Found by Shelley Shepard Gray

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingFoundAvon Inspire; Original edition (September 4, 2012)byShelley Shepard Gray



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.



Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.



Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.



When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.



Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page





ABOUT THE BOOK

A murder is solved and a quiet Amish community must deal with the repercussions. Amid the surprising revelations, can a newfound love survive?



As the search for Perry Borntrager's killer continues, Jacob Schrock feels like his world is about to crumble. Right before Perry went missing, he and Jacob got into a fistfight. Jacob never told anyone what happened that terrible night. He's good at keeping secrets—including his love for Deborah, Perry's sister. But when Deborah takes a job at his family's store and their friendship blossoms, Jacob senses everything is about to be revealed.



Deborah has been searching for a slice of happiness ever since her brother's body was discovered. When the police start questioning Jacob, Deborah can't believe that the one person she's finally allowed in could be the one responsible for her brother's death. Will she believe what everyone seems to think is the truth . . . or listen to her heart, and hope there is still one more person who is keeping secrets in Crittenden County?



If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of Found, go HERE.

The River by Michael Neale

“You were made for The River . . .”

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

My review:

This book is somewhat of an allegory, for a lack of a better description. The book is a fictional account of a young man who had had a bad experience with the river, and is trying to overcome his fear of it. The book is well written and has some great characters. I really enjoyed the story, and the message in it. The author has a great way with words, and describes scenes and things that happen so well, you feel like you are there.

The idea of the book is that we all need to face our fears, experience life at its best, and to not let fear rob us of joy and real living. The author did a great job of using a fictional story to get his points across. I'd recommend the book to anyone. It is a great reminder for anyone that God is in control, and we need to trust Him and really live.

About the author:

Gifted writer, performer, and masterful storyteller are all phrases used to describe Michael Neale.

With the highly anticipated September 2012 release of his first novel The River, as well as a second book, Your Great Name, which releases in October 2012, Michael is finding more and more ways to share his gift of storytelling as an author.

As a Dove Award-Winning songwriter, his songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith (“Rise Above”), Natalie Grant (“Your Great Name,” Worship Song of the Year in 2012), Rebecca St. James (“In A Moment”), Todd Agnew (“I Need No Other”), and Phillips, Craig and Dean (“Saved the Day”), to name a few.
Michael divides his time among leading worship in churches, songwriting, and being a featured leader and teacher at conferences around the country. In between his travels, Michael serves on the team of Worship Leaders at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where he lives with his wife Leah, and their three children Micah, Maisie, and Wyatt.

Check out his website.

Check out the website for the book.

The River is available from Thomas Nelson Publishers

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze for the review copy.

The Reunion by Dan Walsh

Everything lost can be found.

Aaron Miller knows a thing or two about loss. He's lost love. Dignity. Second, and even third, chances. Once honored for his heroism, he now lives in near obscurity, working as a handyman in a humble trailer park.

But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Unbeknownst to Aaron, someone is searching for him.

With deep insight into the human heart, consummate storyteller Dan Walsh gently weaves a tale of a life spent in the shadows but meant for the light. Through tense scenes of war and tender moments of romance, The Reunion will make you believe that everyone can get a second chance at life and love.

My review:
I first discovered Dan Walsh with his first book, The Unfinished Gift. I love Christmas stories and never pass up the chance to read one that sounds good, and it sounded good. Good doesn't begin to describe it. It is one of the best Christmas stories I have ever read.

I decided this was an author to keep an eye on, and indeed he is. He hit one out of the ballpark with his last novel, The Discovery, which is was so awesome that I am still telling people about it. The bad thing about a book like that, is it is hard to follow up. The Reunion comes close. I'd put it as a third base hit, compared to the home run The Discovery.

With the Reunion, Dan wanted to honor some guys who never got enough honor: Vietnam Vets, and he does a great job of doing that with a story. This is another tremendous story from this great author. I smiled, I cried, smiled some more, and yes - cried some more.

His pen created some wonderful characters and wrote a truly delightful story filled with hope, love, and second chances. I am a big suspense novel lover, but this book had me turning the pages just as fast as if it were a suspense novel, as I eagerly read on wanting to see how the book would end.

Dan Walsh has been compared to Nicholas Sparks. I read one Sparks novel, and thought it very sad, and most of his look sad. Maybe I am judging the books wrong, but it does appear Dan is similar, only his stories are Christian and filled with hope, not sadness.

The Reunion is also a romance story, but guys don't let that scare you away. It is definitely worth reading, as any of his books are.

About the author:

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of several books, including The Discovery and The Reunion. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Donna from Revell for the review copy.

Proof by Jordyn Redwood

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingProofKregel Publications (June 1, 2012)byJordyn Redwood

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jordyn Redwood has served patients and their families for nearly twenty years and currently works as a pediatric ER nurse. As a self-professed medical nerd and trauma junkie, she was drawn to the controlled chaotic environments of critical care and emergency nursing. Her love of teaching developed early and she was among the youngest CPR instructors for the American Red Cross at the age of seventeen. Since then, she has continued to teach advanced resuscitation classes to participants ranging from first responders to MD’s.



Her discovery that she also had a fondness for answering medical questions for authors led to the creation of Redwood’s Medical Edge at http://jordynredwood.com/. This blog is devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction.



Jordyn lives in Colorado with her husband, two daughters, and one crazy hound dog. In her spare time she also enjoys reading her favorite authors, quilting, and cross-stitching.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Dr. Lilly Reeves is a young, accomplished ER physician with her whole life ahead of her. But that life instantly changes when she becomes the fifth victim of a serial rapist. Believing it's the only way to recover her reputation and secure peace for herself, Lilly sets out to find--and punish--her assailant. Sporting a mysterious tattoo and unusually colored eyes, the rapist should be easy to identify. He even leaves what police would consider solid evidence. But when Lilly believes she has found him, DNA testing clears him as a suspect. How can she prove he is guilty, if science says he is not?



Endorsements:

“Jordyn Redwood makes quite a splash with her debut novel. PROOF is a hard-edged mix of medical thriller and crime chiller that grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. This one will keep you up way past your bedtime.”

—Rick Acker, best-selling author of When the Devil Whistles

“From the very first chapter, the first page even, Jordyn Redwood pulls the reader into a story that won’t let go. PROOF is proof enough for me that Jordyn is the real deal: an author who knows how to weave a tight story, write descriptive, authentic prose, and deal with some pretty hefty issues. I’m a fan!”

—Mike Dellosso, author of Frantic and Rearview (a 7 Hours story)

“Debut novelist Jordyn Redwood has used her experience as an ER and ICU nurse to craft a blend of medical thriller and police procedural with twists and turns to keep fans of either genre turning pages.”

—Richard L. Mabry, MD, author of Lethal Remedy and the Prescription for Trouble series

“A rollercoaster of a story. Jordyn Redwood’s PROOF has everything you could want in a thriller—believable characters, a villain who makes your skin crawl, a touch of humor, and a twisting plot—all bound by fascinating medical and scientific details. What a fabulous debut!”

—Sarah Sundin, award-winning author of the Wings of Glory series

“Jordyn Redwood may be new on the scene, but she writes like a seasoned pro. PROOF is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time with well-drawn characters including a villain I despised and a hero and heroine I rooted for. I thought I would just take a peek at the first chapter and finish the story later. I thought wrong. I read late into the night, lost sleep, and put off my own writing to finish this book. I’m eagerly awaiting Jordyn’s second book and will be first in line to purchase it the day it releases.”

—Lynnette Eason, best-selling author of The Women of Justice series

“I love a great medical thriller and I’m glad to add another author to my list. Jordyn Redwood writes like the medical insider she is. A gripping tale laced with realism, sleep-robbing excitement, and something every reader loves: hope.”

—Harry Kraus, MD, best-selling author of The Six-Liter Club

“PROOF by Jordyn Redwood is a gripping medical thriller written with vivid detail from an author who knows her subject firsthand. A serial rapist is at large in the town—in the hospital, even? Can Lilly trust anyone? Even her closest friend? And just when you think you can relax, the stakes get even higher.”

—Donna Fletcher Crow, author of The Monastery Murders

“Jordyn Redwood’s debut novel is a page-turner with an ingenious premise and solid Christian values. A satisfying read.”

—Frank J. Edwards, Medical Director, Delphi Emergency Physicians,

author of the medical thriller Final Mercy

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

My review:

This was a new author to me, but she quickly pulled me into the story. The plot was really good, as were the characters. There is a lot of medical terminology in the book, but the author does a great job of putting it in terms the average reader can understand.

I thought the romance element could have been developed a little more. It seeemd an afterthought, but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it hard to put down. I am definitely interested in reading more in this series.

To Write a Wrong by Robin Caroll

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!




You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Robin Caroll

and the book:

To Write a Wrong

B&H Books (September 15, 2012)

***Special thanks to Shannon Kozee of B&H Fiction for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Caroll has authored twelve previous books including the Holt Medallion Award of Merit winner, Deliver Us From Evil.
She gives back to the writing community by serving as Conference
Director for American Christian Fiction Writers. A proud southerner,
Robin lives with her husband, three daughters, and two precious
grandsons in Arkansas.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In Angola State Penitentiary, a man is serving time for a crime he
didn’t commit. Riley Baxter is an eager reporter desperate for a story
to make a name for herself. When she stumbles upon the daughter of the
incarcerated man, Riley sees a little too much of herself in the teen,
and vows to help prove her father’s innocence.

At the same time,
Hayden Simpson has his hands full with keeping his little sister in
line, worrying about his job as Police Commissioner, and dealing with
his past emotional baggage. The last thing he needs is someone blowing
the lid off his emotional bucket. But when Riley Baxter storms into his
life, struggling to understand why God would let bad things happen to
good people, Hayden has no choice but to follow his heart.

Now, Riley and Hayden must work together to uncover the truth of the past . . . before someone shuts Riley up for good.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: B&H Books

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1433672138

ISBN-13: 9781433672132

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Search inside this book

My review:

I love a good suspense/mystery novel, and Robin Caroll always comes through with one when she writes a book.

This book was the second in a series, and was even better than the first. There is a lot of suspense, police action, and bad guys. The author does a great job of showing what happens when someone is let down by our justice system and jailed for a crime they did not commit. She covers the effects on the person and on their family.

Once I started reading this book, I had to keep reading until I finished it, and wow. What a great story.

I was disappointed in one thing, in both the publisher and author. There is a move on to put curse words and vulgar words in Christian fiction in an attempt to push the envelope or be "edgy", usually with no care of offending people like me who read Christian fiction to avoid that kind of language. Up til now, to my knowledge, Broadman and Holman has held a standard of not doing that, but this book had two that I caught. Hopefully, this will not become common practice. The use of "hell" as an expletive, and the vulgar use of a term for urination in place of "ticked off." These may seem minor, but do not belong in a Christian book.

Thanks to Broadman and Holman and FIRST for the review copy.

A new chapter

I've been thinking lately about how life is so much like a book. There are periods in life when it is like coming to the end of a chapter in a book and we start a new chapter.

I have a weird habit. If I really like a book, I will occasionally pull it off the shelf and read the ending or certain parts in the book that were especially good. We do that with life also. Reminisce about the good times, and usually avoid parts (or chapters) that were not so good.

I just closed a chapter in my life. I had worked at my last job for 2 1/2 years. I liked what I did most of the time, but the place was really getting to me. I had never worked Sundays until I worked there, and had to work too many, and when I did work a Sunday it messed things up. I had to race out of church so I had time to eat before I went in. There is no nice way to put it, but the owner is a jerk. He goes off on people about the smallest thing, and is like a powder keg. His nephew, age 21 or 22, is an arrogant, spoiled brat (his parents pay for EVERYTHING - gas for his car, his cell phone bill, even his golf). There are certain things he just won't do at work. During my time there, there were many times I knew of, and I am sure times I didn't know of, that he claimed credit for things I had done, and blamed me for things that were done wrong or not done at all. This same arrogant kid was getting at least $4 more an hour than me, and it sounds like it was even more than that. Often, I had to pick up his slack and do things he was supposed to have done.

This past Friday, I finally had it, and quit on the spot. I know it is best to have something lined up before you quit a job, and I have nothing lined up, but I am hoping for the best. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I dreaded going to work, especially if I knew the boss was going to be around. It is no fun working somewhere that you aren't valued, and the boss seems to take pleasure in ripping people apart, whether it be me, fellow co-workers, or vendors.

I have no idea what is in this next chapter, or how long it will be. Life is a bit scary when facing a new chapter, when facing the unknown, but blank pages can also be refreshing and challenging. There is hope that the next chapter will be the best yet. That I find the best job I have ever had, meet new friends, find out what God has in store for me.

There has been this strong urging within me for a couple of months, to put in my two weeks notice. It seemed to be from God, but I struggled over the decision. I wanted a job lined up before I did that. I wanted certainty, not uncertainty. I ignored that urging. I doubt God wants us to quit a job on the spot, but had I listened to that urging, I would have been out of there by now and not quit on the spot.

Am I worried and fearful? Maybe a bit, but not a lot. Truthfully, I feel such a relief. It is like being held hostage and suddenly you have been freed. My former employer has no authority or hold on me now. I am free from him and his demands and mean words.

I wish I could take a pen and write my own book, write the next chapter the way I want it to go, but we can't do that. I would ask for prayer that I find the right job in the right place. I wish I could write my own dream into being. My dream? To own and run a bookstore with a coffee shop/cafe' attached. Maybe some day, if electronic books don't make regular books extinct.

My next job may not be my dream job, but I hope and pray it is right for me, and that I can finally get my own place again and be on my own again. I can't wait to see what this next chapter holds.

Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.

 

My review:

 

Ronie only has 6 books under her belt now, but she has quickly claimed a spot high on my list of favorite authors. (I don't have one favorite, but a handful). She is also a super-nice lady. With the exception of her first book, all of her books are military in nature, as is this newest one.

 

Before Ronie started talking about this series on facebook, I was clueless about Military War Dogs. To be honest, I didn't even know the military used dogs. Now I do, and thanks to this new book of hers, I know quite a bit more about them.

 

The book is, to use an over-used word, awesome. It contains a lot of information about the use of dogs in the military, and the story revolves around one such dog and her handler. But it contains a lot more. Adrenaline packed action, military action, secret maneuvers and military groups, and even some romance thrown in. I unfortunately started reading it on a break at work, and had to put it down, but I didn't want to. I finished it last night close to 1am, and was left with that satisfying feeling I get after reading any of Ronie's books.

 

As with her Discarded Heroes Series, this series, titled A Breed Apart, will appeal to about anyone: men, women, military, retired military - everyone. Ronie paints a great and realistic picture of life on the battlefield, and does a terrific job of introducing military war dogs. I am looking forward to reading more in this series, and learning more about these wonderful animals.

 

About the author:

An Army brat, Ronie Kendig grew up in the classic military family, with her father often TDY and her mother holding down the proverbial fort. Their family moved often, which left Ronie attending six schools by the time she’d entered fourth grade. Her only respite and “friends” during this time were the characters she created.
It was no surprise when she married a military veteran—her real-life hero—in June 1990. Married more than twenty years, Ronie and her husband, Brian, homeschool their four children, the first of whom graduated in 2011. Despite the craziness of life, Ronie finds balance and peace with her faith, family and their three dogs in Dallas, TX.

Ronie has a deep love and passion for people, especially hurting people, which is why she pursued and obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University. Ronie is an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has volunteered extensively, serving in a variety of capacities from coordinator of a national contest to appointment assistant at the national annual conference.

Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have been gained critical acclaim and national attention, including:

• 2012 Christy Award Winner – Wolfsbane (Contemporary Romance)
• 2012 Carol Award Finalist – Wolfsbane (Romantic Suspense)
• Finalist in Christian Retailing’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards (Nightshade)
• RWA’s Faith, Hope, & Love’s 2011 Inspirational Readers’ Choice Awards in Romantic Suspense (Nightshade)
• Named one of the Top 25 Christian Fiction Suspense, Mystery, and Thriller Writers by FamilyFiction (Sept 2011)
• 2011 FamilyFiction Readers’ Choice Awards – 3^rd place as New Favorite Author, 8^th place with Nightshade for Novel of the Year.
• INSPY Award Shortlist final in Mystery/Thriller (Dead Reckoning)
• The Christian Manifesto’s 2010 Lime Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Nightshade)

Check out Ronie's website.

Trinity: Military War Dog is available from Barbour Publishing.

I purchased a copy of the book, and the review was done on my own.