Monday, October 8, 2012

It's Monday What are you Reading?


It's Monday What Are You Reading? is a book Meme that is hosted by Sheila over at Book Journey.  this is where we share what we have been reading lately.  Head over to Book Journey and check out what others are reading.  You may just find you next favorite book.

Last Week on the blog

Book review of
Escaping the Cauldron: Exposing occult influences in everyday life
Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire

Book Review of
Life with Lily
Life with Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Review of
Where the Trail Ends - cover
Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson

Book Review of
Queen of the Waves - cover
Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Book Review of
You Don't Know Me Cover
You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

On the Blog this Week

The Memory Jar (Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors, #1)
The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

I, Michael Bennett
Audio review of I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

The Mustard Seeds
The Mustard Seeds by Karen Mueller Bryson

Love's Providence
Love's Providence by Jennifer H. Westall

Virals (Virals #1)
Audio review of Virals by Kathy Reichs

Currently Reading

Physical Books

The Sons of Jude (Sons of Jude series)
The Sons of Jude by Brandt Dodson

Boo Who
Boo Who by Rene Gutteridge

Audio book

Return (Redemption Series: Baxters 1 - Book #3)
Return by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley

Zoo
Zoo by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Kindle

Accidentally Amish
Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport

Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun (Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery #1)
Assault with a Deadly Gun by Lois Winston

Coming up

River of Mercy (The Riverhaven Years, #3)
River of Mercy by B.J.Hoff

The Road to Mercy
The Road to Mercy by Kathy Harris

Christmas At Holly Hill
Christmas At Holly Hill by Martha Rogers

What's on Your Reading Horizon???



Saturday, October 6, 2012

You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

You Don't Know Me Cover
You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren


{MORE ABOUT YOU DON’T KNOW ME}

A Deep Haven Novel
Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing.
To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She’s a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband’s mayoral race.
No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O’Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker.
Twenty years later, Annalise couldn’t be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both her past and her future?
Susan May Warren

{MORE ABOUT SUSAN MAY WARREN}

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.
A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.
Find out more about Susan May at http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.


My Take:  What a great book.  This book just goes to show you that even small lies may come back to haunt you so just imagine what big lies can do.  Annalise  has built the perfect life (or so she thinks)  with the perfect husband and the perfect kids.  She is not prepared when her past comes back to change her perfect life.  Every person it seems in this book his hiding something from someone else in the book.  This book shows how no matter the reason for keeping secrets or telling lies it is better to be honest especially with those you love.  Again I say this was a great book.  I would highly recommend it to anyone. 
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion from Litfuse. 


Welcome to the campaign launch for Susan May Warren’s latest offering in her beloved Deep Haven series, You Don’t Know Me. Susan is celebrating with a $200 Weekend Getaway Giveaway and hosting a fun video Author Chat Party!

 
One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one and “Get to Know” your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
  • The entire set of Deep Haven Books
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the ”You Don’t Know Me” Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/23. Connect with Susan for an evening of book chat, Deep Haven trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be info about Susan’s BookShout read-along and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of You Don’t Know Me and join Susan on the evening of the October 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

American Tapestries - Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Queen of the Waves - cover
Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson


{MORE ABOUT QUEEN OF THE WAVES}

When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.
Janice Thompson

{MORE ABOUT JANICE THOMPSON}

Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.
She formerly served as vice president of theChristian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the AmericanChristian Fiction Writers.
Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.
Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.
Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com.

My Take:  This is another installment of the American Tapestries series, this time it is set during the Titanic voyage.  I have been reading alot of Titanic novels this year as it seems alot of new ones have come out because of the 100th Anniversary of the tragedy was this year.  This book takes the main idea of The Prince and The Pauper and changes it just a bit by making the main characters women and using the Titanic as the castle.  Tessa is a pig farmer's daughter who has agreed to take Jacqueline's place on the Titanic so Jacqueline can stay with Tessa's brother whom she has fallen in love with.  The Whole book you are wondering if Tessa can pull it off.  The author makes you feel like you are aboard the Titanic with her descriptions and you feel for Tessa who is thrown into a situation that out of her league.  How will she carry on the charade when she meets someone and starts to fall for him and what happens when the tragedy strikes.  You will have to read the book to find out but it will be well worth it.  This book will interest you if you are interested in the Titanic, like love stories or both.  
I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  


Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 
One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
  • Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

American Tapestries - Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson

Where the Trail Ends - cover
Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson


{MORE ABOUT WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS}

A young woman travelingthe Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart?
For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water.
Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support herself and her brother in the wilderness alone? Then Micah disappears into the wilderness one rainy night, and Samantha must rely on the man she loves-the man she’s trying desperately to forget-to rescue her brother before it’s too late.
Order a copy here 
Melanie Dobson

{MORE ABOUT MELANIE DOBSON}

Melanie Dobson has written ten contemporary and historical novels including five releases in Summerside’s Love Finds You series. In 2011, two of her releases won Carol Awards: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (for historical romance) and The Silent Order (for romantic suspense).
Prior to her writing career, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family and a publicist for The Family Channel. She later launched her own public relations company and worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for more than fifteen years.
Melanie and her family enjoy their home in the Pacific Northwest. The entire Dobson family loves to travel and hike in both the mountains and along the cliffs above the Pacific.
When Melanie isn’t writing or playing with her family, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.
Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedobson.com.

My Take:  American Tapestries is a new series of books that brings you a love story set during a major time or event in American History.  This one is set during the Oregon Trail time.  I have always admired the strength and fortitude that the people who journeyed along the Oregon Trail had and have often wondered if I would lave had the same drive that they exhibited.  This story just sweeps you up into the story from the first page until the very last page.  You are there with Samantha and her brother Micah through all the trials and tribulations that comes upon them.  You are routing for them to succeed and for Samantha to find the man that is right for her.  This book gives you a love story that is both believable and emotional.  You will have an investment into these characters when you are done.  Loved the story.  Recommend it if you like this time period, like love stories or just like a good story.
I received a review copy from Litfuse in return for my honest opinion.  


Celebrate with Melanie by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 
One fortunate winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
  • Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Where the Trail Ends and  Queen of the Waves and join Melanie Dobson and Janice Thompson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Life with Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

Life with Lily
Life with Lily by Mary Anne Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book: 

Book 1 in the ‘Adventures of Lily Lapp’ series.

Lily is six in this story, just starting first grade in a one-room schoolhouse in upstate New York. Her parents are busy building a farm, and soon animals join the family—Jenny the cow and Chubby the miniature horse. A baby brother arrives, too, which Lily has mixed feelings about. (She wanted a sister!) Aside from a mischievous friend like Mandy Mast, Lily is happy at school and even happier at home. 

Trouble is brewing at the schoolhouse and change is on the horizon for Lily and her family.

Meet Suzanne: 

Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has one husband, four children, one son-in-law, a brand new grand-baby, and a couple of dogs. She graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.

Suzanne has contracts with Revell for six more books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also the host of “Amish Wisdom·” on toginet.com, a weekly radio program featuring guests who are connected to Simple Living.

Find out more about Suzanne at http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/.
“Based upon Kinsinger’s own childhood, it’s reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie books.” —Romantic Times

Celebrate with Suzanne and Mary Ann by entering their contest and RSVPing to the “Life with Lily” Facebook Author Chat Party on 10/16!


Two fortunate winners will receive:
  • Either the new Kindle Fire or new Nook HD
  • Signed copy of Life with Lily for you and a young reader in your life.  
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 15th. Winner will be announced at the Life with Lily Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/16. Connect with authors Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger for an evening of book chat, Q&A about Mary Ann’s Amish childhood, trivia, and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Life with Lily and join Suzanne and Mary Ann on the evening of the October 16th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 16th!


My Take:  I have enjoyed several of Suzanne Woods Fisher's adult Amish books and was curious to try one that is aimed more for kids.  Having recently become a grandmother, I am constantly on the look out for books that are wholesome and uplifting for my grand daughter.  I think that this book falls into that category. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and it will be saved for when my granddaughter is old enough to read them to her as cuddle time stories and I hope that she will want to read them herself when she can read.  This series follows Lily Lapp in her everyday life as a young Amish girl living in New York.  It is nice to get the child's point of view after all of the adult Amish books I have read.  It was a refreshing change. I also liked the whimsical illustrations that were throughout the book.  
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  
Highly recommended if you are looking for a good wholesome read for children.  

Monday, October 1, 2012

It's Monday What Are You Reading?


It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

This a Meme hosted by Sheila over at BookJourney.  This is where we list what we are reading in the last week and what we plan to read in the next week.  Visit Sheila and see what others are reading, you may find your next great read.

Last Week on the Blog


Book review of
Taming the Wind (Land of the Lone Star, #3)
Taming the Wind by Tracie Peterson


Book Review of
A Man of Honor
A Man of Honor by Loree Lough


Book Review of
The Trouble with Cowboys (A Big Sky Romance, #3)
The Trouble with Cowboys by Denise Hunter

Audio Book review of
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn | [Betty Smith]

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
read by Kate Burton


This Week on the Blog

Escaping the Cauldron: Exposing occult influences in everyday life
Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire

I, Michael Bennett
I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Life with Lily
Life with Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher

Where the Trail Ends
Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson

Queen of the Waves
Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

You Don't Know Me (Deep Haven, #6)
You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

Currently reading

Physical book
You Don't Know Me (Deep Haven, #6)
You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

Boo Who
Boo Who by Rene Gutteridge

Audio

Virals (Virals #1)
Virals by Kathy Reichs

Return (Redemption Series: Baxters 1 - Book #3)
Return by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley

Kindle

Accidentally Amish

Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport

Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun (Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery #1)
Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun by Lois Winston

Coming Up

The Mustard Seeds
The Mustard Seeds by Karen Mueller Bryson

Love's Providence
Love's Providence, Jennifer H. Westall

River of Mercy (The Riverhaven Years, #3)
River of Mercy by B.J.Hoff

What's on Your Reading Horizon?

Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire

Escaping the Cauldron: Exposing occult influences in everyday life
Escaping the Cauldron by Kristine McGuire


From Goodreads.com
An eight-year journey through the occult and into freedom
Though Kristine McGuire was raised in a Christian home, at an early age she became fascinated by the occult. At sleepovers she and her friends told fortunes and held séances. As a teenager she was convicted and put all games of mysticism aside. She went to a Christian college and married a Christian man. But despite her decision to follow God, a longing for the occult persisted, leading her to leave her church and husband and to fully embrace witchcraft.
 
Escaping the Cauldron takes you deep inside Kristine’s eight-year journey as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. Part Bible study, part memoir, it exposes the subtle occult influences that affect us as it reveals how God mercifully delivered her out of the occult altogether and restored her faith and life in Christ.


My Take:  Everywhere you look there is evidence of occult interest.  People are told that white magic is good and there are good witches and bad witches.  Tv shows with occult themes are very popular like Long Island Medium and Ghost Whisperer.  Sad to say they are even in our fairy tales and in some of our most beloved movies like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Cinderella.  Seemingly innocent things can get you interested and can draw you in further and further until you are a participating witch.  This is a story of how this exact thing happened to this lady.  She brings to light what Satan is during in our world.  She speaks from personal experience and uses scripture to show how God really feels about these practices.  
This is a perfect book for this time of year since these things are more prominent during this time.  I think every Christian should read this book to make themselves away of what the enemy is during.  

I received a review copy from Glass Roads in exchange for my honest review.