Love Starts With Elle by Rachel Hauck and signed giveaway

Artistic and a little bohemian, Elle Garvey loves life in small town Beaufort, South Carolina where she owns an art gallery. Engaged to Jeremiah Franklin, a pastor who oozes confidence and charisma, Elle is happy and in love. Willing to sacrifice her dreams to follow Jeremiah's call to a large church in Dallas, Elle heads to Texas only to find her fiancé's focus has switched from her to his new congregation.

Returning to Beaufort, Elle finds her heart confused and her home rented out to a NYC lawyer and his little girl, still grieving the loss of his wife. Heath McCord's pain and his uncertain yet passionate parenting appeal to Elle, as does his gentle encouragement to pursue her true passion ~ painting.

Can Elle follow her heart in love and life?

I love Rachel Hauck's books! Engaging characters, entertaining storylines and wonderful prose imprint each novel and make them exceptional. I am delighted to say Love Starts With Elle continues that trend. Elle Garvey, first introduced in Sweet Caroline, takes centre stage, a painter whose artistic talents are on hold as a result of a professor's harsh criticism years earlier. Jeremiah is a good man, overwhelmed by the demands of a large pastorate and Heath McCord is devoted dad, fearful of his ability to raise a little girl without her mum ~ Elle's emotions are torn. Rachel infuses each character with complexity, appealing characteristics and genuine weaknesses making Elle's journey authentic and captivating as she is brought to a crossroads in love, life and faith. Catch up on Caroline's life through emails with Elle and be strengthened in your faith through Miss Anna's love of God as Elle kneels with her in the prayer chapel. Simply put, Love Starts with Elle is a beautiful story that will engage your heart, soul and mind.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

Interview with Rachel

Visit Rachel's website and blog and check out the trailer for Love Starts with Elle

Buy Rachel's books at Amazon or Koorong

Open Giveaway

Thanks to the lovely Rachel Hauck, I have a signed copy of Love Starts with Elle to give away! To enter:~

1. Post a comment by midnight Saturday 23rd August, 2008

2. Rach and I both love the Olympics! Share with us your favourite Beijing moment so far and Rach and I will share ours too.

Don't forget to leave a way to contact you or you won't be entered.

CFBA Blog Tour of Merciless by Robin Parrish

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Merciless
(Bethany House - July 1, 2008)
by
Robin Parrish


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Parrish had two great ambitions in his life: to have a family, and to be a published novelist. In March of 2005, he proposed to his future wife the same week he signed his first book contract.

More than ten years he spent writing for various websites, including About.com, CMCentral.com, and Infuze Magazine, which is a unique intersection between art and faith which he also conceived of and created.

One of his more "high concept" ideas for Infuze was to return to his love for storytelling and create a serialized tale that would play out every two weeks, telling a complete, compelling story over the course of nine months. That serialized story eventually came to the attention of several publishers, who saw it as a potential debut novel for Robin Parrish.

In 2005, Bethany House Publishers brought Robin full circle by contracting him for the rights to not only that first book, Relentless -- but two sequels including Fearless and Merciless. A trilogy that unfolded in the consecutive summers of 2006, 2007, and this year, 2008. One massive tale -- of which that first, original story would form only the foundational first volume of the three -- spread across three books.

Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about pop culture for more than a decade. Currently he serves as Senior Editor at XZOOSIA.com, a community portal that fuses social networking with magazine-style features about entertainment and culture. He and his wife, Karen and son live in North Carolina.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The world as we know it has ENDED.
DEATH and CHAOS creep across the globe and only the POWERLESS can RISE UP to stop it.

But can anything stop the onslaught of the DARKWORLD

From the earth's depths crawls a figure with skin like granite, flames for eyes, and the face of Grant Borrows.
Oblivion has arrived.

Every clock around the world has stopped. Time has frozen.

The Secretum have fulfilled the prophecy, unleashing on earth the most powerful being to walk the earth in thousands of years. His name is Oblivion and his touch is death.

He can't be slowed.
He can't be stopped.
And he can't be killed.

But as long as any live who trust in hope and love and freedom, the fight is not over.

They have only one chance before he brings forth the Darkworld.

Oblivion is: Merciless

"Robin Parrish is the kind of writer who understands how to entertain from the word go. His stories are sure to shape fiction for years to come."
~TED DEKKER, author of ADAM

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

Rel: Sorry but my book didn't arrive so no review for you today but do check out other CFBA blogs for reviews!

Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker & open giveaway

Life stinks for Chloe Adams, thanks to her fiancee and modern technology. On the eve of her wedding she is dumped by text message and her life thrown in to turmoil. Humiliated and lost, Chloe wants nothing more than to run and hide from the fallout, returning gifts, cancelling the honeymoon......but Chloe's Aunt Tess will have none of it! Whisking Chloe away on her honeymoon trip with her best friend Becca, the girls enjoy a five day Mexican cruise but there isn't enough sun and surf to heal Chloe's shattered dreams.

Returning home, Chloe draws on the strength of her book club buddies as they encourage her to spread her wings and follow some of the adventures of the heroines they are reading about. Adventure and Chloe have always been like oil and water, but sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Laura Jensen Walker knows the hearts and minds of women and writes them like a dream. Chloe Adams epitomises those of us who treasure safety and security while admiring our spontaneous risk taking sisters. Watching Chloe's true self blossom throughout the story is a delight. While a little more lighthearted than Laura's fabulous Reconstructing Natalie, it is a overflowing with book, movie and music references which will have you seeking out your Jane Austen and Agatha Christie novels and giving your DVD player a workout. Filled with Laura's trademark humour, poignancy and hope, Daring Chloe is a must read. I have high hopes for the sequel, Turning the Paige, releasing in February, 2009.

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Miss Invisible and Reconstructing Natalie

Interview with Laura

Visit Laura's website

Buy Laura's books at Amazon and Koorong

Open giveaway

Thanks to Laura's generosity, I have a signed copy of Daring Chloe to give
away! To enter:~

1. Post a comment before midnight Friday 22nd August, 2008

2. Tell me your favourite Jane Austen book (or movie if you (gasp!)
haven't read her novels) and why

Be sure to leave contact details or you will not be entered in to the
draw!

The winners of Coming Unglued are....

The random number generator picked:~

Aussie winners are Rosalie, Leola, Naomi and Tracy

US winners are WindyCindy and Reading Robin

Congratulations to you all :) Please email me your address details within 7 days to claim your book.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week September 15-19

Amy at My Friend Amy has come up with a lovely idea ~ check it out :)

Book Bloggers: You work hard. You read books, you write reviews, you maintain relationships with your readers, publicists, and authors. You are constantly running to the post office to mail your giveaways and participating in carnivals to help boost traffic. You sometimes want to faint when you see the size of your TBR pile, but faithfully you read. And you do it because you love it. Book blogging is for most a hobby. But it's a hobby that takes a lot of work and time. It's a labor of love.


I've been blogging for three years but only really got into book blogging in the last year. I have found, without a doubt, that book bloggers are the kindest, most open minded, and supportive group of bloggers on the internet. With book blogging, it's about community and a love for the written word.

The Readers: We love you! You don't have a blog, but you read our reviews and share your thoughts with us. You enter our giveaways and click on our Amazon associates link. We do this for you and appreciate your readership. We hope you'll join in the fun and festivities of BBAW! (we'll have a special contest just for you!)

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Acknowledging the hard work of book bloggers and their growing impact on book marketing and their essential contribution to book buzz in general, I am excited to announce the first Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Think of it as a retreat for book bloggers and a chance for us to totally nerd out over books together. And of course, shower each other with love and appreciation.

Register: In order to experience the maximum impact of the week, I invite you to register your participation (just like a retreat)!
To register, just send an email to bookbloggerappreciationweekATgmailDOTcom with your blog url and what you consider your niche...i.e, general book blog, classics blog, personal blog with a healthy dose of books, YA books blog, etc. Then, add one of the two buttons at the bottom of this post to your sidebar. If you are a reader (no blog) just send an email announcing your plans to follow along.
Why bother? If you register, you will be added to a book blog directory which will exist long after this week is over. Additionally, you will receive one raffle entry into the daily giveaways during BBAW here at My Friend Amy.

Awards: Oh yes, there will be awards. The Oscars of Book Blogging. :) Nominations start next week.

Spread the Word: If you are excited about this idea like I am and the other book bloggers who are helping, please consider writing a post on your blog announcing this event and inviting other book bloggers and readers to join.

Help Wanted: If you have a talent for designing buttons (like those below) and would like to donate some of your time and skill to me, please email me personally at mypalamyATgmailDOTcom

THE BUTTONS

Sneak peek at Cry in the Night by Colleen Coble

Bree is back...but what is Colleen doing to her??????? Can't wait to find out :)





Cry in the Night by Colleen Coble

Bree Nichols gets the shock of her life when her husband--presumed dead--reappears.

Bree and her search and rescue dog Samson discover a crying infant in the densely forested woods outside Rock Harbor, Michigan. Against objections from her husband, Kade, who knows she'll become attached, Bree takes the baby in. Quickly she begins a search for the mother--presumably the woman reported missing just days earlier.





Releasing January, 2009 from Thomas Nelson

Sneak peek at Michal by Jill Eileen Smith

I love stories that bring the Bible alive! This one looks great :)

Michal by Jill Eileen Smith

As the daughter of King Saul, Michal lives a life of privilege--but one that is haunted by her father's unpredictable moods and by competition from her beautiful older sister. When Michal falls for young David, the harpist who plays to calm her father, she has no idea what romance, adventures, and heartache await her.

As readers enter the colorful and unpredictable worlds of King Saul and King David, they will be swept up in this exciting and romantic story. Against the backdrop of opulent palace life, raging war, and desert escapes, Jill Eileen Smith takes her readers on an emotional roller-coaster ride as Michal deals with love, loss, and personal transformation as one of the wives of David. A sweeping tale of passion and drama, readers will love this amazing story.

Releasing March, 2009 from Revell

CFBA Blog Tour of That's (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
That's (Not Exactly) Amore
FaithWords (August 14, 2008)
by
Tracey Bateman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracey Bateman published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Drama Queen Series, Catch A Rising Star (#1) and You Had Me At Goodbye (#2)

She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years.
She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.

Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current storylines.

She has been married to her husband Rusty for 18 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.


ABOUT THE BOOK


When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.

Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way Bravo!"
~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

If you would like to read the first chapter of That's (Not Exactly) Amore, go HERE

Rel:~ I am partway through this one and it is a lot of fun. I'll post my review soon :)

Sneak peek at Inside Story by Susan Page Davis

I really enjoyed Frasier Island and Finding Marie ~ Inside Story looks and sounds fantastic! Check it out:~

Following up on the adventures of men in uniform in Frasier Island and Finding Marie, Susan Page Davis offers readers another suspenseful novel of international diplomacy and romance.

Claudia Gillette, an upscale magazine correspondent, will go to any lengths for a good story. Bill White, a navy lieutenant, performs secret missions all over the world. Attraction sizzles between them, but these two can’t synchronize their globe–trotting watches long enough for a date. Claudia also has more than romance in mind...she wants the inside story on Bill’s exotic assignments.

When she goes over his head and obtains permission to join his outfit on a sensitive mission in the Philippines, Bill is both angry and afraid for her. Will her presence endanger his team? When things go badly, only faith in God can give them hope for tomorrow...but even if they both make it, what’s the inside scoop on Bill and Claudia having a future together?

Releasing January, 2009 from Harvest House

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Frasier Island and Finding Marie

Visit Susan's website

Preorder Inside Story from Amazon

Blog Tour with Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren

Stefanie Noble has faithfully remained at the Silver Buckle Ranch trying to keep her father's dream alive while her wild and angry brothers went in search of their destinies. Now Nick Noble is back, married to his beloved Piper and Rafe is reformed and very much in love. Only Stefanie's dreams and hopes remain unfulfilled.

Self seeking and arrogant would describe Lincoln Cash, Hollywood's hottest action hero, until he is brought to his knees by a secret he desperately tries to hide. Seeking refuge in Phillips, Montana, Lincoln hopes to transform a rundown ranch and launch a new film festival in his new backyard. But not everyone wants Phillips to become a mecca for Hollywood actors, including his neighbour Stefanie Noble, but arson just doesn't seem her style.

Someone wants payback, but for what and against whom?

Susan May Warren gets back in the saddle for this enthralling conclusion to her Noble Legacy Trilogy with Stefanie's story. Susie is one smart writer as she transforms the unlikeable Lincoln Cash from Taming Rafe into a man of substance, struggling with an affliction that could shelve his lifelong plans. With expert characterisation and engaging writing, Susie generates a real affinity between the reader and every character that graces her pages. The sub story surrounding runaways Gideon and his sisters with the compassionate preacher's daughter, Libby is terrific. Finding Stefanie is intriguing, suspenseful, romantic and spiritual and an essential addition to your collection.

But here's a secret of my own, just for Relz Reviewz readers..........Rafe is still my favourite Noble!!!

Grab your magnifying glass and join me on a Fact-o-Find!

Answer these questions about the bloggers on the tour and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to the movie theater of your choice (you know so you can see some of Cash's great movies *G*)! Email Amy your answers (amy@susanmaywarren.com)

Click here for all the blog tour links

Ready, get set, giddy-up!

1. Which blogger is adopting a girl from China?

2. This word 'featherbunkle' is found on which blog?

3. Which blogger is supporting the 'Pickens Plan'?

4. Which blog is "The Cutest Blog on the Block"?

5. Which blogger is a S@HM and also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, nursery director, and woman that is just trying to keep it all together?

6. Which blogger is taking the Southern Reading Challenge?

7. Which blog asks 'How may we serve you'?

8. Which blogger refers to her son as 'super good big guy'?

9. Which blogger is a self-proclaimed 'Starbucks Addict'?

10. Which blogger is a big Trekkie?

Relz Reviewz Extras

Read an excerpt of Finding Stefanie

Reviews of Reclaiming Nick and Taming Rafe

Interview with Susie

Visit Susie's website and enter her Find Stefanie contest

Check out Susie and Rachel Hauck's My Book Therapy blog

Buy Susie's books at Amazon, CBD or Koorong

The Moon and the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen ~ Tracy's Take

Barbara is a talented young woman, with a promising grand opera career ahead of her. Faced with a choice between singing and following her new husband, Harvey, to Siam (now Thailand), she chooses love and adventure. Barbara’s faith is challenged by the rigid dogmatic faith preached in the remote Mission at Nan. Whilst Harvey thrives in his work as a medical doctor, Barbara begins to resent the loss of her own dreams and passions. It is only after a time of pursuing worldly pleasures and a conversation with an old acquaintance that Barbara comes to understand that faith is not meant to be joyless and that her family are more important than selfish pursuits.

Pamela Binnings Ewen pens the gentle, yet enthralling true story of her grandparent’s life with beautiful prose. I was captivated by the tale, unable to put the book down until it was finished! At the heart of this tale is Barbara’s search for a meaningful life. I longed for her to have someone to come alongside and encourage her. My heart ached as her faith was crushed by people who cared more about their own idea of religion than the people they were supposed to be ministering to. Pamela details Barbara’s loss of faith and her search for something that will validate her life. Admirably, she does not shy away from writing of the separation between Harvey & Barbara, or that is was Barbara’s choice that led to it. The Moon and the Mango Tree reminded me that despite the circumstances in our lives and the wilderness we may find ourselves in that God calls gently for us to choose Him. It is only in a genuine, joyful and vibrant faith that we truly find meaning, even when the course of our lives may vary greatly from our initial dreams and plans.

Guest reviewer: my lovely friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence . Hasn't she done a great job?

Tracy will be reviewing books at Relz Reviewz from time to time so you get to enjoy more books sooner!

Look for her picket fence pic again soon :) Thanks Tracy - fabulous review!

Coming Unglued by Rebeca Seitz & Giveaway Galore

Coming Unglued is the second novel in Rebeca Seitz's series of scrap booking sisters, Tandy, Kendra, Meg and Joy. Adopted by loving parents, the diverse women are now searching for their place in the world. This is Kendra' story.

Kendra Sinclair is a successful artist whose ebullient personality hides a woman tormented by her childhood, the memories of her birth mother and the men she brought home.

Wooed by Darrin, a musician who hopes to create a new life with her, Kendra finds herself pursuing an emotional entanglement with another man - a man she has no right to be with. Driven by her desperate need for love and acceptance but feeling unworthy of such love from a "good" man, Kendra follows a path certain to crush her spirit, lose the respect of her sisters and destroy a man already scarred by his wife's betrayal.

Don't let the cute cover deceive you! Hidden in the pages and intertwined with humour, fun characters and sisterly love, is the very timely issue of a woman looking for love in all the wrong places for all the wrong reasons. Rebeca Seitz tackles the dangers of an emotional affair and the very ugly fallout with authenticity and painful clarity. Rebeca brings a uniqueness to her story with a woman as the betrayer rather than the betrayed and her characters' responses, ranging from anger and bitterness to forgiveness, have a genuineness that is refreshing. Kendra's vacillation between the two men despite being aware of her wrong behaviour is excruciatingly real as are the terrible emotional scars she bears from her childhood. I did get impatient halfway through the book waiting for the other shoe to drop for Kendra and for Tandy to stop being Bridezilla, but Rebeca's writing talent and stellar ending were worth the wait. Readers of Tandy's story in Sisters, Ink will be delighted with her ongoing tale and the hints at the stories of Joy and Meg still to come.

As seen at TitleTrakk.com

Relz Reviewz Extras

Reviews of Sisters, Ink and Prints Charming

Interview with Rebeca

Visit Rebeca's website and forum

Buy Rebeca's books at Amazon or Koorong

Giveaway Galore

Thanks to the wonderful people at B&H I have four copies of Coming Unglued to give away to my Aussie readers and two copies for my North American readers!

Here's the drill:~

1. Post a comment by Thursday 14th August, 2008 telling me your favourite craft activity (or if you are like me and aren't that way inclined, a craft you would like to be good at!)

2. Add a USA or AUS at the end of your post so I know your location

Book Buzz Tag - You're It!

Let's try something fun, created by Becky Miller over at A Christian Worldview of Fiction! I was tagged by Deena at A Peek at My Bookshelf


Here’s how it will work....

Becky has provided a list of her five MUST Read novels and five Keep Your Eyes on These Novels, then tagged five bloggers who she is asked to post her list on their site. They may then add one book to each list but must also subtract one book. Finally they should tag five other bloggers, link here at A Christian Worldview of Fiction, and comment to this post so visitors here know to check out how they may have changed the list. (Deena says: "I don't tend to play fair, so I'm adding my OWN category *grin*...you can play along or delete it...up to you").

If you aren’t tagged but want to play, copy the how to paragraph above, make your own list of MUST Reads and Keep Your Eyes on These, and tag away. It will be fun to see if we can generate some book wars … uh, I mean, discussions … good, healthy, respectful discussions! ;-)

NOTE: On my post, my selection is a different colour than the others, and a * means I have read the book and agree with it being on the list. If there is no * it means I haven't read the book! I've also linked my books to Amazon so you can check them out!

MY FIVE MUST READS:

Demon: a Memoir by Tosca Lee (NavPress)
A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman (Bethany House)
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck (NavPress)*
Riven by Jerry B. Jenkins (Tyndale)*
Zora & Nicky by Claudia Mair Burney (David C Cook)

MY FIVE NON-FICTION MUST READS:

Crazy Love by Francis Chan (David C. Cook)
The Beautiful Fight by Gary Thomas (Zondervan)
Wilderness Skills for Women by Marian Jordan (B&H)
Saturdays With Stella by Allison Pittman (Multnomah)
For Parents Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A Rice (Multnomah)

MY FIVE 'KEEP YOUR EYES ON THESE':

Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead (Thomas Nelson)*
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook)*
The Edge of Recall by Kristen Heitzmann (Bethany)*
Searching For Spice by Megan DiMaria (Tyndale)*
Shadow of Colossus by T L Higley (B&H Publishing)


MY FIVE BOOKS TO LOOK FOR SOON:

Shade by John Olson (B&H)*
Field of Blood by Eric Wilson (Thomas Nelson)*
Stepping into Sunlight by Sharon Hinck (Bethany)*
Faking Grace by Tamera Leigh (Multnomah)*
Home Another Way by Christa Parrish (Bethany)

MY TAGGED BLOGGERS:

Jen at So Many Books...So Little Time
Cee Cee at Book Splurge
Tracy at Beyond My Picket Fence
Ausjenny at Come Meet Ausjenny
CJ at CJ Darlington


Hopefully, they'll all have time to play along! Don't forget to leave me a comment to guide me to YOUR list, and visit Becky (the originator) to leave her a comment as well:-)

CFBA Blog Tour of All Through the Night by Davis Bunn

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
All Through The Night
(Bethany House - July 1, 2008)
by
Davis Bunn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Davis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than six million books in fifteen languages. His audiences spans reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings.

Honored with three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, his bestsellers include My Soul To Keep, and Full Circle . A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was named Novelist in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.

He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write.

ABOUT THE BOOK


A loner, trying to forget. A community--and a woman--who need for him to remember...
Broken relationships and unfulfilled promises scatter themselves across Wayne's past like burned-out craters. His background in military special-ops is something he's trying to forget. But when he gets himself sweet-talked into helping a quirky group of seniors who've been scammed, he discovers it will take a lot more than muscle and nerve. Breach a conman's high-security estate to recover stolen money? No problem. Become part of community? Love again? Not on your life.

A lawyer with her own painful past is intrigued by Wayne and asks him to take on another unusual case--Tatanya's wealthy employer believes he's been visited by...an angel? Did a messenger from God in a pinstripe suit truly bring a divine warning, or is this merely another cruel hoax? Tatanya is willing to trust Wayne with her boss's life, but she's not sure she's ready to trust him with her own wounded heart.

With a financial analyst's skills and a warrior's tenacity, Wayne races to unmask dangerous forces hiding behind a corporate veil. But he will need all his resources--and then some--against an unseen enemy bent on destroying his fragile bid for a second chance at life...and love.

All he wanted was to put his past behind him. But now it's the only thing that will save them...

If you would like to read the first chapter of All Through The Night, go HERE

Relz Reviewz Extras

I haven't received this book but can't wait to read it as I
really enjoy Davis' books. For more on Davis:~

Review of My Soul to Keep

Interview with Davis

Zora & Nicky by Claudia Mair Burney

Zora's preacher daddy has been blessed with wealth thanks to his faithful congregation response to his prosperity teaching. A far cry from his childhood roots in a poor black community he wants Zora to know he provides her every need. Yet there is an emptiness in Zora's heart that only one man can fill and despite attending church since birth, Zora can't seem to find him.

Nicky Parker's dad preaches the love of God and the supremacy of the white race all in one breath, while Nicky pursues a life of reckless relationships, satisfying his every desire without thought to the consequences. When he turns his life around, Nicky finds support and accountability with an eclectic group of Jesus followers whose love, compassion and empathy show him more of God's love than he has seen in a lifetime of being the son of a preacher.

Zora's appearance at Nicky's Bible study wreaks havoc on Nicky's newly acquired self control and Zora's commitment to remain pure until her marriage to Miles Zekora, the brotha handpicked by her daddy. A cauldron of bubbling internal emotions erupt as Zora and Nicky weigh the cost of a relationship that may have a price to high for them to pay.

Zora &Nicky is a tale of electrifying attraction between two lost souls desperately seeking God's mercy and grace while surrounded by bigotry, misunderstanding and the selfish agendas of their fathers. Claudia Mair Burney writes with such brutal honesty and authenticity that you will feel uncomfortable in places, weep in others and be thankful for the truly Godly, yet imperfect, people in your life. Alternating between the first person voices of Nicky and Zora, and expressing both with exceptional accuracy and clarity, Claudia took me on a journey filled with heartache and hope, pain and humour, magnetic attraction and abrasive interactions. While confronting this is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and the complexities of human relationships regardless of, and yet because of, faith, colour and environment.

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Murder, Mayhem and a Fine Man

Visit Mair's personal blog and her book blog

Buy Mair's books at Amazon or Koorong

New from Zondervan and Michael Snyder in 2009

The man who brought us Russell Fink and his unusual dog is back next year with another story sure to engage and delight! I just love the cover (tentative) - great to see something out of the ordinary....good bristles, too ;-)

Return Policy by Michael Snyder

In his second book, novelist Michael Snyder introduces us to three very unusual and distinct voices all torn by tragedy:

Willy Finneran, washed-up genre novelist with an espresso maker that just won’t die and a habit of avoiding conflict even if it means putting the truth on a sliding scale.

Ozena Webb, single mother and Javatek’s top customer service representative. She spends every evening playing board games with her twelve-year-old son who is mentally crippled from an early childhood accident.

Shaq, a small and scraggy homeless man with trauma-induced blank spots on his memory, trying to piece together the story of his life while assisting Father Joe at the Mercy Mission.

As their stories intersect, the narrative vacillates between hope and naïveté, comic relief and postmodern ennui. Startling in its authenticity, this unforgettable novel reveals that no matter how far one has strayed from hope, there is always a way to return.

Releasing from Zondervan May, 2009

Relz Reviewz Extras

Visit Michael's website and blog

Buy Michael's books at Amazon or Koorong

Her Unlikely Family by Missy Tippens

Synopsis:~

Take responsibility for his orphaned niece, yes. Raise her himself, no.

A good boarding school was what the girl needed, not an uncle who was never home. But then Michael Throckmorton's niece ran away. And the big-hearted, beautiful diner waitress who'd taken her in wasn't letting her go so easily. Josie Miller had a few conditions for Michael. Oddly enough, he was willing to listen. Yet days later, why wasn't he hauling the teen back to school and himself back to the city?

Could it be that an unlikely family was forming?

My take:~

Winning a copy of Missy Tippens' Her Unlikely Family was a treat! This gentle romance was a relaxing read with pithy dialogue, multi dimensional characters and an engaging storyline. Josie and Micheal's sparring was entertaining and his bumbling yet genuine attempts to connect with his niece, heartwarming. A sweet and satisfying read.

Available now from Steeple Hill

CFBA Blog Tour of Dogwood by Chris Fabry

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Dogwood
(Tyndale House Publishers - July 9, 2008)
by
Chris Fabry


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Chris Fabry has a variety of titles to his credit including At the Corner of Mundane and Grace, Spiritually Correct Bedtime Stories, Away with the Manger, The H.I.M. Book, and The 77 Habits of Highly Effective Christians. His latest work is a collaboration with Jerry B. Jenkins and Dr. Tim LaHaye.

Chris has recently completed the final book in the Left Behind The Kids series, available Fall 2004. Readers of all ages have followed the lives of Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and the others. Now read how their exciting stories culminate in book 40 of this beloved series. Dogwood is his first adult fiction.

Chris and his wife, Andrea, are the parents of nine children and make their home in Colorado. Chris has worked in Christian radio and now enjoys narrating audio books as well as writing. He believes his career as a husband and father is the real evidence of God's grace in his life.



ABOUT THE BOOK


In the small town of Dogwood, West Virginia, Karin has buried her shattered dreams by settling for a faithful husband whose emotional distance from her deep passions and conflicts leaves her isolated. Loaded with guilt, she tries to raise three small children and "do life" the best she can.

Will returns to Dogwood intent on pursuing the only woman he has ever loved--only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison. The secrets of Will and Karin's past begin to emerge through Danny Boyd, a young boy who wishes he hadn't survived the tragedy that knit those two together as well as tore them apart.

The trigger that will lay their pain bare and force them to face it rather than flee is the unlikely figure of Ruthie Bowles, a withered, wiry old woman who leads Karin so deep into her anger against God that it forces unexpected consequences.

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

Book Trailer for Robin Lee Hatcher's When Love Blooms

Robin Lee Hatcher's When Love Blooms now has its own trailer.

Releasing December, 2008 from Zondervan ~ enjoy :)

Book Cub with Karen Ball and What Lies Within

My book club met on Friday night to chat about Karen Ball's What Lies Within, the concluding story of her Family Honor Series.

At a comfortable 9.30pm for us Aussies, we called Karen at the unpleasant hour of 4.30am to talk with her about her book, editing, the publishing industry and her life! What a joy and privilege it was :) We decided she must be a little crazy, given she was so willing to get up at that hour to talk to us!

Karen is a compassionate and funny lady, whose love for her family, her passion for God and love of literature and the people who write it, is so evident in every word she spoke. She shared with us about the growth of Christian Fiction, the role of an editor, the joy of working with Francine Rivers, her faith journey and an insight into authors (including one Tamera Alexander - yes, I will take cash to keep my mouth shut, Tammy - LOL!!). Authors also can buy great hostess gifts - just ask Brandilyn Collins!

Karen has blogged about our chat too ~ what a sweetheart! Check it out here :)

Her Day Job....

Karen is acquiring some amazing books in her role at B&H. Be sure to check out these books:~

Coming Unglued by Rebeca Seitz (available now)

Shadow of Colossus by T L Higley (available now)

Forsaken by James David Jordan (available October, 2008)

Shade by John B Olson (available October, 2008)

Wind Dancer by Jamie Carie (available January, 2009)

Her Novels....

The only downside to Karen's day job is that we won't see a book from Karen herself until 2010 - sigh! I'm sure it will be worth the wait. All her books have a place on my bookshelves and have been read multiple times!

In the meantime do yourself a favour and read any or all of her amazing stories.


The Breaking Point

Gabe and Renee Roman are on the edge -- relationally and spiritually. Both consider themselves followers of Christ. But after years of struggling in their marriage, their greatest test comes in the most unexpected of forms: a blizzard in the Oregon mountains.

Their truck hurtles over the side of a mountain, and each encounters the realities of suffering, sacrifice, and service in Christ's name. It isn't until they surrender their last defenses that their surface understandings are torn away and all that's left is truth: only through obedience to God's call can they find true joy.



Shattered Justice ~ Family Honor #1

There’s no way sheriff’s deputy Dan Justice could have prepared for this. He spent a lifetime ensuring his actions and faith live up to the meaning of his name—Avidan: “God is just.” Then injustice invades his world, ripping away what matters most, forever robbing him of the life he once knew. Can his sisters and small-town community—especially one woman who loves Dan—help him overcome the horrors he’s facing? Or will bitterness and anger shatter him forever? What happens when justice fails the lawman?

Sanctuary, Oregon.

A town where the local diner owner makes you drink your milk—no matter how old you are. Where juvenile delinquency means blowing up outhouses. Where folks not only know their neighbors, but care about them. For widowed sheriff’s deputy Dan Justice, it’s a place where he and his kids can heal and grow.

Shelby Wilson loves Sanctuary and her work with troubled teens. Like Jayce Dalton. Sure, he’s as troubled as they come, but Shelby knows Dan is exactly what Jayce needs. She just didn’t expect that Dan might be what she’s always needed, too. But sleepy little Sanctuary has a dark side, steeped in pain and secrets. Secrets that could destroy everything Dan holds dear. Secrets that will one day have Dan groping through the fog toward a lifeless body—and faith-shattering grief.

Can Dan find sanctuary in the light of God’s justice?

Kaleidoscope Eyes ~ Family Honor #2

Annie Justice sees things differently. Her unconventional condition, synesthesia, helped make her one of the most sought-after stained-glass artists in the country. And teamed with her German shepherd, she’s just as successful in her work with the K-9 Search and Rescue Team, finding people seemingly hidden from others’ eyes. But no one knows her expertise for hiding the childhood insecurities that plague her—until Jed Curry comes along. Then the search for a missing child goes awry, and Jed must reveal his true identity. He’s prepared for Annie’s anger, but not the hurt. And neither of them is prepared for the real trial ahead—something far more sinister and dangerous than their search.

Can Jed and Annie overcome their unknown enemy—and the insecurities and secrets keeping them apart—before it’s too late?

Someone wants Annie to fail… either that, or he wants her dead.

Annie Justice has always been different, thanks to a rare condition allowing her to see things others do not. It’s a blessing and a curse. The blessing? Annie and her dog, Kodi, have become one of the most effective search-and-rescue teams ever. The curse? It’s kept her from the only thing she wants: to fit in. But she doesn’t. Not anywhere.

Jed Curry, a producer of hit reality TV shows, likes that Annie’s different. Different sells. Which is why he wants her on Everyday Heroes. But Annie has no interest in the show. Or the man. Then threatening e-mails kick off events that send Annie and Kodi—and the irritating Jed Curry—straight into the path of danger. Joined in a race against time and a cunning adversary, Annie and Jed struggle to work together. Because if they don’t, it could cost them—and a lost little girl in the Oregon wilderness—everything.

What Lies Within ~ Family Honor #3

Nothing’s going to stop Kyla… until the ground crumbles beneath her feet.

Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she’s called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend’s suggestion that she sell her business and marry him–and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.

Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars–and the nightmares–to prove it. Though he can’t fight overseas any longer, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived. Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won’t carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real–and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything…

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of What Lies Within

In depth interview with Karen (see photos of who she imagines her characters to look like)

Visit Karen's website and blog

Buy Karen's books at Amazon or Koorong