Return to Me by Lynn Austin with 2 giveaways

After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true---King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God's renewed favor. For too long they've remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo's sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return---return to their home and their God.

Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo's beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God's leading. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah---and history---forever.

Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Me tells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

My review:
   I have never been a big Biblical fiction reader, though some of it is better than others. I did read the Chronicles of the Kings Series by Lynn Austin, and loved them. When I saw this book come up for review, I figured it had to be as good, so I signed up, and am glad I did.

  As with her other Biblical fiction series, Lynn has written about a part of the Bible that hasn't been used much, if at all, in fictional novels. This book, the first in The Restoration Chronicles starts out with Daniel being called to interpret the handwriting on the wall. It then goes on to cover the first return of the Israelites back to their country from Babylon.

  The only books I have read by Lynn Austin have been Biblical fiction, as her other books seem more geared for women, so I know nothing about her writing style in those books. However, I can say that she does a terrific job of portraying Biblical people and events, and it is obvious she has done a lot of research and reading to bring the Biblical narrative to life in such an interesting and exciting way.

   I've read these events in the Bible, and I am not diminishing the value of reading them there, but there is something to be gained by reading a book such as this. Lynn brought out so much that I hadn't considered or noticed in the Bible before, and even brought out interesting information about sacrifices, and what they meant and how they were done.

  Several of the characters in the book were fictional, but there were also some who are found in the Bible. The central character is the prophet Zechariah. The book starts out with him as a boy nearly twelve years old, and ends with him a married adult with children. There are true events and fictional events in the book, but I was more than entertained by reading this book. I learned a lot about the return of the exiles and what it may have been like for them to return to their country that had been destroyed, and of the things and people they had to overcome to rebuild the temple and their houses.

   Its not often that I have a hard time putting down a book that isn't suspense, my favorite genre', but I did have a hard time putting this one down. Fortunately, I had plenty of time to read it, and did read it in one day. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and walked away with a better appreciation and understanding of this section of the Bible and how God led His people back to their home in spite of what seemed impossible odds.

About the author:
    About Lynn: Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

You can find out more about Lynn at http://www.lynnaustin.org/

Giveaways:
   There are two giveaways. One by Litfuse and the author, with the information below, and the second is by me. Read the directions carefully:

Giveaway #1:
Lynn Austin is celebrating the release of Return to Me, the first book in her new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat party.

 
  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Return to Me by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Return To Me" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 22nd. Connect with Lynn and friends for an evening of book chat, biblical trivia, prizes, and get an exclusive look at the next book in Lynn's Restoration Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Return to Me and join Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

 

Giveaway #2: I have an extra copy of Return to Me that I will mail out to one winner. I am using Rafflecopter and there are a couple of ways to get extra entries.

 

 

1) You MUST comment on this blog post to get one entry- you can comment if you have read a Lynn Austin book before, or anything you want to say. Then click on the Rafflecopter that you commented.

 

2) Follow my blog. There are two ways: follow by email or follow through Google. Click that you did so on Rafflecopter for an extra entry.

 

3) Like Lynn Austin's Facebook page. Click that you did so on Rafflecopter for an extra entry.


I will draw a winner on October 25. The deadline to enter is 11:59 pm on October 24.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Plain Disappearance by Amanda Flower

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Plain Disappearance B&H Books (September 1, 2013) by Amanda Flower

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.



ABOUT THE BOOK

USA Today recently hailed award-nominated author Amanda Flower for A Plain Death, calling it “the first Amish rom-com . . . bring on the next one!” As the enthusiastic reviews continue to mount, she’s back with her third Appleseed Creek mystery, A Plain Disappearance.

It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date.

Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence.

If you would like to read the first chapter of >A Plain Disappearance, go HERE.

My review:
    I don't typically read Amish fiction, but had to read the first one in this series because I was a judge of some suspense books. I liked it well enough to read the second and now the third.

   As with the other two books, this one takes place not too far from where I live, which made me more interested in the books. It picks up where the second book left off, and brings back all of the characters, good and bad, from the previous books.

  This may be the best of the series, and I assume the last. The suspense was great and kept me guessing as to who the guilty party was, and themes of forgiveness were explored as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and couldn't put it down.

  Of the Amish books I have read and am familiar with, I feel this series portrays them a little better than the average Amish fiction book. Also, the main characters in this series are not Amish, but formerly Amish, and not Amish at all.
 

40 Days of Grace by Rich Miller

Rich Miller has spent his ministry trying to help people accept, and then keep accepting, God's perfect grace. As president of Freedom in Christ Ministries he helped develop the Grace Course which teaches this concept. In 40 Days of Grace, he has gathered his lifetime of reflections into devotional readings that thoroughly explore what it means to live a grace-filled life.

 

Rich has seen, time and time again, that so many of us start out excited and grateful for God's saving, rescuing grace, and yet somehow we take a wrong turn. It's as if we gradually get tricked into believing that somewhere God changed the rules and it's actually up to us to make the Christian life work. We are drawn into self-effort and forget what it is to live by grace.

 

40 Days of Grace is a powerful reminder of the Father who loves us and runs to meet His wayward children--a chance to rest in His grace.

 

My review:

   This book grabbed my attention, as I have struggled all my life with the issue of grace, feeling like I could never measure up to deserving it, which is ironic since that is what grace is all about - undeserved.

 

  This book is basically a 40-day devotional about God's grace. The full title is 40 Days of Grace, Discovering God's Liberating Love. All forty selections are about God's grace. They run five-six pages in length, and after the devotional part, end with these: A thought to chew on, a truth to remember, a question to mull over, and talking it over with God, which is a prayer.

 

  I like the idea of the book, and it is an excellent book. I have never read anything by the author, but he did a great job on this book, of bringing out what grace is all about, and what it means to us. The selections aren't long, but have a lot in them, and are interesting and easy to read. It is a book the reader should slowly read through, taking a selection each day, then reading it again. No matter where we are in our walk with God, we can all use a reminder of how great God's grace is, and just what Jesus has done for us through His death.

 

About the author:

Rich Miller, a man whose heart beats for renewal and revival in the church, is an author and speaker for Freedom in Christ Ministries, as well as serving as president. He has coauthored Battle Plan for Spiritual Warfare, Getting Anger Under Control, and Breaking the Bondage of Legalism. He lives with his wife and four children in the mountains of western North Carolina.

 

 

   40 Days of Grace is available from Kregel Publishing.

 

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.

Dangerous by Caleb Bislow and Ted Kluck

Who Said Following Jesus Was Supposed to Be Safe?

In 2005 Caleb Bislow decided safety was overrated. Realizing there is nowhere on earth beyond the reach of God's love, he became what might be called an "extreme missionary," traveling to some of the world's most dangerous and despised places. From warring tribal villages in Africa to red-light districts in Asia to Guatemalan prisons, Caleb witnessed God's light break through the darkness again and again.

Are you tired of playing it safe? Filled with unforgettable stories of what can happen when men and women completely surrender to God's lead, Dangerous will help you see how He can use each of us no matter where in the world we are.

Includes resources to help you get started on your own adventures.

My review:
   This has got to be one of the most interesting non-fiction books I have read. Caleb tells how he felt called to go into the less safe places of the world to reach people with the Gospel. The book is filled with stories of his trips to places most of us would never dream of going, and of how God worked through him and the people he went with.

  The book is inspiring, exciting, interesting, challenging, and convicting. It shows that the Christian life doesn't have to be boring, and that if we truly surrender to God, He may take us into places that aren't safe, but He is always in control.

  Dangerous is the kind of book that makes me want to do more, though hopefully not to the extent Caleb has. I believe God calls people according to what they are capable of and the talents they have, and after reading this book, I can honestly say I could never accomplish the things for God that Caleb has, but his stories challenge me to do more, to listen for God in even the small things, and how important it is to do even the smallest thing if we feel God urging us to do it.

  I really enjoyed the book, and recommend it to anyone who wants to be challenged and who wants to read exciting stories of how God is reaching people in the most remote parts of the earth.

About the authors:


Caleb Bislow jumped off the "cliff" of safety and security in 2005, and since then has been humbled to advance God's kingdom on every inhabited continent in the world. He is a sought-after speaker through Kingdom Building Ministries. Caleb and his wife, Jessica, and their three children, call Franklin, Nebraska, their home. Learn more at www.unusualsoldiers.com.



Ted Kluck is an award-winning author and freelance writer. He has written eight books, and his work has appeared in such places as ESPN the Magazine and Christianity Today. He's also the author of the ebook Jeremy Lin: Faith, Joy, and Basketball. His first book won a Christianity Today Book of the Year award. Ted lives in Grand Ledge, Michigan, with his wife and two sons.


Dangerous is available from Bethany House Publishers.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy.

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dark Justice B&H Books (October 1, 2013) by Brandilyn Collins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.

Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). The Writer magazine named Getting into Character one of the best books on writing published in 2002.

When she's not writing, Brandilyn can be found teaching the craft of fiction at writers' conferences.

ABOUT THE BOOK

If I’d had any idea what those words would mean to me, to my mother and daughter, I’d have fled California without looking back.

While driving a rural road, Hannah Shire and her aging mother, who suffers from dementia, stop to help a man at the scene of a car accident. The man whispers mysterious words in Hannah’s ear. Soon people want to kill Hannah and her mother for what they “know.” Even law enforcement may be involved.

The two women must flee for their lives. But how does Hannah hide her confused mother? Carol just wants to listen to her pop music, wear her favorite purple hat, and go home. And if they turn to Hannah’s twentyseven- year-old daughter, Emily, for help, will she fall into danger as well?

Pressed on all sides, Hannah must keep all three generations of women in her family alive. Only then does she learn the threat is not just to her loved ones, but the entire country . . .

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Dark Justice, HERE.

My review:
    Brandilyn Collins has done it again. She has written a great and thrilling suspense novel that grabbed me and kept me reading til the end of the book. There are a lot of authors whose books tend to be very similar, but I have not found that to be the case with her. The plots and characters are vastly different from book to book.

  In this book, the main characters are a widowed woman and her mother who has Alzheimer's, which made the book more interesting and gave some insight into how that affects people.

  I am not a fan of first person point of view books, and Brandilyn has started doing those more, though this one used both the first and third person points of view, which I like far better than just the first person point of view alone.

   The plot was interesting in the book, and is something we all need to realize is a real danger in this day when we are so dependent on power... that it could be cut off. Of course the book had the gripping suspense Brandilyn is known for, and I loved every minute of it.

Stranded by Dani Pettrey

When Her Friend Goes Missing,
Every Minute Counts
Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared. Troubled by the cruise ship's vague explanation, Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further.

The last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy. And in typical Darcy fashion, she's digging up more trouble.

He'd love to just forget her--but something won't let him. And he can't help but worry about her as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually into foreign waters. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they push, the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

My review:
    Dani Petrey is a fairly new author on the Christian fiction market, having her first book just come out in May of 2012.  In my personal opinion, she is one of the best new authors to have come along in recent years.

    She had me hooked with her first book, Submerged, which is also the first book in this series, Alaskan Courage, and she has only gotten better with each book. This third book, Stranded is the best yet. I like it when an author has the same characters in a series, focusing more on different ones in each book, but using them all. In the last book, she started setting up for this book. In Stranded, she picks up Darcy and Gage's story where she left off in Shattered.

   Stranded has all of the suspense, drama, great plot and characters, and romance Dani has had in her previous novels, but it is even better than the other two. The setting is on a cruise ship, which I think would be more of a challenge, but Dani shows she can write a great book in any setting.

  Dani is one of the authors who is not afraid to make her books Christian and have her characters struggle with issues of faith. I found myself relating a lot to that of Gage in this story, and appreciate her addressing struggles of faith and showing through fiction that not everyone gets it as easily as some of us do.

  This book also addresses an issue we all need to be made more aware of: the human trafficking issue.

  I could not have enjoyed this book any more than I did. I devoured every page and read it through in the same day I received it in the mail. I give it 5 stars out of 5 stars. This is a Christian suspense masterpiece.

About the author:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.

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Stranded is available from Bethany House Publishers.

Thanks to the author and Bethany House for the review copy.

Raw Edges by Sandra Bricker

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Raw Edge Abingdon Press (September 17, 2013) by Sandra D. Bricker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The Big 5-OH! was released by Abingdon Press in the Spring of 2010, and the novel was very well-received, garnering a couple of nibbles from Hollywood.

Always the Baker, Never the Bride was released by Abingdon Press in September 2010. With its phenomenal reviews, the novel spawned a series of three more books based on the popular cast of characters at The Tanglewood Inn, a wedding destination hotel in historic Roswell, Georgia. The series cemented Sandie's spot in publishing as a flagship author of Laugh-Out-Loud romantic comedy for the inspirational market.

"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grayson McDonough has no use for teal ribbons, 5k runs, or ovarian cancer support groups now that his beautiful wife Jenna is gone. But their nine-year-old daughter Sadie seems to need the connection. When Annabelle Curtis, the beautiful cancer survivor organizing the memory quilt project for the Ovacome support group, begins to bring out the silly and fun side of his precious daughter again, Gray must set aside his own grief to support the healing of Sadie’s young heart. But is there hope for Gray’s heart too along the way?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Raw Edge, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer: