After All

In the final book in the Hanover Falls Series, After All by Deborah Raney provides the reader with a sense of closure in one instance and a moving forward and new beginnings in another. Susan Marlowe is beginning to pick up the pieces of the life she knew that was destroyed in ashes just eighteen months ago, when her husband David and four other firefighters were killed in an accidental fire at Grove Street Shelter.

She was the one responsible for running the homeless shelter despite her husband David's misgivings about wondering if the shelter was doing more harm than good to the cities residents. Yet when fights, and threats began to break out there, David felt that Susan was opening herself up for more trouble than it was worth and their marriage began to take a turn for the worse, with each of them spending more time at their jobs than at working on strengthening their marriage.

Now that Susan has begun to rebuild the Grove Street Shelter in a building across from where the former one stood, she is once again making the headlines in the local paper, The Courier. Seems now that Bee Quinton, feels its her responsibility to seek the answers for two letters to the editor about the homeless shelter and its purpose in bringing out the worst criminals to the city. When Susan takes the bait in defense of the good the shelter offers families in need a place to stay over sleeping in their car, she does more harm than good in feeding Bee just what she needs to make the front page.

Fortunately for Susan, not everyone believes the homeless shelter is a bad thing for the city when Chief Peter Brennan speaks out in her defense reminding the citizens of Susan's diligence in having fire alarms and smoke detectors installed. Now if only he can keep his mind on the tasks of running the local fire station instead of romantic thoughts about Susan. However Peter finds himself the source of competition between Susan and fire inspector Andrea Morley, a first in his life since his previous wife Lana left him when they couldn't have children.

Just what type of closure will After All bid for its readers in this series conclusion? You'll have to pick up the book and find out. Even though this is the third and final book in the series, there is enough back story for the reader that this one can be read as a stand alone, but trust me, if this is the first book you've had the pleasure to read from Deborah, you'll definitely want to pick up the other two.

I received After All by Deborah Raney compliments of Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review and LOVED it! Just the perfect amount of suspense and romance to keep the reader entertained and turning pages til the end. If you love Christian Romance novels or have a spark for firefighters, then this is a MUST read for you! I rate this one a sizzling 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

After All by Deborah Raney

You can also find Deborah Raney on Facebook by clicking here or visiting her website.

The previous two novels in this series are Almost Forever and Forever After for those of you looking for the entire series to enjoy!

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416599959
• ISBN-13: 978-1416599951
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches

River's Call

The Shining Waters Inn offers its guests a place to relax, and find peace and healing beside the Siuslaw River. Now that it's gaining more popularity, Anna Larson is staying busier than ever before. Now that she and Clark are working full-time at expanding the Inn's lodging by building more cabins, she isn't prepared for the news that arrives during one late phone call from her daughter Lauren. She is sick and physically exhausted and needs her mom. When Anna sends for her daughter and offers her time to be cared for at the Inn, Lauren gratefully accepts.

However what was thought to be a severe case of the flu, turns out to be worse than anyone expected. Lauren's pregnant and the father, Donald Thomas has no idea. Now all Lauren can think of is how her college life is going to be ruined by her baby and considers abortion. Anna cringes at the thought but realizes she can only support her daughter, she can't make her do anything even if that goes against anything she believes.

Worse yet, when Donald does find out, he is already seeing another girl and doesn't know what to do. When Lauren's grandmother, Eunice finds out however, she figures she can manipulate everything so Lauren gets her way, marriage and happily ever after. But life doesn't always offer a happily ever after ending as soon everyone will find out as the river calls all of them back.

Melody Carlson once again has created a beautiful story of what forgiveness means through her second novel in the Inn at the Shining Waters series, River's Call. Even though it can be read alone, you will want to understand the story about Anna and Eunice which is revealed in more detail in the first book, River's Song. I received this book compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review and wish there was really a Shining Waters Inn because this story is amazing. The healing and peace that just being at the Inn offers is such a wonderful way to draw the reader into the story of Lauren and the difficult relationship between her and Anna. I love the Native American references that appear all throughout the book as Anna's heritage is explored more in this book. I would easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the next one, River's End due out soon!

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

River's Call by Melody Carlson

River's Song

Anna Larson feels the pull of returning home. Back to the home she shared with her parents and her grandmother, back to the love of the land beside the still river. Returning home following her mother's funeral, Anna returns back home to the river, where she is making final arrangements on her parents property that hugs 40 acres of river and forest land. Once a small market, the home is long overgrown with weeds and a closed sign still hangs in the cob-web filled window.

She should have returned home sooner. Back to her childhood home, back to the love of her mother and back to her roots as a Native American. Spending her years carrying for her husband that came back from the war wounded more than just losing his arm, he also carried some deep emotional wounds as well. Never being good enough for more that just taking care of the house and cooking, Anna wasn't even good enough for her mother-in-law Eunice. Being classified as a less than human being because of her culture, Eunice kept Anna in her home after her son passed away from his war wounds and partly to care for her granddaughter, Lauren, who was becoming more like her rich, snobby grandmother every day.

Now that Anna has come home, the land calls to her once more. Remembering all the "old ways" from her grandmother from basket making to collecting old stories has kept her heritage alive. Sharing the river with an old college student named Hazel whose working on her doctriate by studying old Indian tribes, she finds companionship and solace in sharing her background and life with Hazel. Hazel inspires her to transform her home into a Bed and Breakfast, since the house is so large and she has plenty of land to build on. Now she is pulled in two different directions, will she return home to take care of the house for Eunice and Lauren or will she use the land and river to heal the hearts that come to stay at the Inn by the Still Waters?

I received the novel, River's Song by Melody Carlson, compliments of Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review and found my blood pressure at ease, my stress level lower than it has been in some time, as I found myself a silent character being cared for by Anna Larson. Just the words that Melody uses to describe the land and the way the water of the river sparkled like diamonds in the sun, paints such a vivid picture, you find yourself disappointed when you realize your not really there. I highly recommend this book and award it 5 out of 5 stars. For those seeking a place of tranquility and peace, you'll find it with Anna Larson beside the Siuslaw River in Oregon. This is book one in The Inn at the Shining Waters series and can't wait to read the rest!

For even more great information about the author, the book or where to pick up a copy today, please click on the links below:

River's Song by Melody Carlson

The Constantine Codex - Giveaway and Review

A shocking discovery throws Harvard professor Jonathan Weber into the international spotlight---and could change the way the world sees the Bible. While touring Greek and Turkish monasteries, he finds an ancient manuscript that includes a lost ending of Mark and a 67th book. When the codex is stolen, Jon races to recover it---before it's lost forever!

Renowned church historian and novelist Dr. Paul Maier revives the beloved character Dr. Jonathan Weber (Skeleton in God's Closet, and More Than a Skeleton) to envision the lost ending to Mark...and a Second Acts. His seamless inclusion of canonical history into the suspenseful tale ensures readers come away with a greater understanding of the origins of Scripture and the lengths to which early Christians went to ensure the continuation of the gospel story

Aside from fascinating details and engrossing storytelling, The Constantine Codex includes an open, rigorous debate between Dr. Weber and a moderate leader of Islam that should serve as a worthy example for real-world engagements.

My Review:

Just like a modern day Indiana Jones type of fiction, The Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier, will leave readers on the edge of their seat as Dr. Jon Weber and his wife Shannon uncover what is first, five, weathered pieces of text being used as a book mark. Not seeing anything on them, they use techniques now available to see text that has faded away, been covered over or merely erased from it's original form. What they first uncover is a reference to another book of the Bible that picks up where Paul is awaiting his sentencing from Nero in Rome. Unlike the previous records of Paul's ministry as the book of Acts ends, it leaves the reader wondering just what happened to Paul. Not only that but the end of Mark's book in the Bible just seems to fade to black.

What they uncover by digging through ancient manuscripts being housed by the monks and in catholic churches in Greece and in Turkey will be the greatest biblical discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls.

I received this book compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations and Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review and this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars!!! You will be hooked from the first chapter as you find yourself in the Middle East searching with the Weber's looking for these lost biblical treasures amid the Muslim protests that want Dr. Jonathan Weber dead at any cost.

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

The Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier

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

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. 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 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. Leave a comment telling me what your favorite book of the Bible is and why.

The giveaway will end on July 9th and I will contact the winner by email at that time.

Holy Guacamole

"If you are what you eat, make it hot, spicy, and irresistible!" ~ Chef Bonnie Miller

In light of all the cooking shows on the Food Network channels these days, we all have our personal favorites. Some are funny, others serious, but what they all have in common is the ability to create masterpieces using ingredients that will tempt our palates and make our mouths water.

Chef Bonnie Miller is just one of those amazing cooks. She currently is the host of Cowgirl Cuisine, a southwestern cooking show in which she is the star. Behind the scenes she is difficult to deal with, a prima donna of sorts, who believes that she alone holds the secrets to cooking anything great. In between shooting her show, she hosts a culinary boot camp in which people are selected and trained to work as an apprentice at her restaurant, the Blue Coyote, doing a wide variety of tasks.

Trace Domingo finds himself the newest foodie, in Bonnie's boot camp. Working at a variety of restaurants himself along the California and Mexico coastlines, he wants to work with Bonnie to enhance his culinary skills. What he doesn't plan on, is an adventure of a lifetime as he learns more than just culinary skills from Bonnie.

In the newest novel by Dan & Denise Harmer, Holy Guacamole, is part culinary cooking show humor combined with a bit of spiciness blended in between Bonnie and Trace and their unusual chemistry that develops along the way. Throw in a great cast of characters from Kelp, their Jamaican gardener, Tornado, the world's first surfing goat and Marley and Jimmy the Knife, his other two room mates at culinary school, and you have the recipe for a great book.

I received Holy Guacamole compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review and LOVED it all. I have to say my favorite characters where Kelp and Tornado, that add just the perfect blend to keep you on your toes and moving the story forward! Part of the proceeds from the sale of each book is donated to Outside the Bowl ministry that provides food for orphans around the world. This one cooks up a 5 out of 5 stars and makes for a delicious summer read.

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

Holy Guacamole by Dan and Denise Harmer

Outside the Bowl Ministries

Shattered

Cleo Neilson's best friend is moving away and she wants to make Lola's last night in town special. For Cleo, that means going to the big Christian concert in the city, but her mom won't allow her to go. She says that area of the city is too dangerous for two unchaperoned teenage girls.

Convinced her mom is just being overprotective "helicopter" mom, she sneaks out of the house. After all, her mom has to let her grow up sometime, right?

Cleo now faces the chilling consequences of her actions and a secret that is eating her up inside. As Cleo fights through her grief and guilt, she learns about faith in God and forgiveness through him.



In Melody Carlson's new novel, Shattered, the reader gets to explore deception and its consequences through the story of Cleo and her overprotective mom. Considered spoiled by most of her friends, Cleo's facing a graduation without her best friend who is moving away. Faced with finding the perfect way to celebrate one final night, what no one knows is exactly what things will be placed in motion by one simple phone call to her mother.

This is such a compelling read for anyone who has teenagers and provides a safe way to experience what happens to one family when things go too far and get out of hand. This is a must read and comes with a 5 out of 5 star rating. It's edgy, controversial, and definitely a wake up call to everyone from parents to teens.

I received this book from Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review and LOVED it! As a parent, time is so precious and this was a wake up call for me. For more information about this book, the author and where to get a copy, please click on the link below:

Shattered by Melody Carlson

The Fine Art of Insincerity

Three sisters who have grown up in the Grandmother Lillian's cottage now find themselves back together again but not for a family reunion. It seems that their realtor finally had someone who was willing to purchase the house and they have through Labor Day to take what they want out of the house and clean it out.

On Monday, the realtor will stop by to have them sign the final paperwork, and each of them will receive a check for $200,000 each. Their inheritance as they see it.

Penny plans on using this money to divorce her 5th husband whom she finds as dull and boring. She finds an attractive doctor at lunch who seems more than interested in her, and she seems willing to part ways with husband now she has money to live on and start a new life. She sees herself as her Grandmother Lillian who was married seven times before finding the right one.

Rosemary is married to a wonderful man named Wort who loves riding Harleys, while she tends to all the stray animals she comes across on their ranch. Her latest venture is a racehorse rescue. However when she miscarried her only child, her grief has driven her to seek out her own death and leave the world a much better place now that she won't be in it anymore. Now that she can also leave Wort money from the sell of her grandmother's house makes the invitation all the more inviting.

Ginger is the oldest and most reliable. She's been married for twenty seven years to Michael, a professor and even though they have seemed to have lost most of the passion and romance, Ginger believes they still have love. However, when she needs to contact Michael to have a financial paper signed for their son Ross in college, she is provided with a phone number to reach him. What she discovers will shattered her world when another woman answers the phone and tells Ginger, "I knew you'd find us."



In the novel, The Fine Art of Insincerity by Angela Hunt, the three sisters are at odds and none of them, except for Penny and Ginger will confess what is truly going on in their lives, no matter how they may be judged by the other sisters. Only Rosie, keeps her grief and depression buried and only seeks the solace in spending time with her aging Jack Russell that is on it's last legs. It's a sad story that has brought them together, but will it be enough to heal them?

I received this book compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review. This novel is filled with sadness that each of these women feels to need to keep their personal lives from one another at one point in the book. Each of them finds justification in what they believe they are doing but deep down inside know they are all hurting in an emotional and physical way. Their perceptions they have of one another is a far cry from who they really are inside and it will take something life changing for them to finally open up. This one rates 5 out of 5 stars because I could honestly see this happening especially in our culture and generation today, and it's interesting to see how each of them view their situations in their own eyes.

This book is available in paperback and eBook formats. For even more information about this book, the author and where to purchase a copy of this book, please click on the link below:

The Fine Art of Insincerity by Angela Hunt

The Topkapi Secret

Ever been drawn into a story that takes you on an international adventure while depositing nuggets of wisdom and glimpses of the world along the way? Terry Kelhawk's, The Topkapi Secret, romantic story of an American professor and a Middle Eastern researcher on the run from religious zealots does just that.

When professor Angela Hall's Californian life crumbles, she packs a suitcase and heads to Turkey with a mission of completing her long-delayed research of women's issues in the region. But when her path crosses the passionate, fervent Mohammed Atareek, sparks fly...in all directions.

Mohammed is a researcher as well - of the Koran and changes made to it. He desperately seeks interaction with the Topkapi Codex, an ancient manuscript of the Koran on display at Topkapi Palace Museum in Instanbul, but the Codex is off-limits. As other Koranic scholars echo the cry of truth regarding the changes to the Koran, the body count rises.

My Review:

Why is it that whenever Mohammed Atareek seeks to view and research the Topkapi Codex, all of his requests, seem to come back denied. Is there something that the head of the Topkapi Palace Museum is afraid to let him see? The Topkapi Codex is one of the earliest Korans and claim to be "the" Koran that Caliph Uthman was reading when he died, and is now stained with his blood. Mohammed has been trying to unravel which version of the Koran had Uthman been reading - and stained with his blood. The Topkapi Codex as the Turks have claimed, or the Samarkand Codex as the Uzbekis claimed? Perhaps the whole story was nothing more than a legend fabricated by the Sunnis to smear the Shiites. Such partisan hadiths, or traditions, had been known to exist.

If Mohammed's research leads him to the truth he believes that the Koran hides an extraordinary secret - a truth that would turn the Muslim world upside down.

Angela Hall returns from a tragic trip from the Middle East after losing a dear friend in a sandstorm accident. When she gets home, she is faced with more tragic news when she learns that her mother in law is dead but has left her a great inheritance. This does not make her husband at all happy who is left with little more than nothing unless he gets therapy to deal with his personal issues. He leaves Angela with divorce papers. With nothing left to lose, Angela takes a new job to research women's issues, and take over a teaching position being vacated. There is no greater place to do that, than back in the Middle East.

I have received the Topkapi Secret by Terry Kelhawk, compliments of Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review. Aside from a rough start through the first few chapters due to establishing the characters and locations, the book is really amazing, page turning, and a thrill ride to the end. I would easily rate this one 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:

The Topkapi Secret by Terry Kelhawk

Uncertain Heart

Sarah McCabe knows exactly what she wants...but what does God want for her?

The year is 1886 and Sarah McCabe has wanderlust. In an effort to become independent of her family back in Missouri, she accepts a governess position in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, giving her a firsthand taste of the life she has always desired - a life of luxury, culture, and social privilege.

Richard Navis is a man determined to finish his indentureship to Captain Brian Sinclair and take over his family's farm. But when he falls in love with Sarah, his homesteading goals blur. She doesn't seem interested in settling down. What's more, Richard fears she's fallen victim to the captain's charm and persuasion.

When Sarah's reputation is questioned, Richard devises a bold plan in hopes of protecting her. But is he too late? Has Sara already made her choice?

In Uncertain Heart, Andrea Boeshaar continues the dramatic saga of the McCabe family that she began in Unwilling Warrior.

My Review:

Andrea Boeshaar's second novel in the Series of Redemption, captivated readers once more in Uncertain Heart. Following up with the character of Sarah from Unwilling Warrior, Sarah leaves her family in Jericho Junction and sets out to find her own independence in Wisconsin. She applies as the governess for Captain Brian Sinclair but when she arrives, she isn't expected even though she has the letter from the Captain.

Seeing the damsel in distress in a new city, Richard Navis, comes to her rescue and occupies her time until the Captain can straighten the mess out with his household staff. Richard is more than impressed with Sarah as she can defend herself quite well in his verbal quips with her, being the youngest of the family and with three older brothers to her credit. He finds her most refreshing. However once Sarah is settled as the governess, Richard can't seem to get her off his mind and finds himself running more errands just so their paths meet each day. Will Sarah come to love him as much as he is falling for her or will she return to Missouri at the close of the summer like she planned?

I received this wonderful novel from Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review and after loving the first book as a personal favorite, this one is just as rewarding. I would rate it a 5 out of 5 stars for the romantic story woven with the strong and independent character of Sarah McCabe and all the delightful characters we meet throughout the story. Even the children are charming as we meet each of them through Sarah's time as their governess and see how she heals each of their hearts.

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

Uncertain Heart

You can also visit Andrea Boeshaar's website by clicking here.

Almost Heaven - Giveaway and Review

"I suppose you can sum up a man's life with a few words, but I need to put this story down to fill in the missing pieces. Or perhaps I can convince the people who know me as a hermit that there was some reason for it all. But this is not really for those outside looking in. This is for me.

Some people say Billy Allman has a heart of gold. Others say he's a bit odd. The truth is, they're all right. He's a hillbilly genius - a collector, a radio whiz - and he can make the mandolin sing. Though he dreams of making an impact on the world beyond the hills and hollers of Dogwood, West Virginia, things just always seem to go wrong.

But however insignificant Billy's life seems, it had not gone unnoticed. Malachi is an angel sent to observe and protect Billy. Though it's not his dream assignment, Malachi always follows orders. And as Billy's story unfolds, Malachi slowly begins to see the bigger picture - that each step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful song that will forever change the lives of those who hear it." - (Excerpt from back cover).

My Review:

I absolutely adored this heartwarming story of the life of a man who lives life to the fullest in helping others the way Jesus would have instructed us all to live ours. Holding on to his childlike faith along the way when life hands him difficulties that most would run from, Billy instead turns to the One who can see further down the road than he can. This book is the story about Billy's life and the lives of those that are woven into his through being a part of his family, living next door or simply loving him. We get an opportunity to witness a different side as well through the eyes of an angel called Malachi whose duty at the moment is to protect Billy. In his views, we get a glimpse into the unseen world and the spiritual battle that takes place each and every day.

I loved this book, Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry, and since it comes during the holidays, I thought I would offer this as a giveaway from one lucky reader of my blog. This really takes you into the choices that each of us face everyday and show us the good and bad sides to them as well. I received this book, compliments of Glass Road Publications for my honest review and say I loved it. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. For more information on this book, the author and where to purchase a copy click on the title below:

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry

For those of you interested in the giveaway, here are your guidelines:

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

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

3. I must have a way to contact you so please include your email address 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'd love to win a copy of this book. The giveaway will end on November 16th.

The Black Madonna

Ever wonder if there is a great book out there somewhere that combines all the action of movies like Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lara Croft Tomb Raider, as well as parts of the DaVinci Code? Well I've found it.

The newest novel from Davis Bunn called The Black Madonna is just the book for you adventure fans looking for a little thrill in your reading. I was captivated by the story from page one. The main character is Storm Syrrell whose company lies on the verge of complete bankruptcy. She is in the business of bidding on unique items to sell to her exclusive and very wealthy clientele in Palm Beach, yet due to the latest economic downfall, Storm hasn't had the funds to purchase anything new and exciting.

Yet when the bankers call to remind her of the severe debt in her account, she finds herself at the end of the rope. However, one afternoon, she gets a phone call saying that four hundred thousand dollars has just been wired to her account and the person on the other end of the phone is telling her that he wants her on the next plane to bid for an ancient Russian oil painting.

Is this the lucky break she has been waiting for? When the caller keeps his identity hidden and the cost to acquire the item at the auction has no limit, Storm begins to wonder who is on the other line?

This amazing new novel takes you all around the world, while Storm and her friend, Emma who works for Homeland Security begins to unlock the secrets in the antiquities that are being auctioned off and just what their true motives are in obtaining religious items especially one item that has claims to stop time.

Trust me, this is the best action packed book, I've read in quite a long time. I read it in one sitting, not being able to put it down. It held my interest all the way to the end. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars~!!! This is the second in a series of books where Storm Syrrell returns back on paper. The first is Gold of Kings.

I received this book compliments of Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up your copy today, click on the title below:

The Black Madonna

For Time and Eternity

I never stop to ask myself if I should have done anything different. I have lived now nearly forty years with my choices, and sometime hence I will die in His grace. That is the hope no man can steal from me. Not again.

All Camilla Deardon knows of the Mormons camping nearby is the songs she hears floating on the breeze. Then she meets one of them - a young man named Nathan Fox. Never did she imagine he would be so handsome, so charming, especially after Mama and Papa's warnings to stay away.

Though she knows she should obey her parents, Camilla can't refuse her heart. But even Nathan's promises cannot prepare her for what she will face in Utah. (excerpt from back cover).

My Review:

In the book, For Time and Eternity, Allison Pittman introduces us to the Sister Wife series of books. This one transports you back into the life of Camilla Deardon, the fifteen year old only daughter and child to her parents, who are very religious in their Christian up bringing. Being simple farmers their lives consist of raising their daughter in the way of the Lord, by faithfully requiring her to spend time each night reading a chapter of the Bible.

Upon completing her reading, she has to pick a verse from that chapter and carefully write that scripture in her journal with quill and ink, making sure the ink is dry before closing the book. She then must tell her parents what she learned from the chapter, and what her scripture choice is, why she chose that one, and what does it mean to her as a Christian woman growing in the way of the Lord's teachings.

Her father is very stern and it appears through the beginning chapters that the relationship between the mother and father appears strained and challenging. Even her mother admits to Camilla, he isn't quite the same man she fell in love with. Her father is over protective when it comes to Camilla and sternly warns her against associating with the Mormon people that are camped on the outskirts of their property line.

On the way to school one morning, Camilla meets Nathan Fox whose boyish good looks and charms lure her to allow him to carry her heavy load of cheese and bread to school. When she warns him that she shouldn't be talking to him, he casually disappears into the woods, still carrying her load of cheese and bread. He waves to her thanking her for the generosity of helping the hungry people of his camp to eat well tonight instead of gruel.

Over time she finds herself wanting to spend more time with Nathan and only after her father's repeated warnings to stay away, she finds something mysterious about the feelings she has for Nathan. When Nathan's people catch wind that something dangerous and deadly are about to happen to them, he decides to pack things up and head off to Zion. He invites Camilla to join him as his wife even confessing his love to her. Will she go or will she remain with her family and their teachings of what she knows to be the truth?

I received this book, compliments of Glass Road Publications for my honest review. Seeing things from all the perspectives of each of the characters portrayed in the book, gives the reader insight into the differences between the Christian religion and the Mormon ways. It let's the reader draw their own conclusions as the story takes off and for me is just another clear indicator of the reason why I hold on to my own Christian faith! What a great read and I would encourage others to give this book a chance. I would rate this a 4 out of 5 stars! This book is available as a paperback and eBook format!

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

For Time and Eternity

David and Goliath Review and Giveaway

Mary paused and whispered, "Bye, Daddy. I miss you."

She pulled the door closed, creating a dismal hue in the room.

Good. Just leave...and don't bother coming back. I don't want to see any of you again.

David Liberty is a broken, lonely, and embittered old man. With his mind still intact but trapped in a physical failing body, doomed to spend his last remaining days in a nursing home, David welcomes his impending death - his escape from life.

All that changes when he is visited by an angel, Joelle, who confronts his past failings and offers David a second chance at life. At first David scoffs, but the chance to renew his body and live again intrigues him. But there is an extraordinary condition: "You will demonstrate to God through your actions that you believe and love Him," Joelle announces. David must help others reignite their faith so they do not lose their eternity. Faith with works, David soon learns is a living faith.

Temporarily escaping the walls of his nursing home, David is thrown into the lives of people he begins to care deeply for. He hopes to reunite them with God, but he discovers another obstacle - the angel has removed David's ability to speak. His actions alone will define who he is. In addition, David must fight a powerful enemy, who seeks to destroy God's children any way he can - and David, as well.

In the book, David and Goliath, The Guardian Angels Chronicles, by Bryan Hathaway, this is just the way the book opens. We learn that David Liberty used to be a very successful motivational speaker responsible for changing the lives of each person who heard him. Yet the only lives he never changed was his own. He has failed to show the very people whom he loves that he has changed. His was a life of spoken words but never one of action in his own life.

When he is faced with facing death and being trapped inside his own physical body, he wants so desperately to tell those who come to visit how much he loves and cares for them, but can't. Until Joelle shows up and gives David the second chance he's been dreaming of, but he can't speak. He has to show the peoples whose lives he finds himself a part of, that their lives are worth something, and he has to do it with actions only. Only the enemy isn't about to give up his souls so quickly.

This is such a moving story and truly did not expect an ending that I was anticipating, it truly sets itself up as a sequel. This book is like A Wonderful Life meets Highway to Heaven, and I look forward with anticipation to the sequel in this series.

I received this heartwarming, feel good book, compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review.

Thanks to Glass Roads, I am able to offer one lucky winner a copy of this wonderful book. Here are the conditions to this giveaway:

• Be a follower of my blog.

• I must have a way to reach you by email. Please include an email address with your comment.

• This is for US and Canada residents only. No P.O. Boxes please!

• Leave me a comment and tell me if you believe in angels and if you have had an angel encounter. I'd love to hear it.

The giveaway will end on July 20th. Winners will be notified by email.

Nightmare

My Review:

Maia Peters is the daughter of one of the most famous "ghost hunter" parents spending time with them searching for evidence of the existence of ghosts. When Maia attends the opening of the Haunted House attraction in Ghost Town, the hottest amusement park in the country, she isn't about to be swayed by Hollywood special effects. When Maia and her two closest friends encounter the living room within the attraction, Maia suddenly realizes that the mist coming from the wall and the face of her friend Jordin Cole, goes beyond any special effects she has every scene. She is staring at a real ghost. Now she finds that Jordin has gone missing. Did the recent spiritual connection at the Haunted House, provide her with a clue to what has mysteriously happened to Jordin?

This book is really frightening and when I started it, it was light. Due to some of the details involved with ghost sightings within the pages, I knew I had to finish this one before dark. I wanted to review Nightmare by Robin Parrish because it's a Christian suspense thriller and let me tell you it does not disappoint. There are times where I found myself a bit scared and had to take a break but ultimately I honestly believe the author did an outstanding job of keeping this real. Whether or not, you truly believe in ghosts, this book does bring the supernatural spiritual realm into light and it's a book you don't want to miss. I would rate this book 10 out 10 being as good if not better than anything Stephen King has ever written. I'd love to see this one put into a movie! Actually when I was telling my teens about the book, both of them asked if it were a new movie coming out soon. Oh how I wish!

I received Nightmare by Robin Parrish compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. For more information on this book, the author and where you can purchase the book, click on the links below:

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

NightmareBethany House (July 1, 2010)

byRobin Parrish





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about the intersection of faith and pop culture for more than a decade. Currently he serves as Senior Editor at XZOOSIA.com, a community portal that fuses social networking with magazine-style features about entertainment and culture.



He had two great ambitions in his life: to have a family, and to be a published novelist. In March of 2005, he proposed to his future wife the same week he signed his first book contract with Bethany House Publishers. They contracted him for the rights to The Dominion Trilogy: Relentless (2006), Fearless (2007), and Merciless (2008). His science fiction thriller, Offworld came out in 2009. This summer debuts Nightmare, and he's working on another for 2011. Robin and his wife and children live in North Carolina.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Nightmare is Coming...

Ghost Town is the hottest amusement park in the country, offering state-of-the-art chills and thrills involving the paranormal. The park's main ride is a haunted house that promises an encounter with a real ghost.

When Maia Peters visits during her senior year of college, she's not expecting to be impressed. Maia grew up as the only child of a pair of world-renowned "ghost hunters," so the paranormal is nothing new and to her most of the park is just Hollywood special effects. In fact, the ride feels pretty boring until the very end. There, a face appears from the mist. The face of Jordin Cole, a girl Maia knows who disappeared from campus a few months ago.

Convinced what she saw wasn't a hoax and desperate to find answers to Jordin's disappearance, Maia launches into a quest for answers. Joined by Jordin's boyfriend--a pastor's kid with very different ideas about paranormal and the spirit realm--Maia finds herself in a struggle against dangerous forces she never expected to confront on the edge of the spirit realm that try to keep the truth from emerging.


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

Unwilling Warrior

The War between the States has Valerie Fontaine frightened about her future. And when her wealthy father is charged with supplying Federal gunboats in order to save his shipping business, Valerie is suspected of conspiracy. Suddenly she's forced to flee her upscale New Orleans home or be taken into custody by Confederate troops.

Benjamin McCabe has a noble dream to make his mark on the world and has decided that photographing the Civil War is the way to accomplish it. But since the Battle of Bull Run, his brother Luke has been missing and Ben is determined to find him. His stop in New Orleans is supposed to be a temporary one - until he meets and falls in love with Miss Valerie Fontaine.

When Valerie's father is arrested, Ben secures a way for her to leave the city and travel to his family's home where she'll be safe. He promises that as soon as he finds Luke, he'll be home and they can begin their life together. But once Valerie steps off the train she finds herself caught up in a web of lies that threaten to imprison her more than Yankee steel bars ever could. (excerpt from back cover).



My Review:

In Unwilling Warrior by Andrea Boeshaar, we meet Valerie Fontaine who is the daughter of Edward Fontaine, owner of a shipping company that has provided very well for her family. Valerie comes home from boarding school after learning of her mother's death and finds she can no longer concentrate on her studies. When she arrives home, she finds her father has turned to Bourbon as a way of dealing with his grief and loss and wants nothing to do with Valerie.

Benjamin McCabe arrives at the Fontaine household as a guest of Edwards while passing through town in search for the brother he became separated from while photographing the Civil War, while his brother preached to the soldiers. Little does Benjamin know when he meets Valerie, how their lives will completely change and what the future holds for either of them.

I received this book compliments of Glass Road Public Relations in exchange for my honest review and can say I would easily rate this one a 10 out of 10. This wonderful story set during the Civil War here in the states, shows just how prayer affects the outcome of anything life would hand us.

If you would love to know more about this wonderful novel, the author and where to pick up a copy, simply click here:

http://www.andreaboeshaar.com/

Missing Max

When baby Max is kidnapped during Mardi Gras, Jane and Kyle Madison's life falls apart.

What their daughter Melanie, does next is unthinkable.

Max vanished into thin air while in the care of his teenage sister, Melanie. Six months later, the family is a shadow of its former self: Melanie blames herself and is acting out and rebellious; Jane is obsessed with finding Max; and Kyle, a lawyer, struggles to cope with his own grief - and a persistent suspicion that one of his cases is connected to Max's disappearance.

With her family in turmoil and her marriage on the rocks, Jane thinks things can't get any worse. Then when an affair and an unexpected pregnancy threaten to tear the Madison's lives apart, an anonymous caller leads to a break in the case. Can a second kidnapping bring their family back together? (excerpt from back cover).

My Review:

Being a mom, I thought I would find reading this book, Missing Max by Karen Young, to be a challenge based on the content of a child being kidnapped. However upon reading this story I gained insight I had never realized before. You get to see what happens in the lives of this family that is forced to move forward with each day and what the results are in their marriage.

Melanie was supposed to be watching Max while he slept in his stroller and when a Mardi Gras float stops in front of her and her friends, she realizes she knows the people on the float. She is only distracted for a few minutes but it's enough time to realize that her baby brother has been taken.

She frantically calls her mom who has left to get them something to eat and can't believe it when Melanie tells her what has happened. How on earth will they find Max in the middle of a Mardi Gras parade?

Jane feels responsible for leaving Max while she went to get them all something to eat. Melanie feels she is responsible for not keeping her attention on her brother, and Jane's husband Kyle, is upset with them both.

All they find after searching for an hour is a tennis shoe left behind in Max's stroller by the river's edge.

Trust me when I tell you this, the book is amazing. I love how the faith of God is revealed in the families crisis when they at first blame God for taking their son. Yet it's through that same faith that will slowly over time bring the family back to Him. See what amazing details God does throughout this book. I would highly recommend it and give it a 10 out of 10!

I received this book compliments from Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review. If you would like more information about this book, the author and where to purchase a copy of Missing Max, by Karen Young, please click on the link below:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Missing-Max/Karen-Young/e/9781416587491/?itm=2&USRI=missing+max

The Influenza Bomb

Masses of people are dying from a mysterious flu. While the TSI team searches for a cure, a notorious eco-terrorist group, Return to Earth, uses an influenza bomb to poison the water. It's a race against time - with the outcome impacting the entire world.

By the time the team discovers that the terrorists are using the water supply to infect people, the sickness is spreading worldwide and no one has a cure. When Return to Earth makes off with a mysterious device called the influenza bomb with the intent to destroy all mankind, Dr. Hutchinson must stop the contamination from being spread before it's too late. (excerpt back cover).

My Review:

WOW! just about sums up this very real possibility that this very scenario is possible anywhere in the world. The book takes a look back at the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic that killed more people than any previous viral outbreak or war combined. With such a threat looming that it could possibly happen again, with all the talks about the Avian Flu, The Swine Flu and last years H1N1 flu, this book borders on just how realistic and possible something like this could actually happen in the hands of the wrong people with malicious and greed driven intents.

The book takes history and modern day and blends the doomsday scenario perfectly. It even goes back to Hitler's time in Germany where it's believed he tested his chemical weapons on the prisoners in the concentration camps. The new Influenza bomb is more lethal than the Spanish Influenza in 1918 and kills its victims within a matter of hours in a chilling and very painful death.

I received the book, The Influenza Bomb, by Walter L. Larimore, MD and Paul McCusker, compliments of Glass Road Public Relations and rate this a perfect 10 out of 10. For those of you that love a bit of historical fact tossed in with the possibility that this could become a very real scenario, then this is the book for you. I absolutely loved in and read the whole 431 pages in a matter of hours. I had to see how it ended, and it definitely did not disappoint.

For more information on this book, the authors and where to get a copy of the book for yourself, please click on the link below:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Influenza-Bomb/Paul-McCusker/e/9781416569756/?itm=2&USRI=the+influenza+bomb+tsi+series

This book is available in paperback and eBook formats for digital books.

The Six Liter Club

Camille Weller has arrived as the first African-American attending in the trauma service of the Medical College of Virginia. Never mind that the locker rooms are labeled "doctors" and "nurses" rather than "men" and "women" or that her dark skin communicates "incapable" to many of her white male colleagues in the OR. Camille has battled prejudices her entire career, but those battles were small spats compared to what she faces now.

When a colleague discovers a lump in her breast, she believes Dr. Camille Weller is the best doctor for her. Together, they decide on a course of treatment that bucks the established medical system, keeping Camille firmly in the crosshairs of male surgeons already riddled with skepticism and suspicion.

Her success as a surgeon is jeopardized further when dark whispers from her childhood in Africa plague Camille's thoughts. Bewildering panic attacks instill fear in a surgeon bent on maintaining the control, pace, and direction of her own life. Unable to shake the flashes of memory, Camille is forced to face a past she has not acknowledged since the death of her father on an African mission field. Who was he? Who was she? And why would either of those answers affect her present? (excerpt from back cover).

My Review:

In the book, the Six Liter Club, by Harry Kraus, MD, I absolutely loved the story from page one. It's a story similar to an episode of your favorite medical show with more drama and intensity than I have seen in a medical fiction novel in quite some time. It holds your interest in every single page!

The Six Liter Club is a prestigious club on men who have saved the lives of patients that have lost six liters of blood and still lived. Today, Camille becomes not only the first woman, but also the first African American surgeon as well to join the "boy's club". She finally thinks this is what it will take for the men in the hospital to finally see the potential she brings as a trauma surgeon at the Medical College of Virginia.

However during one private conversation, Camille learns the real reason behind her being hired and it doesn't have to do with her medical qualifications. Just how long will she last here? Odds are exactly in her favor. So does she have what it takes to outlast and prove her worth here or will she simply pack her bags and become a resident instead? Will the God she met on the missions field with her father, help her during this time of indecision?

This book was amazing and I read it in one sitting. I wasn't able to predict my way through this book and found the ending humorous, tearful, and surprising uplifting. I only hope that Harry Kraus, MD, the author decides to create a sequel for this novel.

I received this book, compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my review and this is a must have for anyone's permanent library. I again rate this book 10 out of 10!

For more information on this book, the author and where to get your very own copy, click on the link below:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Six-Liter-Club/Harry-Kraus/e/9781416577973/?itm=2&USRI=the+six+liter+club

This book is available in paperback and eBook formats for your reading pleasure.

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UPDATE:

Due to the overwhelming responses on how much you all loved this book, Glass Roads is offering a giveaway copy to one lucky winner. Please NO P.O. Boxes and US or Canada residents only. Just be a follower of mine and post about this giveaway on your blog. That's all there is too it. The more people you tell, the more chances you have of winning this book.