Wednesday, October 31, 2012





This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Thousand Sleepless Nights

Realms (October 16, 2012)

by

Michael King


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




When Mike Dellosso won a one-year battle with colon cancer he set out to help readers of his books discover it before they had to go through what he experienced.


“I want others to avoid what I had to go through,” he says. “It was an experience that taught me a lot about myself, others, and God, but one I wouldn’t want to repeat. If I can help even one person battling this disease, it would have been worth it.”


Mike set about writing a novel quite different from what his fan base had come to expect from him. Not a thriller, but a character-driven novel, so he wrote it under a pen name, Michael King, and entitled it A Thousand Sleepless Nights. His publisher, Charisma Media, went for it and the first copies went on sale in October.


Mike’s next step was to determine whether a partnership between him, Charisma Media, and the Colon Cancer Alliance was possible. This month both announced their cooperative fundraising venture, with Charisma Media making a significant contribution to CCA and Mike committing a portion of the proceeds from the book through December to CCA.


Speaking about A Thousand Sleepless Nights Mike says, “I want people to see colon cancer (and all the other cancers) for the monster it is, but also to show it does not need to defeat us. There is hope, there is strength, and there is courage and love. And though cancer may rob us of our physical vitality, it has no power over our spirit.”


ABOUT THE BOOK



In the 1970s, escaping a home where he knew nothing but violence and hate, Jim Harding found work, and love, on the largest horse ranch in Virginia. The object of his affections, Nena St. Claire, is the daughter of the owner—a man who ruled his ranch with an iron fist and would do whatever it took to keep Nena and Jim apart.


Against the wishes of her family, Nena marries Jim, and after her father dies, she sacrifices everything—including her family—to keep the ranch alive. Now their three grown children have lives of their own and want nothing to do with Nena. She was never the mother they needed.


When cancer strikes and Nena is given a devastating diagnosis, can Jim reconcile the family before it is too late?


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Thousand Sleepless Nights, go HERE.


Sunday, October 21, 2012

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

Lydia Pallas is an unconventional heroine-- as I believe all true heroines are.  Her first nine years were spent on a rickety fishing boat with her parents (a Turk and a Greek) and baby brother Michael. Learning new languages comes easily to Lydia, along with her optimistic outlook. The poor but happy family sets sail for Boston, where her dream of going to school is about to be realized when tragedy strikes.

Fifteen years later, 1891, Lydia goes to work for the U.S.Navy as a translator.

Finally Lydia's life is stable, but of course all that is about to change when she meets the dangerously mysterious Alexander Banebridge, an acquaintance of her boss, Admiral Eric Fontaine, a dashing but solemn widower.

An interesting and important thread to the story is how opium, was put in everything from babies' teething remedies to headache medicine--before the time of product labeling. It's funny how the government is still influenced by those who don't want to be forthcoming about what is in our food...

Every time I read one of Elizabeth Camden's books I am reminded of the Baroness Emmuska Orczy's Scarlet Pimpernel. Elizabeth's brand of adventure, slight of hand, and romance has me believing in true love forever.

Oh, in case you haven't read The Scarlet Pimpernel, you can get it for free on e-books!

Friday, October 19, 2012





This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Against the Tide

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Elizabeth Camden


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


A Word from Elizabeth:



I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.


I married relatively late in life, which turned out to be an odd kind of blessing. I had gotten very good at leading a solo life, and although I was not particularly content being alone, I had become reconciled to it.  Most importantly, it taught me never to take my husband for granted. I give daily thanks for the blessing of being able to share a life with my favorite person on the planet.


As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.



ABOUT THE BOOK



Love and Lives are Threatened in Camden's Latest Offering


As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.


However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.


Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.


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


Friday, October 12, 2012





This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

All Things New

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Lynn Austin


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.


Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.


ABOUT THE BOOK



In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.


Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her.


With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.


If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Full Disclosure

Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson is an interesting juxtaposition of romance and murder. The would be lovers-- Special Agent Paul Falcon and Midwest Homicide Investigator Ann Silver-- meet on a case and discover that they have much in common. Paul is intrigued by Ann's unique style and wants to know her better. But Ann is reticent to divulge her personal life to him-- even though Paul is truly everything most girls dream of.  Ann is content with her single status; she has a great dog whom she calls Black and loyal friends from all walks of life and a deeply personal relationship with her Lord.

I forgot to mention that Ann is also a best-selling author! I liked how Dee Henderson shared some of Ann's process as part of the plot. :)

Between the hunt for the mysterious "Lady Shooter" and the cool and fabulous Paul's insistence on "full disclosure" in his relationship with Ann, Full Disclosure offers hours of reading pleasure which kept me turning the pages.

I posted the CFBA information last night so... scroll down for more about the intriguing Dee Henderson and her new book!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012





This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Full Disclosure

Bethany House Publishers (October 2, 2012)

by

Dee Henderson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of 15 previous novels, including the acclaimed O'MALLEY series and UNCOMMON HEROES series. She is a lifelong resident of Illinois.


ABOUT THE BOOK



Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions.


Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.


Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.


The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former Vice President. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is…


Watch the book trailer:



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

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Her Good Name by Ruth Axtell

"Lies and secrets can spoil a woman's good name."-- back cover of Her Good Name

I love the state of Maine. It's the place where if feel the most home of anywhere on Earth. So I jumped at the chance to read Ruth Axtell's new book, Her Good Name. It's about a young, feisty, woman with a thirst for knowledge and a desire for a better life. A life that is more than just working long, cold, hours in a cannery in Holliston.

Espy Estrada is one of eleven children--her father is a ne'er do well, alcoholic who comes home when he feels like it and her mother is tired. In 1892, letting the home fires burn out is not an option, so Espy must contribute to the welfare of her mother and siblings.

Being of Portuguese descent, and therefore of a low social standing, when Espy is caught in a compromising position with a professor (by his wife) the finger of blame points squarely in her direction. Will no one stand up for her? Where is the God that Espy believes in while she stands alone and accused?

Ruth Axtell creates a story with wonderful characters and a believable premise. I could almost smell the sea air and hear the children playing in the shanty section of town. Ruth painted the towns of Holliston and Bangor with a vivid and lively brush.

Please read on for more information!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Her Good Name
River North; New Edition edition (July 24, 2012)
by
Ruth Axtell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Ruth knew she wanted to be a writer ever since she wrote her first story--a spy thriller--at the age of twelve. She studied comparative literature at Smith College, spending her junior year at the Sorbonne in Paris. After college, she taught English in the Canary Islands then worked in international development in Miami, Florida, before moving to the Netherlands, where for the next several years, she juggled both writing and raising her three children.

In 1994, her second manuscript was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart competition. In 2002, her sixth manuscript took second place in the Laurie Contest of RWA's Smoky Mountain chapter. The final judge requested her full manuscript and this became her first published book, Winter Is Past, which was spotlighted in Christian Retailing magazine. Since then, Ruth has gone on to publish thirteen historical romances and one novella. Her books have been translated into Dutch, Italian, Polish and Afrikaans . Her second historical, Wild Rose, was chosen by Booklist as a "Top Ten Christian Fiction" selection in 2005.

Ruth lives on the coast of Maine where she enjoys gardening, walking, reading romances and gazing at the ocean plotting her next romance.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the 1890 thriving coastal town of Holliston, Maine, the leading lumber baron's son, Warren Brentwood, III, returns from his years away at college and traveling to take up his position as heir apparent to his father's business empire.

Esperanza Estrada, daughter of a Portuguese immigrant fisherman and a local woman, lives on the wrong side of town, surrounded by a brood of brothers and sisters and a careworn mother. She is unable to pretend she is anything but "one of those Estradas." When she overhears of a position to clean house at a local high school teacher's home on Elm Street, she jumps at the opportunity--to be able to run into Warren Brentwood now and again, but also to imbibe of the culture and intellectual atmosphere of the Stocktons.

When rumors about Espy and her respected employer begin to circulate, the entire church congregation and then the community pronounce judgment on her behavior. Warren believes the lie and his loss of faith in her causes Espy to give up without a fight. She leaves her family and hometown for the nearest city with little money and no acquaintances and is forced to spend the night on the street.  A man who heads a mission for the homeless finds Espy and offers her shelter. Espy finds the true love of God while working at the mission. Will she be able to forgive the townspeople and return home?

If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of Her Good Name, go HERE.