A Wild Goose Chase Christmas by Jennifer AlLee

Have you ever felt your life was like trying chase wild geese? (They don't corral easily at all!)
Well, Izzy's Grandmother has passed. (Mine did too recently  it is hard!) She finds herself coping and in the process with a quilt that is suppose to lead to treasure! Sure - just let that word get out and every vulture, kin, and extra is on a treasure hunt. Izzy is trying to find the treasure her Grandmother intended, but it is that really what everyone else thinks it is, or it is this a deeper more lasting treasure?

Carol 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Wild Goose Chase Christmas Abingdon Press (November 2012) by Jennifer AlLee

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Jennifer:

As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.

Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.

What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.

Jennnifer can be reached through the Contact link on her Blog.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426752490

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley

Shattered Silence is the second book in a series, but I think it stood alone just fine. I have not read the first book in this series. Cody Jackson is a Ranger, as in Texas Ranger. He works on murders and helps solve cases. His life is thrown for a bit of a loop when his ex-wife dies and now it falls to him to raise his rather estranged 15 year old son. Because of his former wife Cody hasn't bonded with anyone else, until now. Now he has an attraction to the detective he is working with, Liliana. 

Frankly, Cody hasn't healed, he is a pretty good mess himself. His son has had a horrible time of it. His step-father hasn't been ideal by a long shot and now Kyle is angry. He is angry at his Mom, his Dad, and at God.

They are both hurt and wounded and to top that off Cody and Liliana are tracking a serial killer. I'd say Cody has a bit of stress going on in his life! 

Shattered Silence has romance, but it also has mystery and crime solving. What makes it stand out a bit more is the underlying tug of healing, forgiveness, being a single parent, human trafficking abuse, and violence are brought up and their results are clearly shown. The abuse issues were not so harsh as to drive off more gentle readers, but strong enough to hopefully open a few eyes and get people thinking and praying. 

Carol 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shattered Silence Abingdon Press (September 2012) by Margaret Daley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.

Margaret is currently the President for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.

On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.

While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn't what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana's faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered Silence, go HERE.

Margaret can be reached through the Contact link on her Website.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426714297 

Walking In Trust Lessons Learned with my Blind Dog by Gayle M. Irwin

Here is our next installment of Cladach's Fall Book Fling! 

Walking In Trust Lessons learned with my Blind Dog is today's book.  I have raised dogs for many years, and I love both people and animals. I was really happy to read this book because I have learned so many things through my animals that I wanted to see what someone learned. This book shows God using a beloved dog going blind to teach about love, trust, hope and how awesome our God really is - all being learned from one family dealing with the changes and helping as their dog's whole life changes! 

(It's been a busy busy Thanksgiving here, so I will add in a few more thoughts later when I can!) 

Below is lots of info about the book, the front and back cover, and a film at the bottom as well!

Carol 

 Here is Cladach's web site: http://www.cladach.com/Walking-in-Trust-Blog-Tour.html

BOOK DATA:Paperback 208 pgs, 5.5" x 8.5" Illustrated with many Bl/Wh Photos $14.99 Available at: Amazon.com BN.com Cladach.com Kindle e-book format BOOK DESCRIPTION: Spending time in this book with Gayle and her dog, Sage, will help you listen more closely to what Creator God may be saying to you through your experience of the world around you. Gayle shares stories of her life with Sage, then draws out principles from the stories and from scriptures that apply to our daily lives. Chapter titles include: Patience, Wisdom, Obedience, Forgiveness, Purity, Friendship, Courage, Loyalty, Confidence, Joy, Compassion, Humility, Mystery, Goodness, Praise, Generosity, Love, Faithful, Respect, Self-Control, Contentment, Gentleness, Kindness, Hope, Peace, Reliable, Trust, Rest, Gratitude, and Perseverance. Thirty topical chapters lend themselves to a month of daily readings. Each chapter closes with a prayer that makes the lesson personal. Photos of Sage and her escapades, interspersed through the book, illustrate the stories. Our Creator has many ways of walking with us and teaching us. He can even use a blind dog named Sage! READ EXCERPT

		PRAISE for the BOOK:"Readers will laugh and cry - I certainly did! Mrs. Irwin's reflections are deep and always focus on glory to God. She shows how God interacts with us, how His instruction and His wisdom have such impact on our lives. She richly connects Sage's journey through life and God's path for us. I will be rereading and reflecting on each chapter to deepen my walk with God!" ~ Kari Nordahl, Bible Study Facilitator and Elementary School Educator, San Bernardino, CA "Readers will laugh and cry - I certainly did! Mrs. Irwin's reflections are deep and always focus on glory to God. She shows how God interacts with us, how His instruction and His wisdom have such impact on our lives. She richly connects Sage's journey through life and God's path for us. I will be rereading and reflecting on each chapter to deepen my walk with God!" ~ Susan Bulanda, author of God's Creatures and Faithful Friends AUTHOR BIO: Gayle Irwin has worked as a journalist, and as an educator in conservation and humane treatment of animals. She is the author of two children's books, and several of her stories appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Mrs. Irwin writes regularly for Our Town Casper, a monthly community magazine, and for The River Press, a newspaper in Fort Benton, Montana. Mrs. Irwin sees God's handiwork in his creation and believes great lessons can be learned by observing nature. She shares those lessons with students and others when she speaks. Mrs. Irwin was raised in Iowa. She and her husband, Greg, a videographer, currently reside in Casper, Wyoming. Get to know Mrs. Irwin better at http://www.cladach.com/Irwin.html AUTHOR INTERVIEW: We did something different this time, and we asked Gayle to fill in the blanks in the following statements: 1. My husband and I were looking to adopt a Springer Spaniel because we liked the size and personality of the breed. 2. Two years after we adopted Sage, she became fully blind. This presented many challenges. The hardest part for me was trying to not feel sorry for her, wondering if she missed being able to see. But, as we shared life together, I came to understand that dogs are very resilient and that her other senses helped her navigate her surroundings, even those with which she was not familiar (i.e., school buildings, hotels, etc.) . 3. One thing that triggers my memory of Sage is when we spend time at our cabin. Not only is this the area where we lost her for two days, but it's also a special place where we shared long walks in the forest, a cozy fire in the woodstove during spring and autumn, and evenings with friends and family. . 4. If I won a reality TV show where my winnings would go to a charity, I would choose Best Friends Animal Society of Utahbecause they do so much to help homeless pets, not only those that come to their sanctuary, but numerous others around the country, through workshops, conferences, and other guidance. They also respond to pets in need during a natural disaster. . 5. I feel like I'm really getting something done when I pray before my day begins and read my devotional, then focus on the goals I've set for the day and not let the phone or other potential interruptions distract me; that sometimes means closing my office door and letting the voicemail pick up the phone . 6. Outside of my own home, the place where I spend the most time is the cabin and property on Casper Mountain. Our acreage has become my sanctuary, a place of solitude, a place to write, a place to spend time with God. Because it's located only 20 minutes from our house, I'm able to go up there frequently, even if only for a few hours after work one evening. I am thankful for this lovely, quiet place! . 7. My favorite sport to watch is basketball, but I sometimes sit through a baseball game with my husband, as that is his favorite sport. . 8. If I had the time and money, I would donate to and volunteer more with children's charities and companion animal groups, and also start my own pet foundation and animal sanctuary, particularly for disabled pets. AUTHOR VIDEO:

Judge by R.J Larson (Books Of The Infinite Series)

Greetings!

Today's book is Judge, sequel to the book Prophet. In this book we find Ela, the Prophet of Parne still alive and working to do the Infinite's will. Seven months have passed since the events in Prophet occurred  Now Ela is a bit more confused, because prophets tend to die young, and her heart pulls her towards Kien.

Kien, on the other hand, is finding out that he too has missions he must fulfill that the Infinite has given him, and he isn't pleased about them. In His wisdom, the Infinite has sent Kien to warn the people of ToronSea to turn back to Him, and away from the bloodletting and morally debased false goddess of the Ateans. However, Kien isn't handling his mission so well. He is angry that he isn't busy courting Ela, and isn't very gung-ho about trying to per-sway people of the Infinite's love. His first attempt's are down right rude, and extremely non-productive. Kien figures he can say what he has to say, declare judgement and leave. How very very wrong he was about that!

Ela isn't with him because the Infinite sent her on a mission of her own to warn the people of Parne of an upcoming massively devastating invasion. She needs to take her little sister and go get the rest of her family out of there! So off on Pet (Skythe) the destroyer Ela and Tzana go to save who they can in Parne, while Kien finds his rebellious self swallowed whole by a sea monster! (O.k... very much Jonah and the great fish but quite quite nice even so!) Being almost digested and dumped out in a place even more remote and worse than he had planned to be Kien has some major choices to make. The Infinite isn't playing when it comes to His plans. There is a message to be spread, and hearts that must make major choices.

Lots of changes, forgiveness, love and grace going on in this book. It also has a sneak peak into the third book coming in this series -- King.

Carol

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Judge

Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)

by

R.J. Larson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



R. J. Larson is the author of numerous devotionals featured in publications such as Women's Devotional Bible and Seasons of a Woman's Heart. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband and their two sons. Prophet marks her debut in the fantasy genre.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Kien Lantec, you will bear witness to my followers in ToronSea.

The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don't involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien's frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs on the Infinite to worship a new goddess.

Tell them I see they are beguiled. Tell them I seek their hearts.
The wise will hear Me.

But why Kien? Isn't this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne? Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has forsaken their Creator and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite's leading...and hope He will reunite them again soon.

Child of dust, will you be My servant?

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

R.J. can be reached through the Contact link on her Website 

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209728 

Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot

Celia is a widow, with a little girl to raise. She is struggling, and she is lonely. She has been "informed" that her child needs a father and she needs a husband. That is so much easier said than done though isn't it? Fiances are so hard that she opens her home to borders. To protect her heart, she says she will not marry a man who can't get her roses at Christmas time, and in frozen Wyoming non-the-less! When her handsome boarder who is just passing through starts to dream again, he is soon considering what it would be like to be married to a woman who hasn't totally stopped hoping and dreaming herself. A very sweet story, a short fast read that might be worth reading more than once! 

Carol 

About The Book:

Celia Anderson doesn't need anything for Christmas except a few more boarders, which are hard to come by in this small mining town. She certainly doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a wandering carpenter finds lodging at her boarding house, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle to get roses during a harsh Wyoming winter. But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .

About The Author:

Amanda Cabot is an accomplished author under various pen names and a popular speaker. The author of Paper Roses,Scattered Petals, Tomorrow's Garden, and Summer of Promise, she is also a charter member of Romance Writers of America, the cofounder of its New Jersey chapter, a member of the ACFW, and an avid traveler. She lives in Wyoming.

Her Web Site: http://www.sff.net/people/amanda.cabot/

The Book Link: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Roses-Amanda-Cabot/dp/0800720040

     From the Inside Flap

"My husband was a good man," Celia said, "and I grew to love him, but ours wasn't the kind of marriage I dreamt about, and it certainly wasn't the kind I read about."

A raised eyebrow telegraphed Mark's feelings. "Are you talking about novels? They're not real."

"The stories may not be real, but the love they portray is. I've seen it. I want a husband who looks at me the way Reverend Pearson looks at Bertha. I want a man who will love me for myself, not for my cooking or because I would be a mother to his son or even because he's lonely." Celia closed her eyes for a second before she said, "I want a man who will give me roses for Christmas."

When she opened her eyes, Mark was staring at her, his expression inscrutable. "That's a pretty tall order. Roses don't grow in December, leastwise not in Wyoming Territory."

Forcing a laugh to cover her embarrassment, Celia gave Mark a wry smile. "Then I guess I won't marry again."

     From the Back Cover

Celia Anderson doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a traveling carpenter finds lodging at her boardinghouse, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle, though, to find roses during a harsh Wyoming winter.

But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . . .

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Tales of Goldstone Wood Series)

Ahhh!

We have heard mentioned in the books that come before this of a woman named Starflower. Now, we get to learn more! Remember Eanrin? He was in a few of the prior stories. You might recall him as the Chief Poet and Bard of Rudiobus. He is about as self-centered and narcissistic as he could possibly be. His ego could fill rooms. Uggg!  However, he so very much fancies the Lady Gleamden. One bit of a problem, she has been taken hostage, kidnapped by a dragon-witch. So off he goes, to rescue his damsel in distress and save the day! Umm, one other problem. There is a girl stuck in the world-between and her name is Starflower. He can't exactly leave her there because she seems to know more, and be more than she looks.
Eanrin has the Black Dogs hounding him. Really. They are tracking him and it isn't a glamours game now, it is getting down to the heart and soul of matters, and some matters need changing and changing fast!

I have so much more to say about this book, but it will come later.
I have to stay I have not been disappointed by a single book in this wonderful series and if you haven't read them, go get them all and start with Heartless!

Carol :)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing
Starflower Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012) by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.


ABOUT THE BOOK

The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal. 

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer? 

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

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764210262 

Too Far To Say Far Enough by Nancy Rue (The Reluctant Prophet Trilogy)

Hello Readers!

This is the third book in this series. If you have been reading my prior posts then you know that David Cook Publishing was so kind as to send all of us CFBA reviewers ALL THREE books in this series! So please read my posts on The Reluctant Prophet and Unexpected Dismounts so that you aren't lost by the time you to my review here on Too Far To Say Far Enough by Nancy Rue.

Allison Chamberlain has been through so much! She now has more women than ever getting off the street, off drugs, out of addictions, working with God to change their lives. Her adoption of Desmond has gone through, he is now hers! Chief is recovering from an accident that was on purpose, and the perpetrators in the last book, and the revelations there have changed her life.

But what about when you feel like wanting to be done? Wanting to say, ok... I did my part and now I am through. It is enough? When did you "do" all that God has called you to do? When have you gone as far as you are going to go???

Check back again later tonight or tomorrow and I will tell you  more!  
I have been running a tad behind this week, so this review will get fully finished here shortly!

Carol :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Too Far To Say Far Enough

David C. Cook; New edition (October 1, 2012)

by

Nancy Rue

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

In 1980, Rue took a leave of absence from teaching and took on writing as a nine-to-five job. Although it quickly became apparent that she could starve to death that way, that didn’t stop her: she spent fifteen years getting up at 4:00 a.m. to write before going off to teach school, until she was finally able to pursue freelance writing full-time in 1995.

“I am living a God-directed life,” says the author: “doing what I was meant to do, what I love to, what allows me to give what I’ve been given. I spend as much of my time teaching, filling my well, hanging out with the people I love, as I do writing, and that has made all the difference."

Rue has become a successful, best-selling author of books for ‘tweens and adults. Over her career she’s written more than 100 books. For a complete list of adult fiction, click here. For ‘tween books, click here.

Nancy travels the country speaking and teaching at schools, churches, home school groups, and for groups of ‘tween girls and their moms. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Jim. Their daughter, Marijean, son-in-law, Brian, and baby granddaughter Maeryn, live in nearby Nashville. The Rues’ two yellow Labs share (and eat) Jim and Nancy’s home.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Allison Chamberlain has done everything God required of her—but as He continues to nudge her in the third and final book of The Reluctant Prophet series, she is ready to say, “Enough!”

Even with two Sacrament Houses open, the Sisters’ second hand clothing boutique making its debut, and the orphaned Desmond legally adopted, Allison Chamberlain receives the divine Nudge to Go another mile. Eventually responding with her usual reluctant obedience, she finds herself caring for a very young prostitute and facing the deepest roots of evil. Despite the adversaries who threaten those closest to her, Allison finds that she has not gone far enough until she conquers hate and learns to love as God does. No matter what the consequences.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Too Far To Say Far Enough, go HERE.

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1434764907