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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Hope Rekindled

Sometimes placing your faith in God's Hands, uncertain of where the outcome might be is a true test of a believer.

Just when life seemed to have settled down for Deborah Vandermark and her soon to be husband, Dr. Christopher Clayton Kelleher, that it's about to be thrown for a loop. Just a week before their wedding is planned, Christopher receives a telegram from his family in Kansas City. A tragedy has occurred and he is needed quick. No other details are known since sending a telegram can be quite expensive and his family wouldn't be able to afford much.

Placing trust in God's Hands, Deborah does her best to provide confidence and assurance to Christopher that she will wait for him, no matter what, and that his presence is needed with his family now, whatever has happened. Although she begins to question what will happen to them and their plans for a wedding and a future.

When Christopher arrives in Kansas City, he is more than shocked to see that his family home is nothing more than a pile of smoldering ash. His home has burned to the ground and claimed the life of his mother and father, leaving his five younger siblings behind as orphans. Not knowing how Deborah will handle the responsibility of having a ready made family, he offers up a prayer to God and rests knowing that whatever will happen, won't be a surprise for God.

While Vandermark Logging struggles financially now that the sawmill has burned to the ground, they await the decision of Stuart Albright and Mr. Longstreet to determine whether or not it will be rebuilt. The Vandermarks are locked into a contract with Stuart that prohibits them from selling their logs to anyone but Stuart and right now, he isn't in any hurry to make a decision. He makes it known to Deborah Vandermark, that since her family interferred with his plans to wed Lizzie, his goals are to make them suffer even if it means killing someone in her family, including her.

In the latest book in the Striking A Match series, Hope Rekindled by Tracie Peterson, picks up the story of the Vandermark's once more in book three. This one is a true testament of where the faith of one family and the community of Perkinsville will be tested and the battle between good and evil will be waged.

This series has been such a great one to be a part of for the entire journey and this one will hold the reader to the very end to see how it will all play out. From the complicated, love-less marriage between Stuart Albright and his wife Jael, to the financial struggles of Vandermark Logging when people are leaving town in hopes of a better life someone else. In addition, Deborah and Christopher have their own struggles in dealing with their upcoming marriage and the addition of five children to their soon-to-be family.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review, and can say once more I fell in love with all the characters. Deborah is my favorite because she struggles with her personal faith more than once in deciding what God's will is for her life, becoming a wife, a doctor or a mom with Christopher. She also is challenged in dealing with her families financial struggles as well as supporting the black community in Perkinsville, while racial tension runs rampant with The Hand of God controlling the law in the town. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars!!!

Here's even more great information about the book, the author and where you can pick up a copy of Hope Rekindled.
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Hope Rekindled
Bethany House (June 1, 2011)
by
Tracie Peterson




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 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 December, 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. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books





ABOUT THE BOOK



Will Love Escape Her Grasp?



Life seems to be falling into place for Deborah Vandermark. On the cusp of finally marrying Christopher, the man who claimed her heart, she is devastated when he receives an urgent telegram. Bound to his family obligations, Christopher travels to Kansas City, uncertain of what he will find there.



When her fiancé returns to Texas, Deborah is faced with a very different future than she expected. She finds herself plagued with questions and uncertainty...about marriage, motherhood, and her passion to train as a physician. And when an old adversary reveals a contract that may spell ruin for Vandermark Logging, Deborah's life seems to be spiraling out of control. Can Christopher and Deborah find a way to claim the future they long to share when so much stands in the way?



If you'd like to read the first chapter of Hope Rekindled, go HERE.

P. F. Chang's Home Menu - Giveaway and Review


It’s Wednesday night – do you know where your excitement is?

We know the routine as well as you: you get out of work, you think about dinner, and you debate over having chicken or…chicken. How do you add sizzle to your everyday dinners? Do you add a candle for ambience or play sultry music in the background? P.F. Chang’s Home Menu wants to help you ignite the night.

Inspired by the popular dishes of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, P.F. Chang’s Home Menu frozen entrĂ©es brings all the sizzle and snap of the restaurant to the dinner table. Home Menu comes in eight varieties – from Orange Chicken to Shanghai Style Beef to General Chang’s Chicken – and uses a cool technology to freeze high-quality meats and vegetables at their peak of freshness so each bite is perfect.

I had the delightful honor last year to bring you, my readers, some fabulous ideas for making dinner delicious and keeping it simple. This year is no exception. Thanks to the wonderful folks at GolinHarris, I received some coupons to try P.F. Chang's Home Menu for my honest review. Now knowing that our closest P.F. Chang is about an hour from here, we couldn't wait to sample some of our favorites. We selected Orange Chicken and Shrimp In A Garlic Sauce. Each makes enough to feed two. So simple to heat over a skillet, and topped over some steamed Jasmine Rice, we truly had a simple and easy to prepare dinner. These meals rate a stellar 5 out of 5 stars. The veggies are crisp, the flavor was outstanding and my family can't wait to have them again.

You can find these meals in your grocery stores, freezer section and I can't wait for you to try them. I know you will enjoy them as much as our family did. Thanks to the generosity of P.F. Changs and GolinHarris, they are offering a giveaway to one lucky reader of this blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. You must be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must be a resident of the US.

3. I must have a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner, so please be sure to include your email address along with your comment. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Let me know which entree you're interested in trying in the comment box. The giveaway will end on June 9th and I will contact the winner via email.

For even more information, check out their website located here.

You can find some great serving tips for using the P.F. Chang's Home Menu, by clicking on their Facebook page here.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Darkness Follows



Sam Travis isn't quite sure how to put his life back together. After suffering from a fall, twenty stories from a roof he was working on and landing on his head, he has difficulty processing thoughts and organizing things after waking up from a coma after several weeks.

If it wasn't for his wife Molly, who has nursed him back to health, he isn't sure where he'd be at right now. His daughter Eva's love for him is unconditional just as it would be for any father.

However when Sam begins hearing his brother Tommy's voice in the middle of the night, he knows something is wrong inside. See Tommy has been dead for twenty one years. When Sam begins to black out during these auditory hallucinations, he awakens to find he has written something. A portion of a journal from a man by the name of Samuel Whiting, who served in the battle of Gettysburg. Yet it's in Sam's own handwriting. What he writes is eerie in detail but also in the claims of some kind of darkness that he following him, asking him to do his bidding.

Is this merely a coincidence, or has this darkness found it's way to Sam Travis as well and is using the writing to speak to him? Sam's daughter, Eva is worried. She insists that she is being told by a man, Jacob, who looks like he's been rolled in glue and covered in glitter, that her daddy is about to do something really bad. She needs to pray for him, to let him know that Jesus loves him and so does she. Her parents chalk this up to an imaginary friend.

In the latest novel, Darkness Follows by Mike Dellosso, the reader is catapulted from the first page into a walking nightmare along with Sam Travis. While his daughter and wife attempt to come to grips with the sanity that seems to be slipping away from Sam, he struggles to make sense with what is real and what he appears to be hallucinating. This is action packed with suspense and horror on page after page when you travel along the dark road with Sam into the nightmare he truly did not see coming, but his daughter did. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars.

I did not see where this one was headed and I love that. Too many times when reading a suspense thriller, you can anticipate where it is going, and Mike Dellosso keeps you on the edge, the very edge. Not sure what will happen next, you will be holding your breath til the very end. I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and can say Mike Dellosso is part of my permanent library and one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read his previous books as well as Frantic coming out soon. A word of caution, you may just want to read this one with the light on.

Here's even more great information about the book, the author and where to purchase a copy of this suspense thriller.


This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Darkness Follows
Realms (May 3, 2011)

by
Mike Dellosso

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. He writes a monthly column for Writer . . .Interrupted, was a newspaper correspondent/columnist for over three years, has published several articles for The Candle of Prayer inspirational booklets, and has edited and contributed to numerous Christian-themed Web sites and e-newsletters. Mike is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, the Relief Writer's Network, the International Christian Writers, and International Thriller Writers. His short stories have appeared with Amazon Shorts and in Coach's Midnight Diner genre anthology. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master's Graduate School of Divinity.

Mike Dellosso writes novels of suspense for both the mind and the soul. He writes to both entertain and challenge. In addition to his novels, Mike is also an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College and a faculty member at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sam Travis lives in a Civil War era farmhouse in Gettysburg, PA, where he awakens one morning to find an old journal with an entry by a Union soldier, Lt. Whiting…written in Sam’s own handwriting. When this happens several more times, both at night and during waking “trances,” Sam begins to question his own sanity while becoming obsessed with Lt. Whiting and his bone-chilling journal entries. As the entries begin to mimic Sam’s own life, he is drawn into an evil plot that could cost many lives, including his own.

Can the unconditional love of Sam's daughter, Eva, break through his hardened heart before a killer on the loose catches up with them and Sam’s past spurs him to do the unthinkable?

If you would like to read the Prologue and first chapter of Darkness Follows, go HERE

Sunday, May 29, 2011

That's When I Talk To God


When do you talk to God?

Like a parent enjoys listening to their children, so does God. He enjoys hearing about what goes on in our days, our fears, our challenges and even our praises and successes.

In the latest children's book, That's When I Talk To God by Dan and Ali Morrow, they take a different approach to other children's books by showing prayer in context, through a child living her life and learning through it all the ways and times that she can talk to God.

Children will learn through the beautiful illustrations and heartfelt circumstances she goes through in her day, just how many different ways she can talk to God. They will learn to go to God with their fears, their joys, their questions and even their desires. This is the perfect book that examples the simplicity of what prayers are and how to discover the intimate conversations we can have with God every day and just how much He listens to us.

I received this book compliments of B & B Media Group for my honest review and can't imagine a more perfect book as an introduction to prayer and reading the Bible for children ages 4-8 years old. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait to begin reading it to my youngest nephew as a way to introduce him to our Heavenly Father!

Here even more great information about the author, the book and where to get your own copy today.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

40 A Novel


How do you begin to live your life when you know when it will all end? Do you question whether what you've heard is real or wonder if this is some strange dream you are about to wake up from?

Tyler Harrison is about to have a life changing encounter. An encounter with an man named Matthew that will tell him, just nine months shy of turning 40 that he will die on his birthday. Not one second more, not one second less.

Tyler goes through what I believe we all would, confusion, doubt, denial, anger, and finally resolution. He begins to take each day and figure out a way to look back at the things he has done in his life to see where this may all wind up. He looks back at the way he saw his father raising him, all the anger he held inside, and how for so many years, he kept all his feelings bottled up just waiting for the opportunity to lay it on the line and be honest with his dad. How disappointed, how rejected and how he would never measure up in his father's eyes.

When faced with his father being debilitated and unable to speak, he begins to wonder if his father hasn't received some form of righteous judgement after all. Yet what Tyler will begin to uncover is the lies that are woven in our life to prevent us from seeing the truth that lies within our reach. Lies that the enemy would love to hide from us and keep us in the darkness. In the end, Tyler will finally see it won't be about the things we wanted or needed to make us happy in this life but the opportunities within relationships that would define who we would become in the end.

In the latest novel 40 by Travis Thrasher, we live through the eyes of record and music producer, Tyler Harrison and he fights the inner turmoil going on in coping with the reality of receiving the gift of knowledge over his own immortality and how he chooses to spend the precious moments he has left. I think Travis' portrayal of the conflict and emotions is perfect especially when considering what we ourselves would do if faced with the same news that we had only a few months left to live.

I received this book compliments of Faith Words and Hachette Book Groups for my honest review and once again was not disappointed with Travis Thrashers ability to write from the heart and soul of his characters. What a wicked web he has woven in this timeless tale. Another 5 out of 5 stars!

For even more information about the book, the author or where you can purchase a copy of this book, please click on the link below:


You can also follow Travis Thrasher on Facebook by clicking here.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Dying Memories


No one could have ever expected their daily lives would be changed in such a dramatic turn of events as they headed to work.

Gail Hawes looked like your average woman, dressed in a black and white checked coat, apparently waiting for someone looking a bit lost. She waited until she saw him and completely emptied her gun, seven times, into Kent Foster killing him in Post Office Square. When police arrived and took her into custody, all she could say was that she was glad he was dead. He finally got what he deserved. He apparently had raped and murdered her eleven-year old daughter Jenny. The odd thing was that Gail didn't have a daughter or any children for that matter.

Bill Conway had just received the tip of the century that would put his story on the front page of the Boston Tribune. He was the lead reporter working the Post Office Square shooting. Even his best friend, Jeremy Brent, who used to work at the Tribune, two years ago, was envious. However what he will uncover will be that there is no link between Gail and Kent Foster other than, she knew who he was and where he worked.

When mysterious, untraceable emails begin to show up addressed to Bill, they provide a clue to another unsolved killing between Trey Megeet and Tim Zhang, a MIT professor who supposedly murdered Trey's wife in a hit and run accident. Trey swore to police that he himself witnessed Tim Zhang behind the driver's wheel, however when questioned by police, Tim Zhang was attending a medical conference in California that day. He could not have committed the murder.

The only link that will tie the two together is ViGen Corporation. A company that is conducting research on the immunology. When Bill gets too close, he himself is about to find out that this is one story that someone does not want published.

In the latest sci-fi thriller, Dying Memories by Dave Zeltserman, the reader will not believe just how complex some people will go to test their experiments and what risks they are willing to take. This one held me captive from the first page and I couldn't put it down until I finished the final page. Highly recommended, explosive and action packed from beginning to end, I easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for something a bit different in your suspense thrillers, then this is the book for you. This book is available as an eBook reader.

You can find out more information about this book, the talented author and even where to purchase your copy by clicking on the link below:


I received this eBook version compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Uncle Eben's Christmas


A different take of the traditional Christmas Carol, we find Eben Johnson just days before the Christmas season, hard at work trying to make it another successful year in his Home Improvement Store.

It's a Monday morning just promptly at nine when he arrives for his staff meeting with his department heads. After all the normal business agenda items, Myron Hoffman announces that one of the employees isn't following his stores holiday policy. When he asks for the employee's name, Myron tells him he will talk to him about it privately later.

Eben Johnson once more reiterates his stores policy against refraining from using the words Merry Christmas in his store, from referring to items as holiday decorations or lights to the use of Happy Holidays in his stores advertising, but most importantly, no one is to wish anyone a Merry Christmas.

What Eben Johnson will come to understand this year is just how his store policy may in fact cost him customers and ultimately affect his bottom line in the end.

In the book, Uncle Eben's Christmas, by Stephen Alan Slater, we find out just what Eben believes and why he is so dead-set on making sure Christmas and Christ stay out of his life. He personally feels that all his good deeds he does everyday will ultimately win out over his "sins" anyway. He has nothing to fear. Yet when his bad mood gets the best of him when dealing with his niece about Christmas, he is about to get the surprise of his life.

I received Uncle Eben's Christmas compliments of Bring It On Communications and Deep River Books for my honest review and think this would make for a great Christmas book to add to your collection. It brings about so many questions regarding evolution versus creation in addition to offending other religions with the Christmas greeting. I think this book hits it right on the head and provides more insight into why someone people act the way they do during the Christmas season. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about this book, the author and where you can purchase a copy of this book, please click on the link below:

The Reluctant Dectective

As vicar Alistair Ingram was giving the blessing over communion and taking a drink from the communion cup, he clutches his chest and falls to the ground in front of the congregation. Knowing that he has had issues with his heart, the members of the church believe he has had a heart attack.

When Faith Morgan attempts to revive the vicar, she notices some redness and swelling on his lips and a strange order coming from the wine stain on his chest. She will later find out from the Detective Inspector in charge, Ben Shorter, that he was poisoned.

Faith was about to decide whether to join Little Worthy, the name of the church, since receiving her ordination as a vicar before the death of Alistair Ingram. She had left the police force where she worked with Ben Shorter not only as a colleague but as a former boyfriend as well. Their relationship ended on a sore note, when Faith decided to pursue a high calling in her life.

In the latest Faith Morgan Mystery, The Reluctant Detective by Martha Ockley, the reader will be taken along the mysterious investigation into the murder of Alistair Ingram. Working together as the newest member of the congregation, Faith and Ben will slowly uncover events that will leave the reader completely horrified.

I received The Reluctant Detective compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and for those of you that love church murder mysteries, than this one is a must for you. You will be left wondering just who did it as you uncover clues that seem to point one way but lead to a dead end. This one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars and is well on it's way to a great series with Faith Morgan. She is a likeable character who isn't afraid of her faith and in being able to listen to the voice of God and follow.

Here's even more great information about this book, the author and even where to get a first chapter glimpse!!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Reluctant Detective
Monarch Books (April 30, 2011)
by
Martha Ockley


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martha Ockley is the pen-name of Rebecca Jenkins. She read history at Oxford University, and spent several years working alongside her father, the Rt. Revd. David Jenkins (Bishop of Durham 1984-94) during the turbulence of the 1980s. She lives in Teesdale in the North East of England where the landscape and history provide the inspiration for her Regency detective, F R Jarrett. Since September 2009 she has been Royal Literary Fund Fellow and Writer in Residence at York St John University. She is a full-time author, writing both fiction and non-fiction. (She should not be confused with a Canadian actor and singer, also called Rebecca Jenkins.)





ABOUT THE BOOK

The Reluctant Detective sees Faith Morgan arriving back in the region of her birth - Winchester in Hampshire. Recently ordained, she had been working as a curate in an Anglican inner-city church. Within an hour of her arrival at Little Worthy, she witnesses the sudden shocking death of a fellow priest during a communion service at St James's. He had been poisoned with a pesticide mixed with the communion wine. The senior police officer who arrives at the scene turns out to be Detective Inspector Ben Shorter, Faith's ex long-term boyfriend.



She is urged by the Bishop to stay on to look after the parish of Little Worthy. As she meets her parishioners she learns some surprising facts about her apparently well loved predecessor, and starts to suspect a motive for his death. And it is she who finally identifies the murderer.

The story gets off to a dramatic start with the previous vicar collapsing as soon as he drank the communion cup, and it holds the interest throughout. There is some romantic interest too. Inspector Ben Shorter starts by sneeringly telling his sergeant, "Ms Morgan is a vicar. One of the ordained," Ben emphasized the word. “She's a card-carrying professional at the touchy-feely stuff.” But he soon starts to feel differently about her again, although she is well aware that he "didn't understand the reality she experienced through her faith. He didn't even recognize its existence. That was the gulf between them." Her own beliefs and doubts are convincingly described, for even she can't help wondering, "What if there is no truth to it?" But for her, as for Pascal before her, it was a gamble worth taking.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Reluctant Detective, go HERE

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Emily's Verse


If you are a parent, you can look back and see each year of your child's life in a small nutshell, from first steps, first words, first day of school, first crush, first day of driving, first day of marriage, of your first job.

We could probably all look back at the day to day milestones in Emily's Verse and smile fondly as we remember like I did as I turned each page as a mom reflecting on the emotions, the memories and even those precious and fleeting moments.

Who would have thought to document them all so beautifully all the way until the life was thoroughly and completely lived. A life in review. A life captured in poems that will leave an impact in your life and a footprint on your heart.

Here is just a sample of what you'll find:

I am now twelve
becoming a teenager
talking on the phone
my bedroom walls
filled with pop stars
and my clothes
no more second hand clothes
from a second hand shop
and they have to be the latest
greatest fashion
no matter the cost
so I started babysitting
my first business.

I received Emily's Verse compliments of Matthew W. Pope for my honest review and LOVED it! Such a simple and elegant way to really draw a huge impact on the reader at the conclusion. You almost feel your very last breath slip away as you finish the book! This one has an ending you won't see coming. 5 out of 5 stars and a MUST Read for everyone! This is one book you won't want to miss out on.

For even more great information on the book, the author and where you can purchase a copy, click on the link below:

Emily's Verse by Matthew W. Pope

You can also follow Emily's Verse on Facebook by clicking here.



Island Girl - Giveaway and Review!


Lists. Lots of lists. Lists for appointments, grocery lists, to do lists. A necessary part of her life. At least it is for now for Ruby Donaldson. Ruby has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. She likes to refer to it as "Big Al" and has found out that hers is the rapid one. The one that will claim her normal life and will eventually claim who she is and once was. But not if Ruby can help it.

She believes that she will never make it that far. At least if she has any say so in it and she plans to have quite a bit to say. Her goal is to make sure that she lives out the end, the way she sees fit or she will end it, her way. She's been researching different options and is deciding on whether it will be poison or perhaps hiring someone to do it for her. She doesn't want to spend her life in a convalescent home alone not remembering who she is or why she is there.

Ruby has a bit of a legacy to leave behind and wants to make amends with her immediate family including her estranged daughter Liz. The only problem is that Liz wants nothing to do with her. The only link is her other daughter Grace, and Grace is often times put in the middle between them in an attempt to restore their relationship, but it hasn't worked so far.

When Liz finds out about her mother's illness, she still holds firm that she will not take pity on her mother and resolve their issues, and during a recent lunch with Grace, she accidentally informs her that Ruby is ill, thinking that she is already aware of it. Seeing the look on her face, confirms her horror that she just let the cat out of the bag and tries to cover it up with it being a cancer scare for a mole she had removed that was nothing. Now Grace is constantly making her mom use sunscreen obsessively without knowing what's really going on. But at some point, Ruby's lists are only going to go so far.

Will they be able to heal their family before Ruby no longer remembers who her daughters are, or will she slip into Big Al's arms for an eternity?

I received the latest novel Island Girl by Lynda Simmons compliments of TLC Book Tours for my honest review, and LOVED it. I could completely picture how difficult this would be for an estranged family trying to keep it together but having this big secret hidden that may unite them for all the wrong reasons. Ruby wants the love of her daughters without the self pity from Big Al's diagnosis and when her ex suddenly rents a house on the island, perhaps he too has ulterior motives as well. A must read summer smash that rates 5 out of 5 stars. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to try and maintain a normal life making lists all the time and hoping to read them in time. This one is guaranteed to pull on your heart strings!

For even more great information about the book, the author and where to purchase a copy of this book, click on the link below:

Island Girl by Lynda Simmons

You can also follow Lynda on Facebook by clicking here.

More great news: Thanks to the generosity of Lynda Simmons, she is offering two giveaway copies of her book to two lucky followers of my blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. You must be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must be a resident of the US and please No P.O. Boxes.

3. I must have a way to contact you if you are one of the lucky winners, so please make sure to include your email address with your comment. You can use the words (at) or (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Like Lynda's page on Facebook, by clicking here!

5. Leave me a comment and let me know why you'd like to win a copy of this book. The giveaway will end on June 5th and I will contact the winners via email at that time.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

How Huge The Night - Giveaway and Review


Sometimes we fail to see just how dark some parts of our life can be. Some times hate for one person's race can be just as dark, or how people can judge you based purely on the company you keep, while others will be blinded that all men are truly evil.

In the novel How Huge The Night by Heather and Lydia Munn we are called as witnesses into the lives of three very unique children thrown together by the circumstances of World War II. This novel is based on actual events and you, the reader will be held spell bound to see how each of them fare in the end.

First we meet, Julian Losier, whose family has just relocated to his father's hometown from Paris, France, fleeing Hitler's advancing army. Praying that his family will be safe, he begins attempting to live a normal life by attending school. However once people there learn that he is from Paris, he becomes treated as an outcast at school. Left all alone on the school ground, he only ally, is his roommate Benjamin, whose parents have left him in the care of the Losier family. He is a Jewish-German and his parents hope for a normal life and education for him.

However, Julian finds that he can quickly work his way into the social group of boys since they have treated him and Benjamin as outcasts. When he informs them of Benjamin's race and religion, it will cost Julian more than just being one of the in-crowd. Julian will have to chose which side he will stand with.

Meanwhile, Nina and Gustav have just lost their father as sickness claimed him in the middle of the night. Leaving them with instructions to burn their resident cards declaring themselves Jewish, he makes them promise to flee Austria and find a way to Italy where he hopes they can find safety. He makes Nina promise to cut her hair and assume the identity of Niko, a boy and warns her that men are evil.

Fleeing for their lives, they are befriended by a man who only asks to be called Herr. He agrees to show them the gaps in the fence lines between Austria and will get them to the border of Italy for 50,000 francs. When Niko fears that there is more to his intentions than helping them cross the border, the children make a run for it in the middle of the night, not realizing that Herr has their pack with all their money and food inside. How will they make it alone in the midst of the war to safety?

I received this book compliments of Litfuse Publicity for my honest review and couldn't put it down. I can't imagine being a young teen in any of the circumstances and try to find a way to make it through the impending war that is looming on the horizon, not sure how or if you or your family would make it out alive and who would you trust to help you along the way. This is an amazing story of survival in the most difficult circumstances and truly worth reading. For anyone who has a love for historical Christian fiction, than this one is a 5 out 5 star book.

Here's even more great information about the book, the authors and even where to purchase a copy of this wonderful novel.


For one lucky follower of my blog, I am offering a giveaway of this amazing book. Here are your guidelines to enter the giveaway.

1. You must be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. I must have a way to contact you, so please include your email along with your comment. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Leave me a comment and tell me why you would love to win this book. The giveaway will end on June 3rd. I will contact the winner by email at that time.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Over The Edge




Everything hinges on her husband's upcoming medical findings that will show that Lyme disease has no medical basis for long term antibiotic care and that for the most part, it's all in the patients head.

Only now, things are about to change completely and draw Dr. Brock McNeil into taking a second look into everything that Stanford University has been researching. It will also put his medical reputation at risk.

When a man sneaks into the McNeil home while Brock is out of town attending a medical conference on Lyme disease, he secretly places three Lyme infected ticks on to his wife's scalp along with a host of other coinfections. He bides his time in waiting for just the perfect opportunity to place a private call to Janessa McNeil just as she begins to succumb to the worst bout of flu she's ever had. What he tells her will rock her world to the core and will ultimately test her husband's devotion to her and his research.

In the latest thriller by Brandilyn Collins, Over The Edge, takes the reader on an unbelievable journey that shows just how far people can be driven to prove a point. Will Brock be able to save his wife in time? Or will this nightmare unlock more that just finding a cure for Lyme disease in the process? Will the McNeil family survive?

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and was riveted to this book from the very first page. I couldn't wait to see how this would be resolved and was literally turning pages as fast as I could! This one is spell-binding and captivating, a true medical mystery thriller! Once again Brandilyn Collins does an exceptional job at holding the readers attention while shaking their heads wondering how it will all play out in the end. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars for keeping me reading until I finished it.

Here's even more great information about the book, the talented author and where to capture a first chapter sneak peek:

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Over the Edge
B&H Books (May 1, 2011)
by
Brandilyn Collins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e..."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.

In addition, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Final Touch, third in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.



ABOUT THE BOOK


Torn from the front lines of medical debate and the author's own experience with Lyme Disease, Over the Edge is riveting fiction, full of twists and turns—and powerful truths about today's medical field.

Janessa McNeil’s husband, Dr. Brock McNeil, a researcher and professor at Stanford University's Department of Medicine, specializes in tick-borne diseases—especially Lyme. For years he has insisted that Chronic Lyme Disease doesn't exist. Even as patients across the country are getting sicker, the committee Brock chairs is about to announce its latest findings—which will further seal the door shut for Lyme treatment.

One embittered man sets out to prove Dr. McNeil wrong by giving him a close-up view of the very disease he denies. The man infects Janessa with Lyme, then states his demand: convince her husband to publicly reverse his stand on Lyme—or their young daughter will be next.

But Janessa's marriage is already rocky. She's so sick she can hardly move or think. And her husband denies she has Lyme at all.

Welcome to the Lyme wars, Janessa.
“A taut, heartbreaking thriller. Collins is a fine writer who knows how to both horrify readers and keep them turning pages.”

--Publishers Weekly
“Tense and dramatic. Holds its tension while following the protagonist in a withering battle.” –NY Journal of Books

“A frightening and all-too-real scenario. Very timely and meaningful book.” –RT Reviews

“If you know someone who suffers from Lyme, you need to read this compelling novel.” –Lydia Niederwerfer, founder of Lyme-Aware
If you would like to read the Prologue of Over the Edge, go HERE

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Prophecy - The Fulfillment ~ Giveaway and Review


A typical teenage, Jillian Macombs, is looking forward to senior high. Or at least she was. Having just broken up with her boyfriend, she receives the stunning and unexpected news that she's pregnant. As if that isn't enough, she must also convince her parents and her doctor that she is still a virgin. Her father's protege', Stephen Jacobs, and she, form an alliance as each realize that their nighttime apparitions are more than simple dreams, making it clear to them that the child she carries is no ordinary child.

Then the miracles begin.

When a geneticist discovers that Jillian's pregnancy holds the key to the sudden, inexplicable healings, he will stop at nothing to claim the magnificent discovery as his own. Meanwhile, government officials and representatives from the Catholic Church arrive to investigate the astonishing events, realizing that whoever controls the source of the miracles will become the ultimate world power. Face to face with evil, Stephen and Jillian realize that time is running out to save her child, and they are driven to escape the forces that covet control of the miraculous life she carries. In the ultimate test of faith, they must decide who they can trust, and whether or not to believe the compelling and terrifying message of the prophecy.

In the debut novel, Prophecy, The Fulfillment by Deborah A. Jaeger takes the reader into a modern day nativity that promise to bring about the end of the world. As angelic messengers come into the dreams of Stephen and Jillian, each of them have a specific part to play in bringing hope back into the world, but with people out there attempting to take Jillian and her unborn child for their own selfish reasons, they both realize that they have to escape.

This book will keep the reader on the edge of their seat with each turning of the page, and wonder just how this will all unfold in the end and what will happen to the world as we know it. This is a must read for anyone looking for a Christian based suspense fiction dealing with the end of the world. I personally rate it a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read future novels from Deborah A Jaeger in the future.

I received this book compliments of Deborah A. Jaeger and Kelly & Hall Book Publicity for my honest review and know you won't want to miss out on this one.

I am giving away a hard copy of this amazing book, to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are your guidelines:

1. You must be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. You must be a resident of the US and please No P.O. Boxes.

3. I must have a way to contact you if you are the winner of this giveaway, so please be sure to include your email address along with your comment. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

4. Leave a comment and tell me why you'd love to win a copy of this book. The giveaway will end on May 28th and I will notify the winner via email. Please allow 2-4 weeks for shipping of this novel.

Friday, May 20, 2011

The Lightkeeper's Ball


Eleanor hated the water. She couldn't even swim and stayed as far away from it as she could. That's why Olivia Stewart could not accept her drowning was an accident. She receives a prophetic letter dated a week before Eleanor's death and feels she must investigate Harrison Bennett, who was to be Eleanor's new husband in an arranged marriage.

If only Olivia had received her sister's letter a week ago, perhaps she might still be alive. Just what role did Harrison Bennett play in her sister's death?

Feeling the pinch of her family's financial position brought about by Olivia's father who died in African diamond mine cave in and now her sister accidental death, if she doesn't marry into the proper blue blood family, their fortune secret will be revealed and destroy their reputation among societies elite.

Aboard a ship bound for the west coast, Olivia finds herself pushed into the dark ocean water by a stranger lurking in the shadows. Plucked from the freezing waters of the ocean by none other than Harrison Bennett, who she hasn't seen since she was a child. Taking on the name, Lady Devonworth, Olivia will use that identity to get to know the real Harrison Bennett, without being swayed by his handsome good looks, wealth, and charm like her sister Eleanor was.

When a lighthouse home that Olivia was staying in collapses during a violent gale, she feels responsible to help with the rebuilding efforts since the Bureau of Lighthouses is lacking in funding. Especially since becoming friends with the owners, Will and Katie Jesperson and their adorable daughter, Jennie. Olivia decides to host a fundraising ball, "The Lightkeepers Ball" at her fathers mansion, Stewart Hall, that he built 4 years ago in Mercy Falls, California.

Yet what she learns of the true character of Harrison Bennett will forever alter the course her life is chartered towards and will put her life at risk more than once. Will she too become a victim of some unfortunate accident just like her sister Eleanor?

I received the eBook, The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble, compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for my honest review and must say I was captivated by the mystery surrounding the death of Eleanor and what it will cost Olivia in the end. This is a must read romantic mystery set among the rocky coast line of the Pacific, where each page with leave you breathless and truly wanting more.

This is book three in the Mercy Falls series of books by Colleen Coble, with The Lightkeeper's Daughter and the Lighthouse Bride preceeding this one. If you love a bit a mystery to your romance novels, then you will definitely want to pick this one up. It's great as a stand alone or to read as part of the whole series. This one definitely charted a 5 out of 5 stars! This book is available in paperback, eReader and hardcover formats.

For more information about this book, the author and where to purchase a copy, please click on the link below:


Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Lightkeeper's Ball


Eleanor hated the water. She couldn't even swim and stayed as far away from it as she could. That's why Olivia Stewart could not accept her drowning was an accident. She receives a prophetic letter dated a week before Eleanor's death and feels she must investigate Harrison Bennett, who was to be Eleanor's new husband in an arranged marriage.

If only Olivia had received her sister's letter a week ago, perhaps she might still be alive. Just what role did Harrison Bennett play in her sister's death?

Feeling the pinch of her family's financial position brought about by Olivia's father who died in African diamond mine cave in and now her sister accidental death, if she doesn't marry into the proper blue blood family, their fortune secret will be revealed and destroy their reputation among societies elite.

Aboard a ship bound for the west coast, Olivia finds herself pushed into the dark ocean water by a stranger lurking in the shadows. Plucked from the freezing waters of the ocean by none other than Harrison Bennett, who she hasn't seen since she was a child. Taking on the name, Lady Devonworth, Olivia will use that identity to get to know the real Harrison Bennett, without being swayed by his handsome good looks, wealth, and charm like her sister Eleanor was.

When a lighthouse home that Olivia was staying in collapses during a violent gale, she feels responsible to help with the rebuilding efforts since the Bureau of Lighthouses is lacking in funding. Especially since becoming friends with the owners, Will and Katie Jesperson and their adorable daughter, Jennie. Olivia decides to host a fundraising ball, "The Lightkeepers Ball" at her fathers mansion, Stewart Hall, that he built 4 years ago in Mercy Falls, California.

Yet what she learns of the true character of Harrison Bennett will forever alter the course her life is chartered towards and will put her life at risk more than once. Will she too become a victim of some unfortunate accident just like her sister Eleanor?

I received the book, The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble, compliments of B & B Media Group for my honest review and must say I was captivated by the mystery surrounding the death of Eleanor and what it will cost Olivia in the end. This is a must read romantic mystery set among the rocky coast line of the Pacific, where each page with leave you breathless and truly wanting more.

This is book three in the Mercy Falls series of books by Colleen Coble, with The Lightkeeper's Daughter and the Lighthouse Bride preceeding this one. If you love a bit a mystery to your romance novels, then you will definitely want to pick this one up. It's great as a stand alone or to read as part of the whole series. This one definitely charted a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about this book, the author and where to purchase a copy, please click on the link below:

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Undaunted Faith


Sometimes we question certain events in our life and begin to wonder where God was in all of it? Why did He allow things to happen that would scar us for life? Why doesn't He intervene and stop evil men who will never change.

In 1867, the story continues with the McCabe family, now heading to the Arizona territory to begin their news lives as preachers in the town of Silverstone. Along for the journey is Bethany Stafford who is going to be the new teacher. This is still a time of fears of Indians, cattle rustling, and old prejudices pertaining to the house of ill repute and the soiled doves that come and go, servicing the people of the town in the saloon.

Luke and Jake McCabe hope to change lives. They want the people of Silverstone to turn their hearts back to God, and avoid judging the Indian tribes that surround the outskirts of town. Many in the town believe the Indians should be killed since they are responsible for the loss of cattle and the constant battles that claim the lives of some of the towns farmers. Jake and Luke believe that people's heart are hardened but that God can change it, if they are only willing to listen. This is their ministry in town.

Bethany Stafford is one of three of the town's single women, but she carries around a burden from her past that has affected her self esteem so much, she fears she will live out her years as the town spinster at 18. Between the sheriff's flirtatious ways, Old Ralph Jonas who searches for a wife just to care for the six children his wife left behind when she died, and the gentle affections from Luke McCabe, she's about to give herself a second chance at happiness. But what about true love?

Dr. Cavanaugh was hired on assumed pretenses believing she was a man, until she showed up as the town's doctor. The town is set on having a male doctor and believes it's only a matter of time before they can run her out. Having a strong determination to prove people wrong, she has no intention on leaving. She has to make it here because there is no going back to her former life that she is still running from.

I received Undaunted Faith by Andrea Boeshaar, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is the fourth book in the Seasons of Redemption series and is wonderful as a stand alone itself. We learn through this book through the characters of Bethany Stafford and Annetta Cavanaugh that even though each is hiding from their past, God can redeem them and make them whole again. There is nothing too great that God won't forgive. It's through the actions of the McCabe brothers, that some people can see God and begin to see the love that lies within their reach.

This book is another 5 out of 5 stars that will once more leave you wanting even more from Andrea Boeshaar! It's a wonderful portrayal of just how difficult it was for women to remain strong on the frontier in the face of any adversity they faced. This book is available in paperback and eReader formats from your local book retailer.

Here is even more great information about the book, the author and even a first chapter sneak peek. This is one you won't want to miss if you love Historical Western Romances with a twist!
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Undaunted Faith
Realms (May 3, 2011)
by
Andrea Boeshaar




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.



Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.



Finally her first novel was published in 1994. Since then she's written numerous articles and devotionals. Andrea has also published inspiration romance novels, women's fiction, and novellas.



In 2003, Andrea joined the Hartline Literary Agency and worked for Joyce Hart as a literary agent. She saw much success. But then in 2007, Andrea realized she was more of a teacher/encourager than a sales person. She left the agency and became a certified Christian life coach. Now, in addition to her writing, Andrea enjoys encouraging others to use their God-given talents and gifts to their fullest.



Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar is a certified Christian life coach and speaks at writers’ conferences and for women’s groups. She has taught workshops at such conferences as Write-To-Publish, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, and many local writers conferences. Another of Andrea’s accomplishments is cofounder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on both its Advisory Board and as its CEO.



ABOUT THE BOOK



When Pastor Luke McCabe begins paying extra attention to her, Bethany takes his fine-sounding words with a grain of salt. She's heard sweet talk before. This time she is going to keep her mind on the Lord and on her new teaching job in the Arizona Territory.



But when her reputation is accidentally soiled by the rakish town sheriff, Luke steps in with a marriage proposal to save Bethany's good name. Luke is certain their marriage is God's will...but Bethany is just as certain God must have someone else in mind to be Luke's wife.



Someone sweet and spiritual, who knows the Scriptures better than Bethany does. Someone like Luke's old friend from home.



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





Watch the video trailer:



The Ale Boy's Feast


Sometimes the best thing about getting to book number 4 is that you don't have to wait long before picking up a great series and reading it through from beginning to end. That's just where The Ale's Boy's Feast comes into play from author Jeffrey Overstreet. This is the final book in the Auralia Thread fantasy series and you won't want to miss how each book links to the previous one through each characters developments and how they arrived at where they are in this one.

Here is the summary just in case you have already read the previous three or want to see what direction this one goes:

The king is missing.
His people are trapped as the woods turn deadly.
Underground, the boy called Rescue has found an escape.

Hopes are failing across The Expanse. The forests, once beautiful, are now haunted and bloodthirsty. House Abascar's persecuted people risk their lives to journey through those predatory trees. They seek a mythic city - Abascar's last, best hope for refuge - where they might find the source of Auralia's colors.

They journey without their king. During a calamitous attempt to rescue some of his subjects from slavery, Cal-raven vanished.

But his helper, the ale boy, falling through a crack in the earth, has discovered a slender thread of hope in the dark. He will dare to lead a desperate company up the secret river.

Meanwhile, with a dragon's help, the wandering mage Scharr ben Fray is uncovering history's biggest lie - a deception that only a miracle can repair.

Time is running out for all those entangled in The Auralia Thread. But hope and miracles flicker wherever Auralia’s colors are found.

The characters are brilliantly well written and you find that they themselves have the same character flaws as we do but have the ability to summon up heroic abilities when they need to.

In this conclusion to the series we have the answers we have been searching for since book one. The mystery between Deathweed and the Essence is finally revealed, love between some of our favorite characters are finalized, and in the end justice is dispensed and redemption comes at a cost. The books in the series are Auralia's Colors (1), Cyndere's Midnight (2), and Raven's Ladder (3).

I received this book compliments of Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tours in conjunction with Jeffrey Overstreet for my honest review. I am looking forward to reading this series from beginning to end to see how the story lines develop and how each characters journey changes from beginning to end. Picking this one up strictly by itself would be like picking up the final book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and trying to make sense of it. Yet if you love mythical novels along the lines of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, then this is a great series to pick up. This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is available in paperback and eReader formats.

For more information about the author, check out his website, by clicking here.

If you want to order not only this book, but the others in the series as well, visit Amazon by clicking here.

For even more great reviews, check out this amazing reviewers:
Gillian Adams
Red Bissell
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Morgan L. Busse
Valerie Comer
http://csffblogtour.com/"> CSFF Blog Tour
Shane Deal
Chris Deane
http://in--and--out.blogspot.com/"> Cynthia Dyer
Andrea Graham
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
http://www.613media.com/"> Bruce Hennigan
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Dawn King
Inae Kyo
Shannon McDermott
Shannon McNear
Karen McSpadden
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/"> Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
Sarah Sawyer
Kathleen Smith
Donna Swanson
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler

Monday, May 16, 2011

Fade To Blue



Suz Mitchell was hoping for a fresh start away from her past. In moving into her brother's home on California's central coast, just within view of the famed Hearst Castle, along with her young son Jeremiah, she thought all her past was behind her. Until the day, he showed up quite literally right in front of her eyes.

Working as an apprentice restoring historic art for Hearst Castle, she looks up one day at the window washer who looks eerily familiar. It's Seth, her ex-boyfriend that she broke up with when he presented her with fleeting ideas to traveling the US and visit places while making a living wherever life took them. Wanting just a bit more stability in her life with the recent death of her mom, she found it in the arms of Len.

At first life was perfect, with a man who loved to wine and dine and spoil her with everything money could buy. She should have seen the signs that when things appear to be too perfect, there might be something too it. Her new husband found his life would soon be placed behind bars after finding out, the way he was making his money was through illegal drug deals.

Now she wants nothing more to do with either of them, but when the parole board announces that Len is heading her way with his new found faith in Christ and the re-appearance of Seth, Suz begins to wonder just what she should do and how to protect her son, Jeremiah from it all.



I received Fade To Blue by Julie Carobini compliments of Christian Blog Fiction Blog Alliance and B & H Publishing Group for my honest review. This book is such a treat as we see the restoration efforts set amid Hearst Castle and the Pacific Coast while love finds a way into the heart of Suz Mitchell through the Otter Bay series. This is a story about second chances and being willing to open your heart again with the help of God. It's the ultimate story of restoration of the heart and soul and captures a 5 out of 5 stars!

Here's even more wonderful information about the book, the author and where to get a sneak peek at chapter one.
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Fade to Blue
B&H Books (May 15, 2011)
by
Julie Carobini


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

I grew up as Julie Navarro, in a family of truly right-brained individuals. Among us you’ll find writers, artists, and musicians, all of us willing to talk about the arts at a moment’s notice.

Over the years, I’ve published several hundred articles and stories in magazines and books, including Aspire, Decision, Expecting, Focus on the Family, Key Magazine and God’s Abundance: 365 Days to a Simpler Life. As I wrote, I found a common theme cropping up: my family, the sea, and God’s timely work in the lives of those around me.

Maybe it was time to incorporate those interests into novels, I thought.

And so I did. Not once, but twice. Both times, God shut both doors and windows. So I continued to write and dream and raise my kids with Dan. Eventually I decided to write romantic seaside novels, and that’s where I found my voice.

When I’m not writing, marketing, or editing for others, I’m driving my kids around town, imagining that my mid-sized SUV is actually a sleek sailing yacht.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Suz Mitchell is the determined dreamer we should all be and won't allow her ex-husband Len's jail sentence to ruin their young son Jeremiah's life. An accomplished artist, she moves with her child across the country to California's central coast and lands a sweet job restoring priceless paintings at the historic Hearst Castle overlooking the ocean.

To her utter surprise, a serious old flame, Seth, is also now working at Hearst and jumbles the dreams inside Suz's heart. While sorting out the awkwardness of their past split and current spiritual differences, a repentant Len shows up eager to restore his family.

Suz must learn to let God be the true restorer of all that once seemed lost.

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

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Thriving At College


Now that school for some of us is beginning to draw to a close, college planning is a concern for some of us. So where do you begin if you're not sure what to do first? What should you major in? What planning should you be doing during your summer? How will grades impact you in college? What groups should you be drawn to and which should you avoid? How does one maintain their faith while attending college away from the influences of their church and home family members?

In the latest book by Alex Chediak, Thriving At College, is just the tool you should be adding if college is in your near future or even someone you know. I am sure, you wish if there was a great Christian book that would help you make the right plans to get you started on the right foot. This is where this book comes into play. Here are some of the things you'll discover and mistakes you can avoid making:

  • What to do with your faith
  • Expecting College To Be The Same As High School
  • Distorting Dating and Romance
  • Refusing to Grow Up
  • Being A Flake
  • Living Out of Balance
  • Being Too Passive or Too Cocky
  • Living For Grades
  • Wasting Opportunities

The book also contains some appendix's that will help you weed through the college selection process and how to make sure you don't waste your college years while getting ready for the real world that awaits.

I received this book compliments of Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and think that every parent that is planning on college in their child's future or even for the parent considering going back to college, this makes the perfect resource and scores a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. This book is available in paperback and eReader formats.

For even more information about the book, the author and even where to purchase a copy and begin your planning today, click on the link below: