This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Walk with Me

River North; New Edition edition (September 1, 2012)

by

Annie Wald


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Along with being the author of Walk With Me (forthcoming September 2012, River North/Moody), my fiction has been published in numerous journals including Image, The Southern Review and The North American Review and included in the anthology series, Not Safe But Good, edited by Bret Lott and published by Thomas Nelson. I’m also the author of a young adult novel, The Counterfeit Collection (Tyndale) and I’ve written feature articles for many publications such as Guideposts, Leadership, and Partnership.

Before writing full-time, I worked in book publishing as an acquisitions editor and then as Editor-in-Chief at Princeton University Press. Since 2000, I’ve lived in Morocco where my husband is the pastor of Rabat International Church. We have two married daughters and four delightful grandchildren.

A Word from Annie:

If you still want to know more about me, you may be interested to learn:

 
On the Myers-Briggs scale, I’m not an I for introvert. I’m an H for hermit.
 
But I’ve been known to say, “We’re having a small gathering; only 10 people.”
   
I love Easter sunrise services in cemeteries.
 
I live on the west coast — of Africa.
   
My favorite Moroccan meal: Zahara’s beef couscous with raisin sauce, and tchouchouka.
   
J’adore le francais.
 
I once told God I’d marry anyone except the man who became my husband.
 
I prefer to make things up rather than do research, although I have been described as an ‘infomaniac’.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Peter and Celeste choose to travel as one on the lifelong journey to the King's City
. They are blissfully in love and bound to each other by the Cords of Commitment.
Shortly after visiting the Moon of Honey they discover that the journey proves
much more difficult than they expected. When they find themselves laboring
through the Swamp of Selfishness, crossing the dismal Plains of Distance, and
 nearly becoming separated by the River of Unfaithfulness, their love for each
other and for the King is challenged. They must choose whether to continue on
together, not knowing if they can be warmed again by the Kindling of Affection,
 or visit the Valley of Cut Cords to journey alone once more.


If you'd like to read a chapter excerpt of Walk with Me, go HERE.

                        This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing

                                    Two Destinies

                                       David C. Cook (September 1, 2012)

                                                         by

                               Elizabeth Musser

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Musser, author of acclaimed novels such as The Swan House, grew up in Georgia, but now lives in Lyon, France, where she and her husband serve as missionaries with International Teams. Look for Two Testaments, her sequel to Two Crosses, in stores now, and Two Destinies, the third book in the trilogy, set for release in Fall 2012.

A word from Elizabeth:

Recent exciting news is that, finally, the whole trilogy is going to be published in 2012. Many readers have written to me throughout the years to encourage me to keep pursuing getting Two Destinies into print.  In a fun twist of fate (really the Lord's perfect timing), David C. Cook (who originally published Two Testaments) has offered me a contract for all three novels.  The Secrets of the Cross Trilogy will be published in June 2012 (Two Crosses and Two Testaments) and in September, 2012, Two Destinies will be in the bookstores for the first time!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Now 1994, France faces unrest and rising poverty while neighbor
Algeria is in the midst of a blood civil war. Risléne Namani, a French
woman born to Algerian parents, converts to Christianity and falls in
love with Eric Hoffmann, a Christian, committing the unpardonable
sin in the eyes of her Muslim family. Eric must find a way to rescue
her—from a forced marriage in Algeria, or even death.

A powerful, relevant tale of social struggle, heartache, cultural conflict,
 and faith put to the ultimate test.



If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of Two Destinies, go  HERE.

Still Life in Shadows, by Alice Wisler

"Come home, come home. You who are weary come home... earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling, calling, oh sinner, come home."--from the Trinity Hymnal

Every time I read something by Alice Wisler, I feel this gentle tug on my weary soul, the part of me that strives to make it in this world--always (it seems) coming up short, ceases striving for a while, as I become absorbed in her soul searching fiction.

The cast of characters include Kiki, the autistic Japanese American eighth grader and her guardian/sister Mari, Gideon, the ex-Amish man with gaping emotional wounds, and his brother, the beautiful pirate wannabe, full of charm and addiction.

Gently, these characters wormed their way into my heart with a stealthy persistence.  As I lived their story, I felt my own story revealed right along side. I think that is truly the miracle of fiction.

Beautifully written, Still Life in Shadows will be a treasure that I hope to share with anyone who loves a great story, and may need a bit of healing balm for the heart.

Bless you!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Still Life in Shadows River North; New Edition edition (August 1, 2012) by Alice Wisler

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice was born in Osaka, Japan in the sixties.  Her parents were Presbyterian career missionaries. As a young child, Alice loved to walk down to the local stationer's store to buy notebooks, pencils and scented erasers.  In her room, she created stories.  The desire to be a published famous author has never left her.  Well, two out of three isn't bad. She's the author of Rain Song, How Sweet It Is, Hatteras Girl and A Wedding Invitation (all published by Bethany House).

Alice went to Eastern Mennonite University after graduating from Canadian Academy, an international high school in Kobe, Japan. She majored in social work and has worked across the U.S. in that field.  She taught ESL (English as a Second Language) in Japan and at a refugee camp in the Philippines.  She also studied Spanish at a language institute in San Jose, Costa Rica.

She has four children--Rachel, Daniel, Benjamin and Elizabeth.  Daniel died on 2/2/97 from cancer treatments at the age of four. Since then, Alice founded Daniel's House Publications in her son's memory.  This organization reaches out to others who have also lost a child to death. In 2000 and 2003, Alice compiled recipes and memories of children across the world to publish two memorial cookbooks, Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's been fifteen years since Gideon Miller ran away from his Amish community in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as a boy of fifteen.  Gideon arrives in the Smoky Mountains town of Twin Branches and settles in at the local auto mechanic's garage. He meets a host of interesting characters -the most recent acquaintances are Kiki, an autistic teen, and her sister Mari. Known as the "Getaway Savior" he helps other Amish boys and girls relocate to life in modern America.

One day the phone rings. On the other end is his brother Moriah calling from Florida. Of course Gideon welcomes his brother to stay with him and offers him a job. But Moriah is caught in a web which ends in his death and forces Gideon to return to the town of his youth, with his brother's body in the back of a hearse and Mari and Kiki at his side. He must face not only the community he ran away from years ago but also his own web of bitterness. Will he be able to give his anger over to God and forgive his father?

If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of Still Life in Shadows, go HERE.

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Lily Young's sister headed West to follow a job opportunity in a logging town-- and hasn't been heard from since. In 1883 it's easy to disappear, especially if your only kin is a sister, and you grew up in an orphanage.

But Lily is not just any sister. She has more gumption in her little finger than most of us have in our whole beings. Lily will stop at nothing to rescue her sister-- no matter what nefarious situation she  has gotten into.

Jody Hedlund takes us into the logging era in Northern Michigan, where the land is stripped of its trees and women are tricked into the sex trade with offers of well paying jobs. The lumber companies turn a blind eye to the immorality and almost accept it as a fact of life.  As long as the workers are happy... After all, it's just business.

Unending Devotion took me to another time and place in America's history that I hadn't before thought about. It got me thinking that, although, human trafficking has gone high tech in our time, the deceit and cruelty haven't changed.

Please read the publisher's excellent information.

Bless you!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Unending Devotion Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2012) by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody has written novels for the last 20 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), became a best seller and has won multiple awards.

Her second book, The Doctor’s Lady, released in September of 2011, and her third book, Unending Devotion, is out now. She’s currently busy researching and writing another book!

Jody has been married for twenty years to her college sweetheart. Jody has five children ranging in ages from 15 to 6, with a set of twin daughters in the mix to make things more lively.


ABOUT THE BOOK

High-Stakes Drama Meets High-Tension Romance

In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber baron father.

Posing during the day as a photographer's assistant, Lily can't understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father's lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he's interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters.

Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that's dominated Harrison for so long.

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

The Bridesmaid by Beverly Lewis

"Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride."-- Cora Jane Hurtz

Joanna Hurtz is 24 and single, which, by Amish standards, is just a step away from spinsterhood. There is nothing wrong with Joanna, she just hasn't met the right young man. In the meantime, girls all around her are getting married and Joanna is losing hope.

Then, one day, she is sitting on the beach in Virginia (I had no idea that the Amish liked beaches) and she meets a wonderful Amish man named Eben Troyer, and they hit it off. One thing leads to another, and they agree to write to each other when they return to their respective communities. End of story. Right???

Heck no. Complications arise, patience is tested, and new love interests are introduced. Joanna's character and integrity come into question as her secret writing life is exposed and she must, above all, hang on to her faith-- that God gave her a gift and will help her find a way to use it.

As always, Beverly Lewis writes in her warm, engaging, style. She has a way of painting sunsets on the beach that make you feel the sand between your toes. I loved seeing the community of Hickory Hollow through the eyes of Joanna Kurtz, a quiet soul who proves that still waters really do run deep.

Please read on for more about this wonderful book.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Bridesmaid Bethany House Publishers (September 11, 2012) by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

Booksellers across the country, and around the world, have spread the word of Beverly's tender tales of Plain country life. A clerk in a Virginia bookstore wrote, "Beverly's books have a compelling freshness and spark. You just don't run across writing like that every day. I hope she'll keep writing stories about the Plain people for a long, long time."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."        

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Latest in Chart-Topping Amish Fiction from Beverly Lewis

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

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

FOUND by Shelley Shepard Gray

"No doubt about it, Perry Borntrager was a bad apple..." Cheryl Klarich

Each chapter of Shelley Shephard Gray's The Secrets of Crittenden County series began with a quote by someone who knew murder victim, Perry Borntrager. Some said more poignant words, like, "Perry was afraid of the dark." But after getting to know him via the characters in the series and the accounts given of his life by those who loved, and were disappointed, by him and his disregard for anyone but himself, I feel justified in saying that he was, indeed, a bad apple.

Did he deserve to die for his crimes?

He sold drugs. He took drugs. He was Amish. Shouldn't he have been above and out of the realm of the horrors of the world? Don't we wish that were the case? In my world it would be like someone marvelling when a child from a good Christian family follows a dark path of his or her own choosing and suffers the consequences.

Who are we kidding? It can happen to any family in any community.

As always, Shelley Shepard Gray writes a thought provoking story. She invites you into the world of the Kentucky Amish and has you caring for and becoming curiously protective of this special community.

FOUND is the conclusion (Book Three) in the series, and yes, we find out who was responsible for Perry Borntrager's death!

Please read on to find out more from the publisher, Avon Inspire.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Found Avon Inspire; Original edition (September 4, 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  

A murder is solved and a quiet Amish community must deal with the repercussions. Amid the surprising revelations, can a newfound love survive?

As the search for Perry Borntrager's killer continues, Jacob Schrock feels like his world is about to crumble. Right before Perry went missing, he and Jacob got into a fistfight. Jacob never told anyone what happened that terrible night. He's good at keeping secrets—including his love for Deborah, Perry's sister. But when Deborah takes a job at his family's store and their friendship blossoms, Jacob senses everything is about to be revealed.

Deborah has been searching for a slice of happiness ever since her brother's body was discovered. When the police start questioning Jacob, Deborah can't believe that the one person she's finally allowed in could be the one responsible for her brother's death. Will she believe what everyone seems to think is the truth . . . or listen to her heart, and hope there is still one more person who is keeping secrets in Crittenden County?

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

It is the anniversary of September 11th.

I would like to take the opportunity to share about The Next Target, by Nikki Arana. Nikki is an amazing writer with a love for people that crosses cultural barriers. I think this attribute really enabled her to write such a thoughtful and exciting novel whose plot revolves around radical Islam!

Nikki's main character, Austia Donetelli has a heart for the Muslim community. Austia works at a career center that helps Muslim immigrants find jobs and her desire is to help women oppressed by radical Islam. When a young woman whom Austia befriends is found dead, she knows that it is not a random act of violence and in spite of the threats to her own life, refuses to be intimidated, even though her ministry and life are at stake.

Austia must decide how far she is willing to go to hold fast to her mission and stand up for those with no voice.

I first heard about "honor killing" in 1991, when a Palestinian father, here in St. Louis, stabbed his daughter to death while her mother held her down. The FBI had bugged their house because the father was a suspect in some terrorist activity at the time. The whole incident was recorded-- it still brings tears to my eyes. So for me The Next Target had a personal ring to it, even though I didn't know the girl personally.  But I do have daughters.

Nikki Arana has received awards for her writing, including the American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year award and Christianbook.com Top20 Novel of the Year for The Winds of Sonoma. Through her ministry, A Voice for the Persecuted, she inspires hearts toward evangelizing the Muslim community.

I know that she inspired me.

Please check out Nikki's blog and web site: www.nikkiarana.com

She is also on Facebook and Twitter!

David C. Cook is the publisher.

PROOF by Jordyn Redwood

Jordyn Redwood takes the medical thriller genre by storm in her debut novel, PROOF.

Sometimes I hear the words debut novel, and I think that I might need to allow some leeway for the author to get into the right rhythm-- not so with Jordyn Redwood. I am excited to say that I was blown away by the really intriguing plot, and characters that leave you wondering if you might have bumped into them somewhere...

A serial rapist is on the loose, whose curious DNA has given him a Teflon advantage--until Dr. Lilly Reeves becomes irrevocably drawn into his path of destruction and determines that she will not stop until she gets the proof she needs to put an end to the violence.

Twists and turns abound. Gasp out loud action kept me turning pages into the wee, scary hours... All I can say is, Patterson, Grisham, Koontz move over-- there's a new girl on the block and her name is Jordyn Redwood.

Please read on to find out more about PROOF.

href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0825442389">Proof
Kregel Publications (June 1, 2012) by Jordyn Redwood
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jordyn Redwood has served patients and their families for nearly twenty years and currently works as a pediatric ER nurse. As a self-professed medical nerd and trauma junkie, she was drawn to the controlled chaotic environments of critical care and emergency nursing. Her love of teaching developed early and she was among the youngest CPR instructors for the American Red Cross at the age of seventeen. Since then, she has continued to teach advanced resuscitation classes to participants ranging from first responders to MD’s.

Her discovery that she also had a fondness for answering medical questions for authors led to the creation of Redwood’s Medical Edge at http://jordynredwood.com/. This blog is devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction.

Jordyn lives in Colorado with her husband, two daughters, and one crazy hound dog. In her spare time she also enjoys reading her favorite authors, quilting, and cross-stitching.


ABOUT THE BOOK  

Dr. Lilly Reeves is a young, accomplished ER physician with her whole life ahead of her. But that life instantly changes when she becomes the fifth victim of a serial rapist. Believing it's the only way to recover her reputation and secure peace for herself, Lilly sets out to find--and punish--her assailant. Sporting a mysterious tattoo and unusually colored eyes, the rapist should be easy to identify. He even leaves what police would consider solid evidence. But when Lilly believes she has found him, DNA testing clears him as a suspect. How can she prove he is guilty, if science says he is not?

Endorsements:

“Jordyn Redwood makes quite a splash with her debut novel. PROOF is a hard-edged mix of medical thriller and crime chiller that grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. This one will keep you up way past your bedtime.”

—Rick Acker, best-selling author of When the Devil Whistles

“From the very first chapter, the first page even, Jordyn Redwood pulls the reader into a story that won’t let go. PROOF is proof enough for me that Jordyn is the real deal: an author who knows how to weave a tight story, write descriptive, authentic prose, and deal with some pretty hefty issues. I’m a fan!”

—Mike Dellosso, author of Frantic and Rearview (a 7 Hours story)

“Debut novelist Jordyn Redwood has used her experience as an ER and ICU nurse to craft a blend of medical thriller and police procedural with twists and turns to keep fans of either genre turning pages.”

—Richard L. Mabry, MD, author of Lethal Remedy and the Prescription for Trouble series

“A rollercoaster of a story. Jordyn Redwood’s PROOF has everything you could want in a thriller—believable characters, a villain who makes your skin crawl, a touch of humor, and a twisting plot—all bound by fascinating medical and scientific details. What a fabulous debut!”

—Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of the Wings of Glory series

“Jordyn Redwood may be new on the scene, but she writes like a seasoned pro. PROOF is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time with well-drawn characters including a villain I despised and a hero and heroine I rooted for. I thought I would just take a peek at the first chapter and finish the story later. I thought wrong. I read late into the night, lost sleep, and put off my own writing to finish this book. I’m eagerly awaiting Jordyn’s second book and will be first in line to purchase it the day it releases.”

—Lynnette Eason, best-selling author of The Women of Justice series

“I love a great medical thriller and I’m glad to add another author to my list. Jordyn Redwood writes like the medical insider she is. A gripping tale laced with realism, sleep-robbing excitement, and something every reader loves: hope.”

—Harry Kraus, MD, best-selling author of The Six-Liter Club

“PROOF by Jordyn Redwood is a gripping medical thriller written with vivid detail from an author who knows her subject firsthand. A serial rapist is at large in the town—in the hospital, even? Can Lilly trust anyone? Even her closest friend? And just when you think you can relax, the stakes get even higher.”

—Donna Fletcher Crow, author of The Monastery Murders

“Jordyn Redwood’s debut novel is a page-turner with an ingenious premise and solid Christian values. A satisfying read.”

—Frank J. Edwards, Medical Director, Delphi Emergency Physicians,
author of the medical thriller Final Mercy

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