tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88925631075601269002024-03-05T01:29:46.287-08:00Courtney's Chitter ChatterI read all the time and now I want to blog my book reviews and my other strange thoughts! I have a desire to find YA books that are clean and Christian Fiction books that are great but not too preachy! I keep my reviews Honest and inspire to help readers find good book choices. I will chitter chatter even if no-one listens! (Is that considered talking to myself, if I'm just typing) :-PCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-44672072589713272732012-10-14T20:25:00.002-07:002012-10-14T20:25:52.528-07:00Denise Hunter’s “The Trouble with Cowboys” Facebook Party & Kindle Fire Giveaway<a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/465198716857982" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-2421" height="350" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Trouble-with-Cowboysparty-button1.png" title="Trouble with Cowboys party button" width="180" /></a><br />
<b>About The Trouble with Cowboys:</b><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText483677850279603718">Only one pair of boots-and the cowboy wearing them-can get Annie out of the mess she's in. ""<br /><br />Annie
Wilkerson is Moose Creek's premiere horse trainer and equine columnist
for "Montana Living." Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister
through college and provide for her young nephew.<br /><br />When Annie's
column is cancelled, she's given first shot at a new lovelorn column-and
she can't afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie's never
been in love.<br /><br />Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal
with the town's smooth-talking ladies' man Dylan Taylor: She'll work
with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he'll help her answer the reader
letters.<br /><br />Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie
imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her
unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her
heart safe for years. And she can't risk getting hurt now.<br /><br />The
more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her
feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister's antics are making
life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to turn the
reins over to God, but surrender has never come easily.<br /><br />When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn't know what to trust-her head or her heart.<br /><br />The trouble with "this" cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.</span><b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing feels worse that rushing to a conclusion about
someone based off of an old experience and then finding out that not only were
you wrong and misjudged that person but you wasted a lot of your time with a
wrong opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like that is what
exactly happens with Annie Wilkerson from The Trouble with Cowboys! She had a
bad experience with cowboys in her past and then comes to this irrational
conclusion that all cowboys are trouble!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She thinks she knows what Dylan the cowboy is all about and boy does he
get on her last nerves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even more
frustrating than that is that she can’t stop this growing attraction to him and
she is determined to NEVER date a cowboy!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isn’t it funny how God will seemingly make a joke out of one
of our biggest judgments?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love how
because Annie doesn’t want anything to do with a cowboy so God says I’m going
to put cowboys all around you and make your daily life include a cowboy! I
found that a really funny aspect of the story because so often it does seem
like God does those kinds of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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My favorite character in the story is Dylan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sounds like a handsome and confident
cowboy just like Annie fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However
beneath the surface is this sweet, caring family guy that is just trying to protect
his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Annie on the other hand was
not as enjoyable as a character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a
bit stubborn in her stereotypes of cowboys and way too controlling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best part of The Trouble with Cowboys has got to be the
dialogue between Annie and Dylan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
banter and flirting is just hilarious and kept me smiling throughout the entire
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also love the forbidden romance
idea to it and the secondary store going on with Annie’s sister!! Lots of
things to keep ya entertained!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have not gotten the chance to read anything by Denise
Hunter you need to change that and I say starting with The Trouble with Cowboys
is a great start!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a third book
in a series but I believe it stands on its own great and it is by far my
favorite of the three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I received this book free from the Litfuse Publicity Tours
in exchange for my personal and honest opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All opinions are my own.</div>
<br />
<b>To celebrate the release of </b><b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/the-trouble-with-cowboys-by-denise-hunter-facebook-party-and-blog-tour" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Trouble with Cowboys</a><i> </i>Denise is hosting a fun Author Chat Party on Facebook. She'll connect with readers and give away some amazing prizes - including a Kindle Fire! </b><br />
<br />
<b>Save the Date for October 11th!</b><br />
<br />
Grab your copy of Denise Hunter’s latest book and join her for an <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.facebook.com/events/465198716857982%E2%80%B3" target="”_blank”"><b>Author Chat Party on October 11th</b></a> at 8:00 PM EST (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)! Haven’t read <i>The Trouble with Cowboys</i> yet? That’s okay, don’t let that stop you from coming to the party! (<i>You may win a copy!)</i><br />
<br />
During the evening she’ll be sharing the story behind the book, posting discussion questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and – a Kindle Fire! She’ll also be giving you a sneak peek of her next book too!<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.facebook.com/events/465198716857982%E2%80%B3" target="”_blank”">RSVP today</a> </b>and then come back on the 11th … and bring your friends!<br />
<br />
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-62613802513495789892012-09-21T14:04:00.002-07:002012-09-21T14:10:23.672-07:00Over the Edge by Mary Connealy<b>About the book:</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6KWkqOL_y1-3gUvAvvYVJ4k-lA__4xiAIbA1QHVLWkjoXylgapo9XhQ2mFvTufDpnUlCme7j04_0MI8irdA8TDNCicWRDgMo5eSxfNy_GjMETG3d_GqTiSUfJPJsfAbzoAJNQ7Q89_jR/s1600/Over+the+Edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6KWkqOL_y1-3gUvAvvYVJ4k-lA__4xiAIbA1QHVLWkjoXylgapo9XhQ2mFvTufDpnUlCme7j04_0MI8irdA8TDNCicWRDgMo5eSxfNy_GjMETG3d_GqTiSUfJPJsfAbzoAJNQ7Q89_jR/s320/Over+the+Edge.jpg" width="207" /></a><b> </b><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Bestselling Author Mary Connealy Delivers Her Trademark Historical Romantic Comedy<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he's never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he's gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he's got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn't happy to find out Seth doesn't remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she's come to the Kincaid family's ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Callie isn't a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She's not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth's pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can't sort things out. It's enough to drive a man insane--but somehow it's all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.</span><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>4 STARS</b><br />
<br />
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If you've been reading the Kincaid Brides right along since
book one like I have then are sure to be satisfied and happy at the ending and
last book of the series with Over the Edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have anxiously been waiting for the book about Seth Kincaid since I was
first introduced to him in the beginning of the series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seth is a bit on the crazy side and I was
curious how Mary Connealy would give him his "happily
ever-after".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like always
Connealy does not disappoint and we get to continue the story in Over the Edge
with Seth's wild adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I highly
recommend that if you haven't read the first two books in the series yet that
you should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my opinion that there
is way too much going on to fully appreciate the story without knowing all the
background information.</div>
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Right from the beginning of Over the Edge we get to meet
Callie, Seth's wife in a very unusual and terrifying setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part though is when Seth meets
Callie and finds out she is his wife and he has a son he never knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found it a bit hilarious that Seth had no
clue who she was but was just as attracted to her as ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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When the Kincaid Bride series first came out Seth Kincaid
has always intrigued me the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had
been through some outrageously awful experiences and it turned him in to a nut!
I enjoyed how God began a new work within Seth and started to shape and mold
him in to a man to be proud of again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His story is a great example of how God can make something beautiful out
of awful things.</div>
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My favorite part of the story is when Seth begins to
remember Callie all over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way
he describes the memories was undeniably sweet and romantic and I really felt
like I was there reliving the moment with him and Callie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also really enjoyed that although this
story was focused on Seth and Callie we still had plenty of interactions with
our previous favorite characters Ethan, Audra, Rafe and Julia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like one big family reunion<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that I got to be a part of.</div>
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Just like in all of Mary Connealy's books we wouldn't have a
good ol' western without the danger lurking, the bad guys and a good ol'
shootout!! On top of the evil, we have redemption and forgiveness, laughter and
kisses galore!! Great series for any fans of Mary Connealy or fans of Christian
Westerns!! </div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was given a paperback copy of
Over The Edge by Bethany House in order to read it and give my honest
opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All opinions are my own.</span></div>
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<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #181818;"><b>About Mary Connealy:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZmBHHDM0DkjKEu1Bhvha3ETfMK6vwuN-YWRYzO-wt-6ZZGKt0EMEXowluf1xs5W_JGaOyOMEVNOyP9rxGCp3jTClJTdyoaMDJG-Mxmsyo6gePyGAye26H3ztu9964fgN14bG2AcTcViv/s1600/Mary+Connealy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZmBHHDM0DkjKEu1Bhvha3ETfMK6vwuN-YWRYzO-wt-6ZZGKt0EMEXowluf1xs5W_JGaOyOMEVNOyP9rxGCp3jTClJTdyoaMDJG-Mxmsyo6gePyGAye26H3ztu9964fgN14bG2AcTcViv/s1600/Mary+Connealy.jpg" /></a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I wrote my first book when I was about twelve. A romance novel. I shudder to think what a twelve year old could know about romance. I have no idea what happened to the manuscript. I suppose my mother found it, and burned it while screaming in horror, but I’ve always been afraid to ask. Was it a hundred pages? Two? I have no idea, but I seem to remember just writing FOREVER! So I’m guessing two pages long at least.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">As a new bride I marched straight out of journalism school and into the kitchen, I did a lot of scribbling. I still have those heartbreaking works of staggering genius, Ode to Roast Beef, things like that, all born out of the ‘Write What You Know’ school of literature.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I began writing more seriously when my baby went to kindergarten. Not writing well of course, but just putting words on paper. No one does anything well the first time. I’m sure Babe Ruth missed the first ball pitched to him. I’m sure Picasso smeared pages with paint-y fingers when he was a kid—as I remember he went back to that later in life. I’m sure Beethoven played the eighteenth century version of Chopsticks before went for the sonatas.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">My writing journey is similar to a lot of others. Boil it down to persistence, oh, go ahead and call it stubbornness. I just kept typing away. I think the reason I did it was because I’m more or less a dunce around people—prone to sit silently when I really ought to speak up(or far worse, speak up when I ought to sit silently).</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">So, I have all these things, I want to say, in my head; the perfect zinger to the rude cashier, which you think of an hour after you’ve left the store, the perfect bit of wisdom when someone needs help, which doesn’t occur to you until they solve their problems themselves, the perfect guilt trip for the kids, which you don’t say because you’re not an idiot. I keep all this wit to myself, much to the relief of all who know me, and then I write all my great ideas into books. It’s therapeutic if nothing else, and more affordable than a psychiatrist.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">So then a very nice, oh so nice publishing company like Barbour Heartsong comes along and says, “Hey, we’ll pay you money for this 45,000 word therapy session.” That’s as sweet as it gets.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #181818; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">My journey to publication is the same as everyone’s except for a few geniuses out there who make it hard for all of us. And even they probably have an Ode to Roast Beef or two in their past.</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #181818;"><b> </b> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-36153791250591612762012-09-05T12:00:00.001-07:002012-09-05T12:00:17.485-07:00Conquer Your Fears and “Live to Give” Webcast <a href="http://www.facebook.com/austingutwein/app_293199044121455" rel="attachment wp-att-2178" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2178" height="159" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/LTG-webcast-banner-504x159.png" title="Conquer Your Fears and “Live to Give” Webcast" width="504" /></a><br />
<b>Thomas Nelson Author and Hoops of Hope founder, Austin Gutwein, to host September 6 online event to focusing on themes his latest release</b>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/live-to-give-by-austin-gutwein-blog-tour-win-a-kindle-fire-and-litfuse-will-donate-250-to-the-charity-of-your-choice%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”"><i><b>Live to Give</b></i></a>.<br />
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On September 6 at 8 PM EDT, Austin Gutwein will be hosting a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.facebook.com/austingutwein/app_293199044121455%E2%80%B3" target="”_blank”"><b>live Facebook web event</b></a> to encourage participants to conquer their fears and use their talents to help others. The webcast will center on the themes Gutwein writes about in his latest release “<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.thomasnelson.com/live-to-give.html%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”"><b>Live to Give: Letting God Turn Your Talents into Miracles</b></a>” <i>(Thomas Nelson/August, 2012)</i>. At the conclusion of the webcast, the winners of a month-long social media fueled “<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/278780%E2%80%B3" target="”_blank”"><b>Get and Give</b></a>” contest will be announced, including the winner of a Kindle Fire and $250 donated to the winner’s charity of choice.<br />
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<b>Join Austin on the evening of Thursday, September 6th as he shares about his own experiences and encourages others to conquers their fears and “live to give”. Austin will also be taking audience questions and interacting with participants. PLUS – there will be several “Live to Give” giveaways – books, gift certificates and much more! <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.facebook.com/austingutwein/app_293199044121455%E2%80%B3" target="”_blank”">RSVP today</a> and tell your friends. </b><br />
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Based on the John 6 story of Jesus feeding the 5000, in “Live to Give” Gutwein challenges his readers that regardless of age and talent, God can use them to make a difference. Even though God could take care of everything Himself and doesn’t really need our help, He desperately WANTS us to help Him care for others. Gutwein walks young people through discovering and embracing their unique God-given strengths and abilities, then figuring out how to use those talents to help others. Sometimes doing that takes a leap of faith on our part, and often becoming fearless in the process.
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<b>More about Austin:</b> At eighteen years old, Gutwein speaks with wisdom and has the experience to reinforce his message. When Austin was just nine years old, he watched a video that showed children in Africa who had lost their parents to AIDS. Gutwein realized these kids weren’t any different from him—except they were suffering. Feeling called to help, he took his love of basketball and decided to shoot free throws to raise money for orphans in Zambia. On World AIDS Day in 2004, he shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school. Through sponsorship from parents and friends, Gutwein raised over $3,000 that day to give hope to eight orphans in Zambia.<br />
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Over the past eight years, Gutwein’s efforts have created Hoops of Hope, the largest free throw marathon in the world. With an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participating, Hoops of Hope has raised more than $2.5 million to build schools, medical clinics, dormitories for orphanages, and the only computer lab in Zambia.
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<b>Enter to win a Kindle Fire and have $250 donated to your favorite charity. Click for the banner for details and entry or visi</b>t <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13528976/livetogive%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”">http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13528976/livetogive</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/278780" rel="attachment wp-att-1608" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1608" height="96" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Live-to-Give-by-Austin-Gutwein-kindle-giveaway-504x96.png" title="Live to Give by Austin Gutwein kindle giveaway" width="504" /></a>
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<i>Learn more about Austin and Hoops of Hope at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.AustinGutwein.com%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”">www.AustinGutwein.com</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttp://www.HoopsOfHope.org%E2%80%9D" target="”_blank”">www.HoopsOfHope.org</a>.</i>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-37612509158790591822012-08-29T21:08:00.003-07:002012-08-29T21:08:25.659-07:00Inescapable By Nancy Mehl<b>About Inescapable:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprjtV2k3-NMFaKyZfIC2u1HCe3IVIs9MnTYupBXY2LRscaGSuSuA5Zf7AXa4bd1cOPNH4Tl0yS89T_fTe4wp5pAN_C3Rdb1p9Di_5GW-MwJZx0zg7EbeRt6To58uFxg07RRhZE-38K5aa/s1600/inescapable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprjtV2k3-NMFaKyZfIC2u1HCe3IVIs9MnTYupBXY2LRscaGSuSuA5Zf7AXa4bd1cOPNH4Tl0yS89T_fTe4wp5pAN_C3Rdb1p9Di_5GW-MwJZx0zg7EbeRt6To58uFxg07RRhZE-38K5aa/s320/inescapable.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span id="freeText7150618728490041251">Page-Turning Romantic Suspense Set Against the Backdrop of a Small Mennonite Town <br />Lizzie
Engel is used to running away. At eighteen, she left her Mennonite
hometown, her family, and her faith with plans never to return. Five
years later, Lizzie finds she'll have to run again. False accusations at
her job, a stalker, and a string of anonymous threatening letters have
left her with no other options. This time, however, her escape is back
to Kingdom, her hometown. </span><br />
<span id="freeText7150618728490041251"><br />As Lizzie becomes reacquainted with
Kingdom, she realizes she may not have left her Mennonite roots and her
faith as firmly in the past as she thought. She draws on the support of
Noah Housler, an old friend, as she hides out and attempts to plan her
next steps. </span><br />
<span id="freeText7150618728490041251"><br />When it becomes painfully clear that the danger has
followed Lizzie to Kingdom, suspicions and tensions run high, and she no
longer knows who to trust. With her life and the lives of those she
loves at risk, Lizzie will have to run one last time--to a Father whose
love is inescapable.</span><br />
<span id="freeText7150618728490041251"> </span><b> </b><br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>4 STARS</b><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview399377547">When
circumstances force Lizzie to return to her hometown that had once
turned their backs on her with the birth of her daughter Charity,
emotion that she thought was buried bubbles to the surface. She is
running to her hometown to escape many issues that led her to fear the
safety of her job and her life. Yet she doesn't exactly get a warm hug
when she gets back home. Her dad is still refusing to talk to her and
her mom seems unhappy. However, Lizzie and her daughter Charity find
that not all the people in Kingdom are bad but there are some things in
her life that are truly inescapable!<br /><br />Right from the beginning you
are sucked in to the story trying to figure out what is happening to
Lizzie, and why she is running. It's all a bit confusing and your
desire to uncover the truth of why she left Kingdom in the first place
makes this book hard to put down. I found Lizzie and Charity to be
delightful characters that I fell in love with right along with the
other characters in the book. <br /><br />Inescapable is full of great
moments that keep you on your toes. There is danger, mystery, romance
and heartbreak, lies and forgiveness. The ending in unpredictable and
very satisfying! I love the message in this book about forgiveness and
limiting God. It seems like the older people of Kingdom wanted to limit
God or those that can worship God or how you can worship God and this
book was a great reminder that you can put limits on God. He is the
almighty and all he wants is your worship, prayers and relationship with
him, no matter what you've done or how you choose to worship! <br /><br />Overall
I was very pleased with this book. There were many moments I loved and
only a few I got slightly bored with and skimmed but I would definitely
read it again and recommend it to those that love Christian fiction,
mystery and romance!<br /><br />I received this book free from Bethany House
in exchange for my personal and honest opinion. I was not required to
write a positive review. All opinions are my own.</span></span><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview399377547"><b>About Nancy Mehl:</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyiyrH9vg8VvVTB7DuYimbZfjOXRULWHM2HOMQuvoh-wLduu5dSjDVidALERuKRWhdmz_mBdK_9V4b9CQNDggPL1qe7R2jy-dVRHcdnOIscYr3U7LQYJjJwdnrNVrqJNccG5fc8QwKk74/s1600/Nancy+Mehl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyiyrH9vg8VvVTB7DuYimbZfjOXRULWHM2HOMQuvoh-wLduu5dSjDVidALERuKRWhdmz_mBdK_9V4b9CQNDggPL1qe7R2jy-dVRHcdnOIscYr3U7LQYJjJwdnrNVrqJNccG5fc8QwKk74/s1600/Nancy+Mehl.jpg" /></a><span id="freeTextauthor630286">Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita,
Kansas with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson.
First published in 2001, she has now authored nine books, including an
omnibus mystery collection, Cozy in Kansas, which contains three of her
previously published Ivy Towers mysteries. Book three in the series, For
Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls, won the American Christian Fiction Writers
Mystery Book of the Year award. Nancys main writing interests lie in
mystery although her new Harmony Series leans more toward the romantic
suspense genre. Nancy runs a HUD program for the city of Wichita and is
president of a volunteer organization, Wichita Homebound Outreach. She
is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Kansas Authors
Club. You can find out more about Nancy by visiting her Web site at: <a href="http://www.nancymehl.com/" rel="nofollow">www.nancymehl.com</a></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview399377547"><b> </b> </span></span><b> </b>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-80383317445129636782012-08-22T14:04:00.003-07:002012-08-22T14:04:41.449-07:00Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer<b> About Short-Straw Bride:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltzjetjS_GrzvSVw9DC1jvVheeCrzp50W1fxJEFrphZJhbGNzwi24AGbeJUIIHC6yD0fsX3xSS35NPEIUinyiyhSjiMhi9qjkl7aPJNLuo_NJlkgpPpcym7FuhlBJMJvEwsgBUKJMB_eQ/s1600/Short+straw+bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltzjetjS_GrzvSVw9DC1jvVheeCrzp50W1fxJEFrphZJhbGNzwi24AGbeJUIIHC6yD0fsX3xSS35NPEIUinyiyhSjiMhi9qjkl7aPJNLuo_NJlkgpPpcym7FuhlBJMJvEwsgBUKJMB_eQ/s320/Short+straw+bride.jpg" width="208" /></a><span id="freeText17352073228350767429">No one steps on Archer
land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a
lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a
twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.<br /><br />Fourteen years
of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a
female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young
girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when
an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds,
gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.<br /><br />Four
brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no
longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to
stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will
love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw
bride?</span><br />
<br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS +++</b><br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book!!! I have already been a huge
fan of Karen Witemeyer but this one has got to be my favorite of hers!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book is jammed with yummy chemistry and
tension that had me devouring the book in a day!! I thought it would take me a
few days to read but I HAD to read it in one setting!! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Meredith has always held a place in her heart for Travis
Archer, the young man that saved her when she was younger from an injury on his
property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will never forget how
handsome he was and the tender way he cared for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now when she hears someone is set out to hurt
him she can't let it go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has to go
warn Travis and seeing him one more time will be the bonus!! Things don't go
according to plan and the next thing you know Meredith is caught in a
compromising position and forced in to a marriage with one of the Archer men,
which brother drew the short straw to loose or win that debate?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loved the characters in this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karen always writes characters that I love
but man oh man I can't get enough of those Archer boys! They are great, I loved
them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put on this big show of
how tough they are but they have a soft side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And Meredith is a hoot! She is feisty, passionate and romantic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is mention of God and faith but it is
not overbearing and it adds just the right touch to the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I strongly recommend Short-Straw Bride to all
fans of Witemeyer or Historical romance fans!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I received this book free from Bethany House and was not
required to give a positive review, all opinions are my own!</div>
<br />
<b>About Karen Witemeyer:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span id="freeTextContainerauthor3114906">CBA bestselling author, Karen
Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House,
believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her
debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book
categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National
Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from
Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local
writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes
a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her
husband and three children.</span><b> </b><b> </b>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-67531535199057941282012-07-27T13:12:00.004-07:002012-07-27T13:12:59.847-07:00Love Finds You in MacKina Island Michigan<b>About Love Finds You in MacKinac Island, Michigan:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1k8pWdxVCM8pvlL6SweCJfgt-3W4nTKwB8uGBfSMxDnOu651GbtazkoNtIEFHJKGN0dhf6vvcAB_UaRnHucQKF83fkMBcICBHrsml3HjuPJiAGShUn5IkoTCtm5km5WHvh7kdhfG_06b/s1600/lovefindsyoucover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1k8pWdxVCM8pvlL6SweCJfgt-3W4nTKwB8uGBfSMxDnOu651GbtazkoNtIEFHJKGN0dhf6vvcAB_UaRnHucQKF83fkMBcICBHrsml3HjuPJiAGShUn5IkoTCtm5km5WHvh7kdhfG_06b/s1600/lovefindsyoucover.jpg" /></a><b> </b><span id="freeText15602223498684890672">It's the height of the
Gilded Age, but Elena Bissette's family has lost most of its fortune.
The Bissettes still own a home on fashionable Mackinac Island, and they
spend summers there in hopes of introducing Elena to a wealthy suitor.
Quickly tiring of the extravagant balls at the Grand Hotel, she spends
her days walking along the island's rugged coastline. There she meets
Chase, a young fisherman who invites her to watch the ships from an
abandoned lighthouse. The two begin to meet there in secret, hoping to
solve a decades-old mystery. Meanwhile, Elena's mother contrives
introductions between Elena and the island's most eligible bachelor, an
elusive millionaire named Chester Darrington. When Elena's two worlds
unexpectedly collide, she will be in for the surprise of her life.</span><br />
<br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS</b><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the
first time that I have read a book by this author and I was pleasantly
surprised at how much I enjoyed the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also have never read a Love Finds You book even though I have probably
about 3 on my shelf currently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this
story we meet a young girl that has an obligation to marry a wealthy man to
save her family from financial ruins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This scenario is probably one of my favorite settings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason I am fascinated with the
Victorian theme and this idea of marrying for status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful that is not a idea we support
today though.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are so
many things I loved about this book but probably my favorite aspect is the
meeting place of the two main characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They meet in a lighthouse and the setting just sounds so romantic and
mysterious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don't give out their
real names and they meet in the dead of night!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I instantly fell in love with both the hero and the heroin although
sometimes I was a little irritated with Chase's behavior outside the
lighthouse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another great aspect of the
book is the diary they find in the lighthouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wish they went a little deeper in to that story but it added a great
element to everything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This book
reminds me a lot of Cara Lynn James and her summer series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both books the wealthy families all summer at
some waterfront property and there is gossip, romance, and a bit of mystery to
solve!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is lots of detail, history
and spiritual tones throughout the book that just add to this great story!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the ending and the struggle the two
characters faced on forgiveness, truth and grace!! Amazing example of allowing
God to heal you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though this is my
first book by Melanie Dobson, it won't be my last!! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="readable"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free
from Litfuse Publicity Group for this review. 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.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="readable"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>About Melanie Dobson:</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ekE1L2TY2NwxS0wroYjnYss1In7908FzKNQQjLRqqRlNJ7JGKnW-5KJSSxAV5hCH1QDf7LtQPC7TKP3HXPpSL43NpRaFQQeTpFB2c_UXcV8Nyr4rRKL-4Yhg2DdnBx3C5y2PBM7t81N4/s1600/Melanieheadshot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ekE1L2TY2NwxS0wroYjnYss1In7908FzKNQQjLRqqRlNJ7JGKnW-5KJSSxAV5hCH1QDf7LtQPC7TKP3HXPpSL43NpRaFQQeTpFB2c_UXcV8Nyr4rRKL-4Yhg2DdnBx3C5y2PBM7t81N4/s1600/Melanieheadshot.jpeg" /></a><span id="freeTextContainerauthor409350">Writing novels is a fun excuse
for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual
places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes
both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and
suspense. <br /><br />Two of Melanie's books recently won a Carol Award (The
Silent Order and Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa), and Love Finds You
in Liberty, Indiana won an award for best fiction set in Indiana. She
has written eleven novels and is currently working on a story set on the
Oregon Trail. She and her family make their home in the rainy but very
green Pacific Northwest. </span><span class="readable"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="readable"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>link to buy book:<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1321706692"> </a></b></span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1321706692" id="yui_3_2_0_19_1343407119116449" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="" id="lw_1343418588_4">http://ow.ly/ceeZA</span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1321706692"> </a><span class="readable"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://ow.ly/ceeZA%20" target="_blank"><b> </b></a> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-19700744183776041142012-06-12T11:44:00.000-07:002012-06-12T11:44:06.246-07:00Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26!<b>About Angel Eyes:</b><br />
<span id="freeText5669208650878805053">Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through . . .<br /><br />ANGEL EYES<br /><br />Brielle’s
a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy
instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with
her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t
seem to shake.<br /><br />Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.<br /><br />Something
more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of
them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels
stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than
Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a
realm where all human choices start.<br /><br />A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.</span><b> </b><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>4 STARS</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m always a bit skeptical when I read a Christian
paranormal romance because I never seem to connect with the characters and
usually find it more frustrating than satisfying. Angel Eyes has broken through that stereotype
and instead has peaked my interest with this new trilogy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We begin with a bit of a confusing story and a girl who is
very broken and upset. After a tragedy
she moves back home with her dad and begins to try to move on with a new
life. She meets Jake who is new to town
and is instantly drawn to him. She can’t
quite put her finger on it but there is something different about him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I really enjoyed this interesting take of Angels. My only other real book experience with
angels is the Hush Hush series that is not at all sweet and cute like this
one. I loved Hush Hush but I also really
enjoyed this different take on angels in Angel Eyes. The characters are really great and I felt a
connection to Brielle and to Jake. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I thought the romance between them was sweet although I wish
there was a bit more to it than what we got but overall it progressed pretty
normal and they made a pretty cute couple.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My only complaint would have to be the beginning of the
story. You get this glimpse in to a
broken girl that is dealing with a major loss and fear but yet they don’t tell
us why she is like this for way too long.
I literally almost put the down within the first 50-100 pages because I
was so frustrated not knowing why Brielle was so broken. I think it really would have helped the story
flow better if it was disclosed sooner. </div>
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I also really didn’t enjoy having Damien’s point of view in
here. It just didn’t flow well and was
not very believable. However, that or
the fact that I was confused in the beginning did not sway me from connecting
with the story and I just couldn’t put it down.</div>
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Overall I would say that is a great series if you can just
get past the beginning. The ending
leaves you wanting for much more and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in
the series!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you to Litfuse for providing me a free copy of the
book in exchange for my personal review.
All opinions are my own.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Celebrate with Shannon by entering her "Angel Eyes" Giveaway and connecting with
her during the Author Chat Party on 6/26!
</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13501700/angeleyes" target="_blank">Find out what readers are saying here.</a></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/a6/ContentImage-20-%0A37120-AngelEyes300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/a6/ContentImage-20-37120-%0AAngelEyes300.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>One "angelic" winner will receive:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A Brand New Nook Color</li>
<li>A copy of <i>Angel Eyes</i> by Shannon Dittemore</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below</b>. But hurry, the giveaway ends at
noon on June 25th. Winner will be announced at the<b> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/235752966536390/" target="_blank">"Angel
Eyes" Author Chat Facebook Party on 6/26</a></b>. Shannon will be hosting a book
chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!<br />
<br />
<b><i>So grab your copy of Angel Eyes and join Shannon on the evening of the June
26th for a chance to meet Shannon and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the
book - don't let that stop you from coming!)</i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/241057" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via E-mail" height="48" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZJn9hhgco/%0ATXqYObD7J_I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/nG5ci6jgwFg/s1600/email_icon.png" title="Enter via E-mail" width="48" /></a> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/241057" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Facebook" height="48" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-%0AZBHv5uije28/TXqYfJCLMkI/AAAAAAAAAiU/AVPqG6Tv5W4/s1600/Facebook_icon%0A-300x300.png" title="Enter via Facebook" width="48" /></a><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/241057" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Twitter" height="48" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m-%0A99VSwns4U/TXqYmf0klHI/AAAAAAAAAiY/VwREnY_u7TA/s1600/Twitter_button.p%0Ang" title="Enter via Twitter" width="48" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<b>Don't miss a moment of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/235752966536390/" target="_blank">RSVP</a>
today. Tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/241057/invites/new" target="_blank">FACEBOOK </a>or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/241057" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you
on the 26th!</b></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-64128870478107224902012-05-31T21:43:00.005-07:002012-05-31T21:45:33.599-07:00FIRST Wild Card Tour: Mary's Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></b></span> 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! <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</b></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</i></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<b>Today's Wild Card author is: </b>
</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/">Lena Nelson Dooley</a></span></b>
</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></b>
</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1616386177">Mary's Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley</a></span></b>
</div>
<div align="center">
Realms (May 15, 2012)
</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
***Special thanks to Althea Thompson | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***
<br />
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<div align="left">
<b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2y4KA8nj2b5pO-LdL0peJtqZ-VEhDDyJHzXOQTSEGE-pgZsGd9iO34kzBaPS3w4vc4Z1HfUnwr323ylrVUz0-Acp6RMkRyXbp-6VnqbYQxNuq7rpy5IgPC0zUAgWHaUZNIy5hlC3Td8/s1600/2010-6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2y4KA8nj2b5pO-LdL0peJtqZ-VEhDDyJHzXOQTSEGE-pgZsGd9iO34kzBaPS3w4vc4Z1HfUnwr323ylrVUz0-Acp6RMkRyXbp-6VnqbYQxNuq7rpy5IgPC0zUAgWHaUZNIy5hlC3Td8/s200/2010-6.PNG" width="154" /></a></div>
<br />
Lena Nelson Dooley is an award-winning author with more than 650,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers—where she received the Mentor of the Year award in 2006—DFW Ready Writers, and Christian Authors Network. She lives in Hurst, Texas, with her husband of over 45 years.<br />
<br />
Visit the author's <a href="http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/">website</a>.
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<br />
<div align="left">
<b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></b></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-oWmxPyFUTBnzHGUpZf81P71r99mi8Z1QOtYVKLJLIh1t1Qx2bGl0B3KivboQrrh1CtzZsFa7lNZa_hMkZCtT8YcthFRzCBJuRNZRAn6og5BkQVpYTHJhenbSSFq29R5E4OOf1r6FvA/s1600/Dooley-MarysBlessing-FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-oWmxPyFUTBnzHGUpZf81P71r99mi8Z1QOtYVKLJLIh1t1Qx2bGl0B3KivboQrrh1CtzZsFa7lNZa_hMkZCtT8YcthFRzCBJuRNZRAn6og5BkQVpYTHJhenbSSFq29R5E4OOf1r6FvA/s200/Dooley-MarysBlessing-FINAL.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Mary Lenora Murray was adopted by parents who had recently lost a child while on the last wagon train west in 1867. When she is thirteen years old, Mary’s mother and her two older sisters die in the cholera pandemic, leaving her the oldest child with four younger siblings to raise. Her father, in his grief, pours himself into keeping the farm going, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands.
<br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Product Details:<br />
List Price: $13.99<br />
Paperback: 304 pages<br />
Publisher: Realms (May 15, 2012)<br />
Language: English<br />
ISBN-10: 1616386177<br />
ISBN-13: 978-1616386177<br />
<br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS</b><br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mary’s Blessing is the second book in the McKenna’s Daughter
series and is about one of the other triplets that were split up at birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this is a great stand-alone and they
give you plenty of information to keep up with what is going on with the story,
I recommend reading the first book too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right from the start, with the Prologue you are sucked in to
this sad tragedy and your heart breaks for what unfolds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we are introduced to Mary the woman who
has a hard sad life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mother and
older sisters died when she was eleven and she has been taking care of her
siblings and her household ever since with little help from her father who
checked out with grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is such a
responsible young lady that you just come to adore and respect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Daniel is Mary’s friend and has always been a part of her
life but recently more begins to develop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Daniel is in love with Mary and would love to take her away from all her
responsibility and give her a better life but it is not that easy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really enjoyed this book about Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her life is filled with struggles and tragedy
yet she handles it with grace (most of the time) and I loved seeing how her
life unfolded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary’s Blessing is a
quick and easy read that you can’t devour fast enough. I am dying to find out
how the McKenna’s daughters series will end and I’m on pins and needles waiting
for them to encounter!! Can’t wait for the next book!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I received this book free from First Wildcard Tours in
exchange for my personal and honest review and opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All opinions are my own.</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </b>
</span>
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"Pa?” Mary Lenor a Murray shouted back over her shoulder as she picked up the heavy picnic basket. “You ready to go?” Why does he always drag his feet when we’re going to<br />
church?<br />
Her father came through the mud room into the kitchen, letting the screen door slam shut behind him. He smelled of heat, hay, and sunshine, with the strong tang of muck from the barn mingled in. By the looks of his clothes, attending church was the farthest thing from his mind. His ratty trousers held smudges of several dark colors. She didn’t even want to guess what they were. And the long sleeves of his undershirt, the only thing covering his torso, were shoved above his elbows. Grayed and dingy, the shirt would never be white again, no matter how hard she tried to get it clean.<br />
Mary bit her tongue to keep from scolding him as she did her younger brothers and sister when they made such a racket entering the house. No doubt he would give her some excuse about having too much work to go to church. Not a big surprise. She’d heard it all before too many times.<br />
He set a bucket of fresh water beside the dry sink and gripped his fingers around the front straps of his suspenders. That always signaled he was about to tell her something she didn’t want to hear.<br />
“I’m not going today.” This time he didn’t really make any excuses, just this bald-faced comment.<br />
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm her anger. She’d give him a sweet answer even if the words tasted bitter in her mouth. “The new pastor is coming today. We’re having dinner on the grounds after the service. Remember, I told you when we got home last Sunday.” She flashed what she hoped was a warm smile at him and prayed he couldn’t tell it<br />
was fake.<br />
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“What happened to the last one? He didn’t last very long, did he?” Pa started washing his hands with the bar of homemade soap she kept in a dish on the shelf. “Don’t understand why that church can’t keep a pastor. Someone musta run him off.”<br />
Mary couldn’t keep from huffing out a breath this time. “I told you about that too.” She clamped her lips closed before she asked the question that often bounced around her mind. Why don’t you ever listen to me? At seventeen she was close enough to being an adult to be treated like one, and she’d carried the load of a woman in this household for years.<br />
“His wife died, and his father-in-law begged him to bring the grandchildren closer to where they live, so he headed back to Ohio. Living in the same community as their grandparents, he’d have a lot of help with the younger ones.”<br />
Mary had never known her own grandparents, none of them. Not her mother’s parents. Not her father’s parents. Not the par- ents of whoever gave birth to her. She didn’t wonder about any of them very often, but today her heart longed for someone who really loved her.<br />
With bright red curly hair and fair skin that freckled more every time she stepped into the sunlight, she didn’t resemble anyone in this family that had adopted her as an infant. Since they were black Irish, they all had dark hair and striking blue eyes, not like her murky green ones. And none of them had ever wanted to know what she thought about anything—except her mother.<br />
“Well, I’ve gotta lot to do today.” Her father reached for the towel she’d made out of feed sacks. “You and the others go ahead. I might come over that way at dinner time.”<br />
No, you won’t. Mary had heard his statement often enough to know he was trying to placate her so she would leave him alone. So she would.<br />
“Frances, George, Bobby, come on. We don’t want to be late.”<br />
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She shifted the handle of the loaded basket to her other arm. “Frances, you grab the jug of spring water. We might get thirsty.” Her father’s icy blue eyes pierced her. “Pretty warm out today.<br />
No sign of rain.”<br />
“We’ll be picnicking in the field between the church and Willamette Falls. It’s cooler there, especially under the trees with the breeze blowing across the water.” She started toward the front door.<br />
“Keep your eyes on the boys.” His harsh command followed her. “Don’t let either of them fall into the river. They could drown. Water’s fast right there.”<br />
She nodded but didn’t answer or look back at him. All he cared about were those boys and getting them raised old enough to really help with the farming. He already worked them harder than any of the neighbors did their sons who were the same ages.<br />
Six long years ago her mother and older sisters contracted diphtheria when they went to help Aunt Miriam and Uncle Leland settle in their house on a farm about five miles from theirs. On the trip to Oregon one of them had contracted the dread disease and didn’t know it until after they arrived. No one knew they were all dead until Pa went looking for Ma, Carrie, and Annette a couple of days later. He saw the quarantine sign someone nailed to a fence post and didn’t go closer until he had help. When he came home, he told Mary she would have to take over the keeping of the house. Six long years ago.<br />
When did my life become such drudgery? Had it ever been any- thing else? At least not since Ma died, which seemed like an<br />
eternity ago.<br />
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Daniel Winthrop whistled while he dressed for church. He looked forward with anticipation to the moment when he would lay eyes on Mary Murray. Even her name had a musical ring to it.<br />
He’d been waiting and planning what to say when he approached her. Today he would start his subtle courting. With the situation at the Murray farm, he knew he would have his work cut out for him to convince her she could start a life of her own with him. After he achieved that, he’d ask her father for her hand.<br />
Visions of coming home to her each night and building a family together moved through his head like the slides of photo- graphs in the Holmes stereopticon they had at home. He loved her already, but more than that, he wanted to get her out of that house, where she was loaded down with so much work and responsibility.<br />
Daniel had often gone with his mother when she bought fresh produce from the Murrays, so he knew what her life had been like since her mother died. Their families came to Oregon on the same wagon train, so he’d known her all his life. He was only three years older than she was, and he had watched her over the last few years as she blossomed into a beautiful young woman.<br />
Mary needed to be appreciated and cared for, and he was just the man to do it.<br />
“Daniel, we’re leaving soon.” His father’s voice prodded him from his dreams.<br />
With a final peek into the tall cheval glass, he straightened his necktie before he headed out the door of his room. “I’m on my way.”<br />
He bounded down the stairs and took their picnic basket<br />
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from his mother. “Something really smells good.” He gave a loud sniff. “Do you need me to test and make sure it’s all right?”<br />
He welcomed her playful slap on his hand that crept toward the cover on the basket. Her laughter reminded him of the chimes he had heard in the larger church in Portland.<br />
“Not a single bite until dinner.” Like a queen, she swept out the door Father held open for her.<br />
Their familiar ritual warmed his heart. He looked forward to creating family rituals with Mary. Once more he whistled as he headed toward the brougham. Nothing could cloud his day.<br />
When they pulled up to the Methodist church, his father guided the team toward the back, where a large area paved with fine gravel gave plenty of space for those who arrived in horse- drawn vehicles. While Father helped Mother down from the open carriage, Daniel took the reins and tied them to one of the hitching rails that outlined the space. He chose the rail under<br />
a spreading black cottonwood tree where the limbs were just beginning to show the leaf buds.<br />
He scanned the lot, looking for the Murray wagon. Not there. Disappointed, he stared at the ground. Please, God, let Mary come today.<br />
Clopping hoofs and a jingling harness accompanied a wagon<br />
taking too fast of a turn into the parking area. Daniel cut his eyes toward the advancing disaster. Two of the wheels did indeed lift from the ground. Before he could get a shout out of his mouth, he heard Mary’s sweet voice.<br />
“Lean to the right, boys!”<br />
George and Bobby, Mary’s brothers, scrambled across the seat, followed by Frances. The wagon wheels settled into the gravel, and Mary pulled on the reins.<br />
“Easy. Settle down.” Even though she spoke to the horses, he<br />
heard every word.<br />
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His heart that had almost leapt from his chest also settled down when he realized she was no longer in danger. Thank You, Lord.<br />
The wagon came to a standstill, and Mary put her dainty hand to her chest and released a deep breath. The green cotton fabric, sprigged with white flowers, looked good on her, setting off her red hair, pulled up into a bunch on the top of her head. Without a hat or bonnet covering it, the sun danced across the curls. He loved seeing the wisps frame her face. That’s how he pictured her when he dreamed about their future.<br />
Mary sat a moment without moving. She was probably scared out of her wits. Where was her father? He should have been driving the wagon, not her. How long had it been since the man had attended services? Daniel couldn’t remember the last time. It was not a good thing for a man to neglect his spiritual nature. He’d just have to pray harder for Mr. Murray.<br />
Daniel hurried toward them. “Hi, Mary.”<br />
She looked up, straight into his eyes, fear still flickering in the back of her gaze. “Daniel. Good morning.” Her words came out riding on short breaths.<br />
He took hold of the bridle of the horse nearest him. “I can hitch your team under the trees for you.”<br />
After releasing another deep breath, Mary nodded. “Thank you. I’d like that.” She turned toward her siblings. “Frances, you get the picnic basket, and George, you carry the jug of water. Go find us a pew, perhaps near the back of the sanctuary, and put the things under the bench. I’ll be right in.”<br />
The younger children climbed out of the wagon and followed their sister’s instructions. Mary watched them until they’d gone around the side of the building toward the front. Then she stood up.<br />
Before she could try to climb over the side, Daniel hurried to<br />
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help. He held out his hand to her. She stared at it, then looked at his face.<br />
“I’ll help you down.” He gave her his most beguiling smile. For the first time since she arrived, she smiled back, and pink<br />
bled up her neck into her cheeks. Her blush went straight to his heart. Oh, yes, he loved this woman.<br />
Mary slipped her slim fingers into his hand. Even through the white cotton gloves, he felt the connection as warmth sparked up his arm like fireworks on Independence Day. She glanced down so she could see the step. When she hesitated, he let go of her hand and both of his spanned her tiny waist. With a deft swing, he had her on the ground in seconds. He wished he had the right to pull her into an embrace. Wouldn’t that just set the tongues a-wagging? He couldn’t do that to her. Mary needed to be cherished for the treasure she was. And as far as Daniel could see, her father really didn’t treat her that way.<br />
He watched her walk toward the front of the building, enjoying the way her skirt swayed with each step, barely brushing the tops of her black patent shoes. That is one beau- tiful woman. He turned back to her team. Walking beside the horses, he led them toward the hitching rail where his family’s brougham was parked, hoping it would give him the oppor- tunity to help her back up onto the wagon seat. As he crossed the lot, several other conveyances entered, and he waved and exchanged greetings with each family.<br />
The church was the first one established in Oregon City. At that time, it was the Methodist Mission but grew as the town did. Along the way, members of this body had a great influence on what happened in the burgeoning city. And that was still true today. His Winthrop ancestors, who settled nearby, had been instrumental in both the growth of the church and of the<br />
town. He felt a sense of pride at being a part of something that<br />
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important, and he wanted to increase the town’s assets, because he planned to raise his own family here. Maybe establish a dynasty of his own, watching his sons and daughters, then his grandchildren, prosper.<br />
His woolgathering slowed the progress of tying the horses to their spot. He needed to hurry so he wouldn’t miss the begin- ning of the service. As he opened the front door, Mrs. Slidell struck the first chord on the new Mason and Hamlin reed organ. The church had ordered the instrument from the manufacturing plant in Buffalo, New York. When it arrived only a couple of weeks before, the music added a special feeling to the worship and helped most people stay on the right tune better than the old piano did. He hummed along with the introduction to “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” his favorite hymn.<br />
Glancing around the room, Daniel finally spied Mary and her siblings sitting on the second pew from the back on the right side of the aisle. He squared his shoulders and confidently approached the wooden bench. He asked if he could sit with them, and she scooted over to make room. Just what he wanted. He would be sitting right beside her.<br />
Throughout the service, Daniel had a hard time keeping his mind on the proceedings. Mary sat close enough for him to touch her if he leaned a little to his right. He was so tempted to bump against her arm, but he held back. He imagined clasping her hand in his and holding it for longer than just a few seconds while helping her down from a conveyance or through a doorway, really wrapping his large fingers around hers and intertwining their fingers. Just thinking about it caught his breath.<br />
He whooshed it out, and she turned toward him, her eyes wid- ening with a question. After flashing a smile at her, he glanced up at Rev. Horton. The man’s delivery was smooth, and his words<br />
made a lot of sense. He’d be a good pastor for them, but Daniel<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
21<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lena neL son DooLey<br />
<br />
<br />
couldn’t keep a single word of his message in his mind. Not while he could feel Mary’s presence with every cell in his body.<br />
Instead, in his mind he searched up and down the streets of Oregon City, seeking a place to turn into a home for him and his beloved. If the right house wasn’t for sale, he could build her one. She could help him choose the design. That’s what he’d do. Build her the home she’d always dreamed of. His heart squeezed with the knowledge of what he planned to do. He could hardly keep the idea to himself. He hoped it wouldn’t take too long for him to convince her that they should marry.<br />
He’d even hire servants to help her manage their home. Whatever her heart desired, he’d do everything he could to present her with all she wanted. He only hoped it wouldn’t take too long. At twenty years old, he was ready to move on to the next phase of his life—with Mary by his side.<br />
“Now let us bow our heads in prayer.” Rev. Horton raised his hands to bless the whole congregation.<br />
Daniel dropped his head toward his chest. How had the man finished his sermon without Daniel noticing? Next Sunday he’d have to listen more closely. He really did want to get to know the new pastor and his family.<br />
“Amen.” After the pastor pronounced the word, several other men echoed it.<br />
Daniel watched his father rise from the second pew near the front on the left side of the aisle and take his place beside the new preacher. He placed his arm across the man’s shoulders. “Dear friends, on your behalf, I welcome our new pastor. Now let’s all meet his lovely family.” He waved toward a woman sitting on the front pew. “Mrs. Horton?”<br />
The woman stood and turned toward the congregation. She was pretty, but not as young or as pretty as Mary.<br />
“And,” Father’s voice boomed, “these are their children.”<br />
<br />
<br />
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22<br />
<br />
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<br />
M a ry ’s Ble s si ng<br />
<br />
<br />
Four stair-step youngsters stood beside their mother. The tallest, a boy. The next, a girl. Then another boy, and the shortest, a cute little girl. As if they had rehearsed it, they bowed toward the people in unison.<br />
Several women across the sanctuary oooed or aahed before a loud round of applause broke out. The three oldest children gave shy smiles, and the youngest tugged at her mother’s skirts. When Mrs. Horton picked her up, the girl waved to the people, clearly enjoying the attention.<br />
“I hope you all brought your blankets and picnic baskets.” Father beamed at the crowd. “We’re going to spread our food together. I believe there are plenty of sawhorse tables set up near the building. And you can pick a spot under the trees to settle for your meal. Just don’t forget to take the time to greet our new ministerial family while you’re here.” Father led the Horton family down the aisle and out the front door.<br />
Daniel turned back toward Mary. “Perhaps you and your brothers and sister could spread your blanket beside my family’s.” A tiny smile graced Mary’s sweet mouth. “If you’re sure your<br />
mother wouldn’t mind, I’d like that.”<br />
“Oh, yes. I’m sure.” He stepped into the nearly empty aisle and moved back to let Mary and her family precede him, and he quickly followed behind.<br />
His heartbeat accelerated just thinking about spending spe- cial time with the object of his affections. Without thinking, he started whistling a happy tune.<br />
Mary glanced back at him. “I didn’t know you whistled.”<br />
“Oh, yes. I’m a man of many talents.” His heart leapt at the interest he read in her gaze. Things were well on their way to working out just the way he wanted them to.<br />
<br /></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-17025842451255194102012-05-30T11:20:00.002-07:002012-05-30T11:20:43.971-07:00<b>About Transcendent:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNPT5RFI3vBcCpwTFW9UCtlV50Sn3NLrYvRX61olZPBT-Ubfn_ENy1OwFfq_RCAo8nTuqL95jarkOIpRDLKcCWZ07Qq1vRUSRgQ4-0I0j66C8hRZnkQEej8rOBaEA2x4_Bw_oON5HZPdF/s1600/Transcendent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNPT5RFI3vBcCpwTFW9UCtlV50Sn3NLrYvRX61olZPBT-Ubfn_ENy1OwFfq_RCAo8nTuqL95jarkOIpRDLKcCWZ07Qq1vRUSRgQ4-0I0j66C8hRZnkQEej8rOBaEA2x4_Bw_oON5HZPdF/s320/Transcendent.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="freeText12380155537967572798">Discover the secrets of
a siren, fly with a hawk girl over the mountains of Montana, and flee
supernatural party-crashers as the décor comes to life in this magical
journey through paranormal stories.<br /><br />Along the way, watch for
ghosts in a haunted house, or ride through the moonlight with a
stranger. Save a comatose boy who has lost his soul, and don’t forget to
bring your garlic and wolfsbane—you never know when the shadows will
snag you.<br /><br />Transcendent includes eight stories of magic, love, death, and choice by some of the newest names in young adult fiction.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText12380155537967572798"><b>My Review</b></span><span id="freeText12380155537967572798"><b>:</b></span><br />
<span id="freeText12380155537967572798"><b>4 STARS</b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview334912593">Transcendent
was my first experience with an Anthology and I wasn't quite sure I
would enjoy a bunch of short stories put together in one book. But I
actually enjoyed the collection quite a bit. This is a collection of
paranormal stories and each one stands alone which made it great to just
read a quick little story when I had a free minute and then get back to
the next in my next spare time! <br /><br />When I read the first story I
was instantly swept in to it and was disappointed when it came to end. I
thought to myself, they could have made the whole book about this one
story and I'd be thrilled. Then I read the next story with little
expectation and then thought that story was great and I wanted more.
And it continued to be that way through the entire book. Which brings
me to the only problem with the book, I wanted more!! I wanted to keep
reading about each story! There was only 1 or 2 stories that didn't
leave me eager for more! One of them was so strange I wasn't sure I
would find anything to like about it, but strangely I did. Not sure what
that says about me?! ha ha<br /><br />Even though I was disappointed that
each story had to end when I was just getting really sucked in the story
they were all ended nicely. I was left with any cliff hangers or sad
moments which is great because if that would have happened I would have
put the book down. Who wants to be disappointed over and over again! <br /><br />I received this book free from Rita Webb in exchange for my personal and honest opinion and review! All opinions are my own.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview334912593"><b>Authors:</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="by smallText"></span>
<span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<a class="authorName" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4104358.Lani_Woodland" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Lani Woodland</span></a><span class="greyText"></span>,
<a class="authorName" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4788689.Melonie_Piper" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Melonie Piper</span></a><span class="greyText"></span>, <a class="authorName" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2882966.Rita_Webb" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Rita Webb</span></a>, <a class="authorName" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3211592.Wendy_Swore" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Wendy Swore</span></a><span class="greyText"></span>, <a class="authorName" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25032.Melanie_Marks" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Melanie Marks</span></a>, <a class="authorName" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5345803.Heather_McCubbin" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Heather McCubbin</span></a><span class="greyText"></span>, <a class="authorName" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4258920.Evan_Joseph" itemprop="url"><span itemprop="name">Evan Joseph</span></a></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview334912593"></span></span><span id="freeText12380155537967572798"><b> </b></span>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-40818453091550471332012-05-23T21:44:00.003-07:002012-05-23T21:49:38.314-07:00Beyond Hope's Valley<b>About Beyond Hope's Valley:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0qFAojrHsKs2v8ggGbzR5pnz7VMjH25zd6u0JIhp4_meA17OqtXU9aWs16xMhDPnGZ4fxivEEfFPLCpD_qn_GyWpC6rYYZhNlFyKOMmdiaG02WFX2BoJ-NHmlCIXXWb-LwkzDZm494-u/s1600/Beyond+Hope%27s+Valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0qFAojrHsKs2v8ggGbzR5pnz7VMjH25zd6u0JIhp4_meA17OqtXU9aWs16xMhDPnGZ4fxivEEfFPLCpD_qn_GyWpC6rYYZhNlFyKOMmdiaG02WFX2BoJ-NHmlCIXXWb-LwkzDZm494-u/s320/Beyond+Hope%27s+Valley.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="freeText4544225238426296343">After an extended stay
in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state,
Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her
brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second,
to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming
about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the
idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that
Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.<br /><br />As months
pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on
a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past
relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a
valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where
and with whom her heart truly belongs.</span><br />
<br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jump on board this roller coaster of emotions with Marianna
as she returns to Pennsylvania with high hopes to marry her first love, Aaron
Zook. What a dramatic conclusion to a
series that I had fallen in love with from the very beginning! It’s bitter
sweet to say goodbye to the Sommer family and especially to the lovable, sweet
and passionate Marianna. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Marianna returns to Pennsylvania she expects to see her
brother marry Naomi as soon as possible because Naomi is expecting and then her
and Aaron will marry soon after. She
soon discovers that nothing is as she planned but is all in God’s timing and
she suddenly faces many more trials than she anticipated. The situation with Naomi and Luke isn’t what
she was expecting and neither is Aaron the man she thought he was!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I’ve said this before in my other reviews of the
first two books of this series but I just love Marianna. She is such a lovable heroin that you can
help but adore. She is passionate about
her new found love for Jesus and the English bible, she always wants to put her
family first, and she seeks the truth even if it less favorable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat
throughout this book and kept me guessing as to how Tricia was going to end
this novel without breaking my heart. I
felt there was no way I was going to see a happy ending but somehow she pulled
it off. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll cry
and your heart will break but in the end you won’t be disappointed!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s my opinion that you’ll want to red Beside Still Waters
and Along Wooded Paths before you dig in to Beyond Hope’s Valley so that you
can truly understand the characters and the story behind Marianna and
Aaron. Tricia has never disappointed me
with her writing and I am looking forward to more by this talented author!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This book was provided to me free from Litfuse Group in
exchange for my honest and personal review.
All opinions are my own.</div>
<br />
<b><span id="freeText4544225238426296343"></span><span id="freeText4544225238426296343">About Tricia Goyer:</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHf6NrSgSmE_yNHrtbVDyJXYiQicykqjd7t6ezn-FvMBMYWKp_Sm_cWHQz47MARNrcAWwthZMmdSteMV0cQUcZTI5TR6sn2RlLSMazqLPDA0bZq4MJfx4vLx47VK0PqQHDisoA2a-8PJOQ/s1600/Tricia+Goyer+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHf6NrSgSmE_yNHrtbVDyJXYiQicykqjd7t6ezn-FvMBMYWKp_Sm_cWHQz47MARNrcAWwthZMmdSteMV0cQUcZTI5TR6sn2RlLSMazqLPDA0bZq4MJfx4vLx47VK0PqQHDisoA2a-8PJOQ/s1600/Tricia+Goyer+%282%29.jpg" /></a><span id="freeText4544225238426296343"> </span><span id="freeTextauthor162726"><br />TRICIA GOYER was named the
2003 Writer of the Year for Mt. Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference.
Her book for teens, Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom,
was a Gold Medallion finalist in 2005 in the Youth category. <br /><br />Her
novel Night Song won the 2005 “Book of the Year for Long Historical
Romance” from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Dawn of a
Thousand Nights won the same award in 2006.<br /><br />Tricia has published
over 250 articles and YA short stories for national publications such
as Today’s Christian Woman, Guideposts for Kids, Brio, Christian
Parenting Today, and HomeLife, and is the co-author of Meal Time Moments
(Focus on the Family). She has led numerous Bible Studies, and her
study notes appear in the Women of Faith Study Bible.<br /><br />She has
written seven novels for Moody Publishers; From Dust and Ashes (2003),
Night Song (2004), Dawn of a Thousand Nights (2005), and Arms of
Deliverance (2006), A Valley of Betrayal (2007), A Shadow of Treason
(2007), and A Whisper of Freedom (2008).<br /><br />Tricia has also
published Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom (Zondervan,
2004) and children’s book 10 Minutes to Showtime (Thomas Nelson, 2004).
She has written My Life, Unscripted (Thomas Nelson, 2007) for teen
girls. She worked on 3:16 Teens w/ Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson, 2008)<br /><br />Tricia
has also written books for Gen Xers: Generation NeXt Parenting
(Multnomah, 2006) and Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah, 2008).<br /><br />Tricia and her husband, John, live in Montana with their three teens.</span>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-63015536182898271812012-05-22T13:34:00.000-07:002012-05-22T13:34:24.735-07:00The Messenger by Siri Mitchell<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>About The Messenger by Siri Mitchell:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEa7UQ8N5tN5aOw-NaUC_Rw3oaSr_Y88WjDNBmKtOcGOGoP_SuBIqjsI3TZ3RhRV7AU5B2AWnroWNaY0qovur_wCimZst_WcZeAB5i3nRRkuokvvE0h2FV_0fiEkRw-7ewXPZiwzhMJ2nn/s1600/The+Messenger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEa7UQ8N5tN5aOw-NaUC_Rw3oaSr_Y88WjDNBmKtOcGOGoP_SuBIqjsI3TZ3RhRV7AU5B2AWnroWNaY0qovur_wCimZst_WcZeAB5i3nRRkuokvvE0h2FV_0fiEkRw-7ewXPZiwzhMJ2nn/s320/The+Messenger.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span id="freeText13292213685781098954">Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith <br /><br />...until
her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and
in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her
brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he
remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take
up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?<br /><br />Jeremiah
Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is
now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom
they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for
Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for
him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a
bedrock of her faith. <br /><br />With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell
tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the
courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.</span><b> </b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>My Review:</b></div>
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<b>3 STARS</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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When reading one of Siri Mitchell’s books you expect to not
only fall in love with the characters but also learn some things along the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has such a way of weaving
historical facts and believable characters in to a true love story that
captures your mind and heart. </div>
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<br /></div>
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That being said, The Messenger is not even close to being my
favorite book written by Siri Mitchell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe I wasn’t as invested in the concept of Hannah being a Quaker spy
as I should have been but it took my quite a long time to read this book and
get involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the reason I didn’t
really connect with this story was because of the character of Hannah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a Quaker and believes she should never
speak a lie, not even to save her own life or any others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t really that fact that was weird; it
was how judgmental and annoying she was about it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some reason she just rubbed me the wrong
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have to admit that about 2/3
of the way through the book, she grew on me and by the end I loved her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved her for when she stood up for what
she believed in and held to her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
is passionate and stubborn, which makes her realistic, yet annoying at times!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jeremiah was my favorite character of this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is doubtful, careless and little bitter
and that serves to show great growth as the story moves along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see him learning the truth of who is and
what he believes in and it is a fun ride to see Jeremiah develop in to a
lovable character!</div>
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<br /></div>
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This story is about these two complete opposite characters
that somehow find each other to face the injustice of what is happening with
the prisoners and war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They clash at
first and don’t have many similar beliefs but as the story develops they
strengthen each other, and learn to trust each other with their very
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The romance isn’t over the top
swoon worthy but it’s believable to the story and understandably sweet! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Like I said earlier, I didn’t really love this book but I
didn’t dislike it either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very
well written and opened my eyes to some things I had never heard about before
and for that I’m glad I read it! If you are a historical fan of the
Revolutionary War, spies, and the struggles the citizens faced then this is a
must read for you!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me a free copy of
this book in exchange for my personal and honest review and opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All opinions are my own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>About Siri Mitchell:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Yb2AFicrELWAp8fAfYsyVNPooFFgZtAnexthcbUxrQ9hBmYMJO3h5MbNbYIeJ7-OhUk6STfjV7uyPld4ljSaiFMMbTIJje823qceg6WxKzpWM5vdVvlSR23Aau4d35O05Eldli6jjTcf/s1600/Siri+Mitchell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Yb2AFicrELWAp8fAfYsyVNPooFFgZtAnexthcbUxrQ9hBmYMJO3h5MbNbYIeJ7-OhUk6STfjV7uyPld4ljSaiFMMbTIJje823qceg6WxKzpWM5vdVvlSR23Aau4d35O05Eldli6jjTcf/s1600/Siri+Mitchell.jpg" /></a><span id="freeTextauthor2598371">Siri Mitchell graduated from
the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in
various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all
over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and
learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves
sushi. <br /><br />But she is also a member of a strange breed of people
called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes,
chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If
they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably
thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.”
When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry
at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters. <br /><br />Siri
wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a
publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben
& Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed
never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes
and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder. <br /><br />Her
ninth novel, A Heart Most Worthy, follows prior Bethany House releases:
A Constant Heart (October 2008), Love's Pursuit (June 2009), and She
Walks in Beauty (Apr 2010). She Walks in Beauty won the inaugural INSPY
Award for Historical Fiction in Dec 2010. Two of her novels, Chateau of
Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. Love's
Pursuit was a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award. </span><b> </b> </div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-30463056797086949262012-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:002012-04-30T21:22:47.792-07:00Baroness by Susan May Warren blog tour and giveaway<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">About the book:</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> <b><i><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Baroness – Book Two in the Daughters of Fortune series</span></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;">Lily and Rose, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want ... except freedom.</span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3po6QxzMqTbkadJXYrWS9AiYlU9nCeNEZLuviUz65JHKb0RULZ-ThOOIFizx1Bzbm1gioLRziUPM9rD8Af50cOJscrLl74hx41pTJEC4zeW5CMkVG9yAbD7FT3kUbae2FDfL8L9PbcTXs/s1600/Baronesscoversm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3po6QxzMqTbkadJXYrWS9AiYlU9nCeNEZLuviUz65JHKb0RULZ-ThOOIFizx1Bzbm1gioLRziUPM9rD8Af50cOJscrLl74hx41pTJEC4zeW5CMkVG9yAbD7FT3kUbae2FDfL8L9PbcTXs/s1600/Baronesscoversm.jpg" /></a><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;">Expected
to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their
lives planned out for them. But, Lily, Esme's daughter longs to return
home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And
Jinx's daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging
silver screen. But following their dreams - from avant garde France, to
Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers
will take all their courage.</span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;">And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?</span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;">Find out more from Behind the Pages: <a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/baroness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/baroness</a> </span></div>
<div class="yiv1939090705MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">My Review:</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px;"> </span><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10pt;"> 5 STARS</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview305886256">Wow!!
What an emotional rollercoaster Baroness takes you on!! It picks up
right on where Heiress left off and jumps right in to the lives of Rosie
and Lilly. This book is jammed packed full with raw emotions and
events that pull at your heart and send you soaring in to the sky!<br /><br />Both
Rosie and Lilly have very different stories that they go through but
basically they are in search of the same thing. They are searching for
happiness, love and identity within themselves. With their goals being
the same the events that they go through are vastly different.<br /><br />Mostly
we are looking at Lilly’s life with a little bit of the drama going on
with Rosie in the background. Lilly’s story just pulled at my heart,
especially with the extreme losses she faces and her struggles with
trying to figure out who God wants her to be. Her emotions go up and
down and you never quite sure how her story is going to conclude.<br /><br />This
historical novel is so fast paced and intense and such an emotional
ride that you feel like you can never put the book down. It’s a
perfect example of how God can take anything broken and hurt and turn it
in to a beautiful thing. I have said this before and I will say it
again, God makes beautiful things out of us!! <br />Baroness is the second
book in the Daughters of Fortune Series and I’m excited to read the
third book about Rosie. While I don’t think it’s necessary for you to
read book one, Heiress, before you read this book, I highly recommend
that you do so that you fully understand some of the characters and the
background story.<br /><br />This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review. All opinions are my own.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">About Susan:</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px;"> </span><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></span></span><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Susan
May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A
five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a
multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW
Carol Award.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WfMhBsBYGKqKqFls4yez-m3_BHlx9CHfCCupta-4IrTkKKg0y1CWEyj-j8zUdlFRbRYiOB6HS8p-BOMS27buN-w7XmiX4wLItRsgkKQI6en1FU5uuYiqSdO2hNxpJS0OZcm4CMFLzeMh/s1600/susie+chairback+new+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WfMhBsBYGKqKqFls4yez-m3_BHlx9CHfCCupta-4IrTkKKg0y1CWEyj-j8zUdlFRbRYiOB6HS8p-BOMS27buN-w7XmiX4wLItRsgkKQI6en1FU5uuYiqSdO2hNxpJS0OZcm4CMFLzeMh/s1600/susie+chairback+new+sm.jpg" /></a><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">A
seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at
conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s
workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in
you!. </span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Corbel;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">She
is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service
that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online at
www.susanmaywarren.com. </span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Link to buy the book</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 20px;"><span style="background-color: white;">:</span> </span><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-size: 10pt;"> <a href="http://ow.ly/ajLQF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/ajLQF</a> </span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Corbel; font-weight: bold;"><span class="yiv1939090705Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px;">About the giveaway and party:</span></span></span></b> <br />
Baroness Roaring 20s Kindle Fire Giveaway from @SusanMayWarren!
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13456521/baroness" target="_blank">Find
out what the reviewers are saying here!</a><br />
<br />
Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the family empire, they have their lives
planned out for them. But following their dreams -- from avant garde France, to
Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers -- will take all
their courage. And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever
after?<br />
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<b><i>Celebrate with Susan by entering her Roaring 20's Giveaway!</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/bf/FileItem-253731-%0ABaroness300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/bf/FileItem-253731-%0ABaroness300.png" /></a></div>
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One grand prize winner will receive:<br />
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<ul>
<li>A Kindle Fire</li>
<li>Signed copies of <i>Baroness</i> and <i>Heiress</i> by Susan May Warren</li>
</ul>
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But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/7/12. The winner will be announced on 5/9/12 on
Susan’s blog, <b><a href="http://www.susanmaywarren.com/scribbles-blog/" target="_blank">Scribbles</a></b>!<br />
<br />
Just click one of the icons below to enter! Tell your friends about Susan's giveaway on
<b><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/217307/invites/new" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a></b> or <b><a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/217307" target="_blank">TWITTER</a></b> and increase your chances of winning.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/217307" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Facebook" height="48" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-%0AZBHv5uije28/TXqYfJCLMkI/AAAAAAAAAiU/AVPqG6Tv5W4/s1600/Facebook_icon%0A-300x300.png" title="Enter via Facebook" width="48" /></a><a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/217307/entries/new" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Twitter" height="48" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m-%0A99VSwns4U/TXqYmf0klHI/AAAAAAAAAiY/VwREnY_u7TA/s1600/Twitter_button.p%0Ang" title="Enter via Twitter" width="48" /></a>
</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-82657388841086362212012-04-05T09:00:00.002-07:002012-07-27T13:13:20.088-07:00First Wild Card Tour: NIV Boys Bible<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></b></span> 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! <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310723086">NIV Boys Bible</a></span></b></div>
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Zonderkidz; Special edition (March 6, 2012)</div>
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***Special thanks to Rick Roberson of The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***<br />
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<b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC1sA9BjIu1G7502PhdmxMg4J5dte4XXSMWkDpYpEiybJiyyvwWcNL4-HRDVTpz68OyQQQgvYuLsisbPC7gY-wHwF5tPVJ6ak-MPlxBe4u9p70nY3TOGwN0y639UPm3krLGW-2AtpvxU/s1600/678+Zonderkidz+Cover_web+%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC1sA9BjIu1G7502PhdmxMg4J5dte4XXSMWkDpYpEiybJiyyvwWcNL4-HRDVTpz68OyQQQgvYuLsisbPC7gY-wHwF5tPVJ6ak-MPlxBe4u9p70nY3TOGwN0y639UPm3krLGW-2AtpvxU/s200/678+Zonderkidz+Cover_web+%281%29.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Getting into a routine of reading the Bible can be challenging for anyone, but trying to keep the attention of pre-teen boys is especially difficult. So now there is a Bible especially developed for them. The NIV Boys Bible is designed with boys ages 9 to 12 in mind. Fun in-text features help boys dig deep into the Word and learn about amazing people, facts and stories of the Bible. The NIV Boys Bible will help boys grow into the young men God wants them to be. It will appeal to boys and cause them to desire to spend time in the Word with its unique features such as:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* Introductions to each book of the Bible</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* Hundreds of highlighted verses worth memorizing</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* What's the Big Deal?-Need-to-know biblical stories and people</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* Check It Out-Interesting and fun facts about Bible times and characters</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* Grossology-Gross and gory stuff they never knew was in the Bible</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">* Makin' It Real-Help for applying Bible stories to their everyday lives</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.918); color: #222222; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This Bible includes the full text of the New International Version, the most popular Bible translation in the world, and 12 color tip-in pages introducing content that shows boys how they can grow to be like Jesus. Each book of the Bible has activities that make God's Word more relevant than ever. It is jam-packed with customized content and artwork that really makes the Bible stand out.</span><br />
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Product Details:<br />
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List Price: $27.99<br />
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Reading level: Ages 9 and up<br />
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Hardcover: 1504 pages<br />
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Publisher: Zonderkidz; Special edition (March 6, 2012)<br />
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Language: English<br />
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ISBN-10: 0310723086<br />
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ISBN-13: 978-0310723080:<br />
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<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS</b><br />
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I love this bible!! I received this bible at the same time I received the girl version; Faithgirlz NIV. My son is not quite as old as my daughter and I probably would have a waited a few years before I got him this one but I am still loving it. My son is 5 and is just beginning to read so he likes a bit more but I know he will love this more in a year or two. He does use it all the time when looking up verses for Awana because it is the same version (NIV) that they use in the Awana clubs. Not only is the version great but I love all the added tidbits. There are explanations of each book in the beginning that explain what that book is about. There is also sections where they can relate themselves to the characters in the stories. I really liked the sections that answer commonly asked questions too. Another thing I really love is the look. The cover is cool and stylish for a young man and the colors throughout the bible are super fun, which make it that much more fun to read!! Perfect for young guys, probably 6-11 yrs old.<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">AND NOW...A SAMPLE. PLEASE CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO VIEW THEM LARGER:</span> </b><br />
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<br /></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-45478019016837994162012-04-04T10:20:00.000-07:002012-04-04T10:20:13.068-07:00FIRST Wild Card Tour: NIV Faithgirlz! Bible<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></b></span> 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! <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</i></span><br />
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<div align="center"><b>Today's Wild Card contributor is: </b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.faithgirlz.com/">Nancy Rue</a></span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310722365">NIV Faithgirlz! Bible (Revised Edition)</a></span></b></div><div align="center">Zonderkidz; Rev Spl edition (March 6, 2012)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>***Special thanks to Rick Roberson of The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***<br />
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<div align="left"><b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx0IYLaf9UQSkkBh9d1EDDqyzHH91-aWGoyqlgv9IiTz3z4UaqapZvt5IafjQY34XLU0WrmH1Pgzq162C81bdb7UJb7saCmynh9ewnrEUlsGZED7GHMfPZen0kF2LySjig9j7htUgXWc/s1600/nancyrue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx0IYLaf9UQSkkBh9d1EDDqyzHH91-aWGoyqlgv9IiTz3z4UaqapZvt5IafjQY34XLU0WrmH1Pgzq162C81bdb7UJb7saCmynh9ewnrEUlsGZED7GHMfPZen0kF2LySjig9j7htUgXWc/s200/nancyrue.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>Nancy Rue has worked as a public school teacher, church youth director, theater workshop developer and camp director. She has written more than eighty books for young people, including the beloved Faithgirlz! Sophie series, The Skin You're In and Everybody Tells Me to Be Myself but I Don't Know Who I Am. Nancy lives with her husband and two dogs in Lebanon, TN.<br />
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About Faithgirlz!: Faithgirlz! is a collection of books, Bibles and resources designed to provide transformational Christian experiences for tween girls. Faithgirlz! encourages honest tween-girl empowerment by providing engaging, relevant, high-quality offerings, helping tween girls understand their world, learn biblical teachings, become closer to God and grow into godly teenagers. Faithgirlz! offers excellent content and contributions from leading Christian tween writers and spokespeople including Nancy Rue, Melody Carlson, Kristi Holl, Naomi Kinsman and more. Faithgirlz! is also supported with a website (<a href="http://www.faithgirlz.com/">www.Faithgirlz.com</a>), Facebook page and mother and daughter live events across the country.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGQsLjg0KRm9CS56AN8ijF93pyNpcDp3LV0ANEw6kOqE-csE21JlfqTcXysvS_85Cpc8eZL79E6St3L6ffrHmVbBdRSP4f1pnZmKG2HenlSkoKMTF5nOQwd0NhA2kY4fqo15Pa4dJpjA/s1600/677+Rue+Cover_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGQsLjg0KRm9CS56AN8ijF93pyNpcDp3LV0ANEw6kOqE-csE21JlfqTcXysvS_85Cpc8eZL79E6St3L6ffrHmVbBdRSP4f1pnZmKG2HenlSkoKMTF5nOQwd0NhA2kY4fqo15Pa4dJpjA/s200/677+Rue+Cover_web.jpg" width="130" /></a>Every girl wants to know she’s totally unique and special, and contributor Nancy Rue helps them do just that in the revised edition of the NIV Faithgirlz! Bible. As a leading tween expert, Rue teaches girls that the Bible is real and relevant and, best of all, that the story of God and His people is also their story. Girls can now grow closer to God as they discover the journey of a lifetime, in their language, for their world.<br />
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The new Faithgirlz! Bible was developed especially for girls ages 9 to 12. Everything in it is written with a tween girl’s experience in mind, and it features the most popular Bible translation in the world, the New International Version. The features explain hard-to-understand things in the Bible and guide girls to put the Scripture to work in their own lives. The Faithgirlz! Bible focuses on sharing faith with friends and gives real ways for girls to do that.<br />
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Each book of the Bible has activities that make God’s Word more relevant than ever. And, of course, because it was developed for Faithgirlz! readers, they can expect to find it jam-packed with customized content and artwork that really makes the Bible stand out. Girls will love the cool design, the interactive features and the feeling of knowing that God’s Word is there for them whenever they need it. Some of the features included are:<br />
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· Book Introductions—Girls will read the who, when, where and what of each book of the Bible.<br />
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· Dream Girl—Girls will use their imaginations to put themselves in the story.<br />
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· Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?—Girls will see for themselves what they have in common with women of the Bible.<br />
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· Words to Live By—Girls will discover great Bible verses for memorizing.<br />
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· Oh, I Get It!—Girls will find answers to Bible questions they’ve wondered about.<br />
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Nancy Rue says, “I hope the Faithgirlz! Bible will help girls grow a friendship with the Bible, their own relationship. It asks questions, asks them to think and challenges them to apply what they’re learning. That’s how they’ll find a deep, personal relationship with God, rather than just by following rules or saying what they’ve been told without really thinking about it. Rules are important, of course, but they only make sense when they really believe the message of the Scriptures. That’s what this Bible is about.” The Faithgirlz! Bible is the perfect Bible to support girls in their journey into the “beauty of believing.”<br />
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The main edition of the Faithgirlz! Bible is hardcover, but it is also available in two Italian Duo-Tone designs. For better portability, there is also an NIV Faithgirlz! Backpack Bible. This compact edition does not include the in-text features that the full-size edition has, but it does have twelve full-color pages of Faithgirlz! fun, the words of Christ in red and a ribbon marker. An ebook version is also planned for electronic use. <br />
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</div>Product Details:<br />
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List Price: $27.99<br />
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Reading level: Ages 9 and up<br />
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Hardcover: 1504 pages<br />
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Publisher: Zonderkidz; Rev Spl edition (March 6, 2012)<br />
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Language: English<br />
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ISBN-10: 0310722365<br />
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ISBN-13: 978-0310722366<br />
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<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS</b><br />
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I love this bible!! When my toddler wanted her own bible we bought her a small Children Standard Version that worked just perfectly for her age at the time but now she is 9 and she wanted a more "normal" bible.<b> </b>When this showed up at the door she instantly grabbed it and began reading!! She just loves it!! It is in NIV version which is great because it works well with her Awana verse memorization. Not only is the version great but I love all the added tidbits. There are explanations of each book in the beginning that explains what that book is about. There is also sections where the girls can relate themselves to the characters in the stories. There is also sections that answer commonly asked questions. Another thing I really love (and my daughter also) is the colors. The cover is beautiful and the colors throughout the bible are super fun, which make it that much more fun to read!!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AND NOW...A SAMPLE. PLEASE CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO VIEW THEM LARGER:</span> </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIDdOcrCmMlSf32REon20q2Srp-507gSadNc7r2756qeBQa7Bmq1IHU9qghBg_qwyqtIvrtqhm6TG93HudQKkVYQDJyt4s1dpoLllJLx_ysMgFPRdZxrbSAkTuuWkBuymYG3qOIZhDLk/s1600/FaithGirlz_bible_interior_Page_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIDdOcrCmMlSf32REon20q2Srp-507gSadNc7r2756qeBQa7Bmq1IHU9qghBg_qwyqtIvrtqhm6TG93HudQKkVYQDJyt4s1dpoLllJLx_ysMgFPRdZxrbSAkTuuWkBuymYG3qOIZhDLk/s320/FaithGirlz_bible_interior_Page_08.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br />
</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-14089048392325448522012-04-03T09:49:00.000-07:002012-04-03T09:49:49.094-07:00By the Light of the Silvery Moon blog tour and giveaway<b>About the book:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_Rep3rqY5dUgdAxhuLBUypsjqzQLfj7LzzmvGlazOUpHRfgl_sGye0Gvqc3XFPc9FlJDn4KDzoNPof9CMco81v60vzWeOdRIIIMlFtauJqrZIu11rZJo-zCnJdXwJ2WSxWEPIIuhGZRD/s1600/SilveryMooncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_Rep3rqY5dUgdAxhuLBUypsjqzQLfj7LzzmvGlazOUpHRfgl_sGye0Gvqc3XFPc9FlJDn4KDzoNPof9CMco81v60vzWeOdRIIIMlFtauJqrZIu11rZJo-zCnJdXwJ2WSxWEPIIuhGZRD/s1600/SilveryMooncover.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div id="yui_3_2_0_10_1332737232099652" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"><div id="yui_3_2_0_10_1332737232099651"><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" id="yui_3_2_0_10_1332737232099650" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_10_1332737232099699"><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?</span></div><div></div><div><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b>Watch the video trailer:</b></span></div><div><br />
<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C0g18-m_qII?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C0g18-m_qII?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b>About Tricia Goyer:</b></span><br />
<div id="yui_3_2_0_10_1332737232099727" style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"><div id="yui_3_2_0_10_1332737232099726"></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_10_1332737232099726"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFDO2oY1wJ5fnY4vn-5zlUY0Kd3kZVWcc8bVy8qKTiHoPyMY8DUt4dsMyr66D_QVRkIbX_Nrxp8GzaWoWzjb9YXiBoGuB6KUtmjhqRZ84ErKv8FjNn7Pud0I5_Ne9t03qBuizDgimDsLq/s1600/Tricia+Goyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFDO2oY1wJ5fnY4vn-5zlUY0Kd3kZVWcc8bVy8qKTiHoPyMY8DUt4dsMyr66D_QVRkIbX_Nrxp8GzaWoWzjb9YXiBoGuB6KUtmjhqRZ84ErKv8FjNn7Pud0I5_Ne9t03qBuizDgimDsLq/s1600/Tricia+Goyer.jpg" /></a><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" id="yui_3_2_0_10_1332737232099725" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.</span></div><div><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">More info: Living Inspired (<a href="http://toginet.com/shows/livinginspired" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://toginet.com/shows/livinginspired</a>) and www.triciagoyer.com.</span></div></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 18px;"><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0d0d0;">Link to buy the book</span></b>: <a href="http://www.triciagoyer.com/historicalfiction.html#ByTheLight" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.triciagoyer.com/historicalfiction.html#ByTheLight</a> </span></div><span class="yiv987826924Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b> </b><b> </b> </span></div></div><br />
Win an Flip HD Camcorder during @TriciaGoyer's Unsinkable Titanic Giveaway and RSVP for 4/10 Titanic Party!<br />
<br />
<b>Celebrate the release of By the Light of the Silvery Moon with Tricia by entering her giveaway and RSVPing to her Titanic party. </b><i><b></b></i><br />
<br />
<img src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/b8/FileItem-235167-SilveryMoon300.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br />
<br />
<b>One "unsinkable" winner will receive:</b><br />
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<ul><li><b>Flip HD video Camera</b><i> (Make your own dramatic saga!)</i></li>
<li><b>Titanic movies from the ages</b> <i>{Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}</i></li>
<li><i><b>Secrets of the Titanic</b></i> <i>(Get the facts from National Geographic.)</i></li>
<li><b>And the Band Played On</b><i> (Music Played on the Titanic.)</i></li>
<li><i>By the Light of the Silvery Moon</i> by Tricia Goyer <i>(Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)</i></li>
</ul><b>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 9th.</b> Winner will be announced at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/194359150674746/" target="_blank"><b>"Silvery Moon" Titanic Facebook Party on 4/10</b></a>. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook <b><i>and</i></b> Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!<br />
<br />
<i><b>So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways. </b></i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/205275" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/60/FileItem-74865-email_icon.png" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/205275" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/1a/FileItem-74866-Facebook_icon300x300.png" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/205275/entries/new" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/07/FileItem-74867-Twitter_button.png" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table><h3 style="text-align: center;">Don't miss a moment of the fun. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/194359150674746/" target="_blank"><b>RSVP today</b></a> and tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/205275/invites/new%20" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/205275" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!</h3>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-87228979055858143472012-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:002012-03-23T09:59:04.248-07:00Prowl by Amber Garza<b>About Prowl:</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cIwF93fLdesCorukXpsbjHHtYulw-rSqSj-PYMAXu0y5-zro2b6Opf23s6fezocWtqeK-9PpHC8Z106ajnweeOtIorF0JaQdrUib8A80vfh9VkHFpMwqqO0xU0MI01wFqjGOmu_hi3iY/s1600/Prowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cIwF93fLdesCorukXpsbjHHtYulw-rSqSj-PYMAXu0y5-zro2b6Opf23s6fezocWtqeK-9PpHC8Z106ajnweeOtIorF0JaQdrUib8A80vfh9VkHFpMwqqO0xU0MI01wFqjGOmu_hi3iY/s320/Prowl.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><span id="freeText12918744782789177255">Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Smith is sent away to spend a boring summer at her grandma's. But then she meets Wesley. He tells her exactly what she wants to hear and has information about her past that no one else knows. It's almost like he can read her mind. <br />
<br />
Only Wesley isn't who he seems. <br />
<br />
By the time Mackenzie discovers his true identity it may be too late. She's in too deep and he won't let her go. Now Mackenzie must call on the strongest power of all in order to save her life.</span><b> </b><b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>4 STARS</b><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">At first Mackenzie is angry that she has to spend her summer at her grandma's house until she breaks up with her boyfriend and decides this will be the perfect way to escape her problems with boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little does know that grandma lives right next door to a hottie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is instantly drawn to the boy next door but hesitates getting to know him because of his religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also meets grandma's other neighbor and this girl introduces her to far more dangers than she had at home with boys!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She meets Wesley and Wesley is not what you'll expect!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I really enjoyed this book! I wasn't really expecting the dangerous things that Mackenzie dabbles in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really identified with her though and the way she is desperately searching for love because of her lack of a father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is naive and determined to figure out who her father is with the help of Wesley no matter what the cost!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The spiritual aspects of this book were pretty good, though I would have liked a little more depth in to the battle between good and evil but overall I was happy with how it progressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think us Christians a lot of time forget the battle of evil we face and how deceptive Satan really is and this book gives you a fun way of addressing that issue!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most young adult readers will probably enjoy this easy read and I think it would especially benefit young Christian girls and youth leaders like myself to remind us of what teens go through spiritually</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I received this book free from the author in exchange for my personal and honest opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All opinions are my own.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>About Amber Garza:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcm2-IHxCGC6ZpZsP32x1xYrE0Esg_1DyyhhsIfSEWl1o7qMxXQrUzPlorXd4B2yrG_xGcdlSLpTHILGcELQjkHK_J1tBpP-Bet0Zgm5z8TRUHCwbJruKlE78073eUheLE6veLhhfmh-VS/s1600/Amber+Garza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcm2-IHxCGC6ZpZsP32x1xYrE0Esg_1DyyhhsIfSEWl1o7qMxXQrUzPlorXd4B2yrG_xGcdlSLpTHILGcELQjkHK_J1tBpP-Bet0Zgm5z8TRUHCwbJruKlE78073eUheLE6veLhhfmh-VS/s1600/Amber+Garza.jpg" /></a><span id="freeTextContainerauthor5582891">Amber Garza lives in California with her amazing husband and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years.</span><b> </b> </div><br />
<br />
<b>Link to buy Prowl on Amazon:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_644491883">http://www.amazon.com/Prowl-Amber-Garza/dp/1467982172/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1332521915&sr=8-6</a><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prowl-Amber-Garza/dp/1467982172/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1332521915&sr=8-6" target="_blank"> </a></b>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-38676514102780955902012-03-20T10:03:00.000-07:002012-03-20T10:03:54.526-07:00Song of My Heart review and Nook Tablet giveaway<div style="background-color: white;"><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="color: #235385; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">About the book:</b></span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdy1Hi9kkPj1HpAbm9xcSEMM9M_6GlNavYaO4V0PToL2QjqkwyXtwiL85RAhrGgBCeM1se2YvXAw7r4WlXFgCXRd-pFhVzUTG5oeyJr-7qnCZ-O_2sx7XaGIzTJkILcZDh_x8jOf6Fixx4/s1600/SongOfMyHeartcoversm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdy1Hi9kkPj1HpAbm9xcSEMM9M_6GlNavYaO4V0PToL2QjqkwyXtwiL85RAhrGgBCeM1se2YvXAw7r4WlXFgCXRd-pFhVzUTG5oeyJr-7qnCZ-O_2sx7XaGIzTJkILcZDh_x8jOf6Fixx4/s1600/SongOfMyHeartcoversm.jpg" /></a>Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.</div><div><br />
</div><div>McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. </div><div><br />
</div><div>After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?</div></span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="color: #235385; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">About Kim:</b></span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQznf0e-RkPkR-6_Rb2_KLDrbwccG_nJ-_WNLU62c6VNsU4UyyCsNrIigtl5k1J-4VyKC7LTuCoFKx1u0u1PSnSfnHbF8mU_rBum3yjSgnpY8_L22lxBKzs4Pl3H6V24-Sa2l9cEOZWKhL/s1600/KimVSawyersm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQznf0e-RkPkR-6_Rb2_KLDrbwccG_nJ-_WNLU62c6VNsU4UyyCsNrIigtl5k1J-4VyKC7LTuCoFKx1u0u1PSnSfnHbF8mU_rBum3yjSgnpY8_L22lxBKzs4Pl3H6V24-Sa2l9cEOZWKhL/s1600/KimVSawyersm.jpg" /></a>Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren.</div><div><br />
</div><div>She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information. </div></span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0d0d0; color: #235385;">Link to buy the book</span></b><span style="background-color: white;">:</span> <a href="http://ow.ly/9uLOD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/9uLOD</a> </span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="color: #235385; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">My Review:</b></span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="color: #235385; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">4 STARS</b></span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="color: #235385; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;"> </b></span></div><div><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview294026017">“Song of My Heart” is an entertaining and quirky story that is filled with awkward moments, tension, mystery, and a sweet romance!<br />
<br />
Sadie is the oldest in her family and when her father has a devastating injury that leaves him unable to work and her mother at home to take of him she feels it is her responsibility to provide for the family. So when her cousin Sid tells her of a clerk job in Goldtree she decides it is the best way to care for her family. Little did she know that Goldtree would have one surprise after another.<br />
<br />
The best part of this story is the characters. Thad is by far a remarkable hero; he is so genuinely caring and sweet. He isn’t perfect though and he is wrestling with his own broken past and plans for the future! I love how he grows throughout this novel as he seeks what God wants for his life. He is very protective over Sadie and will do just about anything to keep her safe! <br />
<br />
The secondary characters are also worth mentioning. Sadie’s cousin is bit overwhelming and at times I just wanted to smack him. Melba, Shelba and Asa are beyond weird and they add quite a bit of humor to this sweet story. I thought most of the secondary characters were a bit quirky and awkward but boy were the funny.<br />
<br />
Sadie is a delightful character as well. She has a voice of an angel and a heart of pure gold. All she wants is to provide for her family and finds that her desperation to provide might lead to some trouble. She wrestles with choices to trust God will help provide or to go against her beliefs to ensure money will come in. Wow, what a struggle. I can’t imagine having a burden that you are the only one bringing in money for your family of six.<br />
<br />
The ending is spot on! I wouldn’t want it to end any of other way!! This is such a charming story and I very much enjoyed it!! I’ll be on the lookout for more by Sawyer.<br />
<br />
I received a free copy of the book from the publishers via Litfuse for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, all opinions are my own.</span></span><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="color: #235385; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;"> </b></span></div><div><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="color: #235385; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;"> </b></span><span class="yiv377173619Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div>Win a Nook Tablet from Kim Vogel Sawyer and RSVP for her "Song of My Heart" Facebook Party {3/29}!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!</b></i><br />
<br />
<img src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/0a/FileItem-226778-300SAYWER.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br />
<br />
<b>One "songbird" winner will receive:</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li><b>A Nook Tablet</b></li>
<li><b><i>Song of My Heart</i> by Kim Vogel Sawyer</b></li>
</ul><table align="center" border="0"><tbody>
<tr> <td><b>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.</b> <b>But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12</b>. Winner will be announced at <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/355083927870117" target="_blank">Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party</a></b> on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! <b>She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes</b>: gift certificates, books, and much more!</td> <td></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table><div style="text-align: center;"><b>So grab your copy of <i>Song of My Heart </i>and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.</b></div><table align="center" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/200827" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/60/FileItem-74865-email_icon.png" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/200827" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/1a/FileItem-74866-Facebook_icon300x300.png" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/200827/entries/new" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/07/FileItem-74867-Twitter_button.png" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table><h3 style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
Don't miss a moment of the fun. <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/355083927870117" target="_blank">RSVP TODAY</a></b> and tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/200827/invites/new%20" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/200827" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!</h3>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-35906517443051712612012-03-20T09:11:00.000-07:002012-03-20T09:11:18.708-07:00Sixty Acrse and a Bride review and Kindle Fire Giveaway<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="color: #008300; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">About the book:</b></span><br />
</div><div><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b><i>She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home... How Far Will She Go to Save It?</i></b></span></div><div><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6y-gihvnJDe1hdXojiT7Dsh-qn1NSqwbdFDuzO_-jg4XlM-0FWem-QVfESzuT8MgRbyif89YuYJ9uuscsOi1Pb92-dMR-Rx4JofneMxXu1WpjeXn2BrHZz4as-6Z-AD9Q-lyG8wpTfXG/s1600/60Acressm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6y-gihvnJDe1hdXojiT7Dsh-qn1NSqwbdFDuzO_-jg4XlM-0FWem-QVfESzuT8MgRbyif89YuYJ9uuscsOi1Pb92-dMR-Rx4JofneMxXu1WpjeXn2BrHZz4as-6Z-AD9Q-lyG8wpTfXG/s1600/60Acressm.jpg" /></a><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.</span></div><div><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. </span></div><div><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future. Read an excerpt: <a href="http://ow.ly/9sK2C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1332259379_5">http://ow.ly/9sK2C</span></a>. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="color: #008300; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">About Regina:</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4jSVr5OiHOAOjszADIFk_nA_ZlZWjewwFi13Q5olteVHc8cOIpm6z6_pL95n6_Af-gie-CNh_tBZHtD_-kBihAOWHQzQ_iTwKQhix-jGEbPxTzZ83UQsLJsQYXOuJtlCIHD9XgDx3ULF/s1600/Reginasm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4jSVr5OiHOAOjszADIFk_nA_ZlZWjewwFi13Q5olteVHc8cOIpm6z6_pL95n6_Af-gie-CNh_tBZHtD_-kBihAOWHQzQ_iTwKQhix-jGEbPxTzZ83UQsLJsQYXOuJtlCIHD9XgDx3ULF/s1600/Reginasm.jpg" /></a><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children. Meet Regina here.</span></div><div><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Learn more about Regina by visiting her website, <a href="http://www.reginajennings.com/" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1332259379_6">www.reginajennings.com</span></a>.</span></div></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;"><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0d0d0; color: #008300;">Link to buy the book:</span></b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764209906/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764209906&adid=0QCM8KYQ2MZMAD1E5XZ6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1332259379_7">http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764209906/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764209906&adid=0QCM8KYQ2MZMAD1E5XZ6</span></a> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="color: #008300; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">My Review:</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1355767533Apple-style-span" style="color: #008300; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">4 STARS</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview291669412">I’m so excited that I got a chance to discover and read “Sixty Acres and a Bride” by Regina Jennings! She has created such a wonderful historical romance that is full of lively characters and real life struggles. I loved getting to know Rosa and felt at times connected to her fears and struggles. She was completely charming and I just got a kick out of tom-boy ways and sassy Mexican attitude! You can’t help but to fall in love with her!<br />
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Rosa and her mother-in law are trying to make a new name for themselves back where her mother-in law used to live and this adventure is filled with many bumps along the way. They’re about to lose the only property they have to their names, they have about 120 days to come up with the taxes owed on their property. Not only that but they are both in mourning after losing their husbands and Rosa is not exactly fitting in being the only Mexican in the town.<br />
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Weston is the perfect hero. He is a quiet cowboy that keeps to himself after the loss of his wife. He takes care of his family and feels strongly about protecting Rosa. He isn’t without faults but he sure is swoon worthy!<br />
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This story is written in such a way that you find yourself wanting to reach through the books and slap Rosa and Weston at times. Their romance has many bumps along the road and a lot of times it had to do with their own stupidity. I loved that the heroine was a Mexican girl. It very rare that the main characters are of a different ethnicity and I enjoyed reading more about her culture, beauty and character! There is also a touch of suspense to add to this great historical! I loved this book and I look forward to reading more by this new author!!<br />
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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest opinion. All opinions are my own.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><h3><b>Celebrate with Regina by entering to win a Kindle Fire and coming to her Author Chat Party on 3/27!</b></h3><img src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/bc/FileItem-225361-300RJ1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /><br />
<br />
<b>One fortunate winner will receive:</b><br />
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<ul><li><b>A Kindle Fire</b></li>
<li><b><i>Sixty Acres and a Bride</i> by Regina Jennings</b></li>
</ul><table align="center" border="0"><tbody>
<tr> <td><b>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.</b> <b>But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/26/12</b>. Winner will be announced at <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/196172137153271" target="_blank">Regina's Author Chat Facebook Party</a></b> on 3/27. Regina will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! <b>She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes</b>: gift certificates, books, and some beautiful silver jewerly!</td> <td><img src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/45/FileItem-225638-silvernecklace.jpg" /></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table><b>So grab your copy of <i>Sixty Acres and a Bride </i>and join Regina and friends on the evening of March 27th for an evening of fun.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/200230" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/60/FileItem-74865-email_icon.png" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/200230" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/1a/FileItem-74866-Facebook_icon300x300.png" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/200230/entries/new" target="_blank"><img src="http://edge.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/07/FileItem-74867-Twitter_button.png" /></a></td> </tr>
</tbody> </table><h3 style="text-align: center;">Don't miss a moment of the fun. <b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/196172137153271" target="_blank">RSVP TODAY</a></b> and tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/200230/invites/new%20" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/200230" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!</h3>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-35057167613484631732012-03-14T15:00:00.000-07:002012-03-14T15:00:40.354-07:00Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley<b>About the book:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS05oaHFQUGYb9E6LNAZUsto6C3_OchLmrcYmoCnbvkE7BmRXW9VR4716aZ7Uv5_DvmVWEbbzDGopYngrETQNnq0yinxXm5D2ur-cdpN29uZCxFvpDWNyC7yUURyj8u8vEInWHMzG8PPqe/s1600/Dawn+Comes+Early.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS05oaHFQUGYb9E6LNAZUsto6C3_OchLmrcYmoCnbvkE7BmRXW9VR4716aZ7Uv5_DvmVWEbbzDGopYngrETQNnq0yinxXm5D2ur-cdpN29uZCxFvpDWNyC7yUURyj8u8vEInWHMzG8PPqe/s320/Dawn+Comes+Early.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br />
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Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest novel for the emptiness of the desert. Answering an ad to be "heiress" to a vast cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory, Kate hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.<br />
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But what awaits her is a life harder than the one she just left. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early. But she is tenacious.<br />
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Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn't expect to meet Luke Adams, either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn't recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir. <br />
Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart. <br />
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<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS</b><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview254861158">No man has ever proven to be trust worthy to Kate Tenney so she is bound and determined to make a name for herself on her own! She is a talented author in Boston but when one of her novels gets banned she decides moving west is the life for her! She is convinced ranching is what she wants to do with her life! Little does she know how tough ranching can be! But that doesn't stop Kate one bit! When she shows up on Eleanor's ranch she will not give up despite everyone saying she'll be lucky to last 2 days!<br />
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I loved Kate! She is a strong and determined young lady who knows what she wants in life and isn't afraid to reach for the stars! She also is a bit stubborn and sort of stuck-up but that doesn't take away from her dynamic qualities! Besides Kate the author characters are just as wonderful! I really enjoyed Luke as well. He struggles with his own self doubt and direction but that just makes him more charming!<br />
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I love reading historicals written by Margaret Brownley. She has a knack for creating characters that are unique and charming! She also weaves in some inspiration and spiritual messages throughout and I just loved how Kate grew and matured in her faith as the story progressed. I felt Margaret weaved just the right amount of spiritual threads in the book without making it overly preachy!<br />
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There is so much to love in Dawn Comes Early; there are dynamic characters and a unique story line. There is a spiritual message, a little bit of romance, some hilarious comedic moments and a weirdly awkward villain!! All of which I loved!! If you are looking for a fun western check out Margaret Brownley's Dawn Comes Early!<br />
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I received this book free from the publishers in exchange for my personal and honest opinion. All opinions are my own!</span></span><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview254861158"><b>About Margaret Brownley:</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYGnEifDaqJz9U6vAMT-KNosAIb6hAnBcG2Vv5AOta3wQQJSGBzkMI4fZ9abi09ZDxBsvI8eGzHasy4Nky3lLqym8sQX5vJBMZ_mhyJC-oam1fV3F33d6dzo5PE7Ybz4xhfeZUzsvimG5/s1600/Margaret+Brownley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYGnEifDaqJz9U6vAMT-KNosAIb6hAnBcG2Vv5AOta3wQQJSGBzkMI4fZ9abi09ZDxBsvI8eGzHasy4Nky3lLqym8sQX5vJBMZ_mhyJC-oam1fV3F33d6dzo5PE7Ybz4xhfeZUzsvimG5/s1600/Margaret+Brownley.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span id="freeTextauthor163681">Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this, except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction." <br />
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It turns out God was and Margaret did. She now has more than 20 novels to her credit. In addition, she's written many Christian articles and a non-fiction book. Still, it took a lot of prodding from God before Margaret tried her hand at writing inspirational fiction which led to her Rocky Creek series. "I love writing about characters at different stages of faith," she says of the new direction her writing career has taken, "and I'm here to stay." <br />
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Happily married to her real-life hero, Margaret and her husband live in Southern California. </span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview254861158"><b> </b> </span></span><b> </b> <br />
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</b>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-76517242486433979362012-03-09T11:42:00.000-08:002012-03-09T11:42:56.357-08:00The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall<b>About the book:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWXODvXphrZOgs6Eo2TECRo8RVcJLT2k_o7d84OmvcKhCnYNKype7Jp6eJBfl9pONJ5ox8f3nGPvZTO8PrD9GFJN-LGMylEx1oLUQUPGHqnyE6hvhs5OLsSEwRvzDnGIKEIFdRSSYoomr/s1600/The+Scent+of+Cherry+Blossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWXODvXphrZOgs6Eo2TECRo8RVcJLT2k_o7d84OmvcKhCnYNKype7Jp6eJBfl9pONJ5ox8f3nGPvZTO8PrD9GFJN-LGMylEx1oLUQUPGHqnyE6hvhs5OLsSEwRvzDnGIKEIFdRSSYoomr/s320/The+Scent+of+Cherry+Blossoms.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br />
<span id="freeText4137309848310155578">Annie Martin loves the Plain ways of her Old Order Mennonite people, like those revered by her beloved grandfather. Retreating from a contentious relationship with her mother, Annie goes to live with her Daadi Moses in Apple Ridge. <br />
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But as spring moves into Pennsylvania and Annie spends time amongst the cherry trees with the handsome Aden Zook, she wishes she could forget how deeply the lines between the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite are drawn.<br />
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Can Annie and Aden find a place for their love to bloom in the midst of the brewing storm?</span><b> </b><br />
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<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>5 STARS</b><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview277330792">Cindy Woodsmall is by far my favorite Amish fiction writer hands down. She has this ability to create descriptive details and deep meaningful characters that just draw you in to the story. Even though The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is just a small novella there is nothing small about the story line or characters.<br />
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We have two strong devoted young people. Annie, who belongs to the Older Order Mennonite people and lives with her mother and siblings in a dysfunctional family setting. Then there is Aden who lives next door to Annie's Daadi Moses and is an Old Order Amish man but struggles with a stuttering problem and a paralyzed brother. Cindy does a superb job of bringing together these two different stories in one unique way. There are so many heartfelt moments and tender scenes throughout the story.<br />
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Both Aden and Annie begin an interest in each other even though it is highly against their religions to court those in different faiths. They are drawn together but are struggling to do what is right. You will be guessing as to how and if these two will be able to be together by the end of the book. <br />
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There are two things that stick out to me that were wonderful about this story. One is the way the other weaves the scent of cherry blossoms in to the story. I could just picture the orchards and blooms as described throughout the story that just added a lovely touch to this sweet story. The other thing that amazed me about this story is how deep and entertaining it was despite its short length. I never thought I'd get as invested in the story as I did!<br />
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If you haven't had a chance to read any of Cindy Woodsmall's Amish Fiction, you need to get right on that. She is superb in creating dynamic characters and interesting stories!! The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is a great way to begin your journey of discovering Cindy Woodsmall.<br />
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This book was sent to me free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for an honest and personal review. All opinions are my own.</span></span><b> </b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>About Cindy Woodsmall:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllq_nG1AcRxkxCkyndX06ZwMmwGq4d4p13gybiNsn5krlByjdYqnjjLUYOqdAtdfv8g3wPQCMF4A3yNyQFAF4Y1oAUNkAlcxjWhf0kYXZzQixylgSqSJTs9hDaAAahwNEiC8RBgPPA8t5/s1600/Cindy+Woodsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllq_nG1AcRxkxCkyndX06ZwMmwGq4d4p13gybiNsn5krlByjdYqnjjLUYOqdAtdfv8g3wPQCMF4A3yNyQFAF4Y1oAUNkAlcxjWhf0kYXZzQixylgSqSJTs9hDaAAahwNEiC8RBgPPA8t5/s1600/Cindy+Woodsmall.jpg" /></a><span id="freeTextauthor117290">Cindy Woodsmall is a veteran homeschool mom. As her children progressed in age, her desire to write grew stronger. After working through reservations whether this desire was something she should pursue, she began her writing journey. Her husband was her staunchest supporter as she aimed for what seemed impossible. <br />
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Her first novel released in 2006 to much acclaim and became a Christian Book Association best seller. Cindy was a 2007 ECPA Christian Book Award finalist, along with Karen Kingsbury, Angela Hunt, and Charles Martin. <br />
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Her lastest book, When the Morning Comes, hit the New York Times best-sellers extended list and the Christian Book Association best-sellers list. <br />
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Cindy’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity.</span><b> </b>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-65755905505487879032012-03-07T12:45:00.000-08:002012-03-07T12:45:31.068-08:00FIRST Wild Card Tour: When the Rain Falls by Tyora Moody<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></b></span> 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! <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</i></span><br />
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<div align="center"><b>Today's Wild Card author is: </b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.tyoramoody.com./">Tyora Moody</a></span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601628226">When Rain Falls</a></span></b></div><div align="center">Urban Christian; Original edition (February 28, 2012)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>***Special thanks to Tyora Moody for sending me a review copy.***<br />
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<div align="left"><b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0TbgXWs_2B9IjZLmpbKgufkOi5qUSJ3-LbYjjZhepbKmjbtNJkAWzhvs2qUToCilCDxpLY1-UigfPidCCtMvt2CE4OCtZa2NkNFNMfNi4FDx3zb5NGX3424Hv8ycWTuHWMrWYRMgkVA/s1600/T_Moody_author-0305-smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0TbgXWs_2B9IjZLmpbKgufkOi5qUSJ3-LbYjjZhepbKmjbtNJkAWzhvs2qUToCilCDxpLY1-UigfPidCCtMvt2CE4OCtZa2NkNFNMfNi4FDx3zb5NGX3424Hv8ycWTuHWMrWYRMgkVA/s200/T_Moody_author-0305-smaller.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br />
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Tyora Moody's debut novel, When Rain Falls, is the first book in the Victory Gospel series. She owns and operates Tywebbin.com, a design and marketing company. Her company’s niche is assisting authors with branding and developing an online presence. As an avid bookworm, she manages two book blogs, WrittenVoicesBlog.com and ChristianBookwormReviews.com. Tyora has also served as a judge for the Christy Awards. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers.<br />
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Visit the author's <a href="http://www.tyoramoody.com./">website</a>.<br />
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<div align="left"><b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRXLVMNZImjh3A_AZIzl0SnAAQXXOkGxwWhaR-wLh8gKiGwoBLZzp-ZglIuDWz3UN_Q8gbJ-N21yA2Q4UFry4YmceJ2iyv7s_WHPPCYEEenxC8S6Ni4SumxLgUBsQSXjBgsbpNT4ZnMs/s1600/WHEN-RAIN-FALLS-FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRXLVMNZImjh3A_AZIzl0SnAAQXXOkGxwWhaR-wLh8gKiGwoBLZzp-ZglIuDWz3UN_Q8gbJ-N21yA2Q4UFry4YmceJ2iyv7s_WHPPCYEEenxC8S6Ni4SumxLgUBsQSXjBgsbpNT4ZnMs/s200/WHEN-RAIN-FALLS-FINAL.jpg" width="131" /></a><br />
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“Why does God keep taking away the people I love?” This is the lamentation of widow CANDACE JOHNSON when her best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice.<br />
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Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. The police captain is coming down hard on him and his partner to find out who murdered Pamela Coleman, the daughter of a high profile judge.<br />
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Darnell confers with Candace to get the inside track on events leading up to the murder. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell’s judgment.<br />
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Little does she know, Candace’s quest to find the truth has led her straight to the killer. She’s already lost loved ones. Now Candace must choose to completely trust God with her own life.<br />
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</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="301" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j3OV19T9Cx8" width="400"></iframe><br />
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<div style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</div>Product Details:<br />
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List Price: $14.95<br />
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Paperback: 288 pages<br />
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Publisher: Urban Christian; Original edition (February 28, 2012)<br />
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Language: English<br />
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ISBN-10: 1601628226<br />
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ISBN-13: 978-1601628220<br />
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<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>4 STARS</b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">How will you handle grief and tragedy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you hide away in your house refusing to get close to anyone again for fear of losing another loved one or will you lean on God for your strength to move forward?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the Rain Falls deals with tragedy right from the start as Candace loses another loved one after losing her husband not that long before that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her husband and friend have both been murdered and she is determined to find out who is behind the killings and getting justice.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Detective Darnell Jackson is new on the force and actually is the replacement for Candace's husband Frank in the department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is now working the case on Candace's friend and quickly finds out that this investigation has more twists that meets the eye. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also finds that he can't stop Candace from butting in to the case whenever she wants, but he is determined to earn her trust and help her believe that detectives can bring her justice!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This was a very hard book for me to read in the beginning because the emotional aspect of losing your husband and best friend just hit very close to home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day after I started reading this book a tragedy hit my life and I found myself in tears trying to read this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moody really does have a gift with connecting the reader to the story as you can tell from my emotions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few days of healing for myself I picked up the book again and was excited to be encouraged and given hope as When the Rain Falls progressed!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The spiritual aspect of the story is surreal and subtle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Candace struggles with her anger towards God she begins to heal and recognize that God will provide her strength and peace!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the Rain Falls is a great Christian mystery with a touch of romance that you'll just love! Looking forward to more by Tyora Moody. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I received this book free from the publishers through FIRST Wild Card Tours in exchange for my personal and honest opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All opinions are my own.</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><b>Excerpt from <br />
<i>WHEN RAIN FALLS</i> <br />
by Tyora Moody </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">RELEASE DATE: March 2012</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">ISBN-10: 1601628226</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">ISBN-13: 978-1601628220) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>PROLOGUE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>Bronx, New York, 1981</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Twisting her torso around, the girl strained against the seat belt to peek through the police car’s back window. Lights burned from several nearby houses, creating an eerie glow against the damp night sky. A number of sleepy-eyed neighbors lined the street, their attention focused toward a small white house, now decorated with yellow tape around the yard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The front door opened, spilling bright lights onto the tiny porch. Two police officers walked out with a man between them. The cops were tall, but not nearly as tall as the handcuffed man, whose arms were muscular and huge. The girl tensed, her eyes drawn toward the man’s white tank top, which revealed more than his furry chest. Bright and dark reds merged into a strange starburst pattern around his middle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He turned his head in her direction, his narrowed eyes hunting for her. The flashing blue lights danced across his face, highlighting his light brown eyes. His lips parted, showing off perfect white teeth. He’d found her. Like always, his smile stopped at the curves of his mouth, never reaching his eyes. She never knew if he liked or hated her. Sucking back air, she ducked below the window. A whimper escaped between her ragged breaths. She didn’t want him near her. Not ever again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">A wave of warmth, then cold, rippled through her body, causing her to tremble. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, feeling tiny bumps on her skin through the thin pajama top. The cheeseburger and fries she’d eaten hours before gurgled in her stomach, threatening to be released. Without warning, one of the back doors opened. She screeched and pressed into the corner of the seat, believing her worst nightmare had broken free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Instead, a cop leaned into the car and asked, “Hey. Are you all right in here?” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>No, I’m not all right. Can’t you see I’m freaking out? </i>But her mouth wouldn’t cooperate with her brain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The cop poked his head back out of the car. “Hey, where’s the social worker?” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">A man with a rough voice yelled back something, but she couldn’t understand what he said. Staring at the cop, she pulled her legs up to her chest, resting her chin on her bony knees. Wait, something didn’t feel right on her face. Lifting her right hand, she touched the side of her face. The skin felt ragged and sore. When she pulled her hand away, she saw dark stains on her fingers. Was that her blood or . . . ? She dug her nails into her palm, hiding her hand behind her back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Outside the police car, someone walked up behind the cop and handed him a plastic grocery bag. He didn’t pull out food. Instead, he pulled something gray and furry from the bag and extended it to her. The cop frowned. “Looks like you have an injury there. We’ll get someone to take a look at it. Right now, I think you could use a little buddy. I have a daughter. Got a room full of these things.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>Man, I’m not a baby. </i>She’d always been too small or too short,<i> </i>and the cop must have thought she was a lot younger than her twelve years. She took the stuffed animal, anyway, not really sure what to do with it. The cop shut the back door and then jumped in the front seat. As the car engine cranked to life, she examined the fuzzy stuffed animal. With its round ears, it could’ve been a bear or a mouse. She didn’t really care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Slowly, she opened her fist, almost expecting the stains to be gone. They weren’t. Her face grew warmer as she wondered what would happen now. Turning to risk another look at the house, she sniffled. Two men walked inside, rolling a stretcher between them. Tears clouded her vision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The cop said something from the front seat, but she wasn’t listening. Using the back of her sleeve, she wiped away the wetness crawling down her cheeks. She wanted to scream. Again. Bringing the stuffed bear or mouse closer to her face, she squeezed with both arms and hid her face in the soft fur. As the car pulled away from the house, her head throbbed. She could still hear the screaming and shouting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>I’m sorry, Mama. I’m so sorry.</i></span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><b>CHAPTER ONE</b></span> </div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>Charlotte, North Carolina, 2008</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">“What’s going on?” Candace Johnson sat up in the bed and waited. Either the cellular company had dropped the call or her friend was on the line, probably twirling a lock of hair, her mind elsewhere. She fired off, “Pamela, are you still there?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">“I’m here,” Pamela shot back. Her friend let out a deep sigh. “There’s a lot I’m trying to process right now. It’s late. Let’s talk tomorrow.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>Tomorrow. </i>“You’re kidding me, right?” Nothing rattled Pamela Coleman, but only a few minutes ago Pamela had called with a shaky voice, saying, “We have to talk.” There was no way Pamela could leave the conversation hanging until the morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">“I’m tired, Candace. To be quite honest, I may not be thinking straight.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Candace pulled the covers up closer to her body. It wasn’t unusual for them to talk until the wee hours of the morning, but she knew not to push her friend. “Where are you, anyway? Are you still at the art gallery reception this late?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">“No, I’m on my way home.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">“All right, girlfriend. I hope you get a good night’s sleep. There will be no excuses tomorrow. I expect you to spill everything.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">“I hope I can. You get some sleep, too.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The dial tone buzzed in her ear for a few seconds before she hung up the cordless phone. <i>Sleep. That’s a joke</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Out of habit, Candace slipped out of the bed and walked over to the window. She lifted one of the blind slats to peer out onto the street. It had been over a year and a half since the police department had provided protection for her family during the night. Now it seemed the police no longer cared. Other cases took priority, she guessed. Maybe it was all her imagination, overcome by grief and loss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Rain pelted the roof and windows. The kind of rain that could coax a person into a deep, restful sleep. Candace wished. A full night’s sleep had become a lost luxury, but she would try to close her eyes. As she climbed under her favorite quilt, uneasiness settled over her mind. Again. Another long night awaited her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> She could blame her sleeplessness on the late-night pizza session with the kids, but she knew better. Even Pamela’s ominous call didn’t help matters. It was the past that kept her staring at the ceiling, walking beside her like a maddening visitor, just hanging around, with no signs of departure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Stealing her sleep, her peace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">She gripped the quilt, hugging it close to her body. Her aunt always said, “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Candace didn’t care about being strong. She wanted answers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">She stared into the darkness, beyond the clock, to where the glow illuminated a man’s features. The photo was barely visible, but Candace had it memorized. In her mind, she could see</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Detective Frank Johnson dressed in his uniform. Though his smile was serious, his deep dimples still made an appearance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Almost seventeen years of marriage. Her protector.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Seemed like everyone these days told her the same thing. “Frank would’ve wanted you to move on.” How could she? Her Frank believed in justice. In the end, her husband received none. That haunted her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">She did need to get herself together. Her children had been through enough. She didn’t need Rachel and Daniel worrying about their mother. More than anything she wanted them to enjoy their youth. She didn’t want them to experience the pain she struggled through at their age from losing a parent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">So Candace meditated on the rain, willing her eyes to grow heavy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>Mama!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Her eyes flew open, and then she smacked the pillow. Even as she resolved to put the familiar memory out of her mind, questions lingered. <i>Why now?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Almost thirty years had passed since that night. It seemed like every now and then Mama decided to visit her in a dream. Images of the beautiful, troubled woman who birthed her often were like a bittersweet reunion. But sometimes <i>he</i> would show up, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Candace was no longer afraid of him. She’d made sure to track down his whereabouts after Frank’s death just to be sure her childhood bogeyman had not returned. She knew he wasn’t a threat to her anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Still, she knew sleep would not come tonight. She refused to close her eyes. Like that night long ago, it felt like God had stopped by to shake her around like one of those snow globes. Where would the pieces of her life fall like those flakes? Candace wasn’t sure she wanted to know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Candace focused her thoughts on the earlier phone call. <i>Pamela, what do you have to tell me tomorrow?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>I will never leave you or forsake you.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He made sure to park the car a distance away. Then he walked, being careful to avoid the streetlights, closer to the house. He was in a crime-watch zone. No need to make neighbors suspicious. The night’s events had put him on edge. All he wanted to do was bury the past and move on. But no, <i>she</i> had dug it all back up again, practically accusing him. He would deal with the situation soon enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">For now, it was time to visit an old friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">With the stealth that he’d used many times to break into homes, he crept forward until he reached the oak tree located parallel to the house. He peered around the trunk and looked up toward the window.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The house was dark, but he knew. <i>She’s awake. Thinking about me.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He smiled.</span><br />
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</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-63907033831593654612012-03-07T09:17:00.000-08:002012-03-07T09:17:42.804-08:00The Maid of Fairbourne Hall blog tour and giveaway<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="color: #008688; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">About the book:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TyN6rpknbGptxsqlpeyP72UM0FoTzFUobNA1N8LatD3IQNtglccS7-E3EoHxZiFuF3Y-nAr0D_db1ZsVJBo2e7jIqvlurAHDvlcePiDAzkreBEV_pEBsrVKViRaAHBVQzLUHWlHXfSff/s1600/Fairbourne+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TyN6rpknbGptxsqlpeyP72UM0FoTzFUobNA1N8LatD3IQNtglccS7-E3EoHxZiFuF3Y-nAr0D_db1ZsVJBo2e7jIqvlurAHDvlcePiDAzkreBEV_pEBsrVKViRaAHBVQzLUHWlHXfSff/s1600/Fairbourne+sm.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div><div><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">To escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant. And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both former suitors.</span></div><div><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">As she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?</span></div></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="color: #008688; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">About Julie:</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIxN3f99qRfGJWmvUm3ciou-GXclVJ6VqaptnV3kQyG1XpNa8ISgRFQjEfRwjyeUghKs6ijfEFwgYq6vS8T7XkFm9aZmmCChuGjznNjS0yp4BIw2PNTVdV4PHWajbr_DGFg3KgQzz6qQJ/s1600/JulieK2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIxN3f99qRfGJWmvUm3ciou-GXclVJ6VqaptnV3kQyG1XpNa8ISgRFQjEfRwjyeUghKs6ijfEFwgYq6vS8T7XkFm9aZmmCChuGjznNjS0yp4BIw2PNTVdV4PHWajbr_DGFg3KgQzz6qQJ/s1600/JulieK2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div><div><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award: Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.</span></div><div><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com</span></div></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1331139898836222" style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="color: #008688; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 18px;">Link to buy the book:</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764207091/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764207091&adid=1TCYV1DRSTV23NKEQ170"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;">http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764207091/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=sprightly-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0764207091&adid=1TCYV1DRSTV23NKEQ170</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b>My Review:</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b>5 STARS</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview181187185">Julie Klassen sure knows how to write GREAT stories!! I instantly fell in love with the Maid of Fairbourne Hall from the very first chapters!! I was appalled at Margaret Macy’s family and felt that if I was in that same situation I would flee too and do whatever it took to keep myself safe! She suddenly finds herself without any choice but to search for work and willing to accept any possible position. <br />
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I don’t believe Margaret Macy ever thought she’d be scrubbing chamber pots and being treated like a nobody but that’s exactly what happened to this spoiled and selfish girl. I was fascinated to see how Margaret’s heart and character would change as she goes from being the one treating her own maid poorly to being a maid herself that is treated poorly. Her growth was genuine and not instantaneous which made her that much more endearing. <br />
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The story line is magnificent! There was lots of tension brewing throughout the story that kept you on the edge of your seat wondering if Margaret was going to get away with her disguise or if her step-father would eventually find her! The two brothers in the story kept it even more uncertain as to who she could trust and what her fate would be! I loved the details Julie gives us about being a maid, how it’s a whole other world. She also writes with historical accuracy and spiritual enlightenment! <br />
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This time period is probably one of my favorites and just love the way Julie captured it in this unique setting! Julie Klassen’s books always end up on my favorite shelves and this is no exception! Great book! <br />
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my personal and honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own. </span></span><span class="yiv1740938677Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif;"><b> </b> </span></div><br />
<u><b> GIVEAWAY TIME</b></u><br />
Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and mystery in <i>The Maid of Fairbourne Hall</i>! Grab a <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maid-Fairbourne-Hall-Julie-Klassen/dp/0764207091/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329846172&sr=8-1" target="_blank">copy</a></i></b> and then be sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party on Facebook! Swoon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/7c/FileItem-216095-Klassenbutton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/files/resize_1024x1365/7c/FileItem-216095-Klassenbutton.png" /></a></div><b>One fortunate winner will receive:</b><br />
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<ul><li>A brand new Kindle Fire</li>
<li>A Julie Klassen Library (<i>The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess</i>)</li>
</ul><b>Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/14/12. Winner will be announced at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/298197466910562" target="_blank">Julie's Fairbourne Hall Book Chat Party on 3/15</a></b>. Julie will be hosting an evening of chat, trivia and a sneak peek of her next book - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a <b>Downton Abbey Prize Pack</b> (Seasons 1 and 2)!<br />
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<b>So grab your copy of <i>The Maid of Fairbourne Hall</i> and join Julie and friends on the evening of March 15th for a book chat party.</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/197200/entries/new" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Twitter" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwyzcOdd8kl9BygrHVQK_cZ3TMEtk4jvcPs0pEFrLyJMzubRFgN43gp0qE2pasgTtXsXllZjf6nxyiYpojf3UZ7vQnBMbpqTMeM28iWjdvr3fNj-gpTuj0PsuRFMS0Ef9T8_0GlUKBsM0/s1600/Twitter_button.png" title="Enter via Twitter" width="48" /></a></div><a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/197200" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via E-mail" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLELimh3Q5MrX8Wfmq-nDnYdsz_o-jMRboZrp-Ijcwo-F7vGZAPFMWLk9MATBnKs8T7txrK7_IhewO20GEux0GWk9-cfC0ByhtQfiXNzt-Wm5e7SWAHGIl-v28GIPREPQ8ZUiRMbGgNIf/s1600/email_icon.png" title="Enter via E-mail" width="48" /></a> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/197200" target="_blank"><img alt="Enter via Facebook" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtPAdZzAXSail8VJMSTDm3F69QoZ_HUx1uCijdacSNqFeJhqA2t0wlDH99oWHQ1R0oEr3VzjnxrWemM_GgeNCHQ-koj5CcdLDeCZz2S_swehCo-tW2iAyyLecnccw7Oblv2IrXJ8-ufyR/s1600/Facebook_icon-300x300.png" title="Enter via Facebook" width="48" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><b>Don't miss a moment of the fun. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/298197466910562/" target="_blank">RSVP</a> today and tell your friends via <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/197200/invites/new" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> or <a href="http://wildfireapp.com/twitter/233/contests/197200" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 15th!</b>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-40291246190025725962012-03-06T09:31:00.000-08:002012-03-06T09:31:57.285-08:00FIRST Wild Card Tour: One Way or Another by Rhonda Bowen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></b></span> 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! <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</i></span><br />
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<div align="center"><b>Today's Wild Card author is: </b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.rhondabowen.com/">Rhonda Bowen</a></span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0758259581">One Way or Another </a></span></b></div><div align="center">Dafina; Original edition (February 28, 2012)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>***Special thanks to <br />
Dee Stewart of DeeGospel PR for sending me a review copy.***<br />
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<div align="left"><b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleHN6gaV35t09Gs4hs2lBydLAEYG-QK-dRP2LAzjzKYPCpDYW3mPu9TQRTw0sZ7pruy1v13tnooXztn11MwNm5Uzxz2LRoXxo8zIELMtd7oxIS0jZMqkiOoB1pzDj1BE3uQ9rcp1Yolw/s1600/rhonda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleHN6gaV35t09Gs4hs2lBydLAEYG-QK-dRP2LAzjzKYPCpDYW3mPu9TQRTw0sZ7pruy1v13tnooXztn11MwNm5Uzxz2LRoXxo8zIELMtd7oxIS0jZMqkiOoB1pzDj1BE3uQ9rcp1Yolw/s200/rhonda.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><br />
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Christian Fiction Romance Author Rhonda Bowen writes for Kensington Publishing Corps (Dafina Books.) She has written two faith based novels Man Enough for Me and her current release One Way or Another. She is also an event planner and currently resides in Toronto, Ontario Canada.<br />
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Visit her at <a href="http://www.rhondabowen.com/">www.rhondabowen.com</a> or her Learning the Ropes Blog at <a href="http://www.learningtheropes.wordpress.com/">www.learningtheropes.wordpress.com</a>.<br />
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<div align="left"><b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKLwQGqTDAAPvy4v-WLzJx6jdMo6x2IBFTQWi9QqIIs0zY-tg3MnyjdhckDefktsv4DARJSrID_t87-O0NcesE9D5YtiUJeqqJlOTZ0OYDXYf1fERVl8TuQNmCpEGwJymoOD8lYIoUyg/s1600/onewaycover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKLwQGqTDAAPvy4v-WLzJx6jdMo6x2IBFTQWi9QqIIs0zY-tg3MnyjdhckDefktsv4DARJSrID_t87-O0NcesE9D5YtiUJeqqJlOTZ0OYDXYf1fERVl8TuQNmCpEGwJymoOD8lYIoUyg/s200/onewaycover.jpg" width="130" /></a>Atlanta reporter Toni Shields will do whatever it takes to get a good story. So when she's arrested for sneaking around the mayor's house, she's prepared. What she's not prepared for is getting demoted--or her run-in with stubborn Adam Bayne, director of the local young men's rehab center. . .<br />
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The first time Adam saw Toni, she was wrangling with the cops. Now she's looking for a scoop at Jacob House. Adam has no intention of letting her near his boys--yet as usual, her pushiness wins. And when she genuinely helps a teen in trouble, Adam sees a side of her that cares about more than just a headline. Soon, they become close--their attraction growing. But there's more to both their lives than meets the eye. Toni has a haunting family secret, one that is taking a great toll on her. And when she uncovers that Adam has a devastating past of his own, not only their relationship, but their futures, and their faith, lie in the balance.<br />
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Praise for Man Enough for Me<br />
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"A sweet Christian romance." –Publishers Weekly<br />
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"Enough drama, romance, and faith that keeps you turning pages." --Tiffany L. Warren, Essence® bestselling author<br />
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</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</div>Product Details:<br />
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List Price: $14.00<br />
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Paperback: 320 pages<br />
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Publisher: Dafina; Original edition (February 28, 2012)<br />
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Language: English<br />
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ISBN-10: 0758259581<br />
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ISBN-13: 978-0758259585<br />
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<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>4 STARS</b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">My favorite type of romances start out with the two main characters disliking each other, I think that is because that’s how my marriage started and it just seems more genuine and realistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have Toni Shields, who is a bossy, controlling news reporter that seems to find herself in jail a few times due to the tough stories she tries to capture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we have Adam Bayne, a Christian man that is the director of a boy’s home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Toni and Adam first meet there is this sudden attraction but then there is also there is conflict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then Toni starts showing up at the boy’s home, where her brother Trey also works, to try to get a story from Adam.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite things about this book is that the romance is not forced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t just suddenly meet and fall in love, their relationship develops over time with some serious bumps along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However there is passion and flirting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another great aspect of the book is that you have two people with very difficult pasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither character is perfect and both are struggling to move forward in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are also struggling to follow God’s will versus what they believe is right for themselves!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot about this book that gets you thinking and prompts you to be a better person.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The characters are both genuine and entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to admit though that Toni drove me crazy in the beginning. She was so sassy and independent that it bugged me, but then she grew on me just like she grew on Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam is the best character of all; he has such a passion to make a difference and to love those kids he works with, yet he struggles with his own shady past and guilt!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I received this book from the Publisher Dafina in exchange for a personal and honest review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All opinions are my own.</div><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </b><br />
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<div style="line-height: 18pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase;">ONE WAY OR ANOTHER</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Rhonda Bowen</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 18pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">(February 28, 2012)</span></div><br />
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<div style="line-height: 18pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Chapter 1</span></div><br />
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<div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 24pt;">T</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">he metal felt icy and unwelcome as the cuffs snapped tight around Toni’s wrists. She grimaced. This was not how she planned to spend her Wednesday night.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The burly police officer dragged her to the cop car, placing his hand on her head of long dark silky hair as he lowered her into the backseat. At least he was being civil. The same couldn’t be said for the one manhandling Afrika.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Get your nasty hands off my butt, you perve,” Afrika snapped, shoving him away with her shoulder.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The short dull-looking cop stumbled back a bit, seemingly surprised at her force. Yeah, he didn’t know. Afrika might look tiny but you didn’t want to mess with her. More than once Toni had seen her friend take a chunk out of her pro-basketball-playing ex-boyfriend Tyrone. She was nobody’s victim.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">For once though, Toni wished Afrika would take it down a notch. It was bad enough that the cops had caught them snooping around the mayor’s premises. No sense encouraging the Atlanta PD officers to find a creative way to actually charge them.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni’s mind scrambled for a solution as she sat in the back of the cop car on the way to the station. The clock on the dash said 10:34 p.m., leaving her with barely an hour to file her story and get out of this mess. She thought of all her possible lifelines, including her brother, Trey, and her sister-in-law, Jasmine. But none of those options were appealing. Her brother’s smug look she could deal with, but she would rather spend the night in a cell than get another lecture from Jasmine, who seemed to forget that at twenty-seven she was the same age as Toni and not in fact her mother. That left only one person. Unfortunately, said person was sitting beside her, just as helpless as her, and a lot less cooperative.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">By the time they got to the mini-precinct, south of downtown Atlanta, Toni realized that she was on her own.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“So, Miss Shields, you want to tell us why you were in the area of the mayor’s residence tonight?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni smiled at the large man who had been the one to handcuff her earlier. “Just taking a walk, Officer Powell.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m looking at your file here, Miss Shields, and you seem to like taking walks near the homes of well-known people in this city.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a fitness buff.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">She hoped Afrika was holding up okay. They had been separated, and the other officer was questioning her in another section of the station. Toni could see her, but couldn’t hear what was going on.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“And what about that camera you were carrying?” he asked, an eyebrow raised.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“I like photography too. It’s a new hobby.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Officer Powell rubbed his eyes. “Where’s the memory card, Miss Shields?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Memory card?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Yes,” he said. “You know, that little thing that records the pictures? There was none in the camera. And we didn’t find it when we searched your things.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Officer Powell sat forward, his forehead wrinkling. “Miss Shields, you were caught wandering near the mayor of Atlanta’s home in the dead of night with a very professional grade camera and a major zoom lens,” he said. “I personally think you might have even been on the mayor’s property but unfortunately there’s no way to prove it. Do you expect me to believe that there was no card in this camera?” he asked. “Now, either you produce the card on your own or we’re going to have to search you.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“But you already searched me,” Toni said innocently.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The officer glowered. “A full body search.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni pursed her lips. “You can’t do that. Full searches can only be conducted by someone of the same sex. And I’m looking around and all the officers I see on duty tonight are men.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">He rubbed a hand over his head tiredly. “Then you can be someone else’s problem.” He closed her file and stood. “My shift is over anyway.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni looked at the wall clock. 10:45. Right on schedule.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Okay, please tell me you have a plan to get us out of here,” Afrika hissed into Toni’s ear moments after Officer Powell seated them beside each other in the holding area.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Sort of.” Toni turned her head left and then right as she tried to work the kinks out of her neck. The back of that cop car had not been good to her.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Sort of? You’re gonna need to give me something better than that.” Afrika twisted around in her seat, giving Toni full access to her glare. “I can’t go to prison, Toni. I may act hard, but I ain’t no criminal. I can’t go down like this!”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The hysteria in Afrika’s whispers went up a notch at each statement, and Toni had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. Afrika would definitely not see the humor. And with Toni’s hair looking a shaggy mess, she couldn’t afford to have her best friend and hair stylist not talking to her.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Afrika, we weren’t caught doing anything wrong,” Toni said, hoping her even tone would mellow her friend out. “They have nothing to charge us with. All they can do is detain us for a couple hours.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">She left out the part about what could happen if they searched her and found the memory card in her bra.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Afrika narrowed her eyes at Toni. “How long is a couple?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni shrugged and glanced away. “Maybe four or five.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Or seventy-two,</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> she thought.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“A lot could happen in four or five hours,” Afrika murmured.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni saw her friend glance out the corner of her eye at the thick red-skinned woman who had taken up the entire bench across from them with her size ten frame and size twenty attitude. The bottle blonde had skewered them with her bloodshot eyes when they first came in, before going back to the production of picking her nails, which were so long they seemed like weapons themselves. A darker skinned woman of indeterminable everything lay buried in multiple layers of clothing on the only other bench, snoring.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 41pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Don’t worry. It’s usually pretty quiet this time of night,” Toni said, leaning her head back against the wall.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Afrika scowled but didn’t say another word. Toni knew her friend was still mad, but she was glad that Afrika had calmed down. It would be a long twelve minutes if she had to sit there and listen to her whine.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Well, well. Looks like it’s ladies night up in here.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Mikey?” Afrika had a puzzled expression on her face. “What you doing here?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Hey, cuz.” Mikey chuckled and unlocked the door to the holding cell. “I work here. What you doing here?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Keepin’ bad company,” Afrika said, throwing a nasty look Toni’s way.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Toni,” Mikey said. Her name on his lips sounded as oily as the chicken grease that had stained his uniform. There was no doubt he’d had a three piece for dinner.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni forced a smile even though she really wanted to gag. If he was any other cop on any other day, Toni would have given him a piece of her mind for the way his eyes were roaming all over her. But she needed this <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Good Times</span> reject, and he knew it.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">She got up off the uneven bench and followed Afrika out of the cell, feeling the heat of Mikey’s gaze on her behind. She scowled. She was used to guys raking their eyes over her five- foot-four frame, particularly her generous behind, but it still disgusted her.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“So it says here that you aren’t charged but you need to be searched,” Mikey said, a toothpick in the corner of his mouth as he flipped through Afrika’s and Toni’s files.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> “Don’t even think of putting your nasty hands on me,” Afrika warned.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Easy, cuz.” Mikey laughed. “The search would have to be done by another woman.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">He turned his eyes on Toni. “Unless you want to waive that right.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni fought her gag reflex again. “Thanks, Mikey, but you can already see we don’t have any weapons. Plus, like you said, there are no charges. You’re gonna let us out in a couple hours anyway. Why not save yourself some time?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Mikey raised an eyebrow and Toni sugared up her statement with a smile. He laughed again. She wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“I guess you have a point there,” he said a moment later, stepping forward and removing the cuffs from Afrika’s wrists.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s about time.” Afrika scowled. “Where’s my stuff?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Mikey pulled a small plastic tray of items from behind the station desk and slid it over to Afrika.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni held up her wrists toward him expectantly</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">He glanced at her hands but didn’t reach for the keys. “You’ve been in here an awful lot lately. Maybe you need to sit in a cell a couple hours and cool off.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni scowled.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Or maybe you could help me change my mind,” he suggested. His eyes swept her frame again and she noticed his voice had ducked to a whisper.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“How about dinner again?” He leaned forward to drop the last words. “This time at my place.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni resisted the urge to step back as the slightly rank smell from Mikey hit her. She would bet anything that homeboy had been rocking the same frowsy uniform all week. Nothing short of a gun to her head was putting her anywhere inside Mikey’s place.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“I don’t think so, Mikey,” Toni said, just as she heard the doors to the station open behind her.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">He glanced up and nodded to the newcomer before moving around the desk and away. “Well then, I think I’m gonna have to take a little more time writing this release,” Mikey said stiffly. “I don’t want to miss anything important.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">He looked past Toni at the person behind her. “How can I help you?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“I heard one of my kids was here. Rasheed Roper?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh yeah,” Mikey said, turning back to the desk and flipping through the stack of reports. “He got picked up with some other youngbloods near the old Bankhead Courts. Residents called it in--said they were a bit noisy. We found a little weed on a couple of them, but your kid was clean.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni tapped her foot impatiently as she listened to the exchange. She glanced up at the clock--11:00. The Thursday morning edition would go to print in the next hour with or without her story. And if the latter was the case, all the crap that she had gone through tonight would be for nothing. She wasn’t having that--not after she’d had to beat out the other Metro section reporters for the front page.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Let me get him and then you can sign him out.” Mikey turned away.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Mikey”--Toni grabbed his arm before she lost him completely--“the cuffs?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Toni, we going or what?” Afrika asked from the door, a sour look plastered on her face.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“What did you say your kid’s name was?” Mikey looked past Toni as he started moving toward the back again.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Rasheed Ro--”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Come on, Mikey,” Toni whined, slapping the desk in frustration with her handcuffed palm. “You really gonna do me like this?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 41pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Like what? Girl, I never told you to get your behind locked up. You the shizzle up at the <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Atlanta Journal-Constitution</span>. Tell your boss come bail you out.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Do I look like I have time for all that?” Toni shot back.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Uh, hey, you think you could get Rasheed . . . ?”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Forget Rasheed.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Can you just hold on? Your kid will still be a criminal in five minutes,” Toni snapped, swinging around to glare at the stranger who kept interrupting.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Her anger died on her lips when she saw exactly who was behind her. As she craned her neck to take in all of his six-foot-something frame, she couldn’t help but think of the fence she nearly broke her neck scaling less than an hour earlier. Now here was a brother who did not need a boost. And with his I-do-real-work-every-day arms he could have probably hoisted her over without breaking a sweat.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">However, the expression on his gorgeously angular face told her he wasn’t inclined to do anything for her at that moment, except maybe help Mikey put her back in the holding cell. The slight downward turn of his full lips and the tightness in his strong jaw confirmed the irritation.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">But, boy, did he make ticked off look good.</span></div><br />
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<div style="line-height: 24pt; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">She was trouble personified.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Adam could tell before she even opened her pouty mouth. It was in her flushed cinnamon-toned skin, the dark inquisitive eyes, and the legs that he was mad at himself for looking at. Women with legs like hers shouldn’t be allowed to wear jeans that looked like they had been painted on. It was just wrong to mess with a brother’s head like that. Especially when he was trying to keep it PG-13 upstairs.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">He felt bad for staring. But she kept looking at him with those huge eyes and he couldn’t turn away.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“You don’t look old enough to have grown kids,” she said after a moment.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“I think you got bigger things to worry about,” he said. “Like making it out of this place tonight. But it looks like you already have a plan for that.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The big beautiful eyes turned into slits. “Maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to judge, seeing that I’m not the only one at the police station in the middle of the night.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Only one of us is wearing cuffs,” he shot back.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“It takes one to raise one,” Toni said. “In your case I’m sure the blunt wasn’t rolled far from the weed.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> “Whatever.” Her tongue was sharper than an army knife. He had nothing.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">He didn’t even know why he was getting so riled. Maybe because he was ticked off that his day had had to end with him in a police station picking up Rasheed. But more likely it was because the woman in front of him was stealing more of his attention than he wanted to give. And the joker in the too-small uniform sexually harassing her was working his last nerve.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“All right, here he is,” Mikey said, returning from the back with a cross-looking Rasheed only a few steps ahead of him.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Adam felt the corners of his mouth drop into an even deeper frown. He saw Rasheed visibly tense when he saw him.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Yo, Bayne, I wasn’t even doing anything!” he protested.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“I don’t wanna hear it, Rasheed,” Adam said, shaking his head. “Go sit over there, till I get through with this mess.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“You got something for me to sign?” he asked the sloppy officer.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Mikey nodded and began pulling together a sheet and clipboard for Adam.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> “Toni, I’m calling a cab, and I’m leaving.” </span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">So her name was Toni. Adam glanced back at the young woman standing at the door. She looked even more annoyed than he felt.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Toni turned back to the officer. Desperation and frustration fought for position on her face. “You really gonna make her leave me, Mikey? You know if I don’t get back and get this story in I’m done.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Mikey shrugged as he handed Adam the clipboard.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Say the word and you can be out of here right now,” Mikey answered.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Adam found himself hoping that Toni turned down whatever homeboy was offering. Instead, she stomped her foot, and uttered a word he used to use quite frequently before God put a noose on his tongue.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Fine, I’ll do it,” she hissed through her teeth.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Really?” Mikey said, sounding surprised. “I never actually thought--”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Mikey stopped short when he caught her glare. “So eight on Friday then?” He tried to whisper but Adam still heard him. Adam shook his head in disappointment.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Whatever,” Toni said. “Just get me out of these.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Mikey grinned as he fumbled with the keys and freed Toni’s hands from the restraints. With a look of pure annoyance, she snatched the release form from Mikey’s pudgy fingers and examined it. She probably wanted to make sure that whatever she had done didn’t end up on her record.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Adam frowned but began to scan the form in front of him. He just wanted to sign Rasheed out and be done with it. The night had gotten too weird. However, when Mikey leaned in a little too close to the woman, Adam couldn’t help but look up again. And when the rent-a-cop put his hand on Toni’s behind, Adam didn’t even think before he reacted.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Brothah, you need to back up,” he said, stepping forward angrily. Who did this toy cop think he was?</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">But before he acted on his temptation to handle matters in a less verbal manner, the petite woman turned around and kneed the officer hard in a place so close to the groin that it made Adam shudder. Mikey hollered like a five-year-old and doubled over in pain.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“You think you feel something now?” Toni hissed at his bent over form. “You lucky I never put my foot where it really wanted to go.”</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh man, she got you!” Rasheed hollered with a laugh.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> “If you ever put your hands on me again, you’ll be sorry you ever met me, you got that?” Toni snapped angrily in the officer’s ear.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Rasheed was still hooting in laughter as she stuffed the release into her pocket and grabbed her stuff out of the tray on the table. Adam stepped way out of her way as she stormed past him and through the door, pulling her friend behind her.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">He glanced at the cop, still crouched over and holding on to the table for support, then at the door where Toni had just exited.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Yes. That woman was definitely trouble.</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Arial; font-size: 12pt;">--End of Chapter One--</span></div></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-16977875571897529552012-02-24T09:41:00.000-08:002012-02-24T09:41:40.088-08:00FIRST Wild Card Tour: Creative Slow-cooker meals by Cheryl Moeller<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></b></span> 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! <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</i></span><br />
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<div align="center"><b>Today's Wild Card author is: </b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.bobandcherylmoeller.com/">Cheryl Moeller</a></span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0736944915">Creative Slow-Cooker Meals: <br />
Use Two Slow Cookers for<br />
Tasty and Easy Dinners [Spiral-Bound]</a></span></b></div><div align="center">Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (February 1, 2012)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>***Special thanks to Karri James, Marketing Assistant, Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***<br />
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<div align="left"><b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUhgkmFymw3e88d0TJTaiQPmXb7k2BH5j-oFHUOxPIAASGy8SRVVzDhOHkpYPvmQLEbo3MD2CiI-B75Fphha5R5V3Z6_Vx1ui_OwHghv2nMoEBAgVF8Wgdvdj0y5U5O1RvVPigG_0dL0/s1600/Cheryl+Moeller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUhgkmFymw3e88d0TJTaiQPmXb7k2BH5j-oFHUOxPIAASGy8SRVVzDhOHkpYPvmQLEbo3MD2CiI-B75Fphha5R5V3Z6_Vx1ui_OwHghv2nMoEBAgVF8Wgdvdj0y5U5O1RvVPigG_0dL0/s200/Cheryl+Moeller.jpg" width="133" /></a>Cheryl Moeller is a seasoned mother and a standup comic. She is also a syndicated columnist with her own blog (<a href="http://www.momlaughs.blogspot.com/">www.momlaughs.blogspot.com</a>) and contributes monthly to several online parent websites. Cheryl has coauthored two books on marriage with her husband and has written for <a href="http://www.mops.org/">www.mops.org</a> and Marriage Partnership. Cheryl does comedy for parenting classes, MOPS groups, wedding or baby showers, church retreats, women’s conferences, and those in line at the grocery store. <br />
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Visit the author's <a href="http://www.bobandcherylmoeller.com/">website</a>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6bX1BnP54pm-WOjYf2MKIfwXYWY1Pn-xTscA-ocG_sb_7kT_uUKoCYT7xeZzaYJbeVILGXc3X93G9v5wUQA6lOO-J7Ih1B_9QNCS4nWmBHeZqK12w4X1gr1s1qCKojTwhhAlcvvZ67E/s1600/Creative+Slow-Cooker+Meals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6bX1BnP54pm-WOjYf2MKIfwXYWY1Pn-xTscA-ocG_sb_7kT_uUKoCYT7xeZzaYJbeVILGXc3X93G9v5wUQA6lOO-J7Ih1B_9QNCS4nWmBHeZqK12w4X1gr1s1qCKojTwhhAlcvvZ67E/s200/Creative+Slow-Cooker+Meals.jpg" width="131" /></a><br />
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From the celebrated coauthor of <i>The Marriage Miracle</i> comes a new kind of cookbook and a new attitude toward planning meals. With an eye toward the whole menu, not just part of it, columnist Cheryl Moeller teaches cooks to use two crockpots to easily create healthy, homemade dinners.<br />
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Don’t worry about your dinner being reduced to a mushy stew. Each of the more than 200 recipes has been taste-tested at Cheryl’s table. Join the Moeller family as you dig into:<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Harvest-time Halibut Chowder</li>
<li>Salmon and Gingered Carrots</li>
<li>Mediterranean Rice Pilaf</li>
<li>Indian Chicken Curry</li>
<li>Apricot-Pistachio Bread</li>
<li>Shrimp Creole</li>
<li>Rhubarb Crisp</li>
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... and many more! Perfect for the frazzled mom who never has enough time in the day, Creative Slow-Cooker Meals gives readers more time around the table with delicious, healthy, frugal, and easy meals!<br />
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<div style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</div>Product Details:<br />
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List Price: $14.99<br />
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Spiral-bound: 272 pages<br />
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Publisher: Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (February 1, 2012)<br />
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Language: English<br />
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ISBN-10: 0736944915<br />
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ISBN-13: 978-0736944915<br />
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<b>My Review:</b><br />
<b>3.5 STARS</b><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">I was very excited when I got the chance to review this book for one big reason;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't have many ideas on what to cook in a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>crock pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There was lots of things I liked about this book and a few things I didn't like about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's start with the pros.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love the spiral bound cover, makes reading easy! Love the variety of recipes like breakfast, desert, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free!! I would have never thought of making breakfast or desert in my crock-pot so those ideas were extra fun!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using two crockpots was a new idea also that was pretty creative.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now on to the cons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't like the categories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit hard to find a specific recipe you liked because the categories weren't listed like "chicken, pasta, beef, soups, etc".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were more like "Simple meals, etc".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also didn't like the quantities weren't specific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn't sure if this recipe would feed my family of 4 or more or less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now an example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the recipes that I tried and really liked was sweet and sour chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really easy to follow to the recipe, ingredients were easy to find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It cooked just like they said it would and it tasted delicious! When I do the recipe again however, I will alter it a bit to fit my preferences better but overall it was really great.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In summary, this cookbook opened my eyes to different ways you can use a crock-pot, or two crockpots and I am happy to have this addition to my kitchen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I received this book free from the publishers through FIRST Wild Card Tours in exchange for my personal and honest opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All opinions are my own.</div><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AND NOW...THE FIFTH CHAPTER (click on pages to enlarge):</span> </b><br />
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</div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8892563107560126900.post-67636163870583325382012-02-22T09:22:00.000-08:002012-02-22T09:22:23.582-08:00FIRST Wild Card Tour: Asenath by Anna Patricio<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s1600/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg"></a><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480264388542368882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2OvVmGQMbKTUqZNtWJlJiV1C6UdS2pMOjmnPhfieFSI6Byqn2I2ZcdkCi3BB3OqZZWLzgp8sLGzZKdxliU53Qsgp1Hi8lCtlMAnUJIujWZ9kA9vnB-4tt9cCOsQrYXlSIFZ09WLyM3Q/s200/FIRSTWildCardTours2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 145px;" /></a>It is time for a <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/">FIRST Wild Card Tour</a></b></span> 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! <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Enjoy your free peek into the book!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>You never know when I might play a wild card on you!</i></span><br />
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<div align="center"><b>Today's Wild Card author is: </b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.annapatricio.blogspot.com/">Anna Patricio</a></span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 100%;">and the book:</span> </span></b></div><br />
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<div align="center"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 180%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1926997263">Asenath</a></span></b></div><div align="center">Imajin Books (September 24, 2011)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">***Special thanks to Anna Patricio for sending me a review copy.***</div><br />
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<div align="left"><b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</span></span></b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhrdy-z5GVsfOH2qyneio-0SUQojsSAo7zxGvhYwGL1rLIaAiMRPMYMy9kP6lLsoZPB2QP-5PIHDMyJx9RPS3RDIgf8V6SDX23ci4_BxeMNE18iQyCyN7Pct-HodTIpfYVwB-pnB2W6U/s1600/annapatricio3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhrdy-z5GVsfOH2qyneio-0SUQojsSAo7zxGvhYwGL1rLIaAiMRPMYMy9kP6lLsoZPB2QP-5PIHDMyJx9RPS3RDIgf8V6SDX23ci4_BxeMNE18iQyCyN7Pct-HodTIpfYVwB-pnB2W6U/s200/annapatricio3.JPG" width="153" /></a></div>Anna Patricio is a lover of ancient history, with a particular interest in Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. She is also intrigued by the Ancient Near East, though she has not delved too much into it but hopes to one day.<br />
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She undertook formal studies in Ancient History at Macquarie University. She focused mostly on Egyptology and Jewish-Christian Studies, alongside a couple of Greco-Roman units, and one on Archaeology. Though she knew there were very limited job openings for ancient history graduates, she pursued her degree anyway as it was something she had always been passionate about.<br />
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Then, about a year after her graduation, the idea to tackle historical fiction appeared in her head, and she began happily pounding away on her laptop. ASENATH is her first novel.<br />
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Recently, she traveled to Lower Egypt (specifically Cairo and the Sinai), Israel, and Jordan. She plans to return to Egypt soon, and see more of it. In the past, she has also been to Athens and Rome.<br />
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Anna is currently working on a second novel, which still takes place in Ancient Egypt, but hundreds of years after ASENATH.<br />
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Visit the author's <a href="http://www.annapatricio.blogspot.com/">website</a>.<br />
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<div align="left"><b><span style="color: #333399; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:</span></span></b></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBPDlgX8pHvPgBzHoeRBxyQM4Se6h4IT1k5X0q45qjMmnPTEjc6jmfnxor4TSdCgN23WlzdjPxnR_6fHfzMRtJc14R3UPdjVkSqzH6ITXwSsuTB_O3sMOzSvCDqFK9miupcOWGLWwFJg/s1600/ASENATH+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBPDlgX8pHvPgBzHoeRBxyQM4Se6h4IT1k5X0q45qjMmnPTEjc6jmfnxor4TSdCgN23WlzdjPxnR_6fHfzMRtJc14R3UPdjVkSqzH6ITXwSsuTB_O3sMOzSvCDqFK9miupcOWGLWwFJg/s200/ASENATH+Front.jpg" width="132" /></a>Two Destinies...One Journey of Love<br />
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In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.<br />
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When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.<br />
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Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace...and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master's wife and thrown into prison.<br />
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Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="301" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cANpd0nycAg" width="400"></iframe><br />
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</div>Product Details:<br />
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List Price: $13.99<br />
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Paperback: 222 pages<br />
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Publisher: Imajin Books (September 24, 2011)<br />
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Language: English<br />
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ISBN-10: 1926997263<br />
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ISBN-13: 978-1926997261<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:</span> </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><i>Egypt 1554 B.C.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The Nile had just flooded, leaving the ground moist, rich and black. The children of our riverside village, I among them, frolicked about in the cool, gooey earth. In the distance, the ancient river circled the land, glittering with a thousand tiny dancing lights from the sun-god's Boat of a Million Years. A breeze blew, rustling the branches of the palm trees that surrounded our home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Kiya!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">No sooner had I looked than a mud ball pelted me hard across the stomach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"I'll get you for that, Menah." I bent down to gather mud in my hands when another ball landed on my back. He was a quick one, my best friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I had just formed a mud ball and was about to raise my arm when Menah suddenly charged forward and pounced on me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Now you'll get the tickle torture," he said in a mock evil voice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"No, Menah. Please, no." But I was overcome by uncontrollable laughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Menah! Kiya!" voices called out, interrupting our playful wrestling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Our mothers approached.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Come out now," my mother called. "It is time to prepare for the Feast of Hapi."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Covered in mud from head to toe, Menah and I scrambled toward them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Mama shook her head, smiling. "You're such a mess."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">She led me back to our hut.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"What is going to happen tonight, Mama?" I asked. "I mean, after we pray to Hapi? Will there be games?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Mama's blue eyes twinkled against her brown skin. "I see no reason why there shouldn't be."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"And lots of food?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"All the food you could ever want."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"May I wear my lotus necklace today?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Years ago, when I was very young, Mama had given me a beautiful carved lapis lazuli lotus pendant strung on a simple piece of coarse rope. She told me it had been in her family for many generations and that her grandmother had received it from Hapi himself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">She ruffled my hair. "Of course. Today is, after all, a special day."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">As we entered our mud hut, which had been my home since birth, I saw my father mending one of his fisherman's nets. When he saw me, he pretended to cower in fear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"A mud monster has entered our house."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I laughed. "It's just me, Papa."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He leaned forward and squinted, as if trying to get a good look, though the gesture was comically exaggerated. "Is it? Let me see. Ah yes, it's my little Kiya."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He leapt to his feet, picked me up and swung me around, ignoring the mud that soiled his hands. I squealed with delight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Nakhti," Mama said. "I have to get her ready."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Yes." Papa set me down. He gave me a gentle slap across the back, motioning for me to return to Mama.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"I get to wear the lotus today, Papa."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He smiled. "I am sure you will look very pretty."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Later that afternoon, four priests from a nearby town passed by our village. They shouldered on poles our patron god's idol, which nestled upon a bed of water lilies. A ray of sunlight bounced off the golden image and it flashed with brilliance. Behind the god was a small train of dancing priestesses. They rattled sistrums and twirled around, their white dresses billowing out like clouds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">My fellow villagers and I were assembled outside our village, awaiting the god's arrival. When he appeared, we fell to our knees and touched our foreheads to the sandy ground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Glorious Hapi," my father intoned. "We thank you for once again allowing your water to flow and give life. We thank you for nourishing our land and our people. We pray your sacred pitchers never cease to flow. We thank you, great god of the Nile."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">My heart swelled with pride. Papa was the most renowned fisherman in our village. Though he was quite an old man - many years older than my mother - he possessed skills and strength that surpassed even those of the younger generations. Everyone thus hailed him as the favoured of the river god.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Praise be to you, Hapi," I echoed along with the rest of my fellow villagers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">As the idol trailed away, we rose to our feet and gathered up the amulets and flowers, which we would be tossing into the Nile as offerings. It was sunset now and sheer red-orange skies cast a fiery glow upon the river's rippling surface. From a distance, we heard the warbling of river fowl and the screeching of monkeys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">We approached the riverbank. It was still soft and muddy from the inundation. We tossed our offerings in. All the while, Papa chanted hymns of praise. Afterward, we returned to the village for what we children had been anticipating the most - the games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">A kind, respectable widow named Mekten, whom everyone called "Village Mother", held a game called the "statue dance." She played a reed flute while we danced and would stop at random moments without warning. We had to freeze as soon as the music stopped. Those who were still dancing were out of the game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">My friends and I loved it so much that Mekten held several rounds of it. Unfortunately, I always lost, as I always got so caught up in the liveliness of the game. However, she awarded me a small spinning top as a prize for being the best dancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I danced so much that I could barely keep my eyes open as we later sat down to the feast. Papa picked me up and carried me back to our hut. I was too tired to protest. As soon as he lay me down, I fell into a deep sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">That night, I dreamt I was on a great winged barque sailing along the Nile. It was a bright day, with the white-golden Egyptian sun shining gloriously and flocks of ibises and herons gleaming against the clear blue sky. A group of friendly monkeys, like those who usually wandered near my family's hut, kept me company on the deck, entertaining me with their hilarious antics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Suddenly, the skies darkened and the water began to thrash against the barque. The monkeys leapt up and down, screeching frantically. I grabbed onto the rail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Thunder rumbled. Fierce white waves threatened to haul us overboard. The barque tipped to a dangerous level and I began to scream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Waking, I placed my hand over my heart, which was pounding fiercely. I was about to heave a sigh of relief when I heard the rumbling from my dream. I sat up, my chest constricting in fear once more. The noise sounded like it was coming from outside our hut.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The rumbling stopped.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I heard a strange voice shouting in a language I could not understand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">My father appeared beside me. In the dim light, I could see the outline of his bony profile as he knelt by my side.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"What's that noise, Papa?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He put his arms around me and before he could answer, a chilling scream sliced through the air. Other screams followed. Soon, the air was filled with a frightening cacophony - screams, cries and more shouts in that strange language.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Papa's grip on me tightened. "Come, Kiya. We must hide you."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The door of our hut flew open.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Two enormous, fearsome-looking warriors towered like the tallest trees. Their faces were thickly painted in bright, garish colours. They wore loincloths made of animal skin and peculiar pointed headdresses that emphasised their unusual height. In their hands were spears that glinted threateningly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Mama screamed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">One of the warriors shouted something, while waving toward us. Another dashed forward and snatched me out of Papa's protective hold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Papa!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The monster hauled me outside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I kicked and flailed. "Papa!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Kiya!" Papa hurried after me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Alas, though he was strong and agile, he was no match for these giants. They ran with such enormous strides that in no time he was out of sight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Papa?" I writhed about in the warrior's iron grip. "Papa!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I felt a blow to the back of my head and the world turned black.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Cold water slapped my face. When I opened my eyes, I was staring into the massive painted face of my captor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Get up," he snarled. His breath was fouler than rotten fish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I struggled to my feet. Though I was still in a daze, I dared not disobey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The warrior grabbed my arm and led me through pitch-black darkness. I was certain he was going to kill me. My chest tightened with fear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He led me out into a brightly lit clearing. It looked like we were in the midst of a dense jungle. A campfire crackled at the centre where the warrior's comrades sat feasting and talking.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Relief washed over me when I noticed my fellow villagers huddled together at the far end. Menah was with them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I smiled. "Menah!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The warrior slapped me hard across the face. "You are not to speak. If you do so again, we will kill you."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I shuddered, though I was less frightened than before now that I knew I was not alone.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The warrior dragged me over to the villagers and shoved me amongst them. "Stay with them. No talking and no trying to escape." He glared at us, then went to the fire to join the others.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Menah took my hand.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Where are my parents?" I asked in a bare whisper.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He looked at me sadly and shook his head.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I knew what that meant. They were not there.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I suddenly threw up.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">In a flash, the warrior was before us. "What's going on here?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">No one answered.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"She felt sick and vomited," our village mother Mekten said finally.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The warrior turned to his comrades and said something in their language. They laughed boisterously. He shook his head and returned to them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Tears spilled from my eyes. Menah held me and rocked me, comforting me. I sobbed for a long time, eventually crying myself to sleep.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">What followed was an arduous journey through the jungle. The scorching sun was merciless and mosquitoes bit my arms, legs and face. The entire time, our captors threatened to murder us and I might have actually died with despair had it not been for the familiar faces around me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I do not know how far we travelled, but just as I thought we would perish, one of the warriors announced we had reached our destination.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">It was early evening. We were led toward a tribal encampment illuminated by a towering bonfire. Drumbeats pounded in my ears as we drew nearer. When we entered the camp, I saw tents made of dyed animal hides, as well as poles topped with the decapitated heads of people and animals. I averted my eyes, trying to erase the horrific images from my head.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The drums were deafening as the tribespeople surrounded us. Like our captors, they were wrapped in animal skins. Their bodies were pierced in just about every part and painted in bright colours. I shuddered when a small child with painted teeth and a pierced nose came over and poked at my face.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">My fellow villagers and I were lined up in front of the bonfire. I thought for sure they would murder us. I whimpered as one of the warriors strode up to us. I recognised him. He had entered my family's hut.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The warrior paced the length of our row. "Do you know why you are all here?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">No one answered.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He glared at us. "Many years ago, your Pharaoh murdered our chieftain. I am that chieftain's son and will now avenge my father's death. Until your king makes amends, we will continue to destroy your wretched country. If he does not, we will fight until Egypt is no more."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">As he reached me, he stopped pacing and smiled, revealing crooked yellow teeth. "What is your name, little girl?" His voice was gentle.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"K-Kiya," I squeaked.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"What a beautiful girl you are. Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I did not answer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"How old are you?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Nine."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Ah. Perfect." His hideous grin widened. "You will be my slave, Kiya. And when your red moon comes, you will become my bride."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I stared at him, too horrified to speak.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">He stepped forward. "That flower around your neck goes very well with your lovely face." He fingered the lotus pendant and I pulled back.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Where are my parents?" I blurted.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"We left them behind, little one. We have no use for them." He laughed cruelly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">My fear was replaced by rage. "I want my parents. Bring me back to my parents."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">One of the warriors rushed toward me, but the chieftain held up his hand. He stared into space for a moment. "Very well. If you work hard, I will send for your parents by the time you and I are ready to marry."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">My anger began to abate. "You mean that?" I looked into his dark eyes, which were surrounded by a strange painted pattern of dots.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Yes. So what do you say, little Kiya? Are you going to work hard?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I hated that he called me "little Kiya." It sounded like he was trying to replace Papa. But I knew that if I wanted to see my parents again, I had to be obedient and silent.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I nodded.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Good," he said, turning away.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"What is a red moon?" I asked.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Some of my fellow villagers stared at me, aghast, while the tribespeople roared with laughter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The chieftain approached Mekten. "Be Kiya's advisor and explain to her what a red moon is. I am sure you know full well." He winked at her.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I felt sick at that gesture, even though I did not understand what it meant.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Mekten nodded in submission.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The chieftain waved his arm, inviting his people to pick slaves from among us.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">A tall, thin woman with large bone earrings and a cold expression led Mekten and I to the chieftain's large tent. When we stepped inside, I nearly screamed. The place was festooned with more disembodied animal heads, as well as enormous wooden masks with frightening expressions. The dim light from torches cast shadows on the eerie things, making them look almost alive.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The tribeswoman pointed to a dirty mat at the far end of the tent. "You will sleep there. Go now." Mekten and I headed for the mat, but the tribeswoman grabbed Mekten's arm. "Not you. You will stay here."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I stared at them, confused, and the woman glared at me. "Go!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">I hurried over to the mat as the tribeswoman extinguished the torch, plunging the tent into complete darkness.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">All was silent. Then the tent's flap rose, revealing the bulky profile of the chieftain. He shuffled inside and the flap swung closed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Not long after, I heard Mekten crying out in fear and pain. Heavy breathing followed. The louder Mekten screamed, the heavier the breathing grew.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Though I had no idea what was happening, I knew I was hearing something bad. I covered my ears, but it was no use. Similar screams rose from the neighbouring tents. I slept amongst nightmares, waking at times to the sound of terrified cries and heartbreaking sobbing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The following morning, Mekten acted scared of everything and everyone, which wasn't like her. I wanted to make her feel better, but I didn't know how. Even the most trivial things I did frightened her.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Throughout the day, I kept a distance from her. But at times, I tried to reach out to her. She was, after all, one of our dearest family friends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">"Mekten," I said in a timid voice. "What is a red moon?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">Mekten looked at me with sad eyes. Finally, she took a deep breath and explained everything in a shaky voice before breaking down.</span></div>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14910535011220722652noreply@blogger.com0