Need You Now

When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.

Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way.

Married life hasn’t always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried them through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.

While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of Darlene’s students starts paying more attention to her than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.

This is a highly relatable book.  The family deals with today's issues and you will find yourself relating to one or more of the characters.  There is devastation, but hope as the strength of marriage and the bond of family is tested.  The message I take away from this book is that even though life is messy, forgiveness and healing is possible.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.

While Need You Now is Wiseman’s first non-Amish novel, she is confident it will not be the last. She is already making plans to write a second contemporary novel in the near future. Like Need You Now, it will also be set in small-town Texas, a familiar background she thoroughly loves exploring and writing about.

Wiseman’s previous releases have held spots on the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) and the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller lists. In 2010, she received the INSPY Award for Amish Fiction (chosen by blog reviewers). In 2011, she received the Carol Award and was the Inspirational Readers Choice winner for her book Plain Paradise. Her novel Seek Me with All Your Heart was the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. In addition, Wiseman has been a Retailers Choice Finalist, a Booksellers Best Finalist and a National Readers Choice Finalist. Prior to becoming a novelist she received many honors for her work as a journalist, including a prestigious First Place News Writing Award from the Texas Press Association.

Today, she and her husband are empty nest parents of two grown sons, enjoying the country lifestyle and living happily with two dogs, two cats, two pot-bellied pigs, two chickens and a single pygmy goat in a small community in South Central Texas. Along with writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, traveling and watching good movies. Her favorite pastime, however, is spending time with friends and family.

Visit the author's website.



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from B & B Media Group and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Ellie's Haven

A courageous young woman seeking refuge...   Ellie Booth was never the type to run away. But she'd witnessed her stepfather commit a heartless crime, and, knowing he'll stop at nothing to keep her quiet, she has no choice but to flee. Soon, she finds herself in Wabash, Indiana, scrambling for a cover identity to evade her stepfather. For lack of a better option, she answers an ad for a wife/housekeeper/nanny, praying that her lack of experience won't be obvious.

A widowed father with no domestic skills to speak of...  Gage Cooper is reaching the end of his rope. With four children between the ages of three and ten, he needs a reliable nanny, yet each one he's hired has thrown up her hands and deserted her post. When an attractive, spirited young woman applies for the "job," he knows he should pray about the matter, but his desperation for help propels him headlong into a marriage of convenience.

A trial by fire of their wedding vows...    Ellie immediately falls in love with the Cooper children, and, not long after, with their father. Soon, the "marriage of convenience" becomes less of a business arrangement as husband and wife yield to an attraction neither one had expected. When secrets of the past and dangers of the present arise in their lives, their marriage is put to the test, and God alone knows what will become of their union

Ellie is a lovable character that you root for right away.  Shar has such a talent for bringing the characters in this story alive on the pages. She writes faith-based fiction with humor, truth and characters that you can relate to without being preachy. I loved her shout out to some local characters residents!  This is book two in the River of Hope series, but stands alone well on it's own.  Looking forward to Sophie's story in book 3.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

“Shar” grew up in western Michigan and graduated from Spring Arbor University. After college she traveled worldwide performing with a music group and then returned home to start teaching school. She married her childhood friend, Cecil MacLaren, with whom she raised two daughters (and now has three grandchildren). After over 30 years as a teacher, Shar asked God for a new mission that would fill her heart with the same kind of passion she’d felt for teaching and raising her family. She found her mission writing Christian romance, and since 2007 has released ten novels that have earned her numerous awards and an ever-increasing base of loyal readers who are comforted, inspired, and entertained by her books.

Visit the author's website.
Book Details



3 Bears

This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Cathy Hickling and Whitaker House and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

The Accidental Bride

Shay Brandenberger has built her entire life on the shifting sands of what others think. Constantly seeking the approval of others, she has struggled through a rocky childhood, a failed marriage and single parenthood. Now it looks like she's losing the ranch that has been in her family for three generations, a surefire way to mark her as a failure in the eyes of the community. When Travis McCoy, the high school sweetheart who very publicly broke her heart fifteen years before, returns to Moose Creek, she is less than pleased. Not only does his re-appearance dredge up a deluge of painful memories, it also reminds everyone in town that it was he who left her, not the other way around. To make matters worse, Shay and Travis are unwittingly paired to play bride and groom in the annual Founder's Day wedding re-enactment where, much to her chagrin, she discovers he still has the power to take her breath away.

After years of successfully following the rodeo circuit, Travis's one regret in life is having hurt Shay so badly. He's determined to make the past up to her, so when, through a series of flukes, the marriage ceremony is "accidentally" made official, he seizes the opportunity to make things right. But can Shay let go of her pride and stop worrying about what others think long enough to let him? Or will she remain convinced their accidental marriage is just one more mark against her in the eyes of her neighbors?

Wow, my first book of the New Year could have not been more relatable. The character suffers a betrayal and the following devastation affects her deeply. Having suffered a recent devastation, I could so relate to her feelings and understand her reluctance to trust again and the fight of wallowing in the hurt and bitterness, but knowing it does more harm than good. A book that was not only enjoyable, but spoke to my heart as a great reminder to me to move on and forgive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Visit the author's website.
Book Details



3 Bears

This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Audra Jennings, The B and B Media Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Your Pathway to Miracles

Guest Reviewer

In her latest book worldwide Bible teacher Marilyn Hickey offers a “how to” for those in need of a miracle. Dr. Hickey teaches readers how to learn to build trust in God, creatively interweaving faith-building Scriptures with her considerable personal experience, such as giving birth to her daughter after being told it was medically impossible. Christian leaders are applauding the results, recommending Your Pathway to Miracles to their congregations and audiences, with Joyce Meyer saying, “it will fuel your faith and give you a new passion to believe God for the miraculous,” and from Richard Roberts: “allow her new book to set you on your own journey for miracles in the mighty name of Jesus."

This book is about more than miracles. Do you long to know God's plan for your life? The author guides you into figuring out that plan, and gives concrete instruction on how to work out that plan in your life. This is an important book for anyone who is seriously looking for more direction from God.

Reviewed by Michele

At age 80, Dr. Marilyn Hickey, founder and president of Marilyn Hickey Ministries, is still going strong. Known and loved worldwide for her clear, down-to-earth Bible teaching, she’s brought Scripture to life for countless thousands through her radio and TV broadcasts, books, and speaking ministry. In recent years she’s ministered across the U.S. as well as in the Sudan, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, India, China and Pakistan. The author of dozens of books and pamphlets, Marilyn Hickey’s recent Whitaker House releases include: Spiritual Warfare, The Names of God, Total Healing, and Your Pathway to Miracles. She and her daughter co-host the weekly worldwide television show, Marilyn and Sarah.

Visit the author's website.
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This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Cathy Hickling of Whitaker House and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Letting Go Of Worry

Dr. Linda Mintle confesses that for years she believed worry was an inevitable byproduct of our modern, busy lives. But as she explored God’s Word for guidance, she discovered that worry isn’t supposed to be managed. It’s supposed to be released completely.

Through personal and biblical examples, Mintle reveals reasons and ways for readers to rethink their core beliefs as they surrender worry to God and discover:

· the spiritual roots of worry
· what to do when anxious thoughts arise
· how to have peace about their health, job, money, and relationships
· practical ways to cultivate a truly worry-free life
· the biblical secret to lasting contentment

With godly instruction, Scriptures for meditation, and the hope of a renewed perspective, readers can let go of worry and embrace a transformed life of peace, forgiveness, and faith

Everyone is susceptible to worry. We are spoon fed countless reasons to worry by the media. This is a fairly comprehensible antidote to questions we all may have about issues that worry us.  Linda leads you through your thought processes and how to overcome negativity, anxiety using exercises, examples and Scriptures to "send worry packing".  A faith based, helpful book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Linda Mintle is a national speaker and bestselling author of more than 15 books, including I Love My Mother, But…and I Married You, Not Your Family. She appears regularly on several national television and radio shows and is a network news contributor. She also hosts her own website. In her general clinical practice, she specializes in marriage and family therapy, eating disorders, and infertility. A licensed clinical social worker, she holds a PhD in urban health and clinical psychology. She and her family live in Virginia.

Visit the author's website
Book Details


***Special thanks to Karri James, Marketing Assistant, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.

Pirate of My Heart

She gave up everything for a chance at true love . . .

 When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her uncle’s choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives.

Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and soon finds herself swept away by the rugged American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But this adventurous man has been wounded by love before and now guards his independent life.

He wasn’t prepared to give up anything for anyone…

No swashbuckling man needs an English heiress with violet-hued eyes to make him feel again or challenge his faith with probing questions—or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

 There is one thing I detest about historical romances - one of the parties in love gets trapped or tricked in a marriage to someone else. Without spoiling this book, it almost had me putting it down, twice!! However, the conflicts while frustrating, did make for an entertaining read.  This was not my favorite of Jamie's books, but will continue to read her in the future.  If you like clean historical romance, this book is for you. 

Jamie Carie is the author of Snow Angel, a ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, USA Book News National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. Her third novel, Wind Dancer, was a 2010 Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Indianapolis.

Visit the author's website.
Book Information









This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Julie Gwinn, B and H Publishing Group, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Ransome's Quest

Commodore William Ransome is searching for his sister, Charlotte, who has been captured by Salvador, the infamous "Robin Hood of the West Indies." When word comes that his wife, Julia, has been kidnapped by the evil pirate, Shaw, Commodore Ransome and his crew frantically search the horizon for the two women he loves. After Charlotte is found, she emerges with revelations about Salvador's true identity and his willingness to help search for Julia. It's news that sends shockwaves through the family.

Will Commodore Ransome trust Salvador to help rescue his beloved wife? And what other secrets have been buried like long lost treasure in these waters? Romance, intrigue, and swashbuckling leaps of faith create a wonderfully heroic close to this beloved series.

A delightful conclusion to the Ransome trilogy. Action, adventure, pirates and secrets revealed! I liked it that all the characters from the previous two books made an appearance and got their happy endings.  The contrast between the two pirates with different goals and reasons for being such is interesting and thought provoking.  Is there such a thing as a good pirate? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kaye Dacus, author of Ransome’s Honor has a BA in English, with a minor in history, and an MA in writing popular fiction. Her love of the Regency era started with Jane Austen. Her passion for literature and for history come together to shape her creative, well-researched, and engaging writing.

Visit the author's website.
Book Details






This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Karri and Harvest House Publishers and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Restless in Carolina

She'’s all about going green. Could he be her white knight —or will he make her see red?

Tree-huggin’, animal-lovin’ Bridget Pickwick-Buchanan is on a mission. Well, two. First she has to come to terms with being a widow at thirty-three. After all, it’'s been four years and even her five-year-old niece and nephew think it'’s time she shed her widow’s weeds. Second, she needs to find a buyer for her family’'s estate—--a Biltmore-inspired mansion surrounded by hundreds of acres of unspoiled forestland. With family obligations forcing the sale, Bridget is determined to find an eco-friendly developer to buy the land, someone who won'’t turn it into single-family homes
or a cheesy theme park.

Enter J. C. Dirk, a high-energy developer from Atlanta whose green property developments have earned him national acclaim. When he doesn’'t return her calls, Bridget decides a personal visit is in order. J. C. Dirk is neither amused nor interested when Bridget interrupts his meeting--—until she mentions her family name. In short order, he finds himself in North Carolina, and Bridget has her white knight--—in more ways than one. But there are things she doesn’'t know about J. C., and it could mean the end of everything she'’s worked for… and break her heart.

I love Tamara's characters. They are flawed, funny, and fearless. We can relate to their areas of weakness and learn from the progress they make in their lives. I am sad that this is the final book in the Southern Discomfort series as I was hoping for more of the Pickwicks.  An enjoyable read you can share with your family members of all ages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamara Leigh began her writing career in 1994 and is the best-selling author of fourteen novels, including Splitting Harriet (ACFW Book of the Year winner and RITA Award finalist), Faking Grace (RITA Award Finalist), and Leaving Carolina. A former speech and language pathologist, Tamara enjoys time with her family, faux painting, and reading. She lives with her husband and sons in Tennessee.

Visit the author's website.

Book Details


***Special thanks to Ashley Boyer, Publicist, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for sending me a review copy.***

100 Days of Favor - Guest Reviewer

Today's book is reviewed by Michele.

Embark on a powerful journey to experience the unmerited favor of God.
You don’t need to depend on your own strength to succeed. Immerse yourself in God’s unmerited favor and change your life forever! 100 Days of Favor shows you how to develop a favor-consciousness in everything you do. Each daily topic includes:

Today’s Scripture—a biblical foundation for the topic

Today’s Inspirational Excerpt From Unmerited Favor—a key truth about God’s unmerited favor

Today’s Prayer—a way to express your heart to our heavenly Father

Today’s Thought—a liberating, favor-inspired idea for the day

Today’s Reflection on Favor—a place to journal what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind

With daily inspirational scriptures, prayers, and readings from Unmerited Favor, you can begin your day with a focus on God’s grace and love.

Is your life a struggle right now? Do you sometimes find it difficult to find the joy in everyday living? Having trouble seeing how the Bible fits into your present circumstances? I have great news for you! There is hope and help and it only takes 15 minutes a day. In only 15 minutes you get more benefit than an hour of exercise, more energy than a sucrose laden can of caffeine, and more lasting joy than losing 10 #.

Start your day with a shot of confidence and optimism for 100 days and learn how to find it for yourself for the rest of your life. This daily meditation book will have you searching Amazon. com for more inspiration from Joseph Prince. I have been into Joseph Princes' message for more than a year, and pretty will know his philosophy, yet I was amazed at what a jolt of joy I receive each morning from reading his meditations. I think that you will receive that same experience if you give this book a try. You do not have to have read any of his previous books or even the book this is based on to receive the benefit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joseph Prince is a leading voice in proclaiming the gospel of grace around the world through his teaching resources and television ministry. With more than two decades of full-time ministry behind him, Joseph Prince is known for teaching God's Word in a fresh, practical, and revelatory way that always unveils Jesus. He is the senior pastor of New Creation Church (www.newcreation.org.sg) in Singapore, which has a congregation of more than 19,000 members, and heads Joseph Prince Ministries, Inc.


Visit the author's website.


***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House Charisma Media for sending this review copy.***

Indelible

In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?

Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfitter , sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

The author does a good job in the beginning of building tension and suspense. You have the "edge of your seat" feeling and know "something wicked this way comes".  Unfortunately for me it all fell flat as the suspense became more psychological and did not go anywhere and I began to lose interest. There were too many side stories going on that were left unresolved, and the ending came abruptly. As this is book two, hopefully the author will revisit some of the characters.  I enjoyed the first book, Indivisible, more than this one and will pick up the next book.

Kristen Heitzmann’s gift of crafting stories has ranked her as the award-winning and best-selling author of two historical series and twelve contemporary, psychological and romantic suspense novels including Indivisible. As an artist and musician, Kristen lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and a continuous stream of extended family, various pets, and wildlife.


Visit the author's website.




***Special thanks to Lynette Kittle, Senior Publicist, WaterBrook Multnomah, a Division of Random House for sending me a review copy.***

Speaking In Tongues - Guest Review by Michele

Today my mom, Michele reviews the following book:

What does it mean to speak in tongues? What does the Bible say about it? ·

How can I experience it for myself?

Many people have questions about how the Holy Spirit can work in their lives—especially when it comes to speaking in tongues. In An Essential Guide to Speaking in Tongues, Ron Phillips explains the gift of tongues and unfolds fresh revelation and comprehensive biblical support for the practice along with powerful illustrations from his own life.

As a Spirit-filled Southern Baptist pastor, Phillips brings a welcome balance to the topic, helping you to understand that speaking in tongues is a blessing of God that gives you the ability to boldly approach God’s throne with the Holy Spirit’s power and language

If you ever wondered what the big deal is about speaking in tongues, or not, this book gives the point of view of each side of this debate.

Ron Phillips is on the yes and Amen side of the controversy. I found the book easy to read, easy to understand, and very interesting as he goes into the Biblical history of the practice as well as it's use in the New Testament church of today.

He feels that the Holy Spirit is the "missing person" in the typical church experience today. "He is seldom worshiped and often ignored". That statement resonated within me as I have visited many churches while searching for the "right fit" for me as the result of many geographical moves; and I have found the Holy Spirit mentioned only in the Apostles Creed in many of them. I was very interested in reading this book to find out the pros and cons of experiencing this gift of the Holy Spirit.

So if you are interested in figuring out for yourself what this practice is all about, I recommend this book to you as informative, and instructive, if not altogether unbiased..

Ron Phillips is senior pastor of Abba’s House in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Under his ministry, this church has experienced tremendous growth and has exploded into new realms of renewal and spiritual awakening. His weekly television and daily radio programs are broadcast worldwide and are available on the Internet. He is a sought-after speaker and the author of numerous books, including Our Invisible Allies and Everyone’s Guide to Demons and Spiritual Warfare.

Visit the author's website.




Reviewed by Michele

***Special thanks to Anna Coelho Silva | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***

Mine Is The Night

SHE LOST EVERYTHING SHE LOVED.
HE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED.
BUT COULD SHE FIND THE COURAGE TO TRUST HIM?

Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception? Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.

Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?

A great conclusion to the story started in Here Burns My Candle.  This book stands alone well, but do yourself a favor and read both together.  As a retelling of the story of Ruth with a Scottish twist, I was very intrigued as how all the elements would come together. The author did a wonderful job and had me immersed in the story until I was finished.  Liz writes wonderful historical Christian fiction. This story of redemption and restoration will bring tears to your eyes as you come to care for these characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Curtis Higgs is the author of 28 books with three million copies in print, including: her best-selling historical novels, Here Burns My Candle, Thorn in My Heart, Fair Is the Rose, Christy Award-winner Whence Came a Prince, Grace in Thine Eyes, a Christy Award finalist, and Here Burns My Candle, a RT Book Reviews Award finalist; My Heart’s in the Lowlands: Ten Days in Bonny Scotland, an armchair travel guide to Galloway; and her contemporary novels, Mixed Signals, a Rita Award finalist, and Bookends, a Christy Award finalist.

Visit the author's website. You’ll also find her on Facebook and Twitter



Published: March 2011
Pages: 464
Genre: Historical Fiction (CF)
Source: Cindy Brovsky of Random House (FIRST)
Finished: 4-10-11



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Cindy Brovsky of Random House Inc. and in no way influenced my review of this book.  These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.”

In The Shadow of Evil

Informed by the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy and devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast, In the Shadow of Evil tells a modern day story involving the exposure of a building rebound scam. Amidst the layers of unethical practices, supply shortages, and excess murders, a top Louisiana homicide detective loses his heart to a charitable contractor while uncovering a secret about his tragic past.

Even though I had it figured out early I still enjoyed reading about the character's transformations. 

Robin Caroll is a leading Christian suspense novelist. She gives back to the writing community as conference director for the American Christian Fiction Writers organization. A proud southerner through and through, Robin lives with her husband and three daughters in Arkansas.
Visit the author's website.






Special thanks to Julie Gwinn, Trade Book Marketing, B&H Publishing Group for sending me a review copy.

A Billion Reasons Why

After graduating college, Katie McKenna moved from her hometown of New Orleans to California to escape her haunting past. She had resolved to live a quiet life, marry a practical man, and leave all her "worldly" desires behind. Her life was perfect. She had a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiancé, Dexter. But then in walks Luc DeForges, her handsome ex-boyfriend. After rejecting Katie, Luc cornered the organic food market and became one of the most eligible millionaire bachelors. But now he's back and asking her to go home to New Orleans to sing at his brother's wedding. But Katie knows that Luc is not to be trusted. She doesn't plan on being used by him.

Katie's boyfriend, Dexter, is a practical man. He's safe. He's intellectual and punctual, and he'll be a good dad. There are a billion reasons why Kate should marry him. And Dexter will propose as soon as she gets her grandmother's ring from her mom. And Luc will provide her with a free trip home for just that purpose.

But can she resist the feelings she still holds for Luc? Can she face her past and come out clean? Can the passions she had as a young woman, which led to many of her past mistakes, still have a place in her life?

I do not read a lot of chick lit, but I will always pick up a Kristin Billerbeck book. I am assured of an interesting, spunky heroine, humor, a couple of quirky characters, romance and a happy (even if predictible) ending.  One thing I don't like is when the character's description does not match the picture on the cover.  Don't understand why that is done.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristin Billerbeck was born in California to an Italian father and a strong Norwegian/German mother. Her mother tried to teach her to do things right, how to cook, clean, sew, and budget accordingly—all the things a proper girl should know in order to be a contributing member of society. Yet Billerbeck said she “failed miserably,” although her grandmother must still hold some hope since she gave her a cookie gun for her 40th birthday.

Billerbeck has authored more than 30 novels, including the Ashley Stockingdale series and the Spa Girls series. She is a leader in the Chick Lit movement, a Christy Award finalist, and a two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award. She has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. She lives with her family in northern California.


Visit the author's website.
Book Details.

This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Audra Jennings and The B & B Media Group and in no way influenced my review of this book.  These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Author Interview - Holly Weiss - Crestmont

Today, I am privileged to welcome Holly Weiss to my blog. 

Congratulations on your debut novel! Have you always had the passion to write?

First of all, thank you so much for inviting me to interview on your blog. I’m honored to be here.

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but was not serious about it until 2006. I sang professionally for thirty-five years. My main means of creative expression was through song. About five years ago, I contracted Post-Polio Syndrome, a late-life extension of the polio I had as a child. The increased weakness and fatigue put an end to my singing career. God led me in the direction of writing. One voice led to another, so to speak. Writing is now my means of creative expression, but music will always be an integral part of me.

Any specific reason you chose to set the story in the 1920s?

What a fascinating era! Women fighting for the right to vote, prohibition, the growth of jazz, fashion, cuisine—I found all of this intriguing. I stayed overnight at the present day Crestmont Inn in 2006. An old staff dormitory built in 1926 has been converted into luxury suites for present day guests. I started to think about what life would have been for staff staying in a hot dorm while working hard over the summer at this inn. The research was fun. My husband bought me a 1927 Sears Catalogue as a gift, which helped me to understand everyday items people used back then. Did you know you could buy a house from the Sears Catalogue? They had several different models and would ship it in pieces with construction details. When I discovered that, I patterned Mrs. Cunningham’s house after a “Maytown Sears house.”

Strong female characters seem to be the backbone of this story and Gracie seems to discover herself through relationship with these women. Did you have an influential woman in your life that helped mentor you into adulthood?

My mother was always my strongest supporter and confidant. She loved that I had a ministry in singing sacred music. I remember one church concert I did with four other performers in the dead of winter. There were two people in the audience, the pastor of the church and my mother, who had driven one hour over icy roads to be there. Both of my parents were extremely supportive of my singing. Crestmont is dedicated to both of them.

The United States has so many historic inns and hotels. Why did you choose the Crestmont Inn?

I’m so glad you asked this question. I believe God led me directly to the Crestmont. My husband and I needed a stop-over while travelling. I researched places on the internet and The Crestmont Inn popped up, so I made a reservation. Once there, it was like God hit me over the head with a 2 by 4 and said, “Your mission is to write about this place.” During one of my many trips to the inn to do research, I got out of the car and heard church bells ringing the hymn “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.” And He did—through the four years it took to write Crestmont.

How much of your passion and background in singing is reflected in Gracie? Did you feel a special connection to her?

Singing has been a huge part of my life for over thirty-five years—as a soloist and as a teacher of singing, so I think it was inevitable that much of that spilled over into Crestmont. Gracie meets a famous opera singer, Rosa Ponselle, who is doing a concert at the Crestmont. They become close and Ponselle gives Gracie a voice lesson. I wanted my voice students to enjoy that aspect of the novel.

I feel very connected to Gracie, although from a different time in my life. Authors tend to find characters within their own experience. Drawing a character from one’s own life carries with it the danger of assuming self-absorption when the writer is asked to articulate the origin of the character. Without becoming overly personal, I’ll simply say that Gracie begins the novel in a somewhat broken emotional place similar to where I found myself twenty years ago. Reviewers have called Gracie everything from “refreshingly naïve” to “weak and timid.” I stand by her characterization. What is important to me in real life or fiction is not where a person starts but how she stretches herself. A quote from Dag Hammarskjold essentially says what happens to you doesn’t count, but rather what you make of it. Long before self-help books were on the shelf, Gracie struggled to find herself — and flourished. I’d rather you read her journey than to tell you mine.

The Crestmont Inn is just as much a living and breathing character as the humans in the story. How important was it to fully capture the essence of the Inn?

I’m glad you asked about the inn, because I wrote it as a caretaker and an agent of grace. The inn functions as a refuge for many characters in Crestmont and has been a comfort in my own life. Gracie found family there that she never could imagine could be hers. The present-day innkeepers have been wonderful to me by telling me their stories and giving me pamphlets and newspaper articles about the inn’s past. They are part of my extended family now.

I travelled to Eagles Mere, PA, to the current day Crestmont Inn, several times during the writing of the novel to interview the current owners, former staff and townspeople. As soon as people heard I was writing a book about the Crestmont, they perked up and said things like, “My aunt loved working there.” Or “Oh, that old Crestmont was quite a place.” During one of my book signings, an elderly lady brought me photos and mementoes from when she worked there as a teenager. She was thrilled to share them with someone else who cared about the old Crestmont. Frankly, I felt a responsibility to these people who loved this place so very much. I wanted to be true to their memories.

I’d like to mention one more thing. The Crestmont Inn is a survivor. The “big house” that I wrote about in my novel, had to be torn down in 1981, but the Crestmont still exists in a different form. The laundry house was converted to a gorgeous dining room and reception hall. Luxury suites evolved from a hot, cramped dormitory. What clinched the concept of the book for me was the story about the Mennonites purchasing the wood from the old Crestmont, hacking it off the building and loading it onto their trucks to build barns and so forth. I saw the “big house” living on in different forms. The image brought tears to my eyes when I heard it and when I wrote the scene in the epilogue.

Stopping at the Crestmont Inn changed Gracie's life. Have you ever thought how different her life would have been if she hadn't stopped?

My immediate response is that Gracie didn’t have the voice to sing on the vaudeville stage, although that was her dream. Had she pursued that goal, her sense of inadequacy and woundedness would have been exacerbated by the futility of auditioning successfully. Mrs. Woods comments on a book Gracie is reading, Sister Carrie. “Running from home to be a famous actress wasn’t exactly what Carrie expected.”

More importantly, my intention in writing Crestmont was to show that Gracie, as an emotionally fractured person, could grow in ways that made her a healthier, more whole individual. She was a very isolated, albeit determined young woman. Her time at the Crestmont Inn forced her to forge relationships that brought out the best in her — her generosity and graciousness. Caring for Mrs. Cunningham made her grow up. Time spent in prayer and at church strengthened her faith. Had Gracie not found the Crestmont, I believe she would have been more empty and lonely than she had been before she found it.

By the way, stopping at The Crestmont Inn changed my life as well. The idea to write “Crestmont” was born one hour after we walked in the door.

There is a strong theme of family in "Crestmont" both in ties that get stronger (Gracie and the Woods) and those that get weaker (Madeleine and Mrs. Cunningham). How important is family both to you and to the story?

I wanted family to be key in the concept of the book, but not in the traditional sense. My father always said, “If you don’t have family, you don’t have anything.” I agree with him completely, but one thing I wanted to show in Crestmont is that family can also be found outside of one’s biological family.

Writing Margaret’s grief over her father’s death was therapeutic for me because my mother died during the writing of the novel. I decided to write my grandfather, Warren Sloan, into the novel, because that would have made her happy. He invented the automatic pinsetter for bowling alleys (although he sold it shortly after) and gave me the perfect way to round out PT’s earlier life with Sloan as his mentor. Neither Gracie nor PT has family to speak of, but find it at the Crestmont.

I also decided to include my husband‘s poetry – he is the “Paper bag Poet” whose poems prompt a yearning for love in Gracie. He actually wrote one of the poems to me while we were courting. How could I leave that out?

Any last thoughts for your readers?

We all find at some point in our life the inability to do what we always found fulfilling. For me, it was when Post-Polio syndrome forced me to stop singing. I hope my story can show others that we all have other outlets of creative expression and other paths of fulfillment waiting for us if we are open to them. Isaiah 43:19 says “See, I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it?”

How can readers connect with you?

My website. Look on the contacts/links page for an email link.
You can follow me on http://twitter.com/HWeissauthor. I love to hear from my readers.

Determined to take control of her life, sheltered Gracie Antes leaves her unhappy home in 1925 to pursue her dream of a singing career. On her way to the big city, she accepts a job as a housemaid at the bustling Crestmont Inn. Once there, Gracie finds a life-changing encounter with opera singer Rosa Ponselle, family she never imagined could be hers, and a man with a mysterious past. Relive the 1920s with a colorful cast of characters. Discover with Gracie that sometimes we must trade loss for happiness.

Set in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, the story is interwoven with details about the town, the rich history of The Crestmont Inn, and the family who passed ownership from one generation to the next. Many attempts have been made to explain how the mountaintop lake nestled in this tiny town came to be. Crestmont gives a new twist to an old Native American legend, setting the tone of grace around which the story is built.

Let the period of the Roaring Twenties spark your interest with its unique social mores, fashion, jazz, and yes, a little bootlegging thrown in for pizzazz.

Crestmont has me wanting to go this place for a vacation!  Very quickly you are swept away in the lives of the owners and employees as well the running of the hotel.   An enjoyable historical fiction debut.

Thank you Holly.  Details about Holly's book can be found here.

The Black Madonna

Antiques expert Storm Syrrell heads to Europe to investigate the clandestine trade in religious artifacts. She dismisses superstitious tales of miraculous healings and divine omens. Yet when an obsessive Russian oligarch calls—just as her friend Harry Bennett vanishes—all assumptions must be cast aside. Storm seeks answers in a medieval monastery. There, the scarred visage of an icon provokes ever more startling questions. Is she prepared to confront both earthly and spiritual powers? Storm remains haunted by lessons in love and betrayal that lie just outside her grasp. But hesitation now holds mortal consequences.

One of the things I have really enjoyed about Davis Bunn's books were the historical aspects that are obviously well researched. This is the second book in the Storm Syrrell Adventures and I liked this one better than the first. If you like treasure hunting, non-stop adventures, with a twist of mystery and suspense, this is your book. I could not put it down. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Read the first chapter .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Davis Bunn is an award winning author who serves as writer in residence at Regent’s Par College, Oxford University. His novels have sold more than six million copies in sixteen languages.

Photograph by I.D. Bunn

Visit the author's website.

Book details.

***Special thanks to Libby Reed, Publicity Assistant, HOWARD BOOKS, a division of Simon & Schuster for sending me a review copy.***

Catching Moondrops

Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she’s not a child. Having just turned 19 in the summer of 1936, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she's always dreamed of.

But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett—a young, black doctor—comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that has been simmering just beneath the town's surface.

The tension starts to bubble over when Jessie's elderly neighbor Miss Cleta becomes the first white townsperson to accept Tal’s treatment. And when a young black man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that her anger can make her heart as full of hate as the Ku Klux Klan members who have terrorized her town and her family.

This book is part of a series, but does stand alone very well. Do yourself a favor and get to know Jessilyn and Gemma from an early age with Fireflies in December. This third book is a wonderfully written, emotional picture of how holding on to bitterness, anger and unforgiveness does us more harm.  "Bitterness and anger are evil twins that can follow a body around wherever she goes, and they whisper things in her ears that only make bad things worse."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Erin Valent is the 2007 winner of the Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest. A lifelong resident of the South, her surroundings help to color the scenes and characters she writes. In fact, the childhood memory of a dilapidated Ku Klux Klan billboard inspired her portrayal of Depression-era racial prejudice in Fireflies in December. She has spent the past 15 years working as a nanny and has dabbled in freelance, writing articles for various Christian women's magazines. She still resides in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

Visit the author's website.


***Special thanks to Maggie Rowe of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***