A WORLD APART {INTERVIEW}

Title: A World Apart

Author: Camelia Miron Skiba

Publisher: Create Space

Source: Author

Available: Now

Pages: 370

I have previously featured this book on my blog and was pleased to have Camelia come back and answer some questions about the book.  I hope you all learn a little more about the book and the author!  Click Good Family Reads to read my review and a snippet from the book!

1. Tell us something about A World Apart that didn't make the cut.

The first draft contained the beginning and the end, with nothing in between. Robert, a secondary character was set to die and he was okay with this at first. Then the fighting began. He just wanted to live, go figure. Leave alone the fact that I had to redo about ten chapters—he just didn’t care. To make things even worse, Cassandra and David teamed up with him and they went AWOL—until I changed my mind. For Pete’s sake, I rescued David from an ambush in Iraq, and that was the reward? Silence? I remember sweating bullets to continue the story. I tried to negotiate their return for about a month (ice cream, cookies, wine, you name it) but to no avail. In the end, I agreed to make the changes and magically they returned. I wrote 5 chapters in one week (and had probably a few hours of sleep, but so worth it).

I love hearing about the process so many writers go through to hear the characters!  I'm glad things worked out they way they did though!

2. Where do you usually do your writing:

Complete silence in the guest room: lavender and cream walls, desk set in a corner, a large Queen palm knocking on my window...

mmm...guest room?  I'm game!

3. Sweet or Salty snacks?

Fruits.

4. What is your favorite childhood books?

Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas. Winnetou and Old Shatterland by Karl May.

Never read Old Shatterland...maybe I should check it out!

5. What is the most surprising thing you found out during your writing/publishing journey?

That self-publishing is not as hard as some may think.

I think that seems to be the wave of now!!

6. Do you have anything in the works that you can share?

I’m working now on a novel I plan to release in December. It’s Chiara’s story, Tessa’s sister from my debut novel Hidden Heart. She's actually dark and distrustful, unlike any other characters I’ve dealt before with. She’s quiet, sitting in an obscure corner, knees pulled to her chest and NOT saying a dang word. Not going anywhere, not letting anyone coming closer. Such a troubled heroine scares me since I thought I could handle whoever comes into my head (unless they are zombies, then I’d be screwed). Can't lure her with cookies or ice cream, can't make her talk, but she claims full residency in my brain.

Ooh...well good luck...she sounds like she maybe trouble but totally worth it!

7. Anything about A World Apart you would like to share?

My son picked the name "Checkpoint" after I shared the story with him. I liked it and went with it until one night, returning from a Yanni concert and overdosed in all the good feelings and emotions his music awoke in me, the words hit me so hard, I gasped for air, screaming, "I found it! A World Apart. This is the title!" 

How cool!  I'm like that title too!

Thank you so much for visiting us today!  Good luck with this book and all that is yet to come!!

EMERALD CITY

Title: Emerald City

Author: Alicia K. Leppert

Publisher:  SweetWater Books

Available:n April 10, 2012

Source:  Cedar Fort

Pages: 320

About the Book:
Olivia Tate is a broken shell of a girl haunted by the tragic events that fill her past. She has closed herself off from the world, each day grasping at something—anything—to live for. Convinced there will never be a way out, she seeks solace in the depths of her medicine cabinet. When she wakes up days later in the hospital she is introduced to Jude, the quiet stranger responsible for saving her life. She never could have guessed then that her mysterious rescuer would end up saving her life a second time, while simultaneously turning her world upside down.


My Take:
Wow...another great debut novel.  It's a great love story that dives into some really deep subjects along the way.  While I can't tell you certain things about the book because I think you should really read this to get the full effect of the story...I will say that that this may be one of the best 2012 debuts I've read this year so far!  Written so the pages keep flying and you can't put it down.  Now...before you say...romance isn't for me...this is so much more than a romance...there is a little mystery...umm...sorry...can't say much more...  that most readers will find very intriguing!  I highly suggest you pick this up....  well...4/10/12!
But don't take my word for it...here's the link to other stops along the way!  Cedar Fort

About the Author:

A WOMAN'S POWER

Title:  A Woman's Power

Author:  Fay A. Klinger

Publisher:  Cedar Fort

Available:  now

Source:  Publisher

Pages:  144

Genre:  Non-fiction/:LDS/religion

About the Book:

For any woman who’s ever felt like she’s hanging on by a single thread, this inspiring book reveals the truth: you’re surrounded by threads of strength and power that can bring you safety, peace, and lasting happiness. All you have to do is grab hold of them. Uplifting and empowering, this book offers women everywhere a message of hope. 

My Take:

It's a well written book that takes us to the heart of the truth.  It has plenty of stories from the author and her family that will show you how to help yourself and others.  This book would be well suited to take slowly as a daily devotional.  Ms. Klinger is an LDS author, but woman of any faith will be sure to find something that will meet their needs in the pages of this book.  It will be a definite addition to my bookshelf, and if you are in the market for peace, you would be well advised to pick this up to add to your library as well!  

BONES (GODDESS FISH TOUR, GUEST POST, REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY)

Title:  Bones

Author:  K.J. Dahlen

Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press

Available:  now

Source:  Author via Goddess Fish Tours 

Pages:  181

Genre:  Mystery

THE GUEST POST

   A BIG THANK YOU TO K.J. FOR JOINING ME HERE TODAY TO TELL US HOW SHE GETS  HER INSPIRATION FOR HER BOOKS!   I HOPE THIS HELPS ALL THOSE AUTHORS WHO ARE BUSY WRITING THEIR DEBUT BOOKS NOW!

I love to take a thought or phrase and turn it into a book. One of my books, The Prophet, was written from a phrase, “Has he asked you to convert yet?”
I make up my characters from the people that I know. I take certain traits or looks and give them to the heroes and heroines in my books. I also try and put a little bit of myself in my books. We are all different for a reason and I like that.
Bones is a search in a small town for a serial killer. Someone had been murdering women yet no one has noticed him for years. Then two young boys stumble upon his dumping grounds and notify the police. Max Reardon has to find out who the women were and why they were killed.
I used a small town setting because I live in a small town and the hillside where the cave is found could be hidden on the bluffs where I live. Max is a man who has seen the best and the worst in people and he chooses to deal with the best, although now he has to deal with the worst.
I’ve used what I’ve read in books and seen on tv and just plain common sense to research this book and all my books. I like to watch people and what they talk about or react to tells me how they think and how they will act in certain situations. I use the bits and pieces I’ve collected in my books and add twists and turns to make the story more interesting. They call it fiction for a reason. Most of my books are pure imagination.
Sometimes I think I know where the story will go but just when I think that it takes off in a whole other direction.  I once saw an old man sitting alone in a bar sipping on a beer. He was the perfect looking bad guy I had ever seen. In my mind he became a serial killer for a book I built around his appearance. I know the guy was probably the most gentle man I could know but in my mind he was a killer in a book yet to be written. He became my River Man.
I’ve been asked many ,many times how I come up with a plot to yet another story but there is no one answer to that question.  It can be a phrase, or seeing someone I think would be a good character in a book,  or a dream I had. It can be just about anything  that pops into my head then suddenly a get an idea for a book.  When I get an idea I have to sit down and write out an outline. The outline is just an outline, sometimes I stay with it and sometimes I don’t. The book usually plays out in my head like a movie, but that is what  works for me.

About the Book:
When human bones are discovered in a cave just outside of town, it’s up to Sheriff Max Reardon to find out who the bones belonged to. But someone in town doesn’t want the bones identified and they go to great lengths to try and stop Max’s investigation.

They break into Max’s house and try and destroy the evidence and when that doesn’t work they frame Max for murder. Can Max clear his name and bring the murderer or murderers to justice?

My Take:
What a great quick read for mystery fans of all!  It's quick to take off and keeps the suspense going from there on.  It was simply written and while it didn't take a lot of thought to follow the story, the puzzle was fun to try and solve before the end!  Highly recommend and I'm off to read more from this author!  

About the Author:
Kim lives in a small town (population495) in Wisconsin. From her deck she can see the Mississippi River on one side and the bluffs, where eagles live and nest on the other side. She lives with her husband Dave and dog Sammy. Her two children are grown and two grandchildren and for that fact she feels blessed. She loves to watch people and that has helped her with her writing. She loves to create characters and put them in a troubling situation and just sit back and let them do all the work. They surprise even her at times. They take on a life of their own and the twists and turns become a story. She found she liked mystery/thrillers the best. She likes to keep her readers guessing until the very end of the book.


Email: kjdahlen1@yahoo.com
Web site: www.kjdahlen.com

The Giveaway

K.J. will be giving away a $10 Amazon gift certificate, plus the chance to help her with her new book--the winner will get to write a short blurb and K.J. will write the book based on it, so click the banner and follow the stops for your chance to win!  The more you comment the better your chance of winning!

Apology

I want to apologize to all authors and tour hosts for missing tours this week.  My mom decided to have a stroke on Sunday and I have been with her and let the reviews go!  I will get everything up as soon as possible.

SHADOW WARRIOR GUEST POST BY COURTNEY RENE

Here's a guest post from author Courtney Rene.... Author of Shadow Warrior... It's all about coming up with the story and how she does it. I was so impressed with all she wrote that I'm giving her this post and I'll post another post with book details and my take!

Thank you Courtney for coming!!

OUTLINES AND FAR OFF PLACES

By Courtney Rene

First and foremost, I am not an outline person.  Never have been and most likely never will be.  For me, part of the fun of being a writer is seeing where the story will go.  If I sit down and plan it all out, piece-by-piece and event-by-event, it takes all the mystery out of it.  Why write the story if I already know how it’s going to end?

When I came up with the idea for Shadow Dancer, I had no idea when I started that I would have to come up with a whole new world.  Although Shadow Dancer didn’t really need the thought out landscape and details of Acadia, the next book Shadow Warrior did.  You can’t go to another world if you haven’t created it yet.  I was at a bit of a loss as to how to proceed. So I did what any writer would do…I went to google.  I did research on fantasy worlds and I did research on the elements (since I had created four semi-elemental realms this was a must).  I also went to the library and did more research.  I printed out photos and descriptions and made notes and photocopies and when I was done, I had so much crap that I didn’t know what to do with it all.  Frankly, in trying to get an idea for my fantasy realm, Acadia, I had quite overwhelmed myself.  That pile sat and sat and haunted me for about a month.  I didn’t touch it or look at it or even move it.  

Then one day I was laying out in the sunshine thinking and watching a hoard of butterflies eat the peaches off my trees (I didn’t know they did that) when I suddenly realized I was making Acadia way to hard.  I closed my eyes and let my mind simply create the landscape of Acadia.  What did I know about Acadia?  For one, it was hot there and it never rained. From there, Acadia slowly but surely began to form.  But how was I to keep it all straight and clear in my head while writing the book?

First thing I did was chuck all the prior research I had done, all of it, except for the elemental stuff.  The next thing I did was purchase a  “project” board.  It’s like poster board only about ¼ inch thick.  Then I started making notes on note cards and notebook paper about the world I was creating.  I drew by hand a rough outline of Acadia (it was a sad little drawing).  I made notes of the new people and their powers and their personalities.  Then I tacked and tapes and stapled them all up on my board.  




When that was done, I sat down and started to write Shadow Warrior.  Anytime I was confused about something, all I had to do was flip through the pages on my board.  Anytime a new person or new element of the story presented, I added it to the board.  By the time I was finished writing the book, I had two full boards going.

Creating and keeping track of a new fantasy world was a lot harder than I ever thought it would be.  But the boards?  They worked for me.  Someone told me once that those boards are actually my way of outlining.  Ummm, no way!  As I said, I am not an outliner.  

Quickly, before I head out, I wanted to say thank you to Goodfamilyreads for having me over at their blog today.  Have a great one everyone!

ctny

SHADOW WARRIOR (REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY)

Title: Shadow Warrior

Author:  Courtney Rene
Publisher:  Rogue Phoenix Press
Source:  Author
Available:  now
Series:  Shadow Dancer (BK 2)




About the Book:

Sunny finally makes her first jump over to the Kingdom of Acadia that is on the other side of the shadows, for what she hopes is a vacation.  Only her vacation turns into quite an unwanted adventure.  Aside from new and unexpected issues regarding her relationship with Leif, Sunny meets the rebel group, makes new friends, fights with controlling her powers, and finds herself neck deep within a county that is torn apart by two sides, each fighting for power.  Acadia is not quite what she imagined.  How is she, one young girl, suppose to unite the Kingdom as well as unseat a King to take her place as ruler of Acadia.  

My Take:

I love fun fantasy....this is a great continuation of the first story and lets the reader believe in the unknown. It is a fun and pretty quick read...perfect for winding down a hectic overloaded day by escaping into another world. I love how Courtney was able to leave us filling satisfied...yet still wanting more! I also really appreciated the view she painted of Acadia...it made the book more enjoyable to know where I was. Can't wait for book 3!

About the Author:

Courtney Rene lives in Ohio with her husband and two children.  She is a graduate and member of the Institute of Children’s Literature.  Her writings include magazine articles, short fiction stories, several anthologies, and her Shadow Dancer series, published through Rogue Phoenix Press.  For a complete listing, visit www.ctnyrene.blogspot com.  Please feel free to contact her at ctnyrene@aol.com.  

For more ways to keep in touch.... http://www.facebook.com/#!/Ctnyrene
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shadow-Dancer/164433473646449
http://twitter.com/#!/ctnyrene

And now the Giveaway!

Courtney will be giving away $10 Amazon.com gift certificates to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the LINK, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

WANT MORE?

HERE'S AN EXCERPT!

Again, I felt more energy slip inside me as I tried desperately to hold on and stay up on Poppy. I lost my battle for balance and flailed myself right off of the horse.

As I fell to the ground, someone grabbed my arm and tried to jerk me onto their lap. A burst of energy lashed out of me and directly into him. I didn't know who he was. Was he from my group or the other?

Our screams, both of shear pain, echoed around us. As he let go of my arm, the energy got the better of me and took control. In a show of bright white light, it pulsed out of me. It encircled me and took everything in its path down. Horses and men alike were thrown into the air, where they hung for but a moment before they crashed back down to the ground.

I dropped down to my knees and began to cry. The battle hadn't lasted very long. Not with me in it anyway. I had taken out everyone.

Gabriel was the first to rouse. He sat up and shook his head before he got to his feet. I jumped to my feet and ran over to him. I just about tossed myself on the poor guy. "I'm so sorry, Gabriel. I didn't mean to."

He gave me a quick once over and then pointed at my face and said, "You're bleeding."

I lifted my hand to my face and sure enough, my nose was bleeding. "It's fine," I said with a quick shake of my head. "Are you all right?"

STRAIGHT TO THE HEART ROMANS

Title:  Straight to the Heart (Romans)
Author:  Phil Moore
Publisher:  Monarch Books
Source:  Kregel
Available:  Now

About the Book:
Straight to the Heart is a series of devotional commentaries for those who appreciate the insights and sound research found in commentaries but find scholarly writing dry and lacking in personal application. The Straight to the Heart series does not cover the whole text, but focuses on key sections that communicate the main themes of each book. Although the tone is light, the text is full of useful application and backed by substantial scholarship. Its clear, thought-provoking insights will feed both mind and soul.

My Take:
I took this book and used it as a starter book for my Jr. High Sunday School class.  While it didn't dive really deep into the entire book, it was great to get into a basic overview for my class.  They really liked the historical view that was presented to know what was going on when the book was written.  If you are new to studying the Bible, I suggest you pick up on of the Straight to the Heart books to learn a little more about each book without getting too overwhelmed as many study guides tend to do.

About the Author:

Phil Moore leads a thriving church in Wimbledon, London. After graduating from Cambridge University, Phil spent time on the mission field and then in the business world. He has devoted many years to the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures, and he brings them to life in the language of today in the Straight to the Heart series. www.philmoorebooks.com

A WORLD APART (REVIEW & GIVEAWAY)

Title:  A World Apart

Author: Camelia Miron Skiba 

Publisher:    Create Space

Source:  Author

Available:  Now

Pages:  370

About the Book:

In a war that’s not hers, she loses everything.
Everything she loses is because of him.
Forgiveness is not an option.
Or maybe...

Lieutenant Cassandra Toma, trauma surgeon in the Romanian National Army starts her deployment at a joint-unit air base on a wrong foot, clashing on her first day with her new commander, Major David Hunt. Her rebellious nature and sassiness rival her excellent performance in the operating room—the only reason why she's not reprimanded, or maybe not the only reason.

They meet. They clash. A forbidden passion consumes them with the intensity of an erupting volcano, leaving her heartbroken and him with tarnished honor and pride as an officer. The only way out for David is disappearing into the dangerous warzone in Iraq. Their flame was supposed to be over when destiny brings them back under the same roof, this time with a common goal—to find Cassandra's brother, Maj. Robert Toma, kidnapped by insurgents while on patrol.

To rescue Robert, Cassandra and David put aside their resentments, uniting forces against a common enemy. Trying to forget the painful past, Cassandra opens up to give David—and their love—another chance. What she doesn’t realize is that her anguish is the result of David’s impetuous action—one reckless choice he made for which she may never forgive him.

His mistake, his secret, could cost them both the love they've finally found.

THE GIVEAWAY

One e-book copy will be given away to one lucky winner!

If you would like a chance to win, please leave a comment on this post with your email address included and I'll draw a winner

on 4/21/12!

BEYOND MOLASSES CREEK (LITFUSE TOUR AND GIVEAWAY) & REVIEW

Title:  Beyond Molasses Creek

Author:  Nicole Seitz
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Source:  Publisher
Available:  Now
Pages: 
Genre:  Christian Women's Fiction


About the book:
Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.
Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship—he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she’s stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn’t through with her yet.
As Ally’s wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there’s more to her story than she’s ever been told, and she’s determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.  A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.


My Take:
This was quite a different story than what I had been reading.  It is told in 3 different views and at first I thought it would be confusing it really wasn't.  There was a lot woven into this river of faith and freedom and their stories.  This is another first from an author for me and I really enjoyed the way she can put two or more words together to convey a very poignant scene.  The writing takes you to another time and lets you see deep inside the minds of her characters.  If you are looking for a book with more meaning and depth, be sure to add this to your winter reading list.  This book is about the past and finding forgiveness and learning to have faith in God.  

To see more reviews..visit Litfuse for the blog tour schedule: 

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13454766)  

About the Author:

Nicole Seitz is the author of several critically acclaimed novels - The Inheritance of Beauty, Saving Cicadas, A Hundred Years of Happiness, Trouble the Water, and The Spirit of Sweetgrass. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Journalism, and also has a degree in Illustration from Savannah College of Art & Design. Her paintings are featured on the covers of her books. Visit her at@NicoleSeitz, Facebook and www.nicoleseitz.com for more information. 

Link to buy the book: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595545050&title=Beyond_Molasses_Creek

http://www.facebook.com/events/310766735636786/

And now the contest!

Nicole is celebrating the release of Beyond Molasses Creek with a fabulous "Friendship" Facebook party! She'll be giving away a ton of great stuff (KINDLE TOUCH, some of her own beautiful artwork, a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies of the book for your small group/book club and a Live Skype Chat with Nicole), and more! 

CLICK the button (above) to RSVP for the party - then join us on February 16th for a book chat, story sharing and prizes! Hope to see you there!

Save the Date! 2/16!

SIXTY ACRES AND A BRIDE (TOUR AND REVIEW)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Sixty Acres and a Bride Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Regina Jennings



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Regina:



See me laughing. That’s what I do when someone calls me an author. Yes, it’s always been my dream, but I still can’t keep from giggling over it.



Other things I am – a Christ-follower, a wife, a homeschooling mother of four, a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and a voracious reader.



Getting reading time isn’t easy. Seems like my family does more than our share of traveling. My husband is an insurance adjuster (I know, save the hate mail) and travels with the catastrophe team often. That’s allowed us to see a lot of the United States. True many times it’s in the middle of a hurricane or blizzard, but after spending three weeks in a hotel room with six people, you’ll brave anything to get out and see the sights – no matter how damaged they might be.



We also serve on the Missions Team at an amazing church, so we break out the passports frequently. Highlights include singing at a leper colony in India, holding church inside a Mexican prison and showing the Jesus film to a tribe in Senegal who’d never heard the gospel.



But I don’t have to go far away for unusual. My family provides plenty of colorful material with their love for practical jokes, pithy observations and strong agricultural roots. Because of the family business, a significant chunk of my life has been spent at sale barns and auctions – often behind the scales where I weigh pigs. I like to think of myself as a “redneck bluestocking” but I brought an entire marketing team’s discussion to a screeching halt when I said those words, so you didn’t hear it from me.



When I have spare time I love to talk books and quirky characters (real and fictional).



ABOUT THE BOOK

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay.



Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?


My Take:
Another great debut!  I love finding new voices...and this one did not disappoint.  Inspired by the Ruth and Boaz story and set in the wild wild west!    Rosa is a strong character, so those attracted to someone that can stand on their own will love this book!  A wonderful book with lots of twists and turns along the way to keep your attention!  Looking forward to many more books by Regina Jennings!


If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixty Acres and a Bride, go HERE.

FOUR LETTER WORDS (LITFUSE TOUR & GIVEAWAY) & REVIEW

Title:  Four Letter Words

Author:  Bill Giovannetti

Publisher:  Endurant Press

Source:  Pub through Litfuse

Available:  Now

Pages: 204
Genre:  Christian Non-fiction
Rating:  PG

About the Book

Thou shalt tolerate every opinion... except the Christian’s. Today’s postmodern “prime directive” leaves many followers of Jesus tongue-tied. In the global village, isn’t it unreasonable—and even dangerous—to suggest that the Bible has a monopoly on truth?
The church needs a new breed of Christ-follower. We need Christ-followers who are alert to today’s touchy ideas—the truths that fire up more heat than light. We need Christ-followers who can make a clear case for the Bible’s worldview; who are ready to help our friends think through their beliefs; who can recognize inconsistencies and challenge them; and who can do all of this with humility, confidence, humor, and love.

When the questions are hard and the answers unpopular, will you stay devoted to Christ?

Are you ready to speak the truth even when your friends roll their eyes, take offense, or walk away? There has never been a creed more life-giving and logical than the biblical, Christian worldview. Four Letter Words helps you say so with courage, compassion, and grace.

My Take:
This book didn't stay in my hands very long, I have three teenagers who are all readers, (thankfully) and took this book as soon as I was done.  There is a lot of meat in this book and should be read as a study guide or for further exploration on what it takes to be a Christian than just reading through in an evening or two.  I really liked the talking points and all of the scriptures that were included.   I didn't have access to a IPhone so I didn't do the extra QR codes, but I can see how it would be a plus for young adults who like to investigate further.  If you are looking for something to help walk the life and not just sit back, I'd pick this up to add to your training.  Highly recommended for the young adults who are just beginning to make their mark on the world.  What would the world be like if everyone lived as they said they believe? 

For more thoughts on the book...visit LitFuse

About the Author:

Dr. Bill Giovannetti is a professor at A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary and the senior pastor of Neighborhood Church of Redding. An experienced speaker and author, Bill informs the mind in ways that touch the heart. He enjoys life with his wife and two kids in northern California. For more information about Bill and his other books, visit http://maxgrace.wordpress.com and http://fourletterwords.org.

AND NOW THE GIVEAWAY!

Bill is celebrating the new Kindle edition of Four Letter Words (for only $4.99)! He’ll be traveling coast to coast over the next few weeks on this virtual book tour and he’s celebrating by hosting a great giveaway!
Check out the Four Letter Words Website to find out how you can win two gift certificates to Amazon (in the amount of $50 and $25) and free downloads of his yet-to-be-released title, Recession-Proof: Living a God-Blessed Life in a Messed Up World.

BLUE MOON BAY

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Blue Moon Bay Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Lisa Wingate



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Wingate is an award-winning journalist, magazine columnist, popular inspirational speaker and a national bestselling author of sixteen books. Her first mainstream novel, Tending Roses, is in its eighteenth printing from Penguin Putnam. Tending Roses is a staple on the shelves of national bookstore chains as well as in many independent bookstores.



Recently, Lisa’s Blue Sky Hill Series, set in Dallas, received national attention with back-to-back nominations for American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award for A Month of Summer (2009) and The Summer Kitchen (2010). Pithy, emotional, and inspirational, her stories bring to life characters so real that readers often write to ask what is happening to them after the book ends.



Lisa is one of a select group of authors to find success in both the Christian and mainstream markets, writing for both Bethany House, a Christian publisher, and NAL Penguin Putnam, a general market publisher. Her bestselling books have become a hallmark of inspirational fiction. Her works have been featured by the National Reader's Club of America, AOL Book Picks, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, Crossings Book Club, American Profiles and have been chosen for numerous awards.



When not busy dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time on the road as a motivational speaker. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women's literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system has used Tending Roses to help volunteer mentors teach adults to read. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life.







ABOUT THE BOOK

Heather Hampton returns to Moses Lake, Texas, to help facilitate the sale of a family farm as part of a planned industrial plant that will provide the area with much-needed jobs. Heather's future fiance has brokered the deal, and Heather is in line to do her first large-scale architectural design--if the deal goes through.



But the currents of Moses Lake have a way of taking visitors on unexpected journeys. What was intended to be a quick trip suddenly morphs into Valentine's week--with Blaine Underhill, the handsome banker who just happens to be opposing Heather's project. Spending the holiday in an ex-funeral parlor seems like a nightmare, but Heather slowly finds herself being drawn into the area's history, hope, and heart.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Blue Moon Bay, go HERE.

a+ attitude

Title: A+ Attitude

Author:  Sephanie Perry Moore

Publisher: Moody Publisher

Source: Pub

Available:  Now

Pages: 144
Genre:  Early Chapter Book
Rating:  G

About the Book:
The Morgan Love Series is a chapter book series written for girls, 7 9 years old. The series provides moral lessons that will aid in character development. It will also help young girls develop their vocabulary, english and math skills as they read through the stories and complete the entertaining and educational exercises provided at the end of each chapter and in the back of the book.Morgan is sad and mad at the world because things are not going the way she wants them to go. Why does my daddy have to leave again to save the country' Why do I have to go live with mommy and her new husband' Why does my mommy have to have a new baby' Why do I have to go to a new school' Why do I have to make new friends' Why' Why' Why' If Morgan got a grade for her attitude and her actions it would be an F. But after her mommy gets really sick and Morgan thinks her mommy is going to die she starts to feel bad about her attitude and realizes how mean she's been to almost everybody. Though she is having a hard time adjusting to all the new things in her life, especially her new baby brother and stepdad, Derek, Morgan makes up her mind that no matter what is going on, she is going to have an A+ attitude

My Take:
I was so excited to get this book!  I think I'm going to have to get the rest of them for my daughter, she really was excited about this one too.  She loved the exercises at the end of the chapters and really enjoyed reading the book.  I liked it because of all the Biblical truths that were evident as well as the extra stuff that kept her busy on a long car ride we recently took!  I'd have to give this book and the series and A+ too.  Pick it up now for a special little girl in your life!  If you have a boy who likes to read, they'd probably like it too, but most boys prefer to read about boys!

About the Author

STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE is the author of many Young Adult Christian fiction titles, including the Payton Skky series, the Laurel Shadrach series, the Perry Skky Jr. series, the Faith Thomas Novelzine series, the Carmen Browne series, and the Beta Gamma Pi series. She is also the co-editor for the impactful BibleZine, REAL. Mrs. Moore speaks with young people across the country, showing them how they can live life fully and do it God’s way. Stephanie currently lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and author, and their three children. Visit her website at www.stephanieperrymoore.com.

THE SOUND OF RED RETURNING (LITFUSE TOUR AND GIVEAWAY)

Title:  The Sound of Red Returning

Author: Sue Duffy

Publisher: Kregel

Source:  Publisher

Available:Now

Pages: 288
Genre:  Christian fiction
Series:  Red Returning Trilogy BK 1

About the Book:
After losing everyone she loves, concert pianist Liesl Bower has nowhere to go but to escape into her music. Searching for the peace shThe e usually finds in her concertos and sonatas, Liesl can't shake the feeling that she is being haunted by her past . . . and by someone following her. When she spots a familiar and eerie face in the audience of a concert she's giving for the president in Washington, DC, the scariest day of her life comes back to her with a flash. It has been fifteen years since Liesl watched her beloved Harvard music mentor assaulted on a dark night in Moscow and just as long since the CIA disclosed to her that he'd been spying for Russia. She had seen that man--that eerie face--the night Professor Devoe was attacked. And now he's back--and coming for her.

On the run and struggling to rely on the protection of CIA agent Ava Mullins and handsome newspaper reporter Cade O'Brien, Liesl learns she is the prey of an underground cell of Russian KGB agents determined to restore their country to its former Soviet might. But what she doesn't know is that she is in possession of something--a piece of sheet music--that Russian intelligence is now frantic to find. Inside that music is a secret code, the hidden transcriptions of her deceased mentor, that clearly identify a Russian mole operating inside Israel's Department of Defense, a mole with enough power and access to execute a daring assassination that no one would see coming.

Caught in a deadly conflict between American and Russian undercover agents, this innocent young pianist is just trying to survive her own personal trauma. Through it all, Liesl must learn that no matter how dark her world grows or how fiercely her enemies pursue her, God is still in control--if only she can yield herself to His grace.

My Take:

Wow..another new author to me, but I was left with a need for more!  It was a great run of espionage, intrigue, music and learning about God.   The characters were pretty well written, although Liesl most of all.  It went rather quickly, took me a little bit to get into the book because of the 'memories' I have of the cold war, I wasn't sure I'd like it, but after a slow opening it grabbed my attention and didn't let go!  I'd suggest this for anyone who likes spy books!

About the Author:

Sue Duffy is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in Moody Magazine, The Presbyterian Journal, Sunday Digest, and TheChristian Reader. She is the author of Mortal Wounds (Barbour, 2001) and Fatal Loyalty (Kregel, 2010). Sue has also contributed to Stories for a Woman’s Heart (Multnomah). She and her husband, Mike, have three grown children.

Find out more at www.sueduffybooks.com. 

Link to buy the book:  http://ow.ly/8B9HT

Win a Kindle Fire from @SueDuffy2 and @KregelBooks in the "Red Returning" Giveaway!

Sue Duffy and her publisher, Kregel Publications, are celebrating the release of The Sound of Red Returning by giving away a Kindle Fire prize package worth over $200 to one lucky winner!!!! (1/23-2/11)

Enter the Sue Duffy’s Giveaway today and you could win:



* A brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi

* The Sound of Red Returning (Book One in the Red Returning series) by Sue Duffy



To enter click one of the icons below. But, hurry! The giveway ends on 2/11. Sue will be announcing the winner of the “Red Returning” Giveaway on February 13th on the Litfuse website!

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.