Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Aloha Rose is part of the Quilts of Love series by Abbingdon Fiction. This one is a contemporary romance which follows a young woman's search for her birth family, taking her to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

Laney Carrigan  suffers from abandonment and trust issues. She was adopted by a loving couple after her birth mother left her on their doorstep, but since her adoptive mother's death and father's remarriage, she's feeling like a ship that has lost its mooring. It is time for her to search for her "roots".

Kai Barnes, Laney's love interest, is a complicated hero who suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome, and fears loving almost as much as Laney fears trusting. 

I really enjoyed this foray into Hawaiian culture.  I have long admired the Hawaiian tradition of quilting involving gorgeous applique and liked how the "Aloha Rose" quilt was used in the story to help Laney find her family. The symbolism was really special! 

Please read on for more information about Aloha Rose and author Lisa Carter!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Aloha Rose

Abingdon Press (November 19, 2013)

by

Lisa Carter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

A word from the author:

I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.

I am a teacher. With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.

I am a writer. Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.

I am on a journey of faith. My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.

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

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson

If you like nail-biting legal suspense novels you will love Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is an expert in the legal field, and in the tradition of John Grisham, crafts his novels with details that require a vast knowledge of the law, and a rip-roaring good story to keep you turning the pages.

There is a nuclear explosion. A cover-up. A young attorney named Emily Hart takes the case to help her friend, Kieran, from college.  She needs assistance and turns to Ryan, her father, an experienced trial lawyer. But they haven't been close since her mother's cancer diagnosis and subsequent death.  Ryan sees this as an opportunity to build a bridge back into Emily's life even though Kieran's case seems to be hopeless.

As with all things that are bad in this world, dark forces are at work, and the deeper you go-- like a wound that gets infected-- the uglier things become.

I applaud Todd Johnson for using his expertise and talent to shine the light on "the evil that men do" but shows, through his characters, that courage and faith can prevail-- even when all hope is lost.

I would love for everyone to read Critical Reaction.

Please check out the following information provided by the publisher, Bethany House--one of the best!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Critical Reaction

Bethany House Publishers (November 19, 2013)

by

Todd M. Johnson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. Todd's career experience blends with his passion for writing in his novels published through Bethany House.


A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.


The Deposit Slip, Mr. Johnson's first novel, debuted in 2012.  Todd's second novel, Critical Reaction, will be released in November 2013.


Todd lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy and children Ian and Libby.



ABOUT THE BOOK

After decades of turning out plutonium for the arms race, the Hanford Nuclear Facility has long been shuttered, though its deadly legacy cannot be fully contained. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings for radiation leaks are told the risks are under control. They believe it, until the worst happens: a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.


Two workers, lifer Poppy Martin and new hire Kieran Mullaney, believe themselves lucky to survive the blast. But as the debris is cleared, they discover their safety is not assured. Dead ends and closed doors halt their efforts to discover what really happened--and what radiation may have poisoned them. When stalling and threats force them into the hands of experienced trial lawyer Ryan Hart, they learn that theirs is no ordinary lawsuit. There is something still hidden in the desert of eastern Washington, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it never sees the light of day.


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

Derailed by Neta Jackson and Dave Jackson

"He has shown thee O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of thee, to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God." Micah 6:8

Harry and Estelle Bentley are a semi-retired, newly married Christian couple, who just want to enjoy their approaching golden years together. Harry's thirteen year old grandson, Deshawn, lives with them because Rodney, his estranged son, is in prison for drug related crimes. When Rodney is released from prison he needs a place to stay... but can they trust him to stay clean and what kind of influence will he have on Deshawn?

Derailed features a stint with Harry taking up his police detective's badge to go undercover on a train posing as a blind man, which is wonderful-- but "derailed" is also a metaphor for life and the unexpected twists and turns it can take. I loved Harry and Estelle's relationship. I imagine theirs might be a bit like the authors, Neta and Dave Jackson's. I would like to think so.

Derailed is the second in the Windy City Neighbors series.
For more information about Derailed, please read on.

Bless you.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Derailed

Worthy Publishing (October 8, 2013)


by

Dave and Neta Jackson


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

As a husband/wife writing team, we are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together we are the authors or coauthors of over 120 books. (You can see our Publication Record by clicking HERE.) In addition to writing several books about Christian community, we have been privileged to coauthor numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.


But over the years the we have especially enjoyed writing for children and young people! This includes our award-winning TRAILBLAZER series, historical fiction about great Christian heroes and heroines for young people ages 8-12, and the four-volume HERO TALES: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Great Christians, and the companion book, Heroes in Black History.


Somewhere along the way, our own children grew up! Son Julian is Director of Experience Design for the Alder Planetarium in Chicago where he “provides the experience of exploring space” for visitors. He has two sons, Liam Isaac and Elijah David. Daughter Rachel graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and after working in the field of rape-crisis prevention went on to earn a Masters Degree in counseling from the University of Illinois. She is now a counselor at “Uni High School” in Champaign, Illinois. She is the loving mother of Havah Noelle (our first grandchild!) and Noah Zion, our youngest grandchild. The Jackson family also includes a Cambodian foster daughter, Samen Sang, who has four children.


We live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years we were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. We are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Forced to give up his hard-earned retirement, Harry Bentley goes back to work as a detective. Receiving a bizarre undercover assignment that sends him across the country by train. Things suddenly go awry when it appears one of his new neighbors may be part of a smuggling ring and suspicion rises about his own son’s involvement in a major drug cartel.
The second in the Windy City Neighbors series, Derailed is a contemporary, and often humorous, tale in an urban setting, featuring ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. Intersecting with Grounded (book one), the Jacksons employ their innovative storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Derailed transports you to Beecham Street—a typical, isolated American neighborhood . . . until hope moves in.


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

Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum

Paige Rewritten is a contemporary look into church life through the eyes of Paige Alder, a twenty something who is trying to live a normal life as a single Christian woman.

Paige comes from a good American family that has managed to coast along with minimal drama-- until her younger sister, Preslee, (what kind of name is that?) breaks her parents heart by running off with a band as a kind of live-in groupie.

Paige's own heart was broken by her first love, Luke, around the same time, and like a bad penny, he resurfaces...and keeps popping up throughout the book. Luke is also her best friend's brother, so it's hard to keep him from infiltrating her thoughts, etc.

The book is written in the first person in a humorous style that has an honest resonance. I felt that many young adult groups contain one or two "Paiges" who desire to find Mr. Right, but inevitably end up kissing some Mr. Wrongs along the way.

I think that this book would encourage college age young women who, like Paige, want to live an authentic and meaningful life.

To find out more about Paige Rewritten and author Erynn Mangum please continue.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Paige Rewritten

NavPress (October 8, 2013)

by

Erynn Mangum


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her:


So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Paige Alder is in a really good place. She’s dating nice guy Tyler. Her boss has offered her a raise. Her walk with God is strong. Life is great—and that’s when things start to change.


First, the youth pastor at church keeps asking Paige to work with him full-time. Then her sister shows up newly engaged and wanting to reconnect, even though they haven’t spoken in years. And now former boyfriend Luke has come back into her life. How is Paige supposed to know what the right decisions are?


This warm and humorous second book in the Paige Alder series will help young girls work through important issues, such as forgiving others and obeying God.




If you would like to read the first chapter of Paige Rewritten, go HERE

 

Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

"True courage is knowing not when to take a life, but when to spare one." J R.R. Tolkien

The Civil War ends, a confederate sniper is released from prison, and a young woman with amnesia finds herself in St. Louis, Missouri. The political climate is volatile, especially in Missouri, which was a divided state.

The heroine of Traces of Mercy is in a heap of trouble. She goes by the name Mercy, taken from a medal she wore around her neck. Blessed with beauty and an innocent charm, all she wants is to find out who she is. She falls in love with the city's most eligible bachelor who is so enamored with her that he is willing to accept all that she is-- past, present, and future... or so it seems...

I won't spoil it by giving any more details about the book, because I really hope everyone has a chance to read Traces of Mercy. Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley have a writing partnership made in Heaven (I think), and I can't wait for the next book to come out.

Please read the information provided by publisher David C Cook.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Traces of Mercy

David C. Cook (October 1, 2013)

by

Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.


****

Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.




ABOUT THE BOOK

From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values.


At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.


Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.



If you'd like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go
HERE.