Saturday, April 28, 2012

I CAN DO IT MYSELF written by Diane Adams, illustrated Nancy Hayashi Giveaway & Review


About Book: 

 Emily Pearl can do lots of things by herself. But sometimes even resourceful little girls need help. Emily Pearl is a very big girl. She can pour her own juice. She can tie her own shoes. She can feed her goldfish. She can even curl her own hair. Whenever her mother tries to help, Emily says, “I can do it myself!” 


But even a very big girl like Emily can sometimes feel a teeny bit small, especially at bedtime when dark shadows creep across the walls of her bedroom. Lucky for Emily, her mom understands and gives her a helping hand. 


Young children will surely recognize themselves in Diane Adams’s delightful, rhyming story of one child’s determined quest for independence. Nancy Hayashi’s charming illustrations complement the text, colorfully capturing the chaotic ups and downs in the life of a preschooler. 


I Can Do It Myself Activities 

  • Write a story about what you can do by yourself. 
  • Draw a picture of something that you still like your mom or dad to do for you. 
  • Plan to try one new thing this week that you haven’t done before. 
  • Share with the class your bedtime routine.

For more info about the AUTHOR and GIVEAWAY of HARDCOPY of "I CAN DO IT MYSELF" provided by Peachtree Publishers. Follow this blog.  Then  click here and it will take you to my other blog ITS ABOUT TIME MAMAW where you can enter giveaway.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

In too Deep (The Kincaid Brides #2) by Mary Connealy

About Mary

I wrote for ten years before I got my first book published. When I did get my first contract I had twenty finished books on my computer at home. I had just enough encouragement through those ten long years to keep me going.

I was a stay-at-home mom when I started but during those years my children grew up and I got a job. I've worked forty hours a week, teaching GED, for the last five years.

Somewhere in about the third year of my writing, I sent a manuscript into Silhouette Romance and they requested a full manuscript. From the time I sent the three chapters in, then their request for a whole manuscript, then finally their rejection, it took a full year. So I'm starting to see just how slow the publishing world is. I sent that book in as a result of placing third in a writer's contest and I did pretty well in them.

I learned a lot from the critiques. Also when I'd final, I got judged by editors and agents.

There came a time when I expected to final in any contest I entered. The two years before I got published I was a finalist in eleven contests with five different books. And all the while I'm entering these contests, I kept writing.

I discovered ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and entered my manuscript Petticoat Ranch in their unpublished contest. I was a double finalist in 2004, another book of mine, Montana Rose, was in the running, too. (Montana Rose released in July).

I won The Noble Theme contest and got a lot of requests to send in my book. I also got a really simple request from Cathy Marie Hake. She asked me to send her my first three chapters. Cathy read what I sent her and said she thought I was 'ready'. By this time, I had so many rejections I had a hide like a rhino, so submitting work didn't even phase me. Okay, well maybe I crawled under my computer desk and sucked my thumb for a day or two every time I got one but other than that I was fine.

Just before the next year's conference, Cathy Marie Hake told me she wanted to pitch my name to write a book as part of a three book series set in historical Alaska.

Every year at the conference the acquiring editor for Heartsong Presents gives a contract to an unpublished author. I was so hopeful! I knew there was a chance it could be me. The Heartsong editor, Tracie Peterson, said someone else's name, so okay, I've been rejected before. I kind of expect it. And then she said, 'And this year we're giving two contracts to first time authors. We're offering a contract to Mary Connealy. I get chills saying that! It was a wonderful, thrilling shocking moment. I had to go up and get the contract, in front of 350 other writers, all clapping. A great, great moment in my life.

Find Mary online at:
 Seekerville 
 Petticoats & Pistols
 My Blog 
 My Website


 


History, Romance, Humor--and Cowboys!—from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy

 In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter.

And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned.

Ethan doesn't expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he's terrified of the pain he's felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He's determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch.

Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!

What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?

Where to buy:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Christian Book.com


My Thoughts

This is the second book in this series and is a great compliment to book one.

In 1866, Colorado Audra Gilliand agrees to marry Ethan Kincaid because she feels like she has become a burden to her newly married stepdaughter.

Ethan has become attached to Audra's two small children and is so afraid he will not be able to protect her and the children.  Plus he is confused about the feelings he has developed for Audra.

Audra is not wanting to be dependent  on anyone. She wants to be able to stand on her own to feet and not be treated like a fragile little china doll.

The author picks Audra up out of the rubble of her past giving her faith in God to protect her and her children.  In the character Ethan shows a yearning to be a father to Audra's children.  As a family unit I believe Audra and Ethan will bring out the best in each other and the children showing that God has mad a blessed union.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publisher for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.


Monday, April 23, 2012

COTT Spotlight on Delia Latham



I love those private moments when He cuddles me to His heart and reassures me that I am His, and that I'm special to Him.
~ Delia Latham

Welcome, Delia! It's a pleasure starting off our day off visiting with you. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

 Do I have to go directly to jail if I confess to rarely eating breakfast?  I've never been a fan of breakfast foods. To make it even worse, I usually get out of bed and feel my way to the refrigerator (instead of the coffee pot) for my wake-me-up Dr. Pepper. Oh, no! I think I just heard the clang of a slamming jail cell...

  Uh-oh, lol. I'll give you a place to hide when you go on the lam. So after that can of morning law-breaking, you must then head for the closet to get dressed. Would you consider yourself a skirt, jeans, or sweats kinda gal?

 Sweats when I'm home with no company expected and no errands to run. Jeans otherwise. And, although you didn't ask, bare feet.

  I'm addicted to socks personally. Preferably fuzzy ones. But besides our feet, we probably look a lot alike in the outfit department. Nice to know I can dress casual if I ever visit your house. Which makes me wonder... If you were having me over for dinner, what would you be serving?

Hmmm...good question, since I'm not the cook in my family. My husband does that, and loves it. (Am I blessed? Oh, yes, I am!) Off the top of my head, I'd say you might be dining on his famous chili verde burritos. They're mmm-mmm good! Dessert would be chocolate Heavenly Hash, which is a scrumptious concoction made of chocolate pudding, cool whip, and...I'm not even sure what else is in there, but you're going to love it! And, since it's you, it would all be served on a silver platter - my contribution to the meal. LOL

 Oh Yum! I think I'll bring the whole fam. They might get bored of our book talk though. Can you tell me, of the books you've had published, which is nearest and dearest to your heart?

Come now, darling...surely you wouldn't ask a mother which is her favorite child?  But, for the sake of cooperation, I'll just say that the new baby always gets the most attention. Of my older "children," however, I think Goldeneyes is probably the most "like" me. A vintage romance (set in 1936 and 1959), it is set partially in Weedpatch, the tiny, California farming community where I grew up. How could it not have a little of my own heart and soul written into its pages?


That sounds amazing! Can't wait to read it. =) COTT is lucky to have such a talented writer on staff. How long have you been on staff at Clash of the Titles and what do you envision for its future?

I don't think it's been quite a year yet. Seems like I started about the beginning of August 2011. As for its future, I see COTT becoming a very important cog in the wheel for helping authors get noticed. It's already becoming known within the writing field, and has enjoyed participation by some widely recognized authors. I can't help believing COTT will become one of the places on which authors look forward to claiming a spot, and the Laurel Award could easily become one of the sought-after crowns (ummm...laurels? ) of achievement within the industry. I honestly believe we have the potential for that kind of success, because everyone on staff truly cares about our authors and their success. I'm so proud to play a small part behind the scenes!

Sounds like a bright future for COTT and we love you being a part of our family of staff. We love your sweet spirit and the way Jesus shines through you. When do you feel closest to God?

When I'm alone with Him...shut in with God, in a "secret place," as the old hymn goes. Just me and the Lover of my soul. I love those private moments when He cuddles me to His heart and reassures me that I am His, and that I'm special to Him. Even though I know He gives that same assurance to many others, it's absolutely true for each of us. He loves us all the most.

Ah, that is so beautiful. Love it. Thank you, Delia, that was so wonderfully well-put. You have such a way with words. And on that note, tell us about the last book you had the pleasure of seeing reach reader's hands.

That would be Gypsy's Game - Book Three in the Solomon's Gate series...and it reached reader's hands only last Friday, March 16! I'm very excited about Gypsy's story, and can't wait to start hearing what readers think. Here's what it's about:
Gypsy Lovell stands to inherit an enormous amount of money from a father who never gave her anything but a ridiculous name. Even now, he doesn’t make it easy. A stipulation in the man’s will demands that Gypsy be married in order to claim what is hers. Desperate for the monetary windfall that could save her ailing mother’s life, Gypsy visits a Christian dating agency, hoping to find a temporary husband. Someone easy to handle for the required six months, and easy to get rid of when she no longer needs him. Jal Garridan is neither of those things, but he's willing to take on the challenge presented by the beautiful stranger—on his own terms. What Gypsy doesn’t know is that Solomon’s Gate is a dating agency with a Divine connection. What she finds there may save more than her mother’s life. It may save Gypsy’s soul.
I must  admit, there's a certain melancholy that goes along with knowing this book will most likely be the last time I'll swing open the giant portals of Solomon's Gate. But then...only God knows the future...perhaps He hasn't thrown away the key.

The first in that series was one of our summer book club selections and it was a great read! I'm looking forward to continuing the series, and I hope our readers will head over to Amazon to check it out too. They won't be disappointed! 
 
Thank you so much for chatting with us this morning. Go grab another Dr. Pepper and have a wonderfully productive day. And readers, be sure to visit www.clashofthetitle s.com for the latest Clash and giveaway. 


Have a blessed day! 

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Review: Need You Now by Bethwiseman

About Book

When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas. Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year-old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way. Married life hasn’t always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried Brad and Darlene through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises. While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of the students starts paying more attention to Darlene than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time. If Darlene ever needed God . . . it’s now. Experience a family’s triumph over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.
Published by Thomas Nelson
Buy at Amazon

About Beth

When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.

While Need You Now is Wiseman’s first non-Amish novel, she is confident it will not be the last. She is already making plans to write a second contemporary novel in the near future. Like Need You Now, it will also be set in small-town Texas, a familiar background she thoroughly loves exploring and writing about.

Wiseman’s previous releases have held spots on the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) and the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller lists. In 2010, she received the INSPY Award for Amish Fiction (chosen by blog reviewers). In 2011, she received the Carol Award and was the Inspirational Readers Choice winner for her book Plain Paradise. Her novel Seek Me with All Your Heart was the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. In addition, Wiseman has been a Retailers Choice Finalist, a Booksellers Best Finalist and a National Readers Choice Finalist. Prior to becoming a novelist she received many honors for her work as a journalist, including a prestigious First Place News Writing Award from the Texas Press Association.

Today, she and her husband are empty nest parents of two grown sons, enjoying the country lifestyle and living happily with two dogs, two cats, two pot-bellied pigs, two chickens and a single pygmy goat in a small community in South Central Texas. When Beth isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and watching good movies. Her favorite pastimes, however, are painting (her paintings can be veiwed on her Fans of Beth Wiseman Facebook page) and spending time with friends and family.

Where to find Beth
Beth's website
Twitter@bethwiseman (contest on 4/23)
Facebook

My Thoughts 

Guess what?  This is not an Amish Fiction it is Beth's first Contemporary Fiction and it is outstanding! 


The story is about a average family which seems to be running so smoothly that stay at on mom,Darlene thinks it is time for her to step out of that role and take a job as teacher's aide for special needs students. Her husband, Brad wants her to be happy and doesn't seem to have a problem with her working, until the kids start rocking the boat. They have three children and the middle daughter, Grace throws a kink into things and they are not quite so normal anymore. Darlene can not understand how God can allow this to happen. Brad can't help but blame her since she was not at home to supervise the kids. Darlene begins to believe it must be her fault. All of this happening just when she was making so much progress with Cara the special needs student she was assigned to help.


 This book kept my attention from the very start. The characters were so realistic in how they functioned in their daily lives and when family crisis hit the turmoil each character experienced was very believable. Many of us think "Oh my child wouldn't do that." Think again, God gave us that child to protect and watch over. But God gave us free will and we can't always be there with them. We can be there for them when they fall.


 Then there is the feisty, beautiful next door neighbor, Layla. It was beautiful how the author wrote of the relationship between Darlene and her neighbor. They were such opposites but God put them in each other's path and He wanted them to lead each other on the path to righteousness.


 Lies, betrayal and loss! There is so much more I could say about this book but I don't want to spoil it for you.


 I highly recommend this book.


 I rated this book a 5 out of 5.


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson/Booksneeze for review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie gets Stage Fright by Jamie Hope


Synosis: Baby Jaimie is in her first year of school. She has made a lot of friends and learned a lot of things. Now she will learn what it means to be a team player when she is in her very first play. Follow Baby Jaimie as she learns the lesson, there are no small parts, only small actors.

Author Notes: The third volume in the Baby Jaimie series was first written to be an exclusive e-book for Kindle. After I e-published it I kept getting asked if it would ever be available in book format. The problem was my illustrations were black & whites, which I thought would show up better on Kindle. My first Baby Jaimie book had black & white illustrations, but I really didn't want to do that again. Alex Baranov may have been the illustrator for this book, but the color was added by me.

Title: After reading this book you might think the subtitle isn't an exact fit for the storyline. On the surface you'd be right. The story does dwell more on the issue of Baby Jaimie being upset over the part she was given rather than nervousness. If you pay attention to the portion of the story just before the play you will realize she was nervous. This book, like all the others in the Baby Jaimie series was based on a real life experience.

To visit my kid friendly site dedicated to The Adventures of Baby Jaimie please click: here

Where to buy:
The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Gets Stage Fright has just been updated and re-released in black and white Kindle format. Introductory price is set for .99 to own and free to borrow for Amazon Prime subscribers.

Jaimie Hope is pleased to announce the release of her much awaited fourth volume in the Adventures of Baby Jaimie series. To celebrate the release of Baby Jaimie Gets a Crush Jaimie Hope. courtesy of Kindle Direct Publishing, is offering the Kindle edition for free download from April 6th until April 10th. After that time the book's price will be .99 throughout the month of April. It will then be raised to $1.99. Amazon Prime subscribers will have the option of borrowing the book for free any time after April 10th. Get your copy today!






About Author:
Jaimie Hope was born on November 3, 1976 in New York. It wasn't until high school that she decided she wanted to be a writer. This is when the ideas for the Adventures of Baby Jaimie started forming. This was also around the time she joined the newspaper staff. According to the author she was part of the staff for two years and really enjoyed it. Because the students weren't given assignments and were allowed to write on any topic on their minds. This gave Ms. Hope her first experience in freelance writing.

In 2003, she moved to Florida, where she was not only an active volunteer at the local library, but also in the historical society. During this time she also sang on a few demos at the local studio, wrote her first song, and ran a book club.


It wasn't until 2005, when she picked up The Adventures of Baby Jaimie and started working in earnest to get it done. It only took a month to finish the text of my manuscript. After several rejection The Adventures of Baby Jaimie was again shelved.

She didn't pick up the manuscript again until 2006. Ms Hope had moved back to New York and had lunch with a friend in the summer of 2006 who told her about a friend of hers who was a self published author. Ms. Hope contacted with him, and got advice on how to go about making her dreams of becoming a published author come true, and in November of 2006, AuthorHouse released The Adventures of Baby Jaimie.

After the release, Ms. Hope got busy trying to promote it, and as they say, life happened. Next she decided to try her hand at writing a novel. This proved to be a slow process as well, but not as slow as the first book.

In July of 2008, PublishAmerica released her first novel, Who Says You Can’t Go Home.
In June of 2010, Jaimie Hope became a two time PublishAmerica author with the release of her second novel, Bless the Broken Road. Her second children's book, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Goes to School also available courtesy of CreateSpace in the same year.

In 2011 three more books were published. An Autobiography, Roll with it, courtesy of PublishAmerica, and two direct to Kindle E-Books. The first one is the third installment of the Baby Jaimie series entitled, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Gets Stage Fright, and the other is my first Paranormal Romance, When You Come Back to Me Again. Both e-books are now available in book format courtesy of CreateSpace.

What Did I Think:
Baby Jamie is so excited to be in the school play.  But thanks to her big sister teasing Baby Jaimie about getting stage fright then not getting the part she wanted, her excitement went from happy to broken hearted and dissappointment.

I have fifteen grandkids so this has happened several times with one or the other of the kids.
I thought I was listening to one of my daughters telling me about my grandchild.  I wanted to tell the teacher why didn't she make sure Jamie understood and why didn't Mom see it coming.  Do I sound like a defensive grandma?  I Am ;0)

Baby Jamie wanted to be the star or at least co-star.  Her sister needed an attitude adjustment.  Also we should not encourage partent to yell at their children.  But it is what happens most of the time.  I know I do it then regret it later.

The author hit every scenario right on.  The "I'm sick and can't go to school" is a real ailment.  At least it was when I was a child.  I could get physically sick from worry.  But Baby Jamie's ailment was a little premeditated and very well planned.

If you want to know if Baby Jamie was in the play, did she freeze on stage or did she become star of the stage you will have to read this book.  Of course you will want to read it to your kids and/or grandkids.

This story will teach the child to take pride in themselves no matter what part they take on stage or in their life.

I highly recommend this book!


I rated this book

Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from the author for review. In no way was I compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Litfuse Tour: Baroness (Daughters of Fortune series #2) by Susan May Warren

About the book: Baroness – Book Two in the Daughters of Fortune series

Lily and Rose, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want ... except freedom.

Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But, Lily, Esme's daughter longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And Jinx's daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. But following their dreams - from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers will take all their courage.

And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?

Find out more from Behind the Pages: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/baroness


About Susan:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/ajLQF


Baroness Roaring 20s Kindle Fire Giveaway from @SusanMayWarren!

Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the family empire, they have their lives
planned out for them. But following their dreams -- from avant garde France, to
Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers -- will take all
their courage.  And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever
after?

Celebrate with Susan by entering her Roaring 20's Giveaway!


One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Signed copies of Baroness and Heiress by Susan May Warren
But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/7/12. The winner will be announced on 5/9/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles!

Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter


Blog tour schedule:  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13456521/baroness


My Thoughts:
Book two in the Daughters of Fortune not only continues in the lives of sisters Esme and Jinx but of their children.   Esme's daughter Lilly and Jinx's daughter Rosie have become each others shadow. Rosie is trying to convert Lilly into a flapper which is a big problem for the pig-tailed cowgirl.   For some reason their mother's thought Lilly could be Rosie's chaperon in an attempt to keep the flapper, wild side of Rosie in check and out of trouble.  They each rebel against each other and their families wishes for their future.  Rosie goes on to be a flapper and Lilly goes for adventure.  Even though they went their separate ways they both managed to put themselves in harms way.  In many instances they are making similar mistakes that their own mother's had made.  

Mother's pray for your children to make the right choices.  


I enjoyed book one and was anxious to read book two. The Heiress held my attention where the Baroness about half way into the book lost my attention.  I don't think it had anything to do with the author's writing I can't fault her there.  The story line and the timeline was just not my cup of tea.  But it was still a very good read and I am looking  forward to reading book three the Duchess.


I gladly recommend this book.


I rated this book a four out of five.


Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book by Summerside Press  for the Litfuse Tour.  In no way was I compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

WaterBrook Multnomah/Blogging for Books presents "Fearless" by Eric Blehm // Story of SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown

I received this newsletter from today 
and wanted to share it with my readers!
Dear Patricia,
When Navy SEAL Adam Brown woke up on March 17, 2010, he didn’t know he would die that night in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Afghanistan—but he was ready.
In a letter to his children, not meant to be seen unless the worst happened, he wrote, “I’m not afraid of anything that might happen to me on this earth, because I know no matter what, nothing can take my spirit from me.”
Fearless is the story of Adam Brown, a man of extremes, whose courage and determination was fueled by faith, family, and the love of a woman. It’s about a man who waged a war against his own worst impulses and persevered to reach the top tier of the US military. Always the first to volunteer for the most dangerous assignments, Adam’s final act of bravery led to the ultimate sacrifice.
Ashley and I are writing to you today to ask for your help in sharing Adam's life and ultimate sacrifice with others. Would you consider doing one or more of the following:
  • Embedding this video about Adam's life on your blog or website.
  • Emailing, Facebooking, Tweeting or Pinteresting (is that even a word!) a link to view Adam's video and or begin reading chapter one.
  • If you have any connections to the military and would be able to put advanced copies in the hands of those serving in the military, we'd be interested in chatting with you. Drop us an email atinfo@BloggingForBooks.org and let us know how many copies you'd want and who you'd be able to give them to.
Share with us how you helped spread the word on Fearless and you'll be entered to win a signed copy of the book and a $50 Visa gift card!
As always, if you ever have any questions, please let us know. And feel free to invite your blogging friends and family to join as well atwww.BloggingForBooks.org!
In Christ,
 
Fearless Video
Fearless by Eric Blehm
Ashley's Signature
Ashley Boyer
Senior Publicist
WaterBrook Multnomah
Chris' Signature
Chris Sigfrids
Senior Online Marketing Manager
WaterBrook Multnomah 

Winner! Clash of the Titles Congratulates Keven Newsome, author of Winter

Clash of the Titles Congratulates Keven Newsome, author of Winter  and winner of the Comparable Cover/ Book Blurb Clash!  One of the commenters at Clash of the Titles said, 
“Just finished Winter, loved it.


About Winter:
We're all freaks. It's just a matter of perspective.

Winter Maessen didn’t ask for the gift of prophecy. She’s happy being a freak – but now everyone thinks she’s crazy. Or evil. Goths aren’t all the same, you know. Some are Christians…
Christians to whom God sends visions.

Students at her university are being attacked, and Winter knows there’s more than flesh and blood at work. Her gift means she’s the only one who can stop it – but at what price?

Keven talks about Winter.Winter is a four book series. As the series progresses, Winter’s ability as a prophetess grows to rival Elijah. She does not just have a gift of prophecy, but is an Old Testament style prophet. I worked very hard to make sure everything she does is theologically and Biblically accurate. Everything she does has a corresponding Biblical example.

The story is not necessarily about Winter being a prophetess or her battle with a Satanic priest. It is more about her fall and redemption through Christ. That’s why the story is told in two parts. The flashback story shows how she fell to become unlovable and unwanted. The modern day story shows how God can take the most unlovable and unwanted person and transform them into something amazing.  I want this story to inspire all readers that even though they don’t think they’re good enough for God, God thinks otherwise.

About Keven:
Keven Newsome is a graduate student at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology specializing in Supernatural Theology. He writes stories that portray the supernatural and paranormal with a Biblical perspective. He's also the found and administrator of The New Author's Fellowship and produces music and videos through Newsome Creative. When asked about himself, he says, "I am a child of God, husband, father, and friend, in that order. I am a musician, novelist, and sometimes artist. I know the difference between Star Wars, Star Trek, and Firefly, but I prefer Lord of the Rings. My mp3 player contains a mix of Christian rock and movie soundtracks. I am more of a nerd at heart, but I am equally comfortable sleeping under the stars with a log for a pillow, playing Halo with a bunch of guys with cold pizza on standby, or playing intra-mural sports such as tennis or flag-football. In short...I am strange."
He currently lives in Louisiana with his wife and their two children.

Visit Keven's Web site here

Submitted by Clash Hostess: Gail Pallotta

Bio: Gail has published several hundred freelance articles and two books. While some of her articles are included in anthologies, two of her historical pieces ended up in museums. In 2004, the year she published her first book, Now Is the Time, the American Christian Writers Association named her a regional writer of the year. Gail’s first Christian romance, Love Turns the Tide, was published by Awe-struck E- books in their inspirational category. Learn more about Gail here Visit her blog here

Author LOVE TURNS THE TIDE
available from Awe-Struck E-Books
www.awe-struck.net
Website:  http://www.gailpallotta.com
Blog:  www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com
Splickety magazine, issue 1.1
https://magcloud.com/account/downloads

Monday, April 16, 2012

Heiress (Daughters of Fortune #1) by Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren  Author Profile

Website  http://www.susanmaywarren.com
Genre Historical Fiction, Literature & Fiction, Religion & Spirituality


I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.


I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.


Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.


Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.


Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.


Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.


I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.


I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.


God Bless and Happy Reading!


In His Grip,
Susan May Warren


Book One 
in the Daughters of Fortune series

The beautiful heiress daughters of newspaper magnate August Price have been given everything their hearts desire. But what if they want only to be loved--without an enormous price tag attached? When one daughter pursues a desirable marriage, she secures for herself a comfortable and glamorous life. But among the duties of privilege, will she also find the happily-ever-after she seeks? Her sister rejects the trappings of wealth, choosing instead to build a new life on the still-untamed frontier. Will she find happiness in independence or discover that she's left her heart behind in New York's glittering society? Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, each woman discovers that being an heiress just might cost her everything--including the chance for true love.



Paperback, 368 pages
Published August 1st 2011 by Summerside Press (first published July 1st 2011)
ISBN 1609362187 (ISBN13: 9781609362188)
series Daughters of Fortune #1

Heiress Chapter 1

New York City
1896
[Excerpt]
Esme might be playing a game, but she’d do it by her own rules.
She was like Nellie Bly, undercover journalist.
She stood at the edge of the ballroom, filing away every detail. For tonight’s article, she’d start with overstuffed and snobby Mrs. Astor greeting her four hundred ball guests, affecting the air of a royal in her black velvet dress with lace appliqués and tulle, bedazzled in a diamond tiara and an armada of diamonds. Then she’d catalog the ostentatious bevy of flowers and decorations, from the holly and ivy dripping from the standing chandeliers, the snowballs of white carnations eclipsing the candelabras, to the thirty-six red satin stockings stretched across the white marble fireplace, filled with toys and bonbons. A giant bough of mistletoe centered on the balcony, tempting would-be dancers while the orchestra warmed up for the after-dinner cotillion.Esme wouldn’t soon forget the buffet dinner, either, the way her stomach now gurgled. She tasted the sweetbread climbing back up her throat, although it might not have made it all the way down to begin with, what with the competition with the consommé, the pâté de foie gras, and the bonbons. She pressed her hand against her stomach, although it would hardly move, given the way Bette had strapped her into her corset.
She had even managed a glimpse of the fellow dancers, from J. J. Astor Jr., to Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Vanderbilt, to Mr. and Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish, names among names in society.
She’d catch it all, just like Nellie Bly, in a tell-all article, betraying the dalliances and follies of society.
She hoped Oliver caught their pictures. She spied him, assisting Joseph Byron and his son, Percy, as they posed society’s finest, capturing their images for Town Topics and their own prideful posterity. Oliver had taken her picture at her debut ball, and perhaps the truth had hit her at that moment, when she’d seen herself reflected upside down.
She didn’t fit in this world.
But she wasn’t sure, exactly, where else she might belong, who indeed she was supposed to be.
She heard Jinx’s voice, an echo chasing her to the party. Behave in a manner befitting the heiress of the Price family. What, exactly, might that be? She certainly didn’t feel like an heiress.
And, if Mrs. Astor’s high society knew who penned the articles featured on her father’s Page Six, highlighting their escapades, they wouldn’t treat her like one either. They would feel betrayed, and stamp her an interloper.
“There you are, Esme. Were you hiding from me?” Her mother appeared, her skin flushed, the sour hint of wine upon her breath.
“Of course not, Mother. I’m simply blistering. And tired. And, like I said, I believe I am allergic to tulle. Please, must we remain?” After all, she’d already seen enough to detail this night in her anonymous submission to her father’s paper.
“Bite your tongue. We are staying until Caroline Astor turns out breakfast.” Phoebe lowered herself to the settee beside her, her gown less cumbersome than Esme’s, a simple yellow satin edged in French lace with diamonds stitched into the bodice.
Across the two-story ballroom, in an alcove opening off the second story, the musicians in the gallery began to play an opening number. They played under the view of the gods and goddesses sculpted into the coved ceiling. Guests from all corners of the house returned to the dance floor.
“Truly, I feel unwell. My stomach is churning. Every time I dance, it threatens to betray me. I must escape this corset.” She wasn’t exactly lying. And the longer they stayed, the more her mother’s words about the night burned into her thoughts. I believe it may be a special one, for many reasons.
She needed to leave before her parents decided that tonight would be the night to sell her into marriage. She’d been playing the debutante’s game in order to secret herself into this world, uncover the excesses, the scandals. She wanted to reveal to the starving world stories about Christmas cards encrusted with diamonds, dogs eating from silver bowls, and the millions of diamonds on Mrs. Astor’s tiara, all while her servants netted less than five hundred dollars a year.
Someday, she might reveal her name. And then she’d be among the ranks of Jacob Riis, chronicler of the slums and tenements, and Nellie Bly, crusader for women. She’d be her father’s star reporter. Be commended by the President of the United States, have supper at the White House. Prove to the world that, although she’d been born into wealth, she hadn’t been born without a soul.
“Your upset stomach is simply nerves. I noticed you were inviting with your fan the attention of a suitor. To whom were you directing your invitation?” Her mother smiled, anticipation in her eyes.
“I was using the fan to cool myself, Mother, nothing more.”
Phoebe’s countenance fell. “That is not its purpose—you should know better.” She rearranged the smile on her face. “Did you see Harry Lehr dance with Elizabeth Drexel Dahlgren? She seems quite smitten with him.”
“He only wants her money.”
“Esme! Sometimes your tongue!”
“She’s a widow with a fortune. And he’s a flirt.”
“He’s the best social coordinator in the city. He plans all Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Vanderbilt’s parties. Please, stop talking.”
Laughter trickled in from doors open to the grand entrance off the ballroom, and with it the crisp allure of fresh air. Esme leaned into it, closed her eyes. With over four hundred dancers packed into Mrs. Astor’s ballroom, the place swam with the odors and humidity of exertion. That and…oh, never again, sweetbreads.
“Let me see your dance card.”
Esme handed it to her and Phoebe perused it. “Yes, good. I am glad to see Foster Worth’s name for the waltz, and the lancer. Very good. But no one for the Mazurka?”
“The speed upsets my stomach. Why must they schedule that dance first?”
“You mean to tell me that you turned down a partner’s request?”
“I will sit it out. It will not be a snub.”
“Esme, the sooner you are married and your rebellious ways corralled, the better.”
No, the sooner she figured out how to turn her anonymous articles unwittingly published by her father into a full-time job, just like Nellie Bly, the better.
Her father had no idea that by publishing her anonymous social commentary, he had begun to set her free. Yes, she still had to rely on Oliver to submit her opinions of society high life along with his photographs of their soirées. Sometimes, he’d also described for her the photographs he captured as he patrolled the streets looking for crime. His heartbreaking shots of orphans sleeping under doorsteps or the illegal five-cent beds in the tenement house or the pictorials of the misery of life in Hell’s Kitchen moved her so that she’d taken his impressions, put words and opinions to them, then he’d submitted those pieces with his photographs.
They’d even made money. Stringers, he called the two of them.
The paper had published those shots, those opinions, and named her byline simply… Anonymous Witness.
Indeed, she might never get married. Simply travel the world, writing stories about foreign places. Europe. China. The American West.
And, someday soon, no longer anonymous.
Once her father discovered her pen, the articles she’d published, he would welcome her into his world with her own editor’s desk. She would wrest herself out of her corset stays and into a life with her own byline. Maybe someday she might even run the paper.
“At least you will dance two with Foster,” her mother was saying, still perusing Esme’s dance card.
“Only because he is an old friend of the family, Mother. I have no interest in him.”
“He is the son of Frederic Worth, and he’s just returned from Europe. Of all the bachelors in this season, Foster is the most eligible. He would be a suitable match and you would be fortunate to receive a proposal from him.”
“I am not going to accept a proposal from anyone, Mother, especially not Foster. Yes, he’s handsome, in a way that good breeding begets, with his dark hair slicked back, his broad shoulders. But he has clammy hands, and there is something rather…unsettling about the way he looks at me, as if I might be something edible. And, worse, he has cold eyes. I mentioned to him once the plight of the newsies—the orphans sleeping below the steps of Father’s paper, pandering the daily for a nickel, and he actually said, ‘Where do you expect them to live?’ Like that kind of life might be acceptable.”
“For their class of people, it is to be expected.”
Esme’s mouth opened. Closed. “Have you not read Jacob Riis’s book? The plight of the poor? He asks, ‘How shall the love of God be understood by those who have been nurtured in sight only of the greed of man?’ We need to take care of the poor—”
“Henry Riis is not appropriate reading for someone of your stature.”
“Mother, it is our Christian duty to care for the underprivileged—it’s not just the noblesse oblige, Jesus commands it. Did you hear nothing of D.L. Moody’s speech last year?”
“I did. He said to obey your parents. Which is to be married. Have a family.”
“I love children, but mother, I have other plans. I want a career, something besides hosting parties and raising children and running my husband’s household. That’s Jinx’s ambition, not mine.”
Phoebe stared at her, a spark of warning in her eyes that should have silenced Esme. A year ago, before she had heard Mr. Moody speak, before she’d heard him say, “We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God,” it would have.
She had forgotten God, until that night when she’d stared at her upside-down figure reflected in Oliver’s lens. Had forgotten that she had a duty to love justice and be merciful. That day of her debutante ball, a light turned on in her head as bright as Oliver’s flash, and she realized that she could use her debutante season to be like Nellie, go undercover, tell the truth.
Perhaps shame would wake up high society.
“A career? You will stop that thinking immediately. I don’t know where you get it from.”
“I get it from Father.”
“Hardly. You get it from those books you bring home.”
“Father respects my ideas.”
“Your father laughs at your ideas.” Her mother turned to her, her dark eyes sharp. “He puts up with your whimsy because you have always been his favorite. But mind my words, Esme, he wants you matched well. It wouldn’t hurt your father’s resources to have you married to a shipping magnate, one who owns department stores around the world. Imagine the advertising they would buy. Foster Worth has shown an interest in you, and you will reciprocate.”
“He could have anyone, Mother. Didn’t you hear the other buds in the dressing room tonight? His name was on everyone’s lips, including Carrie Astor’s. He doesn’t want the girl who beat him in tennis when she was twelve.”
“I daresay he let you win.” Her mother reached out, took Esme’s hand. “The Worth boys have always had a special eye out for my daughters. I’m just thankful that one of them turned out with marriageable qualities. With all Bennett’s womanizing in Europe, Mamie needs her eldest to restore the family name, pick up the reins during her husband’s decline. Yes, you will be kind to Foster Worth. It’s time to let him win.” She squeezed her hand. “There’s your father.”
Esme glanced at her, but Phoebe had already risen, taken August Price’s hand. In public, they appeared the adoring couple.
He placed a kiss on her mother’s cheek. What it cost him, he didn’t betray. He nodded to Phoebe, and then Phoebe glanced at Esme, a smile tugging at her mouth.
August pressed his wife’s hand to his arm as the music began for the Mazurka. Debutantes took the floor on the arm of their partners, began the triple-meter polka dance to a Chopin piece.
Heat rose to Esme’s neck. Especially when her mother caught her eye from the dance floor, her words raking up to fill her mind. I believe it may be a special one, for many reasons.
Oh, Mother, you didn’t… Her stomach roiled, now coating her throat.
She pressed herself to her feet, wove through the crowd, and exited the ballroom. Already the air seemed lighter, and she crossed the corridor toward the front doors.
No, she shouldn’t be unchaperoned, but perhaps a few moments of brisk air would settle her stomach, keep her from pitching to the parquet floor during the waltz.
She could simply refuse the marriage request, right? She didn’t have to marry…
She wasn’t really a debutante. No.
The footman at the door must have read her mind, for he opened the massive gilded bronze-and-glass doors. “Miss, may I get your cloak?”
She shook her head, not slowing her pace until she reached the front step.
The brisk January air swept her breath from her lungs, prickled her bare arms, shoulders. But she closed her eyes, losing herself to the cool lick of fresh air. Along Fifth Avenue, the chateaus lit up the street, turning the soft-falling snow ablaze, puddling light into snowdrifts along the cobbled, almost magical street. Landaus and motorcars lined up to retrieve the guests at their leisure, yet across the street, a man bundled in rags chipped ice from the sidewalk with a spade. She wrapped her hands around her upper arms as a chill stole through her.
“Esme?” Her name emerged on whispered sibilants and she glanced up.
Oliver. He must have seen her exit the house. He stood away from her, tall, broad-shouldered in the glow of the house lights, the snow like diamonds on his coal black hair, catching in his long, almost mesmerizing eyelashes. His shaven whiskers had begun to scuff his chin. He shucked off his tailcoat. “What are you doing out here?”
She glanced at the footmen nearby, some of them smoking, others stamping their feet to keep warm. Others had sought refuge inside the carriage room, to the back, where most of the livery waited. Still, no one should see her talking so freely to her former footman, the butler’s son.
Even if they had grown up together.
Even if he now worked for Joseph Byron, society photographer.
Even if her father had arranged for his job.
Especially because Oliver was her partner in crime.
“I don’t feel well. My head hurts, and my stomach is woozy.”
“Let me take you home.” He draped his jacket around her shoulders. His smell—husky, yet bearing an exotic sweetness, probably from the chemicals he used for his plate development—lifted, and she pulled the warmth around her.
“I—I can’t. Mother would be furious.”
He tightened his mouth, as if biting back something more.
“Actually, I—I think my mother is trying to betroth me to someone.”
Oliver stared at her, his face stony. For some reason she searched his eyes, not sure what she might be hoping. He looked away, blew out a long breath. “I see.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I should have expected that. Congratulations.”
“You know that turning him down would mean scandal for my family.”
“When has scandal stopped you?”
Her mouth opened.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. But…” He stared at her, hard. “Do you love him?”
“I don’t even know him, really. We were childhood acquaintances.”
“We were childhood acquaintances, and you’re not marrying me.”
She sucked in a breath. “That’s different.”
“Is it, Esme?”
He looked away, and she knew him well enough to see hurt on his face. Why… “What are you getting at, Oliver?”
A muscle tensed in his jaw. “You can’t have both worlds, Esme. Choose one.”
She flinched. “Maybe the air out here isn’t as fresh as I thought.”
“You stay, I’ll go.”
“No.” But she winced at the need in her tone as she said it. “I—I don’t want to stand alone.”
He considered her a moment. “I’m sorry, Esme. But I never thought this was a game to you. Perhaps that was my mistake.”
She looked down, at the snow soft upon her gown. “Do you ever dream of leaving New York? Of going out west or traveling the world?”
He let her words dissolve in the frosty air before he answered. “I used to. I wondered what it might be like to travel back to Ireland, the home of my mother. And yes, I read the dime novels you smuggled me. I would like to see Oklahoma, become a cowboy, maybe.”
She pulled his jacket around her tighter. “I want to go to Montana.”
“You would make a fabulous Annie Oakley.”
She glanced at him, trying to hide her smile. “Did you deliver this week’s article?”
He didn’t look at her, matched her lowered volume. “Yes. Yesterday, to the op-ed desk when I turned in my photos.”
“Maybe it’ll go into tomorrow’s paper.”
He sighed. “Have you considered what might happen if you get caught?” He hazarded her a look, and the concern in it tugged at her.
“Maybe—maybe I should tell him. Maybe he should know that his daughter is—”
“Anonymous Witness.”
“Just like him. A journalist.”
“Indeed.” His eyes twinkled, and for the first time this night she saw his dimple emerge. She loved that little indentation that so matched the sparkle, the way he looked at her.
A ripple of heat went through her.
“Miss Price, what are you doing out here in the cold?”
She stiffened, and she watched as Oliver turned away, becoming invisible as Foster Worth stepped out onto the stoop. Too many years as the Price’s footman, perhaps.
Foster peered down at her, void a smile, seemingly irritated. “I was looking for you for our waltz, but you had disappeared.”
“Did it begin?”
“I’m afraid it is over.” Foster reached out, slid Oliver’s coat from her shoulders. Without looking at him, Foster handed the coat back to Oliver. Like he might be a coat rack.
He slipped off his own jacket, draped it upon her. Into her settled the odor of his many dances, the cigar smoke from the after-dinner gathering with the men in the library. And a line of sweat from his collar.
“I’m sorry,” she managed without shivering, “I needed some fresh air.”
He stuck out his elbow, and she took it, glancing at Oliver. He didn’t meet her eyes.
Foster escorted her inside, the humidity of the hallway dense against her skin. “I need to talk to you.”
From the ballroom, the lively romp of Tchaikovsky suggested she’d also missed her polka with Colin Rutherford.
Oh, mother would be incensed. Perhaps Jinx had been correct—she should have been born first. Then Mother would have her debutante, her escort into high society. Jinx could speak French with a Belgian count, dance the quadrille or the Muzant with a German duke, and counsel an English butler on correct table-setting placement. She could probably even make Foster Worth crack a smile with her witty banter.
And Esme? She’d be free to write for her father. He’d always said that he expected great things from her.
Any forthcoming engagement was all her mother’s doing, Esme knew it in her bones. She’d simply explain—
“Let’s go in the drawing room.” Foster had her by the elbow, directing her toward Mrs. Astor’s white-paneled salon, with the gilded boiseries and mirrored doors. As they entered, she stifled the urge to hide amidst the clutter of bowers of roses and towering apple blossoms in gold-etched pots, the Victorian staging of busts of Shakespeare and Wagner, stuffed birds in glass domes, Louis XIV-style gilded divans and chairs. But how could she escape the eyes of the immense portrait of Mrs. Astor, the mistress of the manor, peering down on her?
Suddenly, she felt it, everything Jinx had been trying to tell her. The dictum of society and its import to their future. From the next room, the music ended, and a lancer began. Everyone turning in step, schooled for their role in society.
Foster escorted her to an ottoman. She sat, her heart lodged in her throat.
Oh. Wait…
He took her hand as her brain scurried to keep up.
He lowered himself onto one knee. She stared at her curved hand in his, unable to meet his eyes, tasting her heartbeat.
“Esme, your parents have agreed to allow me to ask for your hand in marriage. I believe we would make a winning match. I know we haven’t yet had the opportunity to deepen our friendship since our youth, but I am confident that in time we will come to care deeply for each other.”
She glanced up at him, caught his eye. He gave her a quick smile. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Perhaps he could be labeled handsome. Brown, wavy hair, a stern brow, deep gray eyes, a confidence about him that said he would work hard, provide. Perhaps even remain faithful.
She hadn’t expected the rush of emotions, the heat in her chest, her eyes. Hadn’t expected the unfamiliar thrill that cascaded through her. Wife.
Someone’s wife.
She looked up at him, words netted in her chest.
She saw herself in a moment, hearing Foster’s proposal then turning him down to the din of Chopin.
Or not. What if she said yes? What if she became Mrs. Foster Worth, the world at her fingertips?
Couldn’t she change it that way also?
Over Foster’s shoulder, she spied Oliver, entering the room to gather his equipment. Invisible. Anonymous.
Oliver looked up, then, and for a blinding moment, met her eyes. You would make a fabulous Annie Oakley.
“Esme?” Foster said.
She drew a breath. No. She could say it. No. Simply explain to him that she wasn’t ready, that she wanted more out of life, that she wanted a man who loved her, who believed in—
“Yes.”
She looked over at the voice. Her father stepped into the room, regal in his coattails, cigarette smoke curling over his head, a smile on his face as if he’d just scooped Pulitzer. He settled his hand on her bare, cold shoulder, hot, heavy. “Of course, her answer is yes.”
Foster slipped a ring on her numb, gloved finger as Oliver shouldered his tripod and walked from the room.


My Thoughts

This book was a personal choice for me. It has secrets, intrigue and romance. God seemed to have his hands full with this family. It was kind of an extreme version of Pride and Prejudice. I wanted to scream at the characters and tell them what was really going on and that they needed to listen to God.


Sorry but my review is short and sweet.


I highly recommend this book.


I rated this book 5 out of 5.


I just finished reading book 2 the Baroness for Litfuse Publicity Tour.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Blogging for Books Review - Eye of the Sword (The Angelaeon Circle #2) by Karyn Henley

About Karyn


Award-winning author Karyn Henley has written over 100 titles, which include a mix of children’s books and articles, parent-teacher books, articles, and curricula, and preschool musicals and CD’s/DVD’s of original music for children. An accomplished songwriter, Karyn has been a Dove Award nominee, and received a regional Emmy Award as Music Composer for a Christmas television special. She has traveled worldwide speaking to parents and teachers and entertaining children and their families in storytelling/active movement sessions and concerts. Most of her work has been in the area of spiritual development. She is best known as the author of the original version of The Beginner’s Bible, which during the fifteen years it was in print (1989-2004), sold over 5 million copies and was translated into 17 languages.

A graduate of Abilene Christian University (BSEd), Karyn received a Master’s of Fine Arts degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2004. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Karyn’s debut line of YA fantasy novels is entitled Angelaeon Circle, the first release in the series being Breath of Angel, was published by WaterBrook Multnomah in 2011. The second release, Eye of the Sword, will be released March 13, 2011.

Information about Karyn’s spiritual resources can be found at: www.karynhenley.com


About Book

Where angels walk the ground and the future is told in song, does a man of low rank have a chance at love with a princess?

In Camrithia, a land of shadows and mystical secrets, Trevin lives to serve King Laetham. But his heart belongs to the princess, Melaia. When the King sends Trevin on on a dangerous quest to find the missing comains—captains in the king’s army—he must leave Melaia to the advances of a swaggering Dregmoorian prince.

Challenged to prove his worth, Trevin throws himself into his quest. Striving to prove his love, Trevin undertakes a second mission—find the harps Melaia seeks in order to restore the stairway to heaven. Through fire caves, rogue winds, and murderous threats, Trevin remains steadfastly dedicated to his quest—even when he is falsely accused of a heinous crime. As Trevin’s time runs out, he realizes he must face the shame and horror of his own past and the nightmare that has come to life. Will he have the courage to finish what he has started?

Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley


My Thoughts


I read Breath of Angel, book one in The Angeleon Circle not really expecting to be transported into a mystical world of Angels. I was pleasingly surprised.


In book Two I was glad to continue this journey into The Angeleon Circle. The first couple of pages was fun to get into because Trevin's brother Dwin was acting like a total idiot and was laughing hysterically which drew me in right away.


Main Trevin is a hero on a quest to help Princess Melaia find the remaining magical harps that will restore the stairs to Heaven for the Angels. He is not only on a quest to find the magical harps but to save the Land of Camrithia from the Dregmoors and to save Princess Melaia from being bartered into marriage by her father, King Laetham with the Prince of the Dregmoors.


Plus the romance keeps building between Main Trevin and Princess Melaia. There is so much more I would like to say about this story but I would spoil the book for you.


There are many other characters in this book that hold this story together like connect a dots. Pay close attention some that claim to be friends may be foe.


Are you following the connect a dots that God has set before you or are you creating your own life lines?.


I highly recommend this book.


I rated this book a five out of five.


Disclosure:
I was provided a copy of this book from Waterbrook Press for review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Clash of the Titles - Vote on Recognized Pairs

Your Clash Hostess:  Gail Pallotta


Clash of the Titles has a great selection of books in our give away this week. Shelley Adina will donate a copy of Lady of Devices, Keven Newsome offers a choice between a signed print copy of Winter OR two e-books, one of Winter and one of Aquasynthesis. James Rubart gives away a copy of The Chair
Wow! Vote in order to enter. You'll find the voting box below. You can also leave a comment on any COTT post or on our Facebook page. Multiple entries encouraged!


Many times we hear a word or phrase and another comes to mind. The two go together so well we can’t think of one without recalling the other. Some easily recognized pairs come from life experiences, others from songs, books or movies.


Here are a few to complete just for fun.
A  song:  “Love and Marriage.”
“Love and marriage, love and marriage go together like a  _____ and _____.”  According to Wikipedia, this tune was introduced by Frank Sinatra in the 1955 television rendition of “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder. It aired on Producers Showcase.
Something we eat.Hot apple pie and ____ _____. No one eats apple pie without it, do they?
Movie stars often cast together: Doris Day and _____ ______.
Three of their 1962 movies, “Pillow Talk,” “ Lover Come Back” and “Send Me No Flowers,” are available today in a romance collection.
From Books and Television:
The Hardy Boys / _____ ______. This series was based on two series published by Edward Stratemeyer.
A heroine in a book. Her name is in the title. ______ of Green Gables. This book was published in 1908 by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Originally written for all ages, recently it’s been considered a  children’s book. Since publication it’s sold 50 million copies, and is taught to students  worldwide. It’s been adapted to film, television and stage.
The prey in a tale of the sea.  Captain Ahab and the great white_____. Published in 1851 by Herman Melville, this is  one of the great American novels. It tells the story of Ishmael, a sailor on a ship named  Pequod.
A character in a novel.  Miss Scarlett in _____ _____ ___ _____. Margaret Mitchell won a Pulitzer prize for the  novel in 1936. The movie, considered a classic epic film today, premiered in 1939.


Answers: 1. Horse, carriage  2. Ice cream  3. Rock Hudson  4. Nancy Drew  5. Anne 6. Whale  7. Gone with the Wind


That was fun. Now vote for your pick in the cover and book blurb Clash.
When we read the blurbs, do the images on the front of the books come to mind and vice versa? If so, which of these go together best? Later when you think of what the book blurb has to say, will you see the cover in your mind’s eye?   


Please vote for one.
Cover and Blurb A
We're all freaks. It's just a matter of perspective. 
Winter Maessen didn’t ask for the gift of prophecy. She’s happy being a freak – but now everyone thinks she’s crazy. Or evil. Goths aren’t all the same, you know. Some are Christians…
Christians to whom God sends visions.
Students at her university are being attacked, and Winter knows there’s more than flesh and blood at work. Her gift means she’s the only one who can stop it – but at what price?


Cover and Blurb B

                                                               
London, 1889. Victoria is Queen. Charles Darwin’s son is Prime Minister. And steam is the power that runs the world.
At 17, Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives, was expected to do nothing more than pour an elegant cup of tea, sew a fine seam, and catch a rich husband. Unfortunately, Claire’s talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab, where things have a regrettable habit of blowing up. When her father gambles the estate on the combustion engine and loses, Claire finds herself down and out on the mean streets of London. But being a young woman of resources and intellect, she turns fortune on its head.
It’s not long before a new leader rises in the underworld, known only as the Lady of Devices . . .
When she meets Andrew Malvern, a member of the Royal Society of Engineers, she realizes her talents may encompass more than the invention of explosive devices. They may help her realize her dreams and his . . . if they can both stay alive long enough to see that sometimes the closest friendships can trigger the greatest betrayals . . .
Cover and Blurb C
                                                  
If someone gave you a chair and said it was made by Jesus Christ, would you believe them?
When an elderly lady shows up in Corin Roscoe's antiques store and gives him a chair she claims was crafted by Jesus, he scoffs. But when a young boy is miraculously healed two days after sitting in the chair, he stops laughing and starts wondering . . . could this chair heal the person whose life Corin destroyed twelve years ago?
As word spreads of the boy's healing, a mega-church pastor is determined to manipulate Corin into turning over the chair. And that mysterious woman who gave him the piece flits in and out of his life like a shadow, insinuating it's Corin’s destiny to guard the chair above everything else. But why?
Desperate, he turns to the one person he can trust, a college history professor who knows more about the legend of the chair than he'll reveal. Corin's life shatters as he searches for the truth about the artifact and the unexplained phenomena surrounding it. What’s more, he's not the only one willing do almost anything to possess the power seemingly connected to the chair.


Please vote below, and don't forget to enter to win one of these great books.


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