The Choosing

"Truth Six: Not to be chosen would yield a cruel fate of my own making."

You are nothing.

The statements stuck  on repeat and Carrington couldn't turn them off - because they were true, because she was nothing. This was of her own making. As her mother reminded her before she left, she was not chosen. She is nothing.

Carrington Hale, thought despite all her efforts and that of her mother, that she would be chosen. That even right now, she would be with a man who would choose her as his future wife and the mother of their children, instead of where she is right now. Stripped of everything she was before arriving at the Stacks, her new home and wearing the new label of Lint. One who now serves the rest of the city doing whatever trade she would be assigned. She couldn't go back. She would have to accept her new fate. She must remember "As God set forth the law, so the law must be obeyed." This is her new life.

In the debut novel from author Rachelle Dekker, The Choosing is a Christian dystopian novel that combines what I would call a cross between The Divergent Series and The Hunger Games, but with a definite Christian twist. This is one series you won't want to miss and you are immediately hooked from page one.

Girls that are 17 find themselves preparing for what is called the Choosing Ceremony. They have planned for this moment their entire lives. Hoping to catch one man's eye since women were seen as having to submit to man's authority and thus to serve in the capacity of starting a home and family by being chosen! For Carrington Hale, she was at the top of her class and never for one minute did her family ever dream that she wouldn't. Now faced with no longer being able to see or visit with her family, she has been relegated to dwell as a Lint in one of many assigned trades that serve the Capital. It is the last place any one would want to live. Lints are the lowest form of citizen in the city and no one was allowed to interact with them.

Issac Knight is known as the Authority, the ruling class that sets the example of law and order for those that live in the city. Since the Ruining, he has been able to create a way of life that everyone in the city deems is appropriated following the examples laid out in the book of Veritas. His word is law and anyone who conflicts with the laws are punished. No one dares question the Authority as that is how they have all managed to survive. Now with his wife passing away, he hopes to convince the Council that he should take another wife, since he has no son to pass along his position as heir. Will Carrington get another chance at redemption or will this be a fate worse than death?

I received The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker as a self purchase from Tyndale House Publishers and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. All I know after reading this one, is Ted Dekker has competition in his daughter's amazing ability to pull on the heart strings of what every woman faces, the need for affirmation of our self worth. I absolutely LOVE the science fiction flair that she incorporates this theme that Carrington struggles with in resolving who she really is outside from what others believe she is. The twist to this one is one you won't want to miss as someone is killing Lints in hopes of redeeming them to holiness from the level that have fallen as societies lowest form of life, while another named Aaron is convincing them that there is another way outside of what the Authority deems is righteous and true. I literally inhaled this novel in one sitting because it is that engaging and one that provides such interaction with the reader, you have to keep going to see how it will all play out. The only downside is the sequel to this isn't available until spring of 2016. This is the first novel in the Seer series and one this reader will definitely be waiting for. 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion!!!

For more information about The Choosing, Rachelle Dekker or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

You can find Rachelle Dekker on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Choosing, please visit Tyndale House Publishers. 

Justified

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Justified David C. Cook (June 1, 2015) by Varina Denman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An avid reader and blogger, Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about Christian women and the unique struggles they face. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and is currently working on the three-book Mended Heart Series. The first book in the series, Jaded, won the 2013 ACFW Genesis contest for romance.

Varina attended three Texas universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in the local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature.

Even though Varina has spoken at ladies’ retreats and taught women’s Bible classes, she finds the greatest fulfillment facilitating prayer groups. She lives in Burleson, Texas, where she helps with Family Ministry in her home congregation. Varina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and North Texas Christian Writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.

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

The Proposal at Siesta Key

(Sigh!!) That is what I do whenever I read any of Shelley Shepard Gray's Amish novels. First, because they are so exceptionally well written that I simply forget where I am for the duration of the time it takes me to read it (in one sitting), and the other because I am so sad that it's over too soon! Once again, Shelley takes us back to Pinecraft, Florida in her second installment of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, with The Proposal at Siesta Key!

This was inspired by a true life event Shelley witnessed when visiting the Amish town of Pinecraft and saw a small group of missionaries sharing their story with those gathered and this inspired her to write about the Knoxx family, Mennonites who were taking their story on the road of what their son Michael endured with the loss of his leg during a bike accident. Now feeling it has been a calling from God on their life, they find themselves as guests at the Orange Blossom Inn while spending a couple days on their tour sharing the story. It will be one that will be both life-changing and unforgettable.

Penny Troyer at 24, is trying to find a way to tell her parents, that all their protectiveness they have had in her life, is gotten to the point where she feels she isn't living a life but merely existing in theirs since the tragedy that took the life of her sister Lissy and left them wanting to protect the only daughter they have left. But what it has done in the process is eliminated the chance for Penny to establish friends and do all the kinds of things a young teenage girl would have, to find someone to love and perhaps even get a job. Now she simply needs to find a way to tell them she wants to go with a friend to see the traveling Knoxx family at the park, but the conversation happening in her mind is much easier than the one she will be having with both of her parents.

I received The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Avon Inspired Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. Aside from my complimentary copy of the novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. One day I can only hope to make a visit to the Amish town of Pinecraft and view the places Shelley describes in her book at the conclusion. What a charming place it must be where the pace of life is much slower and a bit more simple than the rat race most of us face. Truly it is no wonder so many come to visit and end up making Pinecraft their own home! I know I would hate to leave and thus the reason for always finishing these novels much too soon! There is a sneak peek at her next novel coming up included which means I won't have to wait too long. Well worth a stellar 5 out of 5 stars and be warned there is a great recipe for Chocolate Pecan Pie included as well!

For more information about The Proposal at Siesta Key, Shelley Shepard Gray or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray

You can find Shelley Shepard Gray on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Proposal at Siesta Key, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page.

Penny's time with Michael has brought happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? #giveaway @ShelleySGray http://bit.ly/1Hue7QK 

Saving Mossy Point

Throughout all of human history, never would people have ever thought that our national parks would face closure simply based on financial issues, yet that is such the premise in the latest novel by Donna Winters, Saving Mossy Point. As money gets tight, Mossy Point State Parkfaces closure unless it can find a way to end this year in the black, but it will take some creativity to make that happen and Betty Hanson, a widow and long time resident of Mossy Point fears that unless they find a way, the town that depends on the tourists that come to visit the park, will move away and leave Mossy Point, a ghost town along with several other state parks throughout the country that are facing the same financial pressures.

With the help of several volunteers and residents, Betty seeks to renovate an old Lahti cabin would be just the perfect location to offer a folk school, a place where people could come and learn a trade, from photography lessons, painting or arts and crafts. She is hoping to get just as creative on locating the supplies they will need to pull this off, she can only hope it is not as bad as she remembers. In the midst of getting this program underway, Betty's grandson shows up unexpectedly at her home with just the clothes on his back. He's supposed to be in college, but he soon tells her he has made his way across the country to arrive at her home hoping she might allow him to stay. One thing is for sure, Betty can use an extra set of hands from Carlos in a way to help pay for the clothes and food he is sure to need staying with her. But will it be enough? Mossy Point State Park has not turned a profit since the park opened in 1959. One thing for sure is its going to take a miracle to make this happen!

I received Saving Mossy Point by Donna Winters compliments of Upon The Rock Publicists and Bigwater Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a complimentary copy of the novel. The opinions contained in this are strictly my own. The best part of this novel is the wonderful set of characters that are part of bringing this story to life. I love how there are two vastly different groups who have alternative plans for the park and soon find themselves working against one another to accomplish their own purposes. This would make an exceptional summer read for young adults looking for a great novel with a conservation theme and being good stewards of what God has so richly blessed us with. I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This is the 17th book in the Great Lakes Romance Series!

For more information about Saving Mossy Point, Donna Winters or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Saving Mossy Point by Donna Winters

You can find Donna Winters on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews of Saving Mossy Point, please visit Upon the Rock's website. 

Virtuous - DVD Review

In light of programming available for our families, it is such a thrill to find incredible movies that are not only amazing but share a valuable moral lesson straight from the Bible as if they are modern day parables. Receiving 5 out of 5 Doves, by the Dove Foundation, Virtuous from JC Films has been released on DVD for your home entertainment. It conveys the message behind the Proverbs 31 woman, one of faith, integrity, wisdom, and honor!

Singer/songwriter Brandy Allison stars as Simone Burner, a young college student who is returning home late one night after working a double shift as a waitress only to be followed by a man Patrick Walters, she meets with a group of friends outside a club. They want Simone to stay and enjoy the evening but she is too tired to stay. Instead of accepting her refusal to join them, Patrick tries to convince Simone to come stay with them, and no matter how hard she tries to dissuade him, he won't take no for an answer. Inside a dark alcove as they struggle, he is shot and Simone is left as a person of interest, especially when the gun she said she found on the ground outside her apartment goes missing.

A District Attorney looking for re-election caves to the wealth of Patrick's grandfather, who insists that Simone be charged with murder and her arrest be made swiftly. They incorporate one of the officers assigned to the case,  Detective Avery, who is convinced that Simone is guilty despite all the evidence facing her. She is assigned the case along with sealed documents from Simone's less than stellar past to help bring about the charges as quickly as possible. Simone's only chance for redemption is through an attorney Jack Evans (Erik Estrada) who offers free consultation for any case. Along the way, three other stories begin to emerge along the way of other women who are struggling to find their own self worth in a world that wants only to condemn and control them.

I received Virtuous by JC Films and Edify Media Inc for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review with only a complementary copy of the DVD provided. The opinions in this review are strictly my own. I really LOVED the overwhelming theme of the movie as it really pertains to women's struggle for discovering self worth and affirmation doesn't need to come from the world or anyone but through knowing we are daughters of the One True King, Jesus Christ! A must for any young girl struggling with low self esteem or finding out who she is outside of what the world has to offer. There is even a Behind The Scenes Look with the Cast and Crew included and a Discussion Guide is available at VirtuousFilm.com. Well worth every single 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Virtuous, JC Films or where you can pick up a copy of this DVD today, please click on the links below:

Virtuous by JC Films

You can find JC Films on Facebook to stay up to date on all their latest family films.

To purchase a copy of Virtuous from Amazon, please click here.

When Calls the Heart: Trials of the Heart DVD Review

If you are looking for some great quality family movies, then you might want to check out When Calls the Heart, a heartwarming series that is reminiscent of Little House on the Prairie but now for this generation. Michael Landon Jr. is the executive producer for the series that has been gaining popularity on the Hallmark Channel and now is beginning it's second season! I have absolutely fall in love with every aspect of this series, because in light of the programming you find on television these days, there isn't much there in the way of good moral values and family friendly shows the entire family can watch. This series is based on the novel When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke!

As Season Two begins we capture the season premiere with Trials of the Heart in this DVD episode. A lot has changed from season one, especially with all our major and well-loved characters. Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) has been a schoolteacher for Coal Valley and has begun a new start out west despite coming from a family of affluence. When her mother falls ill, she feels she must return home now that school is out for the summer so she can spare the time. She is escorted back home by her love interest Canadian Mounty Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who ensures her safe passage back home to the town of Hamilton. Once there, Elizabeth's father has hopes that she will fall in love and marry her childhood friend Charles Kensington, but he has to dissuade Jack that Elizabeth hopes for a better life are here in Hamilton and with Charles who can offer her the life her parents have always wanted.

Jack can't stay and immediately makes plans to head back to Coal Valley and leaves Elizabeth wondering what has happened between them. He only gives her the assurance that he will be waiting for her if she decides to return to Coal Valley. Meanwhile the sizzling anticipated romance between Abigail Stanton (Lori Laughlin), a widow and cafe owner in Coal Valley and investigator for the Canadian Mounties, Bill Avery (Jack Wagner). But now just as Bill returns on another case, a woman shows up claiming to be Bill's wife and she advises Abigail to look no further for any relationship with Bill. Oh what an interesting beginning for this series as love for our favorite women hang in the balance.

I received When Calls the Heart: Trials of the Heart compliments of the Word Entertainment and Edify Media for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and received a complimentary copy of the DVD to review. The opinions contained here are my own. I love this series and can't wait to see how it will all play out. Once again we have to have conflict for our characters otherwise where would the series go from there. The one thing I don't care for in the season opener is the liberties that are taken with the clothing and hairstyles some of the women are wearing. I know they might be going for a more casual approach but during the time period depicted in this series, women still wore their hair up and were not seen with it down except when they were at home in the company of their husbands or family. It seems to have lost that originality in keeping with the consistency it had in the first series and I hope they realize it before the series ends. Well worth all 5 out of 5 stars in keeping with a family friendly series the entire family can watch together. This DVD even includes some bonus features like exclusive behind the scenes interviews!

For more information about When Calls the Heart: Trials of the Heart DVD or where you can pick up a copy of this today, please click on the links below:

When Calls The Heart: Trials of the Heart DVD

You can find When Calls the Heart on Facebook to get more information about the series.

You can purchase a copy of When Calls the Heart: Trials of the Heart on DVD through Amazon. 

The Lost Prophet

What if there were actual places located in the depths of the Middle East that corresponded to the Bible? What if all those ancient tombs where the prophets of old were buried in caves along with their ancestors was real? What if someone was out to ensure that they were destroyed no matter how significant their contribution was to ancient history?

In an amazing novel that rivals that of such notable authors like Don Brown and Davis Bunn, comes James McPike, a name you won't want to forget. In The Lost Prophet, a group of people looking to destroy every last trace of the ancient prophets of old such as Abraham's entire line, Zechariah and on the verge of locating the missing grave of Moses before they can be stopped. Led by the notorious evil Dimitri Markovich who is being aided by a supernatural presence from ancient history to set about a diabolical plot that is virtually unstoppable.

The Israeli Defense is looking at stopping these men who will kill any witnesses to their crime and is being headed up by Vince Ramsey, a man who has a record of bringing in those responsible for crimes against Israel's historical landmarks in the past. Now he is once again being called upon by the Ministry to help find whoever is responsible before they locate another target. They have already destroyed the Tomb of the Prophets and killed innocent civilians who were part of a group touring the ancient site. With war and terrorists groups racing all around the Middle East with Hezbollah, ISIS and Hamas, Vince will have his work cut out for him. Now he will need to follow the ancient clues from the Bible in hopes of catching this man before he secures not on the lost Ark of the Covenant by locates the body of Moses which has never been found.

I received The Lost Prophet by James McPike compliments of CreateSpace and the author himself for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside the complimentary copy of the novel. This is the 2nd novel in the Ramsey Series, and I am truly sorry I didn't read the first one as there are some references to previous missions that Vince had tackled but hope to resolve that very soon. This is such a nail biter, with almost non stop action from the very first page. It's like Indiana Jones meets Jason Bourne or Ethan Hunt. You get a sense of urgency that time is running out and there is a sinister sense of evil at hand when Dimitri keeps walking away without being captured leaving behind more victims to his rising body count. What really works well in this for me, is the authenticity of the locations. Whenever I am reading something like this, I use the Internet to see if these are made up locations or are based on real places. The author did an exceptional job at truly keeping this real and honestly believable. I inhaled it in one sitting simply because I could NOT put it down. It is that amazing. An adrenaline junkie's perfect novel because it is a roller coaster ride to the very end. Well worth all 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion!

For more information about The Lost Prophet, James B. McPike or where you pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Lost Prophet by James B. McPike

You can pick up a copy of this book on Amazon by clicking here.