Permanent Resident at the Purse Table, a COTT Feature

"Keisha's debut novel is a sweet reminderof the redeeming power of love, along with a dose of drama between goodfriends! Her characters are so relatable because they're imperfect peoplewho've made some serious mistakes--just like the rest of us!"

-Michelle Stimpson,nNational Bestselling Author

About the book:

If you're size six, you dance. If you're Ava Alexander, you watch thepurses while your girlfriends dance. Each man that passes her by takes alittle of her self-esteem. After escaping a mentally abusive relationship,she promises God she will wait on Him to bring her the right man. And shemeans it--Until Ishmael. When her best friend's fiancé throws a fewcompliments her way, she travels down the path of betrayal. Ava's choicestrains her friendship and sends her into a depression. Ava receives spiritual guidance from Dr. Glory Moses. Through God's Word,there is a glimpse of hope for a restored friendship, and a newfound lovefor the woman she is. In addition, a man she meets at the counseling centeroffers her a glimpse of what could be if she lines up with God's will forher life. Will Ava be able to overcome her insecurities and step into the life Godplans for her, or will she continue to self-destruct?

PURCHASE

Amazon

Barnesand Noble

What COTT voters had to say:

* I'm happy to see a novel with a plus-sized woman as the main character.Thanks, Keisha!
* I voted for Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! Good luck Keisha!
* Permanent Resident at the Purse Table!! You won't be able to put itdown!
* Keisha Bass, Your book sounds like a must-read! We've all soughtvalidation in a way that brought trouble. Can't wait to see how all turnsout! Lana K.

About the author:

Keisha Bass has a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Englishand holds teaching certificates in

English, Speech, and Physical Education. She has been a teacher and coachfor fourteen years, and currently teaches middle school physical educationand coach girls' volleyball and softball. She grew up in Houston, Texas,but now resides in Arlington, Texas. Keisha is also Vice President of theDFW Ready Writers, a local chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers,and a member of North Texas Christian Writers.
Permanent Resident at the Purse Table is Keisha's first novel. Shehas published non-fiction articles in magazines and two onlinepublications, TheChristianPulse.com and sober24.com. Her article, "HeartProblems", was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book ofMiracles.

Keisha, when is your next book due out and can you tell us aboutit?
"My next book, Permanent Resident at the Altar, is due out November2015. It takes a closer look at my main characters' lives from the firstbook and how they are moving forward in their newfound situations. There'sdrama, laughter, and definitely more chances to learn how to lean on God inevery area of their lives."

Connect with Keisha:

keishabass@att.net 

www.keishabass.org 

;

www.twitter.com/BassKeisha 

;https://www.facebook.com/KeishaBassAuthor

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Find more great reads every week at Clash of the Titles.com!

HARD WAY BACK "One Man's True Story of Rejoicing Through Adversity" by KENT KAISER ~ Great Father's Day Gift for the Outdoorsman

Book Description

HARD WAY BACK is one man’s true story of political corruption in Alaska and New Zealand, revealing why he was chased across the globe by a U. S. Special Agent and jailed in a foreign country. The author untiringly perseveres through his ordeals and emerges, battle-scarred but victorious, at peace with himself, his life, and God.

This riveting autobiography chronicles accomplished outdoor enthusiast and successful adventure guide Kent Kaiser’s grueling three-year odyssey through a gauntlet of corrupt legal systems, romance and betrayal, spiritual soul-searching and recommitment. Kaiser endures trumped up charges in two nations, carrying potential penalties of 45 years in prison and over $2 million in fines in the U.S., and seven years and $100,000 in New Zealand. Relentlessly pressed from all sides, Kaiser witnesses the strong and steady hand of God light the path to his ultimate freedom.

HARD WAY BACK comprises a small library in one action-packed book. Within its pages, the reader will find:

• heart-stopping adventure tales, including a terrifying Kodiak brown bear attack
• a hard-hitting documentary of political and judicial intrigue
• heart-warming stories about some of Kaiser’s favorite adventure trips
• a travelogue describing some of the most breathtaking geography on earth, including many magnificent photographs
• and above all, an inspiring spiritual journey

"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is." – Winston Churchill

READ CHAPTER ONE here

Where to buy:   

Book - www.hardwayback.com, E Book - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D1CU

About Kent Kaiser

Kent Kaiser, avid outdoorsman, internationally successful tour guide, and author of the compelling new autobiography, “Hard Way Back: One Man’s True Story of Rejoicing through Adversity,” evidenced his true calling at birth -- by sharing a birthdate with Daniel Boone.

Born in Niles, Michigan, Kent grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, and displayed from his youth a superlative aptitude and unbridled passion for outdoor life, including fishing, hunting, hiking, and photography.

Through his businesses, Alaskan Quest and New Zealand Quest, he has fulfilled hundreds of clients’ lifelong dreams through his custom-made wilderness excursions, from fishing trips to hunting adventures to sightseeing tours.

An outgoing and pleasurable person with an endearing sense of humor which is never far from the surface, Kent enjoys life “both on and off the field.” He carries his honest and sincere zeal whenever -- and wherever -- he enjoys his favorite pastimes: --taking his longtime four-legged best friend, Chena, on walks, swims, and hikes
traveling the world and exploring new locations (though his favorite places remain Alaska, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Florida)

• quietly strolling the beach to commune with his Savior, Jesus Christ working out and lifting weights, as he has done regularly for over 25 years
• trying new restaurants (his menu favorites: prime rib and Alaskan king crab)
• hiking, rafting, and deep-sea fishing
• photographing wildlife, particularly bears
• and, in one of his few indoor preferences, watching movies

Kent also enjoys time with his family: his mother, Christa, who lives in Alaska; his daughter, Katie, also in Michigan; his son, Keith, who resides in beachfront property in Florida; and his granddaughter, Lanie.

Kent is now available to speak at your Club, Church, Organization or Special Function.

“Hard Way Back” is a riveting account of Kent’s personal, business, and spiritual life, and he is willing to share his inspirational story at conferences, service organizations, churches, SCI clubs, schools, and other venues. He is willing to travel locally or worldwide to benefit others with his experiences and life lessons.

Leading wealthy clients on world class hunting trips was good for business, but Kent insists: “That’s not who I truly am. What I really like to do is the other side of my business, and that’s taking people and showing them the beauty of special places, getting close to the giant bears to take photos, etc. I’m basically the beach type; a happy- go-lucky type guy, an entrepreneur and businessman who loves the outdoors . . . and just happens to be blessed with great common sense, a lot of ambition, and a golden heart.”

Kent also describes himself as “an extremely adventurous big kid at heart who loves to laugh and joke.”

For more info including photo's of Kent and his adventures visit the About Guide page on his Alaskan Quest website www.alaskanquest.com and New Zealand Quest www.nzquest.com

To invite Kent to speak at your next function, click here.

"Quietly strolling the beach to commune with his Savior, Jesus Christ"

A HEARTBEAT AWAY by S. DIONNE MOORE

About A Heartbeat Away: 

When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam.

Her mother's mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt's message to its greatest test---but can betrayal be forgiven?

• ISBN-13: 9781426752704
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication date: 5/15/2013
• Pages: 232

Series: Quilts of Love

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/liQMG


 Meet Dionne:

Dionne Moore is a historical romance author who resides in South Central PA with her family, surrounded by the beautiful Cumberland Valley and lots of fun, historically rich locations. She is a weekly contributor to "The Borrowed Book", a blog for book-lovers and "Cozy Mystery Magazine", for all things cozy mystery. 

Learn more about Dionne at http://www.sdionnemoore.com


My Thoughts

Beth Bumgartner desires to be a nurse, so she moves in with her grandmother and assists in caring for wounded soldiers in the height of battle almost at their front door.  Nursing means caring for not only the Union soldiers but also the Confederates. This is difficult for Beth and can't help but feel bitterness toward her enemy of the south.  But there is their first patient an injured soldier which happens to be a Confederate yet she feels some tenderness towards this man even though she despises what he stands for.  Joe has been unconscious since he was brought to them.  It was said he was injured while protecting a group of blacks.  Why would a confederate do such a thing?  Beth and her grandmother work themselves beyond physical and emotional needs to care for these injured and dying soldiers.

The author writes about this woman sitting and working on a quilt her mother has sent her, even though she hated to sew anything.  The quilt becomes a source of healing for her soul and she is drawn to the quilt for Hope and comfort.  This author must have a beautiful tender heart to write such an endearing story set in the middle of trials and tribulations of the Civil War.  She paints a very realistic picture of the aftermath of the battles and the bloody fields.  She writes that with God there is always Hope.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group/Abingdon Press for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

Grace Given, Touch of Grace Series, Book Two by Beth Shriver

About Book

Elsie Yoder can’t forgive her sister, Katie, for leaving the community. Unable to let go of her sadness, she withdraws from her friends and family, nursing her feelings of betrayal.

Gideon Lapp has held a special place in his heart for Elsie and longs to help her get through her troubles. Together they find comfort in their study of the Martyr’s Mirror, a centuries-old book that describes their ancestors’ sacrifices for their faith through years of persecution.

As Elsie opens up and begins to put her trust in Gideon, she tells him about the harassment she and her sister received at the hands of some local men. When the men return and threaten the community, Elsie and Gideon must stand together to do what is right. But can Elsie learn to give grace and to humble herself to accept grace as well?

Paperback, 340 pages

ISBN 13: 9781621360179 
Release date: January 2013
Publisher: Realms

Where to purchase:  Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD, Walmart


About Beth Shriver

Childhood memories of her grandfather's ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam! 

Beth received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats and a beagle live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. Represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Literary Agency 

Favorite quote and Bible verse
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C. S. Lewis 

Philippians 4:6-7-Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

My Thoughts

Elsie Yoder can't seem to pull herself out of a depression caused by her sister Katie.  Katie has betrayed her sister and left the community.  Will Elsie be able to forgive her sister?  No matter the turn of events Elsie misses her sister and wants her to come home.  Their father does not wish to even talk about Katie, it pains him too much.

Gideon Lapp wants Elsie to be able to open up to him because he holds a special place in his heart for Elsie.  He encourages her to interact with the rest of the community.  She becomes interested in studying Martyrs Mirror with Gideon.  

Elsie has many secrets that is eating her alive, one of which is some local men, not of the Amish community, have been harassing her even before her sister left.  She finally confides in Gideon and reveals her secrets of  the harassment not only toward her but to the Amish community.  The young men have no fear of retaliation because they know the Amish will not use means of violence or by pressing charges against them.  

Can Elsie forgive herself therefore humble herself to the community and to accept God's Grace?  In doing so she will be free of the fear that grows within her.  How will they deal with the local men?  

In book two the author writes of the necessity of community support spiritually and physically. It reminds me of the verse.  Matthew 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The author also writes of humbling oneself and accepting Grace which is a gift from God!   Beth also reminds  us that we must put on the Armor of God.  He gives us so much to fight the evil that tries to oppress us because of our belief in a loving God.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Charisma House/Realms for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my honest opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.



Read my review of Book 1, Touch of Grace, Annie's Truth by Beth Shriver here.

Look What's On My Shelf! New Treasures of Love from Old Testament Tales Series by Mesu Andrews

An epic story of love and forgiveness, suffering and restoration...

When her beloved grandfather Isaac dies, Dinah must follow his final command: travel to Job's household to marry his son. After Job's world comes crashing down, Dinah finds herself drawn to this great man brought low. What will she risk to fight for his survival?

Mesu Andrews weaves an emotional and stirring account of Job and Dinah. Love Amid the Ashes breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.

ISBN 10: 0800734076
ISBN 13: 9780800734077
Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD, Family, Revell

For more information on Downloadable Excerpt, watch Book Trailer, Discussion Guide, Bible Study Questions, order Free bookmarks and to hear what people are saying about this book visit the Mesu Andrews Website here.

* * *

Wisdom came as God's gift, but sacred love was forged through passion's fire...

Standing in the shadow of his famous father, young King Solomon wavers between fear and bravado, longing for a love that is true and pure—a love that can be his cornerstone.

A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah has known since she first laid eyes on Solomon that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father secures a promise from Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams will come true.

But how can this simple shepherdess live as part of Solomon's harem? Can Solomon set aside his distractions to give himself completely to just one woman? Or will he let duty, deception, and the daily routine divide his heart?

Mesu Andrews expertly weaves the words of the Song of Solomon into this touching story of the power of love from a master storyteller.

ISBN 10: 0800734084
ISBN 13: 9780800734084

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD, Family, Revell

For more information on Downloadable Excerpt, watch Book Trailer, Discussion Guide, Bible Study Questions, order Free bookmarks and to hear what people are saying about this book visit the Mesu Andrews Website here.

* * *

Hosea has been charged by God with a difficult task—marry a prostitute in order to show God's people the nature and depth of his love for Israel...

When Hosea goes to Israel to proclaim God's message, the prostitute God tells him to marry turns out to be his childhood friend Gomer. He finds her broken and abused, unwilling to trust Hosea or his God. But when marrying Hosea becomes her only choice, Gomer does what she's good at—she survives. Can Hosea's love for God and God's love for Israel heal Gomer's broken spirit?

With her potent combination of in-depth research and masterful storytelling, Mesu Andrews brings to life a complex and fascinating biblical story of the power of love and forgiveness in the face of utter betrayal.

Broken Vessel Blog Tour

March 10-16, 2013 

information here.

ISBN 10: 0800721691
ISBN 13: 9780800721695

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD, Revell

For more information on Downloadable Excerpt,  Discussion Guide, Bible Study Questions, order Free Bookmarks and to Hear What People are Saying about this book visit the Mesu Andrews Website here.

Mesa Andrews

Loving the Word for Life

Mesu Andrews and her husband, Roy, enjoyed fourteen years of pastoral ministry before moving to the Pacific Northwest to pursue the next step in God’s calling. They have two married daughters and live in Washington, where Mesu writes full time. The Andrews’ have a Rottweiler-pitbull named Bouzer, who keeps Mesu company while she enjoys her fireplace and hot coffee on rainy Northwest days. She loves movies, waterfalls, and travel.

Biblical fiction is her favorite genre to read and write. Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011), won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year in the Debut Author Category. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012), the Song of Solomon story, received a 4 ½ star rating from RT Reviews. And Love in a Broken Vessel (Revell), the story of Hosea and Gomer, is available now and received a 4 ½ star TOP PICK rating from RT Reviews. The Shadow of Jezebel is scheduled for release in March 2014.

Mesa Andrews website: http://www.mesuandrews.com/

Betrayal ~ Where the Heart Lives #2 by Robin Lee Hatcher

About Book

It’s the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.

Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she’s going to have to trust someone if she’s to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband’s half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door?

The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God’s love no matter the circumstances.

Published by Zondervan
Publication Date: November 12, 2012
ISBN 13: 9780310258094

Where to buy:  Zondervan, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Robin

Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of over sixty-five books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin currently resides in Idaho. 

For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.

My Thoughts

Julia Grace was pushed into a marriage that was suppose to remove her from the disreputable occupation at which her mother worked .  Her mother wanted a respectable life for her daughter and so much more.  Julia's husband showed her no respect and often abused her even during her pregnancy.  She prayed for God's protection.  Then one day husband became ill and died unexpectedly.  This left her to run a cattle ranch by herself.
Her brother-in-law keeps  trying to convince her to sell him the ranch and for her to take the money and move on.  He even hired her ranch hands to work on his ranch leaving her without any help working her ranch.  But Julia is determined to keep the ranch.  It is the only real home she has ever had and it was rightfully hers.  

About a year after her husband's death, a stranger stops shows up at ranch wanting water for his injured horse and possibly a place to rest the horse until it has healed.  Hugh Brennan offered the beautiful young widow to work on the ranch in exchange for meals and a place to bunk in the barn.  He was a hard worker and saw what needed to be done and got busy getting it done.  If thought if he stayed busy hopefully it would keep his mind off Julia.  He knew she was keeping her distance from him.

The author kept my attention with this story of two broken souls that have more than God in common.  She also writes of secrets, betrayal, and a need for love and trust in oneself but most of all God.

This was a quick read mainly because I did not want to put the book down.  I just love when a book can grab me the way this book did.  My heart ached for all the trials and tribulations these two people had to endure to get to God's greater plan for their lives.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my own opinion.

If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.