When Mountains Move (Sequel to, Into the Free) by Julie Cantrell (5 Stars)

This Story Draws You Right Inside the Pages  (5 Stars)

When Mountains Move (Sequel to Into The Free) by Julie Cantrell (David C Cook)

This is the sequel to, Into the Free, so you have to read that book first or in my opinion you will not understand the depths of this book.

It’s now May 7, 1943 and church bells are ringing for Millie and Bump (Kenneth).  After all that happened to her in the first book, Bump was her lifeline!  He brought her back to living and loving.  Yet, she is still holding back.  She’s keeping secrets.  But one thing she knows is Bump loves her and she loves Bump.

Their rodeo boss wants them to go out west to run an old cattle/horse ranch he bought and that where they take off to.  Only when they get there they see that it’s going to be much more work than they could possibly imagine.  But with Bumps encouragement, Millie was all in. It seems like they take turns, when one is down, the other is up, and visa versa.  They are the perfect couple.  That is until a certain woman, Kat, enters the picture.  Will she drive a wedge between them?  Will Bump discover Millie’s secret before she can ever get the nerve to tell him?  And what ever happened to River?  You’ll know who this is from Into the Free.

This book was hard to put down.  It pulled me inside the pages and I felt like I was right there with them.  Even though I love lots of dialogue, and this book had less than I usually like, it still captivated me.  I loved this book.  You’ll love this book.  But, you have to read, Into the Free, first.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Let’s Meet Julie:

Julie Cantrell is the New York Times andUSA Today bestselling author of Into the Free, which won Christy Awards for Best Debut Novel and for Book of the Year 2013. Cantrell has served as editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review and is a recipient of the Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Fellowship. She and her family live in Mississippi, where they operate Valley House Farm. Her new novel, When Mountains Move, hits shelves September 1, 2013.

Julie is represented by Greg Johnson of WordServe Literary. Learn more about the realm of publishing by following the WordServe Watercooler, where Julie joins more than 70 authors to discuss the writing life. You can also find Julie blogging weekly with the Southern Belles, a group of southern female authors who gather on the cyberporch each day to chat about family, faith, fiction, food, and fun: http://www.southernbelleviewdaily.com/

Free E-Book 10/13 and 10/14 Only – Great Deal

I just came across this on Twitter and wanted to share it with my friends!!  It’s been a while since I read this book, but I do remember that I really enjoyed it.  It’s a great deal, FREE today and tomorrow.  I’m linking to Kindle, but please check your e-reader store, it may be free on other e-readers also.  And I’ve linked to the authors websites, so if you have time, check them out.  It’s great to get to know the authors better and see what other books they have written!

• FREE (10/13 – 10/14 ONLY) on Kindle:  Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer  and Mike Yorkey.  I’ve read this book and I really enjoyed it.  This is a great deal…FREE… for a great book.  Get it while it lasts!  Thanks Revell Publishing Group!

Friends, Food, Fellowship and Fiction – September 21, 2013

For Every Season (Amish Vines and Orchards, Book 3) by Cindy Woodsmall

Once again we had the best time talking about this book.  This is the third in the series and thankfully, there will be a fourth! If not, I do believe we would have all jumped in a van and driven to see Cindy and got down on our hands and knees pleading for more!!!

We had tons of great food, just like always, but I was first in line (I don’t know why that always happens) and I was totally amazed when I got to a beautiful plate of apple strudel and laying on the plate was this cute little box with a cellophane cutout on top and you could see some more of the apple strudel inside.  The label on the box said “Orchard Bend Farms”.  I just stood there dumbfounded.  I’m like…what?  where did this come from?  Someone from the back of the line said “Maine” and then it’s like I had entered the Twilight Zone…I felt like I’d finally read so much fiction that I had actually entered into the book!  Finally, they drew me out of my stupor (they wanted food) and told me that Judy had the idea and Joanne made the box and label and bought the apple strudel from Publix!  I wish I had thought to get a picture of it.  It was just PERFECT!

After eating all the delicious food, we moved to the living room and sat down with our books/kindles and Carmen passed out our questions.  Once again we were all…Team Jacob and Team Samuel.  Although I will admit by the end of the book, I switched teams.  We were all talking, laughing, and having the best time and we wondered what Cindy Woodsmall would think of us as we discussed this book!  She would have love it!!!  Carmen did a great job, as usual with our handouts and questions and leading us in our discussion.

We are going to have to wait for Book 4, it doesn’t come out until April 2014, so we will be reading three other books for our November and January and March meetings.

Carmen has decided on Chris Fabry’s latest book for our November 9th meeting at Sylvia S. home.  The name of the book is, Every Waking Moment.  We will meet at 9:30am for breakfast and then, I’m sure, another lively discussion with lots of laughter and love!

Carmen will be ordering the books soon, so please let her know to order you one.  You can also download your own copy on your e-reader, or buy a copy at The Carpenter’s Shop (last week they had some in stock).  We also have a copy in the Media Center, so if you plan on reading that book, COME IN THIS WEEK and get your name on the list.  We only have one book and about 4-5 people who need to read it, so we have to get going and read fast!

If you are going to download your own copy on your e-reader, wait until 10/20 – 10/26, because Tyndale House will have it on sale for $1.99 on just about any e-reader you have!  So, this is a great deal that I hope you can take advantage of, thanks Tyndale!!!

Here’s the trailer to the book:

Here’s a Free E-Book To Try

I just found this one and it has good reviews and it’s a mystery/suspense just like I love, so I’m going to give it a try.  I’ve not heard of this author, but there are some good reviews.  Thought I’d let y’all know about this book too.  I’ve got the link to kindle, but maybe on other e-readers too.  Just double check the price before downloading.

• FREE on Kindle:  Powerless Consent (Inspirational Romantic Suspense) by Janet Nash This is her debut novel and she’s a fellow WordPress blogger too, visit her blog by clicking HERE.

Watch this exciting book trailer:

The Governess of Highland Hall (The Edwardian Bride Series #1) by Carrie Turansky

Romance in an English Castle (5 Stars)

The Governess of Highland Hall (The Edwardian Bride Series #1)

by Carrie Turansky (WaterbrookMultnomah Books – October 15, 2013)

Just looking at the cover of this book, I knew I would like it.  And then when I started reading, it reminded me so much of Downton Abbey only with a Christian emphasis.  This book was delightful.  I loved every minute and I could have read it in one day if I hadn’t had so many interruptions!

Julia Foster and her mom and dad were missionaries in India for 12 years.  They had to return to England because of her father’s health.  She needed to help with their support so she was able to get a position as a governess for two young children at Highland Hall.  Their mother had passed away a few years earlier and the father, Sir William Ramsey was a bitter man.  He was trying to hold on to his faith in God, but he was just going through the motions with daily scripture readings for his family and the staff.  Little did he know that Julia would turn his life and the life of his family and staff upside down.

Of course there is a secret that William is hiding from Julia.  And there is a disgruntled housekeeper, Mrs. Emmitt.  There is tension with William’s two teenage nieces that live with him because they don’t think they are in need of a governess.  Then there’s William’s brother, David.  Julia becomes a lifesaver for William in more ways than one and is also hurt by a few people living at Highland Hall.  I really can’t say anymore, because I don’t like to give any of the good stuff away, you’ll just have to read it and see for yourself.

The Bible verse at the beginning of this book sums it up, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8  Julia certainly lives up to this verse.

“I received a copy of this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of this review and for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For more information about this author and her books, please visit her website at http://www.carrieturansky.com.  You will find links to her blog and a wonderful post dated July 23, 2013: Discovering the Setting for The Governess of Highland Hall.  I feel like I’ve been to England now.  And be sure to visit her Pinterest board, Carrie Turansky, to see more pictures on her board named, Tyntesfield, those pictures are beautiful!

Here is a great book trailer from YouTube for you to watch:

Let’s meet Carrie:

Carrie Turansky

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of ten novels and novellas, including Snowflake Sweethearts and Along Came Love. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award and the International Digital Award. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor and the author of several parenting books. They have five adult children and three grandchildren.

This book will be donated to the Media Center for our patrons to enjoy reading!

Tamera Alexander Takes Us on a Tour of Belle Meade Plantation

Tamera Alexander’s first book in the Belle Meade series is, To Whisper Her Name.  After I read this book I wanted to jump in the car and drive to Tennessee to visit this plantation.  The book was wonderful and I can’t wait for the next two books in this series.

Tamera has made six YouTube videos that take us on a tour of Belle Meade Plantation and shares with us all the history of this wonderful place.  I’m sharing the first video here and you can go to Tamera’s website to view the rest of the videos.  It’s a wonderful insider look at this beautiful place and it really makes the book come to life for me.  I want to read, To Whisper Her Name again after watching these videos!

Always the Baker, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

I just saw this is a freebie e-book.  It’s book 1 in a series of 4.  It’s a great series.  Cute, romantic, funny, I loved it.  And the author, Sandra is a great person too!  I don’t know how long this will be free, so get it now.

• FREE on Kindle and Nook:  Always the Baker, Never the Bride (Another Emma Rae Creation #1) by Sandra D. Bricker

We have the entire series in our Media Center, thanks to Sandra’s generosity!

Blowing on Dandelions (Love Blossoms in Oregon #1) by Miralee Ferrell

Historical Drama and Romance At It’s Best! (5 Stars)

Baker City, Oregon, 1880 is where this wonderful book is taking place. It’s the story of Katherine Galloway and her two daughters, Lucy and Amanda.  She is widowed and runs a boarding house in town.  She seems to be comfortable with her life, even though she misses her husband, she keeps busy with the boarding house, her daughters and the quilting circle at her church.  But one day, Micah Jacobs and his son, Zachary move to town to open the livery up again.  And then she gets a rather mysterious boarder, Jeffery Tucker, and he seems pleasant enough but no one really knows what he does for a living.

The bottom really falls out of Katherine’s life when her mother shows up with plans to live with her indefinitely.  They get along as well as oil and vinegar.  Nothing good seems to happen after that.  Especially when another cantankerous boarder, and her niece show up.  Talk about tension! But God has His hand on this family and even through some hard times, God is there with them and working in each of their lives. This is a story of how people, who are not perfect, can come to know God, who is perfect.  His mercy and grace is sufficient for all of us.

I totally loved this book!  And I’m so glad there is a sequel, Wishing on Buttercups, and I can’t wait to continue reading about these people and find out what’s going to happen.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network and from David C. Cook for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I will be donating this book to our Media Center and as soon as Book 2, Wishing on Buttercups, comes out, I’ll be purchasing it!  Can’t have one without the other, now can we?  Be sure to watch this short YouTube video with Miralee talking about the book.

UPDATE:  I just heard from Miralee and she said the sequel will be out next Spring!  Yeah!!!

That Certain Summer by Irene Hannon Was An Unexpected Surprise!

Much More Than A Summer Romance Novel (5 Stars)

That Certain Summer by Irene Hannon (Revell, Division of Baker Publishing Group – 2013)

Be sure to watch the trailer at the end of this review as Irene shares about her new book.

School’s out, time for a relaxing Summer with family and friends, right?  Not exactly.  Two sister’s, Val and Karen have not had a good relationship for many years, but this Summer Karen needed Val’s help with their cantankerous mother, Margaret, who is recovering from a stroke.  So Karen finally breaks down and call’s Val to come and help her.  Val is a drama teacher, out for the Summer, but going back home is the last place she wants to be.  She does agrees to come help out hoping that this is what she needs to face her past and help her move on with her life.

Meanwhile, Scott is in a terrible accident and he is suffering with an injury that may end his musical career.  He ends up back home with his mother and she gets him a job as a temporary music leader at her church.  That’s the last place Scott wants to be, but he goes anyway.  And then there is David and his five year-old daughter, Victoria, who need to move past the sadness of his wife’s death and decides a move to another city will help.

Of course they all end up in the same town and it just so happens that David is a physical therapist and he’s the one Val takes her mom to for therapy.  And it just so happens that Karen sings in the choir where Scott is trapped into being the temporary music leader.  Sparks begin to happen between these couples, but this story is so much more than romance.  Each person, even cantankerous, Margaret, has a past they have to deal with before they can move on to a better life.  Only with God’s help can they forget, forgive, and let God transform their lives so they can live the abundant life Jesus came to give us.

I’ve read several of Irene Hannon’s mystery/suspense novels and I wondered if she could write a contemporary romance with as much talent as her mysteries.  I don’t need to wonder any longer.  This book was excellent!  I was totally drawn into the lives of each of the characters and loved every word!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network and from Revell, Division of Baker Publishing Group for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This book will be donated to our Media Center for our patrons to enjoy!

Great E-Book Deals Today

Here are some great book deals listed on the The Vessel Project for your e-reader today. One book is especially dear to me, The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly, $3.99 on Kindle.  I have read all of her books and they are all excellent. As far as I know this was her latest book and I read it and totally loved it and when it ended I was hoping she would write a sequel to it one day.  But then I heard that both her and her son were killed in a car crash and I felt like the Christian fiction world had just lost one of there very special authors.  I don’t know anything else about the family she left behind but just seeing her book reminds me to pray for them.  Anyway, this book was excellent!  There are some other good books on the list, so I’ll let y’all look through the website and see if anything interests you.

Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink – A Breathtaking Mystery (5 Stars)

Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink (Moody Publishers) 

http://www.danamentink.com

I must admit that I was not too sure about this book at first.  But then I started reading it!  Wow!  I started reading it and was intrigued and then it took me off on a breath taking ride through the jungles of Guatemala fighting for my breath each page!

This is a story of Nina Truman who is a nurse missionary in Guatemala.  Her father who works with her had already left on furlough and Nina decided to stay with another missionary and see a few sights before they went back to the States.  Bad decision!  She is immediately caught up in a life or death situation and she can’t figure out why people are trying to kill her.  An unexpected hero shows up to help her, Shaw Wilder, her best friends brother and his dog, Axel.  I fell in love with that dog!  Shaw has his own agenda for being in Guatemala and that is to avenge the death of his sister, Beth.  He blames Nina, Fuentes (Beth’s husband) and Escorpion – the drug leader who had her killed and God.  Shaw is full of hatred and revenge and is not happy about having to keep Nina alive as they literally run through the jungles for their life.

Not really sure who she can trust, but God, Nina leans on Shaw for his help, even though he’s not happy about giving it.  Forgiveness is not something that Shaw can do right now and having Nina with him is tearing him up inside.

Running through the jungle with Shaw and Nina, I was holding my breath and trembling just thinking about all the bugs, snakes, wild animals….not to mention the bullets and knives!  A little more than halfway through the book there was a nice respite with Axel, the dog, it was a laugh out loud moment for me.  I guess it just released some tension so I could continue on reading.  You won’t believe the twists and turns and wondering, along with Nina, why was she being targeted and by whom?  This book will keep you guessing until the end.

This is the first book I’ve read by Dana Mentink and it won’t be my last.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest review.  And I honestly loved it!!!  Visit her at www.danamentink.com and read more about her and her books.

I will be donating this book to our Media Center so our patrons can check it out.  Watch the trailer below:

http://vimeo.com/68177664

Terri Blackstock Has Done It Again – Great Suspense in Truth Stained Lies

This is another 5 star book from Terri Blackstock, Truth Stained Lies (Moonlighters Series #1).

Wow! This book was almost impossible to put down. From the first chapter you are drawn into a mystery and you don’t know who the killer is…until later. An unusual twist for me, usually authors hide the identity of the killer until the end, so I was wondering if the book would hold my interest. Well, it did! All the way to the very end. And the best part is that this is a series. I can’t wait until Book 2 comes out. Whatever you do, don’t skip “A Note From The Author” at the end of the book. Fantastic!!! Great job Terri, you have done it again!

Here is an excellent Youtube interview with Terri Blackstock about how she became a writer, first writing secular romances and then how God touched her heart and she began writing novels that would honor God.  It’s a little long, but worth every minute.

Randy Singer’s Latest Book on Sale $2.99 – And More Goodies!

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales by Randy Singer is a fantastic book and it’s on Kindle for only $2.99.  I don’t know how long that price will be in effect, so get it quickly.  We do have the book in our Media Center for our church members to read. You can read my review on this blog under “Book Reviews” and watch the trailer here:

You can check out The Vessel Project for more deals today.  I have read the Psalms 23 series by Debbie Viguie and really enjoyed them, but I have not read this other series, Sweet Seasons, yet.  I’m not sure I would pay $12, but it is for 4 books, but that’s just up to you.  I personally am going to see if our local library system has them and will just check them out from there!

Freebies on Kindle:   Just click on the title and you’ll be directed to amazon to read about the book and purchase, just make sure they are still free.

Stealing Jenny by Ellen Gable (my aunt read this book and enjoyed it)

Bloodstain (Det. Jason Strong #2) by John C. Danglish (I’ve never heard of this author, but I love a good clean mystery and it’s free so I’m going to give this one a try.)

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck (5 Stars)

Once Upon A Prince (The Royal Wedding Series #1) by Rachel Hauck (Zondervan) is a wonderful modern-day fairy tale!

Rachel Hauck is a very good writer and I think she has exceeded her best with this book. Don’t you just love the cover?  You know you are reading an exceptional book when you are totally drawn into the characters and they become “real people” and you feel “just like you are there with them”.  Am I crazy, no, I just love reading a great novel.  I loved this book even more because I live in Georgia and have visited St. Simons and visited Christ Church, so I could picture all the scenes just like I was there.

The book is about Susanna Truitt, who lives in St. Simons, GA and Nate Kenneth who is visiting the island for a vacation.  He rescues her when she has a flat tire and then hangs out with her and her family and even joins in and works at their restaurant, The Rib Shack, doing the worst of the worst odd jobs.  But he’s loving it and falling in love with Susanna.  Finally the truth comes out that Nate Kenneth is really Prince Nathaniel of Brighton Kingdom and their laws forbid him from marrying a foreigner.

He is called back home suddenly and then the trouble starts.  He loves Susanna, yet is being pressured to marry someone else with royal ties.  He doesn’t love her and in fact he doesn’t even like her.  The pressure is on and all he can think about is Susanna.  Back in St. Simon’s, Susanna’s life continues to spiral down and she keeps asking God what’s going on and surrendering to His will.

I won’t say anymore, but I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, no, great romance.  And it’s Book 1…that means there will be another book.  I can’t wait!!!!

I received this digital book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 ,“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This book is going on my July 2013 book order for the Media Center.  I know our patrons will LOVE this book.  Watch the book trailer:

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales by Randy Singer

No Tales, No Lies, Just Mercy and Loyalty (5 Stars)

Randy Singer has done it again with his latest novel, Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales (Tyndale House Publishers)

Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales…just the title draws you in wanting to know what tales these lawyers know that gets them killed.  Just think of all the “tales” lawyers have and can’t “tell” because of client confidentiality.  This book demonstrates a kind of loyalty to your clients, your friends, your partners, your family that most of us don’t usually equate with being a lawyer.

The book starts out 15 years earlier in Damascus in a prison interrogation room.  Sean Phoenix had to endure the agonizing sounds of the Syrians torturing his love, Fatinah.  He never broke, at least he never gave up secrets, but his soul broke and his heart was full of revenge to the American’s who let it happen.

Present day, we meet Landon Reed.  An ex-football jock who just spent two years in prison for a point shaving scandal while he was playing college football.  He’s released and his girlfriend and his little girl (who was born while he was in prison) meet him and they immediately go and get married.  Prison changed Landon in more ways than one.  He was redeemed by Jesus Christ and now has his heart set on being a lawyer to help people who need it most.

Landon passes the bar and is shown mercy by Harry McNaughten, who voted in his favor in the Character and Fitness Committee and McNaughten even offers Landon a job in his firm, McNaughten and Clay.

Now the ground work is laid and the real story begins.  A story of insider trading, sleazy lawyers, off-shore accounts, and the lawyers in the firm are being killed.  Why?  And what does Sean Phoenix have to do with any of this?  Landon remains in the firm and is determined to keep this case representing Elias King going and to find out the truth behind all the scandal and murders.  Only, will it get him killed?  What about the danger to his family?  Landon brings in an old football friend, Billy Thurston, a 300 pound NFL lineman to help protect his family.

I won’t tell anymore, just like dead lawyers tell no tales, this blogger will not reveal anymore of the book.  You’ll just have to read it for yourself.  It’s a great book, one full of twists and turns and you don’t know until the end who’s behind the murders and why.  I love these kinds of books, ones that keep you guessing until the end.  Ones that are hard to put down.

If you have never read a Randy Singer book before, this is a good one to start with.  And if you are already a fan, then you’ll want to make sure you read this book.

Here are some links you’ll want to visit:

http://www.randysinger.net – Randy’s website

http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-8675-1.pdf – Read an excerpt of the first chapter.

http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/RandySinger.mp4 – This is a video interview with Randy Singer that you don’t want to miss.

http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downloads/press_kits/DeadLawyersAuthorQA.pdf  – A written interview with Randy as he answers ten questions.  It’s very good, don’t miss it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

We now have this book in our Media Center ready for checkout, so come on in and check it out!  You’ll love it!

A Swashbuckling Suspenseful Romance (5 Stars)

The book starts out with a future event and then moves backwards to get background info. It took me a little bit to get adjusted to the “time thing”, but once I did, what a start it has! The writing was so detailed and captivating that you got caught up into the book right away.  A storm at sea and I could almost feel the roll of the ship, the crash of waves, the thunder and the terror of drowning at sea!

It’s set in 1866 after the Civil War and some Southerners who were having a hard time adjusting for one reason or another, wanted a fresh start.  And what better place for that was in Brazil close to Rio de Janeiro. Twenty two passengers, along with the crew set sail from Charleston to paradise. Or so they thought.

Colonel Blake Wallace, who put this expedition together, suffered from what we now know as PTSD from the Civil War.  He needed to get away and start fresh in a new and wonderful land to try and escape the horrors of war that still haunt him.  And Eliza Crawford was shunned from her family and friends when she “deserted the South” by marrying a general in the Northern army.  When he was killed, after only one year of marriage, she had no place to go…so this trip was her last hope for a new life.

Mysterious Angelina’s past and what did Mr. Dodd know about it?  Why was Mr. Scott so hard on his daughter, Magnolia?  Had he always been that way or did something happen to change him?  Will the “white folks” ever be able to forget their prejudice against the slaves and accept the freed slaves, Moses, his sister and her children?

James, the preacher (who used to be a doctor) sums up why God let’s bad things happen to Blake so well.  The conversation starts on page 211 and ends on 212.  I can’t quote that much, but here’s just a glimpse:

“No one can deny the existence of God when looking at such beauty.” (James)

“And what can one deny when they gaze upon severed limbs and spilt entrails upon the battlefield?” (Blake)

“One cannot deny that mankind is fallen and in desperate need of salvation.” (James)

“Then why didn’t God save us? Why didn’t He stop the war, all the killing?” (Blake)

“Because He gave mankind a wonderful yet dangerous gift.”… “Free will.  We are the ones who start wars, not God.” (James)

God’s love, grace and mercy are woven throughout this story, not preachy, not overpowering, but subtle reminders that God loves us, shows us mercy and grace beyond what we deserve and we should show that same forgiveness to others.

The end left me wanting more – a mystery yet to be solved.  Can’t wait for the sequel!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I will donate this book to the Media Center so everyone can come and read it. Watch the trailer below:

Ahoy, Come Aboard for a Great Adventure with Sam Cooper

Captain Jack’s Treasure (A Sam Cooper Adventure #1) by Max Elliot Anderson

Three boys, best friends, Summertime, the ocean, treasure hunting, and Captain Jack!  Ahoy, matey’s!  You are in for a treat reading this second adventure with Sam Cooper and his friends Tony and Tyler.

They live in Harper’s Inlet, FL and Tony’s dad own’s a marina.  They are out of school for the summer and Sam’s dad surprises him with a metal detector.  Now Sam is obsessed with finding buried treasure.  So he gets his friends involved and they set looking for adventure.  After a long time digging, all they came up with was an empty metal drum.  But then at the marina they meet up with an old “crusty” sailor, named Captain Jack.  He’s just bought and old dilapidated boat and ask the boys if they want to work for him this summer in fixing the boat up.  Of course they jump on that offer and off they go on a grand adventure on finding out Captain Jack’s secret and Sam’s getting more and more obsessed with finding treasure. Captain Jack always offers the boys a wonderful “tale” after each work day and the boys just eat it up, just like the pizza Captain Jack gives them

Sam’s dad explains to him that earthly treasure are only temporary and true treasure is things that last.  Sam finds out the hard way what his dad was trying to teach him.

The morals in this story are wonderful and the excitement is good enough for any young boy, maybe 4th grade through middle school even.  Even I, an old grandma, enjoyed the story.

You don’t have to read the stories in sequence but I would recommend it.  This story refers to the boys harrowing adventure in the first book that I’m going to have to read now!  And I’m sure Book 3 will be just as good.  This book will be donated to the Media Center and I’ll be buying the other two soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Here’s a trailer about the book:

$1.99 Packs a Punch in This Book – Predator by Terri Blackstock

This isn’t free, but it is so worth $1.99.  Suspense at it’s best, Terri Blackstock weaves a story right out of our world of emails, Facebook, and online predators.  I know this is fiction, but there is a lot of good info in this book that all of us need to learn and teach our kids too.

• $1.99 on Kindle:  Predator by Terri Blackstock (We have this book in our Media Center and everyone that’s read it has really liked it and has made them think twice about what they post online.)

Watch the trailer:

Starting in June-Featured Author and Book Giveaway

We are excited to start this new monthly post.  We will feature a Christian author each month, featuring one or more of their books and have an interview with the author and  give away one of their books.  To enter the book give-away all you have to do is to make a comment on the post…telling why you would like to win, or how much you like that author, and you’ll be entered in the drawing.  The posts will go out on the first of each month (unless I forget) and the contest will run for 3 weeks.  Then we’ll have a random drawing and pick the winner.

Here’s a preview of upcoming authors:

June – Ann Gabhart

July – Colleen Coble

August – Jennifer Erin Valent

September – Denise Weimer

We are so excited to get this started and we have been so thrilled at the great response we’ve had so far with these fantastic authors.  So go ahead and set your calendar to check our blog the first of each month, or better yet sign up to follow our blog and you’ll automatically get the post on the first of each month and will be able to go ahead enter the book giveaway.  More details will follow with the post and the winner will be contacted by email in order to get mailing info privately.  Right now, the contest will be for USA residents only.

Excited?  We are!!!!!

How Does An Author Get Her Inspiration for Writing?

We just received Kathy Herman‘s latest book, Not By Sight (Ozark Mountain Trilogy #1) and I haven’t had a chance to read it yet (it was checked out before I had a chance!).  I can’t wait until it’s returned so I can find out how they liked it. I always love to hear from our patrons about the books they’ve read and see the excitement in their eyes when they say “This was a great book, I couldn’t put it down!”.  Now back to my reason for this post…..

I’ve always been fascinated by how authors come up with their stories.  And I received an email from Kathy Herman this morning with a update about her new book and a YouTube video interview.  Naturally, I had to watch it.  In it she explains how she got the inspiration for this latest series.  I found it very interesting and thought y’all might too.