Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate

Daily, Texas is a world away from the the glitz of Hollywood but when reality TV show American Megastar spawns a home town finalist, Hollywood heads for Daily in the form of associate producer, Mandalay Florentino.

Mandalay's job is on a knife edge and she hopes young Amber Anderson will save her skin. Determined to protect Amber from the prying eyes of other networks while planning a secret reunion concert, Amber doesn't count on Daily's small town ability to unearth every secret a city girl has.

Heading up the Daily grapevine is Imagene Doll, a feisty senior citizen who thrives on small town gossip all the while using her Southern charm to glean information and then there is handsome cowboy Carter, with charms of a completely different kind!

Lisa Wingate has drawn on her Southern roots in this contemporary tale of a reality TV producer, an innocent hopeful and small Texas town. Chapters alternate between the first person voices of Mandalay and Imagene providing their unique perspectives on the unfolding events. While this sometimes makes for choppy reading, it certainly adds humour and expands the readers' experience. The quirks and compassion of a small country town people are juxtaposed against the goldfish bowl environment of the Hollywood scene. Lisa taps into the current fascination with reality TV and the lure of overnight fame and shows the impact a person of faith and integrity can have in a sometimes shallow world. Talk of the Town is just the ticket for those looking for a light hearted and humourous read.

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

The winner of Let Them Eat Cake is...

Jen ~ congratulations!

I've got your details - LOL

Here are some giveaways coming soon:~

Restorer's Journey by Sharon Hinck

Blood Evidence by Mel Odom

When Zeffie Got a Clue by Peggy Darty

Special FIRST Post ~ Only Uni by Camy Tang!

It is March 15th, but no need to worry about the Ides of March when we have a special blog tour for one of our FIRST members! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) Normally, on the FIRST day of every month we feature an author and his/her latest book's FIRST chapter! As this is a special tour, we are featuring it on a special day!

The special feature author is:

CAMY TANG

and her book:

Only Uni

Zondervan (March 2008)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Camy Tang is a member of FIRST and is a loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick-lit. She grew up in Hawaii, but now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious poi-dog. In a previous life she was a biologist researcher, but these days she is surgically attached to her computer, writing full-time. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service.

Sushi for One? (Sushi Series, Book One) was her first novel. Her second, Only Uni (Sushi Series, Book Two) is now available. The next book in the series, Single Sashimi (Sushi Series, Book Three) will be coming out in September 2008!

Visit her at her website.

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Chapter One

Trish Sakai walked through the door and the entire room hushed.

Well, not exactly pin-drop hushed. More like a handful of the several dozen people in her aunty’s enormous living room paused their conversations to glance her way. Maybe Trish had simply expected them to laugh and point.

She shouldn’t have worn white. She’d chosen the Bebe dress from her closet in a rebellious mood, which abandoned her at her aunt’s doorstep. Maybe because the explosion of red, orange, or gold outfits made her head swim.

At least the expert cut of her dress made her rather average figure curvier and more slender at the same time. She loved how well-tailored clothes ensured she didn’t have to work as hard to look good.

Trish kicked off her sandals, and they promptly disappeared in the sea of shoes filling the foyer. She swatted away a flimsy paper dragon drooping from the doorframe and smoothed down her skirt. She snatched her hand back and wrung her fingers behind her.

No, that’ll make your hips look huge.

She clenched her hands in front.

Sure, show all the relatives that you’re nervous.

She clasped them loosely at her waist and tried to adopt a regal expression.

“Trish, you okay? You look constipated.”

Her cousin Bobby snickered while she sneered at him. “Oh, you’re so funny I could puke.”

“May as well do it now before Grandma gets here.”

“She’s not here yet?” Oops, that came out sounding a little too relieved. She cleared her throat and modulated her voice to less-than-ecstatic levels. “When’s she coming?”

“Uncle picked her up, but he called Aunty and said Grandma forgot something, so he had to go back.”

Thank goodness for little favors. “Is Lex here?”

“By the food.”

Where else would she be? Last week, her cousin Lex had mentioned that her knee surgeon let her go back to playing volleyball three nights a week and coaching the other two nights, so her metabolism had revved up again. She would be eating like a horse.

Sometimes Trish could just kill her.

Taken from Only Uni, Copyright © 2008 by Camy Tang. Used by permission of Zondervan.


For the rest of Chapter 1, click here.

For my review and giveaway, here and for my interview with Camy, here ~ enjoy!

The winners of Elvis Takes a Back Seat are:~

Naomi, izitjo, ad and Tracy ~ congratulations!

I am still awaiting the books from the US but will forward them to you as soon as they arrive :) In the meantime, please send me your snail mail so I am ready to go.

Thanks to all who entered!

Coming soon from M L Tyndall!

LOVE MaryLu Tyndall's books and I know this one will be no different! Here's a look at the cover (not yet final) and yes, I have changed it from the one with the cap if you wonder if you were seeing things the first time (thanks MaryLu!) and synopsis from Barbour

The intrigue and passion of The Falcon and the Sparrow will leave you breathless.

Follow the trail of Dominique Dawson, a reluctant spy who is forced to betray England or never see her brother again. As she takes a position as the governess of a Rear Admiral's son, her real mission is to gather intelligence information for Napoleon. Chase Randal, irresistibly drawn to his son's new governess, reluctantly allows the attraction to grow.

Is there a future for the spy and the rear admiral?

Or will Dominique's deception crush any prospect of a lasting happiness?

Releasing August, 2008

Only Uni by Camy Tang & Giveaway

Trish Sakai's reputation for foolish and flirtatious behaviour firmly places her under the watchful eyes of her female cousins, Lex, Venus and Jenn, who are ready to pounce. Finally Trish begins to realise that her wild ways are not bringing her joy and determines to curb her behaviour by complying with her First and Second Corinthian rules:~

1. Stop looking at every man as potential date material;
2. Share her faith with others at every opportunity; and
3. Rely only on God during times of hardship.

Trish just hadn't counted on how hard it would be to change her ways, rebuff handsome young men especially when she receives unexpected and life changing news.

Camy Tang has done it again! Only Uni is a brilliant story of one woman attempting to turn her life around and struggling with the effort and failures she must overcome. Trish was the most unlovable character in Sushi for One?, selfish and conceited, yet Camy has deftly changed the reader's perception of Trish by revealing her vulnerabilities without watering down her more strident qualities. The men vying for her attention, Kazuo and co-worker Spenser, are fully drawn and their appeal to Trish, despite their differences, authentically described. Camy's stories have a bit of everything, wit, humour, depth, girlfriends, faith, conflict, romance and difficult relatives! The consequences of Trish's actions provide a serious and pertinent message that is sensitively handled. If Camy continues her current trend of improving with each story, Venus' story, Single Sashimi, releasing in September from Zondervan, will be unmissable.

I have a giveaway of this great book, open to ALL my readers. To enter:~

1. Post by midnight Thursday 20th March, 2008; and

2. Tell me your favourite female character from a novel and why!!!

Interview with Camy Tang

Camy Tang is a wonderful writer and just as lovely a person! She has a fabulous blog and her Sushi Series ~ Sushi for One? and recently released, Only Uni are entertaining and thought provoking. Single Sashimi releases in September, 2008 from Zondervan.

Check out my reviews by clicking on the links below:~ Sushi for One? Only Uni

And here is the lady herself:~

Writing

Why Christian fiction?

I felt called to write fiction for Christians. I know that might sound cheesy, but it’s true. I love reading fiction and I love writing fiction even more. When I finally gave my writing up to God, he confirmed that He wants me writing fiction, and more, that He wants me writing for Christians (as opposed to non-Christians in mainstream fiction).

It is quite a jump from biologist to romance author! How/why did you make the transition?

I was a writer first, but God asked me to lay my writing down—completely. Literally. It was a huge fight, but eventually I shoved my manuscript under the bed (where it still resides, because it’s complete dross) and stopped writing fiction. I went into biology work because I really enjoyed it in college.

Then a few years later, God gave me the green light to pick up my writing again. It seemed a little strange for a biologist to suddenly decide to write fiction (again), but I hadn’t expected a chance like this after I’d given my writing up to Him, and I wasn’t about to argue!

Writing is obviously in your blood - was there a particular person who encouraged you to nurture your gift?

My Mom was a high school English teacher, and she totally encouraged me to do it. She even let me monopolize our old Apple IIe computer and dot matrix printer! (Remember those? The sound would drive her nuts when I was printing out something.) She was my first reader, where she obliterated all my excess commas.

What writing project are you working on now?

I’m working on a few proposals for new novels. One involves a dog, so I’m very excited! I figure, all those painful months of trying to train my butt-headed dog Snickers have GOT to pay off eventually!

You are a bit of a pioneer in the CBA, with your main characters being Asian. How do you feel about that?

I didn’t originally write Asian characters, but in studying the market, I realized that the CBA didn’t have many Asian American (as opposed to Asians from Asia) characters. I started to think about taking a step like that, and then I got a very clear word from God for me to “write my heritage.” I didn’t get any clearer than that! I’ll keep doing it until He tells me not to.

Sushi Series

Please tell us the inspiration behind your unique series?

It was a bunch of different things, but mainly it was from talking with friends about our relatives. Everyone I know, whether Asian or not, had a relative who would nag them about being single and getting married. I took all their stories and impressions and molded them into Grandma Sakai, the worst kind of nagger I could come up with. The four cousins evolved from there.

We meet each of the characters from your subsequent stories in Sushi for One? Can you describe each of the cousins in one word?

Lex—jock
Trish—flirt
Venus—cactus
Jenn—doormat

Only Uni, Trish’s story, is your latest release. You tackle difficult subject matter yet inject a lot of humour, cultural details and matters of the heart and faith ~ how do you find the balance?

I originally set out to just write a funny, entertaining story. But in creating Trish’s character, I realized that she has more depth than just a flirty biologist (I had the same thinking when creating her cousins). The deeper issues came out of the complexity of traits I gave to Trish, and so while most of the story is funny, there were moments when she had to deal with her issues with herself and with God, and so the humor took a backseat.

How do you go about choosing names for your characters?

I completely SUCK at coming up with names. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I used friends’ suggestions and a random draw of books from my bookshelf.

Any ideas who you might cast in a movie of Only Uni?

There’s an Asian American actress in the TV show Chuck who’s perfect for Trish—Julia Ling. She’s sassy and funny and the right age, and she just looks like Trish to me, although with less makeup than she has in her character on Chuck.

What impact do you hope this book has upon the reader?

I am really hoping that readers will be encouraged to call on God even for the little things that happen to them, and not just the big things. We try so hard to do things on our own—even though we might have good intentions—when all God wants is for us to rely more on Him and look to Him for our identity, our righteousness, and our sense of being loved.

Can you give us a sneak peek at Venus’ story, Single Sashimi?

Sure! Here’s the blurb:

Drake Yu. Why would Drake call her after … what, five years? Six?
Venus heard in his voice that resonance that was almost a growl, that titanium-hard determination to get what he wanted. And he usually got what he wanted. The voice said: “I want you to work for me.”

Not this time… If it was a choice between Drake and McDonald’s—she’d choose french fries. She’d never work for him again. It would take an act of God.

Venus Chau is determined to start her own game development company and launch the next Super Mario-sized phenomenon. However, she needs an investor to back her idea. When Drake Yu, an old nemesis, approaches Venus with a contracting opportunity at his sister’s startup, the offer to become Chief Operating Officer tempts Venus to think the unthinkable.

Venus would rather throw away her PS3 than work for Drake again … except Grandma bribes Venus to do this favor for Drake’s wealthy family with a coveted introduction to the most respected investor in the game industry. It’s also a short job—only a few months—so Venus won’t have to stand Drake’s presence for very long.

But one wild youth group, a two-faced assistant, and Grandma’s determined match-making threaten to make them both fail—or go insane. With the encouragement of her three cousins, Lex, Trish, and Jennifer, Venus discovers that even a wounded heart can undergo a beautiful transformation …

Personal

You are quite a Jane Austen fan! Favourite novel, please?

Persuasion! There’s something I just admire about Anne Elliot—her strength, consciousness, and the sadness of her regret. And it’s got to be one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever read!

What are you reading at the moment?

A SOLDIER’S FAMILY by Cheryl Wyatt, and A WOMAN AND HER EMOTIONS by Gayle Roper

Favourite movie and favourite line from a movie?

Pride and Prejudice, the BBC version (well, it’s technically a miniseries and not a movie)

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

Colin Firth or Matthew MacFadyen as Mr Darcy?

Colin! Although I liked Matthew in MI6.


Colin Firth or Richard Armitage?!

RICHARD!!!! Rel: Our secret crush on Richard is out, Camy! For everyone else, pick up a copy of Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South (BBC miniseries) and you will know what we mean! He is also in the current BBC version of Robin Hood as Guy of Gisborne!)

Who inspires you?

Debbie Macomber. She spends time in her Bible every morning before starting her work. She doesn’t often get critical acclaim for her novels, but she doesn’t let it get her down—she keeps putting out wonderful stories that millions of people enjoy.

Please tell us a little about your family (including Snickers!)

My husband is called Captain Caffeine on my blog, because he is an espresso connoisseur. When I got my first contract, I promised him anything he wanted—and he chose this expensive, stainless-steel espresso maker imported all the way from Italy. Since then, he makes a latte (or sometimes just espresso) every morning. He’s getting to be quite a good barista. Our other family member is our mutt Snickers, whom we adopted from the Humane Society. She’s a complete and utter butthead, but we love her because she’s so darn cute.

Please share some of your faith journey...

I was very lucky because I had a babysitter who was Christian, and she took me and my brother to Sunday School when we were younger. However, the church was very small and there weren’t anyone my own age—everyone was much older. So I knew about Jesus, but I didn’t really give my life to Him until I went to college, where I met Christians my own age who really lived out their faith and had a relationship with God that I didn’t have. Now I wonder how I ever took so long to surrender to Jesus. I’ve worked for eleven years in my church youth group, and I try to help them to live in Christ early in their lives, in a way I did not.

Some essential Aussie questions

When/if you make the trip Down Under what do you want to see first:~

YOU! Rel: Aren't you a sweetheart!!!


A platypus or a koala?

Koala! They’re so cute!

Barrier Reef or Uluru (Ayers Rock)?

I’ve never heard of Uluru, so I’d probably want to see that.

A cricket match or a game of Aussie Rules Footy?

What in the world is Aussie Rules Footy? I’m almost afraid to ask. Rel: Look to the left - none of the girly padding your gridiron boys wear - LOL!!!

Any last words?

Thanks so much for the interview! I do want to let people know that I have a website contest going on right now, giving away FIVE boxes of Christian fiction! Plus it’s open to international readers! The contest is exclusively for my newsletter YahooGroup subscribers, so join today: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Camys_Loft/join

Thanks for having me here!

Camy

Thanks Camy ~ a delight to have you :)

Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck

Tied to her small country town and her innate need to help others, Caroline Sweeney is finally on the brink of making a career choice that puts her own desires front and centre ~ a dream job in Barcelona, Spain. That is until the late Jones McDermott bequeaths her with the rundown Frogmore Cafe with a stipulation that Caroline keep the Cafe running or sell it to benefit charity.

Caroline's tender heart could no more turf the Frogmore's loyal employees and patrons out on their ear than she could poke a stick in her eye!

As Sheriff J. D Rand comes calling, Caroline soon finds other things to dream about than Barcelona but when Mitch O'Neal, the man who broke her young heart, returns from Nashville, more appealing than ever, Caroline must finally make a choice to follow her own destiny.

I love Rachel Hauck! Her stories overflow with humour, passion, delight and the beauty of faith. The writing beckons, engages and entreats the reader to walk with Caroline as she balances love and loyalty and searches her soul. The characterisation is supreme, from Caroline's giving heart, J D Rand's desire and Mitch's new found beliefs, each one complex and realistic. Rachel unashamedly, yet with subtlety and truth, reveals God's hand at work in unique and unexpected ways as Caroline struggles to believe in God and herself. Sweet Caroline has Rachel Hauck's stamp of integrity, depth and beauty and should not be missed.

As a bonus the reader is introduced to Elle from Rachel's next book, Love Starts with Elle ~ can't wait!


Read my review of Diva Nash Vegas, here

CFBA Blog Tour of Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sweet Caroline(Thomas Nelson February 12, 2008
by
Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism. As a member of Phi Mu sorority, I partied my way though the last few years of college.

But, the truth is, and always will be, I belong to Jesus. At the age of six, I knelt at the altar of a Tulsa Methodist church and gave my life to the One who loves me.

After graduation, hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. And I did it without a laptop, a cell phone, an IPod or portable DVD player. Those were hard times.

But, I traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine. But, life on the road is difficult. Working twelve to fourteen hour days, one doesn't get to see many of the sites. In Ireland, our company's distributor drove me around at night so I could see something of Dublin.

I met Tony, my husband, in '87, at church, of all places. We got married in '92. Tony has been a pastor for twenty years. I've worked with him in eighteen of those twenty. Our heart is to see teens and adults passionate, radical and whole hearted for Jesus.

Tony and I don't have any children of our own, lots of kids-in-the-Lord and we love them all. However, we do have a very spoiled dog, and an even more spoiled cat.

I've always wanted to be a writer. My dad used to tell me, "You're a writer." I have letters he wrote me post college, exhorting me to write. In this, I believe he had the heart of God.

In '93, I started an epic WW2 novel with two plots. It was well rejected. After that ordeal, I took a break and put efforts into my job as a software project manager. But, I missed writing and in late ' 99, I took up the craft again.

With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in ' 04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. I love writing chick lit and romance. I love writing. What an honor.

Rachel has several other books that have been received with great praise, including Diva Nash Vegas and Lost In Nash Vegas

You can purchase copies of Rachel's books, signed personally for you,
at this site: Signed by the Author.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a Southern waitress inherits the Lowcountry cafe where she works, she suddenly has to balance more than just her next food order.

Caroline Sweeney has always done the right thing--the responsible, dependable thing--unlike her mother who abandoned her family. But when her best friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Barcelona, Spain, Caroline says "yes" to destiny.

Then, without warning, ownership of the run-down cafe where she's been waitressing falls right into Caroline's lap. While she's trying to determine the cafe's future, handsome Deputy Sherriff J.D. Rand captures Caroline's heart.

But when her first love, Mitch O'Neal, comes back to town, fresh from the heat of his newly-found fame as a country music singer in Nashville, Caroline must make some hard choices about love and the pursuit of the sweet life.

Read my review, here! I loved this one :)

Coming in 2008 from Zondervan

Check out these fabulous Zondervan books for both cover art and content ~ can't wait! Click on the title and author links for more :)


Now and Always by Lori Copeland

Katie Addison’s big heart shows in her caring deeds: opening her home to abused women. Rehabilitating injured horses. Helping Warren Tate mend his broken heart. It’s only Sheriff Ben O'Keefe who can’t seem to get Katie’s attention. When mysterious events turn Katie to Ben for help, is this the chance he’s been waiting for?

Publisher's Description:

Very few things distract Katie Addison when she’s on a mission, whether it’s opening her home to abused women, rehabilitating injured horses, or helping tall, gorgeous Warren Tate mend his broken heart. But when financial difficulties pile up for her, Katie hesitantly admits she herself may need help. Since his fiancé left him, Warren is done with women—especially independent women, which he’d guess describes Katie Addison to a tee. Reluctantly he agrees to help Katie with her financial troubles. But when his budget doesn’t include Katie’s daily lattes, Warren realizes he may have a challenging client on his hands. Meanwhile, Sheriff Ben O'Keefe can’t seem to get Katie’s attention. Everyone in town knows he has had a longstanding crush on her. But to Katie, Ben is just Ben. When mysterious events turn Katie to him for help, is it the chance Ben has been waiting for?

Releasing June, 2008




Wagered Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher

Bethany Silverton can’t resist the challenge of charming a rough cowboy. But when she makes an innocent wager, unexpected results could turn a little flirtation into a lifetime of love. A sheltered preacher’s daughter stakes her heart on love in this action-filled romance in the wild west of 1880s Montana.

Publisher's Description:

When Bethany Silverton left the genteel life of Miss Henderson’s School for Young Ladies back in Philadelphia for the raw frontier town of Sweetwater, Montana, she had no idea how much she would enjoy the freedom and danger of this wild country. A conservative preacher’s daughter, Bethany can’t resist the challenge of charming the most attractive cowboy in town into attending her father’s new church. She never dreamed that the cowboy would charm the lady. But Hawk Chandler isn’t the only man vying for Bethany’s affections. Ruthlessly ambitious Vince Richards thinks Bethany is perfect for him: attractive, gracious, just the woman to help him become governor. And he is determined to get what he wants at any cost. Drawn to one man, an obsession of another, Bethany’s quiet life is thrown into turmoil. She wagered her heart on love. Now she has gotten more than she bargained for—and the stakes are about to become life and death.

Releasing June, 2008




Conspiracy in Kiev by Noel Hynd

A shrewd investigator and an expert marksman, Special Agent Alexandra LaDuca can handle any case the FBI gives her. Or can she? Connecting the dots between an assassination attempt in Ukraine, a murder in Paris, and a brutal attack on a remote village in South America takes Alex on a dangerous puzzle-solving, soul-searching journey that changes her forever.

Publisher's Description:

This action-packed thriller introduces Special Agent Alexandra LaDuca—she knows how to handle a gun, likes her skirts short, can turn heads, and can fight hand-to-hand or instep-to-jaw when necessary. Alex has risen to the top of her field by being aggressive, relentless, and thorough. She’s fluent in five languages, stubborn as a bulldog and not above a personal vendetta. But her innate sense of justice and the basic principles of her Christian upbringing have always been enough to help her face any challenge. Until now. Temporarily on loan to an enforcement agency of the Department of the Treasury, Alex is tapped to be an undercover agent during a visit to Kiev by the new U.S. President. Her assignment: to keep personal watch on Yuri Federov, the most charming and most notorious gangster in the region. Against her better judgment—and fighting a feeling that she’s being manipulated by someone—she leaves for Ukraine. But there are more parts to this dangerous mission than anyone suspects, and connecting the dots takes Alex across three continents and through some life-altering discoveries about herself, her work, her faith, and her future.

Releasing October, 2008

Tour with The Next Level by David Gregory and Aussie Giveaway

I have just started this little gem of a book and am looking forward to Logan's journey. Read more below:~

Business degree in hand, Logan enters the immense Universal Systems building and is hired as an organizational analyst – a trouble-shooter. His job: evaluate the company’s five divisions, each on a separate level and each operating on startlingly unique principles. Which set of principles is successful? Why is most of the company’s profit generated by one tiny division? What is real profit, anyway? And who is the enigmatic executive that Logan ends up reporting to?

Logan engages in a life-changing pursuit for The Next Level—a fascinating parable that will help readers answer some of life’s most perplexing, vital questions. Joining Logan in evaluating each level’s approach, readers will be inspired to consider the big picture of their own life from an entirely different perspective – one that holds the key to life’s ultimate purpose. No matter where you are now, get ready to embark on your own passionate pursuit of The Next Level.

David Gregory is the author of the best-selling books Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and A Day with a Perfect Stranger, and coauthor of two nonfiction books. After a ten-year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communications, earning graduate degrees from The University of North Texas and Dallas Theological Seminary. A native Texan, David now lives in Oregon devotes himself to writing full time.

I have two copies of this book to give away. Please enter the draw by posting a comment before midnight on Wednesday 19th March, 2008. You must have an Australian mailing address to be eligible.

CFBA Blog Tour of The Perfect Life by Robin Lee Hatcher

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Perfect Life
Thomas Nelson (February 5, 2008)
by
Robin Lee Hatcher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon.

She also likes to blog. Go leave her a comment at Write Thinking!


ABOUT THE BOOK:


Katherine Clarkson has the perfect life. Married to Brad, a loving and handsome husband, respected in their church and the community. Two grown daughters on the verge of starting families of their own. A thriving ministry. Good friends. A comfortable life.

She has it all--until the day a reporter appears with shocking allegations. Splashed across the local news are accusations of Brad's financial impropriety at his foundation and worse, an affair with a former employee. Without warning, Katherine's marriage is shattered and her family torn apart. The reassuring words she's spoken to many brokenhearted women over the years offer little comfort now.

Her world spinning, Katherine wonders if she can find the truth in the chaos that consumes her. How can she survive the loss of what she thought was the perfect life?

I love Robin's books so am looking forward to reading this one. Check back for my review :)

Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd & Aussie Giveaway

Tired of disappointing her parents with her inability to retain a job and the subsequent interference by family with inappropriate career advice, Lexi Stuart finally lands a job of her dreams. Well, it will be once she gets past the entry level! Sadly for Lexi no one is going to view her new role as counter help at a French Bakery as career advancement.

Ever the optimist, Lexi hopes that her mastery of the French language and love of cooking will soon see her move beyond the counter into a managerial position especially when the owner of L’Esperance, the attractive and very French, Luc, begins to appreciate the innovations she makes to the bakery.

Yet all her hopes seem lost when, in a fit of pique, Lexi finally loses her cool with everyone’s disapproval and let’s fly with Marie Antoinette’s infamous quote, “Let them eat cake!” in the middle of the crowded bakery, directing her frustration at a valuable L’Esperence client. It seems like her future is toast!

Let Them Eat Cake is as fresh and crisp as a buttery croissant! Sandra Byrd entertains with the likeable Lexi and her search for fulfilment in faith, career and love. Lexi’s desire to please her family while knowing their hopes will not bring her happiness or satisfaction in life is frustrating her no end. As she slowly builds the courage to be true to herself and rejoice in the talents God has given her, Lexi’s journey is sure to resonate with many a reader. Filled to the brim with delectable descriptions of French food, Lexi’s own recipes and interesting characters, Let Them Eat Cake is a fun and mouth watering read. The intermittent illustrated business cards, letters and even a job application form are delightfully unique and add fun and interest to the tale. I am looking forward to Lexi’s ongoing journey in Bon Appetit, releasing in September, 2008.

Available now from Waterbrook Multnomah.

To enter the draw for a copy of this book:~

1. Have an Aussie postal address;

2. Post by midnight on Sunday 16th March, 2008; and

3. Tell me your favourite kind of cake!

The winners are...

Stuck in the Middle ~ Danielle

A Sister's Test ~ Happy Little Momma

Congratulations! Please email me your snail mail to relzreviewz @ gmail . com

Sorry for the delay in these announcements but my hubby's 40th birthday got in the way!!!!

Betrayed by Jeanette Windle

Sisters, Vicki and Holly Andrews couldn’t be more different in personality, life choices and career. Vicki champions underprivileged children all over the world while the glamorous Holly advocates for animals and the environment.

When Vicki’s latest assignment sees the sisters reconnect in Guatemala, a tragedy reminiscent of their fractured childhood occurs, leaving Vicki alone and afraid yet determined to uncover the evil lurking in the jungle and find justice for her sister.

I devoured Jeanette Windle’s engrossing thrillers set in South America, Crossfire, Firestorm and The DMZ so eagerly anticipated the release of Betrayed from Tyndale House. I was not disappointed.

Jeanette again returns to South America, a world she knows so well from her childhood and later as a missionary. Guatemala comes alive as Jeanette’s skilful hand describes the pitiful “garbage people”, the immense beauty of the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere and the political minefields that plague this developing nation. The characters are diverse and well developed, complex in both personality and motivation. Intrigue, danger and a subtle and unexpected romance are seamlessly interwoven with a message of God’s love and faithfulness in the face of unimaginable human suffering.

Betrayed has confirmed I will read any book with J. M. Windle written on the spine!

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson ~ Tim's Take

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a fantasy book written by the author Andrew Peterson, the first book in the Wingfeather series.

Janner, a twelve-year-old boy, his brother Tink and their sister Leeli, live in the small, quiet town of Glipwood under the rule of the vicious Fangs of Dang, a serpent like race from across the Dark Sea. Life is hard for the three Igiby children, especially when a particularly evil fang by the name of Slarb takes a special interest in their misery.

The Igiby three are tested to the greatest of their ability to survive the cruelty of the fangs, especially avoiding the dreaded Black Carriage. Before they know it they have been cast into a quest, with not only their lives at stake containing a dark figure in an alleyway, jewels from a distant land, a few old books and a man with socks on his hands, all the while, trying to discover the secret to their dead father.

It was fascinating and almost haunting reading about how the Igibys faced their problems. It was so lifelike how Janner felt burdened with his two younger siblings, as well as the many other personalities of various other characters, like the well-read Oskar or the war hardened Podo. It could easily be happening somewhere in the world right now, minus, of course, some of the creatures and setting.

This is a well written story promoting many good family values. Peterson's good sense of humour has come through, making the book intriguing as well as funny. It has been a pleasure to read and I can't wait for the second book.

Guest Reviewer:~ my nephew, Tim

CFBA Blog Tour of Truffles by the Sea by Julie Carobini

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Truffles by the Sea
Bethany House (February 1, 2008)
by
Julie Carobini

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julie Carobini is an award-winning writer whose stories often spotlight her family, the sea, and God's timely work in the lives of those around her. She lives with her husband, Dan, and their three children in Ventura Beach, California.

She also likes to blog! Go leave her a comment at Waves of Grace.


Julie left you all a special message:

To celebrate my upcoming CFBA tour March 5-7, I'll be giving away a copy of Truffles by the Sea AND and a 1/2 lb. box of yummy truffles to three CFBA tour readers.

All they need to do is drop by my blog http://juliecarobini.blogspot.com/ during the tour and leave a comment and a way to contact them if they win!


ABOUT THE BOOK:

If you read, Julie's first book, Chocolate Beach, then you might remember Gaby as Bri’s dramatic, lovesick best friend. Unfortunately, things get worse—much worse—for her before they get…well, best not to give it away.

Sometimes all a girl has left is chocolate...

Gaby Flores has a penchant for drama and an unfortunate knack for dating Mr. So Wrong. After breaking off yet another relationship, watching her apartment building burn to the ground, and discovering that her dippy delivery guy has run off with most of her business, Gaby decides it’s time to turn things around.

So she moves to a tiny waterfront loft and takes on a new motto: “Be gullible no more!” With help from her friends, she works to rebuild her flower shop—and her life. But when legal troubles and quirky neighbors and two surprising romances enter her beachy world, Gaby’s motto and fledgling faith are put to the test.

Can a young woman prone to disaster in both work and love finally find happily ever after?

"Truffles by the Sea is delightful! Julie Carobini has a new fan in this reader, and she's earned a spot on my keeper shelf." --Kay James, RomanceReaderatHeart.com

"This book is a delight to read, and the author has us rooting for Gaby from page one. This girl's never-say-die attitude is incredible, and her life is filled with all kinds of foibles. This is chick lit with heart – about so much more than finding a man.... While keeping the light chick lit tone, this book satisfied while avoiding the tired old formulas. Just when I’m ready to give up on the genre, I stumble across an author who can write without relying on stereotypes." --Cara Putman, writerinterrupted.com

"I liked Julie Carobini's first novel, Chocolate Beach, but her sophomore release, Truffles By The Sea, greatly surpasses it. I thoroughly enjoyed Carobini's second book and felt her writing was much stronger throughout. The characters are deeper and yet funnier – a great combination.... It's a great read for a cold winter day – you can curl up with the book, a nice fire and pretend you're the one by the sea." --Jill Hart, RadiantLit.com

I haven't had the chance to review Julie's latest but I am looking forward to reading it and will review it with a giveaway copy soon!

Taming Rafe By Susan May Warren & Blog Tour

You know when you want a book that is fun yet moving, romantic but not sappy, pure entertainment yet with a striking message? Taming Rafe is the book and Susan May Warren, the author!

Rafe Noble's high flying career as a champion bull rider looks to be over. Tragedy, anger and frustration have boiled over into disaster and Rafe is left with no choice but to skulk on back to the Noble ranch, run by the man who epitomises their surname, Rafe's big brother, Nick Noble.

Chasing down Rafe is Katherine Breckenridge, a woman born with a silver spoon yet a disturbing ability to fail at the one thing she should do best ~ fundraising for her mother's charity foundation. But this time, she has someone else to blame - the man who literally crashed her party - Rafe Noble.

Taming Rafe is Susie May Warren at her best! Rafe is completely engaging from his career flirting with danger to his vulnerable need to measure up in the eyes of his brother and sister and the hope of the man he could be if he lets go and lets God. Kat too, while beautiful and wealthy, exudes compassion, honest failings and a desire to do what's right. Rafe and Kat's journey is punctuated with snippets from a book written by a man, baring his heart to the woman he loves ~ a story within the story. From Susie's action packed descriptions of bull riding, beautiful scenery and unique characterisation, Taming Rafe is a ride worth hanging on for!

Some great blog tour extras:~

Susie's website (well worth a look!)

Taming Rafe's 1st Chapter (warning: you will be hooked!)

Buy the book (come on, you know you want to!)

Reclaiming Nick & Taming Rafe book trailers (lots of fun!)

A great contest from Susie :)

Finally, my review of Reclaiming Nick.