SHADES OF MERCY

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Shades of Mercy River North; New Edition edition (September 1, 2013) by Anita Lustrea
and
Caryn Rivendara

It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.

When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.

My thoughts...

Mercy works as hard as any of the teenage boys on her family's potato farm, even Mick who has been her friend for years. It's 1954, racial tensions are high among the Indian tribes and the white people that took their land. Things begin to change between Mercy and Mick as they become teenagers, they find themselves attracted to each other and this will never do! You see, Mick is a Maliseet Indian and this is their story.

This book is unpredictable, sad, full of hatred, racism, and yet the authors let us see how love is a much stronger force. Mercy's father is a God fearing man and as bad as things get for him and his family he is determined to prove to Mercy love will overcome. An amazing story full of little known historical facts as well as a sweet romance.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Authentic. That’s the word heard over and over when women describe Anita Lustrea. She is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, and an amazing communicator as co-host of the award winning Midday Connection radio broadcast. Her deep desire is to communicate freedom to women and help them nurture and care for their soul. Anita is the co-author of “Come to Our Table: A Midday Connection Cookbook” and “Daily Seeds from Women Who Walk in Faith”, a Devotional for women. Her first solo venture as an author releases in November, 2010, “What Women Tell Me: finding freedom from the secrets we keep.” Anita and her husband, Mike Murphy, a pastor, along with her teenage son John live in the Chicago suburbs. When she’s not traveling or speaking, you can find her reading and drinking a venti hot tea at her local Starbucks.

Caryn is a sought-after writer and speaker. She’s the author of four books—Shades of Mercy: A Maine Chronicle (River North, September 2013), Known & Loved: 52 Devotions from the Psalms (Revell, April 2013), Grumble Hallelujah (Tyndale House, September 2011), and Mama’s Got a Fake I.D. (WaterBrook Press, March 2009)–and a regular contributor to Christianity Today’s Her.Meneutics as well as columnist for Re:Frame Media’s ThinkChristian blog. She has written dozens of magazine article. Her work has appeared in such publications as Christianity Today, Relevant, FamilyLife, and Engineering and Mining Journal (you read that right). Caryn leads workshops and speaks at conferences and church groups across the country. She’s also a regular guest on Moody Radio’s Midday Connection with Anita Lustrea and Melinda Schmidt and has been featured on such radio shows as The John and Kathy Show, Changing Worldviews/WOMANTalk with Sharon Hughes, I Thought She Said with Faith Daly, The Paul Edwards Program with Paul Edwards, and Talk from the Heart with Rich Buhler, among many others. Caryn also appeared on The Harvest Show. Caryn earned a B.A. in English from Calvin College and attended the University of Chicago’s publishing program. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Rafael, her three kids, a rescued pit bull terrier, two hermit crabs, and several tank fulls of who-knows-what-kind-of fish. Caryn and her family are members of Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois, where Caryn recently joined the worship staff.

SECOND WATCH by J. A. Jance

Second Watch

by J.A. Jance

on Tour September 10 - October 10, 2013

Book Details:

Genre: Fiction/Suspense/Mystery Published by: William Morrow Publication Date: 9/10/13 Number of Pages: 368 ISBN: 9780062134677 Purchase Links:

Synopsis:

With Second Watch, New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance delivers another thought-provoking novel of suspense starring Seattle investigator J. P. Beaumont. Second Watch shows Beaumont taking some time off to get knee replacement surgery, but instead of taking his mind off work, the operation plunges him into one of the most perplexing mysteries he's ever faced. His past collides with his present in this complex and thrilling story that explores loss and heartbreak, duty and honor, and, most importantly, the staggering cost of war and the debts we owe those who served in the Vietnam War, and those in uniform today.

Author Bio:

A voracious reader, J. A. Jance knew she wanted to be a writer from the moment she read her first Wizard of Oz book in second grade. Always drawn to mysteries, from Nancy Drew right through John D. McDonald's Travis Magee series, it was only natural that when she tried her hand at writing her first book, it would be a mystery as well. J. A. Jance went on to become the New York Times bestselling author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, three interrelated thrillers featuring the Walker family, and Edge of Evil. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona.

My thoughts...

Recovering from knee replacement surgery Detective J.P. Beaumont's mind wanders back to an unsolved case, that of a young woman who was murdered twenty years ago. He decides to reopen the case. With all the advances in DNA testing as well as other technology he is hopeful his chances of solving it are better now. He has also been thinking about Douglas Davis, an old Army buddy that died in the Vietnam war and while investigating the cold case he looks up Davis' fiance and finds a woman with more than just looks.

Nance has written an awesome story full of suspense and mystery, two of my favorite things in a novel. I'm a person that enjoys my sleeping hours but this book stole them from me! It was worth it though, all the excitement of many twists and turns and trying to figure it out made for a fantastic read! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller! 5 stars!!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Catch Up With the Author:

Tour Participants:

THE PROMISE by Dan Walsh & Gary Smalley

For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean--and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through two coffee shops and the library, using their wi-fi to search for a job on the internet. The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage and it looks like the legacy that began with his father is still at work, slowly destroying the bond between Tom and Jean. Can their mutual trust--and love--be restored?

Combining the literary talents of Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of Gary Smalley, The Restoration Series pulls back the curtain of a family that has laid their foundation on shifting sand, but is slowly rediscovering genuine love and the power of forgiveness.

My thoughts...

First off I have to say I wasn't crazy about these characters at first, they were so frustrating! Jean needs a backbone and Tom should have to stand in a corner until he realizes just what a mess he has made. I wonder if people really do this kind of thing, Tom lost his job and is keeping it a secret but he pretends to go to work every day. Jeans knows something is wrong but has no clue what and she's afraid to talk to him about it, he's not the most loving man, but she too is harboring a secret.

Their relationship shows just what a lack of communication (and lack of other things) can do to a marriage, but also shows how God can heal even the worst of marriages. I found this to be a true to life story of the power of forgiveness. These amazingly talented writers have done it again. Be sure and read the first book in the series, it's just as good!

Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

WHAT ONCE WAS LOST by Kim Vogel Sawyer

On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house inhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”

With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?

My thoughts...

With her father's death, Christina has taken over running the Asylum for the Poor and unconditionally loves every person in her care. She has made this place their home, a safe haven. Then a horrible disaster... a suspicious fire destroys the kitchen and everyone must be placed elsewhere. It isn't an easy task finding townspeople who will allow these outcasts into their homes. The bonds that form, the friendships, and even romance make this an emotional yet very enjoyable read.

I loved the characters, especially little Tommy, blind and disfigured from a boiler explosion. No one wants him. Christina has no choice but to ask the last person on earth she's ever think about asking, Levi Johnson, who just wants to be left alone. She convinces him to let the boy stay for a little while. Tommy has a secret though and Levi may be the person who can relieve his fears.

What an incredible story, I was hooked from the first page. Sawyer is so talented, she knows how to tell a story!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

THREADS OF CHANGE by Jodi Barrows

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Threads of Change River North; New Edition edition (July 1, 2013) by Jodi Barrows

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Over the past twenty years, Jodi has remarkably touched thousands of quilters throughout the world with her unique method called Square in a Square®. Her point of view provides the quilter with the freedom to create most any quilt design with speed and accuracy.

Jodi has spoken to quilting audiences throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy and S. Africa. She has appeared as a guest on several quilting shows, including TNN’s Aleene’s Creative Living, TNN’s Your Home Studio, Perfecting Patchwork on Family Net TV and a pbs series with Kaye Wood.

Jodi was raised in southwest Kansas, has two grown sons, and is married to Steve, her high school sweetheart.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Conflict develops in the South,

Four granddaughters travel into uncertainty,

And Grandfather sells their precious home.

In the first book of A Quilting Story series, the four cousins-with social graces, charm, and a love for quilting-will face the anguish of life on the frontier in 1856 with every turn along the wagon trail. Raging storms and adversities hit the small band of travelers. Relieved to finally arrive at the abandoned military post at Fort Worth, Texas, they begin the hard work of establishing a new home. When trials follow them, they must decide to become true warriors of their hearts, minds, and souls or fall to the sufferings of prairie life.

Join the four women on a passage of friendship, love, and self-discovery as lives are mended around the quilting frame.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Threads of Change, go HERE.

My thoughts...

The adventures of four women in a wagon train on their way to Texas. Sisters Liz and Megan, cousins Anna and Emma, are hoping to open a mercantile in their new location. Along the way they encounter Indians, storms, wild animals, and more that threaten their safety. It's a long, hard journey but the women are tough and determined.

This is an easy read, predictable, but enjoyable. If you're looking for a cozy story of pioneer life and the daily troubles they encounter this is it.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

PIONEER CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Brave and determined, the American pioneers risked many dangers to settle untamed land. Being on the move as winter approached could find the settlers stranded in unconventional shelters, but still faithful to remember Christ’s birth with grateful hearts.

In this delightful collection of nine Christmas romances, pioneers experience hospitality and romance where least expected—including a cave in North Carolina, a tipi in Oklahoma, and a dugout in Arizona.

Readers will enjoy diverse settings in history across America as penned by many of Christian fiction’s leading authors, including Lauraine Snelling, Kathleen Fuller, and Vickie McDonough.

My thoughts...

Readers are in for a treat with this collection of stories written by various authors about pioneers celebrating Christmas! Being a fan of the pioneer era and someone that loves the Christmas season I enjoyed all 9 novellas. My top 3 favorites were (not in any particular order)...

Shannon McNear's "DEFENDING TRUTH" is about a young woman whose father has left to fight in a war and she was left to care for her younger siblings. She's near the end of her rope and most definitely not in the Christmas spirit when a starving militia man suddenly enters her life. This was such a great story, it really lifts your spirits!

"A SILENT NIGHT" is the story of a mother and her 6 yr old child trying to survive. She turned down a "marriage of convenience" proposal and as winter comes she's not sure how they will make it. An enjoyable story of a little boy's prayer for a Christmas miracle.

Last but not least is "BUCKSKIN BRIDE". It's 1889, Mattie and her two sisters are waiting for their father to return before bad weather sets in. Little does she know the land they're living on is owned by a young Irishman. One of her sisters gets hurt and Mattie is starting to feel hopeless. A sweet story on how Christmas can change things!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wake the Dawn by Lauraine Snelling

National bestselling author Lauraine Snelling brings a small mountain town to thrilling life when a natural disaster threatens to destroy lives.

U.S. Border Patrol agent Ben James' life is in tatters. A tragic accident stole the love of his life and he never finished grieving. Turning to the bottle for support, he lost sight of what was important. While making his last patrol run before a storm rolls in, Ben's canine partner Bo finds an abandoned baby hidden in the woods. As Ben rushes the child to the only clinic in the area, the storm strikes with unexpected fury.

Esther Hanson runs a second-rate clinic in the small community of Pineville, Minnesota, on the Canadian border. Though she has fought for years to get the equipment she needs, the town refuses to approve the funding. When the unprecedented storm ravishes the area, cutting them off from all outside help, Esther struggles to help her patients without giving in to overwhelming emotions. The event triggers a long-suppressed memory, and Esther must come face to face with the reality of her past and learn to forgive herself.

Brought together by the life of a child, Ben and Esther become each other's reason to change.

My thoughts...

Lauraine Snelling is a great writer, her books always have a great storyline and the perfect ending though you can't guess what's going to happen. I enjoyed this book so much, the main character, Esther, is a physician's assistant working on her own in a clinic when a hurricane hits and much damage is done to the community with lots of injuries. Esther has a great nurse and a couple of EMT's along with Ben James, a US Border Patrol agent.

Ben lost his wife in a car accident and turned to the bottle to cope. The day before the massive storm he finds a newborn baby girl in the desert...all alone. His heart immediately melts and after getting her checked out at the clinic he makes a deal with Esther allowing him to take her home.

Esther has serious problems of her own and a meltdown while treating patients during the storm. Ben recognizes the symptoms, he's been where she is. What follows is a wonderful story of loss, heartache, healing, and finally love.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.