Friday, December 19, 2008

Blog Tour! Where Do I Go? by Neta Jackson

A story of seeking-and finding-God's will in unlikely places.Gabrielle Fairbanks has nearly lost touch with the carefree, spirited young woman she was when she married her husband fifteen years ago. But when the couple moves to Chicago to accommodate Philip's business ambitions, Gabby finds the chance to make herself useful. It's there she meets the women of Manna House Women's Shelter; they need a Program Director-and she has a degree in social work. She's in her element, feeling God's call on her life at last, even though Philip doesn't like the changes he sees in her. But things get rough when Philip gives Gabby an ultimatum: quit her job at the shelter or risk divorce and losing custody of their sons. Gabby must take refuge, as in the song they sing at Sunday night worship: "Where do I go when there's no one else to turn to? . . . I go to the Rock I know that's able, I go to the Rock."Romantic Times Book Reviews says, “Exquisite characters coupled with God's mercy and love emanate from each page.”Publisher's Weekly adds, “Jackson's Yada Yada series has sold half a million copies, and this new offshoot series ... promises the same.... The book's dramatic ending ... leaves readers eager for the next installment in the series.”

I am so excited to give this book a personal review after the Christmas wackiness is over. Think: put up feet, wrap up in a warm cozy something, tea in hand, book in the other.... sheer bliss..

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Engaging Father Christmas: blog tour

Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation.

But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost.

And yet...maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

My Review:

This is one to get for yourself! Just make sure that you first read Finding Father Christmas. Don't get me wrong, this book stands perfectly well on its own, but why deny yourself the pleasure of more lovely hours curled up with a cup of tea, contentedly reading wonderful Christmas fiction?

Robin Gunn Jones creates a cozy place in England called Carlton Heath that has all of the elements an Anglophile could hope for, tea, scones, shortbread cookies and romance. Add to the recipe characters that are flawed but love one another, a gentle story of redemption, and you have the perfect Christmas inspirational story.

Elsa can't wait to get her hands on this book after her exams!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Quills and Promises blog tour

Amber Miller has penned a lovely romantic novel which chronicles the correspondence of Elanna Hanssen and Major Madison Scott during the French and Indian war.
The story line is from Amber Miller's imagination, but the historical facts and certain characters were real people who had an enormous impact in the making of this country.

There was some sweet and a little swagger to the romance, and this homeschooling mom enjoyed the gentle portrayal of a young man in love with a young woman, and the willingness of the two to allow their relationship to grow through sharing their lives in letters.

Barbour publishing does a great job in bringing WHOLESOME romantic fiction at an incredibly reasonable price to the masses, and offers some great deals if you join the Heartsong Presents club. You can sign up at WWW.HEARTSONGPRESENTS.COM

Nice stocking stuffer. Even junior high girls with a passion for history would enjoy this book.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins:blog tour

Brandilyn Collins is the Queen of Suspense. Period.
I love thrillers. I love being scared, and I got so involved in Dark Pursuit that I read it at the salon where I get my hair done- I usually ask for a high fashion magazine while waiting for my color to absorb.... not this time!

Kaitlan Sering has been abandoned by her mother, and estranged from her grandfather, a world famous, bestselling suspense novelist. She has done time for drug possession and overcome addiction. Now, all she desires is to have a family of her own. She discovers that her handsome police officer boyfriend is no Prince Charming, and now she must run for her life. She flees to the only person who can help- or so she hopes-her grandfather. The only problem is that Darell Brooke, the brilliant King of Suspense, has been in an auto accident and his concentration is faulty, to say the least, and he has some regrets and mistakes of his own that threaten to keep him from this opportunity for redemption.

Dark Pursuit has more twists, turns, and dips than an Argentinian Tango and is just as much fun. This would be a great Christmas gift for the suspense thriller lover in your family or friendship circle. Read it. Pass it on. And give somebody a thrill.

Monday, December 1, 2008

blog tour: One Perfect Day by Lauraine Snelling

I was pretty cautious about reading this book. I am the kind of person who likes to read mostly for entertainment, and One Perfect Day deals with the deeply personal subject of organ transplants and donation. I also don't like to be told what to do, and smack dab, right in the dedication it says, "Mark the donor dot on your driver's license."

So, this book and I were not off to a great start. Sad content, dealing with a teen-age death, and a directive to mark my donor card. Oh help.

The story is told from two perspectives: Nora is a mom going through the pain of losing her son, and Jenna is a young widow whose daughter desperately needs a heart transplant if she is to continue to live.

Lauraine Snelling is a superlative writer, and told the story of the journey of these two mothers, and the terrifying,primal love they have for their children, and ultimately, the acceptance that circumstances exist beyond their control, without being preachy or cloying.

This book was a springboard for me to do some research of my own, and I am happy to say that I have a much brighter outlook about the possibilities that organ donation presents. Giving people a second chance at life could be a glorious thing.

I think this would be an excellent choice for a book club.