Monday, September 27, 2010

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund



I'm so excited to share this new find with you! The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund is a gem that you're going to have to put on your wish list this season. It will be released by Bethany House Publishers in Oct 2010. I enjoyed everything about this book from the art on the cover to the surprise in the Author's Note at the end of the story. And again, a wonderful FIRST NOVEL from a new author to watch for.


Thank you, Jody, for this CLEAN READ.


About the book:

She was determined to serve a wounded family.
He was determined to preach the truth.
Neither expected to fall in love.
In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher—whether her assistance is wanted or not.
Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John’s protests of her aid. She’s even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family.
Yet Elizabeth’s new role as housekeeper takes a dangerous turn when John’s boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher’s enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she’s more determined than ever to save the child—and man—she’s come to love.


Jody is giving away a copy of her book on her blog this week (enter by Sept 30th) HERE.


This book was given to me by Bethany House Publishers and courtesy of the author.

The Way Home DVD Starring Dean Cain


The Way Home starring Dean Cain (best known for his role as Superman on the TV series Lois & Clark) is based on the true story of the Simpkins family who went through every parents nightmare of their child disappearing. Two year old Joe went missing while his parents were preparing for a family vacation and had left him in the driveway for mere moments. What happened next was heartwarming, the entire community came together and searched for this little one, hoping to bring him home. I'll not share what happens because no one likes a spoiler! This film is perfect for family viewing, it has a PG rating but with the way movies are now I'd have given it a G. It's clean and inspiring. It's by Lionsgate Entertainment and is Dove Family Approved.


An interesting fact about this film is that it was filmed at the very location where the events unfolded. The places you see on the screen are the actual places where the searches took place. I also appreciated the way they portrayed Christians in this movie, usually the Christians are the underdogs or weird ones, this movie showed Christians as real people (which we are) and it showed them praying to the Lord for strength. It's good to share a movie with my family that goes hand in hand with how we live our own lives. Finally, someone out there is listenting and providing decent entertainment that I don't have to be ashamed of bringing into my home.
This DVD will be released on Oct 26, 2010 - just in time for those long evenings when you're looking for something to do as a family. Go get it, you won't be disappointed!


For more information click here.


This DVD was provided for review by Thomas Nelson in their BookSneeze program.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Masquerade by Nancy Moser

Masquerade is Nancy Moser's latest title and it reaffirms exactly why I love this author. She never lets me down! With this book she is continuing down the historical fiction track and let me just say that she does this well. REALLY well. This book whisked me back in time to 1886 and made me a part of the story. When Charlotte and Dora switched places I felt like I was right there with them. I also loved watching the main character develop from the self-centered spoiled little rich girl to one who was willing to serve others. This is one not to be missed. I didn't want the story to end and yet I devoured it within two days.

Thanks, Nancy, for this CLEAN READ.

About the book from the back cover:
They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth....

1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid, Dora. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

You can get to know Nancy at her website and read chapter one of Masquerade here.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House Publishers.

The One Year Mother Daughter Devo by Dannah Gresh with Janet Mylin

The One Year Mother Daughter Devo by Dannah Gresh with Janet Mylin is new from Tyndale and may be just the thing to bring mothers and their young daughters together for some inspirational Bible teachings.

Each Devo starts with a scripture reading that you can have your daughter look up in her own Bible to help her learn her way around God's word. There is also a verse written at the top of the devo (taken from the full reading). Then we jump into a mini-life lesson. Sometimes they are personal stories from the author and other times they are observations of life.

On the side of each page is an activity for the mother and daughter to do together. These are anything from a simple craft to a dessert to making a list of the things that the Lord has done for you recently.

This is a refreshing devotional that can form a closer bond between you and your daughter. Check it out!

I recommend this book for mothers with daughters in their tween years. My own daughter is a little too old for this one, but I liked it :)

This book was provided for review by Tyndale House Publishers.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

DECEIT by Brandilyn Collins



Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense and it's no wonder that her tagline for her novels is Seatbelt Suspense. Her latest novel, Deceit, is one wild ride that kept me glued to my seat all day, leaving no time for housework and the like (hey, priorities, you know?!)


One thing that I like about Brandilyn's writing is that it's so easy to follow, she grabs your attention on the first page and you don't ever have a chance to wonder where the book is going or to get bored, this is exciting stuff!


Deceit is two stories that are in different times that flow alongside each other. The current day story takes place in just a couple of days, but the back story takes place in the span of several months. Brandilyn writes in a way that it isn't confusing to switch back and forth between the two (although I hated leaving one to catch up with the other!) This is a perfect read and I applaud Brandilyn for another winner, and for this clean read.

FROM THE BACK COVER:

Sometimes the truth hides where no one expects to find it.

Joanne Weeks knows Baxter Jackson killed Linda—his second wife and Joanne’s
best friend—six years ago. But Baxter, a church elder and beloved member of
the town, walks the streets a free man. The police tell Joanne to leave well
enough alone, but she is determined to bring him down. Using her skills as a
professional skip tracer, she sets out to locate the only person who may be able
to put Baxter behind bars. Melissa Harkoff was a traumatized sixteen-year-old
foster child in the Jackson household when Linda disappeared. At the time
Melissa claimed to know nothing of Linda's whereabouts—but was she lying?

In relentless style, Deceit careens between Joanne's pursuit of the truth—
which puts her own life in danger—and the events of six years' past, when
Melissa came to live with the Jacksons. What really happened in that
household? Beneath the veneer of perfection lies a story of shakeable faith,
choices, and the lure of deceit.

Get to know Brandilyn at her website where you can find out about all of her other fantastic books (I've been a fan for years!)

You can read an excerpt here.



Thanks, Zondervan, for providing this book for review.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

So Over It by Stephanie Morrill


So Over It is the third and final installment in Stephanie Morrill's The Reinvention of Skylar Holt series for young women and what a satisfying finale it is! When last we left Skylar she was just graduating high school and was trying to figure out her love life. This time she's still trying to figure it out but more importantly, she's trying to remember what happened at a party months earlier. She's given her life to Jesus, but there's something from her past that she needs to take care of.

Stephanie has a knack for getting inside a teenage girls brain. Every insecure thought, every moment of second-guessing each decision, every fickle glance at each boy that comes along, she's got them all covered. Skylar grows up in this volume and it's written brilliantly.

About the book:
Senior year is over and Skylar Hoyt is ready to forgive and forget. Or at least forget. She wants a fresh start where people don’t know about her partying past or her younger sister and her baby. A place where she won’t run in to her ex-boyfriend every time she leaves the house. When she gets the chance to spend the summer in Hawaii with her grandparents, Skylar jumps at the chance to get out of town. But when her sister needs her, Skylar has to swallow her pride and come back home. Will she be strong enough to rise above the gossip and live the life God wants for her?

Click here to visit Stephanie's website and to download the first chapter.

This book was provided for review by Revel.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

EXPOSED by Ashley Weis


Exposed ~ a novel~ by Ashley Weis will change the way you think about the porn industry and its affect on the lives of people it entrances. If you think that porn is just pictures and that it isn't hurting anyone then you need to read this story. Yes, it's fiction, but it's based on the authors own experiences and it sheds light into the dark world of a porn star as well. Ashley has written from her heart and this book is almost too real, it isn't for people who like light reading because this one will cause you to think and to ache for the people around you. You probably don't realize all of the people that you know who are affected by porn. It's a secret that many people don't talk about.

From the back cover:
"Allyson Graham, marriage counselor and lover of love, lived a life of romance few could imagine. Until her husband's secret addiction stared at her from the computer screen. Will she be able to forgive the man who lied to her all of those precious years?

Follow her story alongside the heartbreaking story of Taylor Adams, a young girl searching for her worth in the world. As Allyson struggles to forgive her husband for lying about his addiction, Taylor naively falls into the same self-destructive industry and discovers that the attention and fun is nothing like she thought it would be."

As Ashley tells the stories of these two women she shares the deepest parts of their lives, but does it in a way that keeps this a clean read. You'll cry along with both women and be moved to want to do more to protect the ones you love from this vile industry. This heartbreaking story does have a redeeming end, though. Does Taylor find what she's longing for? Is Allyson able to find it within herself to forgive her husband? You've got to read it to find out, and then pass it on to someone else.




If you want to know more about this book click here.
To purchase this book click here.

Let me add that if you think porn is harmless then you're severely mistaken. It ruins lives, destroys men, degrades women and is murder on marriage and relationships. It is not healthy behavior. It is not helpful to your marriage to view it as a couple. If you are an addict to porn or a victim of someone else's addiction, there is help available to you. You can visit this website for help.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel


The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel reminded me of why I love to read. Some books are so hard to grab my attention and keep it that it takes me days to read several chapters and sometimes weeks to finish the book. I started this book on a Monday and finished it by Tuesday at lunchtime. I love books like that!

****From the back cover:
The price of penance...and redemption.
After a difficult childhood, Kim has built a successful life for herself. She'd leave it all though, if she could be rid of her guilt over a tragic mistake she made years ago. When she meets Rick, she finds everything she needs, even a way for her to pay for her sins.

Kim and Rick's new neighbor, Joshua, knows more than Kim realizes about Rick, but Joshua has battles of his own to fight. Having already lost his wife and his job, he risks giving his in-laws the ammunition they need to gain custody of his daughter if he gets involved.

Debbie, who has saved countless women through the shelter she runs, has the power to help, but she might be as desperate for love as the women she serves. Ultimately, Kim must decide if her penance is more important than protecting an innocent life--and if she should dare leave Rick when he has the power to bring her hidden crime to light.

A gripping novel, The Weight of Shadows explores how the choices we make--and the courage we find to forgive--can touch the lives of others forever.****

This novel not only weaves together the lives of three people and their very different situations, but it reminds us of the power of forgiveness, grace and mercy. It was disturbing to read about the abuse Kim readily accepted, but it reminded me how much of that is going on around us. Alison writes with a tenderness about tough subjects. Her style is refreshing and her latest release is guaranteed to touch the deepest part of your heart and possibly push you to do something in your community to help those who need it the most.

This book was provided for review by Zondervan.

Thanks, Alison, for this CLEAN READ.

Faithful by Kim Cash Tate

Faithful by Kim Cash Tate is the story of three friends whose lives are all going in different directions. Cydney is turning 40 and was hoping to be married by now but hasn't found the right man (or ANY man of late) to commit to. Her best friend Dana is happily married until the day she walks into her bedroom (with Cydney on her heels) to discover her husband in her bed with another woman. Phyllis' marriage is mostly happy, in order for it to be her dream fulfilled, she needs her husband to find what she's discovered, a new life in Christ. All of her talking and pleading seems to push him further away. She's heartbroken and finds comfort in an old college friend who just happens to be grieving the loss of his wife. All three of these stories intertwine and these women find the answers to their problems in their church pew and home group Bible study.

There was a lot that I liked about this book. Having lived in the St Louis area for several years, I was able to picture where the events in this book took place. The characters were realistic and they even made me mad at times.

This book was also pretty hard to read. It made me feel a little uncomfortable. Maybe because these situations are all too real and we all know someone who's found themself in one of them. This would be an excellent book for young married women to read, it may give them hope or keep them from allowing another to capture what belongs to their spouse.

This book was provided for review by BookSneeze.

Love Remains by Kaye Dacus

I want to tell you about Kaye Dacus' latest book. Kay writes contemporary romance books that are always guaranteed to be CLEAN READS! If you're looking for a book for these last days of summer then this is one you should consider.
About the book:
Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job: lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission. Zarah Mitchell, who’s worked at the Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she’s built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson—her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago. When Bobby realizes Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother’s not-so-subtle setups as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in the fraud. Zarah, at her grandmother’s suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he’s been investigating her, will she be be able to forgive him a second time?
This is new and is from Barbour Publishers.