12 Days of Christmas Book Tour

The best part about fall besides the changing of the leaves on the trees and the cold crisp air is great Christmas Fiction. I was so honored to be given the opportunity to review four exceptional Christmas novels from best selling authors Colleen Coble, Beth Wiseman and Tricia Goyer as part of Litfuse Publicity's 12 Days of Christmas Book Tour.

Silent Night from Colleen Coble is a Rock Harbor Christmas Novella that takes place in the Lake Superior, Michigan. Once again the readers who remember Bree Matthews, a Search and Rescue handler now finds herself sharing their lighthouse home with her sister-in-law Lauri who has arrived home from college earlier than expected. Not only that but Lauri has brought home more than Bree and Kade bargained for. While they assume she has once again fallen short of their expectations for her attending college, Lauri has other plans that involve a case Bree had long thought was solved. Will there be a Christmas miracle after all?

Holy Night from Colleen Coble is an Aloha Reef Christmas Novella that takes place on the tropical island of Kauai. The wedding plans for Leia Kahale, a dolphin trainer and Bana Oana, her fiancè and oceanographer and sea salvager are about to be placed on hold. When Eva, Leia's sister with Down Syndrome is kidnapped while Leia is attempting an ocean rescue it will put their love to the ultimate test. Will they have what it takes to weather this unpredictable storm?

A Christmas Gift for Rose from Tricia Goyer takes us back to the Amish community located in Berlin, Ohio during 1945, where we see the struggle that is working in the life of Rose Yoder when Jonathan left the Amish to join in the war efforts as a medic. It goes against everything they both were brought up to believe. Now that he has returned home, she has assured herself that their relationship is over but why do these feelings for him continue to linger? What will happen when Rose discovers that she too was born English? What will happen to the feelings she still has for Jonathan or will the faith she was brought up on as an Amish woman be too hard to let go of?

Finally Plain Peace from author Beth Wiseman takes us back to Paradise Pennsylvania and we meet Anna Byler who is the granddaughter of the town's newest and harshest Bishop. Now faced with the prospects of learning the only reason she hasn't had a date isn't because she isn't pretty enough, but because everyone is afraid to date the Bishop's granddaughter. Seems most of the towns residents fear that the only way they will find relief from his strict rules is when he dies. That is all except Jacob Hostetler who has just moved here after losing his sister in a farming accident. The family is looking for a fresh start, but will Jacob be able to find a way to reach Anna's heart without dividing a family and a town against one another?

All four of these amazing novels are guaranteed to spark the warmth and love that each of them brings in unique ways through the characters that have to endure challenges beyond what any of them ever imagined. Forgiveness and hope are the keys to unlock the roadblock to love and faith that will found whenever anyone is courageous enough to take the leap of faith. Love is truly the greatest gift and that is just what you'll find in each of these heartwarming novels. I received these four novels compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. There is truly something for everyone in this Christmas Book Tour and I rate these a 5 out of 5 stars. They all have a predominate place in my Christmas library collection.

For more information about Holy Night, Silent Night, Plain Peace, A Christmas Gift for Rose or any of the amazing authors, please click on the links below:

Holy Night by Colleen Coble

Silent Night by Colleen Coble

Plain Peace by Beth Wiseman

A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer

To read the reviews from the 12 Days of Christmas Book Tour from Litfuse reviewer's please click here. 

You can find more information about Colleen Coble's novels by visiting her website. 

To learn more about Beth Wiseman's novels please visit her website. 

You can find more information about Tricia Goyer's novels by stopping by her website. 

Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction are hosting the 12 Days of Christmas! They've teamed up with three of their authors for a Merry Facebook Party on November 12th {5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern}. Colleen, Tricia, and Beth will host an evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, and of course plenty of presents!



But wait! There's more! Each day between now and November 12th a different book (10 copies of each book) will be given away on the Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Facebook Page. Ring in the holiday season and warm your heart with some great reads from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan!








 

Click here to ENTER each day's giveaway here.

RSVP for the Christmas Party here!


Good luck and hope to see you on the evening of the 12th!

Travelers Rest

Jane Morrow is finding her future a difficult road ahead. What she had planned for isn't what lies in front of her. So many decisions and not sure which way to go, she searches in vain for the answer. Seth Ballentine has returned home from the war in Iraq and she couldn't be more happier. When he left, all she ever wanted was for him to return home even though she never wanted him to leave. Asking her to marry him before he left gave her something to hope for along with a promise he'd come back to her.

Now that he has, he doesn't want to see her. Asks her not to come visit or see him. Yet Jane's still in love with Seth and can't understand how his feelings have changed for her until she makes a trip to visit him. She steps into the lobby of the Asheville Veterans Administration Medical Center complex and asks for directions to his room. On the fifth floor, she enters his room and finds him looking so much worse than she ever expected. Losing much of the weight he had before, she braced herself for his reaction. When he looked up at her, she expected to see love in his eyes, but now only anger appeared there. He was mad she had gone against his wishes and come to see him.

He tells Jane that he wants her to forget about him, to take the engagement ring she's still wearing and sell it. Take a trip, go on a cruise. He's not here for her anymore. Only Jane thinks she has prepared herself in the last six months to deal with Seth. After everything she has read, she still has hope that they can still be married, she still is in love with him and wants to be his wife. As much as he tries to discourage her, Jane insists they can make this work. Seth is now completely paralyzed after being shot in the neck. The only thing he wishes is that he had died like he believed God had planned instead of being brought back as less than a man.

In the latest novel by Ann Tatlock, Travelers Rest, brings the readers into a difficult time for both Jane and Seth. Jane's trying to maintain hope that they can still make their relationship work while Seth is trying to find hope to keep on living in his current state, despite how much he may recover some of his movement. He knows he will never be the same and tries in vain to discourage Jane in anyway he can. Will they find a way to make their love survive despite difficult circumstances or will they each go their separate ways and realize that love alone may not solve their problems?

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and was immediately captivated by this enchanting story. It's understandable to feel things for both Seth's circumstance of dealing with a war injury and Jane's for trying to keep the hope and faith of love alive despite their struggles. Along the way, Jane meets Truman Rockaway, an elderly man who has served time in the Korean war and is a retired black doctor now residing at the Medical Center. He reminded me while I was reading about his character in the book of Morgan Freeman and he quiet strength provide healing to Jane's troubled soul. I really enjoyed this book and found myself drawn into the characters as each one has shared a troubled past along the way to arrive where they are today. I highly recommend this one and rate it a 5 out of 5 stars. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down.

For more information about Travelers Rest, Ann Tatlock or where to purchase a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock

You can also find Ann Tatlock on Facebook by clicking here.

The Dog That Talked To God

Mary Fassler has a unique friend in her dog Rufus. Having recently lost her husband and son in an accident with a drunk driver, Mary has been blaming God since it has happened. At first Mary didn't notice much about Rufus that was unusual when she adopted him from his breeder. He was the runt of the litter and Mary felt lead that Rufus was the perfect dog for her.

One night while taking him out for a walking, she posed a general question to her dog like all of us have asked our pets at one time or another, and this time, Rufus answered. Yes, he really spoke to her. She claims his voice is similar to that of Eeyore from Winnie-The-Pooh, in that his speech is slow and calculated. Most of the time Rufus has the intelligence of a young child when he poses questions to Mary such as is he fat because he heard from another dog that he has to lose a few pounds because he's too fat, referring of course to Gus, the dog he has seen around the neighborhood on their walks. Gus has also told him that his rear legs hurt and he wants to move to Orlando where it's warm. He says it helps him when it's warmer.

Mary and Rufus develop a close bond and friendship, in their nightly walks. Rufus only speaks at night and only to Mary. He has also told Mary he has a close bond to God, in fact all dogs do, but mostly the good dogs talk to God and the bad dogs could but sometimes they chose not to. The grief that Mary's been dealing with has kept her from moving forward even though its been five years since the loss of her family. Well meaning family and friends try to set her up on dates and offer unsolicited advice which Mary takes in stride but soon she feels it may be time to start over again some place new. If only she knew what God wanted her to do, then perhaps she could move forward. Maybe she could talk to Rufus to see if he knows what God has in store for her instead?

In the novel, The Dog That Talked to God by Jim Kraus, the author writes a delightful and charming story of a unique friendship between an owner, Mary and her miniature Schnauzer, Rufus. Along the way, Rufus teaches Mary much about God and what how He works according to the simplicity that only a dog would understand. Can Rufus help point the way back to God for Mary? You'll have to pick this heart-warming book up to see for yourself. This one is definitely one for pet lovers everywhere who truly know what it means to talk to your dog! I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion!

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest opinion and know that animal lovers everywhere will want to pick this one up! For more information about the author, the book or even where to pick up a copy, please click on the link below:

The Dog That Talked To God by Jim Kraus

For more reviews on this book tour, click here!

Nickels

Niki Turner thought she had life all figured out. When God took her parents and her brother Jack, she felt that if she just didn't keep anyone close, she wouldn't lose anyone else or have to deal with the grief that has bound her personal life for the last 8 years.

She has vowed to just remain friends with her room mate Marcy and focus the remainder of her time at her job, Hamilton Production Solutions, as a software engineer. But Marcy had a goal this year, and that was to make sure that love found it's way into Niki's life. After all , all work and no play, makes for a very dull and boring life. She vowed to make it her New Year's resolution to find Niki a man who would love her, fall in love and live the proverbial "happily ever after" life!

However when a dream job at Heliotronics is offered to Niki, she sees this as a confirmation that she's been on the right track her whole life. However when Kyle Jacobs is assigned to work with her, she begins to question God's sense of humor after all. Kyle Jacobs, Marcy's older brother, has been the person she dreaded her entire four years of high school. He made it his mission to torture her no matter what opportunity presented itself and now here she was, stuck at her dream job with her worst enemy. But Kyle is a changed man, one both physically and spiritually, and now he has to find a way to prove to Niki that the past is really in the past.



In the newest novel from Karen Baney, Nickels, is her first contemporary fiction about second chances and seeing what God's plan is for us in life instead of what we perceive it's all about. I received this wonderful eBook compliments of Karen Baney and was more than delighted with this wonderfully, well-written story of dealing with the loss of loved ones and finally finding a way to move forward. The journey isn't an easy one but teahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifches us the value of God's unconditional love for us and the meaning of having friends along the way. I rate this book a full 5 out of 5 stars and am so excited to be able to share this review with my readers. This is one you won't want to miss out on. Well done again Karen!

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

Nickels by Karen Baney

You can also find Karen on Facebook by clicking

Here's to Friends

In the final book of Melody Carlson's popular series of the four Linda's, we see where life has found Abby, Caroline, Marley and Janie at the mid-way point in their lives. For Abby, she's trying to get back in shape in time for a cruise that all four of them will take, but it's been a while since she's worked out and rather than take it slow, she jumps right on in with a circuit training class and paying for the membership fee without seeing how she'll like the class. Confident that Caroline and Janie already take it, and hope that there is safety in numbers, Abby soon finds out that she feels more out than in and wishing she never agreed to go on the cruise if it involved swimsuits.

Caroline while still grieving over the death of her mom, gets encouragement from the other Linda's to embark on a remodeling project on the family home in hopes if she can fix it up she can sell it, or possibly love it enough to stay there and be much closer to the girls.

Janie's been getting mysterious voice mail messages from her daughter, who she believes is only after money and still involved in drugs, but when an unexpected call promises she's changed and only wants to move back home, Janie is willing to drive out to Phoenix to pick her up. This is one way to make sure she just doesn't take the money and run again.

Meanwhile, Marley, the artist, is struggling to find her creative groove during what she calls her midweek madness, something she hadn't experienced for many years since her marriage with her ex husband John. Yet she couldn't quite figure out just what it was but she knew something for sure was on the horizon and it couldn't be good. Was it someone's birthday, a hormone problem, or something more? When Jack called, her new love interest in a gallery owner, she would learn what would cause this feeling. He tells her that his daughter, Jasmine has up and left with a new man leaving her son, Hunter behind. What she doesn't know is if Jasmine is coming back or has abandoned her 7 year old son forever?

I received the novel, Here's To Friends by Melody Carlson compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and love how honest and true to life, her characters are. Not having read the three prior Linda books in the series, I could immediately relate to each of these women and the unique situations that all find themselves in. Some have family to assist them and others will struggle alone but the best part is the friendship that cements them altogether proving that real friendships are priceless. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to go back and read the entire series of The Four Lindas!

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

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.

Another Dawn

Grace Graham loves to run! Not just the kind you do for exercise but anytime life gets too complicated, she runs rather than face it head on.

Her life is slowly falling apart little by little, starting first with the death of her mother, which she completely holds her father responsible for, blaming her boyfriend for possibly cheating on her since he wasn't taking her phone calls, thus ending that relationship and now because of that break up with Steve, her investment company contact, her friend Jasmine will not get her Bed and Breakfast sold so she can deal with her autistic son.

So what's make sense rather than avoid all that? When her sister, Jana calls with a dilemma of dealing with their father's upcoming surgery, she asks Grace to help for two weeks to care for their father. She'd rather have teeth pulled without Novocaine rather than deal with her father. So when Jana rudely informs her that its her turn to start helping out with the family, out of guilt she complies.

She packs up her son Dylan and heads for Shoal Creek, Tennessee as a test to prove that she isn't someone that runs from things. Grace believes if she can last two weeks with her father maybe things can change for her. But in Graces past lies a secret that can put her son's life and the lives of the other children at risk. Will she face it head on or will she run again?

I received Another Dawn from Kathryn Cushman compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and found a parallel in the relationship she has with her father, much like the one I have with my own father. I identified in so many ways with Grace and how often when you really want to speak your mind, sometimes holding your tongue is the best approach. This is a must read for anyone looking to resolve some of the issues from your past that may be holding you back. For that reason, it's a 5 out of 5 stars.

Here's more information on the author, the book and even a first chapter sneak peek!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Another Dawn Bethany House (February 1, 2011) by Kathryn Cushman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy. After practicing as a pharmacist, she left her career to marry and begin a family and has since pursued her dream of writing.

Other books by Kathryn, A Promise to Remember was a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year in the Women’s Fiction category, and Waiting for Daybreak was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award.

Leaving Yesterday, her third novel, was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award.

Now her fifth book, Another Dawn, has arrived in stores, and I’m very excited about it!

On the homefront, Kathryn has been married to Lee for over twenty years now, and their two daughters are currently braving the worlds of junior high and high school. They’ve lived in Santa Barbara for the last nineteen years. It’s a beautiful place and Kathryn feels blessed to be there (although a seventy degree Christmas still leaves her dreaming of a white one—or at least a colder one!)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grace Graham is back in Tennessee with her four-year-old son on a short unpaid leave from work, helping her father recover from surgery and spending time with her sister.

Shoal Creek seems more backward than ever after her years in California, and it's hard to find organic food anywhere. When the unthinkable happens and her son is diagnosed with measles, Grace's fears over modern medicine take a dangerous turn.

Worse, the town has fallen into quarantine and its residents focus their anger and blame on Grace. She is alone and scared, until one brave woman chooses to reach out a hand of forgiveness and mercy. But when the outbreak takes a life-threatening turn, will Grace be able to forgive herself?

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

Divine Appointments

Josie Brooks doesn't have the easiest job in the world. She spends it traveling from city to city, company to company streamlining companies and unfortunately that means lay offs of employees, no matter how valuable they may be. Her job means not getting personally involved with anyone she comes across and that makes her job all the more easier to do. However it also means that she doesn't have any friends anywhere.

Her only contact has been her family as she places her weekly calls to them telling them where she is living at now and to see how everyone is doing. Even that doesn't offer the satisfaction she has been hoping for.

Yet when she finds herself working in Chicago, she finds herself suddenly affected by those she has to let go. Barb, one of the longest working employees is also the most loved employee by those in the company and when word gets out that Barb is the next to go, Josie finds herself with a target on her back.

When she returns home she is immediately drawn to a mystical snow globe that offers a peaceful green meadow along with a flowing and refreshing river that magically seems to really move. Will this lead her to see things are more than what appears on the companies bottom line and sometimes down-sizing isn't the right thing to do?

To find out, you'll have to check out the latest novel by Charlene Baumbich, Divine Appointments. This book really draws you in emotionally with each character that interacts with Josie and lets you have a personal attachment with each of them in a unique way. I received this book, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about the book, the author and even a first chapter peek then read on:

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Divine Appointments WaterBrook Press; Reprint edition (September 21, 2010) by Charlene Baumbich
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Charlene Ann Baumbich is the author of the previous three books in the Partonville series. A popular speaker, journalist, and author, for several years she has lectured to women’s groups and retreats. Baumbich is also an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Today’s Christian Woman, and numerous other publications. She is the author of six nonfiction books of humor and inspiration.

Charlene says: For over two decades of writing and speaking, my passionate pursuit to entertain and rejuvenate using humor (I love to laugh-especially at myself), uncommon wisdom, and passionate insights has been affirmed through countless calls, letters, and evaluation sheets. A reader recently e-mailed, "There is so much depression and sadness in this world. I applaud you for reminding all of us to treasure the moments in our lives, and for encouraging us to find joy in the little things. What you do helps so many to rise above the heaviness of life and live, and laugh, and face another day, so thanks!!!!" That is exactly why I keep doing what I do.

I am a firm believer in the power of story (short or book-length, funny or insightful, real or fiction, on stage or page) to accomplish my purpose, which is to remind you: Don't Miss Your Life! Whether you're tuning into me live or in print, fasten your seatbelt. I promise you a wild, fun, provocative, heart-warming ride.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Josie Brooks, at the age of 47, thought she was leading an enviable single life. A successful consultant, she calls her own shots, goes where the money is, and never needs to compromise. But her precisely managed world begins to falter during a Chicago contract when an economic downturn, a bleeding heart boss, and the loyalty and kindness between endangered employees ding her coat of armor.

Throw in hot flashes, a dose of loneliness, a peculiar longing for intimacy, an unquenchable thirst—not to mention a mysterious snow globe with a serene landscape, complete with a flowing river and lush greenery that seems to be beckoning her in—and Josie’s buttoned-up life is on the verge of coming completely undone.

Maybe her solitary existence isn’t as fulfilling as she has convinced herself to believe. It will take a few new friends, a mystical encounter, and an unexpected journey to set Josie on her own path to “right-sizing” and making the life changes that really matter. Filled with laugh-out loud moments and a gentle dash of inspiration, Divine Appointments is another heartwarming charmer from a master storyteller.

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

Amy Inspired

I think as a writer there are often times where we find ourselves wondering if our talents are just more of a hobby than the promise of something more, especially when we are anxiously waiting to become published.

Amy Gallagher is such the aspiring, young thirty year old writer whose dream it is to someday have something she has written become published, whether it's a magazine article or perhaps even something larger like a book. Amy finds herself surrounded by a group of similar friends who are also writers like herself, one if her roommate Zoe, who is popular, beautiful and at no loss for available men who are interested in dating her. Zoe also has no problem getting whatever she has submitted to companies published. This more than frustrates Amy who keeps all her rejection letters systematically organized in a folder.

Amy begins to wonder if there is more to life than simply teacher college students about the art of writing when she herself can't seem to get published. She asks the question to her students in class one day, is there a benefit to writing, if no one wants to read it? She is more than shocked by the replies she receives from her students. Her social life outside of hanging out with a few friends is miserably lacking that is, until Zoe's Christian duties bring a friend home who needs a temporary place to stay, with them.

I received the book Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in return for my honest review. While this book is interesting, it does take some time to get going and any struggling writer is sure to relate to this novel in more ways than one. I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars. For more information regarding this book, the author and where to get a first chapter peek, please read on further:

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Amy Inspired Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010) by Bethany Pierce
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After completing a master's in Creative Writing and working as a visiting instructor at Miami University in Ohio, Bethany Pierce now lives with her husband in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she is a member of the McGuffey Art Center and continues to write. Her first book, Feeling for Bones, was one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2007.



ABOUT THE BOOK

With rejections piling up, she could use just a little inspiration...

Amy Gallagher is an aspiring writer who, after countless rejections, has settled for a career as an English professor in small-town Ohio just to pay the bills. All her dreams suddenly start to unravel as rejections pile up--both from publishers and her boyfriend.

But just as Amy fears her life is stuck in a holding pattern, she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. She struggles to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as staying true to her faith becomes unexpectedly complicated.

When secrets, tragedy, and poor decisions cause rifts in Amy's relationships, she must come to terms with who she's become, her unrealized aspirations for her life, and the state of her faith. Can she dare to hope that she will find love and fulfillment despite it all?

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