Resurrection in the first novel I have read by Mike Duran. I look forward to his writing more such novels. The authors website: http://mikeduran.com/
In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
We read in scriptures about the sick being healed and the lame walking, and even Lazarus rising from the dead. We may wish for a friends not to have died, or even one more conversation with them. However, we might be freak out alittle as this book shows, if they sit up in their casket at the funeral especially after we laid hands on them. A great read to show God at work, and realizing the strength of our simple prayers in fighting evil. A great Christian read in the style of great science fiction. A good read. Like I stated give me more like this one.
Not only is it a good read, you get a bonus, it is simply Christian. One Christians can read and face their own lives and faith, a real plus, and a new look at what you say you believe. An maybe, an eye opener to what happens when your prayers are answered, it may just be more then you can handle. An answer may make you rethink all you know and believe.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/161638204X
Check out other reviews:
Noah Arsenault Brandon Barr Red Bissell Book Reviews By Molly Keanan Brand Kathy Brasby Grace Bridges Beckie Burnham Melissa Carswell Jeff Chapman Christian Fiction Book Reviews Carol Bruce Collett Valerie Comer Karri Compton Wanda Costinak Amy Cruson CSFF Blog Tour Janey DeMeo Cynthia DyerTori Greene Nikole Hahn Katie Hart Joleen Howell Bruce Hennigan Becky Jesse Cris Jesse Jason Joyner Carol Keen Emily LaVigne Shannon McNear Matt Mikalatos Rebecca LuElla Miller Mirtika Joan Nienhuis Nissa John W. Otte Gavin Patchett Sarah Sawyer Andrea Schultz Tammy Shelnut Kathleen Smith Donna Swanson Jessica Thomas Steve Trower Fred Warren Dona Watson Phyllis Wheeler Nicole White Dave WilsonLabels: Christian, science fiction
Angel Sister, a new novel by Ann H. Gabhart. Available February 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Angel Sister meets a abandoned child on the step of a local church where her grandfather is pastor. She takes the child home because she is hungry and knows she will find food to give her, even though it is 1936 and families across the country are struggling to keep food on the table. The child names Kate Merritt Angel Sister, because her mother has instructed her to stay and wait for an angel to find her.
The child settles in to her new family, only to find other people in the congregation have made other arrangements. Kate assumes the role of protector and is determined to remain a loyal sister to this abandoned child. Whose name Lorena Birdsong her mother has instructed her to say everyday so she remembers who she is, and she sings and swirls as this becomes a daily ritual with her. This makes her an unforgettable character.
The family who embraced her as her own, Kate, her parents and sisters, learn to sing their own names, as each of us can to remind us of who we all in difficult circumstances.
I received a complimentary copy from the publishers.
Labels: Christian, fiction
The God Haters by Bill Myers. Published by Howard Books. A 2010 Christian novel compels you into a computer AI game predicting the results of free will. The characters' believes are played out in scenarios within the game, and face the implications.
The main charater hides his lostness by his denial of God. His soul was wounded by the loss of his only son. One of the strongest connections for this reader was the revelation of the characters in the game are in the image of this lost son.
I received a complimentary review copy from the author.
Labels: Christian, fiction
The House on Malcolm Street, by Leisha Kelly
Kelly's 2010 book published by Revell is a historical novel addressing the grieving process. A young mother looses her husband in an accident leaving her destitute with a daughter to raise alone. With no place else to go Leah Breckenridge accepts an invitation by her late husband's aunt to come stay with her.
Josiah another boarder knows her husband from childhood. He lost his wife in an accident and blames himself for her death. Josiah works for the railroad and Leah has nightmares about trains. The aunt encourages Leah and Josiah to share their grief with each other. Only wanting to hide their pain, they fight the relationship.
The aunt a widow of long standing is in love with the man next door. He respect his father and his father's request not to hurt his standing in the Jewish community by his relationship with this Gentile woman. He struggles with his responsibility to his father and his standing in the Jewish community and his love for the Christian woman next door.
The story is about healing. Showing the process of building a different life when all you hoped for is destroyed. A story of standing where your heart aches and you find the nightmares wake you in the night. Leah learns the reason for nightmare that have plagued her since childhood and allows healing to come.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Please check out the authors website: http://www.leishakelly.com. and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group to see more about this book of comfort and loss.
Labels: Christian, historical novel
The book, Raven's Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet is at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074673
Check it out.
While you are at it, take a look at the author's website: http://lookingcloser.org/category/journal/
In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Raven's Ladder is the third book in The Auralia Thread. Overstreet is writing the fourth and final volume to the series, now. The first two volumes are Auralia's Colors and Cyndere's Midnight. The books tells of a dark world with no colors, and the child who knows the Keeper and the child fills the world with color. In this third book, she has grown older and colors are revealed through another child by Auralia creation. King Cal-Raven seeks a place to move his kingdom and his people after their dwellings are destroyed.
The author is aware of the flaws of this book, he refers to them himself, in the story. He asks if we have the patience to hear a story who has too much description and wanders off it course. I have to say I did not always have that much patience, I got bogged now in the lack of story and the inability of the Raven to act. Yet, it added to his point of discouragement.
The author states, "Raven's Ladder is about preserving a vision of hope through doubt, disappointment, distration and disaster." One thing this author does which all fantasy readers look for is he created a world filled with characters, and to walk in this world with the many characters is the books charm.
Sometimes you wonder if the author is making social commentary which is too thinly disquised. I found if I laid the book now, I was in no hurry to pick it up, so it never grabbed me, and made me read to the end. I struggle with getting through this book. I felt it lack a thread to hold it all together, and sometimes you don't need three modifiers for a noun.
Check out these other reviews:
Brandon Barr Rachel Briard (BooksForLife)
Keanan Brand Beckie Burnham Melissa Carswell Valerie Comer CSFF Blog Tour Stacey Dale D. G. D. Davidson Shane Deal Jeff Draper April Erwin Ryan Heart Becky Jesse Cris Jesse Jason Joyner Julie Krystine Kercher Dawn King Rebecca LuElla Miller Nissa John W. Otte Donita K. Paul Crista Richey Chawna Schroeder Andrea Schultz James Somers Robert Treskillard Steve Trower Fred Warren Phyllis Wheeler KM WilsherLabels: author, book review, Christian, fantasy
Too Close To Home, by Lynette Eason, published by Revell, a division of Baker Book House. Lynette Eason is the author of three romantic suspense novels, and a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master's degree in education from Converse College.
A main character, Samantha Cash is a computer nerd and the FBI's secret weapon. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help the local police chief Connor Wolfe find the killer. And he has two problems with that. There's her faith--in God and herself. And then there's the fact that she looks exactly like his late wife.
As they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor's 16-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective.
A book for you and your teen, read it together or read it first and hand it on. With the threat of predators on the internet this book is a must read for you to keep your child safe. Understanding anyone can approach your child on the net, especially if they have a computer in their room, where they spend time unmonitored. For your teen, it shows how a "friend", may be someone with an intent to harm.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Too Close To Home, is Book One, of the Women of Justice series.
Labels: author, book review, Christian, detective
Dreams That Won’t Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams (an Essence bestselling author)the final book in her popular Jubilant Soul series: Dreams That Won’t Let Go is Book three. The story features the Burns family, made popular in the previous books in the Jubilant Soul series, and introduces brother Reuben who moves home after years of separation. The Burns family experience heartaches, face life-changing choices and learn how far faith can carry them through it all.
In Dreams That Won’t Let Go, everything seems to be going along perfectly for Indigo Burns: Her wedding preparations to the man of her dreams are under way and her career as a photographer is a success. Even her family seems to be doing better than ever—all except her brother Reuben who no one has seen in years. But that's about to change, because Reuben has decided to move back home to Jubilant, bringing with him all his unspoken secrets and upsetting all of Indigo’s best-laid plans.
As the family struggles to deal with the pain of the past and find healing, Dreams That Won’t Let Go illustrates that despite what has happened in our lives, there is always a second chance where love conquers all.
Stacy Hawkins Adams is a writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the author of several novels, including the Essence bestseller The Someday List and Worth a Thousand Words. All of Stacy's novels have been bestsellers in Black Expressions Book Club.
Received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
A strong reason to read this book is to read strong female characters and careers to match. One hesistation, I have about the book is about marrying a spouse who is struggling with their faith and where the story talks about not being unequally yoked. I suggest further thought and study until you understand the deeper issues involved. It will give you a place to study and see this in a fuller context then the novel allows you to do. One point that encourages my own faith is realizing the Lord has other people out there working on the same problems when we are thinking we have to fix these ourselves. A gentle reminder God sees and knows far more and has been working on what we think is hopeless for along time, and holds the solution in His hand, if we will open our hearts and see.
This is a story of grandparents raising grandchildren. The parents died in an auto accident when children were young. The love masked by the hurt of loss and hidden from one another until an unhealthy silence causes nightmares. The book shows how to be honest about the pain of a promise not kept.
Labels: author, book, Christian
Unsigned Hype
Revell Publishing Group has released Booker T. Mattison 2009 novel UNSIGNED HYPE, a young teen book. Tory Tyson, who is called Terror Tory in the book is an gifted music maker. Mixmaster Magic hosts a contest and spots Tory's talent. Taking Tory into an environment his Christian mother would prefer he not go. She finds a mentor for her son who adds lots of understanding, wisdom and a male role model, which expands Tory's ambitions into areas more fitting to the youth, and elevates his life beyond just the fame and wealth he acquires by his own mixes.
It offers alot of simple sense and Christian values for the youthful reader. It also gave me a look at a type of music I know little about, a definite bonus for the book. Easy read.
Labels: author, book, Christian
TUCK, by Stephen R. Lawhead
TUCK is Book 3, the conclusion to the King Raven Trilogy. The first two in the series being HOOD and SCARLET.
Book 3, teaches you how history is changed with the telling and how legends grow up around events changing places and people's names. He leaves us with a new way of seeing and interpreting history. As a storyteller, it will add dimensions to your tales rooted in folklorn. A glimpse of adapting every story you tell to your present audience. Enjoy.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1595540873
Stephen R. Lawhead’s Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/
Check out other reviews on TUCK, by Stephen R. Lawhead.
Brandon Barr Jim Black Keanan Brand Rachel Briard Grace Bridges Valerie Comer Amy Cruson CSFF Blog Tour Stacey Dale D. G. D. Davidson Jeff Draper April Erwin Karina Fabian Alex Field Beth Goddard Todd Michael Greene Ryan Heart Timothy Hicks Christopher Hopper Joleen Howell Becky Jesse Cris Jesse Jason Joyner Kait Carol Keen Krystine Kercher Dawn King Terri Main Margaret Melissa Meeks Rebecca LuElla Miller Caleb Newell Eve Nielsen Nissa John W. Otte John Ottinger Epic Rat Steve Rice Crista Richey Hanna Sandvig Chawna Schroeder James Somers Robert Treskillard Rachel Starr Thomson Steve Trower Speculative Faith Fred Warren Phyllis Wheeler Jill WilliamsonLabels: author, book, Christian
A Passion Denied, by Julie Lessman
Book Three of The Daughters of Boston series. Book One is the story of Faith and the hurt from the loss of the man she loves by her sister, until she wins out in the end. Book Two is the story of Charity, the second sister, and her struggles with her honesty and her natural flirtation and her role in God's plan for her. Book Three is a book staring the the third sister, Elizabeth, who is coming of age in this story, and the heart-ache caused by falling in love with her mentor, and he stills see her as a child.
The two older sister's help the younger in her plot to win the heart of John Brady. One prays and the other schemes. The book also plays out the early days of the two sisters marriages and the pleasures and happiness in their marriages. Charity pregnant, and Faith still barren after three years of marriage.
The love interest, John Brady, fears his past. His self-doubts stop him from allowing his passions to lead him to love. He does not trust his own deep desires.
Revell sypnosis of the book is as follows: Has she fallen in love with a man who cannot love her back?
Elizabeth O'Connor has been like the little sister John Brady always wanted, sharing his love of literature and his thirst for God. But in the throes of the reckless Roaring Twenties, Lizzie has grown up. Suddenly she wants more from the man who has been her friend since she was a child. When this shy little bookworm blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving John, she discovers that his past won't let him return that love. But Lizzie refuses to give up--until his shocking secrets push her away.
Can true love survive the betrayal and deceitful of a painful past . . . or will it be shattered like the fairy-tale dreams of a girl in love?
Brimming with romance, longing, and redemption, A Passion Denied, will quicken your pulse and gladden your heart with a riveting story of the true power of love.
The book explores the hurt that can surface even after a marriage of many years when there is betrayal before the marriage. It also shows how those we look up to can fall into sin from unexpected hurt, and we too, are victims in a close knit family when one member isn't living the love and faith of God.
The main character tries to stay true to her first love John Brady. Even when he fails to return her open and honest love. He holds his past close and does not tell anyone, until he seek healing and talks to his priest. Healing begins, when circumstances throws him back into the throes of despairs, and he run away to become a priest himself. Elizabeth almost marries his twin on the rebound.
The book introduces us to the third daughter, Katie. This is a fun but not too serious addition to the book. One scene with her first boy interest, Cluny, buying her life savers turns into a truly memorable moment when he demands she say something nice to him for more life savers, and says he will do the same back. Then reneges. She response by kicking Cluny and is seen by her father. Her father starts to scold but then realizes in Cluny calm response that more is going.
The two brothers take a back seat to the story. They are mentioned but are flat characters in this book. The older brother, Sean, was part of previous storyline and it was mentioned, but not followed. This was disappointing.
The book had twist and turns which kept you reading. The book looks at the same situation from characters view, then you see the same from another, when you care about the feelings and thoughts of the people involved, it helps you understand motivation, and gives you the feel of a more old fashion novel, which is a plus in the day of the quick and forgotten books.
Labels: author, book, Christian
April CSFF Blog Tour for George Bryan Polivka’s Blaggard’s Moon
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0736925376
Author's website: http://www.nearingvast.com/
See other reviews:
Brandon Barr Jennifer Bogart Keanan Brand Melissa Carswell Amy Cruson CSFF Blog Tour Stacey Dale D. G. D. Davidson Jeff Draper April Erwin Karina Fabian Alex Field Marcus Goodyear Todd Michael Greene Ryan Heart Timothy Hicks Cris Jesse Jason Joyner Kait Carol Keen Mike Lynch Magma Margaret Melissa Meeks Rebecca LuElla Miller Nissa John W. Otte Steve Rice Crista Richey Chawna Schroeder James Somers Rachel Starr Thomson Steve Trower Speculative Faith Jason Waguespack Fred Warren Phyllis Wheeler Jill Williamson With pirates in the news, here is a story told by a pirate as his life balances on a post over threatening waters filled with creature to devour him. He reviews the events before being left to die, and tries to learn to think creatively. He hopes to figure out how to save himself. Not realizing the act leading to his abandonment is the act on which his life is balanced. It determines his outcome, it leads to salvation or destruction. Another great read by George Bryan Polivka.
Among his Christian credentials for writing Christian adventure, is one that caught my eye of traveling to Europe to study after Francis Schaeffer at L'Abri Fellowship is Switzerland. An adventure I wished to make when I was in college, the closest I came was to devour Schaeffer's books. I am sure the experience not only deepened Polivka heart towards God but also his understanding.
God bless the writer and each of us in our own adventures even if we go no further then in the pages of our books.
Labels: author, book, Christian, fantasy
Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow, by The Miller Brothers.
A Christian teen novel with Hunter Brown and his two high school friends faced with who and what to believe. The book starts by their attempt to stand up to the school bullies only to find themselves locked into a garbage dumpster. Their rescurer sends has them pick up a book for him at a local bookstore. Only to find latter he has disappeared and the bookstore has vanished too.
Hunter has a conversion type experience at the end of the book, faced with deciding to whom he owes his allegiance. The book is geared mostly to the male teen. Yet there is a group of three pre-teen who play supporting roles to Hunter, I would like to hear more of these three in relationship to Hunter for I found them a strong, supporing force.
Read and enjoy, then pass it on to your teen or pre-teen.
A book that is more like a travel through a new world, then just a plot and resolve the plot book. It leads you into a fantasy world and now, that you are established there and you have decided where to place your trust, you are ready to fight and defend the truth.
Labels: book review, Christian, fantasy
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing It's Not About MeSheaf House Publishers (September 1, 2008) byMichelle SuttonABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Sutton has lived in Arizona and since 1991 and has two sons and a husband of 18 years. She began writing fiction in August 2003 when God inspired her to write a novel with realistic characters that would glorify Him. In 2004 she joined ACFW - American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2006 Michelle ran for Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating board and ACFW members elected her to serve a two year term. She sold her first manuscript Then Sings My Soul (now re-titled
It's Not About Me) to Sheaf House and her debut novel was released in Sept. 2008. The second book in the Second Glances series -
It's Not About Him - will be released the following fall (Sept. 2009.)
Last, Michelle is Editor in Chief of the new
Christian Fiction Online Magazine. The debut issue released in July 2008. The magazine is sponsored by the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night an unexpected visitor appears and Annie's safe world is destroyed by a brutal attack. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her broken life, she is torn between two brothers, both of whom claim to love her. She is attracted to both, but which one does she love? How can she choose when her decision may cause a permanent rift between them? And more important, will she give her heart to the One who will sustain her even when human love fails.
"...the exquisitely written spiritual content shows the reader that redemption is available, no matter what the circumstances."
- 4 Stars, Romantic Times!
Instead of dealing with timely issues like alcoholism, premarital sex and pornography in a preachy, oh-so-tired fashion, Michelle Sutton's It's Not About Me gets to the heart of the matter with a shocking dose of realism and poignant storytelling. From the first paragraph, Sutton weaves together a thoroughly entertaining story that'll keep readers intrigued for the long haul as they get to know Annie, Dan, Tony and Susie—young adults that probably don't look and sound all that different from themselves. Now that's a seriously refreshing turn for Christian fiction."
~Christa Ann Banister~, author of Around the World in 80 Dates, (NavPress 2007) and Blessed are the Meddlers (NavPress 2008)
It's Not About Me is a wonderfully entertaining and deliciously suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages. Sutton doesn't back away from the drama and with all of the twists and turns, It's Not About Me is hard to put down. I cannot wait for the sequel! Bravo!"
~Victoria Christopher Murray~, Essence best-selling author of multiple titles including The Ex Files and the upcoming YA series The Divine Divas
“Annie captured my heart on the first page and kept me enthralled to the very end. This edgy, yet surprisingly poignant story travels the inroads of intimate relationships – man to woman, brother to brother, parent to child, friend to friend. But especially satisfying is the author’s delicate handling of the relationship between a searching soul and the loving Savior who alone possesses the power to work all things out for the good. A terrific debut for Michelle Sutton. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!”
~Virginia Smith~, author of Just As I Am and Sincerely, Mayla
"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."
~Tina Ann Forkner~, Author of Ruby Among Us
Waterbrook Press/Random House
If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of
It's Not About Me, go
HERELabels: author, book, CFBA, Christian
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingJohn 3:16Tyndale House Publishers (September 9, 2008)byNancy MoserABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and eighteen novels, including
Solemnly Swear,
Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner, and her latest historical,
Washington's Lady.
Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters,
symphonies, and choirs. She gives Said So Sister Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included.
Find out more at
Nancy Moser.com and
Sister Circles.comABOUT THE BOOK
Five people looking for a reason to keep living are about to find it in the last place they expect... In my usual "big cast" style comes a story of what happens when one man puts his faith on the line and holds up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event. Roman Paulson's life revolves around his son, Billy, a University of Nebraska football hero with a promising life ahead of him. But when Billy's coach encroaches on Roman's relationship with his son, Roman fears he'll lose Billy forever. Roman isn't the only one whose world turns upside down. He's one of five unsuspecting people whose lives intersect on a bright fall day.
If you would like to read the first chapter of
John 3:16, go
HERELabels: author, book, CFBA, Christian
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing When The Soul MendsWaterBrook Press (September 16, 2008)byCindy WoodsmallABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible.
Her first novel,
When The Heart Cries, released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin.
Her last book,
When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list.
Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.
Cindy, her husband, their three sons and daughter-in-law reside in Georgia. Her husband is a registered land surveyor and a vice president at an engineering firm. Their oldest son has a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine and works at a local hospital. Their second son and his wife are both students at the University of Georgia. Their teen-aged son keeps the household energized with his love of music, books, and writing.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.
Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds.
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of
When The Soul Mends, go
HERE “A skillfully written story of forgiveness and redemption. Woodsmall’s authentic characters illustrate beautifully how wounded souls can indeed be mended.”
–Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy
“Like the stitches on a well-loved quilt, love and faith hold together Cindy Woodsmall's When the Soul Mends, the brilliantly written third story in the Sisters of the Quilt series. With deft plotting and characters that seem to jump off the page, this novel offers the timeless truth that forgiveness is the balm which heals all wounds and a blanket for the soul.”
–Kathleen Y’Barbo, author of Beloved Castaway
“What a vibrant, strong, emotional story! When the Heart Cries will grip you and not let go, I promise. Highly recommended!”
–Gayle Roper, author of Allah’s Fire and the Seaside Seasons series
“Reaching deep into the heart of the reader, Cindy Woodsmall pens a beautifully lyrical story in her debut novel When the Heart Cries.”
–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of Rekindled
Labels: author, book, Christian
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducing Faking GraceMultnomah Books (August 19, 2008) byTamara LeighABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After Tamara Leigh earned a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology, she and her husband decided to start a family, with plans for Tamara to continue in her career once she became a mother.
When the blessing of children proved elusive, Tamara became convicted to find a way to work out of her home in order to raise the children she and her husband longed to have. She turned to writing, at which she had only ever dreamed of being successful, and began attending church. Shortly thereafter, her agent called with news of Bantam Books’ offer of a four-book contract. That same day, Tamara’s pregnancy was confirmed. Within the next year, she gave up her speech pathology career, committed her life to Christ, her first child was born, and her first historical romance novel was released.
As Tamara continued to write for the secular market, publishing three more novels with HarperCollins and Dorchester, she infused her growing Christian beliefs into her writing. But it was not enough, and though her novels earned awards and were national bestsellers, she knew her stories were lacking. After struggling with the certainty that her writing was not honoring God as it should, she made the decision to write books that not only reveal Christianity to non-believers, but serve as an inspiration for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. Her inspirational romances are peopled with characters in varying stages of Christian faith, from mature believers to new believers to non-believers on the threshold of awakening.
Tamara Leigh enjoys time with her family, volunteer work, faux painting, and reading. She lives near Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, David, and two sons, Skyler and Maxen.
Two of her latest books are
Splitting Harriet and
Perfecting Kate.
ABOUT THE BOOK
All she wants is a job. All she needs is religion. How hard can it be? Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break.
A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but Steeple Side only hires committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith–a plan of action that includes changing her first name to Grace, buying Jesus-themed accessories, and learning “Christian Speak.” If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and two-day-stubbled, blue-jean-wearing British hottie wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.
When Maizy’s boss at the newspaper decides that she should investigate–and expose–any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her Steeple Side colleagues–and Jack–will show her grace.
If you would like to read the first chapter of
Faking Grace, go
HERE “Tamara Leigh takes her experienced romance hand and delights readers with Chick-Lit that sparkles and characters who come alive.” - Kristin Billerbeck, author of The Trophy Wives Club
“A delightful, charming book! Faking Grace has romance, truth, and a dollop of insanity, making Tamara Leigh a permanent addition to my list of favorite authors. Enjoy!”
- Ginger Garrett, author of In the Shadow of Lions and Beauty Secrets of the Bible
“Tamara Leigh does a fabulous job looking at the faults, the love, the hypocrisy, and the grace of Christians in a way that’s entertaining and fun. Maizy Grace is a crazy character I couldn’t help but like. I loved this book and highly recommend it!”
- Camy Tang, author of Sushi for One? and Only Uni
Labels: author, book, Christian
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