A Fragile Hope

Cynthia Ruchti is a master at crafting characters you feel like you know.  It seems like Josiah and Karin become your personal friends as you see their story unravel ... as well as their marriage.  Josiah knows all the right words - he's helped others with marriage struggles - but when he sees his own marriage falling apart, he has no idea how to fix it.  The story becomes even more interesting when Karin's life is in danger.  The path back to healing is a long one with many lessons for the reader.  It is not preachy, but tells a story that many will be able to relate to.  Ruchti keeps the reader interested and turning pages goes way too quickly as you near the end.....you don't want the friendship with Josiah and Karin to end.

The Shadow of Your Smile

I do not want you to miss Susan May Warren's latest book, The Shadow of Your Smile!  It is a heartwarming book that challenges us as we read - remember back - why we fell in love with our spouse - just as the main character, Noelle, has to do when an accident erases part of her memory.  The story made me laugh and it kept me intrigued - it would be a wonderful read when you need a quick book that will make you smile!

This is interesting - read here what prompted this story for Warren.
Read what others say about this book HERE.
Sometimes love requires a little forgetting ... Come back to Deep Haven and find out what's been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you're new to the Deep Haven series - this is the perfect book to start with - each book in the series is a stand alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)

• The entire set of Deep Haven Books 

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

*I was sent an eCopy of this book for review purposes.

Unhallowed Ground

Mel Starr is the author of Unhallowed Ground - the fourth book in the Hugh de Singleton, surgeon, series.  I had not read any of this series until this one.  I was pleasantly surprised - this is a mystery that will keep you guessing - at one point I really thought I had it figured out - I was ALL WRONG!  (And yes, I do love that!!)  These books are definitely stand-alones - but now that I've read one - I will be on the hunt to find more - Starr is an author that wraps you right up in the time period and culture with his wit and dry humor, there is never a dull moment to be sure!  Although it is not super fast-paced as some mysteries are, it is a read that still draws you in and keeps you focused.  It is set in the medieval time period so the history is rich and the story is strong!  Come along with Master Hugh, a 14th century English surgeon, as he unravels the murder set in Bampton - and be surprised at the ending!!

*I was sent a copy of the book, by the publisher, for review purposes.

Watching the Tree Limbs

Sometimes you read a book and it's painful - to the core painful - that is this book by Mary DeMuth, Watching the Tree Limbs. It made me ache for dear Maranatha (Mara for short - no irony there!) and in her short nine years all of the pain she had to endure. BUT, despite the gut-wrenching story - it was a wonderful read - totally kept me engrossed and wrapped up in Mara's world. I do highly recommend this book - it hits hard on so many levels - and I highlighted my Kindle version all up - for fiction, that's saying something!! There are just some fabulous quotes that remind us how much our God lavishes us with His love - even when it doesn't feel that way here on Earth. Truly inspiring!

Now onto the sequel - Wishing on Dandelions.

The Promise of Deer Run

I was sent book two of the Deer Run Saga - The Promise of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper. I was not sure this one would catch me at all - and then I started it - I SO enjoyed this book. It is a calm, easy read - but one that has an endearing storyline - I loved the story of Nathaniel and Sarah and the history of the aftermath of the American Revolution. I would highly recommend this book AND the series - I am off to find Book One and be on the waiting list for Book Three!! I would even recommend this one to our Young Adult readers - I think it spans generations. Watch the book trailer here. The story is just so well written - hmmm, could it be because the author is an Iowan!?!?!

*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publicist.

Remembering You

Tricia Goyer's latest book, Remembering You, was sent to me to review and I was SO impressed with the book that I want to share it with you! This is a book that really hits home - it makes you stop and think about what is really important in life - work or family?? It is the story of Ava Andrews, a prominent tv personality, and how her life seems to be derailed when she has to take her Grandfather on a tour of the battle sites in Europe to relive his past days in World War II. Ava and her grandfather meet up with Dennis, a friend from Ava's past, and his grandfather and they, as a group, learn more about each other and their two dear grandfathers and ultimately, what is most important in life. This was a heart warming read - and it challenges you to think about what is important to you too!

*I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes.

Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer!
Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her novel, Remembering You, with a KINDLE Touch Giveaway for you ... and for the friend of your choice. Then on 11/29 she'll be wrapping up the release of Remembering You with a Book Chat Party!

During the first half of the party Tricia will be chatting, sharing a sneak peek of her next book, and giving away a ton of great stuff. Then she'll head over to her website for a Live Chat! Readers will be able to chat with Tricia via video or text.

Don't miss your chance to win a Kindle Touch for yourself ... and to "remember" a friend this holiday with a Kindle Touch for them!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Brand New Kindle Touch and a Kindle Touch for a Friend (winner's choice!)


• A copy of Remembering You by Tricia Goyer for each

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 29th. Winner will be announced at Remembering You Facebook Party on 11/29. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away copies of her other WWII books and gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com. So grab your copy of Remembering You and join Tricia on the evening of the 29th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

The Baker's Wife

Erin Healy has hit one out of the park - this is an author to watch!! The Baker's Wife was a book I honestly could not put down! It is the story of Audrey, the Pastor's Wife, and her ability to feel the pain of others - physically FEEL their pain. This isn't the wonderful gift that one might think - it is so difficult for her to distinguish what that pain is telling her, that's it's really quite a frustrating gift. In the midst of some other trials in their lives - Audrey and her husband are forced to leave the ministry and it only spirals downward from there. This is when Audrey becomes the Baker's Wife AND becomes the lead suspect in a murder. This is a great read - the characters are well-developed and the storyline is strong! She is on my "Authors to Watch" list!

*I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher - in return for my honest opinion of the book.

Reclaiming Lily

This is a book that really caught my attention - China adoption, older child adoption, finding birth family later in life - yep, Lacy had me from page one!! Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy is a book that captivates. It is authentic - even the whole adoption story - we can say from experience that it follows truth. But Lily's story was also moving for me - just a scenario of what adopted children might face as they get older (not much different than our biological children on some levels) - but those deep-seated thoughts of their birth families - it all just made for a wonderful novel for me. The story is tender - and not one that you figure out in 10 pages (my big beef with christian fiction)! It is the deeply moving story of Kai, trying to locate her biological sister, Lily, in the United States. Kai is not involved in the medical profession and feels it is her duty to find her sister and tell her of a life-threatening disease that their birth mother died from. It is the story of an adoptive family that must decide if this is good timing for their daughter - and then it is the story of Lily (Joy, as her adoptive family calls her) and all that she goes through in finding out more of her story. Truly a novel full of passion and authenticity.

Patti Lacy is celebrating the release of her latest book, Reclaiming Lily, with a KindleTouch Giveaway, blog tour and FB Book Chat Party!

Follow the blog tour and read the reviews!

Patti and her publisher, Bethany House, are giving away a Reclaiming Lily prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!!

Enter the Reclaiming Lily Giveaway and you could win:

• A brand new just released KindleTouch with Wi-Fi


• $25 gift cetificate to Amazon.com

But, wait there’s more!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/19! Patti will be announcing the winner of the Reclaiming Lily Giveaway at her Party on Facebook October 20th! She’ll be hosting a book club chat of Reclaiming Lily (it's okay if you haven't read it - you could win a copy!) and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Amazon.com, Starbucks, & iTunes!). Don’t miss the fun at Patti’s FB Author Page on 10/20/11 at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, & 8 pm EST)! RSVP today!

Here is what the publisher says about the book:

A storm the size of Texas brews when Gloria Powell and Kai Chang meet in a Ft. Worth hotel. They have come to discuss the future of Lily, the daughter Gloria adopted from China and the sister Kai hopes to reclaim. Kai is a doctor who had to give up her little sister during the Cultural Revolution and has since discovered that an inherited genetic defect may be waiting to fatally strike Lily.

Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer--or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?

About Patti:

Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University with a BS in education and completed master's-level courses in English at Indiana State University. She taught at Heartland Community College until May 2006, when she resigned to pursue her passion of writing. The author of three previous novels, Patti is the mother of two grown children and lives with her husband in Normal, Illinois.

For more about Patti and her other books, visit her website at www.pattilacy.com.

**I was sent a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Dry As Rain

When I saw Gina Holmes had a new book coming out - I was ALL OVER that!! I SO enjoyed her novel, Crossing Oceans that I was pleased to see another novel written by Holmes! Her latest book, Dry as Rain, is another book that I could hardly put down. Holmes' writing style is real, fresh, and absorbing. She is honest and deals with real-life issues that resonate with the reader. Dry as Rain is the story of Eric and Kyra and their marriage that is dissolving. But when Kyra is in a car accident and loses her memory, it is as if Eric suddenly has a second chance to make things right in a marriage that was almost done. There are twists and turns - that is not the end of the book by any means! (Don't worry, I didn't give you any spoilers!) But as you watch Eric and Kyra try to trust and rebuild their marriage, it also challenges you, the reader, to think about how you deal with things in your own life - it may be fiction - but it can be a good challenge to us too!! You really come to be a part of the character's lives as you read - they are believable and real. I thought it was a super read - and I was sad to see it end - I'll be waiting for her next novel!

*I was provided a copy for review purposes by the publisher through NetGalley.

How Huge the Night

I am quite excited about this new book, How Huge the Night, by Heather and Lydia Munn. It is set in France as it is falling to the Nazis and is based on a true story - the town of Le Chambon - the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust. This is a book geared at teens and helps them get excited about this time period AND also challenges them to think about the choices they make everyday based on some of the choices Julien and Nina have to make to survive. I appreciate the ethical challenges the authors portray in the novel - it really makes you think and question what you would have done.

Here is what the publisher says about the book:

Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair.

Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough-and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.

This is a compelling read - I was glued from the first page and I know teens will be just as engrossed as I was! In fact - I am on my way to pass it along to my teen boys to read!

Here is a bit about the authors:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois, where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.

Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil. She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College, and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble, France.

Here's Some BIG NEWS!!!

Kregel Publications is sponsoring an $50 Amazon.com giveaway open to blog readers.

About the Giveaway!

To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #litfuse) about How Huge the Night or share about it on Facebook!

If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use the hashtag (#litfuse). If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy.



*I was provided a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

Beside Still Waters

I have read a lot of deeper reading lately and so Tricia Goyer's Beside Still Waters was a nice reprieve for me. I do enjoy stories about the Amish community - and this one was especially intriguing to me. It is the story of Marianna - she is 18 and ready to be engaged and baptized, when her family decides to move west. Along with their move, comes a new life Marianna didn't expect - and one which intrigues her. She begins to question many of the beliefs she was surrounded with in the Amish community and sees a life outside of many of those beliefs. Goyer is a great writer that evokes many emotions for me when I read her work. She paints a realistic picture that is believable and creates empathy with her readers. I would recommend this story - it is a good challenge for all of us - to really SEE and understand why we believe.

About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. Visit www.triciagoyer.com for more info.

To celebrate the release of the first book in the Big Sky Amish series Tricia is giving away 10 copies of Beside Still Waters and a pair of super cute antique Amish salt & pepper shakers.

Details at Tricia’s blog, It’s Real Life: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2011/04/beside-still-waters-giveaway.html

BONUS! Each person who enters the giveaway will receive a FABULOUS Montana Amish Calendar. Hurry, it’s only available while supplies last!

If you would like to read what others have to say about Tricia's book - go HERE.

*I was provided a copy for review purposes by the publisher.

The Mountains Bow Down

Sibella Giorello's The Mountains Bow Down is another fabulous title in her Raleigh Harmon Series. Giorello is an amazing author that, once again, has written a page-turner!! And of course she scored major points with me on this one having it set in Alaska (which I didn't know was her growing up place!!). Raleigh Harmon is an FBI special agent and her cases take her all over and she gets herself in quite some challenges!! This book is no exception - so well-written and keeps you on the edge of your seat!

About Sibella: Sibella Giorello grew up in Alaska and majored in geology at Mount Holyoke College. After riding a motorcycle across the country, she worked as a features writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her stories have won state and national awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. She now lives in Washington state with her husband and sons. Find out more about Sibella and her other books at her website. www.sibellagiorello.com

Here is what the publisher says about the book:

About The Mountains Bow Down: Everything's going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . ..

That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, The Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.

But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.

Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-perpetual ladies man Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be such a jerk after all.

And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.

Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a situation so steep and so complex that even the mountains might bow down.

Here is some fun news!!! You can pick up book one in this series for your Kindle or Nook for only $2.99. The Stones Roll Away is her first novel in this Raleigh Harmon series!

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Mountains Bow Down by giving away a Cruise prize pack worth over $500.00!

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate toward the cruise of their choice from Vacations To Go.
• The entire set of the Raleigh Harmon series.
  To enter go here!

Then tell your friends. And enter soon - the giveaway ends on 4/1! The winner will be announced at Sibella’s Raleigh Harmon Book Club Party on FB April 5th, 2011! Don’t miss the fun – prizes, books and gab!

About the Facebook Party: Join Sibella and fans of the Raleigh Harmon series on April 5th at 5:00 pm PST (6 MST, 7 CST & 8 EST) for a Facebook Book Club Party. Sibella will be giving away some fun prizes, testing your trivia skills and hosting a book chat about the Raleigh Harmon books. Please RSVP and if you have questions you'd like to chat about - leave them on the Event page.

Blog Tour Schedule:

3/15
Karla at Quiet Quilter http://www.karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com

Verlina at What You Reading Now? http://www.WhatYouReadingNow.blogspot.com

Charlene at Quintessentially Quilly http://quilldancer.com

Jolene at The Creative Studio http://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com

Martha at Our Family Adventures http://homeschoolblogger.com/martha/

Sarah at Growing for Christ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ohiosarah

Jami's Reviews http://jamisreviews.blogspot.com

Becky at In The Pages http://inthepages.blogspot.com

3/16
MaryBeth at Four Silly Sisters Review http://foursillysistersreview.blogspot.com

Melissa at Word Heard http://wordheard.wordpress.com

Barbara's Thin Line http://www.barbarasthinline.blogspot.com

Debra at Footprints in the Butter http://debrakb.blogspot.com/

Vanessa at Ohio Girl Talks http://www.ohiogirltalks.blogspot.com

Suzanne at Suzannesaphone http://suzannesaphone.wordpress.com

Beckie at By The Book http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com

Mark at Thoughts of a Sojourner http://thoughtsofasojourner.blogspot.com/

3/17
Maggie at Tethered Mommy http://www.tetheredmommy.com

Brenda at WV Stitcher http://www.kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com

Sharon at Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com

Jake at Fiction Addict http://www.FictionAddict.com

Amy at The 160 Acrewoods http://www.the160acrewoods.com

Reviews By Jane http://www.reviewsbyjane.blogspot.com

Rut at This That and the Other Thing http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com

3/18
C.J. Darlington http://www.cjdarlington.blogspot.com

Thou Art Jules http://thouartjules.com

Lena Nelson at A Christian Writer's World http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Jamie at Surviving The Chaos http://www.survivingthechaos.blogspot.com

Molly at Book Reviews By Molly http://reviewsbymolly.blogspot.com

Nicole at Ramblings By Nicole http://ramblingsbynicolerenee.blogspot.com

Diane at That's What I'm Here For http://www.dianeestrella.com

3/19
Carol’s Corner http://www.fleisherfamilyfun.blogspot.com

Kim at Window To My World http://berlysue.blogspot.com

Amber at Snidbits http://www.amberfrench.blogspot.com

Books by Bina http://www.booksbybina.blogspot.com

Danielle at The Happy Wife http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com

Virginia at My Full Cup http://myfullcup.wordpress.com

Tim at Fiction Addict http://fictionaddict.com

Michele at My Blessings From Above http://koreamom.blogspot.com

Theresa at Faith and Family Reviews http://www.faithandfamilyreviews.com

Tammy's Book Parlor http://tgteecher.blogspot.com

3/21
Caroline at Happy Four http://happyfour.blogspot.com

Stacei at Hobbit Door http://hobbitdoor.blogspot.com

Laura at Lighthouse Academy and Christian Bookworm Reviews
http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/
http://christianbookwormreviews.com

Nancy at Bookfoolery and Babble http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/

Janet at Along the Way http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com

Julie at One Rainy Afternoon http://onerainyafternoon.blogspot.com

Evelyn at The Writing Sprite http://writesprite.wordpress.com

Kaylea at My Scrappy Life http://kaytebug2002.blogspot.com

3/22
Heather at Mom 2 Mom Connection http://www.heatherivester.com

Melissa at Breath of Life http://breathoflifeministries.blogspot.com/

Prism at A Girl of Many Colors http://agirlofmanycolors.blogspot.com

Lisa Jordan Books http://www.lisajordanbooks.com

Carly at Carlybird's Home http://www.carlybirdshome.blogspot.com

Deborah at Books, Movies and Chinese Food http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com

Jenn's RAQ http://jennsraq.blogspot.com

3/23
Timothy at LaVigne's Blog http://tslavigne.wordpress.com

Sherry at My Journey Back http://www.myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com

Catherine at Cuzinlogic http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.com

Mel at Real Heart Prints http://www.realheartprints.com

Susan at My Life - A beautiful Disaster http://www.butifldisaster.blogspot.com

Charity at Giveaway Lady http://giveawaygal.blogspot.com

Meg at Meg Massey http://www.megmassey.com

Lydia at The Overweight Bookshelf http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot.com/

Katie at Legacy of a Writer http://www.katieslegacy.blogspot.com

3/24
Loren at Heart of a bookworm http://www.themagoosnews.blogspot.com

Beth at For the love of books http://mommiebethers.wordpress.com

Brooke at I blog 4 books http://iblog4books.blogspot.com

Stacy at A Novel Source http://www.anovelsource.com

Relz Reviewz http://relzreviewz@gmail.com

Rebekah a Aurelia
http://aurelmedia.wordpress.com

Jodie at Mom's Pace http://www.moms-pace.com

Joan at Book Reviews from an Avid Reader http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com

3/25
LaVerne at This Daughter's Notebook http://christiancounselinginsight.blogspot.com/

Michelle at Beyond The Silver and The Gold http://www.beyondsilverandgold.blogspot.com/

Jendi's Journal http://jendisjournal.com

Marianne at Hoosier Word Smith http://hoosierwordsmith.typepad.com

Cara at The Law, Books and Life http://blog.caraputman.com

Tammy at TammyIsBlessed http://tammyisblessed.blogspot.com

My Friend Amy http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/

3/26
Becky at Christian Chick's Thoughts http://christianchicksthoughts.blogspot.com

Krista at Pitching Pencils http://pitchingpencils.blogspot.com/

Paula at Thrifty Momma’s Brain Food http://www.thriftymommasbrainfood.blogspot.com/

Ponderings by Andrea http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com

Kimberly at Sugar Creek Cottage http://sugarcreekcottage.blogspot.com/

JHS at Colloquium http://www.jhsiess.com

Michelle at A Life Better Than I Deserve http://homeschoolblogger.com/alifebetterthanidese/

3/28
Renee Ann at Doorkeeper http://reneeannsmith.com/

Lisa writes... http://www.lisaspence.com

Nora at Finding Hope Through Fiction http://www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Revka at The Porch Light http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com

Cindy at Cindy's Book Club http://cindysbookclub.blogspot.com

Deb at Just Short of Crazy http://www.justshortofcrazy.com

Jennifer at A Spacious Place http://jennifertiszai.blogspot.com

3/29
Robin at Scibbles of the Heart http://www.scribblesoftheheart.com/

Lori at Frog's Lilypad http://lori1971.blogspot.com

Michell at Life in Review http://michellevsblog.blogspot.com/

Marjorie at The Writer's Tool http://marjorievawter.blogspot.com

Linda at Christian Book Reviews http://www.onedesertrose.wordpress.com

Clint AT Friar Tuck's Fleeting Thoughts http://friartucksfleetingthoughts.blogspot

3/30
Ariel at The French Poet http://angelvelvet.blogspot.com/

Ashley's Bookshelf http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com

Patty at Broken Teepee http://brokenteepee.com

Brooks at Victorious Cafe http://victoriouscafe.com

Dona at Allergy Kid Mom http://allergykidmom.blogspot.com

Heather at The Sunset Won't http://thesunsetwont.blogspot.com

Stacy at Upon Eagles Wings http://uponeagleswings.blogspot.com/

Linda Mocha with Linda http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com

*I was provided a copy of the book for review purposes by the publisher.

The Rhythm of Secrets

I have found a new author that I have thoroughly enjoyed! Patti Lacy is amazing in her book, The Rhythm of Secrets. I was caught up from the very beginning and I have literally been hooked all the way to the end. This isn't your typical - "feel good Christian fiction" - Lacy paints a pretty sad upbringing for the main character, Sheila. She has lived through many tough situations and has lived a life that hides all of her past. I thought it was hard to read at points - all that this little girl had survived through - but it is so redemptive. There are threads that will please all types of readers - music, adoption, teen pregnancy, social issues, loss of a parent - it touches on so many things and really hit a chord with me. I highly recommend this book AND this author!!

**I was provided a copy from the publisher for review purposes.

This Heavy Silence

I finished this book and thought - WOW - how does this make me feel in one word?? And I thought, appropriately, HEAVY. Nicole Mazzarella's This Heavy Silence is a book that is guaranteed to make you think about who you are as a person. The story is strong - the characters are real. I loved it! It is the story of Dottie Connell, she is single and has farmed her whole life. Her life is turned upside down when her best friend dies and leaves her 8 year old daughter for Dottie to raise. Dottie has to come to grips with who she is and what her core beliefs are before life's circumstances try to ruin her.

This book will challenge your thoughts on parenting, love, and even serving God. It is truly an inspiring read.

The Clouds Roll Away

I have been introduced to a new author that I am bragging about! Sibella Giorello is a new-to-me-author that is FABULOUS!!! Her writing catches you from the first page - it is fresh and REAL - I enjoy that. She is a Christian writer and although I am not always a fan of Christian Fiction, this author is drawing me back!!! The novel I read, The Clouds Roll Away, is a book that I could not put down. The storyline is about Raleigh Harmon, an FBI agent, and the mystery is one that I could not even see how it was going to end - it kept me going until the very end! Great read - I highly recommend it! This is not her first novel and you can be sure I am going back and reading her others - what a great writer.

About Sibella: Sibella Giorello grew up in Alaska and majored in geology at Mount Holyoke College. After riding a motorcycle across the country, she worked as a features for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her stories have won state and national awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. She now lives in Washington state with her husband and sons. Find out more about Sibella and her other books at her website. www.sibellagiorello.com

About The Clouds Roll Away: Forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon returns home for Christmas but discovers Richmond, Virginia running low on goodness and light.

Although her exemplary service in Seattle lifted her disciplinary transfer, Raleigh lands a hometown civil rights case riddled with problems that could get her sent away again. When she helps out a fellow cop, her life goes on the line, forcing her undercover in a sting operation. As Raleigh realizes the lines are crossing and double-crossing, her domestic life starts to unravel. Her mother's mental health cracks like ice, her closest friend grows cold, and her old boyfriend DeMott comes a-calling, hoping for more than chestnuts by an open fire.

While the city glows with Christmas lights and carols, Raleigh is forced to rely on her sharpest skills to stay alive, hoping for that one clear moment when everything makes sense and the clouds roll away.

Win a KINDLE from Sibella Giorello!

**I was provided a copy of the book for review purposes by the publisher.

Pearl in the Sand

Pearl in the Sand is a first novel by Tessa Afshar. I am often disappointed with Christian fiction so I am leary with this genre. A friend told me to read this and so I took the plunge - WOW - what a fantastic read - it made the story of Rahab come alive. I so appreciate when authors take a little liberty and add background to Bible Character's lives. Sometime I need to read that to understand culture, background, etc. And that is exactly what happened with this book - a prostitute - God placed in the line of Christ - amazing!! Great Read!!

The Waiting

There is one type of book that ALWAYS catches my eye - and that is anything "Amish" in nature. That intrigues me - I love to learn about their ways and ideas. So, when I was asked to review Susanne Woods Fisher's newest release, The Waiting, I was pleased to read this one! It is the second in her Lancaster County Secrets Series. Fisher's books are tender but real. I enjoy her work - she never fails to please. Here is what someone else said about that book that totally sums it up for me as well: A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

Other notes from the publisher:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is thrilled to announce the release of The Waiting, book two in The Lancaster Secrets Collection. In The Waiting Jorie finds herself caught be two loves and two lives in this compelling page turner about complex people living the simple life.

A must read!

Visit the blog tour and find out what the reviewers are saying!

Learn more about Suzanne and her books at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com!

The Waiting is the next stand alone story in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and follows in the footsteps of the best-selling, The Choice. The Waiting is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles and a Amazon.com gift certificate! The Prize Pack (valued at over $185.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* A $15 dollar Amazon.com Gift Certificate

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 28th at Suzanne's Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party.

Join Suzanne for the Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Waiting and The Choice, and giving away copies of both books and HEAPs of readerly prizes! Be sure to join us on Thursday, October 28th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.

Blog tour schedule:

http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/the-waiting-blog-tour.html

10/8

Crystal at Eccentric Eclectic Woman
http://finamoon.blogspot.com

Charlene at Quintessentially Quilly
http://quilldancer.com

Linda at Mocha with Linda
http://mochawithlinda.blogspot.com

Sarah at Growing For Christ
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/OhioSarah

Wendi at Wendi's Book Corner
http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com

Holly at 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews
http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com

Wendy at itsJUSTme
http://itsjustme-wendy.blogspot.com/

Tina at TinasbookReviews
www.tinasbookreviews.com

10/9

Becky at In The Pages
http://inthepages.blogspot.com

Debra at Footprints in the Butter
http://debrakb.blogspot.com/

Abi at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS
http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

Susan at Susieqtpies Scraps of Life
http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com

Billie at Billie the Girl
www.billiethegirl.com

Melissa at Books R Us
http://www.booksrusonline.com

Beckie at Beckie at RBC Library
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com

Shindorf at Farming On Faith
http://farmingonfaith.blogspot.com/

10/11

amy at The 160 Acrewoods
http://www.the160acrewoods.com

Mindy at Ponderings of the Heart

http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com

Tasra at tasra mar | transform

http://tasramar.com

Margaret at Cappuccino Life

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cappuccinosmom

Mindy at A Room without Books is Empty

http://detweilermom.blogspot.com

Michelle at Chelle at Chasing the Divine

http://www.chelled.blogspot.com

Julia at Thou Art Jules

http://www.thouartjules.com

10/12

Lynn at Lynn Dove's Journey Thoughts

http://lynndove.wordpress.com/

Judy at Judy @ Seize the Book Blog

http://www.seizethebookblog.blogspot.com

Alaina at {my heartfelt} Life

http://myheartfeltlife.com

Danielle at The Happy Wife

http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com

Michele at My Blessings From Above

http://koreamom.blogspot.com

Tammy at Tammy's Book Parlor

http://tgteecher.blogspot.com

Karla at Quiet Quilter

www.karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com

Jennifer at Rundpinne

http://www.rundpinne.com

10/13

Janet at Janet at Along the Way

http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com

Julie at Julie at One Rainy Afternoon

http://www.onerainyafternoon.blogspot.com

Stephanie at Stephanie at Coupon Clippin' Mommyhttp://www.couponclippinmommy.com/

Unsell at Adventures in Unsell Land

http://theunsells.blogspot.com/

Christine at Sticky Fingerprints

http://stickyfingerprints.com

Gretta at The Johns Family

http://grettajohns.blogspot.com

Michelle at My Semblance of Sanity

http://michellekemperbrownlowwrites4kids.blogspot.com

Annette at A Well-Watered Garden

http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com

Meinhardt at Knits and Reads

http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com

10/14

Sharon A at I Dream Of Writing For God

http://sharonalavy.blogspot.com/

Sherry at Sherry@myjourney

http://www.myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com

Glidewell at My Daily Trek

http://leticiasworld.blogspot.com

Catherine at Cuzinlogic

http://cuzinlogic.wordpress.com

Urailak at Living for God

http://homeschoolblogger.com/servingtheKingofkings/

10/15

Melissa at Real Heart Prints

http://www.realheartprints.com

Erin at Erin at Connected2Christ

http://connected2christ.com/theblog/

Isabelle at Canadianladybug Reviews!

http://www.canadianladybugreviews.com

10/16

Heather @ Mommy Of 1 and Counting

http://www.heatherandavery.blogspot.com

Thirsty at Fill My Thirst

http://fillmythirst.blogspot.com

Vicki at Reading At The Beach

http://readingatthebeach.com

Elliott at Ramblings By Nicole

http://ramblingsbynicolerenee.blogspot.com

Lizzie @ A Dusty Frame

http://www.adustyframe.com

Marissa at Marissa at The Review Stew

http://thereviewstew.blogspot.com

Jenifer at Parris Ponderings

http://www.jmparris.blogspot.com

Jettie at Jetties Rambings

http://jettiesramblings.blogspot.com

Stephanie at The Creative Side of Me

http://thecreativesideofsteph.blogspot.com

Vera at Luxury Reading

http://www.luxuryreading.com

Janet at Janet at Home Is Where God Sends You

http://www.homeiswhereGodsendsyou.blogspot.com

Jennifer at Mrs. Q: Book Addict

http://web.me.com/quirion

Suzanne at Clicking Her Heels

http://www.clickingherheels.blogspot.com

10/18

Sheri at The Shades of Pink

http://theshadesofpink.com

Carie at Carie's Coins & Cents

http://www.cariescoins.blogspot.com

Tammy at Bluerose's Heart

http://www.bluerosesheart.blogspot.com

Janie Hickok at JHS at Colloquium

http://www.jhsiess.com

Carol at Carol at Books Before Food

http://bookbeforefood.blogspot.com/

Cindy at Cindy's Love of Books

http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com

Myrtle at Myrtle's Turtles

http://myrtlesturtles.blogspot.com

Revka at The Porch Light

http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com

Heidi at Reviews & Reflections

http://heidi-strawser.blogspot.com

Stefany at ToBeThode

http://www.tobethode.com

Deb at Just Short of Crazy

http://www.justshortofcrazy.com

10/19

Amy at Girlfriends Get Real

http://girlfriendsgetreal.blogspot.com

Lori at Frog's Lilypad

http://lori1971.blogspot.com

Tracy at Tracy’s Booklet

http://www.tracysbookletminfo

Gwyn at Mommy Daily Vent

http://www.mommydailyvent.blogspot.com

Stacie at Stacie at Simply Stacie

http://simplystacie.net

10/20

Marjorie at The Writer's Tool

http://marjorie.vawter@blogspot.com

Wanda at The Watered Soul

http://wateredsoul.blogspot.com

Tammy at blog...blog...blog

http://tammy-thisisme.blogspot.com

Patty at Patty at Broken Teepee

http://brokenteepee.blogspot.com

Christina at Will Blog 4 Books

http://willblog4books.blogspot.com

Suzanne at suzannesaphone

http://suzannesaphone.wordpress.com/

Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writerhttp://ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrter.blogspot.com

10/21

Alayna at Joyful Beginnings Begin With Joy In The Morn'http://godspoetic1.wordpress.com

Sharon at Sharon's Garden of Book Reviewshttp://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com

Melissa at Learning to Sail

http://revcooper.com

Ruth at This That and the Other Thing

http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com

Ashley at One of a kind review for Great books...

http://ashleyeddins.blogspot.com/

10/22

Jody at the corner book blog

http://thecornerbookblog.blogspot.com/

Kathryn at Home Spun Soul

http://justmeandthensome.blogspot.com/

Virginia at Lady V dZine

http://ladyvdzine.com

Wendy at Minding Spot

http://mindingspot.blogspot.com

Selena at Colloquy Moms

http://www.colloquymoms.com

Darlington at Our Whiskey Lullaby

http://ourwhiskeylullaby.blogspot.com/

10/23

Patricia at The Academy of Cybetoria

http://pjtheemt.blogspot.com/

Briana @ I Can't Decide

http://briana-icantdecide.blogspot.com/

Michelle at Our Little Corner of the World

www.littlecornerofworld.blogspot.com

Scott at LaVigne's Blog

http://tslavigne.wordpress.com

Grace at Books Like Breathing

http://bibliophile23.wordpress.com

Al at Celibate in the Suburbs

http:celibateinthesuburbs.wordpress.com

Kate at Fuzzy Black Slippers and a Pink Hoodie

http://gwenelle.wordpress.com

10/25

Freda at Freda's Voice

http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com

Lynn at Musings By Lynn

http://www.musingsbylynn@blogspot.com

Massey at Morning Cup With Meg

http://www.morningcupwithmeg.com

Avesian at Cafe Lily Book Reviews

http://redlilycafe.blogspot.com

Brooke at i blog 4 books

http://iblog4books.blogspot.com

10/26

Libby at Libby's Library News

http://www.libslibrary.blogspot.com

Jill at Frugal Plus

http://frugalplus.com/

Rosellini at Patty’s Escape

http://www.hurrie.wordpress.com

Linda at Linda's Lunacy

http://www.lindaslunacy.blogspot.com

Trisha at Trisha's book reviews

http://trishalynn-reading.blogspot.com/

Katrina at Life With Katie

http://craftsbykatie.blogspot.com

10/27

Angela at Angi at All Grown Up?

http:\\pantylesspreacherswife.wordpress.com

Tiffany at A Cozy Reader's Corner

http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com

Kathleen at Quiet Quilter

http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com

Melissa at bookreviews

http://www.melissasbookreview.blogspot.com

Lori at Two Southern Girls

http://twosoutherngirls.com

Linda at Christian Book Reviews

http://onedesertrose.wordpress.com

Ariel at The French Daydreamer

http://angelvelvet.blogspot.com

Jodie at Digging For Pearls

http://diggingforpearls.blog

*I was provided a copy for review purposes by the publisher.