The Captive Heart

The latest novel, The Captive Heart is the second book in the Daughters of Caleb Bender series by Dale Cramer and could easily be read as a stand alone book as well. The first chapter is dedicated to an overview of just how the Bender family arrived in Mexico after leaving Ohio. They were facing a lot of persecution from the local government and school board for being Amish and adopting the Amish ways of life in regards to the education and raising of their children. Faced with jail time unless they were willing to change, the Bender family opted to move to Mexico for a new chance at living the life they have come to love without any interference from outsiders. The land was also cheap to purchase and ripe for a new start.

Now in the midst of the Mexican Revolution, the Bender family is having to deal with renegade bandits who will rob the family, kill their livestock and take the women because no one has stopped them up to this point. With the exception of Domingo, a Mexican farm hand her father has hired, the Amish community is at a loss for how to deal with this situation since the family does not believe in violence or even carrying weapons except for hunting.

However when the renegade group of bandit lead by El Pantera insist on provoking the Amish community to the point of kidnapping one of the women, they wonder if God will really be the answer to their prayers and protect them. Will Miriam find a way to fall in love with Domingo despite the fact he isn't an Amish man or will God have other plans for her?

I received the book, The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and was so excited to discover that this was the next book following Paradise Valley! This was a bonus for me and the excitement that is unfolding in each chapter keeps the reader flipping pages as fast as they can read just to see what will happen next. I could not put it down until I finished the final page in under four hours, and for me, that makes this an exceptional novel well worth 5 out of 5 stars.

Here's even more information regarding the author, the book and even a first chapter sneak peek below:

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Captive Heart Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Dale Cramer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dale Cramer spent his formative years traveling the world as an Army brat, then settled in Georgia at the age of fifteen when his father retired.

After high school he became an electrician, a job that took him to places as diverse as power plants, stadia, airports, high-rise office buildings and a hard-rock mining operation.

Twenty-five years of experiences in the trades provided him with the wealth of characters, stories and insights that populate his novels.

When he married his childhood friend, Pam, in 1975 he had no way of knowing they would not have children until fifteen years later.

In his early forties, when Dale left his job to become a stay-at-home dad, he suddenly found himself with time on his hands, so he pursued a lifelong dream and taught himself to write.

Using an online writer’s forum as a training ground, he wrote his first short stories in 1996. As his writing skills improved he turned to novels, publishing his first book, Sutter’s Cross, in 2003.

Since then, Dale has published four more novels and garnered a measure of critical acclaim with two Christy Awards, a listing among Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2004 and numerous other Best lists. Dale and his wife Pam live in Georgia with their two sons.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley. When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio. What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Captive Heart, go HERE

Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars

What do we do when someone tells us that they need our prayers? Do we simply acknowledge their request and hope we'll remember to lift up their needs in prayer before the end of the day, or do we stop and send the prayer up right away?

Most of us have been asked to pray for someone in the course of our lives but very few have dedicated themselves to become a prayer warrior. Not just praying for the needs of people they know, but to go so far as to pray for people they don't know, states away, even for entire countries or the world. Yet in the book, Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars, author Marilynn Chadwick was called to begin her journey into world wide prayer when 9/11 happened.

Inside the book she details her own experiences with prayer and how effective prayers can be achieved in a deeper level. She chronicles her own stories of what prayer has done in her lives and in the lives of those she has prayed for and in the end, you'll have a vision of just what your prayers can become.

I received the book, Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars compliments of Howard Books compliments of Simon and Schuster for my honest review. When I agreed to review this book, I was looking for insight into enriching my own personal prayer life. Sometimes it seemed that my prayers lack a personal touch, a real connection between me and God and I needed help.

In this book, I learned some skills to really evaluate what I am praying for and how I need to become more effective. How to set aside some personal time and really get in touch with God during quiet time. I learned how Elijah, Peter, Paul and Jesus used prayer in their communication to God. We need to be alert, be specific and pray with authority as a believer in Christ and child of God. There are so many great tips on how to become an effective prayer warrior that anyone looking for help in this area of their lives, should get this book. I would rate it a 5 out of 5 stars and will be a resource book for me during the remainder of my own life as well as assisting others in their own prayers.

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

Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars by Marilynn Chadwick

One Perfect Word

I've been reading a book that just came out from one of my favorite authors, Debbie Macomber, called One Perfect Word. It's about focusing the entire year on just one word and making that your personal focus for the year. Praying on it, seeking God's will for that in your life and just studying it.

The book is really eye opening in that Debbie is very honest and forth coming on her journey to becoming a writer. Prior to having her books published, she wrote in journals a lot about her struggles and thoughts. Looking back at her own writing, she can see where God has taken her through each year and thus the reason why the personal focus on the "one word" has come into play.

She shares some of those word years with the reader in the book and encourages us to do the same. Along the way she shares with you how to go about picking your word of the year. Maybe it's something that keeps coming across your prayers, conversations and Bible study. Perhaps you should talk to friends and see what they believe it should be. She offers some interesting ways to go about seeing how that word will play out during the year as well from having it engraved in stone, carrying a reminder with you to pray about it during your days or having it written on a card or plaque.

I think the idea is beautiful and can help us to focus on smaller things, not bigger ones like committing a chapter or verse to memory each week but rather learn to see how God is working on your life through one simple word. Along with the fourteen words that Debbie shares with you in this book along with personal stories, are also scriptures, her written prayers from her journals, and even some practical tips on how to make the word come alive in a different mediums. This book is going to be an exciting journey for me this year and one I am so happy to be able to share with my readers.

I received this book compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster for my honest review and think it's a must read for anyone looking to enhance their Bible Studies! I rate this one a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and have started my own personal journey this year with the word TRUST! For more information on this book, the author and even where to get a first chapter sneak peek, please click on the links below:

One Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber

You can also find Debbie at her website by clicking here or on Facebook by clicking here.

Wayward Son

For centuries it seems the devil has been using our own personal guilt to keep us bound in our own prisons. Things we have done in our past serve as countless reminders he uses to keep us from the forgiveness and freedom that is ours to enjoy.

In the novel, Wayward Son, by Tom Pollack along with Jim Alves and John Loftus, the three will take the reader into an unexpected journey through the history of time. Beginning with Amanda Jones, who is a gifted linguist who works for the Getty Museum having a huge history in archeological digs, she finds herself at the disposal of Juan Carlos once more. He has requested her presence in Italy at what is slated to be the biggest find since the Dead Sea Scrolls. Apparently a recent earthquake has created a crack in the earth surfaces that has revealed a set of bronze doors that only she can reach and decode with her knowledge of ancient languages.

What she isn't expecting is to gain the ultimate lesson in history since the beginning of time by unlocking the doors long buried since the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Now Amanda will journey through the biblical history with a discovery that she has found Cain, the reported child of Adam and Eve in the Genesis chapter of the Bible. Seeing history through his eyes, she gets an idea of what lies hidden behind the doors and just who will stop at nothing to make sure that she doesn't get out of the chamber alive.

I received Wayward Son compliments of Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review and LOVED it. Being a huge fan of not only biblical history but also world history, this book chroniciles the history of Cain's murder of his brother Abel and the guilt that has followed him and the curse he felt God has placed on his head since he was discovered. It was such a fantastic journey through history, I forgot I was reading a novel and was so completely immersed in the story as seen through the eyes of Cain. This is by far one of the most exceptional books I have had the pleasure to review and thus think it truly deserves 5 out of 5 stars. For anyone who loves biblical or world history, this is the perfect novel for you with a bit of Indiana Jones suspense action thrown in to keep you reading til the final page.

For more information about this book, the author, a sneak peek into the book itself and where to pick up a copy of this book, please click on the link below:

Wayward Son by Tom Pollack, Jim Alves and John Loftus

The Rose of Winslow Street

Libby Sawyer is well loved by the children of Colden, Massachusetts. She breathes life into her paintings capturing the flowers and plants in such detail they almost seem to be real. She can visualize the paint colors in such detail she can have them mixed without knowing what goes into them. That's good because Libby can't read. She's spent her childhood trying to learn with countless tutors and teachers but no one has been able to help. Her father doesn't think highly of her at all and has made sure to keep Libby's self esteem as low as possible when it suits him. Being a creative inventor, he has asked Libby to document his inventions so he has a record of his progress but he doesn't see her talents behind his own personal needs.

Michael Dobrescu has moved his entire family from Romania in search of a home left to him in a will from his late Uncle Constantine when he moved to America. When he arrives to Massachusetts, he finds the house in great condition, locked and at one point apparently lived in. However Michael is confident that once he gains possession of the property, he will allow the courts in the US decide whether the property is really his. It's easier to defend a property once you are in it. So he moves his two young boys, his ailing sister and his friends into the home to stay.

Only when the residents of Colden learn that the Dobrescu family has claimed the Sawyer home while they are on summer vacation, this is where the story will get interesting. Within Libby and Michael's lives they are both maintaining secrets that have brought them to a crossroads at the Sawyer home and will ultimately change not only their lives but the lives of every single person who crosses their paths.

I received The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and truly LOVED this heart-felt story set in the 1900's as families were beginning to come to America in hopes of a great life. This is such a great story that showcases the beauty of what is inside us all if we are simply willing to embrace the way God has created us instead of trying to be something we aren't. It teaches us about simplicity and unconditional love through the pages of this novel and once again, Ms. Camden does an exceptional job at transporting the reader to a different time and place! Another wonderful 5 out of 5 stars!

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

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Rose of Winslow Street Bethany House (January 1, 2012)

by Elizabeth Camden


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.


When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with the mysterious past.


As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain.


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Rose of Winslow Street, go HERE.

The Confession

Once again Charles Todd takes his readers into a deeply woven mystery that will leave you completely second guessing yourself to the very end. In his latest novel, The Confession, once more we follow Scotland Yard's Ian Rutledge as he meets with a strange man who confesses that he's dying of stomach cancer and wishes to leave his conscience clear. He reveals that his name is Wyatt Russel, and that he has killed his long time friend Justin Fowler.

Before Rutledge can question Wyatt Russel any further, he gets a report that he is found murdered, floating in the Thames River just hours after talking to him. As Rutledge begins his investigation into Russel's hometown of Furnham, he learns that there is more to the town than meets the eye, and it's residents want to be sure to keep it that way.

This is my second novel from Charles Todd, and I can honestly say, he writes so well you have a difficult time setting the book down to accomplish anything except to pick it back up again to solve the mystery. I received this book compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and now consider myself a true fan. What I mean by that statement is that I will read anything that has his name on it because he has sold me on his amazing writing talents so I know it will be a great book! This one rates a 5 out of 5 stars and is sure to be a hit of anyone who loves a great mystery!!

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

The Confession by Charles Todd

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

Being a young woman in the early 1800's left very little in the way of choice for love and marriage. Most of the time, you were expected to find not only an eligible man but one of some means to provide for you and the family you were expected to bring into the world. However when Margaret Macy learns of her stepfather, Sterling's plans to marry her off to his nephew when he learns that when she turns 25, she will inherit a vast fortune of her own. When Margaret politely tells Marcus she isn't interested in him, Sterling reminds him to do whatever it takes to make the marriage happen, even if it means soiling her reputation.

Nathaniel Upchurch has returned from helping his father with their sugar plantation in Barbados and also from leaving London when Margaret Macy rejects his marriage proposal while her heart beats for his brother Lewis, a lifelong flirt who has no hopes of marrying anyone. Has the time being gone for these few years helped heal the wound in his heart or will he find a new way to win Margaret's heart once more?

In the latest novel by Julie Klassen, The Maid at Fairbourne Hall is a reverse Cinderella story at heart. Margaret Macy leaves her home and turns to the life of a maid hoping to hide from Sterling and Marcus who are searching all over London for her. While earning her keep at Fairbourne Hall, she learns that she has been hired to work for the Upchurch family. Will she be able to keep her disguise or will she try and convince Lewis and Nathaniel of her stepfather's plot to marry her for her money?

I received this novel compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and loved it. Taking me to the early 18oo's in London, the reader gets an insiders look at what the life of hired help was like working for rich families and how they find the delight in the simplest of pleasures, that the rich take advantage of. This is a must read for fans of Jane Austen and who love the romance that comes from the time period. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read more novels by Julie Klassen!

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

The Maid at Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen