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.

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman

The Christmas Quilt is a story rich in the stuff of life. It fittingly begins with the scripture from Galatians which lists the fruit of the Spirit. The first fruit is love and that is really the heart of this story.

Annie is a nurse who has it all together and is pregnant with her first child. She is married to Samuel who is ten years older and suffered the loss of his first wife and child. He has managed to come through  his heartache stronger and wiser. They are a match made in Heaven.  

Leah, her best friend and sister-in-law is also a young wife, pregnant with twins and struggling with emotions, mood swings, and really swollen feet. She is married to Annie's brother-- a good man overall, but in a bit lacking in the understanding department. Leah's fear and insecurity are the enemies that threaten her ability to trust Adam and his love for her.

The main characters in The Christmas Quilt are Amish, and I loved the glimpse into the Amish life: Vanetta Chapman made even the labor intensive task of doing the laundry seem beautiful and I love how the Amish rally around one another when help is needed. 

The Christmas Quilt is another truly wonderful book in the Quilts of Love series.

Please read on for more from Abingdon Press. 

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Christmas Quilt

Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013)

by

Vannetta Chapman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

A Word From The Author:

I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups.  I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.

I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit.

I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. When we moved to a small town in Central Texas, I continued teaching for a few years, but I now write full-time and I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band.

My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

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

 

Flip Flop by Wendy Lawton

On the surface Wendy Lawton's book, Flip Flop appears to be a fun, teeny bopper novel and it is. But it is so much more. Briana and Chickie are best friends who live across the street from one another in a nice, older neighborhood in rural California. Bree's father travels a lot for his job, and as far back as she can remember has had a drinking problem. In order to keep the "family business" private Bree has hung out exclusively at Chickie's relatively normal home. When the reality home improvement show Flip Flop chooses the friends for an episode, Bree fears that her secret will be exposed.

Wendy Lawton creates wonderful three dimensional characters that are so likable that I wanted more! She handled the problem of alcohol abuse with a deftness that could, I believe, actually help anyone who has suffered from its fallout. At one point in the story I didn't even realize that I was crying as I was reminded of some difficult times in my past. Tears of hope that things can change.

I would love to see this book on every tween-to-grandma's book shelf.

Flip Flop is book two of the Real TV series which is available on Amazon at bargain prices!

A Plain Disappearance by Amanda Flower

                               Sleigh Ride Turns into Discovery of Amish Girl's Body

Chloe Humphrey, Englisher, and Timothy Troyer, former member of the Amish community were out for a picturesque Christmassy  ride in Timothy's grandfathers buggy when Mabel, Timothy's dog, discovers a frozen arm sticking out of the snow. Timothy recognizes the body as belonging to Katie Lambright. The Lambrights and the Troyers relationship has been strained ever since he and his sister Becky left the Amish way of life. It appears that the discovery will not help mend any fences...

 I began reading this book en route to St. Louis from Boston where I was visiting family. I enjoyed being transported to the Ohio Amish Country while I was waiting to be transported back to my own home. With well drawn characters to keep me company, an intriguing mystery, and the visions of sugar plums, yule logs, and miniature whoopie pies dancing around in my head-- the Amish are big foodies-- I'm sure that I was one of the happier travelers in the Pittsburgh airport. I honestly didn't mind the hour and a half delay.

A Plain Disappearance is Amanda Flower's third Amish mystery.
B&H Publishing Group have provided more information about this book. (Happy Reading!!)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Plain Disappearance

B&H Books (September 1, 2013)


by

Amanda Flower


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.




ABOUT THE BOOK

USA Today recently hailed award-nominated author Amanda Flower for A Plain Death, calling it “the first Amish rom-com . . . bring on the next one!” As the enthusiastic reviews continue to mount, she’s back with her third Appleseed Creek mystery, A Plain Disappearance.


It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date.


Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence.


If you would like to read the first chapter of >A Plain Disappearance, go HERE.

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

Fans of thriller suspense fasten your seat belts because Brandilyn Collins is back with another incredible ride that will have you rounding the fiction world at breakneck speed.

Hannah Shire is your average middle aged widow who cares for her quirky mother who suffers from dementia. On their way home from a week end holiday she innocently stops to help an accident victim which inadvertently sets off a sequence of high stakes events that will force them to go on the run.

Superb storytelling, wonderful characters, and nail biting suspense await-- I seriously hope you to give Dark Justice a whirl. I promise--you won't be able to put it down!

Please read on for much more from Brandilyn Collins and the cool people from B&H Books!
Warning: If you read the first chapter, you will not rest until you get a copy for yourself (or your library)...

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Dark Justice

B&H Books (October 1, 2013)

by

Brandilyn Collins


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."®  Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.


Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.


When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.


ABOUT THE BOOK

If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back.


While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved.


The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twentyseven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well?


Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country . . .


If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dark Justice, HERE.