Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra D. Bricker -CFBA Book Review

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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

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

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


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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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

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

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

My thoughts:   So I can relate to the characters.  I really am not a huge Christmas fan.  I love Christmas bu not all the falderol that surrounds it.  I mean, can't we have Thanksgiving first?  I totally agree with Patrick.  And poor "Merry Christmas" Snow!  Wow!  What parents!  I adored the second story as well and all the mishaps poor Reese gets into.  This is a must read.  Pick up a copy.

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Critical Reaction by Todd M Johnson -CFBA #bookreview

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Critical Reaction Bethany House Publishers (November 19, 2013) by Todd M. Johnson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. Todd's career experience blends with his passion for writing in his novels published through Bethany House.

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.

The Deposit Slip, Mr. Johnson's first novel, debuted in 2012. Todd's second novel, Critical Reaction, will be released in November 2013.

Todd lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy and children Ian and Libby.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After decades of turning out plutonium for the arms race, the Hanford Nuclear Facility has long been shuttered, though its deadly legacy cannot be fully contained. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings for radiation leaks are told the risks are under control. They believe it, until the worst happens: a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.

Two workers, lifer Poppy Martin and new hire Kieran Mullaney, believe themselves lucky to survive the blast. But as the debris is cleared, they discover their safety is not assured. Dead ends and closed doors halt their efforts to discover what really happened--and what radiation may have poisoned them. When stalling and threats force them into the hands of experienced trial lawyer Ryan Hart, they learn that theirs is no ordinary lawsuit. There is something still hidden in the desert of eastern Washington, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it never sees the light of day.

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

My thoughts:  Murder, mystery, and intrique are all together in a neat little package in this book.  Add in the new Irish worker(loving the name Kieran) and his old friend Emily Hart(aka a lawyer) and you've got loads of suspense.  I say pick up the book.  Read the book.  And make sure that all you have scheduled for the day you start reading is well reading because you're not going to want to put this one down!

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Related by Chance, Family by Choice Book Review -Litfuse #bookreview

Deb DeArmond is celebrating the release of her book, Related by Chance, Family by Choice, with a "Day of Bonding" Spa giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A $200 SpaFinder gift card (perfect for a pampering day of bonding)
• Related by Chance, Family by Choice by Deb DeArmond (2 copies)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. Winner will be announced December 2nd at Deb's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Deb's blog on December 2nd to see if you won.

About the book: Transforming Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationships. What does it take to create true family unity between moms and the women who marry their sons?

The caricatures are everywhere, the jokes are inexhaustible, and the stereotypes fill the screens. From Marie Barone (Everyone Loves Raymond) to Viola Fields (Monster-in-Law) to Internet sites and social media pages likeihatemyinlaws.com and a Facebook page for ihatemymotherinlaw there is no shortage of examples of the caustic relationships that can develop between the two women in a man's life.

Deb DeArmond and her three daughters-in-law have conducted their own exhaustive research into the status of the women-in-law relationship. Their research, which incorporated online surveys, interviews, and discussions, included asking about the faith factor in the relationships they studied. Of the respondents, nearly 90 percent claimed they were Christians, and 79 percent said their faith was foundational and guided their actions and decisions. As discouraging as it may be, the numbers of those they surveyed who reported that their women-in-law relationships were "bad" were nearly identical to those in a survey conducted by a popular secular website that recorded no statistics on faith.

Beyond the statistics and their analysis, Deb brings to this book more than thirty years working with adults to improve communications and deal constructively with conflict. Aside from her research and her professional expertise, perhaps the most important asset Deb brings to this work is her own relationship with her three daughters-in-law that is so obviously and unusually positive that she-and they-are often asked to explain the secret of the relationships they share.

This practical and unapologetically scriptural book covers issues of personal perceptions, strained communication, the roles of sons and fathers in the relationship's success, how to begin these relationships on the right foot, and the necessity of trust and love. Deb's one motivating objective is to help women-in-law move from women who are simply related to strong and confident members of a truly spiritual family.

Related By Chance, Family By Choice: Book Trailer Deb DeArmond

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qBcKW
 
About the author: Deb DeArmond has owned her own leadership training and executive coaching practice for fifteen years. She is an experienced speaker and writer with work appearing in "WHOA" Magazine and "Dallas Family" Magazine and a cofounder of mypurposenow.org-an online community for Christian women 50+. Deb and her husband, Ron, have three married sons and three grandchildren, and live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Find out more at debdearmond.com.

Find out more about Deb at http://debdearmond.com.

My thoughts:  I do not have the best relationship with my mother-in-law.  There is a lot of hurt and pain in that relationship that may take years to overcome.  I love the faith based sound advice in this book.  The voice it is written in is awesome and definitely one everyone can understand and relate to.  The title says it all.  It's a choice.  We all have to make a choice of what we are going to do, but that one choice is one of the hardest that will probably ever be made!  Good job to Deb DeArmond and her daughters in law for their awesome relationship in a world of turmoil and bad raps to mother in laws.

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Catie's Secret Book Review -Litfuse #bookreview

Catie’s Secret is the second book in Laura Allen Nonemaker’s children’s series, God’s Secret Garden Adventures. Laura is celebrating Catie's Secret with a Kindle Fire Kid Pack giveaway!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Butterfly Pavilion Hatching Kit
• Butterfly Pattern Carryall Bag
• Butterfly Suncatcher Kit
• Benny's Angel T-Shirt (small)
• Catie's Secret and Benny's Angel with free E-Live audio downloads by Laura Nonemaker

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 23rd. Winner will be announced November 25th at Laura's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Laura's blog on the 25th to see if you won.

About the book: Catie Caterpillar looks different from any bug Herbie and Bella have ever seen. When Herbie makes fun of Catie, Mayor Benny shows him why he should not judge anyone by how they look. In the end, Catie reveals a secret and the bunnies learn the joy of forgiveness.

Catie's Secret is the second book in Laura Allen Nonemaker's children's series, God's Secret Garden Adventures. Like the previous book,Benny's Angel, Catie's Secret invites young readers to join an exciting adventure while it teaches a valuable lesson.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qmZ3s

About the author: Laura began writing as a child in Bermuda when a favorite teacher had one of her essays published in a local newspaper. She is a contributing writer for Kentucky Monthly Magazine and her first children's book, Benny's Angel, was published in 2011. She is on the planning team for Artful Missions, which produces juried art shows and donates most of the proceeds to ministries that help women and children escape human trafficking. When Laura is not dreaming up her next God's Garden adventure, she enjoys spending time with her large family.

Connect with Laura at: http://godsgarden.tateauthor.com

My thoughts:  My kids are in love!  They really adored this little book geared to kids and showing the importance of kindness.  We are all different and even within a family need to practice kindness even amongst our differences.  We are going to be on the look out for more God's Secret Garden Adventures in this house.  As a lover of reading myself, I am trying to instill in my children that same love of reading.  These little garden creatures are endearing and addicting.  My kids all have the book almost memorized from me having to read it to them so much.  Definitely written wonderfully and in a voice that kids can love and understand.

 

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Quilts of Love Series Book Review -Litfuse #bookreview Aloha Rose

In honor of their new Quilts of Love releases, The Christmas Quilt and Aloha Rose, authors Vannetta Chapman and Lisa Carter are gearing up to ring in the Christmas season with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th with fellow Quilts of Love author Lynette Sowell!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman
• Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. Winner will be announced at the "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th. Connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Vannetta Chapman, Lisa Carter, and Lynette Sowell, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, Christmas traditions and gifts, PLUS get an exclusive look at January's Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of The Christmas Quilt and Aloha Rose and join Vannetta, Lisa, and Lynette on the evening of December 10th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on December 10th!

About the book: When Laney Carrigan's adoptive parents encourage her as an adult to seek out her birth family, her only clue is the Lokelani quilt in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island, she battles fears of rejection from a family that abandoned her once before while her faith struggles to embrace God's love.

Along the path to her true heritage, she meets Hawaiian cowboy/helicopter pilot, Kai Barnes. Kai is determined to protect the people he's come to regard as family against a woman he suspects of being nothing more than a gold-digger, but he finds himself drawn to Laney in spite of his reservations. He's spent his entire life seeking forgiveness from past mistakes and longs for a second chance at happiness. 

Laney's painstaking journey to find restoration and a place to belong among the breathtaking allure of the Big Island will lead her closer to her past and maybe even something more.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qKmVW

Meet the author: Lisa Carter has been published in MomSense andChristian Parenting Today. Lisa is currently teaching music at a preschool and enjoying the enthusiasm and joy for life for which preschoolers are famous. She and David have two beautiful daughters.

Find out more at:http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com

My thoughts:  I honestly have to say that I knew next to nothing about Hawaii or their culture other than what I've seen in movies.  I love the research that went into the book and how much I learned.  The quilt was darling(well in my imagination at least).  I loved the story line and fell in love with the characters.  There is so much insecurity in not knowing where you came from even if you were showered with love.  As adoptive parents we know this.  I can't say as an adopted adult(I'm not adopted) what those feelings would be like, but I do think everyone whether adopted or not has moments where they hide behind glasses as our main character Laney does.

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Quilts of Love Series Book Review -Litfuse #bookreview Christmas Quilt

In honor of their new Quilts of Love releases, The Christmas Quilt and Aloha Rose, authors Vannetta Chapman and Lisa Carter are gearing up to ring in the Christmas season with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th with fellow Quilts of Love author Lynette Sowell!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman
• Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 30th. Winner will be announced at the "Christmas Bee" Facebook Party on December 10th. Connect with the authors from the Quilts of Love series, Vannetta Chapman, Lisa Carter, and Lynette Sowell, for an evening of book chat, quilt trivia, Christmas traditions and gifts, PLUS get an exclusive look at January's Quilts of Love book!

So grab your copies of The Christmas Quilt and Aloha Rose and join Vannetta, Lisa, and Lynette on the evening of December 10th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on December 10th!

About the book: Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie's sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/qKnYD

Meet the author: Vannetta Chapman has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather's birthplace in Albion, Pennsylvania. Chapman lives in the Texas hill country with her husband.

Find out more at: http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com

My thoughts:   Oh how I love Amish fiction and this book is no different.  Oh wait!  It is! It is different because it is part of the Quilts of Love series and Amish!  I also love the Quilts series.  Maybe because I like to quilt.  Anyway. . . .   This is a great book about love and unpredictability.  It touches on how to be content no matter your lot as well.  I am shocked by what is revealed about Rachel towards the end as well.  Poor Leah though.  Having twins and then having to go to the hospital.  My last little was born at home and I have to say that being born at home is so much nicer than in a hospital.  And then to have to endure a c-section to boot.  Definitely read the book.  It's a real one.  And might possibly make you cry.

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Derailed by Dave and Neta Jackson -CFBA #bookreview

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Derailed Worthy Publishing (October 8, 2013) by Dave and Neta Jackson

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

As a husband/wife writing team, we are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together we are the authors or coauthors of over 120 books. (You can see our Publication Record by clicking HERE.) In addition to writing several books about Christian community, we have been privileged to coauthor numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.

But over the years the we have especially enjoyed writing for children and young people! This includes our award-winning TRAILBLAZER series, historical fiction about great Christian heroes and heroines for young people ages 8-12, and the four-volume HERO TALES: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Great Christians, and the companion book, Heroes in Black History.

Somewhere along the way, our own children grew up! Son Julian is Director of Experience Design for the Alder Planetarium in Chicago where he “provides the experience of exploring space” for visitors. He has two sons, Liam Isaac and Elijah David. Daughter Rachel graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and after working in the field of rape-crisis prevention went on to earn a Masters Degree in counseling from the University of Illinois. She is now a counselor at “Uni High School” in Champaign, Illinois. She is the loving mother of Havah Noelle (our first grandchild!) and Noah Zion, our youngest grandchild. The Jackson family also includes a Cambodian foster daughter, Samen Sang, who has four children.

We live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years we were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. We are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Forced to give up his hard-earned retirement, Harry Bentley goes back to work as a detective. Receiving a bizarre undercover assignment that sends him across the country by train. Things suddenly go awry when it appears one of his new neighbors may be part of a smuggling ring and suspicion rises about his own son’s involvement in a major drug cartel. The second in the Windy City Neighbors series, Derailed is a contemporary, and often humorous, tale in an urban setting, featuring ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. Intersecting with Grounded (book one), the Jacksons employ their innovative storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Derailed transports you to Beecham Street—a typical, isolated American neighborhood . . . until hope moves in.

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

My thoughts:  Can I just say right now that I love these authors?  I want Harry and his wife to live near me.  I could use their prayers and encouragement.  I guess I'll just have to settle for reading about them and I can't wait for the next installment of the Windy City.  I loved the first book.  I loved this book and I'm ready for more.  I really love undercover Harry.  He's pretty funny and fun.

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Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum -CFBA #bookreview

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Paige Rewritten NavPress (October 8, 2013) by Erynn Mangum

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her:

So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Paige Alder is in a really good place. She’s dating nice guy Tyler. Her boss has offered her a raise. Her walk with God is strong. Life is great—and that’s when things start to change.

First, the youth pastor at church keeps asking Paige to work with him full-time. Then her sister shows up newly engaged and wanting to reconnect, even though they haven’t spoken in years. And now former boyfriend Luke has come back into her life. How is Paige supposed to know what the right decisions are?

This warm and humorous second book in the Paige Alder series will help young girls work through important issues, such as forgiving others and obeying God.

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

My thoughts:  I enjoyed the first book in this series and really couldn't wait for the second one to come around so I could read it too.  I was not disappointed.  Our author is a great witty one who knows how to capture your attention and hold you spellbound.  Paige tends to get comfortable in her life and is a definite people pleaser.  Now the question is who does she turn to?  New boyfriend Tyler(my choice!!!) ex fiance who is also her best friends brother(umm recipe for trouble with that one) and then throw in newly engaged sister in the mix(does she just want free labor) and you have a recipe for trouble and a great book!

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Stories of the Pilgrims Audio Books Review (as read by Jim Hodges)

Do you enjoy Thanksgiving?  Do you spend time each November talking to your children about Thanksgiving and what it is all really about?

We do a unit study each year that I prepare from scratch and I always try to get new and improved things to add.  After looking around I was at a loss this year.  What was I going to do that was different?

Well thank you to Jim Hodges who did the audio for Stories of the Pilgrims.  This audiobook is available on CD or digital download.  For the month of November only you can purchase the download for $15 and the study guide for $5.  The CD remains at the normal pricing of $25.

You can also download the first chapter for FREE as an MP3 download to let you know if you're going to like the audios or not.

Stories of the Pilgrims is one of the volumes of Yesterday's Classics.  Other works in the series include the Nursery Book of Bible Stories, American History Stories, and Four Great Americans.  They are all geared towards younger listeners or ages 5-10 approximately.

We received the digital download for review and also a copy of the study guide.  The study guide could not be used independently by most of mine as they are too young to read it all on their own, but we were able to have mommy read the questions and everyone answer.

We listened to the download off the computer while we were sitting normally during baby's nap time(the time I want everyone else to be quiet).  This helped to have something for the kids to do that was quiet and still school.  We would listen to a chapter a day normally though somedays they could do two chapters before the little ones needed to be able to run around.  Most chapters were around 5 minutes long though some were more and others less.

This was a favorite for my kids.  The older ones wanted to listen to the whole thing at once. . . it's over 4 hours long!  The journey starts before the Pilgrims begin their journey and follows them as they cross the ocean and settle over here including all their discoveries and hardships.  Sometimes it's really nice to be able to listen to someone besides Mom during school and this was great because I did not have to be the one doing the reading.

More volumes are definitely on our want list though I think I would prefer the CD version so we could listen to them on car rides.  When we go grocery shopping it's an hour each way and listening to stories is a great way to fill that time as well as still get our school done for the day.

We are definitely recommending this audio book to everyone who will listen and my kids give it 5 stars.  Check them out, listen to the free chapter, and take advantage of the November sale and the time left before Thanksgiving to do your own unit study.

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Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley -CFBA #bookreview

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Traces of Mercy David C. Cook (October 1, 2013) by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson. 
****

Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.


ABOUT THE BOOK

From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values.

At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.

Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go HERE

My thoughts:  I need to know more!  Seriously!  What happened to Mercy?  What about Isaac?  Sigh, I hate when books end on that kind of note and the second one is not ready yet.  I do have to say that the first of the book is awesome with no hint to who Mercy really is.  And now of course after finishing the book we don't know much more about Mercy.  We do know she's starting to have memories!  I love the one of the little Mercy being swung up by a loving papa.  Sigh, those are good memories.  Anyway, great book.  Need more books in the series and I need them NOW.  Yes I am impatient. Very impatient.  And that I really love historical fiction set around the Civil War?  Yes I do, I really do.  Anyway, go get this book, then read it, then re read it or pass it on.  Good book.  Though as a Southern reenactor there were a few things that made me shake my head. . . . but to the victor goes the pleasure of writing history their way.

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The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman -CFBA #bookreview

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Christmas Quilt Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013) by Vannetta Chapman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.

I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit.

I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. When we moved to a small town in Central Texas, I continued teaching for a few years, but I now write full-time and I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band.

My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Quilt, go HERE.

My thoughts:  Oh how I love Amish fiction and this book is no different.  Oh wait!  It is! It is different because it is part of the Quilts of Love series and Amish!  I also love the Quilts series.  Maybe because I like to quilt.  Anyway. . . .   This is a great book about love and unpredictability.  It touches on how to be content no matter your lot as well.  I am shocked by what is revealed about Rachel towards the end as well.  Poor Leah though.  Having twins and then having to go to the hospital.  My last little was born at home and I have to say that being born at home is so much nicer than in a hospital.  And then to have to endure a c-section to boot.  Definitely read the book.  It's a real one.  And might possibly make you cry.

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