An Imperfect Christmas

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
One Imperfect Christmas
Abingdon Press (September 2009)
by
Myra Johnson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Making up stories has been second nature to me for as long as I can remember. A select group of trusted friends back at dear old Mission High waited eagerly for the next installment of my "Great American Spy Novel" (think Man from Uncle) and my "All-American Teen Novel" (remember Gidget and Tammy?). I even had a private notebook of angst-ridden poetry a la Rod McKuen.

The dream of writing persisted into adulthood, although it often remained on the back burner while I attended to home and family and several "real" (read paying) jobs along the way. Then in 1983, while recovering from sinus surgery, I came upon one of those magazine ads for the Institute of Children’s Literature. I knew it was time to get serious, and the next thing I knew, I'd enrolled in the “Writing for Children and Teenagers” course.

Within a year or so I sold my first story, which appeared in the Christian publication Alive! for Young Teens. For many years I enjoyed success writing stories and articles for middle-graders and young adults. I even taught for ICL for 9 years.

Then my girls grew up, and there went my live-in inspiration. Time to switch gears. I began my first women's fiction manuscript and started attending Christian writers conferences. Eventually I learned about American Christian Romance Writers (which later became American Christian Fiction Writers) and couldn't wait to get involved. Friends in ACFW led me to RWA and the online inspirational chapter, Faith, Hope & Love.

So here I am today, still on this crazy roller-coaster ride. Still writing. Still hopeful. Writing, I'm learning, is not about the destination, it's about the journey. My current projects are primarily women's fiction and romance . . . novels of hope, love, and encouragement. Novels about real women living out their faith and finding love in the midst of everyday, and sometimes not so everyday, situations.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she's allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves-most of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she's one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom.

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit's end. Nothing he's done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa's adolescent rebellion isn't helping matters. As Daniel's hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear.

If you would like to read the first chapter of One Imperfect Christmas, go HERE


Watch the trailer:

My review:

Even though this is pretty much a romance novel, I can't resist Christmas books, so I requested this one to review, and was not disappointed. The whole book is not centered around Christmas, but starts after Christmas and goes through to the following Christmas.

The main character, Natalie, wallows in guilt, blaming herself for her mother's accident and stroke. Her preoccupation with guilt leads to she and her husband separating, showing what effect guilt can have on a person and family.

Meanwhile, their teenage daughter schemes to get her parents back before another Christmas rolls around.

I really liked the book. This was a first novel for this author, and she did a great job. The characters are likable and real, and they have real problems. No issues with language or inappropriate content here. The author writes a true Christian fiction novel, and I recommend this book. I had to read it quite a while before Christmas, but if you like Christmas books, and especially Christmas romance novels, find yourself a copy of an Imperfect Christmas, sit back, and enjoy.

Check out my two giveaways in the two previous blog postings. One ends September 29, and the other on October 4.

Kim Hopper, I Just Wanted You To Know

I like Kim Hopper's singing and style better when she sings with The Hoppers, but this is a good CD, her second solo effort: I Just Wanted You To Know.

When God Sings kicks off the CD. A slow & thoughtful song, and presents the neat of idea of what it is like when God sings.

Promised Land is a bouncy, pleasing to the ear song that talks about what it will be like in Heaven. Previously recorded by The Crabb Family, Kim's version holds its own, and is a favorite.

Gospel to The World presents the Great Commission - a neat song, and another favorite.

What Will I Wear has a bluegrass song talks about what we will wear in Heaven - cool song, nice bouncy tune.

The Woman in My Little Girl's Room is the best song on the CD. Sung as a duet, Kim & Dean Hopper present a tear-jerking song that talks about how fast little girls grow up. Even though I am not a parent, I am an uncle to 3 great girls who are growing up too fast, so this song makes me get a bit misty-eyed. It sounds like something Tim McGraw & Faith Hill might sing. Awesome song.

The Devil Lost His Keys - talks about the devil losing his keys to death, hell, and the grave when Jesus rose from the dead. A neat idea for a song, but not one I am too crazy about. It is too "something."

The beautiful That Sounds Like Heaven to Me is another song talking about Heaven - Kim does a great job on the song.

Come Out Praising is a faster song that points out praising is the key to get through our troubles - great song and message.

The title song ends the CD, I Just Wanted You To Know. A slow song telling God how much we love Him.

Though a totally different sound from The Hoppers, the CD is pleasing to the ear, and has some good messages in the songs, and Kim Hopper is most likely the best soprano in Southern Gospel music.

Step Aside, Michael & Ted

I blogged recently about how sad it is we laud corrupt men at their deaths just because they were popular or important. I'd like in my feeble way, to laud a truly great person, the greatest teacher, and one of the greatest people & Christians to ever cross my path - Miss Nancy Ritchey.

Miss Ritchey was a unique individual. She was sarcastic, yet told her students training to be teachers that a teacher shouldn't be sarcastic. She didn't like music, men, or children - or so she claimed. She often stated that when she went to a restaurant and they asked "smoking, or non-smoking", she would ask for the "non-children section", yet I would see her smiling at little kids in church, and know she bought toys for them.

She liked Garfield, the comic strip cat, and collected all sorts of Garfield memorabilia.

She had enough college and training - and smarts - that she could have taught in the biggest universities in our land, yet she spent most of her life teaching in a Christian school, and later in a Bible college - neither of which are known for being well-paid jobs.

I remember the first time I met her. Fall of 1988. I was a very shy, backward freshman at Allegheny Wesleyan College sitting in her New Testament Survey Class. The requirements for the class seemed way too much for this guy to handle, so I dropped the class and never took it until my Senior year. I tried to avoid her classes after that - she seemed so mean, and asked so much, yet she turned out to be the best teacher I ever had.

I remember one year I was taking a teaching methods class from her - the only class I got a "A" from her in. As part of a class assignment, I was decorating her room for a presentation. While trying to hang something, I rested a foot on the shelf of a bookcase. To my horror, the shelf broke. I was so scared I drafted a friend into going with me to tell her. I walked up the sidewalk to her house with true dread in my heart. Her reaction? She laughed and said she was getting new bookcases anyway, and to just prop it up temporarily.

She had a way of lowering her head, looking over her glasses, and making you feel like a bug under a microscope. I will never forget one time I was on the receiving end......

She was our class sponsor. I was late to a class meeting, and tried to sneak in. Unfortunately, the only empty seat was in front of her desk. I tried to slip into my seat as quietly as I could. Slipping off my jacket, I turned in my seat to hang the jacket on the back of it, and promptly fell out of my chair onto the floor. She had been talking, but stopped and gave me one of those over the glasses looks.......and I was mortified. I heard later she used the incident in Psychology class.... I never did find out what she said. :-)

She had a great sense of humor, and could tease. A few years ago, long after I had graduated from college, she was talking to me about what classes she was teaching that year. I mentioned that the one sounded familiar and wish I had taken it. She informed me it was a required class - even when I was in college, and I should have had to take it - she mentioned having my diploma taken from me, but was just joking..... I think - you never could tell with her.

I guess the greatest memory I have of her is from about six years ago. Something had happened in my life - pretty bad. I called her and told her what was going on, and asked her to pray for me. Her reply stunned me. She said "Mark, I pray for you every day." Wow. Eleven years after I had had her as a teacher in college, she still prayed for me every day? That still amazes me. To think of all of the people she taught in school and college down through the years....... that she prayed for me - every day?

She was the toughest teacher I ever had, but truly the best, and I learned toward the end of my time being taught by her that she wasn't the mean and brash person she made herself out to be. She was possibly the most godly person I have had the privilege and honor to know - and she cared - she cared a lot.

One last memory. A few years ago I had a health crisis. My parents were freaking out, thinking I might be contagious to the whole family - I called Miss Ritchey and she took time out to allay their fears - and mine.

Earth has lost a far greater person than Michael Jackson or Ted Kennedy. Only eternity will reveal how many lives this great woman of God touched and helped toward Heaven.

Miss Ritchey, you will be sadly missed by many, but I believe with all my heart that you have stepped through those pearly gates and heard the words you truly deserve to hear: "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have fought the fight, you have kept the faith. Enter into your eternal reward."

My life - and many others - are truly better for having known you.

A few songs come to mind as I finish typing this. A song "Who's Gonna Take Their Place When They're Gone?" - and how true - "Thank-you For Giving to The Lord", by Ray Botlz, but perhaps the best song to leave in her honor is one that my friend Lori mentioned on her blog - "Faces" by Greater Vision.


I dreamed my life was done
I stood before God's Son
It was time to see what my reward would be
With love he reviewed my life
To count what was done for Christ
For that is what will last eternally

See I'd done my best to share
That Jesus really cares
And he would save if they just believe
Oh, but seldom did harvest come
And so few did I see won
Until the Lord said, "turn around and see."

(Chorus)
Then he showed me the faces of the ones who'd come because of me
So many faces that my life had led to Calvary
All those years I thought nobody saw as I labored in lowly places
That's when Jesus smiled and showed me all the faces.

He said though you did not see the yield,
You were faithful to plow the field
At other times you helped me plant the seed
No matter how small the task, you did just as I asked
And thanks to you these souls have been set free.

(Chorus)
Then he showed me the faces of the ones who'd come because of me
So many faces that my life had led to Calvary
All those years I thought nobody saw as I labored in lowly places
That's when Jesus smiled and showed me all the faces.

Tag:
And for those years you thought
Nobody saw as you labored in lowly places
One day He'll smile and show you all the faces.
... the faces... you'll see their faces.

I wanted to put the video for the song here, but whoever posted it on Youtube disabled that feature, but you can view it here.

The Hoppers, Live Across America

The Hoppers, one of my favorite groups, just did a new CD titled, "Live Across America". To my understanding, it was recorded live at several different locations, then put onto one CD. My one gripe with the CD is that it is about half old songs and half new, but the new songs make it worth buying.

The CD starts out with a song I wouldn't have picked from their many songs: "Holy Ghost Wind". It is an OK song, but I can't believe it would rank very high among audience favorites.

Next up is a new song, "Blame It On Love". A cool song, talks about what Jesus did on the cross, and the reason He did it, can be "blamed on love". The song has good lyrics, and a nice tune, a song I can see myself listening to a lot.

Third on the disc is another song the Hoppers have previously done: "Jesus Saves". This is one of those convention style songs, where everyone seems to be singing a different line on the chorus. I've always liked this bouncy little song, and am cool with it being on the CD.

"Pathway Built For Two", penned by Phil Cross, and someone who is really turning out good songs: Jim Brady of The Booth Brothers. Again, a song with a pleasing tune, and good lyrics. Talks about the narrow road we are on, but walking it with Jesus, staying on the pathway built for two.

The 5th cut on the CD is the best song on the CD. When I saw the song list, and saw it had this song listed, I found myself hoping it was the same one I have known for years, and it is: "Ten Thousand Years". I have always loved this song, ever since I first heard it as a teenager. I don't have it anywhere to listen to. I think we used to have it on a LP by someone, so to get it on CD by a great group I love, makes me ecstatic. The whole group leads off on the first verse, with Kim taking a solo on the second verse. They do a tremendous job on it, even better than I hoped. Can I say "repeat"?!

"Ready to Leave" is an old Hemphills' song - fast and upbeat, and the Hoppers do it better, I have to say.

"On My Journey Home" is another I wouldn't have picked. It is bouncy, and I like bouncy, but it is one that Claude is featured on, and face it, the guy just can't sing that great anymore........the song is a good song though.

"Mama Was Praying For Me" was recorded by Connie Hopper several years ago, but I don't think ever by the whole group. With her still singing the verses, this new recording is well done. Talks about how important it is for mothers to pray for their kids, and grand kids.

"He's Worthy" is a rousing song done back in the 90's by the Hoppers. Never was a favorite, but it is a good song and has a nice tempo. The song really shows what Kim can do with her great soprano voice.

"It Is Well", one of my favorite hymns, and is performed very well here.

The CD ends with "Jerusalem". I liked this song the first time I heard it, done not too many years ago on a CD in the 2000's. It has a very unique tempo and accompanying music, but is a neat song.

Overall, a great CD. I would have selected a few different songs, but hey, they didn't ask me. :-)

Danger At The Door, by Michelle Sutton

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Danger At The Door
(Desert Breeze September, 2009)
by
Michelle Sutton

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is Editor-in-chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, a member of ACFW, a social worker by trade, and a prolific reader/book reviewer/blogger the rest of the time.

She lives in Arizona with her husband of nineteen years and her two teen aged sons. Michelle is also the author of It's Not about Me (2008) and It's Not About Him (Sheaf House 2009). She has nine other titles releasing over the next three years.






ABOUT THE BOOK


Upon her fiance's death, Laney became a recluse who only left her home for emergencies. She managed to survive - barely - on food delivery service and her work-at-home job. When she tries to move on from her grief, the commemorative meal she orders is ruined. However, it leads to an unlikely friendship with an attractive man, Bojan, who speaks little English.

As he befriends Laney he continually says the wrong things, but he doesn't give up trying to win her trust. Meanwhile, she has this strange feeling of being watched and wonders if she's losing her mind.

Complicating things further, every time she leaves her house something bad happens, confirming that she is safer at home. Can Bojan convince Laney she'll be safe with him, or will his presence put her in further danger? Will he be able to protect the woman he loves before it's too late?


If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of Danger At The Door, go HERE

Though short - 132 pages on the Adobe PDF file (got it as an e-book), the plot and story was very gripping. The main character, Laney, has become reclusive and fear rules her life. She is afraid to ride in a car, afraid of people and everything that moves.

Enter the handsome foreign pizza delivery guy. He soon takes her heart, and teaches her to trust God. Meanwhile, someone from her past is bent on revenge and is out to take her life.

I liked the characters - very likable and believable, and I appreciated the message resonating throughout the book - we cannot let fear rule our life, and we must trust God in all things.

I did feel the physical attraction between the two main characters was played out a little too extreme for a Christian book. One sentence went "He secured the back of her head with one hand as he suckled her, engaging one lip at a time, and exploring her mouth with abandon. The desperate, husky moans emitting from low in his throat made her body hum. His tongue slid against hers in an intimate dance and her body pulsed as she pressed against him. She wanted more. Needed more." The whole book isn't that bad, but it does give a pretty good picture of how the physical attraction and interactions are played out - a bit too much. I can handle some romance as much as the next person, but it needs tamed down in a Christian book.

That issue aside, it really is an interesting and exciting book.

Make Love, Make War

Press release:

Living a Life of Radical Worship

Award-winning songwriter Brian Doerksen shares insights behind

some of the most beloved songs of our time as he provokes readers to love and war

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—What is true worship? It can elevate us into the presence of God, renew and refresh our spirits, and offer the deepest expression of love for our Savior. Yet worship can also be a call to arms, a battle cry, a salvo in an ancient spiritual war that continues today. In his first book, Make Love, Make War: Now Is the Time to Worship (David C Cook, August 2009), award-winning songwriter Brian Doerksen challenges Christians to make their lives an offering of radical worship.

An acclaimed songwriter, recording artist, author, conference speaker, and pastor, Doerksen believes God is calling us to love and to battle—to spread peace and wage spiritual warfare. “Each is essential to our daily spiritual walk,” writes Doerksen. “We do this through how we live, how we serve Him, and how we protect and fight for what matters most. One of the ways I make love and war is through music.”

In Make Love, Make War, Doerksen shares the stories and inspirations behind some of today’s most influential songs of worship, including “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship,” “Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing),” and “Refiner’s Fire.” While offering special tips for aspiring songwriters, Doerksen also reveals rich truths and insights about the nature of God, His calling for us, and how we can wage spiritual war and share His love through a life of radical worship.

“I believe that we know love and war are at the heart of everything inside us, and everything going on all around us,” says Doerksen. “We sense that there is nothing that Satan hates more than the worship of Yahweh by those who are faithful to the Lamb. He spends more than a little energy convincing us that there really is no war going on, and that the sum total of our lives’ calling is to be nice. But God is provoking us to rise up and fight. The war He calls us to make is always for the sake of love!”

Author Bio
Brian Doerksen has always had a passion for expressing worship through music. He is an award-winning songwriter of some of today’s most popular songs of worship. He is currently developing a musical of hope based on Luke 15 called “Prodigal God.” Brian, his wife, Joyce, and their six children reside in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.

This isn't my usual type of reading material, but I enjoyed the book. In addition to sharing how he wrote some of his songs, the author also gives songwriting tips, talks about the struggles of raising two special needs children, and even addresses the importance of keeping marriages alive.

The title, Make Love, Make War is the emphasis of the book - loving God, what true worship is, but also the fact that we are in a war, a battle for our souls. Brian focuses on how important it is for us to worship God, and do it in the right way, so as to defeat the enemy of our souls. Great book, and very thought provoking.

Farraday Road, by Ace Collins

It’s just another quiet evening out for Lije and Kaitlyn Evans. But somewhere along the way, it becomes something more sinister and a murder takes place. In the aftermath, a small-town attorney sets out to find his wife’s killers and uncovers a deadly conspiracy. A suspenseful mystery with a twist of faith


Farraday Road by Ace Collins has been out for almost a year. The sequel, Swope Ridge will be out on October 1. This is another book I have looked at many times, but was afraid to try a new fiction author. Ace Collins has written many books, of which I have a few: Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, Stories Behind The Great Traditions of Christmas, and other books along that line. This is his first fiction effort, and he hit one out of the ballpark with this one. Farraday Road is book one in the Lige Evans Mystery series.

The story starts out with a murder on Farraday Road. Lige (Elijah) Evans and his wife are forced off the road. Both are shot and left for dead, but one survives. The motives abound for the murder, even reasons going back to the days of Jesse James. There are more attempts on the life of the survivor and on the agent protecting him. They face several twists and turns in trying to find a motive and suspect, and the reader is kept guessing even as the end of the book comes closer.

The book does jump around a lot, but I found the action and plot easy to follow. The characters are likable. I do think the Christian element could have been stronger in the book, but it is an excellent book and worth reading. The story doesn't really end, but continues on in the sequel, due out soon. If you like clean Christian suspense, give this series a try.

Click here to read the first chapter.