The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry

Hello Everyone!

I have read some of this book and so far, so good. The problem is I have caught a germ... like the flu? I can't make my eyes focus to read, the words keep blurring. :( So I will come back when I can and give this book the review it deserves by adding in an update right here in this post as soon as I am able. In the meantime, my apologies to Ms. Berry and my readers.

Stay safe and well, and I will be back when I can!

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Familiar Stranger
Moody Publishers (September 1, 2009)
by
Christina Berry


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Single mother and foster parent, Christina Berry carves time to write from her busy schedule because she must tell the stories that haunt her every waking moment. (Such is the overly dramatic description of an author's life!) She holds a BA in Literature, yet loves a good Calculus problem, as well. All that confusion must have influenced her decision to be team captain of a winning team on Family Feud.

Her debut novel, The Familiar Stranger, released from Moody in September and deals with lies, secrets, and themes of forgiveness in a troubled marriage. A moving speaker and dynamic teacher, Christina strives to Live Transparently--Forgive Extravagantly!

Her work has also appeared in The Secret Place, The Oregonian, and Daily Devotions for Writers.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Craig Littleton's decision to end his marriage would shock his wife, Denise . . . if she knew what he was up to. When an accident lands Craig in the ICU, with fuzzy memories of his own life and plans, Denise rushes to his side, ready to care for him.

They embark on a quest to help Craig remember who he is and, in the process, they discover dark secrets. An affair? An emptied bank account? A hidden identity? An illegitimate child?

But what will she do when she realizes he's not the man she thought he was? Is this trauma a blessing in disguise, a chance for a fresh start? Or will his secrets destroy the life they built together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Familiar Stranger, go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0802447317

Whirlwind by Robert Liparulo

Hi Everyone!

YEAHHH! Another wonderful book by Robert Liparulo! As most of you know I have become a big fan of his work, it is simply enthralling! My book came in late, so I haven't read it all quite yet! No, you can't put it down once you start, unless, like me your water breaks! LOL! So while the young Kings ponder WHY they are in a house that has portals and why they still have someone out to kill them, and why their Mom is missing.... I am pondering why water breaks at the same time that the closet breaks too! LOL!

QUICK- get a copy of Whirlwind before they blow away!

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Whirlwind
Thomas Nelson (December 29, 2009)
by
Robert Liparulo


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.

He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.

Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January, and number four, Timescape, in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.

Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans


ABOUT THE BOOK

Which door do you go through to save the world?

David, Xander, and Toria King never know where the mysterious portals in their house will take them: past, present, or future. They have battled gladiators and the German army, dodged soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and jumped from the sinking Titanic. They've also seen the stark future that awaits if they can't do something to change it--a destroyed city filled with mutant creatures.

And they've still got to find a way to bring Mom back and keep Taksidian from getting them out of the house. The dangers are hitting them like a whirlwind . . . but the answers are becoming apparent as well.

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

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595548157

Loss Of Carrier by Russ White

Hello Dear Readers!

I have spent many an hour in server rooms. I am not a Network Engineer but I know several of them, I have worked on issues in and with the servers and racks as well. Thus I personally know any well maintained server room is cold and sterile. Most of them are just cold, but what a horrible shock our main character Jess has has! A co-worker is dead, under the flooring wrapped in LAN cables! His next distress is that while he knows he isn't to blame, the police aren't sure, and he is becoming more daily convinced that a murderer is in in one of these offices, someone he works with is a cold blooded killer! But why? It is just a network, nothing major, no mass government secrets or anything else worth killing over.

No sooner is Carl dead and Jess cleared of his death than Leah comes to work there. She can be abrupt, but sweet, and she is very very nosey where Carl's death is concerned. When a second death occurs in the server room the race is for Jess to sort out who he can, and who he can't trust in a company where he thought he knew everyone reasonably well. Jess is starting to feel like he is being framed, but by who and why?

His own past makes him not trust Leah, but are there other reasons he shouldn't trust her? When someone tries to kill both of them it brings "home" more issues for Jess. Jess struggles through praying and his past, and trying to sort out what to do, a killer is still in the company and Jess is growing more sure of it daily. Jess has to find out who is behind this, or die trying.

Loss Of Carrier is a cleverly written, enjoyable book!

I only hope that when my first novel comes out that it is a good as this one!

Carol :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Loss Of Carrier

BookSurge Publishing (October 27, 2009)

by

Russ White



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Russ White is an internationally recognized internetwork engineer. He has co-authored eight books in the field of network design and routing
protocols and is a regular speaker at international networking conferences.

In addition to working on several expert and senior-level network engineering certifications, he is a certified firearms instructor.

Russ, his wife, and their two children live in the Raleigh area of North Carolina, where they enjoy spending time on Jordan Lake and attending Colonial Baptist Church. Loss of Carrier is his first novel.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Bright yellow cables against a blue shirt? Carl never would have approved of that color combination. Why was his face so white? His eyes should be closed, not open. Why hadn’t one of the security guards seen this and reported it to the police? The lights were off, the cameras were useless in the dark.

Of course, the cables wrapped around Carl’s neck explained why the server wasn’t working. Loss of carrier.

Jess Wirth lives a dreary life. He spends most of his time crammed inside a cubicle, toiling as a network engineer and stewing over the details of his ugly divorce. But when he finds his co-worker dead in the basement of their office, Jess’s life takes a surprising—and unpleasant—turn.

The police quickly declare the death a suicide, but Jess isn’t so sure. Not long after he begins digging into the victim’s work, another co-worker turns up dead, convincing him once and for all that something sinister is brewing behind the cubicle walls.

His investigation leads him to a mysterious woman name Leah, who pushes him to entrust her with the information he’s collected about his dead colleagues. Wary of Leah’s motives yet inexorably drawn to her, Jess keeps her at arm’s length...until an attempt is made on both their lives. Realizing they are close on the trail of a dangerous criminal, the pair race to expose a data theft ring before they become the killer’s next victims.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Loss Of Carrier, go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1439258503

Curse of the Spider King by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper

Hello All!!!

This book was thrilling to read! I do want to read the next one! It is quite Epic and totally captivating. I really really liked it! The Spiders are totally creepy, but as a book I loved the neat touch of the pages changing when the Books are read. Want to know what that means? Go read a copy!

Carol :)

Featured book:
Curse of the Spider King - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400315050

Author and series links:
Wayne Thomas Batson’s blog - http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/
Christopher Hopper’s Web site - http://www.christopherhopper.com/
The Berinfell Prophecies Web site - http://www.heedtheprophcies.com

The Seven succeeding Elven Lords of Allyra were dead, lost in the Siege of Berinfell as babes. At least thats what everyone thought until tremors from a distant world known as Earth, revealed strange signs that Elven blood lived among its peoples. With a glimmer of hope in their hearts, sentinels are sent to see if the signs are true. But theirs is not a lone errand. The ruling warlord of Allyra, the Spider King, has sent his own scouts to hunt down the Seven and finish the job they failed to complete many ages ago.

Now 13-year-olds on the brink of the Age of Reckoning when their Elven gifts will be manifest, discover the unthinkable truth that their adoptive families are not their only kin. With mysterious Sentinels revealing breathtaking secrets of the past, and dark strangers haunting their every move, will the young Elf Lords find the way back to the home of their birth? Worlds and races collide as the forces of good and evil battle. Will anyone escape the Curse of the Spider King?

A Word from the Authors:

Curse of the Spider King is my sixth novel, but it is the first that I've cowritten. I met coAuthor Christopher Hopper at a publisher's convention in Denver about four years ago. We were, at that time, writing for different publishers, but we just happened to book the same hotel (I think because it was inexpensive. lol) Through a number of goofy circumstances, I ended up meeting Christopher Hopper at one of his events, and it was the strangest thing. I felt like I'd somehow known Christopher for 20 years. We had so much in common, being fantasy writers, but also in terms of faith, music, hobbies, way of thinking...right down to a whacked-Monty Python-meets-John Hughes sense of humor.

Christopher lives in Upstate NY, and I live in Maryland, so we looked for a middle ground where we could get together for "Writers Bootcamp" weekends. Together we worked on our different novels and found it to be extremely rewarding. I still remember walking down the snowy streets of Scranton, puffing out wisps of breath, saying, "Wouldn't it be cool if we could write a novel together some day?" Well, fast forward, and God opened up that door for us.

Readers you should know that this project does not represent two authors writing in two voices. Nor is it more Wayne's style or more Christopher's style. This is "OUR" voice together, and I think it's an improvement over anything we've done alone.

Readers, you should also be warned: we had a hysterically good time writing Curse of the Spider King (and now its sequels). We write using iChat, Messenger, Cell Phone). If you could listen in to our writing conversations, you would hear two fantasy-loving maniacs, cackling away like mad scientists as we create. The result, we think, is a massively entertaining adventure that turns the fantasy "portal story" on its head and asks, "What if a fantasy realm invaded our world?"

Get ready for mysterious events, relentless action, middle-of-the-night chills, and a wriggling, snarling, scratching collection of creatures that is sure to please imaginative readers of all ages.

Please let us know what you think of Spider King. And get ready for the sequel: Venom and Song, due out May 2010.

Fantasy. Mystery. Action. Humor. Parents, teachers, and librarians will no longer have to push kids to read-The Berinfell Prophesieswill engage intermediate readers and leave them clamoring for more.

Learn more about The Berinfell Prophecies at www.heedtheprophecies.wordpress.com. Create your own tribe. Connect with fans through the forum. Win pre-release chapters and the opportunity to have Wayne and Christopher at your very own book party!

The book link is HERE....Curse of the Spider King is http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400315050

Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Amy Browning
Valerie Comer
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Tina Kulesa
Melissa Lockcuff
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Nissa
John W. Otte
Cara Powers
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Jill Williamson
KM Wilsher

Eternity Falls by Kirk Outerbridge

Hi All My Readers!

Tonight's first review is Eternity Falls! I love Sci-Fi, in movies, books, or with my friends making up stories. This book was excellent. Very move script worthy even! I had not read what is called a "cyberthriller" before to my knowledge, but I enjoyed this book greatly! This book is action, adventure and mystery all in a futuristic setting.

The story opens with a detective who has been hired to find out, or um... maybe not exactly find out, why a recipient of the "Miracle Treatment" has died. What is odd about that, well this treatment was suppose to make her practically immortal, but yet this body appears to have died of "natural causes" which is passe in the world at this time. What Detective Rick Macey is going to have to find out, among many other things, is there is at least one person killing in the name of God. It is always so hard to know who is really who they say they are! Do you ever really know someone totally?

But even if you did, that doesn't give you the right to play God with their lives, or even judge them, but how do you know those rights from wrongs? This case will cause Rick Macey to fall in love with someone he hadn't planned on loving. Can he make it out of this alive, save the people he cares about, live through the truth while keeping his faith, all while dealing with Cyborgs, car wrecks, and fights on the roof?

I am not telling you the ending, but I am going to recommend if you like Sci-Fi at all, if you follow along with anything Sci-Fi, or Mystery and Adventure you will want to check this book out. I feel sure you will not miss the message either. After all... who will hold your soul when Eternity Falls?

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Eternity Falls
Marcher Lord Press (October 1, 2009)
by
Kirk Outerbridge


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kirk Outerbridge developed a passion for storytelling at an early age. Through years of reading Fantasy and Science Fiction novels, comics, table top gaming and watching endless hours Japanese anime, he developed a keen sense for what made stories enjoyable and more importantly—what didn’t.

While pursuing an engineering degree in college, Kirk endeavored to tell his own stories, choosing writing as the easiest and cheapest medium to master—or so he thought. Several years and several hundred thousand words later, he produced a Sci-fi trilogy that shall never (God willing) see the light of day, but that did teach him much needed lessons about the craft of writing fiction.

After college Kirk returned to his homeland of Bermuda where he reunited with his childhood friend and future wife, Ria. But before marrying his lovely wife, Kirk entered an even greater marriage and devoted his life to Christ in 2002.

With a new found direction in life, writing fell by the wayside but the urge to tell futuristic stories never left. After much prayer and contemplation, Kirk purposed his writing for God’s Will, seeking to draw to Christ those who shared his passions for all things futuristic and Sci-fi.

Kirk currently lives with his wife Ria and 18 month old son Miles in beautiful Bermuda. He is a faithful member of the Church of Christ and is a professional engineer employed by the government.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the future, death is only a problem if you can’t afford the price. Such is the promise of Gentec Corporation’s “Miracle Treatment”, a genetic anti-aging elixir that grants eternal life—or does it?

When a Gentec client suddenly dies of natural causes, the powers that be will stop at nothing to ensure their version of eternity remains unchallenged; even if it means concocting a religious sabotage conspiracy to cover a lie.

With the media about to blow the story wide open, the credibility of Gentec and the lives of millions of clients rest on one man’s ability to uncover the truth. Enter detective Rick Macey, religious counterterrorist expert and Gentec executive Sheila Dunn’s last hope for salvation.

Now with the clock ticking and the corporate brass seeking their own solution at any cost, Macey must track down a religious zealot out to destroy the Miracle Treatment for good.

But when Macey finds himself not only falling for his client, but confronted with the possibility that the culprit could hold a connection to his shaded past, the truth suddenly becomes a dangerous thing.

Only through a test of faith can he stop the crisis before it’s all too late and eternity falls.

If you would like to read an excerpt from Chapter 1 of Eternity Falls, go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0982104979

Eye of the god by Ariel Allison

Hi Readers!

Quite an interesting book with a good pace to it. In this book Abby Mitchell is the Smithsonian director in charge of the infamous and famous Hope Diamond. From the opening Abby reminded me of Dr. Temperance from the TV series Bones from time to time. That isn't a bad thing at all! Abby is a very intelligent, with it woman who has her own real life issues, such as her Father. Abby is up against two thieves who are after the Hope Diamond, regardless of the curse that it has brought upon its owners since the 17th Century. Or was that curse something they brought upon themselves?

Tracking the history of the Hope Diamond, while working to catch art thieves, untangling a deeper plot, and at the same dealing with the faith and personal issues Abby has in this book makes it quite a work!

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
eye of the god
Abingdon Press (October 1, 2009)
by

Ariel Allison
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Allison is a published author who lives in a small Texas town with her husband and three young sons. She is the co-author of Daddy Do You Love Me: a Daughter’s Journey of Faith and Restoration (New Leaf Press, 2006). Justin Case, the first of three children’s books will be published by Harvest House in June 2009. Ariel is a weekly contributor to www.ChristianDevotions.us and has written for Today’s Christian Woman. She ponders on life as a mother of all boys at www.themoabclub.blogspot.com and on her thoughts as a redeemed dreamer at www.arielallison.blogspot.com.

From Ariel:
I am the daughter of an acclaimed and eccentric artist, and given my “unconventional” childhood, had ample time to explore the intricacies of story telling. I was raised at the top of the Rocky Mountains with no running water or electricity (think Laura Ingles meets the Hippie Movement), and lived out the books I read while running barefoot through the sagebrush. My mother read to me by the light of a kerosene lantern for well over a decade, long after I could devour an entire novel in the course of a day. Authors such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, George MacDonald, and L.M. Montgomery were the first to capture my heart and I have grown to love many others since.

ABOUT THE BOOK

eye of the god takes the fascinating history surrounding the Hope Diamond and weaves it together with a present-day plot to steal the jewel from the Smithsonian Institute.

We follow Alex and Isaac Weld, the most lucrative jewel thieves in the world, in their quest to steal the gem, which according to legend was once the eye of a Hindu idol named Rama Sita. When it was stolen in the 17th century, it is said that the idol cursed all those who would possess it. That won’t stop the brilliant and ruthless Weld brothers.

However, they are not prepared for Dr. Abigail Mitchell, the beautiful Smithsonian Director, who has her own connection to the Hope Diamond and a deadly secret to keep. Abby committed long ago that she would not serve a god made with human hands, and the “eye of the god” is no exception. Her desire is not for wealth, but for wisdom. She seeks not power, but restoration.

When the dust settles over the last great adventure of the Hope Diamond, readers will understand the “curse” that has haunted its legacy is nothing more than the greed of evil men who bring destruction upon themselves. No god chiseled from stone can direct the fates of humankind, nor can it change the course of God’s story.

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of eye of the god, go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426700687

Haunt Of Jackals by Eric Wilson

All Readers...

Grab this one and hang on for a great story/ride! Yep, here I go again... I want book one, and I want to read the next book in this trilogy. Fear not being lost though, Mr. Wilson's Haunt Of Jackals will not have you lost with out having read the first book. Turns out book 1 in this series puts forth the premise of the other dead that rose when Christ rose from the grave. That carries forward into the this book. There are two groups of immortals, locked in the age old fight of which Master they server, Christ or Satan. Humans in a state of transformation and decision are mixed up in the middle of it all, as it seems we have been since God banished that one certain angel from Heaven back before any of us were born.

I have a little bit of this book left that I "saved up". I am not passing out a single spoiler!

Go get a copy and your favorite drink and be prepared!

Carol :)

The book link is http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595544593

Eric Wilson’s Web site - http://www.wilsonwriter.com/
The Undead Trilogy Web site - http://www.jerusalemsundead.com/

Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr

Wayne Thomas Batson

Jennifer Bogart

Justin Boyer

Keanan Brand

Amy Browning

Karri Compton

Amy Cruson

CSFF Blog Tour

Stacey Dale

D. G. D. Davidson

Jeff Draper

April Erwin

Karina Fabian

Beth Goddard

Todd Michael Greene

Timothy Hicks

Becky Jesse

Cris Jesse

Jason Joyner

Julie

Carol Keen

Dawn King

Mirtika

Nissa

John W. Otte

James Somers

Speculative Faith

Rachel Starr Thomson

Robert Treskillard

Steve Trower

Fred Warren

Phyllis Wheeler

Jill Williamson

KM Wilsher

Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish

Greetings All,

I had started to not pick this book because the write up sounded like many other book plots. I am glad I went ahead and got it because it is *not* like other books about an abandoned baby, or troubled teens, or couples who have marriage issues. Watch Over Me was honest raw emotion and daily life. It hit me so hard that I couldn't read through it quickly at all! The basic issues of emotion and life are portrayed so plain and so real that these could be people in your neighborhood, your town, your life. This is the story of how one thing you "stumble on" can change your life, open your heart, heal and help.

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Watch Over Me
(Bethany House October 1, 2009)
by
Christa Parrish


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christa Parrish graduated high school at 16, with every intention of becoming a surgeon. After college, however, her love of all things creative led her in another direction, and she worked in both theatre and journalism.

A winner of Associated Press awards for her reporting, Christa gave up her career after the birth of her son, Jacob. She continued to write from home, doing pro bono work for the New York Family Policy Council, where her articles appeared in Focus on the Family’s Citizen magazine. She was also a finalist in World magazine’s WORLDview short story contest, sponsored by WestBow press. She now teaches literature and writing to high school students, is a homeschool mom, and lives with her husband, author Chris Coppernoll, and son in upstate New York, where she is at work on her third novel.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Her Rescue Might Be the Miracle They Needed Things like this don't happen in Beck County. Deputy Benjamin Patil is the one to find the infant girl, hours old, abandoned in a field. As police work to identify the mother, Ben and his wife, Abbi, seem like the obvious couple to serve as foster parents. But the newborn's arrival opens old wounds for Abbi and shines a harsh light on how much Ben has changed since a devastating military tour. Their marriage teeters on the brink and now they must choose to reclaim what they once had or lose each other forever.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Watch Over Me, go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764205544

Intervention by Terri Blackstock

Hey Y'all..

Intervention was indeed a "Up All Night" type of book! I wasn't up all night read it, but I did find it very fast paced, and very real. Emily was as real as friends have I had in the past, or people I knew at school. I am one of those people who never got into drugs. I never smoked weed, or anything else for that matter. However, I have been affected by those close to me or a friend who were on drugs, or just smoking even! Addictions are horrible horrible things that eat away at the souls of those who can't seem to break away from them. Mrs. Blackstock wrote this story of a family holding on for all they are worth, a Mother fighting against evil for her children with a beautiful passion and understanding that makes it well worth reading.

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Intervention
Zondervan (September 22, 2009)
by
Terri Blackstock


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published last year, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Blackstock has had twenty-five years of success as a novelist.

In 1994 Blackstock was writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening drew her into the Christian market. Since that time, she’s written over thirty Christian titles, in addition to the thirty-two she had in the secular market. Her most recent books are the four in her acclaimed Restoration Series, which includes Last Light, Night Light, True Light and Dawn’s Light. She is also known for her popular Newpointe 911 and Cape Refuge Series.

In addition to her suspense novels, she has written a number of novels in the women’s fiction genre, including Covenant Child, which was chosen as one of the first Women of Faith novels, and her Seasons Series written with Beverly LaHaye, wife of Tim LaHaye.

Blackstock has won the Retailer’s Choice Award and has appeared on national television programs such as The 700 Club, Home Life, and At Home Live with Chuck and Jenny. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country and the subject of countless articles. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.

ABOUT THE BOOK


Barbara Covington has one more chance to save her daughter from a devastating addiction, by staging an intervention. But when eighteen-year-old Emily disappears on the way to drug treatment—and her interventionist is found dead at the airport—Barbara enters her darkest nightmare of all.

Barbara and her son set out to find Emily before Detective Kent Harlan arrests her for a crime he is sure she committed. Fearing for Emily’s life, Barbara maintains her daughter’s innocence. But does she really know her anymore? Meanwhile, Kent has questions of his own. His gut tells him that this is a case of an addict killing for drugs, but as he gets to know Barbara, he begins to hope he’s wrong about Emily.

The panic level rises as the mysteries intensify: Did Emily’s obsession with drugs lead her to commit murder—or is she another victim of a cold-blooded killer?

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

Watch the book Trailer:

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/031025065X

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin

Hello Readers!

I am actually still finishing up this book. Why? Because much of it is too close to my real world. I have at least one "heavy set" relation. While not as heavy as Agnes is, I know too well from having had several very heavy friends some of the trails and issues that Griselda deals with in this book. Nevertheless, God uses anyone who lets Him.

In the process people can tend to feel like it is the person praying that is the cause of God moving, instead of God moving because we asked and believed. To me this is a very real book with strong characters and worth the read. It is a good reminder that it is the power of agreement and faith that moves God, and not just the prayers of one certain person.

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow
Abingdon Press (September 2009)
by
Joyce Magnin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joyce Magnin is the author of short fiction and personal experience articles. She co-authored the book, Linked to Someone in Pain. She has been published in such magazines as Relief Journal, Parents Express, Sunday Digest, and Highlights for Children.

Joyce attended Bryn Mawr College and is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship. She is a frequent workshop leader at various writer’s conferences and women’s church groups.

She has three children, Rebekah, Emily, and Adam; one grandson, Lemuel Earnest; one son-in-law, Joshua, and a neurotic parakeet who can’t seem to keep a name. Joyce leads a small fiction group called StoryCrafters. She enjoys baseball, football, cream soda, and needle arts but not elevators. She currently lives in Havertown, Pennsylvania.

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow is her first published novel.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow is the story of an unusual woman, Agnes Sparrow. No longer able or willing to leave her home, where she is cared for by her long-suffering sister Griselda, Agnes has committed her life to the one thing she can do-besides eat. Agnes Sparrow prays and when Agnes prays things happen, including major miracles of the cancer, ulcer-healing variety along with various minor miracles not the least of which is the recovery of lost objects and a prize-winning pumpkin.

The rural residents of Bright's Pond are so enamored with Agnes they plan to have a sign erected on the interstate that reads, "Welcome to Bright's Pond, Home of Agnes Sparrow." This is something Agnes doesn't want and sends Griselda to fight city hall.

Griselda's petitions are shot down and the sign plans press forward until a stranger comes to town looking for his miracle from Agnes. The truth of Agnes's odd motivation comes out when the town reels after a shocking event. How could Agnes allow such evil in their midst? Didn't she know?

Well, the prayers of Agnes Sparrow have more to do with Agnes than God. Agnes has been praying to atone for a sin committed when she was a child. After some tense days, the townsfolk, Griselda, and Agnes decide they all need to find their way back to the true source of the miracles-God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow, go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426701640

The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul

Delightful!

I am so glad I got this book! I first read the first half of the last of the Dragonkeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul. It was good enough that I forced myself to put it down, and wait until I can read the first 4 books in that series! I have the first 2 now, and will be reading them and giving you a review as I can. ;)

This book was just super! Tipper is fantastic, all the characters are! I do not want to give away too much, but if you read it you will not regret it at all!

Carol :)

The Vanishing Sculptor - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073391

Donita Paul’s Web site - http://www.donitakpaul.com/
Donita Paul’s blog - http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/

Participants’ Links:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Rachel Briard
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Linda Gilmore
Todd Michael Greene
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen (posting later in the week)
Nissa
John W. Otte
Lyn Perry
Crista Richey
Cheryl Russell
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Dona Watson
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams
KM Wilsher

The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller

Lovely book!

I really enjoyed this read! Of course, I already knew a good deal about how Carousel animals and how the horses are made, so it just made this book even more fun! Ms. Miller told this story with a great deal of detail for not only the horses, but a woman working in a man's arena.

Carrie is a lovely portrait of a woman fighting to follow God, cope with friends, and man.

Carol :)

Without the means to support herself after her father dies, Carrington Brouwer receives the opportunity to use her artistic talent at her friend's father's carousel factory. But the men at the factory are not happy that a woman has been given the very desirable job of painting the elaborately carved horses. When mishaps occur at the factory and jewelry disappears from the home of the factory owner, accusations swirl. Is the handsome young factory manager truly Carrie's ally or will he side with those who believe she should be fired?

The book link to Amazon is here:

http://www.amazon.com/Carousel-Painter-Judith-Miller/dp/0764202790/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253298978&sr=1-1

Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson

Hello!

Another good easy read! A nice romance with some adventure in it.

That works for me on rainy days! I have heard there is another one coming in this series.

If so, I would read it too.

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dawn's Prelude
(Bethany House - October 2009)
by
Tracie Peterson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Ephesians 1:18 has become a cornerstone verse for a new non-fiction book she's been working on -- its also become a cornerstone in her life. The verse reads, "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.






ABOUT THE BOOK

Newly widowed Lydia Sellers discovers that through an unforeseen fluke, she is the sole recipient of her husband's fortune. But instead of granting her security, it only causes strife as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves.

Lydia, longing to put the memories of her painful marriage behind her, determines to travel to Alaska to join her aunt. Lydia's arrival in Sitka, however, brings two things she didn't expect.

One is the acquaintance of Kjell Bjorklund, the handsome owner of the sawmill. Second is the discovery that she is pregnant with her dead husband's child. What will this mean for her budding relationship with Kjell? And what lengths will her stepchildren go to reclaim their father's fortune? Lydia soon finds her life--and that of her child's--on the line.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dawn's Prelude, go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764201514

Danger At The Door by Michelle Sutton

Loved the e-book format!

Carol :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Danger At The Door
(Desert Breeze September, 2009)
by
Michelle Sutton


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is Editor-in-chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, a member of ACFW, a social worker by trade, and a prolific reader/book reviewer/blogger the rest of the time.

She lives in Arizona with her husband of nineteen years and her two teenaged sons. Michelle is also the author of It's Not about Me (2008) and It's Not About Him (Sheaf House 2009). She has nine other titles releasing over the next three years.






ABOUT THE BOOK


Upon her fiancé's death, Laney became a recluse who only left her home for emergencies. She managed to survive - barely - on food delivery service and her work-at-home job. When she tries to move on from her grief, the commemorative meal she orders is ruined. However, it leads to an unlikely friendship with an attractive man, Bojan, who speaks little English.

As he befriends Laney he continually says the wrong things, but he doesn't give up trying to win her trust. Meanwhile, she has this strange feeling of being watched and wonders if she's losing her mind.

Complicating things further, every time she leaves her house something bad happens, confirming that she is safer at home. Can Bojan convince Laney she'll be safe with him, or will his presence put her in further danger? Will he be able to protect the woman he loves before it's too late?


If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of Danger At The Door, go HERE

The book link is: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-29/Danger-at-the-Door/Detail.bok

The Blue Enchantress by M.L.Tyndall

Wonderful book! I couldn't put it down, and I was so glad to have it to read!

Family in the hospital is a drag!

Carol :0

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Blue Enchantress
Barbour Books (August 1, 2009)
by
M.L.Tyndall


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



M. L. (MaryLu) Tyndall grew up on the beaches of South Florida loving the sea and the warm tropics. But despite the beauty around her, she always felt an ache in her soul--a longing for something more.

After college, she married and moved to California where she had two children and settled into a job at a local computer company. Although she had done everything the world expected, she was still miserable. She hated her job and her marriage was falling apart.

Still searching for purpose, adventure and true love, she spent her late twenties and early thirties doing all the things the world told her would make her happy, and after years, her children suffered, her second marriage suffered, and she was still miserable.

One day, she picked up her old Bible, dusted it off, and began to read. Somewhere in the middle, God opened her hardened heart to see that He was real, that He still loved her, and that He had a purpose for her life, if she'd only give her heart to Him completely.

She had written stories her whole life, but never had the confidence to try and get any of them published. But as God began to change her heart, He also showed her that writing had been His wonderful plan for her all along!

Her other current release in the Charles Towne Belles series includes The Red Siren.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Betrayed by the man she longed to marry, Hope Westcott is about to be auctioned off as a slave to the highest bidder on an island in the Caribbean . After enduring a difficult childhood in an unloving home, Hope?s search for love and self-worth have led her down a very dangerous path. All she ever wanted was to find true love and open an orphanage where she could raise children with all the love she never experienced as a child.? But how can a woman with a sordid past ever hope to run an orphanage, let alone attract the love of an honorable man?

Determined to overcome the shame of his mother?s past, Nathaniel Mason worked for many years to build his own fleet of merchant ships in an effort to finally acquire the respect of Charles Towne society. Ignoring the call of God on his life to become a preacher, he forges ahead with his plans for success at a distant port in the Caribbean , when he sees a young lady he knows from Charles Towne being sold as a slave. In an effort to save Hope, he is forced to sell one of his two ships, only to discover that her predicament was caused by her own bad behavior. Angry and determined to rid himself of her as soon as possible, Nathaniel embarks on a journey that will change the course of his life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Blue Enchantress, go HERE

View The Book Trailer: