A Kim Vogel Sawyer Marathon

Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors, and I proved it by reading three of her books in the past ten days! (See the review I posted June 20th for the review of A Hopeful Heart.) I had read My Heart Remembers about two brothers and a sister who are adopted out to separate families who finally find each other as adults a couple years ago, so I was very eager to start its semi-sequel.

I call it a semi-sequel because In Every Heartbeat does catch us up on what is going on in the lives of Maelle and her siblings over a decade later, but it also introduces three other orphans who have been raised together and now go off to the same college. Libby, Pete and Bennett all have their own hopes and plans for the future, but, as usual, life gets in the way, and some of those plans have to be altered. And, as in all of Kim Sawyer's books, we see how the hand of God is guiding the characters along the way, even when they don't acknowledge Him. And we learn along with the characters how God knows even better than we do when it comes to planning our future. Set while the US teeters on the brink of entering WWI, the reader can learn about history while enjoying a super story.

The third book I read in my marathon was Courting Miss Amsel, about a schoolmarm in her first year of teaching in a small town in Nebraska. Edythe Amsel raised her siblings after her mother's death, but kept studying for years, and has finally reached her dream of becoming a teacher. She loves the students and teaching, but some of the townspeople distrust her unconventional ways of presenting the lessons to the students.

Two of her students are being raised by their uncle, Joel Townsend, after the death of their parents. Joel admires Edythe and lets her know he would like to court her, but she refuses since she spent her own youth raising her siblings and doesn't think she can raise someone else's kids again.

Will the school board ask Edythe to return for another year? Does she even want them to if it means watching Joel with someone else? The author shows how God's plans are even better than our own, if we will only trust and obey. A happy ending with surprises makes for a great read!

Two New Book Reviews--Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris and A Case for Love by Kaye Dacus

Today I want to share two new books out by two of the best new authors on the scene in the past few years. I have met both of these authors at ACFW conferences, and know they are genuine followers of Christ who seek to use their writing talents for Him. And we get to reap the benefits of reading stellar writing from a Christian worldview. And both of these ladies write in more than one genre, so I know you can find something you will like here.

Until I read Blood Ransom, I had only read historicals by Lisa Harris, but I am so glad she took the chance on branching out to international political intrigue. Blood Ransom is set in a fictional nation in Africa, the continent which Lisa knows very well after living there the past several years with her husband as missionaries. I hope you will find out more about her and her books by visiting her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com and her blog at www.myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com

In Blood Ransom we are introduced to Natalie Sinclair who works for an agency which is trying to eradicate diseases in Dhambizao. She is thrust into the middle of slave trade and election rigging, even a possible assassination attempt when she reconnects with a former translator, and also a doctor, Chad Talcott, who is on sabbatical from his clinic in the States to volunteer at a small clinic in Dhambizao. This trio has to decide how much they want to be involved in African politics, and whom they can trust along the way.

Although this book is very different from anything else I have read of Lisa's, I am so glad I did. Her poignant words and masterful plot swept me into the drama surrounding Natalie and Chad and made me want to read it as fast as I could to find out what happens to them and the people they are trying to help. I hope you will order a copy from Lisa or www.amazon.com so you can travel this exciting journey, too.

Kaye Dacus is also pubbed in two genres--several books in the regency category and what I consider modern romantic comedy with her The Brides of Bonneterre series. The book I am reviewing today is the final book in that trilogy. The title is A Case for Love, and the subtitle gives you the romantic comedy feel I mentioned--All's Fair in Love and Lawsuits.

I just checked out Kaye's website at www.kayedacus.com and saw that she is currently writing another modern series entitled The Matchmakers. I can't wait to read them!

But, back to the review for A Case for Love. I have read all three of the books in this series, and I believe they just keep getting better and better. If you haven't read the first two books, Stand In Groom and Menu for Romance, you are in for a treat! I suggest you first read them, for the sheer enjoyment, and to know more about the Guidry family as you begin this story of Forbes Guidry, a lawyer who has been a major character in the other two books, but now takes on the starring role as the male love interest, instead of standing in the wings, manipulating his brothers' and sisters' and cousin's love lives.

His heroine, Alaine Delacroix, has also been introduced in the other books, and this book lets us get to know her better, even sharing some of her family secrets and her own desires. Alaine is a local newscaster who feels torn when her family's business is threatened by the Guidry family. Can she stay neutral and watch what her parents have worked all their lives for be taken away? Is there any way a Romeo/Juliet match can be successful in this modern-day conflict? You'll have to read the book and find out. Kaye's website mentions seven places where you can order any of her series, so hurry on over! Happy reading!

Book Review--Maggie Rose by Sharlene MacLaren

Warning: Do not start this book unless you want to stay up reading past midnight for two nights like I did!

This book, Maggie Rose, is the second in The Daughters of Jacob Kane series by Sharlene MacLaren. Although I had not read the first book, there are enough bits and pieces of the family history in this book to let you enjoy it without reading the other one first. And, book three, Abbie Ann, about the third daughter of Jacob Kane is slated to be published next Spring, 2010. I look forward to reading it and losing some more sleep!

Maggie Rose is called by God to leave her hometown to travel to New York City to help at the Sheltering Arms Refuge, a short-term home to keep orphans who will be transported across the country for adoption. There she meets a newspaper reporter, Luke Madison, who is assigned the job of writing a story about the home and the orphan trains. Luke has experienced heartache that has shaken his already-weak faith.

Luke and Maggie Rose are attracted to each other, but she will not allow herself to fall for someone who doesn't love the Lord like she does. They accomplish a daring rescue together and are also the targets of some shady characters. Read this book and find out how God keeps them all in His sheltering arms.

New Book--When the Nile Runs Red

I just got back late last night from the 6th annual American Christian Fiction Writers' Conference in Dallas, TX. (I'll post more about that later.) While there I had the privilege of taking a great class taught by DiAnn Mills. Today I want to encourage you to read her latest novel.

Although I haven't yet read it, I know from her many other books I have read that it will be a great read. Here are a few quotes from other reviewers:

The mix of romance, action, and history, is a perfect concoction to tie everything together in this book. DiAnn Mills allows you to become intimate with the characters and to feel as though you are right there with them suffering in the Sudan heat day after day as they fight to bring peace to the land. This book is based on real events that are going on in Sudan in 2005 between Southern Sudan and the Northern government in Khartoum...I highly recommend this novel. You get to take a look into the current events in Sudan, see the love grow and flourish between Larson and Paul, and see the fate of Ben that will have you wipe a tear from your cheek. This book is an emotional rollercoaster that is worth reading again and again. --Reviewed by Ashley Denis for Front Street Reviews

Mills has created a masterpiece in the inspirational fiction, When the Nile Runs Red...Plenty of action scenes as well as twists and turns in the plot keep the reader engaged with the story. With real characters, real struggles, life-and-death situations and a present but not overwhelming inspirational theme, Mills has created a wonderful read.
Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.--Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams

Best-selling author DiAnn Mills brings an international tragedy to life in her new book, “When theNile Runs Red.” Her novel weaves the real-life humanitarian crisis in the Sudan with the plight of her characters who have dedicated their lives to making a difference. Although the book is a work of fiction, it breathes a reality that so many innocent people cannot escape from...Absolutely fantastic!--Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (6/07)

So hurry out and buy it or post on this blog next month (October) for a chance to win a copy!

Book review--Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge

Since I am a fiction writer, most of the book reviews I post are of fiction books, but this book is so good, I just had to encourage everyone to get a copy and read it! John and Stasi Eldredge are a husband-wife team. John is well known for several other books, including Wild at Heart. Stasi is co-leader of a women's ministry called Ransomed Heart.

The sub-title of this book is "Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul." One of the key verses is Psalms 45:11 "The King is enthralled (captivated) by your beauty; honor him for He is your lord." I like The Message version even better. "The King is wild for you. Since He's your lord, adore him."

The authors go on to suggest ways we can realize and appreciate the truth of how captivating we are to our Lord, including asking Him to show us our beauty and letting him romance us. When we feel His love in greater measure, we will fall more deeply in love with Him and worship Him as He desires to be worshiped.

They quote the Luke passage about Mary and Martha and how Mary chooses the "one thing that is needed." They believe "The one thing that is needed is a captivated, adoring heart, a heart that responds to the extravagant love of God with worship." (p. 123)

I am in a Bible study/prayer group with several of the women whom I went with on the mission trip to Hondorus last Dec. (check out my earlier blogs for more info) We call ourselves the Warrior Princesses which is the title of another chapter in this book.

If you desire to fall more in love with Jesus and become more of a Warrior Princess for him, this book is for you.

Winner and new contest!

Virginia Smith is the winner of The Wedding Caper by Janice Thompson. Congrats to Ginny. Leave a comment on any of my blog posts during the month of August and you will be eligible to win Remember Me by Maureen Lang, a very timely book about two young adults caught up in the maelstrom of War.

Lissa Parker is making plans to head overseas as a nurse with the Red Cross in 1917 when she meets and falls in love with a young man who has lost his memory. Josef von Woerner heads to Europe to fight. As his memory comes back in bits and pieces he is faced with several life-changing decisions. This is not just a love story, but a heart-searching book with many twists and turns. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love reading this book and learn much about this era in the process.

Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher

I have read several of Robin Hatcher's novels and her newest book is one of my favorites. It is a contemporary story of two sisters: Roxy, who is the prodigal daughter, returning after she has spent her inheritance and her self-respect trying for a music career in Nashville, and Elena, the pure and proper older sister who has remained at home and followed in the family business. Both sisters have much to learn about God's grace in this story of forgiveness and God's faithfulness. It is also the story of their father who has faithfully prayed for his daughter's return and restoration just as God yearns for all His children to return to Him.

I hope you will leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win a copy of this book, and I would encourage you to read it and all of Robin Lee Hatcher's wonderful novels, both contemporary and historical.

A new winner and a new book contest for May

Since Carolyn never contacted me with her info, my DH drew another name from the bowl today and Pam C. is the lucky winner, so Jill Nelson will be mailing her an authographed copy of Reluctant Runaway. If Carolyn contacts me later, I will be happy to send her a book from my own collection.

The contest open to anyone who posts on my blog this month will be for a copy of Crime and Clutter by Cyndy Salzman. This is a hilarious and heart-warming book detailing the adventures of the six members of the Friday Afternoon club as they help one of their members de-clutter her life and her heart when she inherits an old VW van and many memorabilia from her dad's life in the 60's Revolution.

Each chapter opens with some great recipes ranging from down-home cooking to recipes used in hippie communes. I've only tried one so far (very good), but plan to try several others.

Captivating characters, a surprise ending and lots of heart-squeezing emotion in between, make this a great read! Hope you will buy (or sign up to win!) this book for your summer reading enjoyment.

Win a book!!
Reluctant Runaway by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

This book is the second in Jill's "To Catch a Thief" series, and I can't wait for the next one to come out in January of next year. Jill has graciously offered to mail an autographed copy of Reluctant Runaway to one lucky person who posts to this blog, so read the review below, and I'm sure you'll want a chance to win a copy. Please leave your email addy so I can contact you for mailing info. I'll get my dear hubby to draw a name from all entries on May 1st, so don't forget to enter before then. And you can check back in on May 2nd to see who is the winner!

You will love the hero and heroine in this book! Desiree Jacobs is a museum security expert who often finds herself in dangerous situations. Tony Lucano is a good-looking special agent for the FBI. Sparks fly when he tries to persuade Desiree to stay out of harm's way while he also enounters dangerous people and places. Their physical attraction for each other is unmistakable, but can it weather their disagreements and separations?

From the back cover..."Tony's organized crime case collides with Desi's (museum break-in) investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister...From the streets of Desi's beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces."

Hope you'll enter to win and also go out and buy or order the first book in the series "Reluctant Burglar" where Tony and Desi first meet.

Kim Sawyer, author of Where Willows Grow

This picture is of me with one of my dearest author friends, Kim Sawyer. I first met Kim in 2002 at the first American Christian Fiction Writers' Conference in Kansas City. We were both shy and felt out of place amidst all the well-known authors. Kim had self-pubbed her first book and sold copies at our booksigning. I bought a book and was hooked on her writing. She has been compared to Janette Oke of prairie romance fame, but I think she is even better! If you would like more info about Kim and her other books, please check out her website at www.KimVogelSawyer.com

Review of Where Willows Grow by Kim Vogel Sawyer

This book is a story of enduring love during the Depression period of our country's history. Anna Mae and Harley Phipps are barely surviving on the farm her parents left her. Harley travels across the state of Kansas, against his wife's wishes, to work on a WPA project of building a castle to make money for food and taxes. Several events occur to keep them from receiving letters from each other, leading to more hurt feelings. They are both involved in harmful accidents which God can use for good if they will let Him. The blurb on the back of the book says "Her heart aches for his return, but is the distance between them measured by more than miles?" I hope you will order this book and find out the answer for yourself. If you are like me, you will be happy at the joyful ending, but sad that your visit with these heartwarming characters is at an end. Order a copy today from the site above or go to your local Christian bookstore.