A Promise to Protect

"Tristan is the closest thing I have to a brother. He's worried about you, and so am I. Let me help."

Fear flicked through Ashley's eyes as she whispered, "Someone almost ran me over."

"Tristan said something about a letter," Matt pressed.

Ashley nodded. "When I got home that day, there was an anonymous note saying that someone wanted hsi property back."

His gut clenched. What kind of jerk threatened a bettered women's shelter? "Listen, I'm in town for a few days. Let me look into things."

She smiled up at him. "Thanks, but I got the note more than a week ago. If there was any danger, something else would have happened by now."

As they reached her car, her smile died. He didn't have to ask if she still thought the threat had passed as she took in the smashed windshield of her coupe. Tucked under a wiper blade, the person responsible for the mess had left a clear message.

If I don't get what's mine, you'll get what's yours. (pg. 18).

In the latest suspense romance novel from Liz Johnson, A Promise to Protect involves Matt Waterstone, a Navy SEAL who is recovering from an injury who takes on an investigation and protection of his best friend's sister, Ashley is almost run over. Since she took over helping women find safety and refuge at Lil's Place, a battered women's shelter this is her first time that the threat levels for her personal safety have taken on a different meaning.

It seems that helping a young Asian woman, named Joy seems to be the only link in helping both Matt and Ashley uncover who is behind a string of increasingly violent threats against Ashley. While she thinks its no more threatening than ex-boyfriends or husbands she has dealt with in the past, these threats are now involving the personal safety of the women and children in the shelter unless Ashley returns Joy. Even the local small town police don't seem to have enough resources to help locate the person responsible and when a lady who aided Joy turns up missing, Ashley and Matt know that this threat is personal and it won't stop until Joy is returned or Ashley is made to pay for her intervention.

I received A Promise To Protect compliments of Liz Johnson and Harlequin's Love Inspired Series for my honest review. This is perfect to take along in your purse to read anywhere, but trust me once you get started, you'll be hooked until you reach the final page. Liz does just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat with enough suspense to keep you frantically turning pages hoping to find out just what happens, both to solving the threat to Ashley and to seeing if the romantic tension between Matt and Ashley connects with true love for them both. I easily rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and can't wait for more from Liz in the future. The Love Inspired series from Harlequin is geared to the Christian Romance reader and is one I am certain you will enjoy.

For more information about A Promise to Protect, Liz Johnson or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

A Promise To Protect by Liz Johnson

• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired (November 27, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373445180
• ISBN-13: 978-0373445189
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches

The Captains' Airline: Pushing Back From The Brink

As someone who has a great fear of flying when I saw the request to review Art Samson's book, The Captains' Airline:Pushing Back From The Brink I knew I would immediately enjoy this one. Art writes a fictional story based on actual events that really happened. He immediately takes you into the cockpit to see what it's like from both a pilot's perspective from also from the flight crew and even passengers. The best part of this book for me is that I didn't have to leave the ground to enjoy it. Now I have a completely different perspective into what really goes on during commercial airline flights and hopefully will provide a sense of peace whenever I chance a trip on a plane in my near future.

As Art opens the novel with a perspective in what can happen whenever human error is involved in some of the greatest tragedies to occur with the sinking of the Titanic along with the latest plane crash involving Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger with United Airways Flight 1549 that landed safely in the Hudson River mostly in part to the experience of the flight team working together. "In fact if you consider the statistics lately, as of November 2011 there have been no loss of life on a major U.S. carrier in nearly ten years because of the basic principles of effective human interaction and team dynamics - known in the industry as crew resource management or CRM. These are the key ingredients in maneuvering our technological marvels safely through the skies. Effective problem solving occurs when leaders elicit information and expertise from every team member. Greater success does not result from a new technological gadget, a more detailed operating manual, or an arbitrary government mandate, as previously imagined. It is all about the team." (pg 3). Art does an exceptional job at articulating this perfectly as he combines the historically accurate accounts of many accidents and hair-raising incidents with a tale of transformation within one fictional airline.

Through the fictional account involving an airline company called Omega who is undergoing some accidents and near misses that are making the airline less than profitable, Art walks us through the typical flight of what happens when weather plays a factor in trying to land a large commercial plane. Using all the typical dialogue that would be found between the flight crew, he offers readers a chance to get a true bird's eye view of what goes on. How some pilots think that they are the final word in the cockpit and how simple mistakes can be avoid by better communication with not only the cockpit crew, flight crew and even ground operations. He also shows how persuasive some of the aircraft companies can be in making sure that no matter what happens resulting in failure of the planes, that they are kept looking like the good guys even when it comes to mechanical failure at times.

I received The Captains' Airline: Pushing Back From The Brink by Art Samson compliments of the author himself and Bostick Communications for my honest review. I was cringing at times even though this was a fictional based story involving some historical incidents from 1988 to current and often found myself remembering similar stories involving airlines in regards to the facts. In one particular incident the airlines is having issues with the rudder issues sticking and immediately I remembered that hitting the news until the airline recalled all their planes to check for the issue. Makes you wonder how long they knew about these things before the manufacturer and airline got involved to help protect passenger safety. If you love books about airline travel and what really goes on behind the scenes, then like me, I know you'll really enjoy this one. In my opinion, I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars.

For more information about The Captains' Airline, Art Samson and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

The Captains' Airline by Art Samson

• Paperback: 428 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 22, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1479342823
• ISBN-13: 978-1479342822
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

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

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

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

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

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

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

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

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

Godwink Stories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godwink Stories: A Devotional by Squire Rushnell and Louise Duart

You can also find more information on Godwink Stories website. 

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

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

Shattered Silence

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

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

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

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

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley

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

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

Judge

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

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

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

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

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

Judge by R.J. Larson 

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

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

Simply Irresistible ~ Guest Post from Naomi King

Simply Irresistible:
Cute Kids and Heroic Dogs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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