A Stitch and a Prayer by Eva Gibson

The year 1899 proved challenging for Florence Harms. She was recovering from an illness which affected her joints and tainted her life with worry.  She was newly married to Will, a hard working man, honest and kind, with a heart of gold, but little cash on hand. Now, pregnant with their first child, she wakes up to a note saying that he must leave for Seattle to settle a legal matter. She is blessed to have a loving and capable Aunt Amelia and a doting, fiercely loyal dog named Vaughn.

A Stitch and a Prayer reminded me of the Willa Cather book O! Pioneers, which I think is lovely. As in O! Pioneers, the land plays a big role in the story. The wind, storms, and wild life all vie for their voices to be heard. In a way it is the wild frontier versus the stubborn human need for a place to call home. Florence and her family's reliance on God and trust in His word to see them through warmed my heart, and the fact that this story was inspired by the author's grandparents made the Tree of Life quilt that Florence stitched even more meaningful.

This is another Quilts of Love winner!

Please read on for more from Abingdon Fiction about A Stitch and a Prayer!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Stitch and A Prayer

Abingdon Press (May 20, 2014)


by

Eva Gibson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


(No image available) Eva Gibson is the author of twenty books, including A Stitch and a Prayer, the latest release in the Quilts of Love series from Abingdon Fiction. She currently teaches Writing Your Life Story classes for Portland Community College and is an active member of Oregon Christian Writers. She has lived most of her life on the family farm in Wilsonville, Oregon, which is the setting for her novel.


ABOUT THE BOOK

After her fiancé returns from the Klondike gold rush in 1897, Florence Harms sets about building a new life in her new marriage—even though the lingering effects of illness have left her weak and vulnerable. She and her young husband, Will, work tirelessly to clear the land around their Northwest cabin, content with their modest life.
But then a stranger comes knocking and Florence suddenly senses a restlessness in Will’s spirit that she had never seen before. When he leaves her with only a note that tells her he will return before their baby’s birth, she is devastated, and the illness that stiffened her joints returns. Counting the days until Will walks back through her door, Florence busies herself with a Tree of Life quilt displaying a map of the farm they call home. Doubts claw at her heart as Florence struggles to believe Will’s promise to return to her. Will her labor of love—and faith in God—sustain her as she waits to see her beloved once again?


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

Rise and Shine by Sandra D. Bricker

I have always been a fan of Sandra Bricker, but she really hits her stride with Rise and Shine, A Contemporary Fairy Tale.

Rise and Shine is the retelling of Sleeping Beauty.  Bricker not only captures the spirit of this fairy tale, but a good deal of the letter also-- with a healthy dose of her signature wit, style, and movie and book references that all romance aficionados know and love.

Loved this book, you will too. So without further ado, I am going to turn this review over to the experts at River North fiction from Moody Publishers!!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Rise and Shine

River North; New Edition edition (May 1, 2014)

by

Sandra D. Bricker


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. "I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost," she says. "So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line."


Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.


"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects ... and still pursue my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"


And one of the author's pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy -- a red-haired collie with "killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown."

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Shannon Malone thought she'd found her happy ending when she married Edmund Ridgeway, but a diving accident on their honeymoon left her in a coma. Waking
up to the news that she's thirty years old would have been daunting enough . . . but she also learns that Edmund has lost his interim battle with cancer and the
world has marched on without her. Her gorgeous doctor, Daniel Petros, seems to know everything about her and becomes Shannon's tour guide into a whole new world of
madness where reality television has taken over the planet and everyone's life appears to revolve around a tiny screen on their cell phones!
As Shannon struggles to navigate through the changes-both in the world and in her-she also must discern real memories from imagined ones. Did she really ever wear capris pants and entertain in her living room, or was that Laura Petrie from her favorite classic TV show? And where is her beloved dog, Freeway? Oh, wait! That was Jonathan and Jennifer Hart's dog, not hers. Shannon's three elderly aunts flit through her life in true Sleeping Beauty style with her well-being always a priority.
And Edmund's sister Millicent descends like the Evil Queen she is, trying to extract Shannon from any claim on the Ridgeway family fortune. When a tornado moves through town and Shannon is knocked unconscious, will Daniel's kiss awaken her once and for all?




If you would like to read the first chapter of Rise and Shine, go HERE.

Paige Turned by Erynn Mangum

Paige Turned is the third and final book in the Paige Alder series, and I think it's my favorite.

Paige is a cute and quirky character with an amazing sense of humor. She works as a mentor for a large church with an enormous youth group. For the most part things are going well, except for the fact that her boyfriend, Tyler, has been acting a bit weird. Did she do something? Well, other than being caught in an embrace with her ex-boyfriend-- but she explained that. What else can she do?

Her sister, Preslee, and best friend, Layla are both getting married, which lends some fun drama to the story--especially if you love all things Pinterest.

Erynn Mangum writes in a wonderfully humorous style, but manages to shine the light on some of the real problems that young singles face as they navigate the world of dating.

As the mom of two twenty somethings I could relate to Paige's parents hopes and prayers for those special someones their daughters will one day marry.

I feel a Father of the Bride marathon coming on...

For more information about Paige Turned and author Erynn Mangum please continue!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Paige Turned

TH1NK (April 1, 2014)

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

Despite her valiant efforts, Paige Alder seems stuck in chaos. Her new job as youth intern keeps her hopping from coffee shop to coffee shop all summer long, but at least she’s loving the one-on-one time she gets to spend with the girls. The unfortunate side-effect is that now, four weeks of laundry fills her apartment. Plus, she barely has time to help her sister and best friend with their weddings! And even worse? Something is definitely wrong between her and Tyler. She apologized for what he thought he saw happen with Luke. Can’t they move past it? Or could there be something he’s not telling her—something that could change everything?


If you'd like to read the first chapter of Paige Turned, go HERE.

The Amish Groom by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner

There are a lot of books in the Amish genre out there, and I have read quite a few--with great pleasure I might add. I would like to shine the light on a new series by Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner called The Men of Lancaster County. 

Tyler Anderson is conflicted. He was born Englisch and raised from the age six by his Amish grandparents. 

His mother had been a bit of an Amish "Holly Golightly". She ran away to experience the world, married Tyler's father, a military man, and then died of an aneurism. 

At 23, Tyler must decide to stay with the family who loves him and marry the only girl he's ever loved, or leave the Community to be with the family who may need him more. More importantly, what does God want him to do?

Starns Clark and Meissner work together beautifully and seamlessly to give The Amish Groom life and love. This book is a true delight and I look forward to more from this fantastic duo!

Please read on for more from Harvest House Publishers and the authors.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Amish Groom

Harvest House Publishers (April 1, 2014)

by

Mindy Starns Clark
and
Susan Meissner

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: 

  

Mindy Starns Clark Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of the inspirational Million Dollar Mysteries, the Smart Chick Mysteries, and three standalone mysteries, as well as the nonfiction books The House That Cleans Itself and A Pocket Guide to Amish Life. Her novels include A Penny for Your Thoughts, Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels, A Dime a Dozen, A Quarter for a Kiss, The Buck Stops Here, The Trouble with Tulip, Blind Dates Can Be Murder, Elementary, My Dear Watkins, Whispers of the Bayou, Shadows of Lancaster County, and Under the Cajun Moon, plus other books!

Mindy is also the author of numerous plays and musicals which have been performed all over the United States. She has written textbooks, articles, short stories, and more than 75 computer software manuals. A former singer and stand-up comedian, Mindy lives with her husband and two teenage daughters near Valley Forge, PA. She enjoys speaking to churches, civic groups, and libraries across the country. Her unique blend of humor and insight make her an audience favorite. 

Susan Meissner is a multi-published author, speaker, and writing workshop leader with a background in community journalism. Her novels include The Shape of Mercy, named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 100 Best Novels of 2008 and a Carol Award winner. She is a pastor’s wife and the mother of four young adults. When she's not writing, Susan writes small group curriculum for her San Diego church. Visit Susan at her website: www.susanmeissner.com, on Twitter at @SusanMeissner, or at www.facebook.com/susan.meissner.

ABOUT THE BOOK

New from bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner, The Amish Groom (Book 1 in The Men of Lancaster County series) explores the men of an Amish community in Lancaster County, how their Amish beliefs play out in their unique roles, and the women who change their lives.

Born to an ex-Amish mother and an Englisch father, 23-year-old Tyler Anderson was raised as a military kid until the age of 6, when his mom passed away. His dad, shipping off to yet another overseas post, placed Tyler in the care of his Amish grandparents, an arrangement that was supposed to be temporary. It lasted a lifetime.

Rachel Hoeck is the young woman waiting for Tyler’s proposal. She senses that though he loves her and wishes to make a commitment to her and his Amish beliefs, part of him still wonders whether an Amish lifestyle is truly for him.

When an opportunity to connect with his father unexpectedly arises, a visit to California causes Tyler to question everything, including a future with Rachel. Will the new girl in his life, Lark, cause him to remain in the Englisch world? Or will he choose to be an Amish groom after all?

A poignant novel of hoping for romance and searching for identity, set in a beloved Amish community.

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

 

  

A Promise in Pieces by Emily T. Wierenga

A Promise in Pieces is a novel to love.

It chronicles the life of Clara Wilson in brilliant style by using first person narrative and flashing back throughout her life as she relays her story to her family on a road trip to the National World War II museum in New Orleans.

Clara was the only child of Christian parents who were protective in the extreme. Little did they know that when they named Clara after the famous Clara Barton, that she would take commitment to service as seriously as her namesake, who founded the Red Cross. Against their wishes, Clara joins the Women's Army Corps as a nurse during World War II.

Clara's story is beautifully written and inspirational. What I loved about this character was her indomitable spirit. Even when things were grim, she kept helping broken people, whether soldiers, or later, mothers whose babies she delivered as a midwife.

The quilt was also an affirmation of life and love.

This is one you truly won't want to miss--and share with your loved ones.

Please continue for more about A Promise in Pieces.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Promise in Pieces

Abingdon Press (April 15, 2014)

by

Emily T. Wierenga


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


A Word from the Author:

I’m Emily, and I’m honored and humbled to meet you, friend.

We’re all stumbling along on this journey and you can approach me about anything okay? I’m an open book, with dog-eared pages and a worn cover.


I’m mama to two boys, ages two and four, and married to a farm-boy-turned-math-teacher. We live in a small Dutch hamlet with three churches, one Co-Op and no stop lights. There are a lot of fields out here, there’s a lot of space and sky for breathing and running and writing.


We foster two boys in addition to our own two, and before I had kids, I took care of my Mum who had brain cancer. She fought back and has recovered, all glory to God, and my pastor-father still holds her hand while they go for daily walks.


I battled anorexia nervosa as a child, and then again as a newly married woman, and I write a lot about body image now and have a passion for women to learn to love themselves.


My husband and I have battled infertility and are currently trying to adopt our third child through the local Alberta government.


I hurt for the church, and believe in it, and pray for it, as I’ve grown up inside its walls and have heard its groanings.


I have a heart for Africa, particularly Uganda, and went there in January on a bloggers’ trip with World Help.


My favorite things to do are read literary novels, play guitar, snowboard, paint with oil and acrylics and hug my babies.


I am the author of two books on eating disorders, a novel releasing this spring, and a memoir coming out this summer.


I hope you’ll connect with me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/emilytwierenga, or if you prefer, Twitter: @emily_wierenga. I’d love to have a virtual glass of wine, or cup of coffee, with you.


Peace to you friends,


e.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women’s Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier’s last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share.

Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she’s not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier’s baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.

Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child’s name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever
happened to Mattie—and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt—years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.


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

Lip Reading by Harry Kraus

Lip Reading is a high stakes medical novel that begins with the abduction of Becca Jackson, a brilliant doctor and medical researcher. The kidnapping happens while she is filming a promotional film in Nairobi, Kenya, to boost her pharmaceutical company's public image. She is also focussed on the creation of an artificial blood which would be a game changer in the pharmaceutical world.

Noah Linebrink is Becca's high school boyfriend. He is also working on producing an artificial blood, but for a rival company. Their relationship didn't end well, and it's not all water under the bridge. 

There are scars both emotional and physical that have kept them from moving on in the relationship department, but that's all going to change.

Author Harry Kraus is a surgeon who has lived in Africa and gives us a unique picture of the place, people, and poverty that exists, along with how western medicine can affect the culture in ways that we couldn't imagine.

I found myself wanting more of the African side of the story and less of the western thriller aspect of this novel, which could be tainted by the fact that my daughter is a bush pilot who flies into Nairobi and also works to help the Maasai people. 

I will definitely check out more by Harry Kraus who has written over fifteen books!

Please read on for more information about Lip Reading.

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Lip Reading

David C. Cook (March 1, 2014)

by

Harry Kraus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

A Word from Harry:

I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife's urging: "Now doesn't seem the right time for this dream."

My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I'd written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn't until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the "rules" without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I'd have made faster progress if I'd have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.

I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you'll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.

ABOUT THE BOOK

She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself

She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.

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

Dating, Dining, and Desperation (a Dear Daphne Novel)

I think that I could be perfectly happy if Daphne, aka Dear Daphne, stayed single, and remained 34 for the rest of her literary life. That way, I could enjoy the constant possibilities of new friendships, dates with potential Mr. Right's, and community events that take place in the wonderful, fictional town of Appleton. But rumor has it that there are only 2 novels left in the series and that a wedding bells will toll by the end (sigh)...

I digress. Book two finds our heroine with a new, somewhat bodacious friend, in Sabrina, who moves into the neighborhood, a fresh round of suitors, and love in the form of a needy child with a terminally ill grandmother. Opportunities for personal and home makeovers abound and I found myself thinking about some improvements of my own that might help get me through the remainder of this long, cold, winter.

And that is why I love fiction.

Thank you Melody Carlson for another delightful Dear Daphne novel. I look forward to more happy hours spent in Appleton with Daphne and her adventures!

Please read on for more information from the lovely people at B&H Publishing!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Dating, Dining, and Desperation

B&H Books (March 1, 2014)

by

Melody Carlson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column.

But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.