Yes, you read that correctly. I have a news to share! My first fiction book is now available on Amazon. I'm here to blog a bit, announce it and let you know I'd be thrilled to have you read it! How you asked? 1) I'm having a Facebook Book Launch Party on the 4th of August. I'd be tickled for you to drop in! You could win a copy of my book, or other prizes. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/490400561112951/ 2) Kindle files are already available at this link for $0.99. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011LLL19A I know I will have a lot more to share soon, but for now I leave you with a look at my book cover. Carol :)
I chose this book because of it's funny name, and hoping it would have a dog, and not disappoint. Nick is depressed. He misses his wife, Abbi, horribly. Nick is also pastor of a megachurch. Nick's precious dog,Deuce, saves him from killing himself right off the bat! He is constantly in pain, and horrifically depressed. The voices beat him up, tear him down, tell him how worthless he is and why he shouldn't go on anymore. When Deuce gets injured, it is the last straw. Nick decides he can't live anymore, he wakes up somewhere else. He wakes up long before Jesus had come, in 800 B.C! He isn't Nick now, he is someone else, and he is a cripple. He is in a time frame from the Bible. He has become Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is now infused with Hebrew as a language, and some way, old "fashioned" thinking about the one true God. It's just want Nick needs. Can a broken man, marriage, church, lives find healing and restoration? Will Nick live and die as Mephibosheth, or will he come back home somehow? This was a wonderful read full of hope, healing, restoration, brokenness, grace, forgiveness and so much more! I'm far from disappointed. Carol :)
Max Davis is the author of over twenty books, has been featured in USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly, and has appeared on The Today Show and The 700 Club. He holds degrees in journalism and biblical studies. In addition to his own works, he’s done a variety of ghostwriting and collaboration projects. Max and Alanna have three grown children and a grand baby.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Nick Gregory regains consciousness after a horrific car accident to find he’s been transported back in time and that he has become Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and King Saul’s grandson. Aware that he’s experiencing another man’s life, he has to learn fast. When mega-church pastor, Nick Gregory, regains consciousness after a horrific car accident, he’s on the ground in agonizing pain. Nick realizes he is in a bizarre place – a foreign, parched, ancient land, having been transported back in time to 800 B.C. Unbelievably, he is in the body of a prince named Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan and King Saul’s grandson. Nick is fully aware of who he is and that he’s now living in Mephibosheth’s body, strangely able to speak and understand Hebrew. This experience helps him see that he, like Mephibosheth, is a broken man desperate for God’s outrageous grace and healing (2 Samuel 9:8). Returning to present day, Nick’s experience motivates a changed life.
Now, this was a great book, but sad too! Heather Flower is a princess. She is from the Montukett tribe. Heather and a good part of her tribe have been kidnapped. The day it happened, was suppose to be Heather's wedding day. Instead, her life has been ripped apart, her dreams shattered, her heart broken, her husband-to-be murdered. Left along to die, Dirk Van Buren saves her. She really could fall for him. However, there is Benjamin, a friend from childhood. What is Heather to do? She is basically a widow, who now has two suitors, and she isn't sure what option she should take. Such a crossroads. The history is wonderful, and I simply loved reading about Heather from the Montukett Indians. I enjoyed this book, and hope to read the next one. My copy came from Revell books in exchange for my honest review and nothing more. Carol :)
About
In an uncertain time, she faces a choice that will change her life forever It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren. Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart. Exploring a unique slice of history, Rebecca DeMarino transports you to the wild land that would eventually become Long Island, New York.
Rebecca DeMarino is the author of A Place in His Heart, book one of The Southold Chronicles, a series inspired by her ninth great-grandparents, Barnabas and Mary Horton. She inherited her love of baking and gardening from her mother; a love of horses, reading, and writing from her dad; and the wanderlust gene from both parents. Rebecca lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Tom. Learn more at www.rebeccademarino.com.
This is my second book by Chuck Black. This is the middle book in a series, and it has totally picked up the pace! Anything that wasn't as strong or engaging in the first book, well this book is super. Cloak Of Light was the first book. Validus is the last angel created. Much of this book is from his point of view. Other parts of Drew's story are included in this book, and I really enjoyed it. It was different than the first book, yes, but it makes this into a very interesting series. Validus goes form being a "young" angel to an amazing major warring angel. He has to learn all kinds of thing. He gets to watch over humanity, and see blessings and pain, trials, and well... life. God has a special mission for him, and he didn't feel that it was that much of one, but that changes. His job is to protect Drew. This book has God's plans, humans, demons, and major multi-leveled plots. I am now looking forward to the next book. My copy of this book came from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and nothing else. I also requested this book from Blogging For Books. I 'm not sure what happened but my copy never arrived. This review is for both places. Carol :)
A six thousand year war rages and now the demonic Fallen are coming for him—the one man shrouded in mystery. Only Validus stands in their way.Validus is the last and least of God’s angels, but he’s seen much across the millennia since his creation. Empires have risen and fallen as angelic and demonic forces battle in a raging war that will determine humanity's fate – and the fate of his defeated brothers. Eventually called to be an earth-bound warrior, Validus rises to a position of power and respect, commanding legions of angels through impossible battles and overwhelming odds. But when orders arrive from the Creator's most elite Messenger, he finds himself suddenly demoted to a task of apparent insignificance considering the fierce war they are waging against the demonic Fallen – the covert protection of one unbelieving man. Validus soon finds himself on a mission that will push him beyond his abilities as he battles to protect Drew Carter, for the Fallen are coming for him. Legions of them. As Validus races against time to discover why Drew is so important to humanity's survival, can he stand between Drew and all who would destroy him?
About the Author
CHUCK BLACK is a former United States Air Force F-16 fighter pilot and tactical combat communications engineer. He is the author of fourteen novels, including the popularKingdom Series and The Knights of Arrethtrae series. Chuck and his wife, Andrea, have six children and live in North Dakota.
This is my first book by this Author, and I am THRILLED to have found him! This was a you-don't-want-to-put-it-down read. Jonathan Ryan "gets it" and he put that into this book. Father John Neil is an Anglican Priest. He is much more than he seems to be at first. Father Neal, Reg McClelland, Darrin Francis and Adian Schaeffer are a group of ministers who are on the cutting edge of real life spiritual warfare. Their group, run by someone we don't see much in this book, helps the police when things that can't be easily deal with by regular (non-spiritual) means occurs. Jen is on the police force, and she happens to be Adian's girlfriend. Adian is an assistant pastor of a Presbyterian church. From the start this author didn't hesitate to mix denominations. I really like that! From the opening lines I was interested. This was about to get good, or go very badly. I have to share a quote. "The Bible is full of course language, crude bodily illustrations, and blunt language. God doesn't share our scruples about language when he is trying to our attention." As their discussion continued here is another quote. "Father Neal contained. "The church today could use a good dose of that sort of language. We have been whoring after our own gods way too long." This is just the tip of the story, but a refreshingly honest look at the majority of "Christians". This amazing group of people, along with some fallen Christians are about to be in a spiritual war they never wanted to acknowledge they were involved in. Actions have consequences, and they can be life or death ones. The Grinning Man has resurfaced, and he is working to have his very own Dark Bride. The lives of a child, several women, and many others are at risk if true faith isn't met with actions. For many this is a Christian horror story. For me it is a beautiful and blunt look into the actions that cross over from the spirit realm into most people's every day world that they never even think to perceive. The Five Sorrows were new to me, but worked well for this book. I loved the honest, heart felt prayers that were used in this book. I did not read the first book yet, but I am saving up for it now. This book stood alone for me quite well. Few are the books that I read more than once. This could well be one of them! Johnathan Ryan, you have made it into my favorite authors list, and that is not an easy task. Thank you for writing this amazing book that isn't afraid to tackle issues while interest, shunning evil, and falseness, retaining interested and creating empathy and attachment to the characters you have created. I need way more than 5 stars for this book. My copy came from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and nothing more. Carol :)
Description
When Father Neal deciphers a voodoo message with a dire warning, he reveals he is part of the Order of the Five Sorrows—a group dedicated to fighting evil with the use of holy objects present at Christ’s crucifixion—and Aidan is destined to become a member
The supernatural unleashed . . .
Still reeling from Father Neal’s revelation, Aidan assists his friend Brian by investigating a series of unexplained events at his farm, including eerie lights in the fields at night and his daughter’s fixation with an invisible friend. After women with mysterious powers, who are hunting down a witch from the 1600s, appear, the group embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the Dark Bride before the Grinning Man’s true purpose can come to pass . . . but they will be drawn into a horrific battle that some will not survive.
About the Author
Jonathan Ryan is an author, screenwriter, columnist, blogger, and member of the Horror Writers Association. His debut horror mystery novel, 3 Gates of the Dead (Open Road Media), earned rave reviews from the New York Journal of Books, the Midwest Book Review, and Library Journal. The second book in his 3 Gates of the Dead series, Dark Bride, is set for release in 2015. A practiced public speaker, Ryan incorporates topics of writing and religion into his lectures. He has contributed to the Huffington Post, Christianity Today, the High Calling, TAPS ParaMagazine, Intrepid Magazine, the popular horror site DreadCentral.com, and Patheos.com, where he has a regular blog called the Rogue. Ryan took his vows to become a Benedictine oblate novice with St. Meinrad Archabbey. He lives in South Bend, Indiana.
This is one fun and good read! Jack has learned that everyone is born with scales on their eyes. It blinds them unless they are Awakened. Once you are Awakened, like Jack has been, you see the war that is waging between good and evil. A child, a Child Of Prophecy is being searched for. That child will save the world, but also destroy it too. Guess what? JACK is that child! That isn't a do it alone kind of thing, so some other special people are included in Jack's life. A fight against the Assassin is coming. Is that who they are suppose to be fighting, and why.
I can highly recommend this read for all ages!
Carol :)
Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) in Washington, DC. One church with seven locations. NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in theaters throughout the DC metro area. NCC also owns and operates the largest coffeehouse on Capitol Hill. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase and the two most recent, The Grave Robber and Jack Staples and the Ring of Time. Mark is married to Lora and they live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Eleven-year-old Jack's ordinary life is upended when mysterious creatures attack his hometown and he is whisked into a fantastical adventure filled with danger at every turn.
Jack learns that most live in a shadow of the world, their vision blinded by invisible scales that have covered human eyes since the beginning of time. But the Awakened experience the world as it truly is, where war rages between good and evil—and Jack is at the heart of it. The Awakened are searching for The Child of Prophesy who will both save the world and destroy it. When Jack joins in their epic battle he must learn to trust his friends and face his fears if he is to make his life count.
Officer Livvy Reynolds is dealing with some big complications. One of them is the flashbacks she keeps having. Her accidental shooting of a teen with a fake gun haunts her. It's reach the point that she decides she has to take a break for a while. With a leave of absence in place, Livvy thinks she can recuperate and put this behind her. She can't just sit and be idle though, so she starts working with a PI about a missing woman. The catch is that this missing woman could be connected to her cousin's disappearance. With Livvy's sharp mind and Alex's assistance they could break both the cases and have a lot of closure and resolution.
Or, it could blow up in their faces. Livvy didn't like Alex, but her attachment to him is growing. As they track where the Senator's daughter Samantha Jo went, they start to unravel the unexpected. Can Livvy move past her feeling that God wasn't there for her when she shot the wrong person, or will her issues doom her and others as well?
I liked this book every bit as much as the others in this series, and I am glad I got to read it!
My copy came from Revell in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
Carol :)
About
The past is repeating itself--and time is running out It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator's missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she's finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she'll have to find a way to work with Alex--before it's too late. Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps you on the edge of your seat with a case--and a relationship--that is anything but certain. "Patricia Bradley has hit a home run. The suspense is high, the romance is sweet, and the villain is one you want to see caught and brought to justice. Gone without a Trace, a novel of forgiveness and finding one's place in the world, brings home the point that while not everything in life may go the way you want, God is still in control. Can't wait for the next book!"--Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Hidden Identity series.
Patricia Bradley is the winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award and a 2012 Touched by Love Award and was also a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award. The author of Shadows of the Past and A Promise to Protect, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
Carlyn Kearney's husband is gone. He went off to the war and she has been alone since then. That was two years ago. Unable to sustain herself, Carlyn loses her home and finds herself in destitution. Harmony Hill, the Shaker community is known to help those in need, and she fits those qualifications. While Shakers do not marry, they aren't trying to force others into their life style if they don't want to do so. That leaves an opening, and a quandary for Mitchell Brodie. He really likes Carlyn, but is her husband alive, or dead? You can't have a romantic relationship with or marry a woman who is married! Mitchell was in the war himself, and is healing. He is also a rather wise sheriff. Things get very interesting when a murder occurs. Asher, Carlyn's dog is fantastic. I loved him! This was another really good book that stands alone or can be read in this series. You might think that being with a Shaker theme romance wouldn't be available, but Gabhart finds ways to show us what that life might have been like for others and the Shakers as well. She brings in wonderful characters and this book shows God's grace and how it is grace we should remember to be under, not the law. My copy of this book came from Revell in exchange for my honest review and nothing more. Carol :)
About
She longs for peace--for her land and her heart--but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.
The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?
Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart invites fans back to Harmony Hill for a story laced with intrigue, romance, and heart.
"The Innocent is another well-crafted tale from the pen of Ann H. Gabhart. With characters that will steal your heart, Gabhart introduces a desperate young heroine who seeks safety among the Shakers during the post-Civil War era and a sheriff determined to come to her aid. A rich and rewarding read you won't want to miss!"--Judith Miller, award-winning author of Refined by Love series.
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, Love Comes Home,Words Spoken True, and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.
Charlotte is on the run! She has left her position where she was being cut loose and she has taken three children with her. She has to take care of Lily, and there is a lot to consider. Stone is a hunter, a bounty hunter. He was sent to track Charlotte and take Lily back to her Grandfather. The problem is, she might not be so bad. In fact, she might be down right correct about Lily. Boy does Stone have some things to sort out.
How's a good looking guy, hired to retrieve a child, punish the person who took her, going to cope when he not only figures out the real truth? That this child loves this woman past telling, and that she herself is special too? Looks like the only answer might be to get to the bottom of it all, and clear her name, and winning her hand could be quite a worthy pursuit.
This is a cute enough read, with sweet children and some humor as well. I liked it.
My copy came from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
Carol :)
About
A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?
Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.
Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.
When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?
Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.
Reviews
"This is an enjoyable story where Witemeyer skillfully evokes a sense of place and time."
RT Book Reviews
"[Witemeyer's] engaging and vividly pictured Western romance is narrated with warm humor, and its heartfelt story line will be popular with fans of Regina Jennings and Maggie Brendan."
Library Journal
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Amber Gilbert
Karen Witemeyer
Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award, and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyerwrites historical romance because she believes in giving the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com
