Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Puppy Love

"It's the time of the season for loving..." -The Zombies

Well, we lost Max our border collie in the Spring and the Summer unexpectedly brought Pearl the yellow lab puppy. I wasn't looking for a new dog- losing Max was too painful- but we were invited to have dinner with a former senate colleague, John Schneider and his wife Mary Jo, who happened to be foster puppy parents to an adorable baby Pearl. I knew we were gonners when Mary Jo kept having me take the puppy outside to play with the other dogs- they have four rescued dogs of their own. I was somewhat strong. I put my hand on Pearl's tiny yellow head and prayed that the Lord would give her the right family. Who was I kidding?

Two weeks later Pearl, sometimes referred to as Pearl Jam or Pearl Jam Pie, moved in. Our lives have been turned upside down. I'm up early taking puppy for walks and watching the Animal Planet dog shows the way some people watch Heroes- OK, so I watch Heroes too...

We went as a family to the puppy class at the Humane Society where we adopted our rapidly growing ball of fluff. The training methods have changed a bit since Max and I wish Max were still around to benefit from the new and improved dog mom that I have become. We're not perfect and Pearl's not perfect, but we're doing fine. The Lord answered my prayer for the little Pearl. I believe she's in the right family.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh

Faking Grace is a story about a young, "down on her blessings" woman aptly named Maisey Grace who needs a job-badly. So much so that she is willing to fake being a Christian in order to take a part time job with a Christian publishing house to put dog food on the table for her little dog Woofer. She goes way over the top on some "Christian accessories"- bumper sticker, cross jewelry, air freshener-they actually have Christian air freshener????-in order to be convincing. As she works for this Christian ministry she discovers that Christians are real people with real problems. She shares some of these surprising challenges that some of her co-workers are going through with her room-mate who is a higher-up with the big Nashville newspaper and is offered a job as an investigative journalist to do an expose on the secret and not so secret sins of people in the ministry.

My daughter Elsa and I liked this book. Tamara Leigh was willing to subject her heroine to some really embarrassing situations in order to get this story of Grace told. We could relate.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Set down upon the wild American plains during the 1850. Clara is desperate for a home and a future for herself and her aunt. When Clara Fields and her aunt are kicked off their wagon train, a store owner in Buttonwood offers a chance at redemption. If Clara is able to wed his grandson off to any of the local girls within a month, he'll sign over his two-story house.

Desperate to provide for the woman who raised her, Clara agrees to find a bride for the man's son--a stalwart bachelor. How hard can it be to find a bride for one handsome Doctor? Apparently more difficult than she imagined when Saul Reed seems determined to ramain single.

Will Clara's faith and wits help her wrangle a resolution to The Bride Bargain. Striking a bargain with a lonely trader to fool a head-strong doctor could lead Clara to an unexpected avenue of romance.

www.barbourbooks.com

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Isolation by Travis Thrasher:Blogger Tour

Travis Thrasher has written a horror novel in the style of Steven King who was an important influence in Travis' writing. I must say that I couldn't put it down. It was one of the best page turners I have read in the Christian realm of suspense. The evil portrayed was pure darkness and if your constitution is fragile stay clear because this book could rock your world.

I started this book while sitting in my car in a Starbucks parking lot waiting for my sons to finish their karate class. The sky got dark and storm clouds gathered, thunder and lightning punctuated the words on the pages as I eagerly read the tale of a young, burnt out missionary family on leave from Papua New Guinea. I kept checking my mirrors to make sure nothing was going to jump out of the night and get me.

Back to the story. Strange and disturbing dreams haunt Stephanie Miller. Her husband James thinks that the house so generously offered to them in the mountains of North Carolina might afford them the rest and relaxation they so desperately need. Nothing could be further from the truth...
They have become targets of unmentionable evil.

This is a great read for anyone who likes scary stories. I do- however, I couldn't sleep with this book on my bedside table!!

Thursday, September 11, 2008


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

In The Shadow Of Lions

David C. Cook; 1 edition (September 2008)

by

Ginger Garrett



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour. An expert in ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women.

Her newest release is Beauty Secrets of the Bible, (September 11, Thomas Nelson) based on the historical research that began in her work on Chosen. The book explores the connections between beauty and spirituality, offering women both historical insights and scientific proofs that reveal powerful, natural beauty secrets.

A frequent radio guest on stations across the country, including NPR and Billy Graham's The Hour of Decision, Ginger is also a popular television guest. Her appearances include Harvest Television, Friends & Neighbors, and Babbie's House. Ginger frequently serves as a co-host on the inspirational cable program Deeper Living.

In 2007, Ginger was nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. When she's not writing, you may spy Ginger hunting for vintage jewelry at thrift stores, running (slowly) in 5k and 10k races, or just trying to chase down one of her errant sheepdogs. A native Texan, she now resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.


ABOUT THE BOOK



"I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world."

So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book ... a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.

The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the Bible, persecuting anyone who dares read it.

Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals ... and the sacred book that will inspire you anew. Fans of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury will love Ginger's intriguing combination of rich character development, artful settings, and inspiring historical insights.

If you would like to read an excerpt from In The Shadow Of Lions, go HERE

Friday, September 5, 2008

Up Pops the Devil by Angela Benson: Blog Tour

Up Pops the Devil is a tale of two realms- the not so heavenly place where evil plans are made for the downfall of earthly people- and Georgia.

Wilford "Preacher" Winters has served two years in prison for drug trafficking and is determined to live a clean life for his two young sons and fiancee, Tanya. He has become a new creature in Christ and is ready to shed the old man and can't wait to make a fresh start. There's only one problem-the women in his life- past and present...

Angela Benson deftly explores what happens when people change. How leaving the old ways of sin and self-destruction affect the status quo- especially for a black man who enjoyed the lifestyle that went along with being high up in the hierarchy of the drug world. Preacher, who was once feared and esteemed for the power he yielded being a part of that hierarchy, was now about to embark on the not so glamorous position of funeral home director. Which was fine with him, if only he could get there without getting set up by evil associations who have other plans for his soul.

What I love about this book- besides the great characters and story- is the practical reminder that we all have an adversary, the devil who does his best to steal, kill and destroy our peace of mind and relationships, but that the best thing we can do is pray and put our trust in God. Things may not go as we plan, but there is a peace that passes all understanding and it's available in an instant, if we will only look to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Thanks Angela.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Back to Life by Kristin Billerbeck: Blog Tour

We just got Back to Life in the mail yesterday and Elsa, my seventeen year old assistant and chief book chooser has delved in and given it the thumbs up. With a big grin she said "I like it". High praise from the teen queen of Christian Fiction.

Back to Life is the second book in the Trophy Wives Club series.
I'm looking forward to delving in myself.
God bless!