Kelly's Chance by Wanda E. Brunsetter

Hello Everyone!

What a sweet fast reading book! I loved Kelly's art work!

Carol :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Kelly’s Chance Barbour Books; Reprint edition (January 1, 2010)

by

Wanda E. Brunstetter





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Note From Wanda:



Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a writer. When I was in the second grade, I wrote my first poem about a moth. Luckily, I received encouragement from my teacher. During my teen years, I wrote skits that my church teen group performed during special holidays.



It wasn’t until 1980, that I took a course on writing for children and teenagers. I became serious about a career as an author. Soon after that, I began to write stories, articles, poems, and devotionals, which appeared in a variety of Christian publications. Later, I had 5 books of puppet/ventriloquist scripts published. *These books are currently available by contacting me. (wanda@wandabrunstetter.com)



My first novel was released by Barbour Publishing’s book club, Heartsong Presents, in Dec. 1997. I have now written nearly fifty books, with over 4 million books in print. Many of the novels I've written are Amish-themed.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Life for Kelly McGregor is a daily drudge of driving her overbearing father’s mules along Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Canal. She dreams of one day owning an art gallery where her own drawings and paintings are on display. But these dreams don’t include marriage. . .not after seeing what her father has done to her mother. How then can Mike Cooper, a general store owner, make her realize he is different than her father and wants to support her artistic talent? Will Kelly learn that dreams can walk hand in hand with a love created by God?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Kelly’s Chance , go HERE.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1602608903

The Last Day by James Landis

Hello Readers!

This was listed as a controversial book because it is in places! It is good, it has plenty of war in for those who have been through wars. I did like the way Jesus was portrayed in most of the book. The things I didn't like were the two times that the author let Jesus say that this is the only world. That doesn't work for me. There are millions and billions of stars and galaxies that we can't even study because they are so far away, as well as those are that are closer and yet we can not get far enough to check them out. For us as humans to say that we are God's only creations, this world, this plant, for it to be the only one with life on it out of all that God has made has always struck me as extremely conceited.

The only other major issue I had with this book concerned the Red Sea part. That part bothered me more than anything else in this book. I was greatly saddened for the Author to have tried to make the Red Sea, including all the archaeological findings that are now well known, into a bog quake and a sea of reeds. :(

Those two issues aside it was well written and thoughtful.

Carol :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Last Day

Steerforth; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)

by

James Landis


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


James Landis lives in New Hampshire.

















ABOUT THE BOOK

Warren Harlan Pease, the young narrator of this spellbinding novel, returns to his native New Hampshire from the Iraq War and spends an entire day with Jesus visiting and contemplating hi own life with fresh eyes, and a willing heart. He examines his relationships to those he loves─his girlfriend, his best friend, his father, his dead mother, his daughter ─ and grapples with the pain he has been carrying since the death of his mother when he was still a boy.

While in Iraq, armed with his sniper’s ‘s rifle and his deeply held faith, Specialist Pease traveled across ideological borders and earned an appreciation for his enemy’s culture and for what connect us all as human beings. He also learned how to kill and taught others to do the same. “War doesn’t test your faith in Jesus,” Warren comes to realize. “It tests your faith in yourself.” The Last Day answers some questions and asks many more. It’s a powerful meditation on religion and war, love and loss.

This work of compassion and healing grace will resonate with skeptics and believers, be shared and discussed between friends and among families. It is a book for our time, and forever.

If you would like to read an excerpt from Chapter one of , go HERE

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1586421654

The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen

Hi Fair Readers,

This is a delightful book that you will not wish to miss. With out the plot being the same, this book still has the same wonderful feel that I got the first time I watched a good black and white movie of "Jane Eyre".

While running for her life Olivia Keene accidentally overhears something quite important. This predicament lands her a position at Brightwell Court for at least three months. Those three months can give Olivia much needed time to sort out what has happened to her. But what is Olivia going to do when her voice comes back, and how does her Mother have some connection to Brightwell Court that she has no knowledge about? Many strange and mysterious things are happening and no one quite trusts anyone else. When Olivia winds up as Governess to two children things really get complicated for her!

This very well written book has sayings from books from this era about how servants were to behave, and the rules that Governesses were to follow in order for things to be "proper". These quotes added a great deal to the book in my opinion. Suffice it to say that in this time period Governesses were expected to be like children, seen and not heard. I am not going to tell you what happens, because I never give away endings, but I will tell you that this was a really well written, interesting, charming read. Besides that, how could I possibly resist when the main character's name only has one extra letter than mine!

Carol :) (Yep... Carol E. Keen!!!)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Silent Governess

Bethany House; Original edition (January 1, 2010)

by

Julie Klassen


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie says: My background is in advertising and marketing, but I am blessed with a dream job—working as an editor of Christian fiction. I have been writing since childhood, but Lady of Milkweed Manor was my first novel. It was a finalist for a Christy Award and won second place in the Inspirational Reader's Choice Awards. My second novel, The Apothecary's Daughter, was a finalist in the ACFW Book of the Year awards. I am currently writing one novel a year.

I graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoy travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.

My husband and I have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear his.

But now that she has, what is Lord Bradley to do with her? He cannot let her go, for were the truth to get out, he would lose everything--his reputation, his inheritance, his very home.

He gives Miss Keene little choice but to accept a post at Brightwell Court, where he can make certain she does not spread what she heard. Keeping an eye on the young woman as she cares for the children, he finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles against the growing attraction. The clever Miss Keene is definitely hiding something.

Moving, mysterious, and romantic, The Silent Governess takes readers inside the intriguing life of a nineteenth-century governess in an English manor house where all is not as it appears.

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of The Silent Governess, go HERE. You can also sign up as a Follower when you get to that page, and get announcements of the first chapters for all the great books we tour!

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764207075

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:
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