells and discover the true beauties within. Cathy has a wonderful way of writing that draws you in and keeps your attention from page one to the end.


Back of the Book:
Equipped with their father's blessing and meager gifts of inheritance, three brothers from the hills of Scotland enter the land of possibilities and settle on the plains of Texas.

Dr. Robert Gregor opens an office in town. Mere days before Mercy Stein is to be wed, her world falls apart. The doctor can tend her, but only God can heal a battered soul. Will Rob risk everything and place his mother's wedding bank on Mercy's hand?

Duncan Gregor's quiet counsel and practical views draws people to the unassuming cobbler. Carmen Rodriquez wallows in loneliness, believing no one wants a crippled wife, so she resolves to be content serving others. The two neighbors ought to get along, but Duncan nettles her. Will the Bible his father bequeathed him bring the neighbors together. . . or drive them apart?

The pocket watch his father left to him ticks off time for Christopher Gregor. Driven to capture the man who killed his friend, Chris becomes a Texas Ranger. The last thing he needs is to be sidetracked by a helpless woman. Kathryn regent finds almost everything she ever dreamed of with Christopher - but will her secret tear them apart?

Can their father's gifts help these brothers lead the three hurting women to healing with faith and love?

Thanks for stopping by!



Thursday, March 25, 2010


Songbird Under A German Moon
by: Tricia Goyer

Loved this book! Part of it may because of how much I love to sing. I was immediately drawn into the world of the USO singers. Also, WWII is one of my favorite era's to learn about and the history in the book was educational. I love how Tricia portrayed the romance between Betty and Frank and that you were able to actually see them falling in love throughout the book, not just a quick -"Oh, by the way I just realized I love you" at the end of the book. The conflict in the book is very evident and mysterious. I couldn't wait to see how she pulled it all together. I highly recommend this book!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler's Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they're housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty's dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds' hearts may find the answers...in each other.
But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Find out more about her and her books at www.TriciaGoyer.com


Check out the other blogs on the tour by clicking here.

CONTEST!!!

Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you'd lived in and why?

Earn extra entries by signing up for Tricia's newsletter here, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!

You’ll be entered to win one of three signed copies of Songbird Under a German Moon.

Thanks for stopping by!!


This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity group in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Making Work at Home Work - March

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.





Find the Right Coach

By Mary M. Byers


In my last post I talked about working with a coach. This time, we'll address how to find the right coach for you. I suggest the following:


Referrals. Ask friends and colleagues if they can recommend anyone to you. Listen to conversations. If you hear someone mention that they work with a coach, ask if they'd be willing to share the name and contact information. Referrals are by far the best way to find a coach.


Identify specifically what you need help with. Do you need help increasing your income? Decreasing your expenses? Someone to brainstorm marketing ideas with? Or, do you have plenty of ideas but lack the follow through to do them? In this latter case, you'll want someone who can use a little tough love to hold you accountable for getting things done. The more specific you are regarding where you need help, the more likely you'll be to find a coach that's a good fit for you.


Search online. Do a search for coaches online. You'll find plenty! Pick a few sites to go to, read about each coach and his or her philosophy, and watch the videos. You'll get a sense of who you might feel comfortable working with. Narrow the list to these possibilities.

Request a complimentary introductory session. This is THE most important step. I "met" by phone with several coaches before finding mine. One coach spent the whole conversation talking about herself. Another spent the entire time saying, "If you decide to work with me, then..." And a third was not at all focused during our conversation, which led me to believe our coaching sessions would be the same way--frustrating for me.

Make the decision. Know that your coaching relationship won't last forever. This makes it easier to decide who you will work with. Pick the coach you are most interested in. Then, ask if you can sign up for a limited number of sessions (a minimum of three). You'll have a good sense of how the relationship is working after several sessions.

Be willing to do the work. When you enter a coaching relationship, you're making a commitment to help your coach help you. And you're making a commitment to doing homework between sessions as well as to do the heavy thinking required to help take your business to the next level. Coaches see lots of people who are willing to pay for help, but fewer who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Your work with a coach only pays off if you're invested and willing to sweat along with your coach.

Good luck!

Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. You can learn more about making
work at home work by subscribing to Mary’s free blog at www.makingworkathomework.com.

Interested in more articles like this? Join the blog ring here.


Monday, March 22, 2010

Making Work at Home Work

I have decided to join a blog ring called 'Making Work at Home Work'. Once a month I will be posting a shared post from Mary M. Byers. Keep an eye out. . .


Wednesday, March 10, 2010


Sons of Thunder
by: Susan May Warren


About the Book:

Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they'll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she'll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder. 




About the Author:
Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep's Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota. Learn more about Susan here: www.susanmaywarren.com


A CONTEST!!!
Be sure to check out Susan's fun contest for the book's release: Each one of us has a wealth of stories from the past – while they might not all be as sweeping and dramatic as that of Sons of Thunder’s Sofia and the Stravos brothers (swoon), your family history is a treasure nonetheless.

Well – let’s hear them! Were your great-grandparents ‘fresh off the boat’? Was your great uncle a war hero? Did your grandmother make unbelievable sacrifices to help or protect the family? Did your father harbor a family secret until his death? Are you related to someone famous? Do you have a family treasure? Whatever it is that is unique in your family history – share your story HERE! (click on the SHARE button) One grand prize winner will receive:

• Memory Prize package containing a gift certificate to create your own hard cover photo book
• 6 month membership to Netflix (to satisfy that flick fix!)
• Signed copy of Sons of Thunder!

5 runners up will also win signed copies of Sons of Thunder!

You can also be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!

TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)
Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack! http://ow.ly/1digM



My Thoughts:
Sons of Thunder is very well written and keeps you interested through the entire book. Markos and Dino's lives are full of tragedy and heartbreak as they both love the same woman. Susan keeps you guessing as to how the book will end, so much so that you just can't put it down. I love how she told different parts of the story through different characters lives, almost making it a collection of novellas.

I love historical novels because you always seem to learn something new. This story gives you a great perspective from the streets of Chicago to WWII in Greece, a place affected by the war that you don't hear about too often.

I definitely recommend reading Sons of Thunder. Pick it up for yourself and find out who Sofia ends up with.


Thanks for stopping by!!





This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas, Illustrated by Abigail Marble


Love Your Heart
by: Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas
Illustrated by: Abigail Marble

Love Your Heart is a children's book written for, I would say, 3-7 year olds. This is a great book of a father's affirmation. Katie is trying to decide what to do for the talent show. There are some very funny moments involving the family dog. In the end, Dad is so proud of his little girl for making a very selfless choice to help a friend at the talent show.

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially with my daughter. Katie is such a fun character for kids to relate to. She's carefree, imaginative and puts others first. Also, I love books that highlight the daddy/daughter relationship. That is such a special relationship that is very well illustrated in this book. The message of the book is clearly depicted through Katie's selfless act during the talent show where she put her friend, Sophie, first and helped her with her talent. The illustrations are fun and whimsical with bright colors to attract kids. I would definitely recommend this book.







This book was sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of reviewing the book.
I was not influenced by them regarding how to write this review.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010



Forgiving Sean

by Jessica Adriel


This month, CFRB presents Forgiving Sean by Jessica Adriel.



About the Book:

Marissa Gladstone has already buried her father and had one man walk out on her, so when her boyfriend Hawke Davies suddenly proposes, Marissa’s unsure things will last. Hoping that her quiet summer at home will give her time to think, Marissa forgets that her first love may be home for the summer. Before she can give Hawke an answer, she needs to find out why Sean disserted her. But when the competition heats up between the boys, Sean tries to win her back by making a staggering confession that links his former life to Hawke. Forgiving Sean may be the answer she has needed all along and allow her to choose the man she’s always loved.



About the Author:

Jessica Adriel is a licensed minister, author, mother and speaker. She spends her days penning books, preparing talks and delving into the world of teenagers. Her gifts of communication and compassion were noticed early on when she composed over 800 poems during high school and yet spent a great deal of time with volunteer efforts. A native to New England, it was Jessica’s tragic stint of car accidents, assaults and a four year career in modeling, that inspired her to write ‘real life’ novels that impact teenagers. Today Jessica inspires and ignites teens to find their God given purpose through her books and challenging seminars. Her stories provide a bridge between today's generation and the pressures of media and peer pressure which lead teens in the wrong direction. Armed with a plethora of stories and a deep love for God, Jesus introduces her audience to Christ in unconventional, yet very powerful ways.




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