It's Not About Him by Michelle Sutton ~ 5/5 stars

It's Not About Him

Michelle Sutton

Second Glances series #2

Sheaf House- Publisher

About the book:

Susie passed out while drinking at Jeff’s party and later discovered she’s pregnant. She has no idea who the father is and considers having an abortion, but instead decides to place her baby for adoption. Following through ends up being more wrenching than she imagined, but she’s determined to do the right thing for her baby.

Jeff feels guilty that Susie was taken advantage of at his party and offers to marry her so she won’t have to give up her baby, like his birth mother did with him. But Susie refuses, insisting he should he marry someone he loves. Can he convince her that his love is genuine before it’s too late? Can she make him understand that it’s not about him—it’s about what’s best for her child?

My review:
Wow. This is a moving story. I was crying in the first 45 minutes! I think the first book in the series is still my favorite, but book two is amazing also. I love Jeff. He is great, however, Susie got on my nerves. She had major trust issues, but by the end of the book she has worked through them, and I ended up loving her too. This whole story is just amazing, and Sutton is a great writer. She writes such moving books that make you cry, laugh, and think; I love them!

(I'm really sorry you guys! I finished this book a long time ago, but I never posted my review. I just thought I had... ::rolling eyes at my own stupidity::) ;)

Jenny B. Jones ~ Interview + Giveaway

Today author Jenny B. Jones is telling us about her new book, I'm So Sure. She has offered one autographed copy of this book to one lucky commenter.

Welcome, Jenny! Tell us a little about yourself.
Here it is Twitter style:
I write, teach, buy shoes, read People mag, luv 2 laugh, have a mentally challenged cat.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
My first book, In Between, came out in 2007. My sixth book, I’m So Sure, came out in early November.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be?
Ha. I’d be afraid to make the comparison myself. I’m not really sure whose books mine are comparable with.
I write YA and “big girl” romance. I like to write with humor, quirky characters, and there usually is some kissing in my books. I like to write about important issues to teen girls or women (depending on the book), but I like to approach it with some laughs and balance the dark with light.

In your own words tell us a little about I'm So Sure.

This series is about Bella Kirkwood, a sixteen year old Manhattan socialite who is living the sweet life in New York City. Until her mom remarries and moves the two of them to rural Oklahoma. Bella’s life is turned upside down as she inherits a step-family and has to etch out a new identity in a school that can’t wait to see her leave. Stuck on the school newspaper, Bella falls into crime solving and falls for her editor. Both keep her running.

In I’m So Sure, book two of the series, Bella is all settled in Truman, Oklahoma. Sure, she misses Manhattan, designer clothes, and her dad. But she was making new friends at Truman High and almost enjoying her work on the paper. Then her stepdad, a semi-pro wrestler signs the entire family up for a reality TV show and now her life is being splashed across tabloids and broadcast news.

As if having a camera crew following her around isn’t bad enough, Bella soon discovers a conspiracy against the Truman High prom queen candidates. And the closer she gets to the answer, the more danger she’s in.

As her relationship with Luke teeters between friendship and romance, Bella’s ex-boyfriend Hunter reappears and vies for Bella’s attention. Denying allegations of a love triangle, working to solve the prom queen mystery, and trying to keep her cool on national television finally motivate Bella to start talking—and start listening—to God more.

Blurb:
Think you're having a rough week? Bella's stepdad, a semi-pro wrester, just signed the entire family up for a reality TV show. Bella's first thought: Kill. Me. Now.

My review HERE.
What made you want to write this story?
This book is about how what is presented as reality—often isn’t. Like all the airbrushed photos teen girls have to look at and think, “I should be that skinny. My skin should be that perfect.” In this age of hair extensions, PhotoShop, and plastic surgery, it’s easy to get a skewed mental picture of yourself. Even reality shows are often scripted. God is our ultimate truth. I wanted to tell a story about a girl who has to rely on God to discern the much-needed truth. Nothing is what it seems in I’m So Sure, and Bella has to trust God for all her answers.

What research did you have to do for this book?
The book revolves around a reality show, so I had to research that a bit. I also needed some technical-computery information and relied on a friend of mine for that. Facebook and Twitter are also great places to recruit research help for anything that comes up.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

Hmmm, Bella is probably an older version of Selena Gomez. And her love interest Luke Sullivan has always been Smallville’s Tom Welling—though a younger model.

What are you working on now or going to write next?

I’m currently writing a romantic comedy about a couple who are thrown together by a fake engagement. Initially they can’t stand one another, but of course, life continues to throw them together. Like Just Between You and Me, it’s not a YA, but it’s still teen appropriate.

This spring So Over My Head, the third book in A Charmed Life series, hits the shelves. In this story, the circus has come to town. Bella must go undercover to solve the murder of the Betty the Bearded Lady.

How can readers get in contact with you?
I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and you can always find me at www.jennybjones.com. Definitely check out my blog where we do giveaways and have a ton of fun.

What are you currently reading?
Great question. I just read Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Nephew and loved it so much, I’m reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, also by DiCamillo.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
I would be a dog. Because they are so in the moment and so into whatever it is they are doing at the moment—like running or catching a ball. They are so joyful and simple. I live near a dog park and love to just watch them. Totally calming.

FAVORITES:
TV show, and/or movie?
I don’t watch much TV (I’m boring like that), but right now my TV show that I do stop for is Castle. It’s about an author who finds inspiration by teaming with a police detective. I also love American Idol.

Place to go on vacation?
Nothing is more relaxing than the beach. But my favorite vacation that I’ve taken recently is Ireland. Such a great place. Amazingly friendly people, good food, and beautiful scenery.

I'm So Sure released November 2009.
You can read the first chapter here: http://www.jennybjones.com/

~~~~~

*USA residents only, please*

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of I'm So Sure! To enter: Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), and please specify that you want to be included in the contest! *If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.* The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest. The contest will run from today (Nov. 27) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Dec. 3). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 4th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

The Jewel of His Heart winner!

The very lucky winner of Maggie Brendan's book, The Jewel of His Heart, is:

Praying Mom!

Congrats! I will contact you today for your mailing address.

I'm So Sure by Jenny B. Jones ~ 5/5stars + *Favorite*

I'm So Sure

Jenny B. Jones

A Charmed Life series, #2

Thomas Nelson- Publisher

About the book:

Think you're having a rough week? Bella's stepdad, a semi-pro wrester, just signed the entire family up for a reality TV show. Bella's first thought: Kill. Me. Now.

Living in Truman, Oklahoma wasn't 100% miserable for Bella. Sure, she misses Manhattan, couture clothes, and her dad. But she was making new friends at Truman High and almost enjoying her work at the school newspaper. Then the whole stepdad-wrestler-reality-show issue hit and her life is now being splashed across weekly tabloids and broadcast news.

As if having a camera crew following her around isn't bad enough, Bella soon discovers a conspiracy against the Truman High prom queen candidates. And the closer she gets to the answer, the more danger she's in.

As her relationship with Luke teeters between friendship and romance, Bella's ex-boyfriend Hunter reappears and vies for Bella's attention. Denying allegations of a love triangle, working to solve the prom queen mystery, and trying to keep her cool on national television finally motivate Bella to start talking--and listening--to God more.

But what comes next has Bella once again screaming: I'M. SO. SURE.

My review:

I’m So Sure is another great laugh-out-loud book by Jenny B. Jones. However, this book is more than just a comedy. It has elements of suspense that really keep the pages turning. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Bella is getting into more trouble than ever, while coming into her own in the “sleuthing” business. Luke is one of my favorite heroes, even though he is really ornery. The fact that he is totally hot has nothing to do with it. ;) I’m looking forward to the next book in the Charmed Life series, and seeing what new trouble these characters get themselves into.

Fools Rush In by Janice Hanna Thompson ~ 5/5 stars

Fools Rush In

Janice Hanna Thompson

Weddings by Bella series, Book 1

Revell- Publisher

About the book:

Ever wonder how Italian sounds with a Southern drawl?

Bella Rossi's life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding-planning business, Bella quickly books a Boot-Scootin' wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she doesn't know a thing about country music. Where will she find a deejay on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his George Strait? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?

Fun, fresh, and full of surprises, this flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex highlights the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.

My review:

Fools Rush In is an amazing read! I really loved it. Janice writes her books in such a way that all the characters are important, though you don’t end up following so many storylines that you get confused. This gives her books a very homey feel, like you are visiting the character’s family and friends and simply getting to know them all. Janice’s humor is so fun to read! She could make anyone laugh, I believe. Bella is such a real character, and I could really relate to her! I enjoyed getting to know her immensely. D.J. is a heartthrob and SO sweet and caring. I loved how she wrote his character. :-) Those beauty secrets were something else! I just want to know if they really work… hehe. This is a wonderful read that you are sure to enjoy. If you don’t… Well, then we need to have a talk ‘cause you must have issues. ;)

Giveaway at Lori's blog!

My friend, Lori, is having an awesome giveaway on her blog right now. :-) You get to choose which book you want to win! Here is the link to the giveaway. And here are the books you could win:

Be sure to tell her that Carman sent you! :-)

Maggie Brendan ~ Interview + Giveaway

Today author Brenda Lott, a.k.a. Maggie Brendan (her pen name), is telling us about her new book, The Jewel of His Heart. She has offered to give away a copy of her book to one lucky commenter!

Welcome, Brenda! Tell us a little about yourself.

I love history so that’s one of the reasons I write historical novels and enjoy reading other historical writer’s books. I wrote stories off and on for many years, but really concentrated on getting published a little more than five years ago. My brother, who was a writer too, was very instrumental in giving me the extra push to finish my book. When he suddenly died, I realized how short my time on earth was, and if I was going live my dream to be a writer, then I’d have to work harder. I live in Georgia with my husband. I have two grown children and 4 precious grandchildren. I love to sing with our choir at church. I simply love the West (and the South, too :) ). But the mountains have always intrigued me with their awesome beauty and fresh mountain air.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I’ve been writing stories most of my life but finally completed my first novel about five years ago. I have two books published now, No Place for a Lady, The Jewel of His Heart, and one releasing in June, A Love of Her Own.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, is your writing sweet, warm, sensual, etc. (in terms of romance/kissing)?
I’ve been compared to Janet Oke, Lori Wick, and LaVyrle Spencer and I’m honored because they are all wonderful.
I’d say my writing is sweet and warm in the terms of romance.

In your own words tell us a little about The Jewel of His Heart.
My series is titled The Heart of the West. The story is about love, forgiveness and choosing between the jewels of this world or the more eternal value of a woman’s love. It revolves around a sheepherder and a young woman determined who has little trust in men.

Blurb:

Romance readers have taken to Maggie Brendan's softer romantic style that perfectly captures life on the American frontier, introducing them to rugged, independent souls and their inner spiritual struggles, and the quest for love that makes for a satisfying read every time. Set in 1890s Montana, The Jewel of His Heart finds Juliana drawn to a handsome, gentle sheepherder--but sparks fly when he considers mining, the occupation that lured her father away from his family. Both Josh and Juliana must make a choice--the world's riches and promises, or the eternal value of love.

My review HERE.

What made you want to write this story?
The idea for this story came about after my brother, Jess McCreede (Jerry O’Neal) died, suddenly. He was a western writer and was Deputy Superintendent of Glacier National Park. About six months after he died, I attended the ACFW Denver conference and then traveled on to Montana to see his writing cabin. After exploring the historic nearby towns, I kept seeing Yogo sapphires in many of the shops windows. My husband bought me a pretty Yogo ring. Later I saw the book about the history of the Yogo and thought it’d be fun to create a story around the time of their discovery.

What research did you have to do for this book?
I visited Montana then I read a book on Yogos and its history to get the time frame to work with my story. A lot of research goes into using accurate details for 1896, and I read about sheepherding as well. When I’m heavy into reading and research my desk is strewn with Maps, books, articles, etc. What a mess.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

Dale Midkiff would be perfect for Josh McBride. Zooey Deschanel would be perfect for Juliana with her enormous blue eyes.

What are you working on now or going to write next?

I’ve recently signed a contract for three more books entitled The Blue Willow Brides. It’s about three sisters from Holland who comes to America as mail order brides.

How can readers get in contact with you?

This is my blogspot blog address: http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com/
I am one of many great authors who post on this blog: http://bustlesandspurs.blogspot.com/


What are you currently reading?
Oh my…let’s see, I’ve just finished reading a fellow writer’s historical for endorsement and I have a big stack started. Love’s Rescue by Tammy Barley, From a Distance by Tamera Alexander, are the two I’ve been trying to read first. My stack just keeps growing. I’m also reading several books on Wyoming for research for the book I’m writing now.

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I used to—many years ago—sing with an ensemble and in concert choir and I’ve done solos. I’m glad I did that when I was young because now I get too nervous!

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
The tiger is my favorite in the animal kingdom. They are exotically beautiful and I love cats. I like they way they appear aloof but never miss a thing, stealthy moving about.

FAVORITES:
TV show, and/or movie?
I’ve not had a lot of time to watch TV, but I love Dancing With the Stars, American Idol and I watch a lot of Hallmark movies. I could watch Little House on the Prairie every day.

Place to go on vacation?
I love to vacation in Telluride, Colorado or Glacier National Park in Montana or Jackson, Wyoming. All are so magnificent!

The Jewel of His Heart released October 1, 2009.

~~~~~

**USA residents only, please**

***If you have any questions for Brenda, leave a comment and she will stop by throughout the week to answer back***

Okay readers, here is your chance to win a copy of The Jewel of His Heart! To enter: Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), and please specify that you want to be included in the contest! *If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.* The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment if you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest. The contest will run from today (Nov. 20) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Nov. 26). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 27th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Teen People of the Bible winners!!

The lucky winners of Daniel Darlings devotional, Teen People of the Bible, are:
Cat
&
Raquel!!!

Congrats! I will contact you today for your mailing addresses! I'm sure you will enjoy this devotional! :-)

Love Finds you in Lonesome Prairie, Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss ~ 5/5 stars

Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana

Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

Love Finds You series

Summerside Press- publisher

About the book:

In 1890, Julia Cavanaugh travels west from New York City to unite orphans in her care with new families.

Imagine her horror when she discovers that she's to be "delivered," too--as bride to an uncouth miner! But with no return fare, Julia's options are bleak.

What does God have planned for her on the lonesome prairies of Montana?

My review:
I really loved the message of this book: trusting God. This is something we all need to work on, and I love the way these authors weaved the storyline and portrayed their characters. Excellent job! The storyline was believable and easy-to-follow, while not being boring in any way. The feelings and dialogue of the characters were also very well done. I loved how they showed that sometimes what we think God wants from us isn’t always what He wants from us. Sometimes we allow our fears or something else to blind us to what God really wants for us. The authors did a very good job of showing this problem and how it can affect us and those around us. Add this to your to-read if you haven’t already!
 
Thank you to LITFUSE for sending me a copy to review!

You can buy the book HERE.

About the authors:

Tricia Goyer is the author of several 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 Montana.

 

 

Ocieanna Fleiss is a published writer and has edited six of Tricia Goyer's historical novels. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area.

Honest Scrap Award!

Thanks to Renee @ Black 'N Gold Girl's Book Spot for sending me this award!

Part of getting this award is that I have to tell you 10 honest things about myself, then pass this award on to 10 other bloggers. :-)

1. I eat way too much sugar.

2. I'm learning American Sign Language, and thinking about becoming an interpreter.
3. I have lived in the same small town for my whole life.
4. I have one sibling.
5. My room is ALWAYS a huge mess, but in other things I'm organized.
6. I'm really short.
7. I have three dogs, one of whom is my baby, Sherman. (He is the cutest thing ever!)
8. When I was little, if I got a B or lower on anything, I would cry. It HAD to be an A, or I would think that I'd failed.
9. I watch the same BBC movies over and over.
10. The first time I watched North & South (BBC) I stayed up until 3 a.m. with my mom, because we NEEDED to finish it right then. ;)

Here are the people I'm sending this award to:
1. Tammy (my mom) @ Walking Out His Good Plans
2. Edwina @ Musings of Edwina
3. Jennifer @ Musings on This, That and the Other Thing
4. Tina @ The Homestead Heart
5. Lisa @ Living Our Faith Out Loud
6. Cheryl @ From the Heart... Cheryl St.John
7. Cathy @ Word-Vessel
8. MaryLu @ The Cross and Cutlass
9. Michelle @ Edgy Inspirational Author Blog
10. Deborah @ Country at Heart


I hope you all enjoy this award! :-)

Kreativ Blogger Award!

For me!? Really?! Aww. Thanks. :-) Lori, at Some of My Favorite Things recently gave me the Kreativ Blogger Award! Thanks, Lori! I <3 blogging. Here are the rules...

~List 7 of my favorite things
~Send this award on to 7 other blogggers

Some of my favorite things-

1. Family/Friends

2. Reading

3. BBC movies

4. Richard Armitage ;)

5. Doing crafts

6. Blogging

7. Relaxing

Bloggers I'm sending this award to-

Cheryl St. John @ From the Heart...Cheryl St. John

Cathy Bryant @ Word Vessel

Michelle Sutton @ Edgy Inspirational Author Blog

Jennifer @ Musings on This, That, and the Other Thing

Margaret @ Creative Madness

Tina Dee @ The Homestead Heart

Tara @ Tara's View on Books

I hope you all enjoy this award as much as I have! :-)

Me, Just Different by Stephanie Morrill ~ 4/5 stars

Me, Just Different

Stephanie Morrill

Revell - Publisher

About the book:

Getting a fresh start is harder than it looks.

Skylar Hoyt is a girl who seems to have it all—she’s pretty, popular, and has a great-looking boyfriend. Her senior year should be the best one yet. But a horrible experience at a summer party has changed everything. Now she’s vowing to make better choices, including going back to church. But as Skylar tries to gain new perspective on life, the world as she knows it begins to fall apart.

Her parents are constantly fighting. Her younger sister has a big secret that Skylar is forced to keep. The guy she’s dating is annoyingly jealous. And the new guy down the street is just plain annoying. In the midst of the chaos, Skylar starts to wonder who her real friends are and, even more importantly, who she is.

My review:
 
This is a must-read for teen girls today. Me, Just Different reminded me of Michelle Sutton’s Second Glances series. Both this book and Michelle’s DEAL WITH ISSUES! I love that. Teens today are so deceived by the secular worldview of things, and books like this one are what they need to read. While still being fun, enjoyable reads, they really show the truth of things. They aren’t fluff, like most teen books are nowadays.

I cried SO hard! This book will really make you feel things. I felt so sorry for Skylar and what she was going through. Since I have been raised in a Christian, homeschooled environment my whole life, some of the things in this book amazed me. I’ve never had to deal with drugs, alcohol, smoking, or teen pregnancy. I feel so blessed to have been raised in such a way that I would be able to have a strong Christian foundation before having to deal with those things. So watching Skylar having to deal with them, without the strong Christian upbringing, was heartbreaking. She didn’t know what to do, or how to handle what was going on around her.

I’m really anxious to know what happens in the rest of the series! I believe that the rest of the books will be just as good as this one. Again, a must-read for teens today.

Daniel Darling ~ Interview + Giveaway

Today, I'm welcoming pastor and author Daniel Darling to my blog! He has graciously offered to give away TWO copies of his teen devotional, Teen People of the Bible: Celebrity Profiles of Real Faith and Tragic Failure, to two lucky commenters. :)

Welcome, Daniel! Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I’m an author and pastor in the Chicago suburbs. I pastor Gages Lake Bible Church. I’ve also written extensively for a variety of Christian publications, including Focus on the Family. I have a beautiful wife, Angela and three children. (actually two and one on the way at the end of December)

C- That is awesome! Congratulations! :-)

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I’ve been writing for about 11 years. For 9 years I worked as an editor for a large Christian media ministry. Besides Teen People of the Bible, I’m the author of Crash Course, it’s another 100-day devo coming out in the Summer of 2010. I’m working on a third book, Instant Messages, Prayer for the Blackberry Generation to be released in 2011.

In your own words tell us a little about Teen People of the Bible.

Teen People of the Bible is a unique 100-day devotional that profiles 29 teens in the Bible. Each day we look at a Biblical teen in the Bible and discuss a lesson they learned or a problem they struggled with. Then we talk about how a contemporary teen might struggle with that same issue.

The idea behind this book is to encourage young people to get into the Word by seeing their own stories on its pages.

What made you want to write this devotional?
I had a real desire to help young people get into the Word. I was a Christian young person and I knew I had to read the Bible, but I often opened it up and thought that it was only speaking to old people with gray beards. What this book does is encourage teens to live for God right now, that God has a plan for their lives in high-school.
 
What research did you have to do for this devotional?
I really researched the Bible characters, especially their young years. I love that type of study, it really encouraged my faith.
 
What are you working on now or going to write next? Or do you even plan to write anything else?
I just finished Crash Course, Forming a Faith Foundation for Life. This is a 100-day devotional that covers the five most important areas of a young person’s life. The idea behind this book is to give teens a “crash course” on what life is all about. I’m really excited about this book. Right now I’m working on a book entitled, Instant Messages. It’s a unique look at prayer. That will be out in 2011.
 
How can readers get in contact with you?
The best way is to go to my website: danieldarling.com. They’ll find my links to Facebook and other ways to contact me.

Also, you can sign up for Dan's weekly devo on Crosswalk.com HERE.
 
Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I’m a huge huge sports fan. I participate in a fantasy football league. I love the NFL and baseball (Cubs) and the NBA.
 
If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
I’d be an eagle. I love the way they majestically soar in flight.
 
Teen People of the Bible released in October of 2007.
 

~~~~~

**USA residents only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win one of two copies of Teen People of the Bible! To enter: Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), and please specify that you want to be included in the contest! *If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.* The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment that you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest. The contest will run from today (Nov. 13) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Nov. 19). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 20th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio winner!

The lucky winner of Lisa Harris' book, Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio, is:

Connie!!

Congrats! I will contact you later today for your mailing address. I'm sure you will enjoy this book. :)

Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas winner!

The very lucky winner of Janice Hanna Thompson's new book, Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas, is:

Renee!!

Congrats! I will contact you later today for your mailing address. I'm sure you will enjoy this amazing book. :-)

The Jewel of His Heart by Maggie Brendan ~ 4/5 stars

The Jewel of His Heart

Maggie Brendan

Revell- Publisher

About the book:

Their future is as wide open as the Montana sky.

Juliana Brady is alone in an 1890s Montana mining town, with few prospects for making a living. But she is determined not to be dependent on the charity of others.

Josh McBride is trying to scrape up a living from his sheep herd while he builds his ranch. But when he discovers some rare stones on his property, he's tempted by the prospect of fast money.

When their paths cross, Juliana and Josh must make a choice--the world's riches and promises, or the eternal value of love.

My review:

Josh McBride is probably one of my favorite heroes. I love the way he just blurts things out! He isn’t too bold, but he will say what is on his mind, and I like that. I think he shocked Juliana a few times. ;) Juliana is a character that you can really understand. She has been hurt, and because of that is very cautious. I liked how things turned out with her father. That was a good ending, because I would have hated it if she never new what had happened to her dad. (I hate it when there are loose ties at the end of a book.) In the end Juliana realizes that Josh is well worth the risk, and everything turns out wonderfully. I’m really looking forward to book three!

Coming Soon (Part 4)

I got all information from Bethany House, if any of it is wrong, please forgive me. Click on the book's title for more info.

Scattered Petals

Amanda Cabot

It Had to Be You

Janice Hanna Thompson

A Love of Her Own

Maggie Brendan

Courting Morrow Little

Laura Frantz

The Seeker

Ann H. Gabhart

So Over It

Stephanie Morrill

Touching the Clouds

Bonnie Leon

Lisa Harris ~ Interview + Giveaway!

Today author Lisa Harris is telling us about her book, Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio. She is giving away a copy of her book to one lucky commenter!

Welcome, Lisa! Tell us a little about yourself.

I live with my husband and three children in Mozambique where we are involved in a church-planting ministry. I’m also a home-schooling mom, so life is busy but good.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?

I started writing just after my oldest son was born. At first, I just wanted to finish a book, but the more I wrote the more I wanted to learn about the process and actually sell a book. Twelve years later, I’ve now sold twenty books. It’s been an amazing journey.

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? Also, is your writing sweet, warm, etc. (in terms of romance)?

It’s hard to compare my writing style, but with the series I’m currently working on, I’d love to be a combination of Dee Henderson and Terri Blackstock. And while Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio is a historical, I always like to include a mystery or suspense line to my stories.

The romance in this story is strong, though it takes a while for the hero and heroine to work through the rift between them.

In your own words tell us a little about Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio.

I always love the brainstorming process of writing a new story. I first got to know Catherine Morgan, a matriarchal figure who has spent her life taking care of her three sisters to fulfill a promise to her mother on her deathbed. She’s also a twice-jilted spinster, who’s given up on love, which I, of course, had to remedy. Once I got to know her, I added the hero, a former love interest, and a whole lot of pride and resentment to up the tension.

Blurb:

At 27, twice-jilted Catherine Morgan is hardly an old maid. But bound by a promise, she's determined to care for her siblings. Only Sheriff Corbin Hunter stands in her way. He's convinced that her sister's fiancé is a notorious bank robber. Can she save her sister's heart without losing hers to Corbin---who dropped her years ago?

What made you want to write this story?

Originally, I was interested in using a storyline that included a young woman who worked as one of the first telephone operators in the late 1800’s. In small towns, these women often knew everything that was going on, shared recipes and weather reports, or simply chatted. What would happen, though, if they overheard something they shouldn’t have. . .like plans for murder. I took this idea as a jumping off place, added the thread of revenge, and the story began to unfold.

What research did you have to do for this book?

I literally spent hours and hours researching for this story. Living overseas can be a challenge when it comes to visiting a setting, as I know some of the other authors of this line were privileged to do. And while there is little information on the now ghost town of Revenge, I’m thankful for the Internet that allows me to research to my hearts content.

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

I was recently asked this question and chose Ashley Judd to play Catherine in a movie because she has the same determined tilt of her chin that I see Catherine having. And how about Benjamin Browder from Star Gate as my hero, because I think he’d make a great-looking, nineteenth century sheriff. :)

What are you working on now or going to write next?

I’m currently writing an international suspense series for Zondervan.

Here’s the blurb for book one, Blood Ransom that will be released in March:

Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever. Natalie Sinclair and Dr. Chad Talcott want to make a difference in under-developed African villages … but they didn’t count on risking their lives in the process. Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.

How can readers get in contact with you?
I love to hear from my readers! You can visit my blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com/ or my website http://www.lisaharriswrites.com/
 
What are you currently reading?
Scared by Tom Davis. It’s a contemporary novel set in Swaziland.
 
Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
In spite of the fact that I’ve traveled all over the world, I really don’t like to fly. At all.
 
If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
I guess a leopard, because I saw my first one in the wild this year and it was graceful and so beautiful.
 
Favorites:
TV show, and/or movie?
We don’t have television in Africa, so I don’t even know what shows are on anymore.  And while I don’t watch many movies either, I do enjoy old classics and a good romantic comedy or suspense, and some sci-fi series.
Place to go on vacation?
I love spending time in the Africa bush on safari. We live close to Kruger National Park and it’s become my favorite quiet retreat because of all the incredible wildlife there.
Book this year (or month if you’ve read too many to remember)? Why?
I’d have to say the Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner. I loved the combination of historical and contemporary and how she brought to life young Mercy through the pages of a diary.
 
This book released August 2009.
 

~~~~~

**USA residents only please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win a copy of Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio! To enter: Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), and please specify that you want to be included in the contest! *If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.* The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment that you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest. The contest will run from today (Nov. 6) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Nov. 12). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 13th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

Janice Hanna Thompson ~ Interview + Giveaway

Today author Janica Hanna Thompson is telling us about her new book, Fools Rush In. She has graciously offered an autographed copy of her other new book, Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas, for one lucky commenter to win!

Welcome Janice! Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Janice Thompson. I also write under the name Janice Hanna. (Hanna is my maiden name and I’ve been writing some books under that name as a tribute to my father, who passed away three years ago.) I live in the Houston area near two of my daughters and three of my four grandchildren.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I started writing in 6th grade. In my 20’s I wrote a screenplay with my dad. Then I didn’t write much of anything until 1990, when I wrote my first musical for our church’s children’s ministry. Since then I’ve written four musicals and fifty-four books (both fiction and non-fiction).

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? What style is your romance?
I suppose I could be compared to Kristin Billerbeck because of my humorous first-person approach. I’ve also been told my writing is a little like Robin Jones Gunn. My writing is sweet, funny and quirky, but not terribly sensual. I try not to cross that line.

In your own words tell us a little about Fools Rush In.
Fools Rush In is the first book in the “Weddings by Bella” series. It’s a funny love story about a wedding planner from a large Italian family who falls in love with a country boy from a small town in east Texas.

Blurb:

Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she's a country music numbskull because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban?

When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed. Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?

Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.


What made you want to write this story?
I love humorous stories and love large families. I also love to set stories on Galveston Island, so that’s where I set this one.

What research did you have to do for this book?
Goodness! A lot! Because this book is based on Dean Martin songs, I had to research his music. And because I wanted to get the feel of Galveston Island, I had to do a bit of research on that, as well. (I live near Galveston and have been there many times, but I wanted to make sure I got the “post-Ike” parts right.)

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

Bella would be played by Jennifer Garner.

D.J. would be played by Matthew McConaughey.



What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’ve finished all three books in the “Weddings by Bella” series and am now working on a second series for Revell titled “The Show Must Go On.” This series is set in Hollywood and revolves around the cast of a Hollywood sitcom. I’ve also just released a book with Summerside (“Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas”) under my maiden name, Janice Hanna. I’m doing three more books for Summerside, as well.

How can readers get in contact with you?
They can visit my website at www.janiceathompson.com or contact me by email at booksbyjanice@aol.com. I’ve also got a new “Weddings by Bella” blog, which can be found here: http://weddingsbybella.blogspot.com/. I also have a facebook page and a shoutlife page.

What are you currently reading?
I just finished a great non-fiction book by Miles McPherson titled, “Do Something.” Awesome book. I wish all believers would read it. As far as fiction goes, I just read Martha Rogers’s book, “Becoming Lucy.” It goes to print soon and I can’t wait for readers to share in this story!

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I bake wedding cakes. I have four daughters in their 20’s and they all got married within the past four and a half years. I made the cakes for three of the four weddings.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
Hmm. A Cheetah, maybe? I like to move f-a-s-t!

Favorites:
TV show, and/or movie?
T.V. show (anything from the Food Network, especially “The Next Food Network Star” or “Food Network Challenge.”
Place to go vacation:
Oh, man! I’m dying to go to Italy. Don’t know if it will ever happen, but a girl can wish!
Book this month or year?
I have two books that have changed my life. First, “The Heavenly Man” (a non-fiction book about the underground church in China). Second, the book I’ve already mentioned, “Do Something” by Miles McPherson

Fools Rush In released in September 2009.

~~~~~

**USA residents only please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas! To enter: Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), and please specify that you want to be included in the contest! *If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.* The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment that you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest. The contest will run from today (Nov. 6) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Nov. 12). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 13th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

My review of Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas HERE.

Breathe: A Novel Of Colorado winner!

The lucky winner of Lisa T. Bergren's new book, Breathe,  is:

Halle!!

Congrats! I will contact you later today for your mailing address. :) I'm sure you will enjoy the book as much as I did!

Coming Soon (Part 3)

I got all information from Bethany House, if any of it is wrong, please forgive me. Click on the book's title for more info. Part 4 coming next Monday.

Masquerade

Nancy Moser

Serendipity

Cathy Marie Hake

Twilight's Serenade

Tracie Peterson

The Vigilante's Bride

Yvonne Harris

Jenna's Cowboy

Sharon Gillenwater

Out with the In Crowd

Stephanie Morrill

Swinging on a Star

Janice Hanna Thompson

A Distant Melody

Sarah Sundin

The Promise of Morning

Ann Shorey