Book Review: Critical Condition {LitFuse Blog Tour & Giveaway}

Critical Condition by Richard L. Mabry, M.D. 

ISBN: 9781401687403

Paperback, 328 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Retail: $15.99

About the book (from the back cover):

It was supposed to be a quiet dinner party with her colleagues -not the scene of a murder.

But the murder of a stranger on her front lawn is only the first in a string of events that have Dr. Shannon Frasier's life teetering on the edge of chaos. She's unable to make the deeper commitment her boyfriend deserves. Her sister shows up at her home needing a place to stay but with no promise she'll remain sober. And her father is diagnosed with cancer.

Then Shannon's life stops teetering and plunges into the abyss. Because the person behind the guttural voice on the phone wants to know what the stranger said before he died. And he won't stop until Shannon gives him the information he wants -even if she doesn't have it. 

He's coming for her. She's not sure the police on the case can be trusted. And her only hope of escape -for herself and for those she loves -is to overcome her buried past. 

About the author: 

A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

Connect with Richard at: http://rmabry.com

My thoughts:

I've read one other Mabry book and I rather enjoyed it. I like his inclusion of emotions, drama, suspense, mystery, and very subtle "romance". He doesn't go overboard on the violence either, even though the reader understands it is there. It is definitely a book that will take you away from the here-and-now for awhile, without letting you get too far away from reality. 

This book was very good for a day's read. There were plot twist that were enjoyable and not impossible. The main character as a preacher's daughter was a nice touch although from the character description, there wouldn't really have been anything, in my mind, to distinguish her from a character who wasn't a preacher's daughter. I thought that was interesting. In the back of the book is a reading group guide and one of the first questions is about PKs {preacher's kid}.

There are other aspects of the book I liked, such as almost all of the main characters had strong beliefs and stood their ground at various points in the story. The inclusion of faith in the book is simple, not over done. I could really imagine some of the scenes actually taking place. 

It was a good book that I'd recommend to others in search of a quick read with an interesting story line and good characters.

Read more reviews: http://litfusegroup.com/author/rmabry 

***Disclaimer: I received the above book for free from LitFuse for the purpose of an honest review. No compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.***

GIVEAWAY!

Richard Mabry's latest medical suspense, Critical Condition, is receiving high praise. USA TODAY says, "Mabry combines his medical expertise with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat."

Richard is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Critical Condition by Richard Mabry

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 11th. Winner will be announced May 13th on Richard's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Richard's blog on May 13th to see if you won.

Book Review: Glittering Promises {LitFuse Blog Tour}

Lisa T. Bergren’s popular Grand Tour series concludes as Cora Kensington journeys farther into Italy, wrestles with a terrible ultimatum from her father, and comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her.

{MORE ABOUT GLITTERING PROMISES}

America’s newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are tracking the news story of the decade—“Copper Cora,” the rags-to-riches girl—and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn’t going to claim Will’s heart, she might just try…

Purchase a copy here.

Find out more at Lisa’s website.
{MORE ABOUT LISA TAWN BERGREN}  Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.

Find out more about Lisa Tawn at http://lisatawnbergren.com/.

My thoughts:

I read the first two of the Grand Tour series and I'm sad to say I just didn't get into the second and third like I did the first. There is a lot in this book: action, drama (lots of drama), suspense, romance (the part I dislike), smarts, cunning, etc. 

I found I didn't actually like the main characters much by the third book. I did feel they were fairly realistic in their actions and the thoughts they had, which we were privy to thanks to Lisa. I just didn't care for any of them. Also, in this third book I didn't get as into the 'tour' as much as the first book. I felt like I was actually there in the first, not so much in the second and very little in the third. 

Bottom line: I didn't really like this book. Of course, many others have so if you are in the market for a romance with drama and 'smarts', with bits of history tossed in, you might enjoy this.

***Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange this honest review. No compensation was given. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: Return to Me {LitFuse Blog Tour}

Return to Me by Lynn Austin
ISBN: 9780764208980
Paperback, 460 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Retail: $14.99

About the book: From the Acclaimed Author of Chronicles of the Kings

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

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

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

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfkmh

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

You can find out more about Lynn at

http://www.lynnaustin.org/.

My thoughts: 

I really like this book. It's been almost a year since I've read the accounts in the Bible that this story is from but I could recall just about all of it while reading this! The writing style of Austin is very calm and rather predictable; which I enjoy! She gives enough detail in the portions where it something unpleasant has happened, or could happen, that you get an idea but it isn't painted vividly. I think in some respects, the Bible is much more gruesome in some of the recounts. 
Accounts from the Bible mentioned in this novel include 2 Kings 17:24-40 and 25:1-21, Ezra 1-6, Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1-14 and Daniel 5 and 9. The NIV Bible is used when quoting the scriptures, which made it flow more with the dialogue and story (but I really prefer the KJV- it just wouldn't have meshed, I don't think). One thing that I didn't like, although could have truly happened, was the defiant attitude of Yael. She made me so upset through most of the book. Also, since we can easily see how it went with the Israelites in the Bible, I was shaking my head so often at the doubt of the people in the book. But historically, I think this has been portrayed quite well in the book. 
I can't really think of anything else that I didn't like about this book. I read it in the space of two or three days. I love novels like this that take history and make it come alive. Perhaps it could have been livelier with the writing. Maybe but it's good the way it is.
I really enjoy reading Lynn Austin's books. So far I have read the first two of the Chronicles of the Kings and this book. I fully intend to read more!

**Disclaimer: I received this book free from Bethany House in conjunction with LitFuse for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.**

Blog Tour: Anomaly by Krista McGee & Giveaway! {LitFuse}

About the book (from the back cover):

Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Decades before Thalli's birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free from emotions in the hope that war won't threaten the world again.

Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she's overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.

The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk -a scientist being groomed by The Ten -convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientist's Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant survellience. 

As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer -someone even more powerful than The Ten. What's more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she's been looking for all along. 

Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out...

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You can read the first five chapters of this book by visiting this link: http://www.nelsonfree.com/anomaly (you do have to sign up via email to get the chapters)

About the Author:

Krista McGee

When Krista isn't living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa, FL, and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher and coffee snob. She is also the author of First Date, Starring Me, and Right Where I Belong.

Read her blog: http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com/

See her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krista.a.mcgee

My thoughts: 

Good book for the most part. There were some really good parts and some not so great parts. If I share what parts are which, I risk spoiling the book for those who've not read it. I cannot imagine I'd have enjoyed the book as much if I knew what I know now so I will not share those parts. However, I will say that some of it just was unbelievable. There were scenes that wouldn't have happened if things were as the readers are to believe. The security would have been much tighter, some people and 'things' would have been much better monitored. Also some of the behaviors would not have been present in this type of world.

Those are the 'bad' bits, I suppose. Otherwise, it was written fairly well with some bits having me scratch my head and staying up way too late to find out what happens next. I was also a little confused at times, but that might be what we are supposed to feel so that the story makes more sense at the end. If that even makes sense. How boring if it'd been spelled out right at the start!

So overall, a good book. I give it 3.75 stars. It's not quite a 4 because there were duplicate phrases and details that I didn't like, as well as the above mentioned bits. But it was better than a 3. My daughter read this after me and said she really liked it. Really liked it. I'm 30+; she's 16+. Eh, we're all different. 

The sequel to this, Luminary, will be released January 7, 2014, (that's an affiliate link btw*) and I have it on my wish-list. It had a good enough ending that I want to know what happens next. I definitely know my dd wants to read the second book!

If you've read books such as Uglies, Pretties, Specials and Extras by Scott Westerfeld, and enjoyed them, you probably will like this book. McGee's is not as good but... perhaps it is better is some ways because it is missing some of the bits that I found to be distasteful in Westerfeld's books.

Read the other reviews on the blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/kmcgee

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Enter the GIVEAWAY!

Krista McGee is celebrating the release of Anomaly, the first book in her new YA dystopian series, with an iPad Mini Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card (download Anomaly to the iPad!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at Krista's website on August 2nd.

Spread the word about Krista and her giveaway HERE!

***Disclaimer: I received this book free for the purpose of this review. All opinions stated are my own or those of my family. No compensation was given for this review. I sometimes include affiliate links, as I have done in this post, which generates a small bit of income if you purchase after visiting the external site from my link. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: An Unholy Communion- Book 3, The Monastery Murders {LitFuse Blog Tour}

  Enter Today - 4/22 - 5/12!  

 

The newest offering in The Monastery Murders series, An Unholy Communion (Lion Fiction).

Following the ancient tradition, ordinands from the College of the Transfiguration gather at first light on Ascension morning to sing their praises from the top of the college's tallest tower. Not one to miss any liturgy, Felicity finds herself swept up in worship as she listens to the timeless words. But her delight quickly turns to horror when a black-robed body hurtles over the precipice and lands at her feet. Her investigative instincts immediately kick in when she sees a double-headed snake emblem clutched in the lifeless hand. Was this suicide? Or murder?
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/keus1

Meet Donna:

Donna Fletcher Crow is author of more than thirty-five novels. She has twice won first place in the Historical Fiction category from the National Association of Press Women, and has also been a finalist for "Best Inspirational Novel" from the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of The Arts Centre Group, and Sisters in Crime.

Find out more about Donna Fletcher athttp://www.donnafletchercrow.com.

Read other reviews: http://litfusegroup.com/author/dcrow
My thoughts:

I really wasn’t too impressed with the book. It starts out with action and suspense right away but it fails to hold it up. I read this book because it is outside my usual subject matter. It is heavy on Catholic history and references, many I didn’t get. It does have quite a bit of historical fiction. The descriptions of the pilgrimage stops are very well done and I found it very interesting to research the actual places that the characters visited in the book. Much of the book otherwise wasn’t very interesting. Some details felt like simply like filler for the book. It’s 382 pages long and ‘something’ happens only a few times; a death at the start and finish of the book; a few unexplained troubles along the way. And a few details are thrown in to throw the reader off the trail, but they really just are confusing or unnecessary. I did have it figured out who-done-it as well as why but one or two people I had a little off.

The characters, Father Antony, Felicity, and the members of the youth group on pilgrimage, Michael, Lydia, Nancy, Adam, Jared, Evie, Kaylyn, Ryan, Colin, and later Chloe, are not very well developed in this book. The main characters, namely Antony and Felicity, may be more so in the first book {which I’ve not read}. None of the characters meant anything to me; I didn’t feel an attachment to any of them.

I didn’t like the ‘dark’ feel of the book. You would think with a book that has murder as the theme would be dark anyway but it’s not that kind of dark. There is a scene where an occult is holding what is intended to be a sacrifice and Crow puts in print the supposed chant of the group. I skimmed it because I didn’t feel comfortable reading it.

So like I said, I didn’t really appreciate this book as much as others may. If not for the descriptions of the historical places and the historical fiction tossed in, I’m not entirely sure I could have finished the book.

***Disclaimer: I received this book free from LitFuse, in exchange for an honest review and participation in the LitFuse Blog Tour. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: Stress-Test {LitFuse Blog Tour}

About Stress Test: They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.
Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans-they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.
Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.
Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth-and the faith to keep going-will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jJaEd

Meet Richard: A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of four critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader's Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.
Learn more about Richard at: http://www.rmabry.com

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My thoughts:

Good book! I’ve not read very many books in this category lately because they are generally…unwholesome. Yep. I’ve become quite picky with what I read (uh, well mostly).

This book is fast paced, has plenty of suspense and very little of the rampant romance that’s in so many books; although there are quite evident emotional and physical attraction between some of the characters. I feel the book is a good one. I’ll say though that there’s lots of medical talk, too many medical terms. Realizing it is written by a doctor helps me to ease up on the author. It’s more believable if the author knows their stuff (even if I don’t understand completely!). I didn’t or rather couldn’t put the pieces together on the who and the why. But that’s part of the beauty of a good suspense! It doesn’t get wrapped up until the end and then it’s like ‘aha!’

I did feel that some of the character traits were a bit cliché and there are personalities that have been overused in books such as this. Also, a few lines were overused in this book. Of course, the book I received was an ARC- and it said it’d not been proofed yet.

The inclusion of “Christianity” in the book was rather natural and seamless for the most part. It wasn’t haphazardly tossed into a scene; it didn’t feel forced. I like that it was more natural and felt truer to life than some “Christian” books I’ve read lately. This has a low-key, underlying Christian mentality.

The last page has the only kiss scene in the entire book (that I can recall). That, in my opinion, could have been left out and not harmed the book one bit. There is murder, lying, stealing, corrupt law, drinking, maybe smoking (?), violence, but I don’t remember any curse words and no ‘inappropriate’ scenes- beside what I’ve mentioned already. Previously unaware of this author, I’m on the look-out for more. It is a good ‘take me away from my reality’ book.

Read other reviews.

***Disclaimer: I received a copy of Stress-Test from LitFuse for free, in exchange of an honest review and participation in this blog tour. No monetary compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.***

The Gospel-Centered Woman, Part II {LitFuse Blog Tour}

This is the second part to the review of The Gospel-Centered Woman by Wendy Alsup. This post will go through the remaining chapters of the book (5-11). But first…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendy Alsup is a wife, mom, and math teacher. She is the author of Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives and By His Wounds You are Healed: How the Message of Ephesians Transforms a Woman's Identity. 

Find out more about Wendy Alsup and The Gospel-Centered Woman. Readers can keep up with Alsup via Practical Theology for Women Facebook page and follow her on Twitter.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God’s good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible’s instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.

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You can read Part I here.

Chapter Five: Equipped to Forgive and be Forgiven

It is amazing, truly amazing, how moving closer to God changes our perspective on life, and our person. God supplies us with what we need to deal with our sins against others and vice versa. In this chapter, Alsup talks about the stages of acknowledging our sin, confessing our sin and repairing the damage from the sin. She also talks about when we are on the receiving end of the sins; how do we react.

Alsup shows the different levels of how we deal with sin- with and without God’s grace. She talks of trying to justify the actions, then being defensive about our actions. The gospel, however, allows us to let go of these. We can put that aside and it also allows us to allow others to do the same. “When we get grace, we can then grant forgiveness” (pg. 70).

Chapter Six: The Gospel Unites Us with Christ

We all have an identity. Many of us identify ourselves with our career, our position in the community, our role in our family, etc. Alsup points out the wonderful fact that in the book of Ephesians Paul shows us, through his words, how we should be identifying ourselves by and with Christ. If we cannot, or do not, then we have some work to do –we either need to change our focus or our life. “Jesus alone is our ultimate source of identity” (pg. 75).

Section 3: Wisdom in the Tension

In this section, the last section of the book, Alsup talks about the law and wisdom, spotlighting how it applies to women.

Chapter Seven: Wisdom Versus Law

“[W]e must first distinguish between wisdom and law and second between universal law and law for a specific culture for a specific time” (pg. 83). Here she is telling us that there is the law of the Old Testament and the wisdom from the New Testament. Also that the Old Testament culture was quite different than the New Testament; as our culture is different than both. She talks a bit about what wisdom is in this chapter.

I like in this chapter she does talk about the oft elusive Proverbs 31 woman. She makes a very good point that we must not get sidetracked or stuck on the parts of the ‘law’ that we cannot fulfill because of our life situations and circumstances. Her example of the woman with no children to not feel inadequate because they do not have children to rise up and call her blessed is just one. She ends that portion with, “Please do not go to the dark place.” We can only do with what we’ve been given. There isn’t any need to feel ashamed or bad that we can go no further to fulfill the ‘law’ when we do not have the means.

Chapter Eight: The Bible is the Best Commentary on Itself

“[W]e need to establish what the Bible does and does not say to women today” (pg. 91). There are parts (or most?) of the Bible that often seem irrelevant to our times. I’ve thought that before. She references the fact that no modern Christian group offers up animal sacrifices yet they definitely did in the Old Testament. I like that she says “the Bible transcends culture context.” It is relevant to today, just as when it was written.

In terms of the Old Testament laws, Jesus fulfilled the law. He completed the law. And then He showed us how to do as He did –He is our example and the “law” we are to follow. Alsup references 2 Peter, Luke, Matthew, Romans, Hebrews, Galatians, Leviticus, Judges, Genesis and Ephesians. She shows that the Bible was relevant in the New Testament era as it was in the Old Testament and equally today.

Chapter Nine: Wisdom from Proverbs 31

Alsup puts this chapter after the last, I think, to help those who have trouble living up to the Proverbs 31 woman.

Chapter Ten: Instructions from Ephesians

It is appropriately titled and the content is focusing on Ephesians 5. She also adds in a few references to 1 Peter 3.

Chapter Eleven: The Gospel in Your Context

Alsup points out that she has primarily addressed her words to those women who are wives and mothers. But what about the single woman with no children? Or the woman who was married; who has children but isn’t married; or…any of the other different circumstances that modern women find themselves in –opposite of the ‘traditional’ wife/mother. What does the Bible say about them? Are they left out? Not at all.

Throughout the Bible we have the stories of Rachel and Leah (in a non-traditional marriage that’s for sure!), Abigail (wife of a rather bad man), Ruth and Naomi (one barren and widowed, the other lost her children and husband), Mary and Martha (single women). That’s not all of them though- there’s Jesus’ mother Mary, Timothy’s mother and grandmother Eunice and Lois. Don’t forget Rahab, Lydia and Rebekah.

Alsup directs us back to Chapter Three- Godliness with Contentment. She says that she’s written with the assumption that most women long for a ‘healthy family relationship’. We have a longing, as women, for this. It is something that God has decreed as ‘good’ and yet there are many who do not have it. She fairly recaps what she has said previously about who we are in Christ- what we can have when we are close to Him; we do not need to prove ourselves through our works; we can have assurance; we can have peace. Through the rest of the chapter she talks about Wait and Endure. Wait- think of Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, and Hannah. Endure- she directs us to Romans 5 and Hebrews 12 and to understand or realize that ‘this world’ is not our home.

At the end of the book are Discussion Questions for each chapter, about 2-4 each.

MY THOUGHTS

Alsup has definitely been through some things in her life that helps her to see the different perspectives of women in different situations. The Proverbs 31 woman is often seen as unattainable and yet that is what is set up for Christian women to follow. It’s difficult. But there is much more to the Bible for women than just that chapter. The Bible is full of instruction, very relevant to us today. I had mentioned in the first part of my review that I thought the organization was a little chaotic but once getting through to the last couple chapters, it kind of all falls together.

Alsup has a lot of good in this book. I did personally find the tone to be one of a hurt woman trying to find the peace that only God can give. I’m not entirely sure if it’s intended that way or if it is because of her particular place in life at the time she was writing. I think for women who are feeling hurt or out of place –or just trying to find out where women fit –because of their circumstances will understand the tone. It isn’t one of anger, though. I could feel the frustration, perhaps, of not being able to live up to the expectations placed on women by others and/or themselves. But then you feel the relief as well when she points to God’s Word, primarily the New Testament.

It’s not a bad read, not difficult. I think it could be of benefit to some women and others might just use it for confirmation or clarification.

***Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour. No compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.**

Book Review: Grave Consequences {LitFuse Blog Tour & Giveaway}

Grave Consequences by Lisa T. BergrenISBN: 978-1-4347-6432-4
Paperback, 443 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook
Retail: 14.99
About the book:

The Powerful, Epic Romance Continues, Book 2 in Lisa T. Begren's Grand Tour series

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future-her very life-depends on the decisions she'll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone's plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

About the author:

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of more than thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. She has written fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages—children, teens and adults. A former publishing executive, Bergren now divides her time between writing, freelance editing, and ministry.

Bergren loves to travel, especially for writing research, and dreams of her next trip to Italy. Lisa and her husband, Tim, are the parents of three and live in Colorado Springs, CO.

Learn more about Lisa T.  Bergren at her online home,www.lisatawnbergren.com. Readers can also join Bergren’s Facebook fan page or follow her on Twitter.

My thoughts:

I read the first book and while it wasn't a favorite I did enjoy the scene descriptions and historical aspects. I will preface the rest of my review with this: I do not enjoy romances or 'chick flick' books and this is both, with some suspense, mystery, some humor and historical fiction in the mix. Reading the first book will give background info that will help some with this second book in the Grand Tour series. I do think you could read it without having read the first but you may be confused at points.
It has been awhile since I read the first so some of the relationships between characters I had to relearn. Basically the young adults of the rich Kensington and Morgan families are taking their Grand Tour of Europe. This was quite customary for the wealthy in the 19th and early 20th century (and earlier). The group is accompanied by a 'bear' -their guide and protector on the trip. He plots the tour, secures lodging with influential families throughout the regions they visit and gives lectures and instigates thought provoking experiences as they travel. In these books the bear is accompanied by his nephew, Will.
One important rule as bear and bear-in-training, is to not become involved emotionally with the members of the group. Of course that is exactly what happens. It began in the first book and reaches its climax in this one.
There is death, conspiracy, lies, deceit, betrayal, and love (fortunately it's mild or I would not have been able to finish the book!), as well as much history.
I will say that I didn't particularly care for the 'soap opera' feel of it. There were also a few things with the writing style that kept catching me up. A phrase or description used too often or too close together. Another was when Will is dismissed as bear and Pierre takes over, in a sense, but he talks the same way as Will. In my mind his voice is Will's and not Pierre's because she (the author) did not continue with his (Pierre's) usual manner.
And finally, although the book is "Christian" (how loosely that is used nowadays!), I didn't feel much truly was Christian about it or the characters. I felt it somewhat more in the first book. The two main characters are constantly praying to God to show them or tell them what to do but then they do their own thing- and go back to asking the same thing!
I will leave this review on a positive note: the descriptions of the historical aspects were very well done. I could picture in my mind how the places looked, how the clothing fit, and somewhat the culture of the time. I enjoyed the history lessons, first because they were history, but also we get a glimpse of the impact on those who get to be in the place where it happened.

If you read the book and enjoyed it, I’m glad. Mrs. Bergren does have a very good writing style. If you are wanting to read this book, you may very well like it because of all the reasons I didn’t.

Either way, you won’t want to miss the giveaway associated with this book:

Celebrate the release of Grave Consequences with Lisa T. Bergren by entering to win an iPad Mini!

One "grand" winner receive:

• A brand new iPad Mini
• Grave Consequences and Glamorous Illusions will be pre-loaded onto the Mini!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced on March 25th at Lisa's website.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Life with Lily {LitFuse Blog Tour}

Life with Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher
Ages: 8 and up
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2012)
ISBN: 978-0800721329
Retail: $12.99

Book 1 in the ‘Adventures of Lily Lapp’ series.

Lily is six in this story, just starting first grade in a one-room schoolhouse in upstate New York. Her parents are busy building a farm, and soon animals join the family—Jenny the cow and Chubby the miniature horse. A baby brother arrives, too, which Lily has mixed feelings about. (She wanted a sister!) Aside from a mischievous friend like Mandy Mast, Lily is happy at school and even happier at home.

Trouble is brewing at the schoolhouse and change is on the horizon for Lily and her family.

My Thoughts:

This is a sweet book suitable for just about any age. The writing is interesting and written in a way suitable for young readers. On the back it says “Fiction, Ages 8-12” .
It is everyday life for Lily Lapp, and some of those days have experiences that aren’t always pleasant. This would be good for pointing out good behaviors in real-life situations. Lily encounters so many different people and situations, reacts to them and sees how others react.
I thought it was interesting also to see how Lily’s days are, as she is Amish. I think it will be different than many people imagine.   

About Suzanne Woods Fisher:

Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has one husband, four children, one son-in-law, a brand new grand-baby, and a couple of dogs. She graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.

Suzanne has contracts with Revell for six more books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also the host of “Amish Wisdom·” on toginet.com, a weekly radio program featuring guests who are connected to Simple Living.

Find out more about Suzanne at http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/.

About Mary Ann Kinsinger:

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish and currently writes the popular blog A Joyful Chaos as a way to capture her warm memories of her childhood for her own children. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Follow along on the book tour through 10/16.

You can also find out more about the books at Adventures of Lily Lapp. At the site, learn more about Lily’s family, Suzanne and Mary (well, a bit more), play games, and ask questions. Also read an excerpt of this book.

Buy the book here: http://ow.ly/e60PH

***Disclaimer: I received this book from LitFuse in exchange for a review on my blog and participation in the blog tour. No compensation was given. Opinions are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.***

When All You Need is Family…

by Heidi Kreider

We stood together, just the six of us. On a day when we buried one, we huddled... holding and upholding. When others said...we'll be there. I said... no. All I wanted, all I needed was my family. I gathered them around me... my parents, my man, and my kids together. It was enough.

Family... that group of people who are defined by blood lines, and maybe more. Sometimes those closest to our hearts do not share the same family tree. We cannot chose our relations but we can choose to redefine the term family to include those who are closest to us. Those we live life with... the ones to whom we cling when the storms of life roar and the winds threaten to overflow us.

I am blessed with an amazing family. As I grow older and slightly wiser, I have learned to count that amazing family as a gift. I now recognize it's rarity. I also know that I have friends who are as close to me as my sisters. I've learned to count them as family and as gifts. They are equal but different treasures to my heart.

Recently, I wrote a novel about family and friendship, life and loss... The Secret of Counting Gifts and an accompanying journal, The Secret of Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal. Both volumes have been released and are now available through Amazon.com

The Secret of Counting Gifts is the story of Kris McClintock and Liz Bower and their friendship that spans twenty-eight years. Through marriage, babies, and infidelity they stand by each other and hold one another up... until breast cancer delivers the final blow. As she sits by Liz, Kris recounts the trials and blessings that made them who they are. She tells their story and recalls the many "gifts" they have been blessed with throughout the years. She shares of how Liz taught her to notice the gifts in each day and to live with a grateful heart. It is through the telling of their story that the secret of counting gifts is discovered....

Throughout this month, I'm on a virtual book tour, meeting up with bloggers and talking about friends and family, life and loss. You can see the stops along the way at www.heidikreider.com. Come on over and say "Hey!" and register for my giveaway... autographed copies of The Secret of Counting Gifts and The Secret of Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal in a hand-made basket, made my lovely friend, Anne.

All those years ago, my family stood with me as we buried our stillborn son. Who do you have stand with you when you face loss? Do you have friends who are as close to you as family?

Heidi Kreider

About the Author:
Heidi Kreider is a wife, mother, author, and friend. She blogs about life, grace, and gratitude at www.heidikreider.com

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren- LitFuse Blog Tour

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren
ISBN: 9781-434764300
Paperback, 413 pages (with “after words”)
Publisher: David C. Cook
Retail: $14.99

From the back cover:
Cora is about to discover who she truly is.
It’s the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s  life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, but someone dear to Cora is failing as well.

One fateful afternoon, a stranger comes to call, and Cora discovers a terrible secret about her past…a secret that will radically change her future.

Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a trip intended to finish a person’s education and solidify an understanding of refinement and ancient culture. As she travels from England to France with kin she’s never known, Core encounters the blessings of a family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes there are far greater challenges ahead…

The first book in the Grand Tour series will take you on a journey of cultural refinement –but, moreover, on an inner journey of self-discovery.

About Lisa T. Bergren:

Lisa T. Bergren is the award-winning author of over thirty-five books, with more than 2 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, Lisa now divides her time between writing, editing, parenting three children with her husband, Tim, and dreaming of her next trip to Italy. She lives in Colorado Springs.
For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website.

My thoughts on the book:

Let me just start by saying, “thank goodness this is series!” I ended the book not happy! I say that because it ended with a “to be continued…” feel. It doesn’t say that at the end. Perhaps it should.

Throughout the book I was surprised. I was surprised by the characters (some were more in depth than others but that would probably have something to do with their role in the story) and their actions. Also, Cora was irrational at times but incredibly sensible at others. Emotions make us do crazy things, eh?

I did like this book but when I started it I was a little annoyed with Cora’s behavior. She’s so cold when I personally couldn’t see the need for it. Under her circumstances, however, who am I to say that I’d do better. But I do think that Bergren has developed some good characters in this story.

I really really loved the details of some the stops along the way. I’m a big history fan and when I read a book like this, those are possibly my favorite parts.

I’m looking for the next one. I want to know what happens!

************************************************************

I’m very sad that I missed the actual blog tour for this book! You can see others posts and more about the book here.

Thank you LitFuse and Lisa T. Bergren for sending me this book, free, in exchange for a review and participation in the blog tour (I missed it but I’m still linking up!).  No compensation was given. All opinions are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.

Chasing Mona Lisa- LitFuse Blog Tour

It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get readers' adrenaline pumping as they join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh country chateau, the race is on--and the runners are playing for keeps.

Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here: http://www.triciagoyer.com/historicalfiction.html#ChasingMonaLisa

My take on this book:
Excellent! Top notch writing and research. Absolutely great book. This wasn’t a book that I sat and read straight through in one day. It was a book that I savored. I enjoyed the authenticity of the time period, the circumstances and the characters. It felt like this could have been a non-fiction book! I am definitely going to look for more books by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey.

It did not end the way I thought it would, either. Just saying

Read other bloggers thoughts of this book- check out the blog tour schedule.

About the authors:

Tricia Goyer is the coauthor of The Swiss Courier as well as the author of many other books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Arkansas. For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com

 

 

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including The Swiss Courier and the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California. For more about Mike  and his other books visit www.mikeyorkey.com

If you would like to purchase this book, click here.

 

I received this book from LitFuse in exchange for an honest review and participation in the blog tour. No compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.

Book Review: Amish Values for Your Family & Giveaway HERE

I lived in Ohio when I was younger and had no clue that there was a group of people close by who were living the simple life. I was given the opportunity to review Suzanne Woods Fisher’s book Amish Values for Your Family. Lately with the myriad of books that portray the Amish, I was curious about this book.
I love this book. We are moving to Ohio soon and I am intrigued with the Amish. It is funny that Fisher states that she doesn’t think we should ‘go Amish’ but what a simpler life we would live and how much more peace would be in the world. I am also interested in living a less stressful life.
The book is full of stories of real people in the Amish communities throughout the US (but it seems primarily in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Wisconsin, Virginia, Iowa, and those areas). At the start of each chapter is an Amish Proverb that all make perfect sense. At the end of each chapter are excerpts from Budget, a paper that includes stories from scribes in different communities of the Amish. In many of the chapters Fisher also includes questions to get the readers thinking about their own lives and how the values of the Amish could be applied to their lives.

About the book:For readers who long for strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much to learn from the Amish. Values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy--without selling your car, changing your wardrobe, or moving out to farm country.
In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows how you can adopt the wisdom of the Amish when it comes to family matters. In this inspiring and practical book readers will find charming true stories interlaced with solid, biblical advice about parenting, marriage, and all aspects of family life. As readers get an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of real Amish families, they will learn to prioritize what's truly important, simplify decision-making, slow down as a family, safeguard time together, and let go when the time comes.

One of the challenges with reviewing this book was to take one principle and apply it to our lives. It doesn’t mean we are Amish but they have some definite good values that we can glean from!
There were many good principles in the book and it was difficult from me to choose just one, but finally I decided on what I will call the Christmas principle.

The dearest things in life are mostly near at hand- Amish Proverb

What captured me about this particular chapter, titled Christmas Day, is that the children were so content and not greedy to open their presents. Also the presents were small piles of presents for each child. I have heard of a tradition of the parents giving three gifts (it may have been five…) to their kids on Christmas. Each had a significant meaning.

I am going to make a tradition in our home for Christmas. We had already discussed (well, my dh and I) not have a tree to help cut down on the emphasis being placed where we didn’t feel it should be. But I want to implement a more firm tradition of focusing on Jesus’ birth and the gifts he gave to us. It won’t be easy. Our culture is very much materialistic. Our family is not much different- although I wish we were. That is something I am going to apply to our family. The most important things in life…are not things.

I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. At the back, on page 185, are other books worth reading that help to understand the Amish (and Mennonite) lifestyle and beliefs. We don’t have any of the books at my local library but after I get moved to a larger city, I will be checking some of the books out.

About Suzanne Woods Fisher:Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. She has many, many Plain relatives living in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and travels back to Pennsylvania, as well as to Ohio, a couple of times each year for research.
Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world.  In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don't have to "go Amish" to incorporate many of their principles--simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily-- into your life.
When Suzanne isn't writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To Suzanne's way of thinking, you just can't take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

If you would like to win a copy of this book, you are in the right place! To enter, simply leave a comment letting me know you are interested in winning a copy of this book. This is mandatory to be entered.

To have additional entries, you can do any of the following (leave a comment for EACH entry, please- and an email address):

• Follow my blog via GFC
• Like Suzanne Woods Fisher on FB.
• Visit Bill Coleman’s Amish photography site and leave a comment about something you liked.
• Follow me on Twitter (LossoleffCo)

This giveaway will be open until 09/01/11 at 5pm MST. Winner will be contacted by email and will need to respond within 48 hours.

Thank you to LitFuse for the opportunity to review this book and for the extra copy for this giveaway. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.