Blog Tour of The Election by Jerome Teel

http://www.jerometeel.com/

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1582295778

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is reviewing Jerome Teel's latest book, The Election.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR :

Jerome Teel is a graduate of Union University, where he received his JD, cum laude, from the Ole Miss School of Law. He is actively involved in his church, local charities, and youth sports.He has always loved legal-suspense novels and is a political junkie. Jerome and his wife, Jennifer, have three children-Brittney, Trey, and Matthew-and reside in Tennessee, where he practices law and is at work on a new novel.

The book: THE ELECTION

They seek ultimate power.Nothing can stand in theirway.Ed Burke has waited a lifetime to become president of the United States. He's not about to let his nemesis, Mac Foster, stop him now...especially when he's sold his soul for the Oval Office.Claudia Duval has lived a rough life. And finally, things have turned around for her after meeting the wealthy Hudson Kinney. But is all what is seems?When a prominent citizen is murdered in Jackson, Tennessee, attorney Jake Reed doesn't want to know the truth. He just wants to get his client off. But as he investigates, he uncovers a sinister scheme. A scheme that would undermine the very democracy of America...and the freedom of the entire world.

"The Election, by Jerome Teel, is a fast-paced, highly readable mystery filled with suspense, intrigue, and political conspiracy. Teel skillfully weaves together themes of faith, family, suffering, and providence in a way that not only compels, but enlightens."
David S. Dockery-President, Union University

The Redemption by M L Tyndall

4 stars

www.mltyndall.com

In keeping with the current interest in all things Pirate, thanks to Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow, Mary Lu Tyndall has crafted a great tale set in the Caribbean in 1665, amidst the cutthroat life on the sea.

Lady Charlisse Bristol escapes the clutches of her depraved Uncle in England and begins a voyage to find her missing father, Edward Bristol, believed to be living in Port Royal. Disaster strikes leaving Charlisse stranded on a deserted island with little hope of survival until she is rescued by the reformed pirate, Edmund Merrick, whose savage crew's wild ways terrify her. Edmund and Charlisse's attraction is tempered by Merrick's vow to bring Edward the Terror to justice as Charlisse struggles to believe her father is the most vicious pirate on the high seas and that God has any compassion for her.

Mary Lu has weaved high adventure, a tender yet intense romance with a spiritual message of God's supernatural power and made it sing! Edmund and Charlisse are fascinating characters, as much for their flaws and struggles as anything else. Mary Lu's portrayal of the pirate lifestyle does not hold back but makes for an authentic and entertaining read.

I will look for the sequel, The Reliance, releasing in January, 2007 with great anticipation!

Wounded Healer by Donna Fleisher

4 1/2 stars

www.donnafleisher.com

Donna's first novel is an exceptional blend of action and suspense, palpable emotions, devoted friendship and the faithfulness of God.

Christina McIntyre is a wounded soul, both from childhood secrets and her life as a soldier in Iraq. A fledgling friendship with fellow soldier, Erin Grayson, develops but is soon tested by tragedy in combat and Chris disappears to the mountains of Colorado, seeking the anonymity she prefers. Erin knows God has placed a burden for Chris on her heart and her faithfulness to that call puts her at odds with her protective husband, Scott. When Chris' life is shattered by another tragic loss, Erin brings a broken Chris into her home and and shows her what true compassion is.

Donna Fleisher's sensitive characterization draws you into the lives of Chris, Erin and the eclectic group of people in the Kimberley Street Community Centre where Erin works and lives. The relationships are genuine and full of the realities of what life is really about. A fantastic start to a compelling series. Check back for my reviews on Warrior's Heart and Valiant Hope to be posted soon.

Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren is one of my favourite authors so when I saw the cover of the first book of her new Noble Legacy series, Reclaiming Nick, releasing in early 2007, I couldn't help but post it here - and what a cover :)

If you love fascinating characters, fast paced suspense, romance and great humour, do yourself a favour and read her books. Here is a list for you and Susan's website:-

www.susanmaywarren.com

Mission: Russia

• In Sheep's Clothing
• Sands of Time (just released)

Team Hope

• Flee the Night
• Escape to Morning
• Expect the Sunrise

Heirs of Anton

• Ekaterina
• Nadia
• Marina
• Oksana

Deep Haven

• Happily Ever After
• Tying the Knot
• The Perfect Match

Chick-Lit

• Everything's Coming up Josey

Blog Tour for Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury

www.karenkingsbury.com

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931722854

About the Book:

A PEACEFUL TOWN...

AN IDYLLIC FAMILY...

A PHONE CALL THAT THREATENS THEM ALL.

Jack and Molly Campbell enjoyed an idyllic life (great house in a fancy neighborhood, high-paying job, and a beautiful little boy) in their small hometown outside Atlanta with their adopted 4-year-old, Joey. Then they receive the phone call that shatters their world: a social worker delivers the news that Joey's biological father has been released from prison and is ready to start lifeover with his son. (It's discovered that Joey's birth mother forged the signature of Joey's birth father, making it a fraudulent adoption.) When a judge rules that Joey must be returned to his father (a man who cannot separate love and violence), the Campbells, in a silent haze of grief and utter disbelief, watch their son pick a dandelion and blow the feathery seeds into the wind.Struggling with the dilemma of following the law, their hearts, and what they know to be morally right, the Campbells find that desperation leads to dangerous thoughts. What if they can devise a plan? Take Joey and simply disappear....LIKE DANDELION DUST.
Review by Mimi Pearson

Change is as good as a holiday!

As you can see I have changed my template as my old one wasn't up to the task!

Widows & Orphans by Susan Meissner

3 1/2 stars

www.susanmeissner.com

Widows & Orphans is a solid start to Susan Meissner's new Rachael Flynn mystery series. A number of Susan's previous books contain elements of suspense but this book revolves solely around a murder and the impact on those associated with the crime.

Rachael Flynn is a successful young lawyer living in New York with her illustrator husband, Trace, enjoying a break from the law due to the birth to her first child, McKenna. When her mother calls to tell Rachel that her brother Joshua has been arrested, she is not surprised as Josh has a longstanding history of aiding the oppressed since a spiritual epiphany as a child. When Rachel realises the charge against Josh is murder and that he has willingly confessed she is shattered and convinced he is lying to protect someone else.

Susan Meissner has created an atypical heroine in Rachael, a woman trying to balance the responsibilities of motherhood, her sense of justice and the needs of her uncooperative brother. Rachael's husband Trace and his eclectic group of friends are fascinating and their artistic skills play a unique role in Rachael's investigation, another way the author has striven for a different approach. Trace's best friend Fig is a quirky and fun character and provides a comic element which does not subtract from the serious subject matter of the book.

The suspense is skillfully maintained throughout the story with the conclusion unexpected yet satisfying. Susan also senstively deals with the issue of how God speaks to us and our response. I expect Susan Meissner's writing will get stronger with each story and I look forward to reading more about Rachael in Sticks & Stones, releasing in January, 2007.

Charles Martin..........coming soon

www.charlesmartinbooks.com


On Friday night my book club enjoyed a conference call with Charles Martin, author of the amazing When Crickets Cry, Wrapped in Rain, The Dead Don't Dance and most recently its sequel, Maggie. Check back soon for the full interview which was informative, inspiring and a lot of fun and my review of When Crickets Cry!

CFBA Review of Violette Between by Alison Strobel

http://alisonstrobel.com/

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1578567947

It's that time of the week! Time to do a blog tour!

This week's tour is Violette Between.

Between Here and the PAST,
THERE LIES A PLACE...a place of longing for what has been rather than hoping for what could be!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Alison Strobel graduated with a degree in elementary education, and in the summer of 2000 she moved from Chicago to southern California where she taught elementary school for three years. It was in Orange County that she met her husband, Daniel Morrow, and the story developed for her first novel, Worlds Collide.

Violette Between is a poinant story of a true artist. When the love of Violette's life, Saul suddenly died, she died too. Then she meets Christian, who also is morning the loss of a loved one.As Violette and Christian begin to feel something that they both thought was impossible. Tragedy strikes again. Christian finds Violette on the floor of his waiting room, that she had been painting to look like a New York rooftop restaurant.As Christian holds a vigil at her bedside, begging her to come back to him, Violette is in a coma, traveling to a place where she meets her beloved Saul. And she finds that she may not want to come back!What would it be like to choose a place between the past and the present?

Violette Between is a powerful character study of a woman finally relinquishing the past to move on, only to be thrust into the quandry of reliving that life and needing to make a choice.For Christians, this will definitely make you think about heaven and the consequences of eternal life.

"Delving into the underside of complicated relationships, Alison Strobel takes readers to unexpected places, but doesn't hesitate to deliver redemptiom when needed."---Melody Carlson, author of Finding Alice

And the winner is......................

Tracy! Your details have been sent to the publisher of Dark Hour so look in your letterbox soon!

Reconstructing Natalie by Laura Jensen Walker

5 Stars

www.laurajensenwalker.com

Reconstructing Natalie is one of the best novels I have read this year! Every woman should read this book and laugh out loud at the humour, cry through the suffering and pain and discover the joy of true friendship and sacrificial love. This book will give you all that and so much more.

Natalie Moore is diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of twenty seven and she knows her life will never be the same. What she doesn't know is how her family, friends and boyfriend will react to the news nor the scope of the battle ahead of her.

Laura Jensen Walker, a breast cancer survivor, enables you to walk alongside Natalie as she hears the shocking diagnosis, endures surgery and the debilitating rounds of chemotherapy and discovers that she is not defined by her illness or her breasts! Natalie is a genuine and courageous woman who you will make you laugh and cry and is a character you won't easily forget.

The book is thoughtprovoking, entertaining, educational and with a beautiful love story to boot, you couldn't ask for more! Buy this book to read again and share it with your friends!

Dark Hour - Day 2

As I am newly registered to CFBA, I haven't yet read Dark Hour but look for my review soon. I loved Chosen, Ginger's first Bible based novel, looking at the life of Esther. It is an exceptional book and I can highly recommend Ginger's attention to detail and historical accuracy. I rarely have the confidence to recommend a book I haven't read but Dark Hour is sure to enthrall you if Chosen is anything to go by.

Dark Hour by Ginger Garrett

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1576838692/

It is time for another Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Tour! This week's feature author is GINGER GARRETT and her novel, Dark Hour!
Guess what? The publicists for Ginger have agreed to a book contest for each CFBA member's blog post on Dark Hour! It is up to the member on how they judge which commenter wins the free book...so, comment and you might become a winner!
About the author:
Ginger Garrett is an acclaimed novelist and expert in ancient women's history.Her first novel, Chosen, was recognized as one of the best five novels of the year by the Christian publishing industry. Ginger enjoys a diverse reader base and creates conversation between cultures.
In addition to her 2006 and 2007 novels about the most evil women in biblical history, she will release Beauty Secrets of the Bible (published by Thomas Nelson) in Summer 2007.
Ginger Garrett's Dark Hour delves into the biblical account of Jezebel's daughter and her attempt to end the line of David.

And now, a special Q&A with Ginger Garrett:

1.) First, tell us a bit about Dark Hour.
I was praying about what book to write after Chosen, and accidentally left my open Bible on the kitchen table. (A dangerous thing, since in my house, small children and large dogs routinely scavenge with dirty hands and noses for snacks!) As I walked past it, I saw a caption about someone named Athaliah and a mass murder. I stopped cold. I knew it was my story.
Athaliah was the daughter of Jezebel--a real woman in history--who tried to destroy all the descendents of King David in a massacre. God made a promise that a descendent of King David would always sit on the throne, and one day a Messiah would come from this line. If Athaliah succeeded, she would break the promise between God and the people, and destroy all hope for a Messiah.One woman, her step-daughter, Jehoshebeth, defied her. She stole a baby during the massacre and hid him. Between them, the two women literally fought for the fate of the world.

2.) What drew you to write biblical fiction?
The similarities between the lives of ancient women and our lives. We get distracted by their "packaging," the way they dressed and lived, but at heart, our stories are parallel.

3.) How much time is spent researching the novel versus writing the novel?
Equal amounts, and I don't stop researching while I write. I have a historical expert, probably the best in the world in his field, review the manuscript and point out errors. The tough part is deciding when to ignore his advice. He pointed out that most everyone rode donkeys if they weren't in the military, but a key scene in the novel involves riding a horse to the rescue. It would have been anti-climatic to charge in on a donkey! :) So I ignored his advice on that one.

4.) Dark Hour takes its reader deep into the heart of palace intrigue and betrayals. Were parts of this book difficult to write?
I left out much of the darkest material I uncovered in research. It was important to show how violent and treacherous these times and this woman (Athaliah) could be, but I tried to be cautious about how to do it. The story was so powerful and hopeful--how one woman's courage in the face of evil saved the world--but the evil was depressing. I tried to move quickly past it. I wanted balance. Our heroine suffers and some wounds are not completely healed in her lifetime. That's true for us, too.

5.) What would modern readers find surprising about ancient women?
They had a powerful sense of the community of women. They also wore make-up: blush, glitter eyeshadow, lipstick, powder, and perfume! They drank beer with straws, and enjoyed "Fritos": ground grains, fried and salted. Many of our foods are the same today, but they loved to serve pate made from dried locusts, finely ground. Ugh!

Paid in Blood by Mel Odom

www.melodom.com

4 1/2 stars

Mel Odom's foray in to military suspense is riveting and appealing to both male and female readers. This first book in his NCIS series contains non-stop action, intriguing characters and great locales.

Commander Will Coburn heads a specialist NCIS team undertaking covert investigations in potentially lethal situations. Each member of his team brings with him or her specialist skills which uncover the evidence necessary to put terrorists and criminals behind bars. When NCIS agent, Chief Petty Officer Helen Swafford, is found murdered, Will's team is plunged into a global terrorist plot which could jeopardize the security of the United States and its allies. As evidence in the North Carolina crime scene is gathered the team is led to South Korea and confrontations with Colombian drug lords and Russian mobsters.

Mel Odom's attention to detail makes this book a thrill to read. The plot is tight with unseen twists and the characters are fascinating, not only for their occupational skills, but for their complicated personal lives that have shaped the way they view the world. I hope Tyndale's decision to limit the series to two books changes as there is scope for plenty more action and character growth from this NCIS team!

CFBA Bloggers!

Hi, I am a new member and looking forward to being part of CFBA :)

Reviews to come.......

Paid in Blood by Mel Odom
The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist
Reconstructing Natalie by Laura Jensen Walker

One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

4 stars

www.karenkingsbury.com

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York reverberated around the world and on that the afternoon of that same day, God placed a story in author, Karen Kingsbury's heart. She went on to write that story in honour of those lost on that fateful day.
Jaime Bryan is happily married to her firefighter husband Jake and living in New York with their young daughter, Sierra. The only concern for Jake is that Jaime doesn't share his faith and for Jaime, the fear that when Jake heads off to work, he may not return. Jaime faces that fear as the Twin Towers collapse, with the knowledge that Jake would have been leading the rescue effort. When an injured man is pulled alive from the destruction, Jaime and Jake's colleagues are ecstatic that Jake has survived and despite his failure to remember his name, the explosion or his wife, they know he will heal and pray his memories will be restored.
Jaime puts aside her disinterest in spiritual matters, believing if Jake can rediscover what was most important to him - his faith in God - then his complete healing would be not be far away. Reading aloud to Jake from his well worn Bible, Jaime starts her own journey towards discovering the joys of God's faithfulness.
Despite the premise of the book being somewhat far-fetched, the book is beautifully written and provides a glimpse of the dedication and sacrifice made by the rescue crews who ran into those burning buildings without hesitation and the heartache of the families whose lives were changed forever.

Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury

4 1/2 stars

www.karenkingsbury.com

In this riveting sequel to One Tuesday Morning , Karen Kingsbury delves further into the raw issues of tragedy, loss and grief and the difficult process of moving on with life. On 11th September, 2001 firefighterJake Bryan was in one of the twin towers as part of the rescue mission, when it collapsed. Three years have passed since the tragic circumstances that almost destroyed Jaime Bryan and their young daughter, Sierra, yet propelled her into the arms of her Heavenly Father, a prayer Jake had throughout their marriage. Jaime is now a volunteer at St Paul's Chapel at Ground Zero, a place to reflect and remember, a place for family and friends to seek comfort in light of their loss. Her faith has grown but Jaime is afraid of moving on and puts aside her own grief to comfort those seeking healing by visiting St Paul's.

A shock assault at a train station is thwarted by a visiting Los Angeles police officer who is immediately attracted to Jaime but senses her fragility and the grief she tries to hide. For Jaime, the thought of loving another man fills her with confusion and guilt and she is unsure how to deal with feelings she never thought she would experience again. Just as she opens her heart to this man her world is once again shattered by news so devastating she questions her ability to go on.

Karen Kingsbury's writing engenders empathy and emotion and this book is no exception. Her characters experience feelings and thoughts that are genuine and compelling. Her spiritual perspective is woven seamlessly into the story and as you read the last page you feel uplifted and encouraged.

The Witness by Dee Henderson

4 Stars
www.deehenderson.com

I have been awaiting the release of Dee Henderson's THE WITNESS with much anticipation, having been enthralled by both her O'Malley and Uncommon Heroes series. This release, through a new publisher Tyndale, is the first for Henderson in three years and my expectations were high. While this book is quite different to her previous series, many elements remain the same and I was not disappointed.
The story revolves around three sisters, two of whom discover the mixed blessing of inheriting millions, together with shocking secrets about their father that are publicly unveiled. Amanda Griffin, the oldest sibling, is believed dead by her sisters after witnessing a murder and going into hiding eight years ago. However, the man who wants Amy dead now sees her sisters as a way to lure her out of hiding. Fortunately, Amanda has a chance encounter with the compassionate and meticulous Police Chief Luke Granger and his dedicated homicide detectives, Connor Black and Caleb Marsh. The lives of these detectives quickly become entwined with the three Griffin women and the mystery and trouble surrounding them. When will they discover the threat that consumes them may overshadow a danger they never expected.
Henderson has penned another first-rate suspense novel which draws the reader into the story completely from the first page. She releases clues with a deft hand, subtly enticing the reader into the tension of the mystery and the emotions of the characters. Although the reader's connection with the characters is not as strong as in her previous books, her character development remains a highlight of her work, portraying genuine people being tested to their limits - emotionally, physically and spiritually. Her minor characters are also well developed and add to the power of the story rather than being a distraction.
Dee does not shy away from tragedy and explores the impact of injustice, fear and grief experienced by the Griffin women and their protectors. The developing romances in the story are engaging and add depth and joy to the story in true Dee Henderson style. This is a stand-alone title however there is clearly scope for a sequel in the future.

Even Now by Karen Kingsbury

4 Stars

www.karenkingsbury.com

Karen Kingsbury's latest release Even Now is a journey through shattered dreams into the balm of forgiveness. Emily Anderson is a first year University student, raised by her maternal grandparents, determined to discover the truth behind her mother's disappearance shortly after her birth and to find the father she has never known. The discovery of her mother's journals opens the window to the lives of her parents and the connection and heartache experienced by the young couple, Shane and Lauren. The two are deeply in love yet slowly torn apart by their own mistakes and the interference of well intentioned parents who are also seeking to protect their image and own desires. Their intervention separates Shane and Lauren and brings about eighteen years of anger and guilt which may never be overcome. Each character has been scarred in various ways by past hurts and loss as the author delves into the issues of betrayal, divided friendships and the damage wrought by selfish desires disguised as best intentions. Karen Kingsbury's words enthrall from the beginning and evoke emotions as you journey with the characters through their struggles to reconcile the circumstances of their lives and the love and peace God offers. The book is written from the perspective of the three main characters which enables the reader to more fully appreciate their individual journeys and the hurdles they must overcome should they choose to forgive and seek reconciliation. As always Karen Kingsbury reminds the reader of the constancy of God's love and compassion in the midst of both tragedy and triumph.