The Doctor's Devotion by Cheryl Wyatt

"Lauren lifted her robe from the bedpost and snuggled her feet into pure comfort that Lem left beside her bed. Sentimental slippers she'd used here every summer since age ten. Ones that warmed her heart as well as her toes."--The Doctor's Devotion

Don't you love that writing? It's what keeps me reading romance novels. Lem, by the way, is Lauren's grandfather. (Just so you don't get the wrong idea.)

So what is a Christian Romance Novel, anyway? I'm not the last word in definitions, but the people at Love Inspired Books--a division of Harlequin-- are the quintessential romance publishers. Celebrating 15 years of love stories with Christian themes.
Good stories without graphic scenes!

Lately I've been noticing that while reading a book, I'm thinking about the author's style of writing and choices they make as (I imagine) they relate to the story at hand. And while I realize that, in many cases, the characters are truly a figment of the author's imagination, I find myself as a reader, thinking about who the story teller is, what kind of person they are, and why they are telling a certain story.

Cheryl Wyatt invites you into the trauma center at Eagle Point Emergency where the drama on the operating table is only the beginning. Cheryl, a real life R.N. draws upon her personal knowlege to give an authentic feel of what goes on in the E.R. It's obvious she knows her stuff.

I enjoyed getting to know main characters Dr. Mitch and Nurse Lauren, and found myself rooting for them as they faced obstacles of distance, trust, broken relationships, and personal trauma.

Thought provoking questions at the end of the book as well as a lovely note from the author (including her favorite on-line writing sites), gave me the feeling that I had just made some new friends.

Bless you, and may you find your true calling in love and life.

(Please read on for more juicy info about Cheryl Wyatt and The Doctor's Devotion.)

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Doctor's Devotion  Love Inspired (June 19, 2012)  by  Cheryl Wyatt  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born Valentine’s Day on a Navy base, Cheryl Wyatt writes military romance. Her Steeple Hill debuts earned RT Top Picks plus #1 and #4 on eHarlequin's Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books, lists including NYT Bestsellers. Cheryl loves interacting with her readers and can be found almost daily on Facebook.


Word from the Author:
I do regular giveaways including a Kindle for every 250 people who join (aka "Like) my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CherylWyattAuthor and I'd LOVE for word to spread about that. We have a lot of fun there as I ask for frequent reader input on current books, with helpers being mentioned in the acknowledgements and fun stuff like that.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A Doctor’s Vow.

When he fled Eagle Point years ago, former air force trauma surgeon Mitch Wellington left only broken dreams behind. Now he’s back with a new dream—opening a trauma center in the rural area and saving lives. He hopes to hire the quick-thinking nurse who impressed him during an emergency. But Lauren Bates lost her faith and doesn’t believe she deserves to help anyone. Mitch knows firsthand what loss feels like. And it’ll take all his devotion to show Lauren that sometimes the best medicine is a combination of faith, community—and love.

Eagle Point Emergency: Saving lives—and losing their hearts—in a small Illinois town.

If you would like to read an excerpt of the first chapter of Doctor's Devotion, go HERE.

The Search by Shelley Shepard Gray

"Maybe, she reflected, happy endings don't exist. Maybe happy endings were what you made of the pieces left behind, like some sort of crazy quilt." Frannie Eicher--from The Search

The Search is book two of  Shelley Shepard Gray's The Secrets of Crittenden County. Shelley Shepard Gray is an amazing story teller, who just keeps getting better and better with every book. Shelley takes you to the land of the horse and buggy and shakes it up with contemporary themes and timeless struggles of life and death, faith, and of course, lovers, who at first glance are-- at best--star crossed.

Gray does not shy away from hard topics. Her stories have an edginess, softened by sincere characters such as Frannie, the inn keeper, and her faithful friend Beth--who takes over the bed- and- breakfast when Fannie has an accident requiring a hospital stay. Though Gray's characters are Amish, their personalities are far from plain. In fact, they have more secrets, questions, and choices to make--perhaps because of their Amish beliefs and life style.

Perry Borntrager is the murder victim whose presence permeates every page in this series. His life was cut short as it was hanging in the balance, leaving everyone pondering the effect that one life can have on the whole community.

Book three is on it's way, called Found, you won't want to miss it.  Ask for the series--The Secrets of Crittenden County at your library (other readers will love you for it) and enjoy.

Shelley is having a special give away drawing for a lovely Amish tray--so head over there now!!
www.shelleyshepardgray.com  (go to her blog) :)

Oh, and read on for more info on The Search!!!

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  The Search   Avon Inspire; Original edition (June 19, 2012)  by  Shelley Shepard Gray  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.


Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the second book in her Secrets of Crittenden County series, New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country


The serenity of the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky is disrupted when Abby Anderson discovers the body of Perry Borntrager in an abandoned well. Perry had been missing for months. Everyone figured he had left the order during his rumspringa. As friends and family reel from this news, and are faced with the first death by mysterious circumstance to occur in their small town in over 20 years, a homicide detective arrives to help solve the crime

Before Perry disappeared, Frannie Eicher and Perry had been secretly courting. Now that it’s common knowledge that he was murdered, it’s up to Fannie to decide whether or not to tell everyone about the secrets he told her.

After much deliberation, she decides to tell Luke Reynolds, the visiting police officer, what she knows. At first, the two meet only on the context of discussing Perry’s death. Then, Luke begins to feel more and more at home, both with Frannie, and in Marion. The only problem is that he feels a romantic pull toward Frannie. Frannie feels that same attraction toward Luke, but is afraid to give her heart to him. After all, she doesn’t want to leave her faith.

As Luke uncovers more secrets about Perry and the case draws out, his time in Marion runs out. He has to decide whether to go back to his job with the Cincinnati Police Department…or stay in Marion.

If you would like to read the Prologue of The Search, go HERE.

                                                                                                                             

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Rebel  David C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2012)  by  Linda Windsor  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda Windsor makes her home at a restored and "growing" late 18th century home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Above the Windsor front door hangs a sign saying "Fort Necke, assigned 1684, established 1830," which means the land grant is older than the current building. She purposely left off the ageing brought on by the restoration to her mind and body - not enough space to accommodate the number. Chronologically, she admits to celebrating another birthday, just like the rest of us, each year on July 8th -- which also happens to be the anniversary of the day the Liberty Bell cracked.


Amid the often chaotic "country inn" atmosphere, Windsor has written quite a collection of historical and contemporary romances as both Linda Windsor and Linda Covington. Windsor's historical novels are known for her distinctive voice and flair for incorporating history with romance and adventure, while her contemporary romantic comedies are guaranteed to warm the heart, lift the spirit, and tickle the funny bone. Windsor insists that nothing is more entertaining than life itself, be it past or present.

With a degree in education from her local university, one of the greatest rewards to the innate teacher in Linda was hearing from readers that her Irish Gleannmara series was approved for some middle school English book reports as well as being used in home-schooling. To Windsor, entertaining, or keeping the pages turning, while educating is as much as any historical novelist can ask for.    

ABOUT THE BOOK

With Merlin dead, the succession undecided, and the Celtic church on the defensive from Rome, intrigue sweeps the court of the High King Arthur. But it’s battlefield news that consumes Queen Gwenhyfar’s young scribe, Kella O’Toole: her fiancé is dead and her father gone missing.


Determined to find him at all costs, Kella defies the queen’s orders and sets out for Pictish territory. Her foster brother Alyn, a disillusioned priest who questions his calling, agrees to help her. The journey itself is perilous. But it’s their secrets that land Kella and Alyn in a viper’s nest of treachery that threatens both their lives and the future of Albion.

Can they summon the love and faith they need to find their way not only out of danger, but into happiness? Brilliantly researched, vividly imagined, and movingly written—a memorable climax to the Brides of Alba series.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rebel, go HERE.

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Mary's Blessing  Realms (May 15, 2012)  by  Lena Nelson  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.


Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?


Mary Lenora Caine knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her “God’s blessing.” But now that she’s gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands.

As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can’t see anything in her future but drudgery. Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need.

Will Daniel come to grips with God’s plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Mary's Blessing, go HERE.

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Short-Straw Bride  Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)  by  Karen Witemeyer  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House.



ABOUT THE BOOK  

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.


Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

if you would like to read the first chapter of Short-Straw Bride, go HERE.

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Love in Disguise  Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)  by  Carol Cox  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play--within view of the family's front porch.

A word from Carol:

As a native of Arizona, I have a longtime interest in the Southwest and its history. My family shares my love of the Old West, as evidenced by this photo taken back in the halcyon days before my son turned to a life of crime and started robbing trains for a living...


ABOUT THE BOOK  

When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.


Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love in Disguise, go HERE.

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Touching The Sky  Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)  by  Tracie Peterson  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.  She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.    


ABOUT THE BOOK

 When Laura Marquardt first meets Brandon Reid, their encounter is anything but pleasant. But when the two are seated together at a dinner party, they soon find that they share similar interests--Laura desires to educate blacks, and Brandon, as a white officer over colored troops, eagerly supports her cause.

When Laura's sister, Carissa, marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation when she overhears plots to kill Union soldiers. Though in her heart she feels she should share this information with Brandon, Laura fears she will betray her sister's trust and possibly endanger her sister's life. And when Brandon's motives for pursuing her come into question, her heart is even more conflicted. Where is God leading her?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Touching The Sky, go HERE.

Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar

Harvest of Rubies author, Tessa Afshar, beckens readers to follow her as she travels to the exotic and mysterious world of the ancient Pesian Empire.  I was delighted to accompany Sarah, a young Jewish girl with a gift for languages and writing, on her journey to the court of King Artaxerxes, where she rises to the position of senior scribe to Queen Damaspia.

Sarah's achedemic success is counterbalanced by her ingnorance in the art of womanly graces. In a culture which holds beauty as a prized possession, she neither cares nor can be bothered to learn which beauty creams and treatments yield the effects suitable to a woman of high social standing.  Which is fine--after all, her position as a scribe does not dictate the need to be a swan in her ugly duckling's world...

Until one day...

Harvest of Rubies reads like a true Tale of the Arabian Nights. Once you enter, you will be intrigued and beguiled, and left wanting more.  If you buy one book for yourself this summer, this could be the one you'll want to read again...

(For more information about Harvest of Rubies and Tessa Afshar, read on.)

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Harvest of Rubies  River North; New Edition edition (May 1, 2012)  by  Tessa Afshar  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

TESSA AFSHAR was voted "New Author of the Year" by the Family Fiction sponsored Reader's Choice Award 2011 for her novel Pearl in the Sand. She was born in Iran, and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life.  She moved to England where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States permanently.  Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDiv from Yale University where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School.  She has spent the last thirteen years in full-time Christian work.


ABOUT THE BOOK  

Remarkable Talent Threatens to Cloud a Life


The prophet Nehemiah’s cousin can speak several languages, keep complex accounts, write on tablets of clay, and solve mysteries. Her accomplishments catapult her into the center of the Persian court – working long hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and becoming the queen’s favorite scribe.

Not bad for a woman living in a man’s world: so why does Sarah feel like a failure?

A devastating past has left Sarah with two conclusions: that God does not love her, and that her achievements are the measure of her worth – a measure she can never quite live up to.

Darius Pasargadae is accustomed to having his way. A wealthy and admired aristocrat, the last thing he expects is a wife who scorns him.

Can two such different people help one another overcome the idols that bind them?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Harvest of Rubies, go HERE.

Spring Hope, by Martha Rogers

I am always surprised when I find myself engrossed in a novel set in the wild west. But author Martha Rogers' gentle writing style and likable characters had me sitting happily in my comfy reading chair turning pages and pondering the theme of forgiveness-- and wondering, at what point can forgiveness not be an option?

Heroine, Libby Cantrell, was physically abused and forced to work in a brothel-- by her father! She escapes one dark and stormy night and ends up in Portersfield Texas, where she is found by the town deputy, who proceeds to get her some help.  (Of course.)

Though Libby, or Elizabeth, which she now goes by, will mend physically, will her emotional scars and fear of being found by her evil father overcome the friendships she has made in Portersfield, and keep her on the run?

Spring Hope is book four in the Seasons of the Heart series, but I read it as a stand alone and really enjoyed it.

Read below for more information--as always, may the Lord bless you.

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Spring Hope  ( Realms (May 15, 2012)  by  Martha Rogers  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Martha Rogers is a freelance author of both fiction and non-fiction and a speaker. Her stories and articles have appeared in a number of compilations and magazines. Her first fiction novella was released in 2007.


Her experiences as a public school teacher, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, First Place leader, Mom and Grandmother give Martha a unique field of ministry.

Martha is am alumni of CLASS and is available to speak at Women's Retreats, conferences, and luncheons on topics of interest to women of all ages.

As an author, she is available to speak at writing conferences and workshops on a variety of topics of interest to writers.  

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can runaway Libby Cantrell finally get a new start?


Libby Cantrell’s life has gone from bad to worse since her mother’s death. After working in a brothel to support her abusive father, she sees no hope for her future until one cold winter night when she finds the courage to escape.

When she collapses in Portersfield, Texas, exhausted, ill, and hungry, Sheriff Cory Muldoon finds her and takes her to the doctor. Against Cory’s better judgment, Seth and Erin Winston take her in and offer her a job as a nanny for their young son. As a minister, Seth sees it as his duty to take care of her. As a deputy, Cory needs to know the truth about her even as he is attracted to the waif of a young woman.

As Cory’s feelings for her grow and winter becomes spring, will he be able to accept her as she is now and truly forget and forgive her sordid past?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Spring Hope, go HERE.