Christian Fiction Blog Alliance: September 2011

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Dangerous Mercy by Kathy Herman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dangerous Mercy David C. Cook (October 1, 2011) by Kathy Herman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suspense novelist Kathy Herman is very much at home in the Christian book industry, having worked five years on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and eleven years at Better Books Christian Center in Tyler, Texas, as product buyer/manager for the children’s department, and eventually as director of human resources.

She has conducted numerous educational seminars on children’s books at CBA Conventions in the U.S. and Canada, served a preliminary judge for the Gold Medallion Book Awards of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association , and worked as an independent product/marketing consultant to the CBA market.

Since her first novel, Tested by Fire, debuted in 2001 as a CBA national bestseller, she's added sixteen more titles to her credit, including four bestsellers: All Things Hidden, The Real Enemy, The Last Word, and The Right Call.

Kathy's husband Paul is her manager and most ardent supporter, and the former manager of the LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas. They have three grown children, five almost-perfect grandchildren, a cat named Samantha. They enjoy cruising, deep sea fishing, and birdwatching—sometimes incorporating these hobbies into one big adventure.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. —Matthew 5:7

When eighty-five-year-old Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards—and her namesake, their daughter—she wants nothing more than a comfortable, quiet life. Employing men from Father Vince’s halfway house for the homeless to do odd jobs and landscaping, she delights in the casual conversation she has with them, the fledgling friendships, and the idea that she is helping them get back on their feet.

A series of murders in Les Barbes has cast a pall over the town and, in fact, one of Adele’s handymen becomes a person of interest to the police. But Adele cares for these young men, she knows them, and continues to show them kindness in spite of her friends’ concern. And then one day a murderer walks through Adele’s defenses, sits down at her kitchen table...and they begin to talk...

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

Cut Here
****************************************
Posting Information

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781403413

Author's picture is:

The book cover photo is:

The code for this post is:

<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><center>This week, the</center> <center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></center> <center>is introducing</center> <center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781403413">Dangerous Mercy</a></center> <center>David C. Cook (October 1, 2011)</center> <center>by</center> <center><a href="http://www.kathyherman.com/">Kathy Herman</a></center> 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d5PT12R_tuKLfisnWQ8NtzxDanzWWUFEHIW9PN-8bAUHKAiPiT8R_ZUStbZ1xVUNONOGNuXGaMn0OhKC0pR8UOU691Ut0en9MYag_X2clHpVWUZ7AAIlG2j24O6m1lPzUDyEew/s1600/Kathy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d5PT12R_tuKLfisnWQ8NtzxDanzWWUFEHIW9PN-8bAUHKAiPiT8R_ZUStbZ1xVUNONOGNuXGaMn0OhKC0pR8UOU691Ut0en9MYag_X2clHpVWUZ7AAIlG2j24O6m1lPzUDyEew/s200/Kathy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Suspense novelist Kathy Herman is very much at home in the Christian book industry, having worked five years on staff at the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and eleven years at Better Books Christian Center in Tyler, Texas, as product buyer/manager for the children’s department, and eventually as director of human resources. 
 
She has conducted numerous educational seminars on children’s books at CBA Conventions in the U.S. and Canada, served a preliminary judge for the Gold Medallion Book Awards of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association , and worked as an independent product/marketing consultant to the CBA market. 
 
Since her first novel, Tested by Fire, debuted in 2001 as a CBA national bestseller, she's added sixteen more titles to her credit, including four bestsellers: All Things Hidden, The Real Enemy, The Last Word, and The Right Call. 
 
Kathy's husband Paul is her manager and most ardent supporter, and the former manager of the LifeWay Christian Store in Tyler, Texas. They have three grown children, five almost-perfect grandchildren, a cat named Samantha. They enjoy cruising, deep sea fishing, and birdwatching—sometimes incorporating these hobbies into one big adventure. 
 
ABOUT THE BOOK 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIP6gK3jaJfjDURa5tEIJm-MQa0aZL0tHpTT6CNEZX8MM5KFfdBja3jXc0qDF1vIz-UkHtJ-NvUjjG6-yMNJAGBNn15tjt15b4NyneW6zll6rgNrxHClgzo42Sp9G9G4SidCdeA/s1600/Dangerous_Mercy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIP6gK3jaJfjDURa5tEIJm-MQa0aZL0tHpTT6CNEZX8MM5KFfdBja3jXc0qDF1vIz-UkHtJ-NvUjjG6-yMNJAGBNn15tjt15b4NyneW6zll6rgNrxHClgzo42Sp9G9G4SidCdeA/s200/Dangerous_Mercy.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. —Matthew 5:7 
 
When eighty-five-year-old Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbes to be near the Broussards—and her namesake, their daughter—she wants nothing more than a comfortable, quiet life. Employing men from Father Vince’s halfway house for the homeless to do odd jobs and landscaping, she delights in the casual conversation she has with them, the fledgling friendships, and the idea that she is helping them get back on their feet. 
 
A series of murders in Les Barbes has cast a pall over the town and, in fact, one of Adele’s handymen becomes a person of interest to the police. But Adele cares for these young men, she knows them, and continues to show them kindness in spite of her friends’ concern. And then one day a murderer walks through Adele’s defenses, sits down at her kitchen table...and they begin to talk... 
 
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0781403413">Dangerous Mercy</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2011/09/dangerous-mercy.html">HERE</a>.

Kathy can be reached through the Contact link on her Website

Note: Sometimes you will find missing posts for bloggers. The main reason is that their book has been delayed. We do not expect a review if they haven't had the opportunity to read the book :-) Check the comments for additional posters and follow our list of bloggers for this tour:

Abi at Scraps of Life
Adam at Meaningful Suspense
Andie at Radiant Light
Angela at All Grown Up
April at Projecting A
Betsy Ann at Betsy Ann "Writer at Large!"
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Cara at the law, books, and life
Carla at Carla's Writing Café
Carly at Carlybird's Home
Carol at Blogging With Carol
Carrie at The Random Thoughts Of Carrie
CeeCee at Book Splurge
Charity at Giveaway Lady
Cheryl at Writing Remnants
Christine at The IE Mommy
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deanna at Deannna's Corner
Debra at Soul Reflections
Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Elizabeth at Count it All Joy
Ernie at Writing: My Adventures In Words
Georgiana at Georgiana D
Gina at Upon Reflection
Heidi at Reviews And Reflections
Janet at Along The Way
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Janna at Cornhusker Academy
Jenn at One House Schoolroom Reviews
Jennifer at My Buckling Bookshelf
Jennifer at Mother of Three
Jennifer at Adventures In McQuill-land
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Jill at Artistic Blogger
Joy at Splashes of Joy
Julie at My Own Little Corner of The World
Kara at Ramblings-n-Writings
Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart
Kay at Views & Reviews by K
Kristi at Stamped With Grace
Lauri at Knits, Reads, and Reviews
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Linda at Reading For His Glory
Loren at The Heart Of A BookWorm
Lori at Noggin Bits
Lynn at Ladybug Chronicles
Marjorie at The Writer's Tool
Mark at Thoughts Of A Sojourner
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Molly at Book Reviews by Molly
Nicole at Into The Fire
Nora at Finding Hope Through Christian Fiction
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Patricia at Readin N Writin With Patricia
Rulan at Fiction Showcase
Sabrina at Hijinks From The Heartland
Susan at New Every Morning
Victoria at Overlooked Orchid

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Captive Trail Moody Publishers (September 1, 2011) by Susan Page Davis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From Susan: I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, Sarah's Long Ride, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor's degree in history. I don't shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books.

Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.

For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I've also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.

My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We're so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!

Our children are all home-schooled. The two youngest are still learning at home. Jim recently retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, and we’ve moved from Maine to Kentucky.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Captive Trail is second in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Although a series, each book can be read on its own.

Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family’s teepee. The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted. She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses.

On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station. They come across a woman who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.

With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu identity. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas, and the two end up defending the mission station. Through Taabe and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations.

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

Cut Here
****************************************
Posting Information

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802405843

Author's picture is:

The book cover photo is:

The code for this post is:

<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><center>This week, the</center> <center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></center> <center>is introducing</center> <center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802405843">Captive Trail</a></center> <center>Moody Publishers (September 1, 2011)</center> <center>by</center> <center><a href="http://www.susanpagedavis.com/">Susan Page Davis</a></center> 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
 
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BbAqckJOgpxKEHvVx7FuvUgn2qf5PrwGaX_z9zTMrAZfo_A089cCTYyOPysmRZV1uPVMyjQSNfs0dVw_rPTZ7Wfm-Gql0Hf1ncFCqDSwQQ6Tx3QaguxycoLrsEXlvGuFi__1mw/s1600-h/SusanPDavis2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414919121950739842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BbAqckJOgpxKEHvVx7FuvUgn2qf5PrwGaX_z9zTMrAZfo_A089cCTYyOPysmRZV1uPVMyjQSNfs0dVw_rPTZ7Wfm-Gql0Hf1ncFCqDSwQQ6Tx3QaguxycoLrsEXlvGuFi__1mw/s320/SusanPDavis2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 175px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 136px;" /></a> 
From Susan: I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books. My young adult novel, Sarah's Long Ride, also spotlights horses and the rugged sport of endurance riding, as does the contemporary romance Trail to Justice. I took a vocational course in horseshoeing after earning a bachelor's degree in history. I don't shoe horses anymore, but the experience has come in handy in writing my books. 
 
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters. 
 
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer, covering local government, school board meetings, business news, fires, auto accidents, and other local events, including a murder trial. I've also written many profiles and features for the newspaper and its special sections. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. 
 
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. We're so glad we did. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine! 
 
Our children are all home-schooled. The two youngest are still learning at home. Jim recently retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, and we’ve moved from Maine to Kentucky. 
 
 
ABOUT THE BOOK 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q3cbuz8i65-guJBwj1yIcQT4inDQqhD5P1uWp_n_irRcS4NGDNnCqtzgLz_PCExsVNNc9kNHLQmYxMAfwzXDaPtkc2ncLHlQomD7ehnx0msclZfrq_pvSv4wPCkPJFTWkxjTHw/s1600/Captive_Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q3cbuz8i65-guJBwj1yIcQT4inDQqhD5P1uWp_n_irRcS4NGDNnCqtzgLz_PCExsVNNc9kNHLQmYxMAfwzXDaPtkc2ncLHlQomD7ehnx0msclZfrq_pvSv4wPCkPJFTWkxjTHw/s1600/Captive_Trail.jpg" /></a></div>Captive Trail is second in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896.  Although a series, each book can be read on its own. 
 
Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family’s teepee.  The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted.  She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses. 
 
On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station.  They come across a woman who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission. 
 
With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu identity. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas, and the two end up defending the mission station. Through Taabe and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations. 
 
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802405843">Captive Trail</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2011/09/captive-trail.html">HERE</a>.

Susan can be reached through the Contact link on her Website

Note: Sometimes you will find missing posts for bloggers. The main reason is that their book has been delayed. We do not expect a review if they haven't had the opportunity to read the book :-) Check the comments for additional posters and follow our list of bloggers for this tour:

Abi at Scraps of Life
Amber at Seasons of Humility
Andie at Radiant Light
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Camy at Camy's Loft
Carly at Carlybird's Home
Charity at Giveaway Lady
Christine at The IE Mommy
Christy at Southern Sassy Things
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deanna at Deannna's Corner
Debra at Soul Reflections
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Ernie at Writing: My Adventures In Words
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Jendi at Jendi's Journal
Jenn at One House Schoolroom Reviews
Jenny at Come Meet AusJenny
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Joy at Splashes of Joy
Julie at My Own Little Corner of The World
Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart
Kay at Views & Reviews by K
Kristi at Stamped With Grace
Lauri at Knits, Reads, and Reviews
Linda at Reading For His Glory
Linda at GodSonggrace
Lori at Noggin Bits
Margaret at Creative Madness Mama
Marjorie at The Writer's Tool
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Molly at Book Reviews by Molly
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Rulan at Fiction Showcase
Victoria at Overlooked Orchid

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Naomi's Gift Zondervan (September 12, 2011) by Amy Clipston

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From Amy:
A native of New Jersey, I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I often joke that my fiction writing “career” began in elementary school as I wrote and shared silly stories with a close friend.

In 1991, I graduated from high school, and my parents and I moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia. My father retired, and my mother went to work full-time. I attended Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, and I graduated with a degree in communications. I met my husband, Joe, during my senior year in college, a few days after my father had a massive stroke. Joe and I clicked instantly, and after a couple of months we started dating. We married four years later.

After graduating from VWC, I took a summer job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, which turned into an eleven-year career. I worked in the Public Affairs Office for four years and then moved into Planning as a writer/editor.

One day while surfing the Internet for a professional editor’s group, I accidentally found a local fiction writing group, Chesapeake Romance Writers. I attended a meeting and I met writers in all stages of their careers. The group helped me realize that I did want to be an author, and it was my dream to see my name on the cover of one of my novels. Through Chesapeake Romance Writers, I learned how to plot, write, and edit a novel, and I also learned how to pursue an agent. I signed with Mary Sue Seymour at the Seymour Agency in 2006, shortly before Joe and I moved my parents and our sons to North Carolina.

My dream came true when I sold my first book in 2007. Holding my first book, A Gift of Grace, in my hands was exhilarating and surreal.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman's story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams ... and secrets. You'll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the 'English' way of life---and the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families. Naomi's Gift re-introduces twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love and has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches---a time of family, faith, and hope for many others---Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family's quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down. Naomi's story of romantic trial and error and youthful insecurities has universal appeal. Author Amy Clipston artfully paints a panorama of simple lives full of complex relationships, and she carefully explores cultural differences and human similarities, with inspirational results. Naomi's Gift includes all the details of Amish life that Clipston's fans enjoy, while delivering the compelling stories and strong characters that continue to draw legions of new readers.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Naomi's Gift, go HERE.

Cut Here
****************************************
Posting Information

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310327350

Author's picture is:

The book cover photo is:

The code for this post is:

<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><center>This week, the</center> <center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></center> <center>is introducing</center> <center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310327350">Naomi's Gift</a></center> <center>Zondervan (September 12, 2011)</center> <center>by</center> <center><a href="http://www.amyclipston.com/">Amy Clipston</a></center> 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRT7p_2-4NjZqjJJ2JWl9niN2yv04dy-KhjpBj9iIySbxyEcn_36lUBrSD_Nd1mEl57eHjblq9t8XLoEwxAFehbQJiKckyotiCnbuG41wA6bqpXtrBlBf1fPbWTPD2Wnu6SgkTg/s1600/amyclipstonportrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRT7p_2-4NjZqjJJ2JWl9niN2yv04dy-KhjpBj9iIySbxyEcn_36lUBrSD_Nd1mEl57eHjblq9t8XLoEwxAFehbQJiKckyotiCnbuG41wA6bqpXtrBlBf1fPbWTPD2Wnu6SgkTg/s200/amyclipstonportrait.jpg" width="141" /></a></div>From Amy: 
A native of New Jersey, I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I often joke that my fiction writing “career” began in elementary school as I wrote and shared silly stories with a close friend. 
 
In 1991, I graduated from high school, and my parents and I moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia. My father retired, and my mother went to work full-time. I attended Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, and I graduated with a degree in communications. I met my husband, Joe, during my senior year in college, a few days after my father had a massive stroke. Joe and I clicked instantly, and after a couple of months we started dating. We married four years later. 
 
After graduating from VWC, I took a summer job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, which turned into an eleven-year career. I worked in the Public Affairs Office for four years and then moved into Planning as a writer/editor. 
 
One day while surfing the Internet for a professional editor’s group, I accidentally found a local fiction writing group, Chesapeake Romance Writers. I attended a meeting and I met writers in all stages of their careers. The group helped me realize that I did want to be an author, and it was my dream to see my name on the cover of one of my novels. Through Chesapeake Romance Writers, I learned how to plot, write, and edit a novel, and I also learned how to pursue an agent. I signed with Mary Sue Seymour at the Seymour Agency in 2006, shortly before Joe and I moved my parents and our sons to North Carolina. 
 
My dream came true when I sold my first book in 2007. Holding my first book, A Gift of Grace, in my hands was exhilarating and surreal. 
 
ABOUT THE BOOK 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGT00dnEy2TDNyG4S6SwlQE5_5fHHmMbMtkQr3o0RRzGKZk1-mtK6UmTEQ88KXn2zeUbYTvvLAW48-S7laoA5WtYpR5gRnm5_ZF08wiHaYsO3r8DeZZZFEeMzYzaRKHWv0QHjxA/s1600/Naomi%2527s_Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGT00dnEy2TDNyG4S6SwlQE5_5fHHmMbMtkQr3o0RRzGKZk1-mtK6UmTEQ88KXn2zeUbYTvvLAW48-S7laoA5WtYpR5gRnm5_ZF08wiHaYsO3r8DeZZZFEeMzYzaRKHWv0QHjxA/s200/Naomi%2527s_Gift.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman's story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams ... and secrets. You'll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the 'English' way of life---and the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families. Naomi's Gift re-introduces twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love and has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches---a time of family, faith, and hope for many others---Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family's quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down. Naomi's story of romantic trial and error and youthful insecurities has universal appeal. Author Amy Clipston artfully paints a panorama of simple lives full of complex relationships, and she carefully explores cultural differences and human similarities, with inspirational results. Naomi's Gift includes all the details of Amish life that Clipston's fans enjoy, while delivering the compelling stories and strong characters that continue to draw legions of new readers. 
 
If you'd like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310327350">Naomi's Gift</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2011/09/naomis-gift.html">HERE</a>.

Amy can be reached through the Contact link on her Website

Note: Sometimes you will find missing posts for bloggers. The main reason is that their book has been delayed. We do not expect a review if they haven't had the opportunity to read the book :-) Check the comments for additional posters and follow our list of bloggers for this tour:

Abi at Scraps of Life
Amy at My Life
Andie at Radiant Light
Andrea at Spoken For
Angel at A Heart for Words
Angela at All Grown Up
Barbara at A Life Of Contentment
Becky at Becky's Blogs
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Brandy at Brandy Bruce
Carly at Carlybird's Home
Carrie at The Random Thoughts Of Carrie
Cheryl at Writing Remnants
Christine at The IE Mommy
Christy at Christy's Book Blog
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deanna at Deannna's Corner
Deborah at books, movies and chinese food
Debra at Soul Reflections
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Ernie at Writing: My Adventures In Words
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Jenn at One House Schoolroom Reviews
Jennifer at My Buckling Bookshelf
Jennfer at Scraps and Snippets
Jenny at Come Meet AusJenny
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Joy at Splashes of Joy
Julie at My Own Little Corner of The World
Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart
Kay at Views & Reviews by K
Kristi at Stamped With Grace
Lauri at Knits, Reads, and Reviews
Lori at Noggin Bits
Lynn at Ladybug Chronicles
Mark at Thoughts Of A Sojourner
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Molly at Book Reviews by Molly
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Rulan at Fiction Showcase
Victoria at Overlooked Orchid

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Here’s to Friends by Melody Carlson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Here’s to Friends David C. Cook (September 1, 2011) by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards. And her "Diary of a Teenage Girl" series has received great reviews and a large box of fan mail.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Once upon a time in a little town on the Oregon coast lived four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever.

Decades later, they're all back home in Clifden and reinventing their lives, but the holidays bring a whole new set of challenges. Abby’s new B&B is getting bad reviews and husband Paul is acting strange. Still grieving for her mom, Caroline is remodeling the family home, but boyfriend Mitch keeps pressuring her to go away with him. Artist Marley, distracted by a friend's family drama (and a touch of jealousy), can't find her creative groove. And Janie’s drug-addicted daughter has just appeared up on her doorstep! When a long-planned New Year's cruise turns into a bumpy ride, they learn once again that, in your fifties, friends aren’t just for fun—they're a necessity!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Here’s to Friends, go HERE.

Cut Here
****************************************
Posting Information

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434764915

Author's picture is:

The book cover photo is:

The code for this post is:

<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><center>This week, the</center> <center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></center> <center>is introducing</center> <center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434764915">Here’s to Friends</a></center> <center>David C. Cook (September 1, 2011)</center> <center>by</center> <center><a href="http://melodycarlson.com/">Melody Carlson</a></center> 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEImZBs9f7q0uWj3KG604GmoxKtb-OVz5xW_tnew8hZ4LMvSkjPq5B7U1pXXHf-pp_bxN87yRqqBPhCQxWBAYGU6FNzjJttURsOH2anJPuN3wBGsE63j7JdW_zk9UJ2Mu0bQ_h3A/s1600/melody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEImZBs9f7q0uWj3KG604GmoxKtb-OVz5xW_tnew8hZ4LMvSkjPq5B7U1pXXHf-pp_bxN87yRqqBPhCQxWBAYGU6FNzjJttURsOH2anJPuN3wBGsE63j7JdW_zk9UJ2Mu0bQ_h3A/s200/melody.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards. And her "Diary of a Teenage Girl" series has received great reviews and a large box of fan mail. 
 
She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains. 
 
 
ABOUT THE BOOK 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYne4yoPlNlBqpNIUAcepMfhF7IjNiwIZNYNRBxh0eBsGBWzE8AYSybduM6Cr5EEqybTVj-TZxeTUF-KRVGGXDbTV-mY0g5qQmv23hJjCtgd4Ss_anoGExRyQrI4pVgNuArgWj8g/s1600/Here%2527s_To_Friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYne4yoPlNlBqpNIUAcepMfhF7IjNiwIZNYNRBxh0eBsGBWzE8AYSybduM6Cr5EEqybTVj-TZxeTUF-KRVGGXDbTV-mY0g5qQmv23hJjCtgd4Ss_anoGExRyQrI4pVgNuArgWj8g/s200/Here%2527s_To_Friends.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>Once upon a time in a little town on the Oregon coast lived four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever. 
 
Decades later, they're all back home in Clifden and reinventing their lives, but the holidays bring a whole new set of challenges. Abby’s new B&B is getting bad reviews and husband Paul is acting strange. Still grieving for her mom, Caroline is remodeling the family home, but boyfriend Mitch keeps pressuring her to go away with him. Artist Marley, distracted by a friend's family drama (and a touch of jealousy), can't find her creative groove. And Janie’s drug-addicted daughter has just appeared up on her doorstep! When a long-planned New Year's cruise turns into a bumpy ride, they learn once again that, in your fifties, friends aren’t just for fun—they're a necessity! 
 
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434764915">Here’s to Friends</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2011/09/heres-to-friends.html">HERE</a>.

Melody can be reached through the Contact link on her Website

Note: Sometimes you will find missing posts for bloggers. The main reason is that their book has been delayed. We do not expect a review if they haven't had the opportunity to read the book :-) Check the comments for additional posters and follow our list of bloggers for this tour:

Abi at Scraps of Life
Amy at My Life
Andie at Radiant Light
Angela at All Grown Up
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Brandy at Brandy Bruce
Camy at Camy's Loft
Cara at the law, books, and life
Carla at Carla's Writing Café
Carly at Carlybird's Home
Carrie at The Random Thoughts Of Carrie
CeeCee at Book Splurge
Cheryl at Writing Remnants
Christine at The IE Mommy
Christy at Christy's Book Blog
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deanna at Deannna's Corner
Debra at Soul Reflections
Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Elizabeth at Count it All Joy
Ernie at Writing: My Adventures In Words
Georgiana at Georgiana D
Janet at Along The Way
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Janna at Cornhusker Academy
Jennfer at Scraps and Snippets
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Jill at Artistic Blogger
Joy at Splashes of Joy
Julie at My Own Little Corner of The World
Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart
Kay at Views & Reviews by K
Krista at Welcome To Married Life
Kristi at Stamped With Grace
Lauri at Knits, Reads, and Reviews
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Loren at The Heart Of A BookWorm
Lori at Noggin Bits
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Pam at A Writer's Journey
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Rulan at Fiction Showcase
Susan at New Every Morning
Victoria at Overlooked Orchid

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Doctor's Lady Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody has written novels for the last 18 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), hit the CBA Best Seller list on two different occasions and has won multiple awards.

Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released this September. She has completed a third book which will be released in 2012. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.

Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Doctor's Lady, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

Cut Here
****************************************
Posting Information

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764208330

Author's picture is:

The book cover photo is:

The code for this post is:

<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><center>This week, the</center> <center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></center> <center>is introducing</center> <center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764208330">The Doctor's Lady</a></center> <center>Bethany House (September 1, 2011)</center> <center>by</center> <center><a href="http://jodyhedlund.com/">Jody Hedlund</a></center> 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeEpEZ_sd32A4B3LxKcEcplTw6byoxDHp_DfB6Ujj0GPjQo8xqknrLK3FEX3TGRvgH3ljLFnj6EdtnUiTKvhCkTdVqCUhZTRJHGFjUwgHyrREM4iOKlSg35y98zR9WfQxWpoNUQ/s1600/jodyhedlundphoto.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeEpEZ_sd32A4B3LxKcEcplTw6byoxDHp_DfB6Ujj0GPjQo8xqknrLK3FEX3TGRvgH3ljLFnj6EdtnUiTKvhCkTdVqCUhZTRJHGFjUwgHyrREM4iOKlSg35y98zR9WfQxWpoNUQ/s200/jodyhedlundphoto.gif" width="152" /></a></div>Jody has written novels for the last 18 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). 
 
Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), hit the CBA Best Seller list on two different occasions and has won multiple awards. 
 
Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released this September. She has completed a third book which will be released in 2012. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book! 
 
ABOUT THE BOOK 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlwdoHN7g0ANcOAxZQQ3YQS8csCwMuFyJwMgd8fpAELX5nLt_3g6tmHb1stXMLzNilG1zPrh974sfUO02xfJCFxGjq_JwRunHsmsbIl19NUgjUewiJefKzSHlzb0hX2O94aXxpQ/s1600/The_Doctor%2527s_Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlwdoHN7g0ANcOAxZQQ3YQS8csCwMuFyJwMgd8fpAELX5nLt_3g6tmHb1stXMLzNilG1zPrh974sfUO02xfJCFxGjq_JwRunHsmsbIl19NUgjUewiJefKzSHlzb0hX2O94aXxpQ/s200/The_Doctor%2527s_Lady.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field. 
 
Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts. 
 
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764208330">The Doctor's Lady</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2011/09/doctors-lady-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>. 
 
Watch the book trailer: 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="255" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3n-UrDeevrE?rel=0" width="400"></iframe>

Jody can be reached through the Contact link on her Website

Note: Sometimes you will find missing posts for bloggers. The main reason is that their book has been delayed. We do not expect a review if they haven't had the opportunity to read the book :-) Check the comments for additional posters and follow our list of bloggers for this tour:

Abi at Scraps of Life
Amy at My Life
Andie at Radiant Light
Andrea at Spoken For
Angela at All Grown Up
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Camy at Camy's Loft
Cara at the law, books, and life
Carly at Carlybird's Home
Carrie at The Random Thoughts Of Carrie
Casey at Writing For Christ
Charity at Giveaway Lady
Christine at The IE Mommy
Christy at Christy's Book Blog
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deanna at Deannna's Corner
Deborah at Country At Heart
Debra at Soul Reflections
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Ernie at Writing: My Adventures In Words
Hannah at Word Lily
Heidi at Reviews And Reflections
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Janna at Cornhusker Academy
Jendi at Jendi's Journal
Jenn at One House Schoolroom Reviews
Jennfer at Scraps and Snippets
Jennifer at Mother of Three
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Joy at Splashes of Joy
Joy at Edgy Inspirational Romance
Julie at My Own Little Corner of The World
Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart
Kay at Views & Reviews by K
Lauri at Knits, Reads, and Reviews
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Linda at Reading For His Glory
Linda at GodSonggrace
Lori at Noggin Bits
Lynn at Ladybug Chronicles
Marjorie at The Writer's Tool
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Pam at A Writer's Journey
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Pepper at Faith And Fiction On Fire
Becky at Becky's Book Reviews
Ruth at Booktalk & more...
Susan at New Every Morning
Tina at Tina's Book Reviews
Victoria at Overlooked Orchid

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Wings of A Dream by Anne Mateer

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wings of A Dream Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Anne Mateer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

While I have been writing for what feels like my whole life, I began seriously studying the craft in 2000. Since then I have completed five novels, had several pieces published in local periodicals, attended six writing conferences and managed to final in ACFW's Genesis contest in 2006, 2008, and 2009. My first historical novel, Wings of a Dream, will be released in September 2011, with another historical novel to follow in 2012. But writing is only a piece of my life.

I am mostly just a woman trying to live her life in a manner pleasing to the Lord. That involves being a wife to Jeff and a mother to my three teenagers--neither role coming easily but both roles stretching me, requiring me to press in closer to Jesus. And because of this, Jesus has taken an insecure, fearful, sometimes angry girl and is turning her into a more trusting, peaceful, grace-filled woman. At least some of the time. There is still such a long way to go!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family's farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he's the man she's meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother's sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur's training camp as God's approval of her plans.

But the Spanish flue epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt's death, Arthur's indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebekah is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she's always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Wings of A Dream, go HERE.

Cut Here
****************************************
Posting Information

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209035

Author's picture is:

The book cover photo is:

The code for this post is:

<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><center>This week, the</center> <center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></center> <center>is introducing</center> <center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209035">Wings of A Dream</a></center> <center>Bethany House (September 1, 2011)</center> <center>by</center> <center><a href="http://www.annemateer.com/">Anne Mateer</a></center> 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrlWdvZ0v3gNofAp7VuYyR19xlwuU_3gZ_IaNrT1Fe5aqtF0jjk-BLAQvNbwaeaVBdu60aqobsJBibKfTdb_KUBaDzPlVCt2UIZpT5khgNFyZAwxNt3U7I2kVi8Oswa7qIzbJ2A/s1600/Anne+Mateer.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrlWdvZ0v3gNofAp7VuYyR19xlwuU_3gZ_IaNrT1Fe5aqtF0jjk-BLAQvNbwaeaVBdu60aqobsJBibKfTdb_KUBaDzPlVCt2UIZpT5khgNFyZAwxNt3U7I2kVi8Oswa7qIzbJ2A/s200/Anne+Mateer.PNG" width="133" /></a></div>While I have been writing for what feels like my whole life, I began seriously studying the craft in 2000. Since then I have completed five novels, had several pieces published in local periodicals, attended six writing conferences and managed to final in ACFW's Genesis contest in 2006, 2008, and 2009. My first historical novel, Wings of a Dream, will be released in September 2011, with another historical novel to follow in 2012. But writing is only a piece of my life. 
 
I am mostly just a woman trying to live her life in a manner pleasing to the Lord. That involves being a wife to Jeff and a mother to my three teenagers--neither role coming easily but both roles stretching me, requiring me to press in closer to Jesus. And because of this, Jesus has taken an insecure, fearful, sometimes angry girl and is turning her into a more trusting, peaceful, grace-filled woman. At least some of the time. There is still such a long way to go! 
 
ABOUT THE BOOK 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWakVFjPRtSsSYlpx3lZPW5G-vpLu6aumH0Sdmx0v2tlfWyWVVieKe-AceDcP9inNIOk4gRDUXpz8uyPY1ExVN_Qmf2GPqAePcyiX-cZlRDqPt8qsl5VicsUNV2ETS4Xx7nl8a6g/s1600/Wings_of_a_Dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWakVFjPRtSsSYlpx3lZPW5G-vpLu6aumH0Sdmx0v2tlfWyWVVieKe-AceDcP9inNIOk4gRDUXpz8uyPY1ExVN_Qmf2GPqAePcyiX-cZlRDqPt8qsl5VicsUNV2ETS4Xx7nl8a6g/s200/Wings_of_a_Dream.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family's farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he's the man she's meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother's sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur's training camp as God's approval of her plans. 
 
But the Spanish flue epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt's death, Arthur's indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebekah is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she's always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart. 
 
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209035">Wings of A Dream</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2011/09/wings-of-dream-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.

Anne can be reached through the Contact link on her Website

Note: Sometimes you will find missing posts for bloggers. The main reason is that their book has been delayed. We do not expect a review if they haven't had the opportunity to read the book :-) Check the comments for additional posters and follow our list of bloggers for this tour:

Abi at Scraps of Life
Amy at My Life
Andie at Radiant Light
Andrea at Spoken For
Angel at A Heart for Words
Barbara at A Life Of Contentment
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Camy at Camy's Loft
Cara at the law, books, and life
Carla at Carla's Writing Café
Carly at Carlybird's Home
Charity at Giveaway Lady
Christine at The IE Mommy
Christy at Southern Sassy Things
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deanna at Deannna's Corner
Deborah at books, movies and chinese food
Deborah at Country At Heart
Debra at Soul Reflections
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Ernie at Writing: My Adventures In Words
Gina at Portrait Of A Writer
Heidi at Reviews And Reflections
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Jendi at Jendi's Journal
Jenn at One House Schoolroom Reviews
Jennifer at So Many Books…So Little Time
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Joy at Splashes of Joy
Julie at My Own Little Corner of The World
Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart
Kay at Views & Reviews by K
Kristi at Stamped With Grace
Lauri at Knits, Reads, and Reviews
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Linda at Reading For His Glory
Lori at Noggin Bits
Lynn at Ladybug Chronicles
Margaret at Creative Madness Mama
Marjorie at The Writer's Tool
Mark at Thoughts Of A Sojourner
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Molly at Book Reviews by Molly
Myra at Writer at Random
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Pepper at Faith And Fiction On Fire
Becky at Becky's Book Reviews
Ruth at Booktalk & more...
Stephanie at A Cooking Bookworm
Tina at Tina's Book Reviews
Victoria at Overlooked Orchid

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

To Have and to Hold by Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing To Have and to Hold Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson
and

Judith Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.

Judith Miller's first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when she was commuting sixty miles to work each day. She wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. Through a co-worker, she was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from her. Having never met Tracie, Judith was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history. Since that first encounter many years ago, Judith has been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, she and Tracie had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, they have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Audrey Cunningham's father proposes that they move to Bridal Veil Island, where he grew up, she agrees, thinking this will help keep him sober and close to God. But they arrive to find wealthy investors buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island--and they want the Cunninghams' acreage.

Contractor Marshall Graham can't imagine why the former drinking buddy of his deceased father would beckon him to Bridal Veil Island. And when Boyd Cunningham asks him to watch over Audrey, Marshall is even more confused. He has no desire to be saddled with caring for this fiery young woman who is openly hostile toward him. But when Audrey seems to be falling for another man--one who has two little girls Audrey adores--Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he realized. Which man will Audrey choose? And can she hold on to her ancestral property in the face of overwhelming odds?

If you would like to read the first chapter of To Have and to Hold, go HERE.

Cut Here
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Posting Information

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764208861

Author Tracie's picture is:

Author Judith's picture is:

The book cover photo is:

The code for this post is:

<div align="center"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/1600/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5500/1432/320/CFBAreviewer_gif.0.gif" style="cursor: hand; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a></div><center>This week, the</center> <center><a href="http://www.christianfictionblogalliance.com/">Christian Fiction Blog Alliance</a></center> <center>is introducing</center> <center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764208861">To Have and to Hold</a></center> <center>Bethany House (September 1, 2011)</center> <center>by</center> <center><a href="http://www.traciepeterson.com/">Tracie Peterson</a> and 
<a href="http://www.judithmccoymiller.com/">Judith Miller</a></center> 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: 
 
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv4HKZp7mwOHTvWvWDXb2MSMbwLT-9XN7AqrWxyuo1zofos5pZnS648zYV48kLg4TsZoUZ2H4_nryd936KmVjQHXiGdoldRbQAKm7wEKXDB5jPnoc83i0uRwmghRGwO57VLjBnA/s1600/TPetersonPressKitPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv4HKZp7mwOHTvWvWDXb2MSMbwLT-9XN7AqrWxyuo1zofos5pZnS648zYV48kLg4TsZoUZ2H4_nryd936KmVjQHXiGdoldRbQAKm7wEKXDB5jPnoc83i0uRwmghRGwO57VLjBnA/s200/TPetersonPressKitPhoto.jpg" width="160" /></a>Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlmbTW0Stod8r1m6TG8u56KU_eAPjU-shUWjVzx0I-M-NV4HJ8WIfGk6mVQaChz1-2W2gbyLRQtuyMPx9rQtre4uEcj1ToTg7YwIW-aW6Fe3i-5x29Tpe5QY3b0f-LOXZXcCioQ/s1600/Judith+Miller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlmbTW0Stod8r1m6TG8u56KU_eAPjU-shUWjVzx0I-M-NV4HJ8WIfGk6mVQaChz1-2W2gbyLRQtuyMPx9rQtre4uEcj1ToTg7YwIW-aW6Fe3i-5x29Tpe5QY3b0f-LOXZXcCioQ/s200/Judith+Miller.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>Judith Miller's first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when she was commuting sixty miles to work each day. She wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. Through a co-worker, she was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from her. Having never met Tracie, Judith was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history. Since that first encounter many years ago, Judith has been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, she and Tracie had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, they have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. 
 
 
ABOUT THE BOOK 
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq6uVokG9jtU3mkxIRqSYkWszLcJOrJdlE25LB-EqWnGC1dfrati65Th9cD_iEhCvQERMAuntxPR10XtOaR_nVw1pfEeEl48l6rzayaoZByw7J2jRNQHgPx6TmRWTuDBmVhcP4g/s1600/To_Have_And_To_Hold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq6uVokG9jtU3mkxIRqSYkWszLcJOrJdlE25LB-EqWnGC1dfrati65Th9cD_iEhCvQERMAuntxPR10XtOaR_nVw1pfEeEl48l6rzayaoZByw7J2jRNQHgPx6TmRWTuDBmVhcP4g/s200/To_Have_And_To_Hold.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>When Audrey Cunningham's father proposes that they move to Bridal Veil Island, where he grew up, she agrees, thinking this will help keep him sober and close to God. But they arrive to find wealthy investors buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island--and they want the Cunninghams' acreage. 
 
Contractor Marshall Graham can't imagine why the former drinking buddy of his deceased father would beckon him to Bridal Veil Island. And when Boyd Cunningham asks him to watch over Audrey, Marshall is even more confused. He has no desire to be saddled with caring for this fiery young woman who is openly hostile toward him. But when Audrey seems to be falling for another man--one who has two little girls Audrey adores--Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he realized. Which man will Audrey choose? And can she hold on to her ancestral property in the face of overwhelming odds? 
 
If you would like to read the first chapter of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764208861">To Have and to Hold</a>, go <a href="http://thestorybeginnings.blogspot.com/2011/09/to-have-and-to-hold-chapter-1.html">HERE</a>.

Tracie can be reached through the Contact link on her Website.

Judith can be reached through the Contact link on her Website.

Note: Sometimes you will find missing posts for bloggers. The main reason is that their book has been delayed. We do not expect a review if they haven't had the opportunity to read the book :-) Check the comments for additional posters and follow our list of bloggers for this tour:

Abi at Scraps of Life
Amber at Seasons of Humility
Andie at Radiant Light
Andrea at Spoken For
Angela at All Grown Up
Barbara at A Life Of Contentment
Bonnie at Bonnie Writes
Camy at Camy's Loft
Carly at Carlybird's Home
Charity at Giveaway Lady
Cheryl at Writing Remnants
Christine at The IE Mommy
Christy at Southern Sassy Things
Dave at Novel Spotlight
Deanna at Deannna's Corner
Deborah at books, movies and chinese food
Deborah at Country At Heart
Debra at Soul Reflections
Delia at Gatorskunkz And Mudcats
Edyth at Great Reads by Jasmine
Elizabeth at Count it All Joy
Ernie at Writing: My Adventures In Words
Heidi at Reviews And Reflections
Janis at The Nearsighted Bookworm
Janna at Cornhusker Academy
Jenn at One House Schoolroom Reviews
Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
Joy at Splashes of Joy
Julie at My Own Little Corner of The World
Kara at Ramblings-n-Writings
Kara at Ramblings-n-Writings
Kathleen at Reviews From The Heart
Kay at Views & Reviews by K
Lauri at Knits, Reads, and Reviews
Linda at Mocha With Linda
Linda at Reading For His Glory
Lori at Noggin Bits
Lynn at Ladybug Chronicles
Margaret at Creative Madness Mama
Mark at Thoughts Of A Sojourner
Michelle at Raising Little Women
Pam at A Writer's Journey
Pam at Daysong Reflections
Sabrina at Hijinks From The Heartland
Victoria at Overlooked Orchid