Saturday, March 29, 2014

Arkansas Mom Jailed for Breastfeeding

This infuriates me to no end! Because of a NOSEY server this mother was arrested and put in jail.
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/03/27/3419669/arkansas-mother-arrested-breastfeeding/

I breast fed all three of my girls and YES I had a drink now and then and they are perfectly fine. This mother was eating she wasn't just sitting at the bar throwing them back, she had a couple of beers. When the server told her managers what she saw they told her they weren't going to do anything, it was the NOSEY server who wasn't even working she was there for a meeting and she decided she knew best and called the police, after talking to her mother.
I remember being told to not nurse my daughter in a Denny's because an older couple didn't like it. I told the said server to tell them to leave, I wasn't. 
I am glad that there was no evidence to prosecute the mom and the server got her just deserts and was fired!

The ridiculous server says she'd do it again, if she does I hope she again looses her job!


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate

About the book:
Allie Kirkland has never been one to take wild risks. But when she’s offered a costuming assistant’s job on a docudrama in the hills near Moses Lake, she jumps at the chance. She’s always dreamed of following in her director-father’s footsteps, and the reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step. The family expectations will have to wait.
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delevan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the folk songs of Chinquapin Peaks. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
When strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, everyone in Wildwood, including Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set, Blake Fulton, seems to be hiding secrets, and Allie doesn’t know who she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself . . . with the most unthinkable results.



About this author
:
Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, Good Hope Road, The Language of Sycamores, and Drenched in Light. Her work was recently honored by the Americans for More Civility for promoting greater kindness and civility in American life. Lisa and her family live in Central Texas.
You can learn more about her here:





My Thoughts:
Lisa sent me a copy of this book to review. I didn't know this was book 4 in the series, but it wasn't hard to follow. It can very easily read as a stand alone.
She tells the story in alternating points of view, between Allie and Bonnie. The alternating points of view added to the story and the mystery of what happened to Bonnie.
Lisa not only tells a good story, she incorporates the spiritual element nicely without it being over bearing.
I highly recommend this!

  

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Maybelle in Stitches by Joyce Magnin

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Maybelle In Stitches
Abingdon Press (March 18, 2014)
by
Joyce Magnin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the Author:

I am the author of seven novels. Five adult novels and two middle grade readers. I never wanted to do anything else but write and every day I wake up astonished that I get to do what I always dreamed about. My days are filled with words and images along with the usual family stuff. I have three children, Rebekah who is married to Joshua. They have three of the most adorable boys on the planet, Lemuel, Cedar and Soren. My daughter Emily Kate is a lovely young woman anthropologist and my son Adam is fourteen and a student--he's a genius who loves frogs and lizards and fish and plants. He amazes me.

I have never eaten a scallop. I love cream soda. Drink way too much coffee. I do not like elevators but I do enjoy needle arts and of course books. I prefer jazz over country (no offense), milk chocolate over dark, but not roller coasters although my life has often resembled a roller coaster ride.

One of my life's desires is to meet Amy Grant so I can tell her she saved my life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maybelle can’t sew. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house, she gets the crazy idea to complete it. At first, it’s just a way to fill the lonely nights while her husband, staff sergeant Holden Kanzinzki, is away fighting in World War II.

Yet when Maybelle discovers that the quilt is made from scraps of material that can be traced back through her family heritage, the project is suddenly much more important. Then word comes that Holden is missing in action, and with little else to do, Maybelle clings to the quilt as much as to the hope that her husband is still alive. As neighborhood friends gather around Maybelle to help her through the unknown days and nights ahead, it is the quilt that becomes a symbol of her unflagging belief that Holden will return—to her, to their home, and to their quilt-covered bed.

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




Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Summer of Joy

About the book:
For Jocie Brooke, the summer of 1964 certainly was eventful, but it's nothing compared to what's coming to Hollyhill, Kentucky, and the Brooke family next. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy the relationships that everyone thought were so strong. Two people--one thought to be gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of--are making their way to the small town. And it promises trouble for everyone.
This complex and beautifully written story is the perfect conclusion to The Heart of Hollyhill series. With true-to-life family drama, refreshing humor, and characters readers have come to love like dear friends, "Summer of Joy" will delight Gabhart's fans.







 About Ann:


Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. By the time she was ten she knew she wanted to be a writer. She's published over twenty novels. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dog, reading and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, will be followed by Small Town Girl. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com or her two blogs, One Writer's Journal, www.annhgabhart.blogspot.com, and the Hollyhill Book of the Strange, www.hollyhillbookofthestrange.blogspo.... Giveaways several times a year.

My Thoughts:
I read The Scent of Lilacs and really enjoyed it. It was great to go back to Hollyhill and see what Joice was up to. Joice's English teacher, Mr. Hammond has singled her out and not in a good way. He also has his on Leigh, which is her father, David's girlfriend/fiancee. 
Someone is stalking the residents, people from the past show up and add more mystery to the story, and Wes who believes he is from Jupiter is absolutely hilarious.
While this is the third book in the series, it could be read as a stand alone, however I think you would enjoy it a lot better if you read the other books in the series.
Ann has a great way of adding a spiritual element without being overbearing and you will definitely see and feel what God has for these characters, and yourself.
Highly recommended!!



Sunday, March 23, 2014

Win a Kindle HDX from @BillyCoffey in “The Devil Walks in Mattingly” Giveaway!

About the book: For the three people tortured by their secret complicity in a young man's untimely death, redemption is what they most long for . . . and the last thing they expect to receive.
It has been twenty years since Philip McBride's body was found along the riverbank in the dark woods known as Happy Hollow. His death was ruled a suicide. But three people have carried the truth ever since---Philip didn't kill himself that day. He was murdered.
Each of the three have wilted in the shadow of their sins. Jake Barnett is Mattingly's sheriff, where he spends his days polishing the fragile shell of the man he pretends to be. His wife, Kate, has convinced herself the good she does for the poor will someday wash the blood from her hands. And high in the mountains, Taylor Hathcock lives in seclusion and fear, fueled by madness and hatred.
Yet what cannot be laid to rest is bound to rise again. Philip McBride has haunted Jake's dreams for weeks, warning that he is coming back for them all. When Taylor finds mysterious footprints leading from the Hollow, he believes his redemption has come. His actions will plunge the quiet town of Mattingly into darkness. These three will be drawn together for a final confrontation between life and death . . . Between truth and lies.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ux3hc 
About the Author: Billy Coffey's critically-acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Learn more about Billy at: http://billycoffey.com
Billy Coffey is celebrating his new book, The Devil Walks in Mattingly, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway.



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One winner will receive:




  • A Kindle Fire HDX

  • The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 5th. Winner will be announced April  7th on Billy's blog. Watch Billy give the backstory of the book here.







Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Billy's blog on April 7th to see if you won.



My Thoughts:
I had a hard time following this story. There are so many characters and story lines I couldn't keep up. I read and reviewed Snow Day, and really enjoyed it. I was very sad that I didn't enjoy this one. 
I plan on trying it again.

I am updating this review, because I have re-read the book, and I really enjoyed it. Billy Coffey writes a book about how the past not covered in grace haunts us. Jake, Kate, and Taylor live with guilt over what happened to Phillip twenty years ago. In re-reading it, I was reminded of The Oath by Frank Peretti. Sin and the guilt from sin has a way of eating us from the inside out. That is what is happening with the characters in this book. While the redemption thread is there it is not over powering. You will walk away from this book thinking not only of the characters, but the redemption we have received through Christ.  I highly recommend it!!


 

Friday, March 21, 2014

Egalitarianism Within the Church???

I just read this article, http://juniaproject.com/towards-a-deeper-theology-of-women/ and this shows me more and more why I don't want to have any ties with the Nazarene church. I was raised in the Nazarene church, and am sad to say that I see it deteriorating in the beliefs that they once held dear, and it is because of that, that I will not attend a Nazarene church.

This article speaks of Equality within the church, women being leading preachers, claiming that it is their duty . . really???  Dallas Willard goes on to say that it is misguided for women to not be in leadership, it is also their obligation since the spiritual gifts are not gender specific. He also says that women not fulfilling their leadership role says something is wrong with them.

If you are a woman in ministry, and you need a "human" telling you that your role within the church is "OKAY", then you may want to check your spiritual pulse. 
We all know that anyone can take a portion of scripture and fit it to their needs, and in my humble opinion that is exactly what is going on here. 

Don't misunderstand me, I have no problem with a woman giving a sermon, I just don't believe that God intends for a woman to be over a man in church leadership.

When it comes to being equal with men, I think women's rights have gone way too far the opposite direction...we should have the right to vote, get paid the same wage for the same job, those are given . . .do we really want to give up all of what makes us different? I like that my husband treats me like a woman not just one of the guys...opening my door, helping me with my coat; these are just a couple, I don't want to be treated like a man, I want to be treated like a woman. 

God made us different for a reason. We were created to help men ... Genesis 2:22 God created woman out of the mans rib...The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. It is very clear that we are to work beside, not be above, and in my understanding this doesn't mean just in marriage, it is in all walks. 
As women we are more emotional by nature, which can be a positive and a negative. 

I will stick to a church where there is a man behind the pulpit ... thank you very much!

 




Tide and Tempest

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Tide and Tempest
Bethany House Publishers (March 4, 2014)
by
Elizabeth Ludwig


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies (co-authored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year Award. This book was followed in 2009 by "I'll be Home for Christmas", part of the Christmas anthology collection, Christmas Homecoming.

In 2011, her second mystery, Died in the Wool (co-authored with Janelle Mowery) was nominated for a Carol Award. In 2012, the popular EDGE OF FREEDOM series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.

Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two years ago, her fiance perished during their voyage to America.

Now she discovers it may have been murder...

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiance by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream--to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiance's demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiance.

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



Monday, March 17, 2014

Poison Town

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Poison Town
David C. Cook (February 1, 2014)
by
Creston Mapes


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town. The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.


ABOUT THE BOOK

There's More Than One Kind of Poison in This Town

People are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that's crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss.

The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon's long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates. Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal.

The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers. As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable--he knows too much.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Poison Town, go HERE.

My Thoughts: Creston Maples creates a story full of mystery and suspense. He grabs you on page one and you are hanging on for a wild ride! Jack Crittendon is a man on a mission and he won't let anyone get in his way. Watching Jack and his wife extend forgiveness beyond their human abilities reminded me of how I learned to extend forgiveness toward my former husband and his mistress. A lesson we all have to learn at some point that to the extent we forgive, that is the extent our Father will forgive us. Highly recommended!













Wednesday, March 12, 2014

How Sweet the Sound

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
How Sweet the Sound
David C. Cook (March 1, 2014)
by
Amy K. Sorrells


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.

When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.



ABOUT THE BOOK

From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface.

Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief.

This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.

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

My thoughts:
I have been involved with the study of David three times. Twice with Kay Arthur as a precept study, and once with Beth Moore's study. Reading this book broke my heart, just as reading the story of Tamar in 2nd Samuel.
This is Amy's debut and it doesn't read like one. Even the character names fit the characters perfectly.
Princella is Anniston's grandmother's name and it fits her to a tee. Comfort who is Anniston's aunt that was raped is hurting, yet through writing poems she is trying to give Anniston comfort.
This is my favorite quote from the book, Jed has been hired to work on the pecan plantation, he and Anniston become friends. He tells Anniston that being a foster kid has "made him realize everybody hurts. And everybody needs a friend. And hurtin' people, they need friends most."
If that isn't the truth. This is a book book with pain, but most of all it shows us the Father's redemption and freedom.
I highly recommend it, and will be looking forward to future books by Amy!











You Know You're a Reader of Christian Fiction When _____________________



Christian reading fans here is your chance...join the Twitter fan festival that begins today and runs the rest of the week. All you have to do is tweet @sandiebricker and fill in the blank . . .You know you're a Christian fiction reader when __________ use the hash tags #Twitterfiction and #Chrific
You will have the chance to win any of Sandie Bricker's Ema Rae series or her book Raw Edges. You can read my reviews here:
Always the Designer , Always the Baker, Raw Edges.


Have fun!!
 


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Distortion by Terri Blackstock

About the book:
Juliet Cole’s life has been dismantled by the murder of her husband. She doesn’t know who—or what—to trust when everything she has believed to be true about her marriage has been a lie.
A husband’s lies can have deadly consequences.
When Juliet Cole’s husband of fifteen years is murdered before her eyes, she thinks it was a random shooting. Devastated and traumatized, she answers hours of questioning, then returns home to break the tragic news to her boys. But a threatening voicemail takes this from a random shooting to a planned, deliberate attack.
Juliet realizes that she and her children are in danger too, unless she meets the killers’ demands. But as she and her sisters untangle the clues, her husband’s dark secrets come to light. The more she learns, the more of her life is dismantled. Was her husband an innocent victim or a hardened criminal?



Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of “Intervention,” “Vicious Cycle,” and “Downfall,” as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters.
Find out more about Terri at http://www.terriblackstock.com.
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My Thoughts:
Oh boy could I relate to Juliet. I felt like we could be best friends. What would you do if your husband was killed right in front of you and then you find out that he could be mixed up in illegal activities. That is exactly what happens to Juliet. The night her and her husband go to return a rental truck after moving her sister, he is shot and killed right in front of her. As the investigation begins, more and more things about her husband and she wonders if she ever knew him.
This is a fast paced novel that will keep you wondering what the truth is until the last page.
Definitely recommended!!







IT HAD TO BE YOU $100 Visa Giveaway from @SusanMayWarren!

About the book: A Christensen Family Novel.
Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen's cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits---and starting to fear she doesn't have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.
Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior---on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he's getting from Eden Christiansen isn't making things any easier. But when Owen's carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Susan's website
 About the Author: Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more.
Susan May Warren is celebrating the release of her newest Christiansen Family novel, It Had To Be You, with a $100 Visa cash card giveaway and offering readers a free book club kit.



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One winner will receive:



  • $100 Visa cash card

  • Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 29th. Winner will be announced April 1st on Susan's blog. Also, visit her website to learn more about the It Had To Be You backstory and Susan's free book club kit.







Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Susan's blog on April 1st to see if you won.


My Thoughts: Susan has continued the Christiansen saga in her new book It Had to Be You. What I love about Susan is that she creates strong characters. 
Have you ever thought what it would be like to be the one to keep your brother out of trouble? Well that is what Eden does with her younger brother, Owen, while she is trying to start her own career.
The family is a great one, one everyone wants to be apart of. I have found myself quite attached to them.
With that said, this is a great book!






Monday, March 10, 2014

In the Shadow of Jezebel...by Mesu Andrews

In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love.
Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach far beyond the realm of earthly governments.

Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?

With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.



Mesu Andrews is the award-winning author of Love Amid the Ashes, Love's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture, bringing the biblical world vividly alive for her readers. She lives in Washington. Learn more at www.mesuandrews.com.





My Thoughts:

First let me say how much I admire authors like Mesu who bring the biblical world to life in a new and informative way. I have learned quite a bit from these books, not only because of the superb writing, but because they encourage me to dig deeper in the Bible regarding these stories.

Princess Jehosheba has not known real love. Queen Athaliah, Jezebel's daughter is horrible. She is physically and mentally abusive to Jehosheba. Both the Queen and Jezebel put Jehosheba in an awful position of having to marry Yahweh's priest as to gain information that can be used in Baal worship. What they weren't counting on was Jehosheba falling in love with Jehoiada, and for the first time knowing what true love is, not only from her husband, but from the one and only true God.

This is a book that will keep you reading later than you planned, and thinking about it long after you've turned the last page.

Highly recommended!

















First Line Friday Featuring Riot (A Breed Apart: Legacy #3) by Ronie Kendig and JJ Samie Myles

  Happy Friday!! Welcome to the weekend!!! Today I am featuring one of my favorite authors, Ronie Kendig. I loved A Breed Apart series and I...