The Great Carp Escape, by Irish Beth Maddock

Children everywhere are (hopefully) enjoying summer vacation. Activities to keep them busy abound: sports camps, music camps, math, computer, and Vacation Bible School await youngsters throughout the land.

I would like to recommend a good old fashioned trip to the library! And might I suggest The Great Carp Escape by Irish Beth Maddock for the younger reader? With its lovely illustrations and gentle story of kindness and how working together to accomplish a goal-- helping to save the carp--make this book the perfect quiet time read.

The Great Carp Escape is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Check out the author's web site: irishbethmaddock.com for more really good information. We all could use a cool escape I'm sure!

Let Food Be Your Medicine by Don Colbert, MD

Happy New Year!

I love crossing into a brand new year-- leaving the old behind and looking forward to a fresh start and new beginnings. I don't do resolutions or official goals but will cheer on those who do wholeheartedly!

I have read countless books on natural healing, diets, and nutrition, especially when I realized that so much of what I allowed my children to put in their growing bodies contained little nutritional value.  

Dr. Don Colbert's book, Let Food Be Your Medicine, tackles the subject of keeping and retaining health by choosing an anti-inflammatory diet based on a "modified Mediterranean Diet". He takes a common-sense approach that is easy to understand and filled with real cases from his own practice. While facing some chronic health issues, he determined that most illnesses have a link to food, whether an allergic reaction, or foods that simply by their nature promote inflammation that expresses itself in various illnesses that much of the medical community would rather prescribe drugs than get to the root of the problem.

I highly recommend this book to anyone in need of hope for regaining their health,  prevention of disease, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, or discovering the healthy You that the Lord intended you to be. Making your health a priority can start now! 

I received this book from Worthy Publishing for my honest thoughts. 

For more information about Let Food Be Your Medicine go to: www.drcolbert.com

                                                                               Phone: 407-331-7007

                                                                               Email:info@drcolbert.com

                                                                               Facebook:facebook.com/DonColbertMD

                                                                               Twitter:@DonColbert   

                                                                                             

The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr

The Midwife's Tale is the first in the "At Home in Trinity" series by Delia Parr. 

Martha Cade is a midwife in 1830, a time when the medical establishment is full of new ideas about how babies should enter the world. One such doctor has just moved into town, and while he has some life saving skills, his attitude towards midwives in general is condescending, overbearing, and downright scary.

Martha's nineteen year old daughter has run off with a theater troupe while she was out on a delivery and her heart is broken, but her faith and some close friends are helping her cope. 

Author Delia Parr's ability to breathe life into history and the characters residing in Trinity Pennsylvania  made me care about their well being which made it a joy to pick up the book and escape into their world. When a character that I really liked turned into a villain, it threw me for a loop and I felt betrayed. I wonder if there will be redemption sometime in the next two books... I hope so.

For more information about The Midwife's Tale please read on!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Midwife’s Tale

Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015)

by

Delia Parr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered. 

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.

  

Seek and Hide by Amanda G.Stevens

Seek and Hide is the first in the Haven Seekers series by Amanda Stevens. It reads like the pilot of an intricately plotted TV series. The setting is the not to distant future America where Christianity as we know it is outlawed. Bibles have been "retranslated" into a generic version of itself, with all of the controversial parts taken out.

Christians who believe the original translation are reprogrammed by the Constabulary, an agency specializing in a version of brainwashing that basically makes you wish that you were never born.

Marcus is a recovering alcoholic who has recently embraced Christianity. He is an expert carpenter and all around macho guy who finds himself aiding and abetting a young woman fugitive and her deaf baby.

Author Amanda G. Stevens gives readers a glimpse of what it might look and feel like to have all religious liberty snuffed out in America. The heartache of families torn apart and friends disappearing beg the question of the whereabouts of God during times of persecution and gives plenty of opportunity for heart-string tugging.

Those who love in-depth dramatic stories-- that may feel a little too close for comfort should definitely check Seek and Hide out!
Please read on for more information from the publisher!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Seek and Hide

David C. Cook (September 15, 2014)


by

Amanda Stevens


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English and has taught literature and composition to home-school students. She lives in Michigan and loves books, film, music, and white cheddar popcorn. Amanda's first novel, Seek and Hide, will be available September 15, 2014 from David C Cook.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Six years ago, the government took control of the church. Only re-translated Bibles are legal, and a specialized agency called the Constabulary enforces this and other regulations. Marcus Brenner, a new Christian, will do anything to protect his church family from imprisonment--including risk his own freedom to gain the trust of a government agent.

Aubrey Weston recanted her faith when the Constabulary threatened her baby. Now released, she just wants to provide for her son and avoid government notice. But she's targeted again, and this time, her baby is taken into custody. If only she'd never denied Him, maybe God would hear her pleas for help.

When Aubrey and Marcus's lives collide, they are forced to confront the lies they believe about themselves. And God is about to grab hold of Marcus's life in a way he'd never expect, turning a loner into a leader.



If you'd like to read the first chapter of Seek and Hide, go HERE.

Wisdom Tree by Mary Manners

Author Mary Manners takes a slightly different approach to the Christian romance novel in her new book, Wisdom Tree.

The "wisdom tree" in the story is an actual tree where the hero of the novel, Pastor Jake Samuels goes to pray and seek wisdom from God. Carin O'Malley is the protagonist. She is the new English teacher where Jake's brother Corey is attending school. All of the characters have recently suffered some significantly life altering heart-ache and are dealing with it using their own natural coping skills-- some yielding more positive outcomes than others...

Jake and Carin have an instant connection, but are obviously not on the same page spiritually and Carin has some unfinished business from her past to work through.

Wisdom Tree is a "romance" that has a personal, realistic tone. I believed that the characters could, in fact be from someone's real-life story, which seems thoughtful to me, and carries a heavier quality than some of the lighter romances that are out there.

As an added bonus, at the end of Wisdom Tree the author has include a thirty day devotional with each one starting with a scripture reading. I really love that idea-- talk about life changing opportunity!!!

So... for more information about Wisdom Tree and Mary Manners please read on!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Wisdom Tree

White Rose Publishing (September 19, 2012)

by

Mary Manners


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author:
I live in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with my husband, Tim, and our teen-aged daughter, Danni. Also with us are Lucky and Gus - the two cherished cats we rescued from local animal shelters.

I'm a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.
During the school year, I teach middle-schoolers reading and Algebra. When I have free time, I love to garden, take long walks with my husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.

I write romance novels for White Rose Publishing. If you'd like to visit, I have an author page there, as well. That's where you'll find everything there is to know about my books.

I also have author pages at the following locations. Do come by and spend some time with me there!


ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes the last thing we think we need is exactly what God has planned
After the death of his parents, Jake Samuels has enough on his plate—including a fledgling church to lead and a mischievous younger brother to raise. The last thing he needs is a rambunctious woman to contend with.


Carin O'Malley is dealing with the death of her brother and a new job as an English teacher at East Ridge Middle School where Corey Samuels reigns as King of Chaos. The last thing she needs is to fall in love...especially with a handsome and complicated preacher like Corey’s brother Jake.


But when Corey's antics toss Carin and Jake together, the two must draw from God’s wisdom to find refuge in His perfect plan.


------------------------------------------------
Discover your own wisdom tree with the included one-month devotional.


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

Devotion by Marianne Evans

Valentines Day is tomorrow. So it only makes sense to review a book about... marital infidelity???

No, it's not a self-help manual, but a novel about a couple, Kellen and Juliet, whose marriage hits a speed bump when Kellen is blind-sided by an attraction to a beautiful and extremely talented client. 

At the same time, wife Juliet has given up on the hope of  becoming pregnant, and her self-image and her faith in God have taken a hit. 

When Juliet hears some gossip about her husband and the truth comes to the light, she fears she will not be able to trust Kellen-- maybe forever.

Devotion is well written, somewhat reminiscent of Karen Kingsbury's style. Author Marianne Evans obviously has a heart for Christian marriages, and highlights how increased vulnerability can catch even   truly committed couples unawares.

She also explores the place for pastoral counsel and belonging to a church that nurtures and encourages.

Good things. 

For more information about Devotion, please read on!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Devotion

Harbourlight Books (September 19, 2012)

by

Marianne Evans

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

A Word from the author:

My career began at Kensington Publishing, then Wild Rose Press released what will likely be my last secular novel, With This Kiss. This book is very dear to my heart, because, in a way, it memorializes the life of my grandmother, Rachel Alfano. She was a feisty, loving Italian. Back in the day, folks came to her deli in East Rutherford "from the City" (New York, of course!) to get her pepperoni, or purchase her hand-made sausage and pastas. Life and times at 82 Mozart Street are engraved upon my heart, and precious to me. What better place to set a romance?

Now, I'm called to write 'Faith-affirming fiction' (TM). Christian inspirational romance, and Christian themed fiction, is something that both as a reader, and writer, I feel called upon by God to enjoy and create.

This segment of my journey began when I was lucky enough to win a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing that led to the publication of my Christian inspy debut, Hearts Crossing. This humble, heart-felt novella went on to become a series...and an Amazon best seller! A Face in the Clouds, a short story spin-off of Woodland, is also part of my 'best seller' portfolio. What a blessing!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now. Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.

For Better or Worse

But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation?  How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?

'Til Death Do Us Part

When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.

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

A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Ellliott

If cozy mysteries are your druthers then you will have your fill of glorious cozy in A Stitch in Crime.

Antique store owner Thea James bites off a bit more she can chew when she innocently agrees to chair the first ever Quilt Show extravaganza in the tiny town of Larkindale.

A comedy of errors ensues when the kick off party at the Wentworth Mansion, home of the elderly but spry Mary-Alice becomes a crime scene. Along with an intentional bonk on the head, Mary-Alice's diamond brooch is stolen--and that's just the beginning...

Thea takes "the show must go on" to extremes valiantly forging ahead in spite of threats and foibles in her determination to help out the economically challenged little town--and save what's left of her wounded pride.

I loved the wacky, eccentricity of the characters and story-line and am pleased as punch to recommend this "Quilts of Love" offering to all my cozy loving friends!

Please read on for more information about author Cathy Elliott and A Stitch in Time!!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Stitch in Crime

Abingdon Press (January 20, 2015)

by

Cathy Elliot


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cathy Elliott is a full-time writer who lives in northern California and whose cozy mysteries reflect her personal interests from playing her fiddle with friends to antique collecting and quilting. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antiques and is several years into recovery from her eBay addiction. UPDATE: She backslid a while back, enticed to bid on a 1945 Singer Featherweight. (She won.) But now she’s back on the wagon. Except for the recent crazy quilt pillow purchase. She also leads music at church and enjoys time with her grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Thea James has accepted an assignment as co-chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel. Mary-Alice Wentworth, a much-loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick-off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds? When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary-Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.


If you would like to read the first chapter of A Stitch in Crime, go HERE.