The Chase Review

This is probably one of my favorite books of DiAnn's. I loved the writer who's following a dream being paired with a FBI agent who is a loner and willing to do whatever it takes to keep Houston safe. Kariss Walker is compelled to dig ever deeper when children are involved. Because of an event in her past, she can't let go and is determined to write a book based on an unidentified girl who starved to death and was abandoned. Tigo Harris is neck deep in a gun smuggling undercover operation and doesn't have time to babysit a writer, but his boss doesn't care. This is the first of hopefully many cases the Kariss and Tigo will tackle. If you adore romantic suspense with an emphasis on the romance, you will find plenty in this book to keep you involved. And for those of us who love the suspense/puzzle side, there's a lot to pull us in.

I received this book to review from the publisher. The opinions are mine alone.

Words Spoken True Review and Giveaways

The cover is what grabbed my attention on this book. But it didn't take many pages before I was pulled into the story of a strong-willed independent woman who was trying to find her place in a world that severely constrained the opportunities available to women. Imagine 1855 Louisville. It's a time just a handful of years before the Civil War. A time when politics is heating up and cities like Louisville had several newspapers competing for the right to communicate their spin on current happenings.

A new editor is in town and the news leader is feeling the pressure -- at least his daughter is. To the point she is willing to take crazy risks to track down the person who is killing poor women on the wrong side of town. Problem is her father has agreed to an engagement for her to a man she likes but doesn't love. Then she collides with the new editor and the sparks fly even as her intended pushes her to rush forward. 

This book has touches of suspense, undertones of political scandal, and a romance that will bring you back to the book again and again. 

Today is the last day to enter the author's contest. Just click on the picture above to go to the contest. And if you leave a comment, I have a copy of the book I'd love to give away to a fellow lover of historical fiction. Just make sure you leave a way for me to reach you if you are the winner. 

Here's more about the book. Be sure to read the excerpt from chapter one here.

One woman stands ready to defend her newspaper...even if it means losing out on love.

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. She can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over a failing competing paper and the battle for readers gets fierce.

When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to theTribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story – and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late? Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold readers in its grip until the very last page.

The publisher provided a copy of the book, but the opinions are mine alone. 

The Help: My Thoughts

Last night I went to see the Help with some girlfriends. Since some of you have asked for my thoughts on the movie, here we go. Now I haven't read the book -- it's on my to be read list, but haven't made the time for it. So I can't comment on the book at all. Though after seeing the movie there are many things I want to clear up in the book.

First, it saddens me immensely that life in this country was like that as recently as 1962. So sadness might be my strongest emotion after the movie.

Second, it's a story of courage and one that showed church and faith as a source of strength. Loved that.

Third, my heart broke to think that so many children were raised by indifferent mothers who had been raised by indifferent mothers. That saddens me at such a deep level. The final scene broke me. I can't say more than that without spoiling it for those of you who haven't seen the movie.

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door Review

Most of us have heard of Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler. Josh McDowell is known for books like More than a Carpenter and Evidence that Demands a Verdict. He is known for taking apologetics and making it understandable. Bob Hostetler is a writer, pastor and teacher.

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door is a book they first wrote and released in 1992. The cover alone was in desperate need of freshening :-). Guess which one is the new one.

This book is broken into short chapters of 3-5 pages that are easy to read in a few minutes, but address big questions. The ones our kids have got to be able to answer if they are going to own and defend their

Pattern of Wounds

This week, the  Christian Fiction Blog Alliance  is introducing  Pattern of Wounds  Bethany House (July 1, 2011)  by  J. Mark Bertrand   
Review: This is Mark's second solo project and I couldn't put it down. It's a fantastic cop investigative novel that kept me guessing. Roland March is a homicide detective in Houston who colors right to the lines and seems to stay on the bad side of his superiors. He's got a past, but he's also a great cop. He

Review & Giveaway: The Lady of Bolton Hill

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Lady of Bolton Hill Bethany House (June 1, 2011) by Elizabeth Camden


This book has a fascinating set up. Set during the Industrial Age, right as labor woes exploded across the United States, The Lady of Bolton Hill highlights those issues in Baltimore, MD. The historian in me loved that aspect. The story teller loved the history between the two main characters. The way they wanted to continue to see each other as the young adults they'd been 12 years earlier, yet the dramatic ways they'd both changed. One is bent on vengeance. The other on teaching the value of faith and love. One is a reporter. One is a rising industrialist. The story is gripping. The characters rich. The writing lush. I loved this story and am delighted to have a copy to giveaway to one commenter. Be sure to leave a comment below if you'd like a chance to have your own copy of this historical romance. 
 
ABOUT THE BOOK

Female journalists are rare in 1879, but American-born Clara Endicott has finally made a name for herself with her provocative articles championing London's poor. When the backlash from her work forces a return home to Baltimore, Clara finds herself face-to-face with a childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished factory worker she once knew. In her absence, Daniel Tremain has become a powerful industry giant and Clara finds him as enigmatic as ever. However, Daniel's success is fueled by resentment from past wounds and Clara's deeply-held beliefs about God's grace force Daniel to confront his own motives. When Clara's very life is endangered by one of Daniel's adversaries, they must face a reckoning neither of them ever could have foreseen.

When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts, and lives, hang in the balance?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lady of Bolton Hill, go HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

A word from Elizabeth: I am a college librarian in central Florida by day, but by night I can be found pounding out inspirational historical novels the moment the sun goes down. I love writing books about fiercely intelligent people who are confronted with profound challenges. As a rather introverted person, I have found that writing is the best way for me to share my faith and a sense of resilience with others.

As for who I am? I love old Hitchcock films, the hour before sunset, a long, sweaty run through the Florida countryside, and a glass of good wine. After spending my entire adult life on a college campus (either as a student or a librarian) I have finally been able to pursue my ultimate goal of writing professionally.

Chasing Lilacs: CFBA Tour

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Chasing Lilacs FaithWords (June 17, 2010) by

Carla Stewart
Chasing Lilacs is an unusual book because the main character is a twelve-year-old girl. But don't let that keep you from reading it. I found myself connecting with Sammie and her journey through a tough summer. In many ways, she spends the summer raising herself because of her mentally ill mother and her at work father. It's a summer of exploration and a summer of change. Most of all it's a time to learn how to risk and trust. This is a story that will draw you in and keep you reading and rooting for Sammie.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla Stewart’s writing reflects her passion for times gone by. She believed in Jesus, the power of the written word, and a good cup of coffee. She's a country girl living now in a mid-sized city with her engineering husband who just happens to be her best friend and biggest fan.She and her husband have four adult sons and delight in the adventures of their six grandchildren.

FROM CARLA:
I grew up in the Texas Panhandle with two younger sisters and loving parents. Small town school. Great neighbors. Today, those small-town, fundamental things resonate within me -- the twang in people's voices, the art of being neighborly and just being a decent human being.

Growing up, I preferred the company of books over TV and playing outdoors. I imagined myself in many different careers, but given my down-to-earth raising, I settled on nursing. I didn't faint at the sight of blood and did well in science, so it seemed a natural choice.

I worked as a registered nurse off and on through the years, but primarily I stayed home with my four rambunctious boys and dreamed of the day when I could write the novels I loved to read. When our youngest son was in high school, I quit my job as a nursing instructor and settled in to pen my first novel. It's been quite a journey. One I wouldn't trade for anything.

I'm committed to writing the stories of my heart and am truly thankful to Jesus, my Savior, for allowing me this freedom. May all the glory be His.

Chasing Lilacs is her first book!

ABOUT THE BOOK

It is the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker. Sammie has plenty of questions about her mother's "nerve" problems. About shock treatments. About whether her mother loves her.

When her mother commits suicide and a not-so-favorite aunt arrives, Sammie has to choose who to trust with her deepest fears: Her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious kid from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on. Then there's the elderly widower who seems nice but has his own dark past.

Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

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

My copy of this book was provided by the author's publicist.

Dead Reckoning Review and Tour

Dead Reckoning is Ronie Kendig's debut novel and an absolute page-turner. I'm already hearing rumors that her second novel is even better which I frankly find hard to believe. This book rockets to a quick start from the first chapter and is a race that travels through exotic locales in a race to stop a nuclear disaster. The characters are multi-dimensional, and I especially loved Shiloh, a young woman who is thrown into a crazy situation but uses skills drilled into her as a child to try to survive. It doesn't hurt that an operative is assigned to her who is easy to love and hate. The writing is great! The author uses words to advantage to pull us deep into the action. If you like books with a global sweep and lots of suspense with blushes of romance, then you will enjoy this book. Here's more about the book...

When Shiloh Blake’s first large-scale underwater archeological dig traps her in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she is forced to flee for her life into the streets of Mumbai, India. Is the man trailing her an enemy, or is he sent by her CIA father to protect her? Whoever he is, the only way to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear meltdown is to join forces with former Navy SEAL Reece Jaxon.

Ronie Kendig has a BS in Psychology and is a wife, mother of four, and avid writer. Her novels include Dead Reckoning (March 2010, Abingdon Press) and Nightshade (July 2010, Barbour Publishing), Book#1 in The Discarded Heroes series. She speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers. Ronie can be found at http://www.roniekendig.com/

Abigail: a review

Abigail has always been a special Biblical character to me. A strong woman who saved her household because of her wisdom and faith in God. She was beautiful, but that wasn't her primary value. No, to me, I've always wanted to have the wisdom and humility she showed. So I was delighted to receive a copy of Jill Eileen Smith's latest book from her publisher to review.

Jill has taken on a tough challenge. Taking a woman who is mentioned in a few chapters and expanding her life to fill a 300 page book. The extent of her research on the times is evident from the very first pages as I was transported to ancient Israel. I was quickly captivated by both the woman and the story. The one caution I have for readers is to remember that this is one woman's imagining of what else might have happened to this woman and how she came to be the Abigail shown in the pages. It isn't the Bible, but it is a fascinating story.

From Jill Eileen Smith, bestselling author of Michal, comes the latest biblical fiction in The Wives of King David series: Abigail. Abigail's hopes and dreams for the future are wrapped up in her handsome, dark-eyed betrothed, Nabal. But when the long-awaited wedding day arrives, her drunken groom behaves shamefully. Nevertheless, Abigail tries to honor and respect her husband despite his abuse of her.

Meanwhile, Abigail's family has joined David's wandering tribe as he and his people keep traveling to avoid the dangerous Saul. When Nabal suddenly dies, Abigail is free to move on with her life, and thanks to her brother, her new life includes a new husband--David. The dangers of tribal life on the run are serious, but there are other dangers in young Abigail's mind. How can David lead his people effectively when he goes against God? And how can Abigail share David's love with the other wives he insists on marrying?

Smith draws on Scripture, in-depth historical research and her vivid imagination to unveil the story of Abigail and David in rich detail and drama, for a riveting page-turner that will keep readers looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.

“Drawing on Scripture and historical research, Smith crafts a tale that will attract readers who enjoy their inspirational fiction set in biblical times.”—Library Journal

Jill Eileen Smith has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of David's wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

Double Trouble: A Review & Contest Info

Are you looking for a spring break read? Then Susan May Warren's latest book may be perfect for you.

PJ Sugar is back and just as stubborn about telling anyone what the P and J stand for. But she's also a heroine I love to follow. She has sass, she has insecurities, she has a hope to live up to her dreams. And she has to choose between two men. What isn't there to like. Oh, and don't forget trying to fill someone else's shoes on an assignment

This book has great humor and the right taste of suspense/mystery to keep it fun. Add in the romance -- sort of -- and you've got a fun read.

Keep reading for the link to an excerpt and a really fun contest...

With one solved case under her belt, PJ Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI’s assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ’s seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts? When she takes on her first official case—house-sitting for a witness in protective custody—Jeremy assures her there’s no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear that there is someone after the witness . . . and now they’re after PJ, too.

Read an excerpt HERE!

Be sure to enter the contest. The Grand Prize is awesome!
One Grand Prize winner will receive a $150 SUPER SLEUTH prize package that includes:

• A brand new iPod Shuffle (perfect for those all-night stakeouts)
• A $10 iTunes gift card (we recommend the ALIAS soundtrack)
• A $10 Amazon gift card (why yes, they do sell spy pens)
• A $10 Starbucks gift card (for fuel, obviously)
• A pair of designer sunglasses (be stealthy AND super chic)
• A gorgeous scarf from World Market (can also be used as a blindfold, and/or for tying up bad guys)
• AND signed copies of both Nothing But Trouble & Double Trouble. (romance! danger! intrigue! sooo much better than Surveillance for Dummies!)

I received Double Trouble for the purpose of reviewing it.

Watch Over Me Review

Watch Over Me is a powerfully offering from Christa Parrish. She has quickly become an author whose books I will read -- unusually since her books aren't suspense, straight romance, or a historical time period I love. This one is classified as contemporary fiction, but with overtones of women's fiction.

Even so, Watch Over Me pulled me in from the end of the short first chapter. There are so many layers to the story: a marriage in trouble, an abandoned newborn, a disabled and seriously sick teenager nobody wants, a town that's not sure how to respond. At its core though, this is a wonderfully crafted story about abandonment, the pain it causes, and the road to healing. About crawling from the lonely places we hide, and risking to reach out and love...again...and again...and again. And the writing is beautiful, lyrical, and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will return to its pages.

The Male Factor: A Review

Shaunti Feldhahn's latest book, The Male Factor: the Unwritten Rules, Misperceptions, and Secret Beliefs of Men in the Workplace grew out of her realization that time and again women short circuited their success in the workplace because they don't understand the rules of the game.

As with her other books, The Male Factor is based on a nationwide survey and confidential interviews with more than three thousand men. Here bestselling author of For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn, explores how men in the workplace tend to think, which even the most astute women might otherwise miss. In The Male Factor, Feldhahn investigates and quantifies the private thoughts that men almost never publicly reveal or admit to, but that every woman will want to know.

Among the subjects The Male Factor tackles are:

• how men, with rare exception, view almost any emotional display as a sign that the person can no longer think clearly—as well as what they perceive to be “emotion” in the first place (it’s not just crying)

• why certain trendy clothes that women wear may create a career-sabotaging land mine in terms of how male colleagues perceive them

• the unintentional signals that can change a man’s perception of a woman from “assertive and competent” to “difficult”

I find this topic fascinating, and as with her other books, Shaunti writes in a very readable style. I appreciate the way she breaks the statistics down and brings in and compares what she learned from her personal interviews with men versus what was said in the survey. She also talks about how concern for political correctness could have impacted the results. This is a good read for women who are in the workplace and want to be more effective or who need to figure out why they keep sabotaging their own careers.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Review: Sweet By and By

Because I have two tight book deadlines, I'm not letting myself read many books right now. In fact, I'm almost in book withdrawal. However, when Thomas Nelson made The Sweet By and By available for review, I had to get it. First, I have thoroughly enjoyed every Rachel Hauck book I've read. Second, I enjoy Sara Evans music. Third, I was very curious to see how this partnership would work out.

Let's just say I wasn't disappointed. This book doesn't fit neatly in a category, which is probably why the publisher calls it general fiction. It's not a straight romance, though there's a strong romantic storyline. It's not straight women's fiction, though I'd say this thread is the strongest. Instead, I'd call this a relationship drama. The relationships between a mother and daughter. The relationship between the past and the present. The relationship between two people who love each other. Even the sometimes tenuous relationship between a woman and her soon to be mother-in-law. And the relationship between a person and God.

The story pulled me along because I cared deeply about Jade and even about her crazy mother Beryl. There were times I couldn't understand how either of them was acting, but then there are times I don't understand how I act. But the underlying theme of redemption left me feeling satisfied as I closed the book. Everything's not resolved. And the epilogue was almost sugary-sweet, but by the time you reach that, you want Jade to have something wonderful happen.

So if you like books that revolve around relationships with a strong dose of Jesus, this book is for you.

A redemptive story from multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans.

Jade Fitzgerald left the pain of her past in the dust when she headed out for college a decade ago. Now she's thriving in her career and glowing in the light of Max Benson's love.

But then Jade's hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, for Jade's wedding along with Willow, her wild younger sister. Their arrival forces Jade to throw open the dark closets of her past--the insecurity of living with a restless, wandering mother, the silence of her absent father, and the heart-ripping pain of first-love's rejection.

Turns out Beryl has a secret of her own. She needs reconciliation with her oldest daughter before illness takes her life. In the final days leading to the wedding, Jade meets the One who shows her that the past has no hold on her future. With a little grace, they'll meet in the middle, maybe even before that sweet by and by.

God Gave us...Reviews

The publisher sent me these two delightful picture books. I've received a couple earlier books in the series awhile ago, and the kids enjoyed them so much, I was eager to see what these titles were like. While we enjoyed the message and wonderful illustrations in both titles, I love the emphasis in God Gave Us Christmas. Sometimes it's hard to remind children that Christmas is not about presents. Instead, the best gift is Jesus. So if you're looking for thoroughly enjoyable children's books that will delight children, I recommend these two titles from Lisa Tawn Bergren.

God Gave Us Love: As Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted bymischievous otters, the young polar bear begins to question why we must love others… even the seemingly unlovable.

In answering her questions, Grampa Bear gives tender explanations that teach Little Cub about the different kinds of love that is shared between families, friends, and mamas and papas. Grampa explains that all these kinds of love come from God and that it is important to love others because… “Any time we show love, Little Cub, we’re sharing a bit of his love.”

This sweet tale will warm the hearts of young children as they learn about all the different sorts of love, while the gentle explanations of each provide a valuable opportunity to encourage children to share with others a “God-sized love.”

God Gave Us Christmas: As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder… “Who invented Christmas?” Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that… Jesus is the best present of all.

This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the award-winning author of nearly thirty titles, totaling more than 1.5 million books in print. She writes in a broad range of genres, from adult fiction to devotional. God Gave Us Love follows in Lisa’s classic tradition of the best-selling God Gave Us You. She lives in Colorado, with her husband, Tim, and their children, Olivia, Emma, and Jack.

Christian Vampires? Thirsty Review...read on...

WOW! Initially, the idea of a Christian vampire book scared me. I've never read a vampire book, and didn't expect to like it. I was wrong! In Thirsty Tracey has drafted a suspense that is richly layered. Nina Parker is an alcoholic and alcohol has destroyed her life. No, she has allowed alcohol to destroy her life. But now she's been sober 90 days and has an opportunity to start over...but that requires her to go home. A place she left in the middle of the night 17 years ago and has avoided since then.

Nina returns home with her daughter. Back in Abbey Hills, Missouri, weird deaths are happening. The kind that would normally have law enforcement exploring cults and Satanists. But nothing seems to explain them this time.

Nina is a richly drawn character as are the other point of view characters. I cared deeply about her and wanted to know how she was going to grow and how the events would turn out. There is a complex interplay between Nina and her daughter -- who secretly hopes she can someday have a relationship with her mom, but has been hurt too many times. And what about Nina's neighbor? The man seems to know her in ways he shouldn't.

I was leery as I read this about what the vampire angle would be like. It really read like a supernatural suspense where shades of evil were colored as vampires instead of other supernatural elements. The way Tracey developed the story, the vampire angle worked and added a depth to the story. Now, I can't compare it to other vampire books -- I've never read them. However, I can't wait to read the second!

Surrender All Review

Ever feel like life is careening out of control and the more it spins the more you fight to hang on and steer? Wonder what it would feel like to surrender everything to God's control? Wonder if it would bring the peace that seems too good to be true?

Surrender All explores this topic, while aspiring to deliver an Answer to Living with Peace, Power & Purpose. I wasn't familiar with Joni Lamb before getting this book, but the first chapter quickly fills in the details. The woman has walked the walk -- she outlined ways that God has called her and her husband have surrendered their lives to God's call -- and the mighty ways He has used them as a result.

Surrender involves giving up control. Sounds simple --- but as Max Lucado states in his new book Fearless --- we often fear that act of giving up control. We may not be in control, but it feels like we are. So Joni advocates rethinking surrender. Instead of seeing it as a lack of control, we should see it allowing God to do what He wants to do in our lives -- and as a result landing smack-dab in the center of God's will. I have to admit that when I've managed to surrender, there is nothing like knowing you are in the middle of His will!

Joni suggests praying a prayer of surrender and then watching your gifts and talents. when you find the spot where you are fulfilled, full of joy and maximizing your abilities to put God's gifts to work, then you may have found the spot God wants you in. She goes on to explore how to surrender your marriage, children, career, health, friendships, loss and more.

This book is an easy read. It's not filled with deep word studies, but by way of lots of stories and examples provides a perspective on the process of surrender.

Blue Like Play Dough Review

I had the pleasure of reading Blue like Play Dough as Tricia wrote it. What impressed me then and now is the incredible way in which Tricia is vulnerable and transparent about the

Ever had those days where you just weren't sure you could take it anymore? You were pushed, pulled and torn by the joys and chores of motherhood and the hope for more? The everyday push and pull of motherhood often leaves mothers feeling squeezed. Tricia addresses these feelings with a memoir that is real, touching, and so transparent.

The book flows through her days as a young single mother, to blending her family when she married her knight in shining armor, and into the delights of having three children. She even touches on homeschooling, pursuing her dreams, and faith. There is so much packed inside this book. But you don't have to take my word for it. I gave it to my sister-in-law for an early birthday present and she's been devouring the book.

You'll find laughter, understanding and hope as you mother your children. And I pray that as you read this book, you will come to the realization that Tricia did: that God has more in store for her than she ever imagined. Much more. But only when we let God mold our lives for His good.

Blue Like Play Dough: The Shape of Motherhood in the Grip of God By Tricia Goyer In the hectic life of an everyday mom, could God be doing something wonderful? Tricia Goyer thinks so. In her spiritual memoir, Blue Like Play Dough, this one time pregnant teenager shares her journey to becoming a busy mom and wife with dreams of her own. From laundry folding to multiple readings of "Goodnight Moon", Tricia invites women to see God's loving hand at work in every aspect of their lives. Paperback.

The Shape of Mercy and Giveaway

Susan Meissner's newest book, The Shape of Mercy, is a blend of contemporary and historical fiction, mystery and romance. Set in present day Santa Barbara and also in colonial America during the Salem Witch Trials, the book follows a young college student as she transcribes the diary of a young woman falsely accused of witchcraft in 1692.

I am currently reading this book and love it. I've often heard people talk about Susan's skill with words, and this book emphasizes that. It's the third book of hers that I've read. Each has been unique, but I love the way this story is woven together. And the mix of current day and old journal is beautifully told -- it works without jarring.

"The story in a nutshell is this," Susan says. "Lauren Durough is a West Coast English major at the proverbial age of discovery. Sheltered in her growing up years by family wealth, she is just beginning to grasp how people judge other people by what they want to believe about them, and particularly for her, how the poor view the wealthy. When she opts out of her family's financial support, she takes on a job as a literary assistant to Abigail Boyles, an 83-year-old reclusive East Coast transplant. Abigail tasks Lauren with transcribing the diary of her ancestor, Mercy Hayworth, hanged for witchcraft in 17th-century Massachusetts. The lives of these two very different women converge as they jointly piece together the life - and death - of a third woman, Mercy Hayworth, who lived three hundred years earlier, and who also struggled against undeserved cultural stigmatization, but lost."

Susan says the title has dual meaning. "Those who testified against the accused in Salem in 1692 often claimed their tormentors "took shape" in their bedrooms and tortured them as they slept. My fictional character Mercy was also accused of taking shape and torturing another young girl of the Village. She was innocent of course, as all those accused were, but in her last act before death, she shows that love has a shape. And its shape is mercy."

Publishers Weekly gave the book a starred review and offered these insights. "Meissner's newest novel is potentially life-changing, the kind of inspirational fiction that prompts readers to call up old friends, lost loves or fallen-away family members to tell them that all is forgiven and that life is too short for holding grudges. Achingly romantic, the novel features the legacy of Mercy Hayworth-a young woman convicted during the Salem witch trials-whose words reach out from the past to forever transform the lives of two present-day women. These book lovers-Abigail Boyles, elderly, bitter and frail, and Lauren "Lars" Durough, wealthy, earnest and
young-become unlikely friends, drawn together over the untimely death of Mercy, whose precious diary is all that remains of her too short life. And what a diary! Mercy's words not only beguile but help Abigail and Lars together face life's hardest struggles about where true meaning is found, which dreams are worth chasing and which only lead to emptiness, and why faith and hope are essential on life's difficult path. Meissner's prose is exquisite and she is a stunning storyteller."

Susan says the concept behind The Shape of Mercy stayed with her long after she finished it. "I know I am often guilty of the same weakness my protagonist had to discover - and admit - about herself. She, like me, like so many, judge better than we love. And we let fear dictate how much love we will extend and to whom we will extend it. Not always, not in every circumstance. But it happens often enough to know I might have easily kept my quivering mouth shut had I lived in Salem in 1692. I might've said nothing when the Village marched to Gallows Hill to watch the accused hang.

We tend to fear what we can't comprehend. And we tend to understand only what we want to. There is a shimmering ray of hope, however. And it actually permeated all of 1692 Salem, though it hasn't garnered the same spotlight as the delusions of frightened and empowered people. The innocents who were hanged as witches refused to confess an allegiance to the Devil. Refused to the point of death. I find that remarkable and magnificent. It fills me with hope to consider that while we have the capacity to judge when we should show mercy, we also have the capacity to embrace Truth for all we're worth - even if it means we give up everything for it. It wasn't all darkness and deception in 1692 Salem. There was light there, too. It flickered every time the noose was pulled tight on the throat of one who would not give up on God and everything holy and good."

You can learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanmeissner.com. The book is available at bookstores everywhere and online.

If you would like to be entered in a drawing for this book, leave a comment. I have two copies to give away, so be sure to leave a comment. If there are more than 15 comments, I'll pull two winners.

Searching for Spice Review

Megan DiMaria's debut novel Searching for Spice is a fun switch from the typical books I read. It was one I savored instead of racing through. Here's a synopsis:

Linda Revere longs to have a sizzling affair ... with her husband -- a practical, no-nonsense community college science teacher. Unfortunately, life isn't scripted, and nothing goes according to plan. From having a demanding boss and at times a frustrating job to helping her family and friends with their troubles, life seems to be preventing Linda from achieving her goal of an exciting and passionate marriage. Linda hopes God will answer her prayers to jazz up her marriage, but is she ready for what happens next.

What I loved about this book is that even though I'm not getting ready to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary -- yet -- I could relate to the desire to add a little sizzle to my marriage. I think we all hit those times where we'd like to make a good thing even better. And who hasn't seen their efforts backfire before watching God take care of it in a way that's far better than anything you could have planned?

And Linda's life is full of challenges just as she gets her plan in action. The struggles are real. And the triumphs are all the sweeter for living through the valleys. With this book I'd laugh, and then ten pages later be convicted that maybe I tended to act like Linda when confronted with troubles. I love it when a book makes me think even as I enjoy and savor it.

While this isn't the normal book I would pick up, I can tell you that I can't wait to read Megan's next book!

Interview with Author of The Shack and Giveaway

Wednesday, I participated in a blogger conference call with William P. Young, the author of The Shack. This is greatly abridged; it's just the notes I typed as quickly as I could. I tried to capture the highlights, and I hope that you can get a part of Paul's (as he is called) personality. He is incredibly smart and humble, very charming. If you would like to hear the entire interview, go here for Jill Hart's podcast of it.

I was very impressed with his heart and where he's coming from. I'm over halfway through the book...once you get past the first 80 page and into the conversations with the three persons of God, I'm enjoying the book. As he says, he's an accidental author -- and it shows in some of the mechanics of the book. However, the content is intriguing. My Mom, sister Janna, and I were talking about it late last week. We all took different things from it, but it's challenged us to consider what boxes we've put God in.

I have a copy of the book to giveaway, so be sure to leave a comment.

Blogger Conference Call with William P. Young 7/30/08 NoonET/9AM PT
Featured guest: Paul Young, author of THE SHACK
Moderator: Miriam Parker
Interviewers:
Christy Lockstein: http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com/
Jill Hart: http://www.cwahm.com/
Leslie Sowell: http://footprintsinthesand.us/blog
Nicole Petrino-Salter: http://hopeofglory.typepad.com/into_the_fire/
Patti Chadwick: http://bookbargainsandpreviews.com/blog/
Patrick Sullivan, Jr.: http://editweapon.com/
Shawnee Goodnight: www.readinginappalchia.blogspot.com/
Tammy Marcelain: http://tammymarcelain.blogspot.com/
Ted Reyes: http://www.poptimesagazine.com/
Gretchen Geyer: http://dreamwriter07.blogspot.com/
Observers:
Joe Wikert: http://jwikert.typepad.com/
Cara Putman: http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
Caleb Newell: http://reviewsplus.blogspot.com/
Natalie Nyquist: http://www.ylcf.org/

Nicole Petrino-Salter: If I'm not mistaken, you've said you wrote this book for your children. Why? Wrote for children. Accidental author. Didn’t take classes. Always written as gift for friends and family. Kim (wife) encouraged to put in one place where you think because it’s outside the box…get to local printers by Dec. 2005 – first run 15 copies. 7 to Kim and kids, rest to friends and relatives …got feedback…and that’s the first time I thought about publishing something. Vague idea though.

Ted Reyes: There are two perspectives when it comes to suffering: One is that it is a gift from God, and the other is that it is a punishment from God. Which of these two do you think would make modern 21st century people develop a closer relationship with God– suffering as a reward, or as punishment?

There’s a third perspective that suffering is neither…that God utilizes both to accomplish his purposes. Not that discipline…when we think of punishment or other terms, we have to define them. What is punishment? Gift? Suffering isn’t necessary for maturity. Most suffering is at my own hands. Choices I made or other people made. As child sexually abused. That’s not gift or suffering -- Blind man in John 9 – this is an opportunity for God to be glorified. If God is responsible for suffering, then He’s the enemy. Suffering comes from living in a fallen world but not from Hand of God.

Shawnee Goodnight: A statement from a critic I found fascinating to say the least and would love to hear your opinion on "The Shack deliberately suggests we don't take the Bible seriously but instead rely on our own thoughts and understanding- that is the threat!" some of the controversy comes from individuals who raise questions but haven’t read the book. The angriest people haven’t read the book. That’s not a bad thing…the controversy brings the questions to the forefront. With regard to scripture, that’s not happened. It moves people back to Scripture. What about the bible have we been unable to hear it anymore. Message written to put scripture in format that broke through the intellectual paradigms that were resistant to hear. This accusation is founded on a particular fear that isn’t happening. Nobody would seriously think this is not a flawed book. It’s fiction, a story, not systematic theology.

Leslie Sowell: I became interested in The Shack because of the controversy surrounding it. Unlike most people I know, I totally understand the Abba side of God, and so some of the things you say in your novel are easy for me to wrap my mind around - however other things - like that there is no hierarchy in the Trinity was a little more than mind-blowing. Please give theological evidence for this theory. Absolutely believe there is no hierarchy. That’s the orthodox position. Community 101: “the notion of such a notion of …content teaches the opposite.” There is mutual submission within the Trinity. Hierarchy in the Trinity is not the orthodox position.

Patrick Sullivan: What was your inspiration to make God a black woman when YHWH first shows up? Have you gotten pushback from religious leaders for this? Couple things. I’m writing this for my six kids. Not writing for the masses. I can do pretty much anything I want. Missionary kid – used this imagery because I don’t want my kids stuck in a paradigm where God is a white male. Female is as inadequate as male because He’s spirit. Can portray God as a male, female, burning bush, big eye, nostril. Wanted it outside the existing paradigm. Fits the story. Mackenzie’s issue is with his dad, so he’s very resistant to the male imagery of God. He is in the shepherd who leaves the 99 to find the 1.

Patti Chadwick: Was the author really the Ghost writer of this Mackenzie Phillips? Was this written based on a true story? The ghost writer…writing his story for his kids…author is Mackenzie and Missy. People miffed that even though sold as fiction, people believe it’s non-fiction. The process is real, the conversation is real. There is no physical shack. The roads are real. The book is a parable: fiction where truth is embedded…gets past intellectual resistance. A metaphor: the shack represents the human soul much like the garden. Store secrets, lies, addictions. It’s you but what you hide. For author: 38 years building the shack (a house of shame); took 11 years in the shack to deal with the stuff.

Christy Lockstein Where were you when you found out that you had made the NYT Bestseller list? How did that feel? In Honolulu…there to do a series on Romans. Got the phone call that made the list and made #1. How impossible is this? A not for real author who gave a gift to kids, friends who don’t know the publishing industry that well. Put together something for print that nobody would take, less than $300 spent on marketing. This is a God thing. It did everything I wanted it to do when I gave it to my kids. Thrilled to be a Rudy and carry the bags. Shake my head and wonder what God’s up to. I sure don’t understand. But it’s been thrilling.

Sarayu: Hindi…means wind…this is the common wind that catches you by surprise. So hot you think you’ll die and the wind comes out of nowhere and cools you off and changes everything.

What tip to accidental authors: publishing was never a target, no identity as an author. I am proof that if God wants to do something He can use a donkey or a bush. When you have something, give it as a gift. Give it to 10 people who love you and 10 people who don’t know you. Get different feedback from the groups. Then hear. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you. Don’t presume the purposes are to become known and famous…God is good at disrupting our idolatry…let it unfold…it all comes down to hearing…what’s He saying?