A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

When Izzy Fontaine's grandmother dies, she leave behind much more than a legacy of her family and the love she has for each of them. She leaves behind a Flying Goose Quilt that began in the early 1800's and has been passed down from a generation of women to their daughters ending with Izzy. She always knew that her grandmother had a special place in her heart for Izzy because they understood the value of things. It was all material but within certain objects a sense of love and tradition developed along with many memories. It was why her grandmother left it to her along with her house. Unfortunately Izzy's mother Janice and her brother Brandon, don't feel the same way. They feel as if they deserve something as well and feel slighted that Izzy was her favorite family member.

Not to mention the fact that the only time her mother, Janice and Brandon ever made time for their grandmother was during holiday dinners or when they needed something from her. It was Izzy who spent time with her grandmother, moving in with her when her health began to fail and in doing so, found a true treasure worth more than any amount of money ever could. Only one thing is standing in her way, a promise from her grandmother that the quilt belonged to Max Logan, a local museum curator, whose goal is to obtain the quilt and showcase it in a Moving West exhibit that may land him the dream job of a lifetime at the Smithsonian Museum. If he can convince Izzy that the letter of intent from her grandmother supercedes the gifting of the quilt to Izzy by his father, Virgil. He had promised to give it to Izzy upon her death and now seems to be the one thing keeping Izzy and Max at odds or is it in fact a plan her grandmother had all along to bring them together much like a quilt does in keeping people huddled beneath it warm?

In the latest novel in the Quilts of Love Series, author Jennifer AlLee enchants her readers with a treasure hunt of sorts dealing with the legacy and history in the quilt left to Izzy Fontaine. Some would see it as a monetary item of great value, but Izzy sees it for something more. In the end, it's her grandmother's spirit that restores the rift between the family and unearths something more valuable than any of them would ever believe is possible in the fabric of a multi-generational quilt. I received A Wild Goose Chase Christmas compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Abingdon Press for my honest review. Being an avid quilter myself, I could see the draw in this novel not only with the love of creating a lasting keepsake but also in passing along part of a family's legacy through the weaving of pieces of fabric. I absolutely loved how this one ended and have to rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. This book does contain discussion questions so it's perfect for book clubs and groups to share.

For more information about A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, Jennifer AlLee, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

You can also find Jennifer AlLee on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

You can find more reviews from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance book tour for A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (November 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426752490
• ISBN-13: 978-1426752490
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches

Godwink Stories

"The centerpiece of this book is the collection of charming, heartfelt, and astonishing letters I have received from people like you who have taken the time to share their life-altering godwink stories.

These warm letters reaffirm that godwinks happen to everyone. We just need to learn how to see them, allow them to unfold, and accept them as direct, person-to-person communications from God to each of us.

As you'll see, every note, buoyant with enthusiasm, is from someone like a new friend of yours who tells you that those so-called coincidences you've been dismissing really do mean something. And you need to pay special attention. They are like unopened gifts that have been placed on your doorstop.

If you're like me, you will also be impressed at how every joy, every hurt, and every worry you encounter has already been written about in the Bible. Godwink Stories simply draws upon the parallel between the letters of real people and the wisdom God had others write into the ancient Scriptures three thousand years ago.

Godwink Stories can be read in various ways. You may decide to read the book cover to cover. You may wish to place it on your nightstand to read one bite-size mini-chapter per week for fifty-two weeks. Or you may just want a pick-me-up-story that fits your need of the day. Godwink Stories is cross-referenced by category - suiting your desire to peruse a letter that speaks to a time of sorrow or your appetite for an uplifting bedtime story. " (pg 9-10).Each story is linked with a specific biblical scripture that ties the letter to the Bible, along with an insightful information that is geared to make you think about a situation before you read the letter.

Some of the categories you can search for are Times of Sorrow, Medical, Heartfelt, Angels, Don't Quit, Divine Alignment, Just In Time, Love Stories, Uplifting, and Prayer. You are geared to find something to inspire you at just the right moment or perhaps encourage and share a story with others in need. This is truly a gift that you can give at anytime of the year and would make the perfect Christmas gift. I received Godwink Stories: A Devotional by Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest review.

If you love books like Chicken Soup for the Soul but geared for more faith based and inspirational readers, than this is the perfect book for you. I chose to read mine like a great dessert, a little bit at a time each night and there is truly something geared to make you smile, sigh and even reflect on your life or the life of someone you know. I personally rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. The one story that really hit home for me this week in particular was called "Can I Trust God to Look Out for Me?" It talks about how so many times it feels as if everything is going wrong and often times we wonder where is God in all of this. The scripture reference was 1 Peter 5:8 " Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Too often times we look to God for the blame when it's the enemy we should be pointing our finger at. It reminds us through three separate letters of others in the same circumstance as you, that if you've gotten into the habit of fortifying your daily life with prayer, you'll find yourself better prepared for an emergency when it comes.

For more information about Godwink Stories: A Devotional, Squire Rushnell, Louise Duart or where you can pick up a copy of this book please click on the links below:

Godwink Stories: A Devotional by Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart

You can also find more information on Godwink Stories website. 

To learn more you can also find Godwink on Facebook by clicking here. 

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (December 4, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451678568
• ISBN-13: 978-1451678567
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.3 x 1 inches

Shattered Silence

Texas Ranger, Cody Jackson, headed to the town of Durango, Texas for a few reasons. One was to help solve a case involving a fellow Ranger, Al Garcia who was shot while on duty and was now recovering and retiring at the same time. The second reason was to removes his teenage son, Kyle from his stepfather's white supremacist habits and thinking. Since Kyle had recently lost his mother three months ago, he clung to the beliefs that all other races of people were wrong to associate with and began bullying kids in his old high school. Kyle wasn't any bit happy about his dad, Cody taking him far from Houston almost before the school year was out and trying to be a dad now after divorcing his mother three years ago.

But his new job in Durango is about to get interesting as a rise in murders begins to climb to three in four short days, launching Cody into a new working relationship with Durango police officer, Liliana Rodriguez. She has just the right influence to draw the local Hispanic community into talking with her and Cody about the recent crime spree in their usually quiet town. Now on the heels of what could be a serial killer, someone begins burning down all the crime scenes in an effort to hide evidence. Is there a connection between all the murders and recent arson fires in Durango, or is it possibly a Mexican drug cartel who is trying to make sure that Cody and Liliana don't connect all the dots between drug and arms smuggling into Texas?

I received Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Abingdon Press for my honest review. This is the second book in The Men of the Texas Rangers series and I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. This is the story of dealing with issues from the characters pasts in this case especially with Cody and Kyle. Both father and son have to deal with healing their divided relationship that time has worn on to find true forgiveness and second chances for a new life. For Liliana Rodriguez the patterns of her past become something she has to face with an abusive father growing up and now her sister is living with an abusive husband. However this time, Liliana is in a position to do something about it. The ending offers a conclusion you didn't see coming and well worth picking up this series of books.

For more information about Shattered Silence, Margaret Daley, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley

You can also follow Margaret Daley on Facebook by clicking here. 

To read more reviews on Shattered Silence from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour, please click here. 

Judge

"Child of dust, will you be My servant?"

When both Kien Lantec and the prophet Ela Roeh of Parne receive messages from the Infinite, they will each be called to do His will in different ways and in different lands. For Kien Lantec, it is usually through the voice of Ela the Prophet that the Infinite speaks His words to the people, but now, Kien has heard His voice to journey to the land of ToronSea like the biblical prophet Jonah to bear witness and seek to deliver a message to repent and turn from their evil ways. If they refuse, the Infinite will pour forth his wrath upon their land and destroy them. Kien sets out on his journey to the sea and thinks that he will only be gone for six days. But like the prophet Jonah from the Bible, Kien sets out to deliver the Infinite's message in his terms and without His guidance and suddenly finds himself being disciplined and cast over a cliff into the sea. Ela had warned him that he needed to follow the Infinite's commands and somehow he failed. Now faced with being swallowed by a giant sea beast, Kien wonders if Infinite will hear his pleas of repentance and forgive his foolishness.

Ela of Parne has received a devastating vision of her home of Parne. If her people will not turn back from their idol worship of the goddess Atea and return their faith back to the Infinite their kingdom will be overrun by their enemies from other lands and they will all be destroyed. Along with their precious gold, their enemies have discovered various ores that have been mined in Parne and with them the ability to weld weapons that will wreck havoc on all who come against them, allowing them to become the dominant kingdom and rule all other lands. But when Ela heads to her home, she finds she is not welcomed as one who has the favor of the Infinite. They are even now plotting to kill her and refuse to turn their wicked hearts away from the desires of their evil hearts. Will Ela also face the same vision she has had of her own death in Parne or will somehow the Infinite seek to save her like the lost cities of Sodom and Gomorrah of the Old Testament?

I received, Judge by R.J. Larson compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. Having read the first book in the Book of the Infinite Series which became with the story of how Ela became the Prophet, I couldn't wait to see where R.J. Larson would take the series next. Armed with some serious biblical historical facts, the author weaves such a magical story you are completely captivated until the very end. If you love biblical fiction with a bit of fantasy thrown in for some added flavor and excitement, please consider this series. I think my favorite parts of the book deal with the Destroyers, an overly large horse that senses danger in those in protects and can understand their human owners commands. Oh how I would LOVE to see these beasts in picture. That is my only criticism of the books is they lack pictures of how wonderful the world is that R.J. Larson creates but then again, that's what imagination is for. This one rates a stellar 5 out of 5 stars and has me completely looking forward to the next book, King due out soon!

For more information about Judge, R.J. Larson or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Judge by R.J. Larson 

You can also find R. J. Larson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more outstanding reviews on Judge from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance book tour, please click here. 

Simply Irresistible ~ Guest Post from Naomi King

Simply Irresistible:
Cute Kids and Heroic Dogs

As ROSEMARY OPENS HER HEART goes on sale this week, I’m going to reveal a sneaky way I love to manipulate readers. I’ve used it in several books before, but the appeal is universal: no matter what sort of story you’re telling, cute little kids hook readers’ hearts. And when you add in valiant dogs who come to the rescue just when those little kids are in deep, dark danger, it’s an unbeatable combo. Kids and dogs just go together—especially in faith-and family stories like these Amish series I’ve been writing.
   
Travel back with me, to those thrilling days of yesteryear…do you remember watching “Lassie” on TV (black and white, back in the day)? Do you recall how just hearing the theme song of that show made you rush to the living room to catch the latest adventures of Timmy and his faithful collie, Lassie? You knew darn well that sometime during the show, Timmy would get into a dangerous situation and Lassie would drag him out of the pit or defend him from a predator. Or, that noble, intelligent dog would rush back to the house and bark and bark until someone there realized Timmy was in deep doodoo and needed more help than Lassie could give him.

The technique still works! And I use it ruthlessly in ROSEMARY OPENS HER HEART.

While Rosemary, a young Amish widow, already has plenty of conflict on her plate, her toddler Katie is the light of her life—and the life of the party, far as how this story unfolds. Matt Lambright (we met him in book 1, ABBY FINDS HER CALLING) meets Rosemary at a wedding and wham! He has to know more about that attractive stranger in black. But it’s playful Katie who started the ball rolling by toddling over to him and wanting to play with his two Border collies, which meant Rosemary came into the scene looking for her wandering child. See how a three-year-old blonde set up the whole romance with a giggle and a finger in her mouth?

Rosemary, however, wants nothing to do with Matt—or any other man. She lost her husband in a hunting accident and moved in with his father Titus to run the household and help with Titus’s twelve-year-old daughter, as Titus’s wife had died shortly before his son did. It was a noble gesture on Rosemary’s part, but now she’s trapped. Titus, who raises sheep, decides to partner with Matt and combine their flocks, so Rosemary must decide: will she make the move to Cedar Creek, or stay behind on her own? It doesn’t help one bit that everyone is telling her little Katie needs a father, and that Rosemary should come out of mourning and live again.

Long story short: during the move, Katie’s innocent wanderings lead her into the sheep pasture, where testy ewes are watching her…ready to charge if Katie messes with their lambs. Matt and Rosemary realize the little girl has disappeared but she could have toddled anywhere on either of two farms—crossed the road and gotten hit—

But the Border collies save the day. And when Matt scoops that little girl into his arms and gives her a talking-to about how badly she’s scared everyone, Rosemary realizes that maybe this young fellow who’s been pursuing her so relentlessly has a few points in his favor. It’s a gratifying story to tell, all about Amish families coming together to help each other. And just like when each TV episode of “Lassie” came to an end, you can heave a sigh of relief that all will be well. Rosemary might be the title character, but it’s her daughter and Matt’s dogs that pull readers through the story by their heartstrings.

Thanks for your interest in my books! You can find excerpts and more info at www.NaomiKingAuthor.com. Here’s wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving, and many blessings to count in the coming holiday season.

Rosemary Opens Her Heart

"Some of us have dealt with disappointment this past week, and it seems to me that instead of making lemonade from such lemons, maybe a pan of lemon bars - or a lemon meringue pie! - would be a better way of chasing off our negative moods. We have to take the sour with the sweet, and when you bake up a pie or a batch of lemon bars, you spread happiness along with your treats. I wish you someone wonderful to share them with this week. ~ Abigail Lambright"

Abigail or Abby as her friends call her is the epitome of sunshine and hope when you meet her. She will always find the silver lining in the most desperate of situations and those who can call her a friend, know that they have found a true treasure with her friendship. Abby is finally beginning to look for love among her closest childhood friend, James Graber, who has miraculously survived a bad relationship with her sister Zanna. Zanna has found love among another and left a jilted and lovesick James behind for another. Now it seems that everyone but James and Abby can see that they are truly meant to be with one another and can look past their friends relationship and find something more meaningful inside.

The last thing that Rosemary Yutzy wanted to do was to attend a wedding in Cedar Creek, Missouri. It would just be another constant reminder that she was still a widow living with her daughter Katie and fighting back the memories of the life she had hoped would be her future with her husband Joe. But when a hunting accident robbed her from a life she dreamed of, she resolved to spend all her time and energy raising Katie and taking care of Joe's dad, Titus and his daughter Beth Ann. But then again love has a way of popping up just when you least expect it and in the most unusual of places.

Matt Lambright couldn't help himself from staring at the young Amish girl dressed all in black. He thought she was just about the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and it became a mission of his to find a way into her heart and make her fall in love with him. When opportunity presents itself with her father-in-law, Titus to merge a growing lamb-raising business that would benefit them both immensely, he tries to curb his over enthusiastic approach to getting to know her. All he manages to do is scare her off. After all she is still grieving the loss of one love and can understand why she might be as skittish as one of his lambs about jumping in too soon. Will they find a way to make it all work out?

I received, Rosemary Opens Her Heart by Naomi King, which is the second book in the Home at Cedar Creek Series, compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I read the first book in the series, Abby Finds Her Calling, and couldn't wait to see what would happen to poor James at the conclusion of that novel. It was completely worth the wait!!! Naomi King also writes under the name, Charlotte Hubbard so for those of you that love Charlotte's books, you'll want to grab this series as well and fall in love with the wholesome and heartwarming characters of this wonderful close-knit community of Amish people. You can't help but find a character you can completely relate to in this series, whether its an issue of learning to trust again after facing great pain like Rosemary or James, or even the ever optimistic Abby who finds at times, that a smile isn't always easy to find when you need it the most, but she gives it her best effort. I would easily rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. You can read this as a stand alone but you will want to go back and read Abby Finds Her Calling to see how it all began!!!

If you would love more information about Rosemary Opens Her Heart, Naomi King or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Rosemary Opens Her Heart by Naomi King

You can also find Naomi King on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Rosemary Opens Her Heart on the Pump Up Your Book Tour, please click here. 

Join me tomorrow back her for a great guest post from Naomi King, you won't want to miss!!!

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: NAL Trade (November 6, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451237978
• ISBN-13: 978-0451237972
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches

The Christmas Star

The hardest thing to deal with during the holidays is the death of a family member. Yet despite the fact the war is over and people are finding reasons to celebrate with the depression in the back and soldiers returning home, it's not the same for Jimmy Reed. While it's been a couple years since him and  his mom received a telegram informing them that Robert Reed was killed while defending his country, he hasn't been able to deal with the loss of his father.

His mom, Marge works long hours at Miller's Store in hopes she might make enough money to get Jimmy something he needs for Christmas, but she knows the one thing he wants most in the world will be something that no amount of money can buy. She struggles with finding a way to help him deal with his grief and lately he's been getting into more trouble at school. She fears it's only a matter of time before he gets into trouble that will have a lasting effect and will only get worse.

Now that Christmas is almost here, Jimmy learns of a way to make some extra money but simply providing a couple of guys with the key to Miller's Store that his mom has. If he does that, they will offer to split the take once they rob the safe the weekend before Christmas. Jimmy wonders if being able to have enough money will be able to turn his life around, but once he commits to following through with this plan, he can not go back or they will threaten to kill his mom.

In the novel, A Christmas Star by Ace Collins, the reader is taken back to December 21, 1945 where the story begins. The country is beginning to celebrate once again except for Jimmy. Despite the people he encounters in town, he can't help but feel he will never live up the image of his dad who won the Congressional Medal of Honor, which has now replaced the traditional Christmas star on the top of their tree since they received it. To Jimmy, it's just another reminder that his dad is gone and will never come home. This is such a classic story of seeing different sides to a situation and how Jimmy deals with coming to terms with a solution is strictly brilliant by this author. I know this novel has found a permanent home in my library and will be one I read each year just before Christmas.

I received A Christmas Star compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I'm such a huge fan of any Christmas Fiction books and when Ace Collins coupled this one with a background of World War II, I was completely interested. It truly has a timeless message of hope and light in the darkest of places, especially during the Christmas season that will last long after you finish the book. Truly this is a book that can be read at any time during the year and I have to rate this one a 5 of of 5 Christmas Stars!!!

For more information about The Christmas Star, Ace Collins, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins

You can also find Ace Collins on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews from the Pump Up Your Book Tour for The Christmas Star, click here. 

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426714688
• ISBN-13: 978-1426714689
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches